CvC 2.0: Why the Great Muta Is the Greatest Japanese Wrestler of All Time

Black Division: Graham "GSM" Matthews vs. Chris Mueller, Greatest Japanese Wrestler of All Time

As the competition heats up here on Bleacher Report, we prepare to tackle our latest debate: Who should be considered the greatest Japanese wrestler in history?

As you may realize, the possibilities are endless, ranging from those who have competed worldwide, or possibly only within Japanese territory. With that said, you may come across some unfamiliar names, but these select few of only Japanese decent have the honor of being called among the best in the world.

However, after some research, I've limited down my candidates to those I believe have made a significant mark in world of professional wrestling, no matter what era or generation they might have competed in. In addition, the eligible names must have either wrestled in Japan during their time or have been from Japan.

One of the first names that comes to mind is the late and great Mitsuharu Misawa, who wrestled under his infamous Tiger Mask gimmick from the early '80s to the late '90s. As a multiple-time heavyweight champion, he was also successful in founding Global Professional Wrestling Alliance five years ago before his recent and tragic death.

Another unrecognizable name for those who don't follow Japanese wrestling is Jumbo Tsuruta, who wrestled in All Japan Pro Wrestling for a majority of his career. While there, he was able to capture numerous championships before his death at the turn of the new millennium.

Other names include Japan natives Rikidozan and the infamous Antonio Inoki, who both were similar to the Hulk Hogans of their time period. Rikidozan is credited as one of the earliest well-known Japanese pro wrestlers gone sumo, while Inoki made his presence felt numerous times in the United State before being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame a few years back.

Although these infamous Japanese wrestlers are known as some of the greatest, there is only one that I perceive to be the best of them all: The Great Muta. I do realize I might get some criticism for this pick, as he is a highly debatable Superstar for being mentioned in the same breath as the aforementioned legends.

In addition, he is among one of the most popular Japanese stars to wrestle in America, with his unique tactics still used today by Superstars such as Tarjiri, Rey Mysterio and most recently Eric Young. These would include the signature green mist, and he's even credited for being one of the first innovators of the patented moonsault.

Moreover, a little-known fact is that the Muta scale is named after him, which is a term used to describe in gruesome and invigorating a match might be. His intriguing gimmick using such tactics is arguably one of the best of all time, with something that no wrestler today would be able to duplicate.

The Muta lock and even the shining wizard are more innovative maneuvers that can be rooted from The Great Muta's move set, moves that are still used on a constant basis in today's style wrestling. Muta was able to specialize in all fields of wrestling, whether it be tag team wrestling, singles competition or even matches without rules.

After nearly a 20-year tenure, The Great Muta added president of All Japan Pro Wrestling to his resume nearly a decade ago. He is also one of the elite few to hold the prestigious NWA World Heavyweight Championship, AJPW Triple Crown Championship and IWGP Heavyweight Championship on separate occasions.

On four occasions, he has been voted Wrestler of the Year, providing fans with five-star matches in almost every match he contested in. His work in WCW included memorable feuds with fellow legends such as Ric Flair and Sting, being a key factor in bringing the company to eventual stardom.

Not only does he qualify for being the greatest Japanese wrestler to ever step foot in a ring, but also one of the most innovative entertainers to ever step foot in Japan. His work is imitated and emulated on a constant basis even today as stated before, being recognized as probably the biggest influential Japanese star in history.

With one of the biggest fanbases outside of Japan, do you believe The Great Muta should be considered the greatest Japanese wrestler of all time? Or do you believe someone else better suits the title?

Thanks for reading, and make sure to leave a comment below voicing your opinion on the matter. GSM out.

Visit my Web site at Next Era Wrestling for more of GSM's writings, along with WWE/TNA news, recaps and more. Follow me on Twitter  @GSM2ndComing.