Top 6 Most Successful NJPW NEVER Openweight Champions

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.

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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.

• Tomohiro Ishii
• hirooko goto
• NEVER Openweight
• NJPW

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