11 Ups & 2 Downs From NJPW King Of Pro-Wrestling 2018

7. A United Front

Shingo Takagi Yoh
NJPW

Carried by the group's popularity and the sheer electricity generated by Shingo Takagi's debut, Los Ingobernables de Japon's eight-man tag with CHAOS' dethroned leader Kazuchika Okada, Toru Yano, and Roppongi 3K had Sumo Hall buzzing, and delivered a fun inter-stable scramble at the card's middle point.

With little need to over-exert himself in such crowded surroundings, Naito was in full on t-shirt mode, and Okada, in the midst of his ongoing identity crisis, didn't exactly work his arse off either. It didn't matter. This bout was all about showcasing Takagi and giving Los Ingobernables' a much-needed jot of energy after what has been a middling 2018. It succeeded on both counts, and now, LIJ look in excellent shape as we approach Wrestle Kingdom season.

Chants of "TA-KA-GI!" rang out whenever 'The Dragon' hit the ring, and he shined throughout. Almost decapitating SHO with a signature Pumping Bomber lariat towards the end, Shingo and LIJ cleared the ring, before Takagi dropped the unfortunate R3K man right on his head with the Last Falconry for the victory. Then, in a show of unity, the new allies raised their fists in the middle of the ring, their first night together a clear success as BUSHI and Shingo prepare to run through the upcoming Junior Heavyweight tag tournament.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.