12 Ups & 5 Downs From NJPW The New Beginning In Osaka 2019

7. Big Match Taguchi

Ryusuke Taguchi Taiji Ishimori
NJPW

The New Beginning In Osaka proved that the beautiful phenomenon of Big Match Taguchi is alive and well, as the 'Funky Weapon' fought out of his skin versus Taiji Ishimori, resulting in the kind of bout this undercard jokester has always been capable of when positioned in a big spotlight.

Taguchi doesn't get these opportunities often, but never disappoints when he does. He knows how to step it up. A two-time IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion, his time in the spotlight is likely over, and there was little chance he'd walk away with the belt in Osaka, so it speaks volumes that he was able to make the crowd bite on several pinfalls versus Ishimori. He remains, on his day, a world-class professional wrestler.

The 'Funky Weapon' will now slide back to the undercard, where he'll resume his day job as NJPW's most popular preliminary novelty act. Hordes of people once again forget how good he really is, until New Japan finally throw him another bone, and the cycle repeats. It's a great role for him at this stage in his 17-year career.

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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.