20 Absolute Best Wrestlers In The World Right Now

5. Shingo Takagi

Shingo Takagi
NJPW

The now-former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion would have stood a better chance of topping this list had it been compiled a month or so ago. Unfortunately, his output level has understandably declined in the wake of his Wrestle Kingdom defeat to Kazuchika Okada, with Shingo operating primarily in tag and multi-man bouts that don't allow him to showcase the full breadth of his abilities this since.

Nonetheless, Takagi was his usual explosive, domineering self in that Okada match, once again feeling like he belonged in the biggest spot his home promotion can realistically provide him with, against this era's poster child. Similarly, he was a firecracker in the great Los Ingobernables de Japon vs. Kongoh match on WK's third night, particularly in his incendiary exchanges with fellow list-maker Katsuhiko Nakajima. Their eventual singles match is going to be something else.

Shingo's value in current-day New Japan cannot be overstated. He is the one wrestler on the roster who appears completely immune to the drab clap-crowd atmosphere, which renders everything else less enjoyable by default. Not Takagi. His unyielding spirit, explosiveness, physicality, and intensity transcend all barriers, and his pure ability has never been in question.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. 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.