After winning the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship at Sakura Genesis, many people had high hopes for Will Ospreay’s title reign. Unfortunately, New Japan Pro Wrestling recently announced Will Ospreay was vacating the title due to injury.
With this announcement and the unification of the top two titles, the main New Japan title is now vacant, and someone has the opportunity to take that championship for themselves. With a new opportunity available, they will all be clutching at the chance to have a shot at the company’s new title.
Here is a look at six wrestlers who could be the next IWGP World Heavyweight Championship.
6. Minoru Suzuki
Despite being one of the most feared wrestlers in New Japan, Minoru Suzuki has never held the IWGP Heavyweight title during his time in the company. However, after the announcement was made, Suzuki quickly put his own name into the mix. Many fans would gladly see the King Of Pro Wrestling have a run with the title.
Suzuki has a unique and focused wrestling style based around submissions and strikes compared to other wrestlers in New Japan. Whether against a veteran or young lion, he takes no prisoners and treats them all with the same disregard. Suzuki knows how talented he is and, if an opportunity arises to challenge for the new title, he will stop at nothing to achieve that goal.
After holding titles worldwide, IWGP Heavyweight gold is the one accomplishment that has alluded Suzuki throughout his career. Despite being over 50, Suzuki has proved time after time that he can still hold his own in the ring against some of the best wrestlers in the world.
5. Tetsuya Naito
After a rocky 2020 and start to 2021, Tetsuya Naito has slowly been getting back on his feet after a series of defeats and injuries. What better way to start a new chapter in his career than winning the new IWGP World Heavyweight title?
When it comes to Naito in the ring, there are very few who can rival him. Not only can Naito take it to the air and keep it on the mat, but his unpredictability makes him a dangerous opponent as well. With a tendency to provoke his opponents, Naito manages to annoy those he faces, giving him the advantage.
Despite his carefree attitude, there is no denying that Naito will want that title as much, if not more than anyone else on the roster. He’s been at the top of the company and known what it’s like to be at the bottom. With a new opportunity presenting itself, the Ungovernable One will stop at nothing to cement his legacy in New Japan again.
4. Tomohiro Ishii
Like Minoru Suzuki, Tomohiro Ishii is one of the men that fans are most surprised haven’t already won IWGP Heavyweight gold. Signing in 2006, Ishii has had success in the NEVER division and as IWGP tag champion with Toru Yano, but it is about time that the Stone Pitbull takes his place as the company’s champion.
Whenever Ishii steps into the ring, there is no denying that he is one of the most diverse wrestlers in the company. Whether he utilizes his strength, power, or speed, he is a formidable opponent to anyone he steps in the ring with. Also, when he sets his mind to something, whether for a belt or to prove a point, he puts his heart and soul into the match.
Throughout his time with the company, fans have consistently praised him for being the company’s workhorse, consistently putting on amazing matches. After so long, Ospreay’s injury may be the chance he needed to get to the top of the company.
3. Jay White
Whenever there is talk of a title, Jay White’s name has to be in the picture because he is no stranger to holding gold in New Japan. As the first man to hold all four of the top singles titles in the company, a chance to hold the company’s newest belt will be a top priority.
Out of all of the men on this list, White is probably the most confident that he will be able to take the vacant title. Not only has he beaten pretty much everyone on the New Japan roster, but Jay always has this belief that he belongs at the top of the company. After his match with Hiroshi Tanahashi for the NEVER title, he has also proved that he can fight a clean match and still come out on top.
After a very short run with the IWGP Heavyweight title in 2019, Jay will be out to right a wrong and mark his name in the title’s history for the right reasons. The chance to hold two titles in New Japan will be an attractive prospect for the Switchblade. He will stop at nothing to take back his place at the top of the company.
2. Kazuchika Okada
It has been over a year since Kazuchika Okada last held the top singles gold in New Japan and, for many, it is far overdue. As one of the best wrestlers in the world, Okada has proven time and time again that he is the perfect person to represent the company. This could be the chance he has needed.
For many wrestling fans, nobody comes close to Kazuchika Okada in the ring and this is what makes him worthy of being champion. Although he comes across cool as a cucumber, once he steps into the squared circle, his demeanor changes and the Rainmaker comes out. With speed, athleticism, and strength that few can rival, there seems to be nothing Okada can’t do. It’s what has made him so successful in the past.
Although many prefer the carefree Okada without a title, there is no doubt that the Rainmaker will relish the idea of taking back responsibility. Also, after Ospreay betrayed CHAOS, winning his vacated title would be the perfect chance to be champion again. It is time for the real Rainmaker to return to New Japan.
1. Shingo Takagi
After narrowly losing to Ospreay in a match of the year candidate earlier month, there is no doubt that Shingo Takagi’s name will be at the top of the list of challengers for the title. With his speed, strength and power, he is the perfect example of a wrestler and has been getting better and better since making his debut as a Junior Heavyweight in 2018.
No matter who he wrestles and in what setting, Shingo manages to bring the best out of each person he gets in the ring with. He also takes pride in his wrestling style which is highly influenced by those who trained him but also his desire to always fight clean and with heart. Yet, even if Takagi does finally reach the top of the company, he won’t be happy until Ospreay makes a full recovery and he can beat him clean with the title.
If Shingo achieves his gold of winning the top gold in New Japan, it will bring the company into the “Dragon Era.” It is also a reward for all the work he has put in over the years across various Japanese promotions. There is no denying that Shingo would take on any comers and add his own personality to this new title making it one of the most respected belts in wrestling.
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