NJPW's Dominion: 14 Biggest Stories Ahead Of The G1 Climax And More

Shingo Takagi suffered his first-ever loss in New Japan at the Best of the Super Juniors tournament final. 'The Dragon' subsequently blamed the loss on Will Ospreay's superior experience against heavyweights, something which he himself lacks. As such, Takagi requested such an opponent for Dominion and was granted a match with former IWGP Champion, Satoshi Kojima.

The two battled fiercely on Sunday, each with something to prove as the aging Kojima also seemed determined to show that he could still hang with today's upcoming stars. Throughout the bout, both competitors unleashed their signature lariats to varying degrees of success - each man crumpling to the mat at one point following simultaneous clotheslines. Finally, Shingo's lariat landed flush, dropping the veteran heavyweight, but he still needed his "Last of the Dragon" finisher to put Kojima down for good.

Following the satisfying victory, Shingo told the Osaka crowd that he was still looking for a "heavier thrill," adding that strength is all that matters, not weight divisions. As such, Takagi then announced his intention to prove he's the strongest competitor in New Japan when he competes in the upcoming G1 Climax - the company's longest-running and most prestigious tournament of the year, typically reserved for only heavyweight athletes.