We’ve known the innovative, legendary, trailblazing super-junior/cruiserweight Jushin “Thunder” Liger would be calling it a career after New Japan’s 2020 Tokyo Dome shows since last March. But it’s still hard to believe we’re about to experience the end of career which has spanned three decades, at least that many continents, and countless wrestling companies.
If it sometimes seems like Liger has worked with everyone, well, it’s because he kind of has. And as his last matches at Wrestle Kingdom 14 are upon us, and his retirement cermony at Mon., Jan. 6’s New Year’s Dash will be over before we know it. So many of those who’ve been fortunate to share a ring with or call one of his matches are paying tribute on social media.
Here’s a sampling:
#ThankYouLiger pic.twitter.com/Rqq9JGOnxO
— Cody Rhodes (@CodyRhodes) January 3, 2020
Had the pleasure of wrestling @Liger_NJPW in early 90’s in Japan for NJPW. A true professional & great talent. Congratulations on an amazing career tomodachi
— TAZ (@OfficialTAZ) January 4, 2020
尊敬 #ThankYouLiger pic.twitter.com/74mSjY4FO7
For everything you did to influence and inspire us all, #ThankYouLiger
— Christopher Daniels (@facdaniels) January 4, 2020
Also, Curry Man says thanks for teaching him English. Wherever he is, I’m sure he appreciates it! pic.twitter.com/QVlYs5GB4h
He is most definitely #Undisputed #ThankYouLiger pic.twitter.com/AeMeHBPgIR
— Adam Cole (@AdamColePro) January 4, 2020
#ThankYouLiger pic.twitter.com/0zUzmBD71V
— BLACKHEART (@NXTCiampa) January 3, 2020
The “goosebumps” in wrestling sometimes don’t come as much as I was a kid.
— ᵂⁱˡˡ ᴼˢᵖʳᵉᵃʸ • ウィル・オスプレイ (@WillOspreay) January 4, 2020
But every time the beat drops of Jushin Thunder Liger’s theme the goosebumps are right there.
Thank you for being such a huge part of my life.#ThankYouLiger pic.twitter.com/UTcuUg8Uoj
One of the most memorable moments of my career. I, like so many others, have been endlessly inspired by Liger. Thank you for all you have attributed and done for PW. pic.twitter.com/UTuu3RYMbq
— Devil's Blood (@WWEAleister) January 3, 2020
One of the best to ever do it. #ThankYouLiger
— “The Chairman” Shawn Spears (@Perfec10n) January 4, 2020
All my respect#ThankYouLiger
— Puma King (@PumaKingOficial) January 3, 2020
♀️ ♀️ pic.twitter.com/dgvFcqAK2J
A legend and my biggest inspiration! #ThankYouLiger pic.twitter.com/H0pYxFcgHa
— Jinny (@JinnyCouture) January 4, 2020
A professor of psychology on the west coast wrote that idolizing "any one person inevitably leads to disappointment." But that guy never met Jushin "Thunder" Liger.
— Mike Quackenbush (@MikeQuackenbush) January 4, 2020
I, on the other hand...did.
Plain Truth: without @Liger_NJPW, there is no Mike Quackenbush. #ThankYouLiger pic.twitter.com/Z54Vrldr8U
#ThankYouLiger @Liger_NJPW for an amazing, influential and trend setting career. It was a pleasure every time I had the privilege of competing against you. Also hello to @facdaniels & @EdgeRatedR since they are great brothers pictured in this random motley crew here. pic.twitter.com/8nHxSmADB2
— Frankie Kazarian (@FrankieKazarian) January 4, 2020
#ThankYouLiger for every lesson in that ring you’ve taught me, and for standing by and doing NOTHING while the Not So Great Muta tried to blind me. pic.twitter.com/XFtffQ87Nj
— Kenny King (@KennyKingPb2) January 4, 2020
I've had the privilege of calling multiple Jushin "Thunder" Liger matches, and for that I will be eternally grateful. Liger was a tremendous inspiration for me becoming involved in pro-wrestling, and I am honored that he came to our little corner of the world.#ThankYouLiger pic.twitter.com/sOQOTYnO9T
— Excalibur (@ShutUpExcalibur) January 4, 2020
#Repost from 2016
— Ian Riccaboni (@IanRiccaboni) January 4, 2020
The only photo I thought to take with Jushin Liger.
Amazed me when I first saw him in 1992. Amazed I got to call a dozen or so of his matches, including his only MSG match.
What a class act, embodiment of a legend!#ThankYouLiger pic.twitter.com/k3pLirRoXc
Thank you Liger-San! #ThankYouLiger pic.twitter.com/SsD39TPqmh
— Beer City Bruiser (@bcbwinchester) January 4, 2020
#ThankYouLiger ❤️
— Mandy León (@MandyLeonxo) January 4, 2020
It was an honor to be your first ever female partner / mixed tag match. Nicest legend evaaaa congrats on a very successful career. @Liger_NJPW pic.twitter.com/OZM9YUXgyc
Thank you for your eternal kindness Liger-san. You are forever my hero! I’ll try not to cry during your retirement .#ThankYouLiger #njwk14 #njpwworld pic.twitter.com/3MdHb9MYuC
— Cheeseburger (@CheeseburgerROH) January 4, 2020
I was never lucky enough to step into the ring with him, but being around him, watching him live and being able to get feedback from him on a couple of my own matches was an honour. One of the greatest performers in the history of professional wrestling. An icon.#ThankYouLiger pic.twitter.com/R3tj5c5ly8
— Ligero (@Ligero1) January 4, 2020
Thank you, Liger #NJWK14 pic.twitter.com/GS5XCS3LSR
— Arby's (@Arbys) January 3, 2020
We’ve definitely missed some, so share those below. And join us in saying Thank you Liger!