Kazuchika Okada has officially challenged IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Shingo Takagi for Wrestle Kingdom 16.
During the main event of Power Struggle, Takagi defeated Zack Sabre Jr to retain his title. His celebrations were cut short by the arrival of Okada, who had successfully defended his right to challenge for Takagi’s gold earlier in the night.
Holding the old IWGP Heavyweight Title design in liu of the traditional ‘right to challenge’ briefcase, the G1 Climax winner said:
“Takagi, congratulations on your defence. And thanks for the hard work. From here on out, it’s time for the G1 Champion to take over from the world champ and carry this company.
“This belt is my contract. The G1 Champion. The IWGP World Heavyweight Champion. Who’s the real deal? Let’s find out.
“So come on, champ, or should I say the G1 dropout Shingo Takagi?”
Accepting Okada’s challenge for the January 4 show, Takagi stated:
“I didn’t think you’d be out here, I thought I would have to call you out. Are you still carrying that toy around? You like that thing huh. But you are the G1 champion. I do still have this belt.
“The G1 Champion and the World Champion? Let’s find out who the strongest is, and let’s do it January 4 in the Tokyo Dome!
“I’m not going to end this half assed. This is the last big Osaka event of the year, so let me speak! Here we go! Today was tough. REALLY tough. I thought I would give up so many times. ZSJ was the best possible challenger.
“So you know what that means right? I beat the best challenger, making me the best wrestler in the world right now. Give me more applause! But I am only looking on and up. Like a Dragon, I’m heading to the Tokyo Dome!”
Takagi defeated Okada to win the vacant IWGP World Heavyweight Championship at Dominion in June.
the 2022 Wrestle Kingdom 16 event is set to take place across three nights, on January 4, 5 and 8. The January 4 and 5 shows will be held at the Tokyo Dome, while the January 8 show will be at the Yokohama Arena.
Translation via the NJPW Global Twitter account.
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