Right now, three men in NJPW are calling themselves the IWGP World Heavyweight Champion. Kazuchika Okada has been carrying around the V4 IWGP Heavyweight Championship since winning the G1 Climax in 2021, and Will Ospreay has a replica of the current IWGP World Heavyweight Champion that he’s carried since returning from injury.
However, only Shingo Takagi has the true claim to be champion. He defeated Okada to win the then vacant championship, and has defended it proudly against Hiroshi Tanahashi & EVIL. Going into Wrestle Kingdom 16 as champion he will have to potentially face both false champions on back to back nights, with Okada tonight and Ospreay tomorrow. Ahead of this, he was quick to call them out for their fake reigns.
Kazuchika Okada Claims That Shingo Isn’t Strong Enough To Carry NJPW To Their 50th Anniversary
During the press conference ahead of Wrestle Kingdom, Okada would claim that not only is Shingo not fit to call himself champion, but claim that NJPW needs a strong champion for their coming 50th anniversary. This fired up The Dragon, who would respond with the following.
“One thing that sticks with me, Okada, is when you said that I can’t carry NJPW into this anniversary. You know, I didn’t have a good comeback to that at the time, but I went home thinking about it. And when I thought about it, I realised that the anniversary isn’t something to carry. It’s enough for all of the wrestlers to carry this anniversary, and for me to be at the forefront as their champion.
But if we turn it on its head, can you really say you can carry this anniversary year? Since we came into the Reiwa era in Japan, the title to hold has been the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship, and yet here you are digging that old belt from mothballs. That doesn’t qualify you to be the standard bearer for 50 years!
Shingo Takagi Did Not Forget About The Commonwealth Kingpin
Not done with just ripping into Okada, Ospreay would be next on the list of Shingo. Their clashes are already legendary, and on the 5th – Shingo intends to win over Ospreay for the first time since the 2020 G1 Climax.
“January 5, Will Ospreay. Waiting high and mighty with your replica you made. I’m pissed off, but when I heard you were in Japan, I was honestly happy. Look, I don’t despise the guy. I don’t know if I respect him. But on every important point and in every important match, I lost to him.
So I have to win on January 5. If I don’t, I can’t end my 2021, and I can’t start my 2022. With three belts right now, NJPW is losing its way. It’s down to me to show who the real deal is, and what the right way is. That’s why I’ll crush both these guys and win. That’s all I’ve got to say. “
Will Shingo leave Wrestle Kingdom while still the IWGP World Heavyweight Champion? Let us know what you think in the comment section down below.
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