6 Most Successful NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Champions Ever

3. Los Ingobernables de Japon – BUSHI, EVIL and SANADA

Like with the previous LIJ trio, there is no denying that any combination of members can create a formidable team. When it comes to tag team wrestling, they can put any of their members in the ring. There will always be undeniable chemistry that is only ever seen in this faction. In particular, the trio of BUSHI, EVIL and SANADA found success in the NEVER Openweight division.

First winning the title at Wrestle Kingdom 11, the trio took advantage of the Openweight nature to create a strong team. EVIL had the strength and power, SANADA had the technique and athleticism, while BUSHI had the speed and unpredictability. With this diversity, they were able to beat some formidable teams from across the roster.

The trio held the titles a record three times lasting over 280 days. Although this is impressive, the only downfall comes with the lack of consistency during these reigns. Throughout their time as champions, they only had four successful defences. Three came with their reign in May 2017, which also contributed 228 days of their overall record. In particular, their first reign in January 2017 only lasted one day.

Yet, it is impossible to deny the mark they made on the title. For many, it is the championship made for a group as tight-knit and in sync with each other as LIJ. Even with EVIL now in Bullet Club, there is no denying that this team will forever be etched in the title’s history.

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2. Ryusuke Taguchi, Togi Makabe and Toru Yano

In 2019, when Jay White joined Bullet Club, a new alliance was formed between Hontai and CHAOS. Out of this formed one of the most successful teams in history with Ryusuke Taguchi, Togi Makabe and Toru Yano.

The trio first win the titles in January 2019, beating the Bullet Club trio of Taiji Ishimori, Tama Tonga and Tanga Loa. During their reign, they were not shy about taking on any team, from Openweight teams or heavyweight trios. The team even defended them against a Ring of Honor team during their Honor Rising tour.

Their reign came to an end at Wrestle Kingdom 14. It was only a few weeks away from holding the titles for a full year. However, the trio managed to bring more fun and light-hearted side to the belts. They made fans look forward to their defences. Even in the gauntlet match where they lost the titles, they still gave the crowd a great match with many personalities.

Although this may have a random team, there is no denying their success. With a Funky Weapon, Unchained Gorilla, and the unpredictable Yano, it was a match made in heaven. Fans would happily watch the team again in the future.

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1. CHAOS – Hirooki Goto, Tomohiro Ishii and YOSHI-HASHI

After the Los Ingobernables team had to vacate the title, it seemed like another turn of bad luck. Yet, during the tournament to crown new champions, the CHAOS trio of Hirooki Goto, Tomohiro Ishii and YOSHI HASHI seemed to see this slump as an opportunity.

From the minute they won the titles, the CHAOS team prioritized making sure that these belts were not forgotten about. Whether it was Suzuki Gun, Bullet Club or Los Ingobernables de Japon, they took on any combination of teams. Not only that, but these matches had a new surge of energy. With the times getting longer, the quality and quantity of action were unlike anything fans have seen.

They are days away from being the way to being the most successful NEVER tag champions. If this wasn’t impressive enough, the trio has already broken the record for most combined defences by a long stretch. With their desire to defend these belts, three wrestlers who had plateaued in their career are now on their way to making history.

With their reign close to reaching the year mark, the trio doesn’t seem to be slowing down any time soon. They continue to take on any challengers. They also treat their matches as if they were IWGP matches at some of the biggest shows. With their combined heart, passion and determination, they are the perfect trio to take the title to new heights.

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• CHAOS
• los ingobernables de japon
• Bullet Club
• NJPW

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