12 Ups & 6 Downs From NJPW Best Of The Super Juniors 2019

9. Big Match Taguchi

Will Ospreay Ryusuke Taguchi
NJPW

NJPW's biggest comedy acts are over with native crowds, but the promotion's sport-like presentation makes them extremely divisive among the western audience. Ryusuke Taguchi is the foremost example of this. The 'Funky Weapon' is a daft jokester whose in-ring arsenal largely consists of him bashing his opponents with his *rse, this gangly-looking goofball usually works for laughs over drama, but when the chips are down and the situation demands a blockbuster performance, New Japan's "Coach" is always game.

Big Match Taguchi is a real phenomenon. When this side of his character comes out, the 40-year-old can match anyone, and he proved it once more in his B Block decider with Will Ospreay.

These two wrestled an all-out banger in the 2016 tournament's finals. Their rematch wasn't quite on the same level, but still hit almighty heights, with the first act's capers and japes soon giving way to serious action. Taguchi's constant counters and dramatic near-falls bred hope that he was going to do the impossible by besting Ospreay and advancing to face Shingo Takagi. Alas, it wasn't to be, but he should be proud of this latest reminder of what he can do when he brings his working boots.

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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.