Since Kota Ibushi announced that he wanted to unify the IWGP Heavyweight and Intercontinental Championships, there have been mixed reactions. Some have seen it as a way of creating a new legacy. Others see it as destroying the history made by wrestlers.
The IWGP Heavyweight title was introduced to the company in 1983 and has been held by 31 different wrestlers. Here is a look at six wrestlers, currently signed to New Japan, who have never held the Heavyweight title and might now never have the chance.
6. Juice Robinson
Credit: NJPW1972
When Juice Robinson came to New Japan, he sacrificed the name he had in America and started fresh as a Young Lion in the dojo in 2015. Since then, he has won the World Tag League and held both the IWGP tag and United States Championships. Yet, the top Heavyweight title has alluded him all these years.
Since graduating and becoming a full-time member of the New Japan roster, Juice Robinson has had stand-out matches with many top calibre wrestlers. With iconic feuds against Jay White, Cody Rhodes, and Jon Moxley, Juice’s wrestling style always shines! With speed, strength and power, he is the perfect athlete!
After an amazing journey from zero to hero, there is no question why Juice is one of the most popular wrestlers in New Japan. With his in-ring talent and phenomenal charisma, many fans are surprised that Juice has not reached the top of the company.
5. Tama Tonga
Credit: NJPW1972
Despite being known as one of the best tag wrestlers in New Japan, Tama Tonga has always had the potential to be the IWGP Heavyweight champion. Even though he debuted for the company in 2010, it feels like we have only scratched the surface of what Tama can do!
Throughout his career, Tama has had some stand-out singles matches in tournaments proving that he can work in a tag team and as a singles star. Many fans have called Tama one of the most underrated athletes in the company because of his talent. One minute he can be hitting you with stiff strikes, but it is his speed and ability to counter his opponent’s offence that makes him so dangerous.
Even with seven tag title reigns under his belt, there must be something within Tama that desires a shot at a singles championship. With his athleticism, speed and strength, he is more than capable of fighting some of the top wrestlers in the company for one of the top titles in the world.
4. Zack Sabre Jr
Credit: NJPW1972
When Zack Sabre Jr. became the first British wrestler to win the New Japan Cup, many believed it would be his chance to become the first British IWGP Heavyweight Champion. When he lost to Okada at Sakura Genesis, many New Japan fans assumed that his time would have come at some point.
With his unique submission-based wrestling style and subtle charisma, the Vegan Hydra brought a new British style to Japan shaped his image. It is the misconceptions of his size and stature that make Zack such a formidable opponent. Many wrestlers initially underestimate his ability. By capitalising on this, ZSJ can find counters for any move and seamlessly transition into his own offence.
Alongside his in-ring skills, his personality and charisma are underrated and subtle that they can be overlooked. It is this that makes it so surprising that ZSJ has not won the Heavyweight Championship or any singles title in New Japan. As a four-time RevPro Heavyweight Champion, IWGP is next on his list.
3. Hirooki Goto
Credit: NJPW1972
Since debuting for New Japan back in 2003, Goto has had a rollercoaster career with highs, lows and a lot of disappointment. The one sentence that seems to describe Hirooki Goto is, “Always the bridesmaid, never the bride.” With three New Japan Cup victories, a G1 Climax win, and a countless number of title reigns, the one belt that has alluded him over the years is the IWGP Heavyweight title.
That is not to say that he has had the chance on several occasions. Over the years, Goto has had a countless number of title shots against the likes of Kazuchika Okada, Kenny Omega and Hiroshi Tanahashi. During these matches, there was no doubt that Goto put up a fight each time. His downfall came in the fact that his opponent was always stronger on the night.
Although Goto has held nearly every title New Japan has to offer, his inability to reach the top of the company is a source of frustration. For many, Goto has always had the talent and skills to be at the top of the company! It has been his inability to capitalise on the opportunities given to him. Maybe, with a new title, Goto can start fresh and finally achieve his goal to hold New Japan’s top prize.
2. Minoru Suzuki
Time after time, Minoru Suzuki has proved that, despite being in his 50s, that he definitely still deserves the title King of Pro-Wrestling. With countless titles, awards and achievements in both professional wrestling and mixed martial arts across several companies, it seems as if there has been nothing Suzuki has not done. Yet, the only thing that has alluded the Suzuki Gun leader is the Heavyweight title.
Like most men on this list, Suzuki has had his fair share of opportunities against some of the best in the company. It includes his match with Tanahashi at Wrestle Kingdom VI and his bout with Okada at Royal Quest, the latter where he was the clear fan favourite.
With Heavyweight title wins in NOAH, Rev Pro and All Japan, why has Suzuki been unable to capture IWGP gold? There is no doubt that Suzuki is one of the best grapplers in the industry. The new World Heavyweight title might be his chance to cement his legacy and be one of the few men to have held the top titles in the top three Japanese companies.
1. Tomohiro Ishii
For many fans, the one wrestler who has unfairly and wrongly never been an IWGP Heavyweight Champion is Tomohiro Ishii. Debuting for New Japan all the way in 2004, Ishii has been a staple of the company through the highs and lows of its history. It seems impossible to imagine New Japan without the Stone Pitbull!
His popularity and stability within the company and amongst the fans is down to his talent. Out of any wrestler, Ishii is constantly able to put on high calibre matches with anyone he is put in the ring with. Despite his short and stout frame, Ishii is uncharacteristically fast and agile in the ring. Combine that with his strength and power, and he is a force to be reckoned with.
In the past few years, many have seen Ishii’s inability to win the title as one of the biggest injustices in the company. He has dominated the NEVER division and made his mark with the fans, but New Japan have yet to see him as someone to lead the company! However, with a new title on the way, it could be time for Ishii to make history and etch his name in the title’s history.
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