20 Absolute Best Wrestlers In The World Right Now

6. Shingo Takagi

Shingo Takagi
NJPW

There's little room at the top of NJPW right now, with Kazuchika Okada, Kota Ibushi, Tetsuya Naito, and Jay White installed as the promotion's new big four, though Shingo Takagi is clearly in line for a major elevation in 2019.

Such is the way New Japan has presented him thus far. First was the undefeated Junior Heavyweight run, then came the outstanding Will Ospreay match, then a G1 Climax run that saw 'The Dragon' steal the show every other night. Now, as we enter 2020, he eyes Hirooki Goto's NEVER Openweight Championship - and it'd be a huge surprise if he didn't oust the perma-bridesmaid on the upcoming New Beginning tour.

Shingo's performances warrant the upcoming push, as the former Dragon Gate headliner possesses every trait needed to scale this imposing mountain. A domineering *sshole bully of immense physical charisma, his work is stylish but full of substance, with his explosive rope-running and flashy moveset as impossible as his psychological mastery. With Takagi, the only downfall is that he didn't make it to NJPW sooner.

This guy's going to headline the Tokyo Dome someday. Take note.

Channel Manager
Channel Manager

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.