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[DLC] Jushin Thunder Liger / 獣神サンダー・ライガー

NOTE: This edit uses parts from the NJPW Collaboration DLC.

If Satoru Sayama helped pave the way for junior heavyweight wrestling in the 1980s, then Jushin Thunder Liger is the pioneer of junior-style wrestling in the 1990s and beyond. Originally told he was too small to be a pro wrestler, standing at only about 5 feet 7 inches in height, Liger -- then known by his real name, Keiichi Yamada -- instead worked hard to defy those who dismissed him for his size by working a daredevil style, a mix of high flying moves, surprising power techniques, and a bit of martial arts as well.

Yamada became known as Jushin Liger in 1989. Like Tiger Mask before him, the Liger persona was taken from a Japanese anime; unlike Tiger Mask, the Jushin Liger anime had nothing to do with pro wrestling. Changing his full-body suit and mask to match the character's evolution throughout the series, it was the Thunder Liger form that ended up sticking with fans and Yamada himself; and he has arguably become far larger than the source material from which New Japan drew inspiration.

After a tumor was discovered on his brain in the mid 1990s, and because he was growing increasingly aware of the toll his style took on his body, Liger began working a slower, more power oriented style, which he is known for today. Sealing away his infamous Shooting Star Press, Liger instead inundates his foes with stiff palm strikes and big impact moves now. It was this shift in style that has let Liger keep going, with barely a step lost, for almost 20 years after everyone thought his career would be over. And until July of 2018, where he did not participate during the G1 Climax tour, Liger had managed to work at least one match every month for 23 years straight.

161 / 380. 4 Costumes + CPU logic included.