Shingo Takagi has his sights set on some major matches if he wins the NEVER Openweight Championship.
At NJPW Fighting Spirit Unleashed on October 28, Takagi will challenge Tama Tonga for the title. In doing so, he will aim to win the gold for the third time.
Speaking with Tokyo Sports (via DeepL), Takagi expressed his interest in facing Kenny Omega, Kota Ibushi, and Katsuhiko Nakajima if he wins the title.
"[Ibushi is] has a record of one win and one loss, and his fight at the Tokyo Dome in July [2021] has already been postponed. He also said that it's not zero possibility. I myself have a strong desire to fight Kenny [Omega]. In all my matches, that tense atmosphere against Nakajima] was the best this year. Even though I won, it was only once, and they have more wins than me, with a singles record of one win and two losses," Takagi said.
Ibushi was previously set to face Takagi at NJPW Wrestle Grand Slam in July 2021. Ibushi was unable to compete, as he was diagnosed with aspiration pneumonia, and Hiroshi Tanahashi replaced him. Ibushi has since left NJPW and signed a deal with AEW.
Takagi has said he wants to face Kenny Omega by the end of 2023. Check out his comments here.
Nakajima is leaving NOAH, and his last match will be on October 28. More information is available here.
Fightful will have live coverage of NJPW Fighting Spirit Unleashed once it airs on September 28.
