Top 6 Most Successful NJPW NEVER Openweight Champions

The New Japan Pro Wrestling NEVER Openweight Championship was created in 2012 to elevate the upcoming wrestlers in the company. This was epitomized by the NEVER acronym meaning “New Blood,” “Evolution,” “Valiantly,” “Eternal,” and “Radical.”

However, it seems to have completely changed over the years with the title now known for its more gritty and hard-hitting style forged by those who have held the belt and the matches. More recently, it has been known for the lack of consistency with champions rarely ever defending the title more than a few times.

Yet, with the prestige of the title increasing in recent months, a new chapter seems to be starting for it. Here is a look at the six most successful NEVER champions of all time!

---

6. Shingo Takagi

When Shingo Takagi first came to New Japan, he always showed a special attachment to the NEVER division. Never being one to class himself as a Jr or Heavyweight, this division was perfect for Shingo’s style. After beating Hirooki Goto in January 2020, Shingo was now part of the division he admired so much.

Although his second reign was short, his first time with the belt was 210 days with three successful defences. It is one of the longest single reigns in the title’s history. Unlike many of the other champions, Shingo really stuck to the Openweight of the division. He let both Jr’s, like SHO and El Desperado, and Heavyweights, like Ishii, challenge for the title.

For many New Japan fans, Shingo’s recent reigns brought a new prestige and respect to the NEVER title. By defending it against some of the biggest names in New Japan, including Hiroshi Tanahashi, Shingo helped to give the belt the spotlight it deserves. There is no doubt that Shingo will win the belt back and continue to make his mark on the division.

---

5. Katsuyori Shibata

With his hard-hitting, no-nonsense wrestling style, Katsuyori Shibata is a man that perfectly defines what the NEVER division is about. With a strong desire to push his opponents to the limit, Shibata prided himself on being the NEVER Openweight champion.

First winning the belt at Wrestle Kingdom 10, Shibata has three reigns with a combined total of 309 days as champion. It was these matches that really emphasized the new direction the title was going. One of the most iconic was his bout against Kyle O’Reilly during the 2016 King Of Pro-Wrestling show. Many still see it as one of the best NEVER matches ever!

Much to many fans’ surprise, the NEVER title was the only singles belt Shibata held. Yet, if he would hold any belt, this one is perfect for ‘The Wrestler.’ However, many believe that there is a shred of hope for a return. Alongside a top title run, Shibata can take over this unique division once again.

4. Minoru Suzuki

If the NEVER is known for its hard-hitting style, is it any surprise that Minoru Suzuki is one of the most successful champions? He held the title for 322 days over two very successful reigns. Suzuki may have never won the Heavyweight title but is one of the men most associated with the NEVER belt.

Suzuki’s first reign stood out for many reasons. With four successful defences, he also added some more depth to the division with concept matches. In particular, his feud against Hirooki Goto for this belt is one that many fans cannot forget. Starting with the lumberjack deathmatch in June 2017, the feud culminated in the Wrestle Kingdom 12 hair v hair match. Even to this day, it has been seen as one of the best NEVER matches in the division’s history.

There is no doubt that Suzuki embodies the message NEVER has taken since it was created. With no sign of his career slowing down, there is no doubt that Suzuki will want to hold that title again. He can also etch more of his image into the belt that he knows so well.

---

3. Masato Tanaka

Despite the NEVER title being created for young talent, Masato Tanaka was the first man to hold the title in his late 30s. He wrestled his way through the 16-man tournament and beat Karl Anderson to become the inaugural champion.

Despite only holding the belt once, Tanaka cemented his place on the list with the longevity of his reign at 314 days. Tanaka holds the record for the longest single reign of all time for the belt and the most successful defences at four. He defended the belt against several wrestlers. This included Tomohiro Ishii, Tomoaki Honma and Shelton Benjamin before dropping it to Tetsuya Naito.

This reign changed the complexion of NEVER, giving it the strong-style reputation it is known for. Known for the extreme nature of his wrestling style, Masato Tanaka etched his name in the belt’s history. This was despite never being a full New Japan roster member.

2. Hirooki Goto

Although Hirooki Goto is known for coming so close to the IWGP Heavyweight title, his record with the NEVER title is more impressive. Although narrowly missing out on the top stop, there is no denying that Goto deserves his place on the list.

Throughout his various reigns, Goto managed to set the record for most successful defences at seven over his four reigns. With matches against Zack Sabre Jr, Juice Robinson and more, he has proved that NEVER is his strong house. As mentioned with Suzuki, it was his feud with the King of Pro Wrestling that will stand out the most. With his famous victory against Suzuki at Wrestle Kingdom 12, it cemented his status in NEVER history.

Even though Goto’s eyes will always be on top titles, fans will not forget the impact he has had on the NEVER division. Throughout its troubles, Goto stayed motivated to raise the prestige of the division. Not only that but he is known for some of the most iconic matches of the NEVER division.

---

1. Tomohiro Ishii

The title is known for being a workhorse belt and the only person who could top this list is Tomohiro Ishii. Holding the title five times for over 450 days, there are several reasons why Ishii is at number one. Despite only six defences, each has not added something to the belt and those who challenged for it.

First winning the title in 2014, it was this reign that shone the most. With defences against both Jr’s like KUSHIDA and Heavyweights like Tetsuya Naito, it cemented the fact that Ishii would take on any opponents. Through his reigns, he also had the ability to bring something special out of those challenging him. In particular, his feud for this title with Suzuki Gun’s TAICHI made many see the Holy Emperor in a new light.

For someone like Ishii, the NEVER division is the perfect place to shine. To be able to wrestle against people from all divisions and styles allows him to thrive as a wrestler. In particular, he brings something out of wrestlers that others may not have expected to shine. In the future, Ishii will continue to be a huge part of NEVER and make his mark on the division.