2021 has been an odd year for NJPW in a lot of ways. Shingo Takagi becoming the third IWGP World Heavyweight Champion is the biggest news of the day.
Shingo Takagi’s 2021 has been phenomenal despite NJPW’s shortcomings this year. Every time they needed him to perform, his been able to show the wrestling world why he is one of the best wrestlers in the world today. Takagi becoming IWGP World Heavyweight Champion might be what NJPW needed to be back on track.
The IWGP World Heavyweight Championship ever since it’s inception, it has had bad luck. From Ibushi unifying the IC and HW titles and getting rejected for this to Ospreay’s injury. Shingo Takagi can finally give the title the stability it needs to establish itself as the top prize of NJPW.
While putting the belt on Okada would’ve been the safer option during this troubling time for NJPW, Takagi brings a lot of new possibilities and excitement to the promotion we haven’t seen since 2019. Okada vs. Takagi was a fantastic match worth checking out, if you haven’t.
Shingo Takagi winning the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship also recognizes that for better part of a decade, he has been one of the best wrestlers in the world. Takagi’s work is not done yet, His next challenge is hep elevate the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship after it’s rocky start.
It feels like NJPW is back on track and they can’t waste this opportunity they have with Shingo Takagi right now. Shingo Takagi winning the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship secures him as one of the few wrestlers competing for the best wrestler of the year award.
