6 Stars Who Could Win The Vacant IWGP Championship

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.

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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.

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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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• IWGP World Heavyweight Championship
• Kazuchika Okada
• Shingo Takagi
• NJPW

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