He actually picked up quite a few wins over the past 6 months.. He's being held down for sure, because he's capable of so much more than what he does. Honestly though, it will make it all the more rewarding when he does finally take off.
And I understand that hatred towards The Hip Attack/THUMP. Taguchi is a damn good wrestler, he's just well aware that there's more Yen in this silly kids gimmick, than if he went all 'serious'. They've got enough 'serious' guys.. Though I cringe when he starts throwing his ass around, He's great comic relief. And his stuff with Nak had me rolling, the constant taunting.. And the Rainmaker Hip Attack always goes unnoticed, it's hilarious.. Not to mention his performance as Doc Brown. His match with Gedo in the BOSJ was just pure entertainment.. I get why people could dislike him with only a small sample size, all I'm saying is give the guy a chance, and take him for what he is.
Tenzan looks like it hurts him to even walk, and Tiger is still capable of some good things, but both are well past their prime. To judge them from the same vein as you'd judge a young gun just isn't quite fair. 90% of their matches are opening 10 man tag's so it's not like we're over exposed to them or anything. I will say though, that I would much rather see younger guys get spots in the big tournaments. But Tenzan always brings it for the G1, no matter how decrepit he is. It's the one time of year I don't mind his matches. I always loved that mask and the music. It just fit him so perfect, and the Anaconda Vice, to this day.. I buy it as a legit finisher. I still feel like if he gets you locked in, no matter who you are.. You're in big trouble. Kojima can still go pretty hard, and makes Tenzan look slow in comparison.
As far as I'm concerned, Tenzan earned the right to say when he's done. Guess he's not quite ready to hang them up, or he's just fulfilling his contract? Maybe he just loves what he does! (please enlighten me). And until Tenzan wants to hang up the mask for good... My advice to you is, Just stop worrying and learn to love the Mongolian Chop.. SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!! ... Cherish that chop, because who know how many more times we'll get to see it before his body completely falls apart.