One of professional wrestling’s most intriguing mysteries was revealed this morning when Tetsuya Naito introduced Shingo Takagi as Los Ingobernables de Japon’s new member. This is the first time that Takagi has appeared in a New Japan Pro Wrestling ring, so many might not be familiar with the 35 year-old grappler. So, let’s go over everything you need to know about the former freelancer.
https://twitter.com/bulletclubital/status/1049230097855774720?s=21
A Dragon Gate Original
Shingo Takagi began his professional wrestling career in late 2004 after graduating from the Dragon Gate dojo. He was also trained by Animal Hamaguchi, who also taught Tetsuya Naito how to wrestle, which gives the LIJ members some common lineage. Shingo proved himself to be a natural in the ring, and wound up winning the 2005 Rookie of the Year Award from the Wrestling Observer.
This Isn’t His First Stable
Los Ingobernables de Japon might be the faction he’s now best known for, but it’s not his first time being a key member of a group. Takagi joined the group Blood Generation and wrestled in Ring of Honor for two years. In early 2007, he became a tag team champion with his teammate Naruki Doi after beating the Briscoe Brothers. The lost the belts back later that month, but Shingo had some memorable matches, including a world title match against Takeshi Morishima, before he left the company. He also had matches against The Age of the Fall and the team of Kevin Steen and El Generico.
Singles Stardom in Dragon Gate
Takagi would go on to be members of the New Hazard and Real Hazard factions, where he began to show his skill as a top star. After winning Dragon Gate’s top belt in 2008, he was kicked out of his own faction after making amends with former teammate BxB Hulk. Takagi soon became a main event mainstay for the company, and wound up winning the belt Open the Dream Gate Championship four separate times. He had his last match for the company last week.
PWG Classics
While most of Takagi’s professional work has been within Japan, he’s had some high profile matches in North America as well. In addition to the aforementioned Ring of Honor matches, he also wrestled for Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (where he most recently was a part of the 2018 edition of BOLA). One of his most memorable bouts was against El Generico (now known as Sami Zayn).
Check out a clip from it below:
