View source for Shingo Takagi

{{short description|Japanese professional wrestler (born 1982)}}
{{Infobox professional wrestler
|name=Shingo Takagi
|image=SHINGO TAKAGI 2020.02.20.jpg
|image_size=
|caption= Takagi in 2020
|names='''Shingo Takagi'''<br />Shingo<br />
|height={{convert|1.78|m|ftin|abbr=on}}<!--In Japan they measure in meters so that should be first--><ref name=DG>{{cite web | url= http://www.gaora.co.jp/dragongate/data/prfl/takagi.html | title= 鷹木信悟 | publisher= [[Dragon Gate (wrestling)|Dragon Gate]] | access-date=September 6, 2016}}</ref>
|weight={{convert|100|kg|lb|abbr=on}}<!--In Japan they measure in kilos so that should be first--><ref name=DG/>
|birth_name = Shin Takagi 
|birth_date = {{birth date and age|1982|11|21|mf=y}}<ref name=DG/>
|death_date =
|birth_place = [[Chūō, Yamanashi|Chūō]], [[Yamanashi Prefecture|Yamanashi]], Japan<ref name=DG/>
|resides=
|billed=
|trainer=[[Dragon Gate (wrestling)|Dragon Gate]] dojo<ref name=DGUSAProfile>{{cite web | url= http://dgusa.tv/roster/shingo.htm | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120224031346/http://dgusa.tv/roster/shingo.htm | archive-date=February 24, 2012 | title= Roster: Shingo| publisher= [[Dragon Gate USA]] | access-date= April 18, 2010}}</ref><br />[[Animal Hamaguchi]]<ref name="OWOW"/>
|debut=October 3, 2004<ref name=DG/>
|retired=
}}
{{nihongo|'''Shin Takagi'''|鷹木 信|Takagi Shin|}} (born 21 November 1982),<ref>{{cite web |title=「六年前」鷹木信悟オフィシャルブログ「我道驀進」powerd by SPORA |url=https://spora.jp/takagishingo/posts/40493 |website=Spora |access-date=22 October 2022}}</ref> known by the ring name '''Shingo Takagi''' (鷹木信悟, ''Takagi Shingo''), is a Japanese [[professional wrestling|professional wrestler]]. He is signed to [[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] (NJPW). He is a former member of the ''[[Los Ingobernables de Japón]]'' [[Stable (wrestling)|stable]] and is a [[List of NEVER Openweight Champions|five-time]] [[NEVER Openweight Championship|NEVER Openweight Champion]]. Takagi is best known for his appearances in NJPW and [[Dragongate]] (then known as "Dragon Gate"), as well as [[Ring of Honor]] (ROH), [[All Japan Pro Wrestling]] (AJPW) and the ''[[puroresu]]'' [[independent circuit]]. He also makes appearances for [[All Elite Wrestling]] (AEW) and British Promotion [[Revolution Pro Wrestling]] (RevPro).

Takagi first became known for his work with Dragongate, where he competed from his debut in 2004 up until 2018. Known during his tenure as the "'''Pumping Hawk'''", he was recognized as the promotion's top [[Heel (professional wrestling)|heel]] for many years and incantations, and went on to become one of the most decorated wrestlers in the company's history, winning the [[Open the Dream Gate Championship]], the top championship in the promotion, four times in eight years. He was also known as the leader of the [[New Hazard]], Real Hazard, KAMIKAZE, -akatsuki-, VerserK and ANTIAS stables in Dragongate, and for his long-lasting rivalry with [[BxB Hulk]], with whom he faced off against in several prominent events. He had his last contracted Dragongate match on October 7, 2018, where he would lose to BxB Hulk. During his time in Dragongate, he also spent an extended amount of time with American promotions such as [[Full Impact Pro]], [[Pro Wrestling Guerrilla]] and Ring of Honor (ROH); In ROH, he became a [[ROH World Tag Team Championship|ROH World Tag Team Champion]] alongside then-stablemate [[Naruki Doi]] in 2007.

On October 8, 2018, Takagi made his surprise debut in NJPW as the foreshadowed sixth member ("''pareja''") of the ''Los Ingobernables de Japón'' stable as "'''The Dragon'''" (not to be confused with fellow NJPW wrestler [[Tatsumi Fujinami]], who was also known as "The Dragon"). Originally performing in the Junior Heavyweight division, he went on to be undefeated as a singles competitor and overall unpinned and unsubmitted until the [[Best of the Super Juniors#2019|BOSJ 2019 final]]. He also held the [[IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship]] once with fellow ''Ingobernables'' member [[Tetsuya Bushi|Bushi]] from January to March 2019. Takagi moved to the Heavyweight division in June 2019, debuting at [[G1 Climax 29]]. From February to August 2020, Takagi held both the [[NEVER Openweight Championship]] and the [[NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Championship]] (with Bushi and [[Evil (wrestler)|Evil]]), making him the first person to hold both [[NEVER (professional wrestling)#NEVER Championships|NEVER]] titles at the same time. After losing the NEVER Title in August, he regained it in November for a second time. By winning the [[IWGP World Heavyweight Championship]] at [[Dominion 6.6 in Osaka-jo Hall]] in 2021, Takagi became the only wrestler that won the top championships in NJPW and Dragongate.

Takagi has been praised for his wrestling abilities in both NJPW and Dragongate,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lowe |first=Case |date=2021-06-07 |title=The Shocking Success of Shingo Takagi in New Japan Pro Wrestling |url=https://www.voicesofwrestling.com/2021/06/07/the-shocking-success-of-shingo-takagi-in-new-japan-pro-wrestling/ |access-date=2023-09-24 |website=Voices of Wrestling |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Flanagan |first=Lizzy |date=2022-05-11 |title=10 Things Fans Should Know About NJPW's Shingo Takagi |url=https://www.thesportster.com/facts-about-shingo-takagi-njpw/ |access-date=2023-09-24 |website=TheSportster |language=en}}</ref> to which has garnered him numerous accolades. He was recognized and voted as the "[[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Rookie of the Year|Rookie of the Year]]" in the [[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards|Wrestling Observer Newsletter Awards]] in 2005. In 2021, he notably placed 9th on the [[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]] "[[PWI 500]]" list, received the [[Tokyo Sports Puroresu Awards#MVP Award|MVP Award]] at the [[Tokyo Sports Puroresu Awards]], and was ranked as the "[[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Most Outstanding Wrestler|Most Outstanding Wrestler]]" and [[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Japan MVP|Japanese wrestling's most valuable player]] by the readers of the ''[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]''.

==Professional wrestling career==

===Dragon Gate (2004{{ndash}}2018)===
Shingo Takagi debuted in October 2004 as the first graduate of the Dragon Gate dojo.<ref name=DGUSAProfile/> He was also trained by [[Animal Hamaguchi]]. Takagi won the [[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Rookie of the Year|2005 Wrestling Observer Rookie of the Year]] award.<ref name="OWOW">{{cite web|title=Shingo Takago profile|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/s/shingo-takagi.html|access-date=2009-11-06|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref><ref name=DGUSAProfile/>

In Dragon Gate, Takagi became a member of the Blood Generation stable. On May 10, 2007, shortly after forming the stable [[New Hazard]], Takagi – along with [[BxB Hulk]] and [[Cyber Kong]] – defeated the Typhoon team of [[Nobuhiko Oshima|Cima]], [[Susumu Mochizuki|Susumu Yokosuka]], and [[Ryo Saito (wrestler)|Ryo Saito]] for the [[Dragon Gate Open the Triangle Gate Championship]].<ref name=DGUSAProfile/> They held the championship until July 13, 2007, when the team were forced to vacate the championship as BxB Hulk had sustained a jaw injury. Takagi and Kong replaced Hulk with [[Jack Evans (wrestler)|Jack Evans]], and challenged for the vacant championship against the [[Muscle Outlaw'z]] team of [[Naruki Doi]], [[Masato Yoshino]], and [[Magnitude Kishiwada]], but were unsuccessful.

[[File:ShingoTakagi.JPG|thumb|left|upright|Takagi signing autographs in 2009]]
On May 14, 2008, Takagi and Kong turned on Hulk shortly before a scheduled Open the Triangle Gate Championship defense against [[Genki Horiguchi]], [[Yoshito Sugamoto|Gamma]] and [[Masato Onodera|Yamato]] of the Muscle Outlaw'z, citing Hulk as a weakling. Takagi and Kong then joined up with Genki, Gamma, Yamato and [[Yasushi Kanda]], ending both New Hazard and Muscle Outlaw'z and forming Real Hazard, a new faction. Takagi then teamed with Gamma and Yamato to win the newly-vacant Open the Triangle Gate Championship, defeating Naruki Doi, Masato Yoshino and Hulk.<ref name=DGUSAProfile/> On June 28, they lost the Open the Triangle Gate Championship to [[Kenichiro Arai]], [[Taku Iwasa]] and [[Shinobu Sugawara|Shinobu]] of the Tozawa-juku faction.

The following day, he fought BxB Hulk to a one-hour draw in a number one contender's match for Cima's [[Open the Dream Gate Championship]]. They were immediately scheduled for a rematch on July 27, but this time the Open the Dream Gate Championship was on the line as Cima had to vacate the championship due to a neck injury. On July 10, doubt was already cast over his standing in Real Hazard when he stopped them and [[Tokyo Gurentai]] members from trying to give Cima an unwanted haircut. This caused tensions to stir between him and the others, especially with Kong. On July 27, Takagi defeated BxB Hulk to win the Open the Dream Gate Championship.<ref name=DGUSAProfile/> After the match, Takagi apologized to Hulk and retracted his statement about him being weak. Soon after, Kong attempted to attack Cima, who was at the announce table, but Takagi stopped him. After a brief argument, Real Hazard attacked Takagi and kicked him out of the group for showing compassion towards Hulk and Cima, but he was saved by Typhoon.

Typhoon offered him membership in the faction, but he turned it down. He later teamed with [[Dragon Kid]], a Typhoon member, in the [[Summer Adventure Tag League]] Tournament, and the pair reached the final before they were beaten by Naruki Doi and Masato Yoshino.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/japan/lucha/dragon/tag.html#summer2008 | title= Summer Adventure Tag League 2008 | date= August 9–28, 2008 | access-date= April 18, 2010 | publisher= ProWrestlingHistory.com}}</ref> Following this, Takagi changed his mind and joined Typhoon. Takagi's membership caused tension within the faction, and led to Susumu Yokosuka challenging Takagi to a match on November 16 for the Open the Dream Gate Championship. Takagi retained, and then tried to banish Yokosuka from Typhoon as punishment. Ryo Saito tried to stop him, and then Cima was called out. Takagi gave him a lariat before he could say anything, resulting in his banishment from Typhoon. After that, Takagi announced that he would not be participating in the annual King of Gate Tournament.

Takagi began teaming with [[Akira Tozawa]] and Taku Iwasa after the faction they had been members of, Tozawa-juku, had disbanded, with the trio officially forming a new faction on December 19. On December 28, Takagi lost the Open the Dream Gate Championship to Naruki Doi, who had won the King of the Gate Tournament. On January 11, 2009, Dragon Kid joined the new faction, with Takagi called the faction Kamikaze.<ref name=DGUSAProfile/> On February 15, Takagi, Iwasa and Dragon Kid won the Open the Triangle Gate Championship, but lost the championship to Cima, Gamma and Kagetora on April 15.<ref name=DGUSAProfile/> When Yamato left Real Hazard, he joined Kamikaze, reforming his team with Takagi. The duo won the annual [[Summer Adventure Tag League]] Tournament in August, and then the [[Open the Twin Gate Championship]] the following month.<ref name=DGUSAProfile/><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/japan/lucha/dragon/tag.html#summer2009 | title= Summer Adventure Tag League 2009 | date= August 1–26, 2009 | access-date= April 18, 2010 | publisher= ProWrestlingHistory.com}}</ref> They held the titles until December 27, when they lost them to Cima and Gamma.

[[File:鷹木信悟.jpg|thumb|175px|right|Takagi in November 2017]]
On March 22, 2010, Takagi and Cyber Kong defeated Cima and Gamma to regain the Open the Twin Gate Championship. Takagi participated in the 2010 [[King of Gate]] tournament and beat Dragon Kid in the final on April 14, 2010. This allowed him to contest Open the Dream Gate Championship match against his stablemate and champion Yamato at the Dead or Alive PPV on May 5, 2010, but Yamato retained the title by making Takagi submit. Takagi and Kong would lose their Twin Gate title to [[Makoto Saito (wrestler)|K-ness]] and Susumu Yokosuka on May 13, 2010. Takagi then renewed his old feud with former tag partner BxB Hulk, leading to a Hair vs Hair match at the Kobe World Pro Wrestling Festival 2010 on July 11. Takagi won the match and shaved off Hulk's hair.

After returning from an injury, Takagi disbanded Kamikaze on May 13, 2011 and the following day joined forces with [[Masaaki Mochizuki]]'s new stable, Junction Three, to battle Cima's Blood Warriors. After Junction Three was disbanded in February 2012, Takagi, alongside Yamato, joined up with Dragon Gate Nex Member Chihiro Tominaga, and the debuting Super Shenlong III and formed -akatsuki- on April 19, 2012.  On July 22, 2012, Takagi and Yamato defeated Jimmy Kagetora and Jimmy Susumu to become the 22nd Open the Twin Gate Champions. They lost the title to [[Don Fujii]] and Masaaki Mochizuki on September 23, 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://iheartdg.com/index.php?subaction=showfull&id=1348376141&archive=&start_from=&ucat=&|title=Dangerous Gate 2012 – 22 Sep 2012|date=2012-09-23|access-date=2012-09-23|work=iHeartDG}}</ref> Takagi and Yamato won the title for their third time together on May 5, 2013, by defeating BxB Hulk and [[Uhaa Nation]].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.gaora.co.jp/dragongate/data/result/2013/0505.html | title = Dead or Alive 2013 | date=2013-05-05 | access-date=2013-05-06 | work=Dragon Gate | language=ja}}</ref> They lost the title to Akira Tozawa and BxB Hulk on June 15, when Yamato turned on Takagi.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://iheartdg.com/index.php?subaction=showfull&id=1371296901&archive=&start_from=&ucat=&|title=6/15 Champion Gate in Hakata – 15 Jun 2013|date=2013-06-15|access-date=2013-06-16|work=iHeartDG}}</ref> On July 21, Takagi defeated Cima to win the Open the Dream Gate Championship for the second time.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gaora.co.jp/dragongate/data/result/2013/0721.html|title=ドラゴンゲートKobe プロレスフェスティバル 2013 |access-date=2013-07-22 |work=Dragon Gate | language=ja }}</ref> On August 1, -akatsuki- was forced to disband, after losing to [[Mad Blankey]] in a five-on-four tag team match.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://battle-news.com/battle/2013/08/001897.php|title=新時代の扉が開いたドラゲーで、暁を解散に追い込んだMBが戸澤を追放！鷹木のDG初防衛戦の相手がYamatoに決定！|date=2013-08-02|access-date=2013-08-01|work=Battle News|language=ja }}</ref> On August 23, Takagi lost the Open the Dream Gate Championship to Yamato in his first defense.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gaora.co.jp/dragongate/data/result/2013/0823.html|title=The Gate of Generation|access-date=2013-08-24|work=Dragon Gate|language=ja}}</ref> In order to continue his battle with Mad Blankey, Takagi formed a new stable named Monster Express with Akira Tozawa, Masato Yoshino, [[Ricochet (wrestler)|Ricochet]], Shachihoko Boy and Uhaa Nation.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://battle-news.com/battle/2013/09/001955.php|title=意地を見せた斎了を下したYamatoに、土井から裏切られた吉野が挑戦表明！ジミーズを下したミレニアルズはベテラン軍を指名！|date=2013-09-13|access-date=2013-09-13|work=Battle News|language=ja}}</ref><ref name=MonsterExpress>{{cite web|url=http://sportsnavi.yahoo.co.jp/sports/fight/all/2013/columndtl/201310070010-spnavi|script-title=ja:吉野、鷹木、戸澤らの新ユニット本格始動 トライアングルゲート戦はＭＢに苦杯|date=2013-10-07|access-date=2013-10-07|work=Sports Navi|publisher=[[Yahoo!]]|language=ja}}</ref> On December 22, Takagi and Tozawa defeated Naruki Doi and Yamato to win the Open the Twin Gate Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gaora.co.jp/dragongate/data/result/2013/1222.html|title=The Final Gate 2013|access-date=2013-12-22|work=Dragon Gate|publisher=Gaora|language=ja}}</ref> They lost the title to [[Eita Kobayashi|Eita]] and [[Tomahawk T.T.|T-Hawk]] on July 20, 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/292262/|script-title=ja:Ｔ―ＨａｗｋとＥｉｔａがツイン王座奪取|date=2014-07-21|access-date=2014-07-21|work=[[Tokyo Sports]]|language=ja}}</ref>  On August 31, Shingo, Tozawa and [[Uhaa Nation]] unsuccessfully challenged for the Open the Triangle Gate Championship against Cyber Kong, Naruki Doi and Kzy with Shingo getting pinned after Kong hit him with the Cyber Bomb.  Shingo and Tozawa lost in the Summer Adventure Tag League semi-finals against T-Hawk and Eita.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.iheartdg.com/satl14.html |title=Summer Adventure Tag League 2014 |access-date=2014-12-25 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141226183021/http://iheartdg.com/satl14.html |archive-date=2014-12-26 }}</ref> On December 28, Shingo unsuccessfully challenged for the Open the Dream Gate title against BxB Hulk. On August 16, 2015, Takagi defeated Masato Yoshino to win the Open the Dream Gate Championship for the third time.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/436334/|title=鷹木がドリーム王座奪取 独裁政権樹立へ|date=2015-08-17|access-date=2015-08-17|work=[[Tokyo Sports]]|language=ja}}</ref> Shortly afterwards, Takagi was kicked out of Monster Express after turning on his then-stablemates Yoshino and Shachihoko BOY.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://iheartdg.com/index.php?subaction=showfull&id=1440313642|title=08/23 Gate of Generation|date=2015-08-23|access-date=2015-08-23|work=iHeartDG}}</ref> Takagi would then form a new heel unit with the remnants of Mad Blankey, becoming the co-leader of the unit alongside Naruki Doi. On September 23, 2015, the new unit was named VerserK.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iheartdg.com/1294-2/|title=09/23 Summer Adventure Tag League|date=2015-09-23|access-date=2015-09-24|work=iHeartDG}}</ref> On February 14, Takagi lost the Open the Dream Gate Championship to Jimmy Susumu in his fourth defense. He would regain the title from Susumu on March 6, becoming the first four-time champion. On July 24, 2016, Takagi lost the championship to [[Masato Onodera|Yamato]].<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=157938| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160729050541/http://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=157938| archive-date = 2016-07-29| title = Dragon Gate Kobe Pro-Wrestling Festival 2016 « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database}} </ref> On January 18, 2017, Takagi, along with fellow VerserK teammates T-Hawk and [[El Lindaman]] won a special One Day 6 Man Tag Tournament, defeating Kotoka, [[Masato Yoshino]] and [[Ben-K]].<ref name=NewYearsUnit/>

===Ring of Honor (2006{{ndash}}2008, 2023)===
Shortly after becoming a member of Blood Generation, Shingo began wrestling for [[Ring of Honor]] (ROH) in the United States. He made several ROH appearances before becoming a regular wrestler in ROH in late 2006. He became one half of the [[ROH World Tag Team Championship|ROH World Tag Team Champions]] alongside Naruki Doi on March 3, 2007, by beating the [[Briscoe Brothers]] in [[Liverpool]], [[England]].<ref name="ROHtag"/> The two lost the championship back to the Briscoes at ''All Star Extravaganza III'' on March 30.<ref name="ROHtag"/>

Shingo had his final official ROH match at "Good Times, Great Memories" on April 28, 2007, unsuccessfully challenging [[Takeshi Morishima]] for the [[ROH World Championship]]. He challenged the [[Briscoe Brothers]] for [[ROH World Tag Team Championship]] unsuccessfully at ROH's ''Live in Osaka'' show with his partner Susumu Yokosuka on July 17. At Wrestlemania weekend in 2008 at "Dragon Gate Challenge II" and "Supercard of Honor III", he and [[BxB Hulk]] wrestled The Age of the Fall ([[Seth Rollins|Tyler Black]] and [[Jimmy Jacobs]]), and [[El Generico]] and [[Kevin Owens|Kevin Steen]] respectively in his last two ROH appearances.

In June, Takagi returned to Ring of Honor, which was now the sister company of [[All Elite Wrestling|AEW]], teaming with his [[Los Ingobernables de Japon]] teammates [[Hiromu Takahashi]] and [[Bushi (wrestler)|Bushi]], to unsuccessfully challenge [[Mogul Embassy|The Mogul Embassy]] ([[Brian Cage]], [[Bishop Kaun]] and [[Toa Liona]]) for the [[ROH World Six-Man Tag Team Championship|ROH World Six-Man Tag Team Championships]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/ring-of-honor/the-embassy-vs-lij-title-defense-part-of-11-match-ring-of-honor-tv-lineup | title=The Embassy vs. LIJ title defense part of 11-match Ring of Honor TV lineup | date=27 June 2023 }}</ref>

===Other promotions (2006{{ndash}}2009)===
Throughout 2006 and 2007 Shingo appeared in several American promotions, including [[Full Impact Pro]] and [[Pro Wrestling Guerrilla]].<ref name="OWOW"/> On February 27, 2007, Shingo won the Southern Thunder Pro Wrestling Texas Heavyweight Championship by defeating Texas Renegade.<ref name="OWOW"/> On September 5, 2007 he made his Hawaii debut for Action Zone Wrestling (AZW) teaming with Sabaki in a losing effort to AZW Tag Team Champions Devilshock. On March 8, 2009, he won his first wrestling tournament in Germany by emerging triumphant at wXw's annual [[wXw 16 Carat Gold Tournament]]. In 2009, he began wrestling for [[Dragon Gate USA]].<ref name=DGUSAProfile/>

===New Japan Pro-Wrestling===
==== Junior Heavyweight division (2018–2019)====
Takagi made his surprise debut for [[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] (NJPW) during the [[King of Pro-Wrestling (2018)|King of Pro-Wrestling]] event on October 8, 2018, joining the ''[[Los Ingobernables de Japón]]'' (''LIJ'') faction.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/japan/shingo-takagi-joins-njpw-king-pro-wrestling-267371|title=Shingo Takagi Joins NJPW at King of Pro Wrestling|work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]|last=Rose|first=Bryan|date=October 8, 2018|access-date=October 8, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.f4wonline.com/japan/njpw-king-pro-wrestling-live-results-omega-vs-cody-vs-ibushi-267356 | title = NJPW King of Pro Wrestling live results: Omega vs. Cody vs. Ibushi | last=Renner | first=Ethan | date=October 8, 2018 | access-date=October 8, 2018 | work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> At [[Wrestle Kingdom 13]] on January 4, 2019, Takagi teamed with [[Bushi (wrestler)|Bushi]] to win the [[IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship]] from [[Suzuki-gun]] ([[Yoshinobu Kanemaru]] and [[El Desperado (wrestler)|El Desperado]]).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/01/04/1-4-njpw-wrestle-kingdom-13-results-kenny-omega-vs-hiroshi-tanahashi-for-the-iwgp-heavyweight-championship-chris-jericho-vs-tetsuya-naito-for-the-iwgp-intercontinental-championship-cody-vs/|title=1/4 NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 13 results: Kenny Omega vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship, Chris Jericho vs. Tetsuya Naito for the IWGP Intercontinental Championship, Cody vs. Juice Robinson for the IWGP U.S. Championship|author=Jason Powell|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=January 4, 2019|access-date=January 4, 2019}}</ref> However, Takagi and Bushi later lost the tag team championship to [[Roppongi 3K]] ([[Sho (wrestler)|Sho]] and [[Yoh (wrestler)|Yoh]]) at NJPW's 47th Anniversary Show on March 6.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.njpw1972.com/tornament/40693?showResult=1|title=2019.03.06 NJPW Anniversary Show|publisher=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|access-date=March 6, 2019}}</ref> At the [[G1 Supercard]] on April 6, Takagi competed in the [[ROH Honor Rumble|Honor Rumble]], but the match was won by [[Kenny King (wrestler)|Kenny King]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=4/6 ROH and NJPW G1 Supercard at MSG pre-show: The Honor Rumble|date=6 April 2019|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/04/06/4-6-roh-and-njpw-g1-supercard-at-msg-pre-show-the-honor-rumble/|publisher=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=April 6, 2019}}</ref>

From May to June, Takagi participated in the [[Best of the Super Juniors#2019|2019 Best of Super Juniors]] tournament in the A Block.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.njpw1972.com/48629|title=Official Lineup Announced For Best of the Super Juniors 26!|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|date=April 23, 2019|access-date=April 25, 2019}}</ref> He defeated all of his opponents in the A Block, becoming the first person to go undefeated in the tournament, and he also set a new record for most points scored in the tournament, with 18.<ref name=NJPW052319>{{cite web|url=https://www.njpw1972.com/tornament/44578?showResult=1|title=2019.05.23 Best of the Super Jr.26 Night08|access-date=2019-05-23|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=en}}</ref><ref name=NJPW051319>{{cite web|url=https://www.njpw1972.com/tornament/44571?showResult=1|title=2019.05.13 Best of the Super Jr.26 Night01 |access-date=2019-05-13|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=en}}</ref><ref name=NJPW052419>{{cite web|url=https://www.njpw1972.com/tornament/44579?showResult=1|title=2019.05.24 Best of the Super Jr.26 Night09 |access-date=2019-05-24|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=en}}</ref><ref name=NJPW052219>{{cite web|url=https://www.njpw1972.com/tornament/44577?showResult=1|title=2019.05.22 Best of the Super Jr.26 Night07 |access-date=2019-05-22|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=en}}</ref> This allowed him to advance to the tournament final against B Block winner [[Will Ospreay]], where he was defeated, in what was Takagi's first pinfall loss in NJPW.<ref name=NJPW060519>{{cite web|url=https://www.njpw1972.com/tornament/44585?showResult=1|title=2019.06.03 Best of the Super Jr.26 Final Night15 |access-date=2019-06-05|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2019/06/09/radicans-6-5-njpw-bosj-26-finals-report-moxley-vs-robinson-tanahashi-vs-white-takagi-vs-ospreay-bosj-finals/|title=Radican's 6/5 NJPW BOSJ 26 Finals report – Moxley vs. Robinson, Tanahashi vs. White, Takagi vs. Ospreay BOSJ finals|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|first=Sean|last=Radican|date=June 9, 2019|access-date=June 10, 2019}}</ref>

==== NEVER Openweight Champion (2020–2021) ====
After defeating [[Satoshi Kojima]] at [[Dominion 6.9 in Osaka-jo Hall (2019)|Dominion 6.9 in Osaka-jo Hall]], Takagi stated his intention to move into NJPW's heavyweight division and also declared himself as an entrant for the [[G1 Climax 29|2019 G1 Climax]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/new-japan-news/jon-moxley-shingo-takagi-declare-themselves-njpw-g1-climax-285611|last=Currier|first=Joseph|title=Jon Moxley, Shingo Takagi declare themselves for NJPW G1 Climax|date=June 9, 2019|work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]|access-date=June 9, 2019}}</ref> In the G1 Climax, Takagi competed in the B Block and ended with a final score of 8 points (four wins and five losses), failing to move onto the tournament final.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/njpw-g1-climax-29-results-winner-kota-ibushi-tops-jay-white-in-epic-2019-finals-match/|title=NJPW G1 Climax 29 results, winner: Kota Ibushi tops Jay White in epic 2019 finals match|work=[[CBSSports.com]]|publisher=[[CBS Interactive]]|first=Jack|last=Crosby|date=August 12, 2019|access-date=August 15, 2019}}</ref> At [[Destruction (2019)|Destruction in Kobe]] on September 22, Takagi was defeated by [[Hirooki Goto]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.njpw1972.com/tornament/52013?showResult=1|title=2019.09.22 Destruction in Kobe|publisher=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|access-date=September 24, 2019}}</ref> On January 5, 2020 at [[Wrestle Kingdom 14]], Takagi and ''LIJ'' teammates Bushi and [[Evil (wrestler)|Evil]] defeated four other teams in a [[gauntlet match]] to win the [[NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Championship]].<ref name="WK14Night2">{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/01/04/1-5-njpw-wrestle-kingdom-14-night-two-results-kazuchika-okada-vs-tetsuya-naito-for-the-iwgp-heavyweight-and-iwgp-intercontinental-championships-hiroshi-tanahashi-vs-chris-jericho-kota-ibushi-vs/|title=1/5 NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 14 night two results: Kazuchika Okada vs. Tetsuya Naito for the IWGP Heavyweight and IWGP Intercontinental Championships, Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Chris Jericho, Kota Ibushi vs. Jay White, Jushin Liger's final match, Jon Moxley vs. Juice Robinson for the IWGP U.S. Title|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|first=Jason|last=Powell|date=January 5, 2020|access-date=January 5, 2020}}</ref> On February 1 at [[The New Beginning in Sapporo (2020)|The New Beginning in Sapporo]], Takagi defeated Goto to win the [[NEVER Openweight Championship]], making him a double champion and the first person to hold both NEVER championships at the same time.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.njpw1972.com/tornament/63545?showResult=1|title=2020.02.01 The New Beginning in Sapporo night 1|publisher=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|date=February 1, 2020|access-date=February 1, 2020}}</ref> On February 24, Takagi was announced for the [[New Japan Cup#2020|2020 New Japan Cup]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/new-japan-news/new-japan-cup-2020-participants-opening-round-matches-revealed-304926|title=New Japan Cup 2020 participants, opening round matches revealed|work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]|first=Bryan|last=Rose|date=February 24, 2020|access-date=February 26, 2020}}</ref> However, due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], the event was postponed and NJPW was temporarily shut down.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.njpw1972.com/73438|title=NJPW events cancelled until Saturday March 21 |website=NJPW|language=en|access-date=2020-03-10}}</ref>

NJPW returned to holding events in June, and Takagi was eliminated in the first round of the New Japan Cup by Sho.<ref>{{Cite web|title=2020.06.22 NJPW World Special New Japan Cup 2020 |url=https://www.njpw1972.com/tornament/75377|access-date=2020-10-10|website=NJPW|language=en}}</ref> At [[Dominion in Osaka-jo Hall (2020)|Dominion in Osaka-jo Hall]] on July 17, Takagi defeated Sho to retain his NEVER Openweight Championship.<ref>{{Cite web|title=2020.07.12 Dominion in Osaka-Jo Hall|url=https://www.njpw1972.com/tornament/75413|access-date=2020-10-10|website=NJPW|language=en}}</ref> On August 1, NJPW declared the NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Championship vacant, after Evil defected from ''LIJ''.<ref>{{Cite web|title=【8月6日（木）からの後楽園4連戦、主要カード決定！】全8チームが参加！ "NEVER無差別級 6人タッグ王座決定トーナメント"が実現!!|url=https://www.njpw.co.jp/254882|access-date=2020-08-09|website=www.njpw.co.jp|language=ja}}</ref> Takagi defeated [[El Desperado (wrestler)|El Desperado]] at [[Sengoku Lord in Nagoya (2020)|Sengoku Lord]]. At [[Summer Struggle in Jingu]] on August 29, Takagi lost the NEVER Openweight Championship to [[Minoru Suzuki]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=2020.08.29 D4DJ Groovy Mix Presents Summer Struggle in Jingu|url=https://www.njpw1972.com/tornament/77858?showResult=1|access-date=2020-08-23|website=NJPW|language=en}}</ref> Takagi then competed in the [[G1 Climax 30|2020 G1 Climax]], in the A Block.<ref>{{Cite web|title=G1 Climax 30 Entrants revealed! 【G130】|url=https://www.njpw1972.com/80271|access-date=2020-10-10|website=NJPW|language=en}}</ref> He ended the tournament with a final tally of 8 points (four wins and five losses) losing to [[Jay White]], [[Jeff Cobb]], [[Tomohiro Ishii]], [[Kazuchika Okada]], and [[Taichi (professional wrestler)|Taichi]], failing to advance to the tournament final. However Takagi would get wins over [[Yujiro Takahashi]], [[British Heavyweight Championship (RevPro)|British Heavyweight Champion]] [[Will Ospreay]], current rival Minoru Suzuki, and over eventual tournament winner [[Kota Ibushi]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/njpw-g1-climax-30-updated-standings|title=NJPW G1 Climax 30 Updated Standings|work=Fightful|date=October 17, 2020|author=Fightful Staff|access-date=October 21, 2020}}</ref>

On November 7 at [[Power Struggle (2020)|Power Struggle]], Takagi regained the [[NEVER Openweight Championship]] by defeating Suzuki for a second time. At [[Wrestle Kingdom 15 in Tokyo Dome|Wrestle Kingdom 15]] on January 4, 2021, Takagi successfully defended his title against [[Jeff Cobb]]. On January 30 at [[The New Beginning in Nagoya]], Takagi lost the NEVER Openweight Championship to [[Hiroshi Tanahashi]].

==== IWGP World Heavyweight Champion (2021–2022) ====
[[File:Shingo Takagi Vs Low Ki Oct 2022 (Highlights).webm|thumb|300px|A highlight reel demonstrating the professional wrestling style of Shingo Takagi during a match with [[Low Ki]] in 2022]]
In March 2021, Takagi would enter the [[New Japan Cup]] where after defeating [[Kazuchika Okada]] in the first round, [[Hirooki Goto]] in the second round, [[Kenta Kobayashi|KENTA]] in the quarter-finals, and [[Takaaki Watanabe|EVIL]] in the semi-finals, he would lose to Will Ospreay in the final. After Ospreay defeated [[Kota Ibushi]] for the [[IWGP World Heavyweight Championship]], Takagi would challenge him for a match at [[Wrestling Dontaku 2021]]. At the event, Takagi failed to defeat Ospreay.<ref>{{Cite web|title=2021.05.04 Wrestling Dontaku|
url=https://www.njpw1972.com/card_result/94767https://www.njpw1972.com/card_result/94767|access-date=June 8, 2021|website=NJPW|language=en}}</ref> At Dominion 6.7, Shingo defeated Kazuchika Okada for the vacant championship.<ref>{{Cite web|title=2021.06.07 Dominion 6.6 in Osaka-Jo Hall|url=https://www.njpw1972.com/card_result/97706|access-date=June 9, 2021|website=NJPW|language=en}}</ref> Takagi would make his first title defense on July 25 at Wrestle Grand Slam in Tokyo Dome after defeating Hiroshi Tanahashi. Takagi was originally scheduled to defend the title against Ibushi, however the latter suffered an injury and was unable to compete. Takagi made his second successful defense on September 5 by defeating EVIL at Wrestle Grand Slam in [[Belluna Dome]]. Takagi's third title defence came on November 6 against Zack Sabre Jr. at [[Power Struggle (2021)|Power Struggle]], in which Takagi was successful. On Night 1 of [[Wrestle Kingdom 16]], Takagi lost the title to Kazuchika Okada, ending his reign at a record 211 days.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/new-japan/results/njpw-wrestle-kingdom-16-night-one-live-results-shingo-vs-okada-364406 | title=NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 16 night one live results: Shingo vs. Okada | date=4 January 2022 }}</ref>

Takagi teamed with his LIJ teammates for the remainder of Wrestle Kingdom, defeating [[Suzuki-Gun]] on Night 2 and [[Pro Wrestling Noah|Pro Wrestling NOAH]]'s Kongo stable on Night 3.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://itrwrestling.com/news/njpw-wrestle-kingdom-16-night-2-results/ | title=NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 16 Night 2 Results | date=5 January 2022 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://wrestletalk.com/news/njpw-noah-wrestle-kingdom-16-results/ | title=NJPW Vs NOAH Wrestle Kingdom 16 Night Three Results - WrestleTalk | date=7 January 2022 }}</ref> Takagi attempted to rebound off of his Wrestle Kingdom Night one loss by entering the [[New Japan Cup#2022|New Japan Cup]]. He defeated Tomohiro Ishii, [[Tanga Loa]], [[Chase Owens]] and [[Hiromu Takahashi]] to make it to the semi-finals.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.tpww.net/2022/03/njpw-new-japan-cup-2022-night-13-results-night-14-card/ | title=NJPW New Japan Cup 2022 Night 13 Results, Night 14 Card }}</ref> In the semi-finals round, Takagi lost to eventual cup winner, Zack Sabre Jr.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.tpww.net/2022/03/njpw-new-japan-cup-2022-night-14-results-current-new-japan-cup-2022-finals-card/ | title=NJPW New Japan Cup 2022 Night 14 Results, Current New Japan Cup 2022 Finals Card }}</ref>

==== Further championship success (2022–2025) ====
Takagi then entered a feud with provisional [[KOPW (professional wrestling championship)|KOPW provisional champion]] Taichi. This led to a 30-count match, in which Takagi was victorious, becoming the new provisional KOPW Champion.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2022/04/25/shingo-is-crowned-at-golden-fight-series/ | title=Shingo is crowned at Golden Fight Series | date=26 April 2022 }}</ref> The two faced off again at [[Dominion 6.12 in Osaka-jo Hall]] in a 10-minute scramble match, in which Takagi again emerged victorious.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2022/06/njpw-dominion-live-coverage-6-12-okada-vs-white-tanahashi-vs-goto-ospreay-vs-sanada/ | title=NJPW Dominion Live Results (6/12) – New Champions Crowned in Osaka-Jo Hall | date=12 June 2022 }}</ref> Also at Dominion, Takagi was announced as a competitor in the upcoming [[G1 Climax 32]] tournament, where he would compete in the D block.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.postwrestling.com/2022/06/12/field-announced-for-njpw-g1-climax-32/ | title=Field announced for NJPW G1 Climax 32 | date=12 June 2022 }}</ref> However, before the tournament began Takagi competed at [[AEW x NJPW: Forbidden Door]], a supershow between New Japan Pro-Wrestling and American promotion [[All Elite Wrestling]] (AEW), where he teamed with [[Sting (wrestler)|Sting]] and [[Darby Allin]] as 'Dudes with Attitude' to defeat [[Bullet Club|Bullet Club's]], [[El Phantasmo]] and [[The Young Bucks]], with Takagi pinning Phantasmo for the win.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/06/26/aew-njpw-forbidden-door-results-powells-live-review-of-jon-moxley-vs-hiroshi-tanahashi-for-the-interim-aew-world-title-jay-white-vs-kazuchika-okada-vs-hangman-page-vs-adam-cole-for-the-iw/ | title=AEW-NJPW Forbidden Door results: Powell's live review of Jon Moxley vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi for the Interim AEW World Title, Jay White vs. Kazuchika Okada vs. Hangman Page vs. Adam Cole for the IWGP World Heavyweight Title, Thunder Rosa vs. Toni Storm for the AEW Women's Title, Will Ospreay vs. Orange Cassidy for the IWGP U.S. Title | date=26 June 2022 }}</ref> Back in Japan in the G1 Climax tournament, Takagi finished with 6 points, failing to advance to the semi-finals.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/new-japan/njpw-g1-climax-32-block-winners-determined-semifinals-set | title=NJPW G1 Climax 32 block winners determined, semifinals set | date=16 August 2022 }}</ref>

Following the G1, Takagi defeated Phantasmo, retaining the provisional KOPW at Declaration of Power, in a "Who's your Daddy match", thus forcing Phantasmo to call Shiingo his "Daddy", whilst dressing up as a baby.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |title=2022.10.10 超実力派宣言 〜Declaration of Power〜 {{!}} NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING |url=https://www.njpw1972.com/tornament/126620 |access-date=2024-01-09 |website=NJPW |language=en}}</ref> The final match between the two men took place on October 28, where Takagi once again defeated Phantasmo to retain the provisional KOPW Championship, in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Street Fight|New York City Street Fight]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://wrestlingheadlines.com/njpw-rumble-on-44th-street-results-10-28-22/ | title=NJPW Rumble on 44th Street Results 10/28/22 | date=28 October 2022 }}</ref> In December at JTO 50th Anniversary For TAKATaichi Together, Takagi retained the KOPW provisional championship against Taichi in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Last Man/Woman Standing match|Last Man Standing Match]], thus making Takagi the official 2022 KOPW Champion.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/jto-50th-anniversary-full-results-12-19-2022/ | title=411Mania }}</ref> On January 4, 2023, at [[Wrestle Kingdom 17]], Takagi competed in the [[New Japan Rumble|New Japan Rambo]], successfully lasting till the final 4 and thus advancing to the four-way match, the following night.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |title=2023.01.04 WRESTLE KINGDOM 17 in TOKYO DOME {{!}} NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING |url=https://www.njpw1972.com/tornament/130385 |access-date=2024-01-09 |website=NJPW |language=en}}</ref> The following night at [[New Year Dash!!#2023|New Year Dash]], Takagi defeated Sho, [[Toru Yano]] and [[Great-O-Khan]] to win the 2023 KOPW provisional championship.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.njpw1972.com/tornament/130524?showResult=1 | title=2023.01.05 New Year Dash!! &#124; New Japan Pro-Wrestling }}</ref> 

Later that month, on January 21 at [[Wrestle Kingdom 17#Night 2|Wrestle Kingdom 17 in Yokohama Arena]], Takagi competed in a series of matches, where members of LIJ competed against members of Kongo, from Pro Wrestling Noah. At the event, Takagi defeated Kongo's [[Katsuhiko Nakajima]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.njpw1972.com/tornament/137919?showResult=1 | title=2023.01.21 WRESTLE KINGDOM 17 in YOKOHAMA ARENA &#124; NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING }}</ref> The following day at [[The New Beginning in Nagoya (2023)|The New Beginning in Nagoya]], Takagi retained the provisional KOPW championship, defeated Great-O-Khan in an [[Mixed martial arts rules|MMA rules match]]. After the victory, Takagi called out the IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, Kazuchika Okada, stating he wanted to become a double champion in NJPW.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.tpww.net/2023/01/njpw-the-new-beginning-in-nagoya-2023-results-jan-22-2023-shingo-takagi-vs-great-o-khan/ | title=NJPW the New Beginning in Nagoya 2023 Results – Jan. 22, 2023 – Shingo Takagi vs. Great-O-Khan }}</ref> Takagi received his title match on February 11 at [[The New Beginning in Osaka (2023)|The New Beginning in Osaka]], but was defeated by Okada.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/new-japan/results/njpw-the-new-beginning-in-osaka-live-results-okada-vs-shingo | title=NJPW the New Beginning in Osaka live results: Okada vs. Shingo | date=11 February 2023 }}</ref> The following month, Takagi competed in the [[New Japan Cup#2023|New Japan Cup]], but was quickly eliminated in the first round, by [[Henare (wrestler)|Aaron Henare]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.njpw1972.com/tornament/141047?showResult=1 | title=2023.03.10 New Japan Cup 2023 &#124; New Japan Pro-Wrestling }}</ref> The loss earnt Henare a future KOPW championship shot, which he received on April 2. The title match was contested under "Ultimate Triad" rules, meaning that to win, a wrestler would have to pin, submit and knock their opponent down for a ten-count. Takagi would defeat Henare at the event.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.postwrestling.com/2023/04/18/aaron-henare-wrestled-38-minute-match-in-njpw-against-shingo-takagi-while-dealing-with-bronchitis/ | title=Aaron Henare wrestled 38-minute match in NJPW against Shingo Takagi while dealing with bronchitis | date=18 April 2023 }}</ref> Later that month, Takagi made his debut on NJPW Tamashii, NJPW's Australasian subsidiary.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.thesmackdownhotel.com/events-results/ppv-special/njpw-tamashii-v-vi-vii | title=NJPW TAMASHII (V, VI & VII) &#124; Results &#124; NJPW PPV Events }}</ref> On April 30, Takagi lost the provisional KOPW championship to Taichi, ending his reign at 114 days.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/04/29/4-29-njpw-wrestling-satsuma-no-kuni-results-vetters-review-of-shingo-takagi-vs-taichi-for-the-kopw-title-aussie-open-kyle-fletcher-and-mark-davis-vs-tmdk-shane-haste-and-mikey-nichol/ | title=4/29 NJPW "Wrestling Satsuma no Kuni" results: Vetter's review of Shingo Takagi vs. Taichi for the KOPW Title, "Aussie Open" Kyle Fletcher and Mark Davis vs. "TMDK" Shane Haste and Mikey Nicholls for the IWGP Tag Team Titles, Tetsuya Naito, Hiromu Takahashi, and Bushi vs. Sanada, Yoshinobu Kanemaru, and Douki | date=29 April 2023 }}</ref> 

On June 25, Takagi teamed with Bushi and Hiromu Takahashi to defeat [[United Empire]] ([[T. J. Perkins]], [[Kyle Fletcher]] and Jeff Cobb) on the buy-in of [[Forbidden Door (2023)|Forbidden Door]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/06/25/aew-njpw-forbidden-door-pre-show-results-powells-live-review-of-athena-vs-billie-starkz-in-a-owen-hart-cup-tournament-match-kyle-fletcher-jeff-cobb-and-tjp-vs-shingo-takagi-hiromu-takahashi/ | title=AEW-NJPW Forbidden Door pre-show results: Powell's live review of Athena vs. Billie Starkz in a Owen Hart Cup tournament match, Kyle Fletcher, Jeff Cobb, and TJP vs. Shingo Takagi, Hiromu Takahashi, and Bushi, Stu Grayson vs. El Phantasmo | date=25 June 2023 }}</ref> The following month, Takagi entered the [[G1 Climax 33|G1 Climax]] tournament competing in the C Block.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.voicesofwrestling.com/njpw-g1-climax-33-participants-blocks-full-schedule/ | title=NJPW G1 Climax 33 Participants, Blocks & Full Schedule }}</ref> Takagi finished his tournament with 7 points, failing to advance from his block.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.cagesideseats.com/2023/8/9/23825701/new-japan-g1-climax-33-final-block-standings-quarterfinal-matches-sanada-okada-ospreay-kingston | title=New Japan's G1 Climax 33 quarterfinals are set | date=9 August 2023 }}</ref> On October 28 at [[Fighting Spirit Unleashed (2023)|Fighting Spirit Unleashed]], Takagi defeated Tonga to win the NEVER Openweight Championship for the third time.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/new-japan/shingo-takagi-wins-never-openweight-title-at-njpw-fighting-spirit-unleashed|title=Shingo Takagi wins NEVER Openweight title at NJPW Fighting Spirit Unleashed Notes from Saturday's NJPW event in Las Vegas.|work=f4wonline.com|first=Bryan|last=Rose|date=October 29, 2023|access-date=October 29, 2023}}</ref> Takagi defended his title the following month, defeating [[Trent Beretta]] at [[Lonestar Shootout 2023|Lonestar Shootout]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/new-japan/njpw-lonestar-shootout-live-results-five-title-matches/|title=NJPW Lonestar Shootout live results: Five title matches|date=November 11, 2023|website=F4W/WON}}</ref> On January 4, 2024 at [[Wrestle Kingdom 18]], Takagi lost the NEVER Openweight Championship back to Tama Tonga, ending his third reign at 68 days.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/new-japan/njpw-wrestle-kingdom-18-live-results-sanada-vs-naito-okada-vs-danielson/|title=NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 18 live results: SANADA vs. Naito, Okada vs. Danielson|date=January 4, 2024|website=F4W/WON}}</ref>

The day following Wrestle Kingdom, at [[New Year Dash!!#2024|New Year Dash!!]], Takagi challenged [[Jon Moxley]] to a [[No Disqualification match]], the following week at [[Battle in the Valley (2024)|Battle in the Valley]]. On January 13 at the event, Takagi was defeated by Moxley. In March Takagi entered the annual [[New Japan Cup#2024|New Japan Cup]], defeating [[Yuya Uemura]] and [[Gabe Kidd]]  to make it to the quarterfinal round.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/new-japan/new-japan-cup-2024-quarterfinals-set/|title=New Japan Cup 2024 quarterfinals set|date=March 15, 2024|website=F4W/WON}}</ref> On March 17, Takagi was defeated by Evil, eliminating him from the tournament.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/new-japan/semifinals-set-for-new-japan-cup-2024/|title=Semifinals set for New Japan Cup 2024|date=March 17, 2024|website=F4W/WON}}</ref> Despite this, Takagi began chasing Evil, in an attempt to both redeem his loss and reclaim the NEVER Openweight Championship, which Evil had won. Takagi received his title match on April 6, at [[Sakura Genesis (2024)|Sakura Genesis]]. At the event, Takagi defeated Evil, winning his fourth NEVER Openweight Championship.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/new-japan/njpw-sakura-genesis-live-results-naito-vs-tsuji-iwgp-world-title-match/|title=NJPW Sakura Genesis live results: Naito vs. Tsuji IWGP World title match|date=April 6, 2024|website=F4W/WON}}</ref>

Takagi made his first title defence on May 4, at [[Wrestling Dontaku 2024|Wrestling Dontaku]], defeating Gabe Kidd.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/new-japan/njpw-wrestling-dontaku-night-two-live-results-moxley-vs-narita-iwgp-title-match/|title=NJPW Wrestling Dontaku night two live results: Moxley vs. Narita IWGP title match|date=May 4, 2024|website=F4W/WON}}</ref> The following week at [[Resurgence (2024)|Resurgence]], Takagi retained the title against Yuya Uemura.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/new-japan/new-japan-results/njpw-resurgence-live-results-jon-moxley-vs-shota-umino-iwgp-world-title-match/|title=NJPW Resurgence live results: Jon Moxley vs. Shota Umino IWGP World title match|date=May 12, 2024|website=F4W/WON}}</ref> On June 9 at [[Dominion 6.9 in Osaka-jo Hall (2024)|Dominion 6.9 in Osaka-jo Hall]], Takagi defended his title against Henare, when the match ended in a Double KO.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/06/09/njpw-dominion-results-6-9-vetters-review-of-taiji-ishimori-vs-el-desperado-best-of-the-super-juniors-final-jon-moxley-vs-evil-in-a-lumberjack-match-for-the-iwgp-world-heavyweight-champions/|title=NJPW "Dominion" results (6/9): Vetter's review of Taiji Ishimori vs. El Desperado Best of the Super Juniors final, Jon Moxley vs. Evil in a lumberjack match for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship|first=Jason|last=Powell|date=June 9, 2024}}</ref> A week later at New Japan Soul, Takagi lost the title to Henare, ending his fourth reign at 71 days. <ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-06-16 |title=New Japan Soul live results: IWGP Junior title steel cage match |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/new-japan/new-japan-results/new-japan-soul-live-results-steel-cage-iwgp-junior-title-match/ |access-date=2025-06-16 |website=F4W/WON |language=en-GB}}</ref> In July, Takagi participated in the [[G1 Climax 34|G1 Climax]], where he was placed in A-Block and scoring 10 points. Takagi advanced to the playoff stage, where he defeated [[Great-O-Khan]] in the quater-finals, but lost to eventual winner [[Zack Sabre Jr.]] in the semi-finals. On September 29 at [[Destruction in Kobe (2024)|Destruction in Kobe]], Takagi defeated Henare to win his fifth NEVER Openweight Championship.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-09-29 |title=NJPW Destruction in Kobe live results: Tetsuya Naito vs. Great-O-Khan |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/new-japan/njpw-destruction-in-kobe-live-results-tetsuya-naito-vs-great-o-khan/ |access-date=2025-06-16 |website=F4W/WON |language=en-GB}}</ref> 

On January 4, 2025 at [[Wrestle Kingdom 19]], Takagi lost his title to [[Konosuke Takeshita]] in a [[Winner takes all match]], also involving Takeshita's [[AEW International Championship]], ending his fifth reign at 97 days.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Konosuke Takeshita Wins NEVER Openweight Championship At NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 19 {{!}} Fightful News |url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/new-never-openweight-champion-crowned-njpw-wrestle-kingdom-19 |access-date=2025-06-16 |website=www.fightful.com |language=en}}</ref> In March 2025, Takagi entered the [[New Japan Cup#2025|New Japan Cup]], defeating [[Boltin Oleg]] and [[Drilla Moloney]] to reach the semi-finals, before losing to [[Shota Umino]]. 

==== Rampage Dragon (2025–present) ====
At [[Wrestling Dontaku (2025)|Wrestling Dontaku: Night 2]] on May 4 where Takagi teamed with L.I.J stablemates [[Bushi (wrestler)|Bushi]], [[Hiromu Takahashi]], [[Tetsuya Naito]] to defeat [[Shota Umino]], [[Tomohiro Ishii]] and Just 4 Guys' Taichi and Taka Michinoku in what would be Bushi and Naito's farewell match in NJPW At the same event, it was announced that L.I.J would be ending as a stable moving forward..<ref name="matches">{{cite web |last=Carey |first=Ian |date=April 14, 2025 |title=NJPW announces lineups for Wrestling Dontaku, other events |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/new-japan/njpw-announces-lineup-for-wrestling-dontaku-other-events/ |access-date=April 24, 2025 |work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Thompson |first=Andrew |date=May 4, 2025 |title=Tetsuya Naito & BUSHI officially wrap up with NJPW at Wrestling Dontaku |url=https://www.postwrestling.com/2025/05/04/tetsuya-naito-bushi-officially-wrap-up-with-njpw-at-wrestling-dontaku/ |access-date=May 4, 2025 |work=[[POSTWrestling]]}}</ref> After the L.I.J's disbandment, Takagi adopted the moniker of the "Rampage Dragon" and would go to unsuccessfully challenge [[Hirooki Goto]] at [[Dominion 6.15 in Osaka-jo Hall]] for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=2025-06-15 |title=6/15 NJPW Dominion results: Vetter's review of Hirooki Goto vs. Shingo Takagi for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship, Yota Tsuji vs. Gabe Kidd for the IWGP Global Championship |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2025/06/15/6-15-njpw-dominion-results-vetters-review-of-hirooki-goto-vs-shingo-takagi-for-the-iwgp-world-heavyweight-championship-yota-tsuji-vs-gabe-kidd-for-the-iwgp-global-championship/ |access-date=2025-06-16 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |language=en-US}}</ref>

==Personal life==
Outside of his pro-wrestling career, Takagi supports his local [[Association football|football]] club, [[Ventforet Kofu]], which currently competes in [[J2 League]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/Takagi__Shingo/status/1581558115824152576?t=tK-kWjxkvuOZpjGw1zT4pw&s=19 |title=キタキタキタ〜 目指せアジアNo.1‼️ 試合前にテンション上がった〜 |website=www.twitter.com |language=Japanese |access-date=1 November 2023 |publisher=X }}</ref>

==Championships and accomplishments==
*'''[[Dragon Gate (wrestling)|Dragon Gate]]'''
**[[Open the Dream Gate Championship]] ([[Open the Dream Gate Championship#Title history|4 times]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gaora.co.jp/dragongate/data/title/single.html|title=Open the Dream Gate Championship|publisher=[[Dragon Gate (wrestling)|Dragon Gate]]|access-date=July 31, 2019|language=ja}}</ref>
**[[Open the Owarai Gate Championship]] (1 time)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gaora.co.jp/dragongate/data/title/owarai.html|title=Open the Owarai Gate Championship|publisher=[[Dragon Gate (wrestling)|Dragon Gate]]|access-date=August 1, 2019|language=ja}}</ref>
**[[Open the Triangle Gate Championship]] ([[Open the Triangle Gate Championship#Title history|6 times]]) – with [[BxB Hulk]] and [[Cyber Kong]] (2), [[Gamma (wrestler)|Gamma]] and [[Masato Onodera|Yamato]] (1), and [[Taku Iwasa]] and [[Dragon Kid]] (1), Cyber Kong and [[Tomahawk T.T.|T-Hawk]] (1), [[Cyber Kong|Takashi Yoshida]] and [[El Lindaman]] (1)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gaora.co.jp/dragongate/data/title/tag.html|title=Open the Triangle Gate Championship|publisher=[[Dragon Gate (wrestling)|Dragon Gate]]|access-date=July 31, 2019|language=ja}}</ref>
**[[Open the Twin Gate Championship]] ([[Open the Twin Gate Championship#History|5 times]]) – with Yamato (3), Cyber Kong (1) and [[Akira Tozawa]] (1)<ref name=DGUSAProfile/>
**[[King of Gate]] ([[King of Gate#2010|2010]])<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=26&nr=1627|title=King Of Gate 2010|work=www.cagematch.net|access-date=August 1, 2019}}</ref>
**New Year's Unit 6-Man Tag 1 Day Tournament (2017) – with [[El Lindaman]] and [[Tomahawk T.T.|T-Hawk]]<ref name=NewYearsUnit>{{cite web|url=http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/642177/|title=【ドラゴンゲート・後楽園】６人タッグＴはヴェルセルク優勝|date=2017-01-19|access-date=2017-01-19|work=[[Tokyo Sports]]|language=ja}}</ref>
**[[Summer Adventure Tag League]] ([[Summer Adventure Tag League#2009|2009]]) – with Yamato<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.purolove.com/dragongate/history/summeradventuretag09.php|title=Summer Adventure Tag League III 2009|access-date=2011-05-29|work=Purolove}}</ref>
*'''[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]'''
**[[IWGP World Heavyweight Championship]] ([[IWGP World Heavyweight Championship#Reigns|1 time]])<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=4099|title=IWGP World Heavyweight Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=June 7, 2021|access-date=June 7, 2021}}</ref>
**[[IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship]] ([[List of IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions|1 time]]) – with [[Bushi (wrestler)|Bushi]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=147|title=IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=January 4, 2019|access-date=January 31, 2021}}</ref>
**[[NEVER Openweight Championship]] ([[List of NEVER Openweight Champions|5 times]])<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=1865|title=NEVER Openweight Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=February 1, 2020|access-date=January 31, 2021}}</ref>
**[[NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Championship]] ([[List of NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Champions|1 time]])<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=2768|title=NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=January 5, 2020|access-date=January 31, 2021}}</ref> – with [[Tetsuya Bushi|Bushi]] and [[Evil (wrestler)|Evil]]
**[[KOPW (professional wrestling championship)| KOPW Championship]] ([[KOPW (professional wrestling championship)#reigns|1 time]])<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=4685|title=NJPW King Of Pro-Wrestling Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=April 25, 2022|access-date=May 1, 2022}}</ref>
*'''''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]'''''
**Ranked No. 9 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the [[PWI 500]] in 2021<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.profightdb.com/pwi-500/2021.html | title = Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) 500 for 2021 | access-date=September 8, 2021 | work=The Internet Wrestling Database}}</ref>
*'''[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]'''
**[[GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship]] ([[GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship#Title history|1 time]]) – with BxB Hulk<ref name=DGUSAProfile/>
*'''[[Ring of Honor]]'''
**[[ROH World Tag Team Championship]] ([[List of ROH World Tag Team Champions|1 time]]) – with [[Naruki Doi]]<ref name="ROHtag">{{cite web|url=http://www.rohwrestling.com/rohworldtagteamtitles.php|title=Ring Of Honor Tag Team Championship|access-date=2010-04-05|publisher=[[Ring of Honor]]|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100412035856/http://www.rohwrestling.com/rohworldtagteamtitles.php|archive-date=2010-04-12}}</ref>
*'''''[[Sports Illustrated]]'''''
**Ranked No. 4 of the [[Sports Illustrated#Wrestler of the Year|top 10 wrestlers]] in 2021<ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Barrasso|first=Justin|title=The Top 10 Wrestlers of 2021|url=https://www.si.com/wrestling/2022/01/06/top-10-wrestlers-2021-roman-reigns-kenny-omega-bryan-danielson|access-date=2022-02-02|magazine=Sports Illustrated|language=en-us}}</ref>
*'''''[[Tokyo Sports]]'''''
**[[Tokyo Sports Puroresu Awards#MVP Award|MVP Award]] (2021)<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/3859700/ | script-title = ja:【プロレス大賞】鷹木信悟が初ＭＶＰ！ 大先輩・武藤との “山梨対決” 制し「身が引き締まる思いだよ」 | date = December 14, 2021 | access-date=December 14, 2021 | work=[[Tokyo Sports]] | language=ja}}</ref>
**[[Tokyo Sports Puroresu Awards#Technique Award|Technique Award]] (2008)<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/wrestling/wrestling_past4/ | title = Winners 2000–2009 | access-date=December 14, 2017 | work=[[Tokyo Sports]] | language=ja}}</ref>
*'''[[Westside Xtreme Wrestling]]'''
**[[16 Carat Gold Tournament (wXw)|16 Carat Gold Tournament]] (2009)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=26&nr=1201|title=16 Carat Gold Tournament 2009|work=www.cagematch.net|access-date=August 1, 2019}}</ref>
*'''''[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]'''''
**[[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Rookie of the Year|Rookie of the Year]] (2005)<ref>{{cite journal|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|author-link=Dave Meltzer|date=January 26, 2011|title=Biggest issue of the year: The 2011 Wrestling Observer Newsletter Awards Issue|periodical=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]|location=Campbell, CA|pages=1–40|issn=1083-9593}}</ref>
**[[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Match of the Year|Match of the Year]] (2019) {{small|vs. [[Will Ospreay]] at the [[Best of the Super Juniors#2019|Best of the Super Juniors Finals]]}}<ref name="WON2019">{{cite journal|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/march-13-2020-observer-newsletter-40th-annual-awards-issue-305806|title=March 13, 2020 Observer Newsletter: 40th Annual Awards Issue|first=Dave|last=Meltzer|author-link=Dave Meltzer|journal=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]|date=March 5, 2020 |access-date=March 8, 2020}}</ref>
**[[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Most Outstanding Wrestler|Most Outstanding Wrestler]] (2021)
**[[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Japan MVP|Japan MVP]] (2021)
**[[WON Hall of Fame]] (2024)<ref>{{cite web |title=November 18, 2024 Observer Newsletter: The 2024 Hall of Fame class |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/wrestling-observer-newsletter/november-18-2024-observer-newsletter-the-2024-hall-of-fame-class/ |website=Figure 4 Weekly |access-date=15 November 2024}}</ref>
===Luchas de Apuestas record===
{{See also|Lucha libre#Luchas de Apuestas|l1=Luchas de Apuestas}}

{|class="wikitable sortable" width=100%
|-
!width=20%|Winner (wager)
!width=20%|Loser (wager)
!width=20%|Location
!width=20%|Event
!width=15%|Date
!width=5%|Notes
|-
|Shingo Takagi (hair) || [[BxB Hulk]] (hair) || [[Kobe]], [[Japan]] || Kobe Pro-Wrestling Festival 2010 || {{dts|2010|07|11}} ||
|}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* {{NJPW profile|id=36827|name=Shingo Takagi|newlink=yes}}
* {{Professional wrestling profiles|iwd=shingo-takagi-1885|wrestlingdata=971}}
* {{IMDb name|nm2580340|Shingo Takagi (I)}}
* {{Twitter|Takagi__Shingo|鷹木 信悟(TAKAGI SHINGO)}}
* [http://spora.jp/takagishingo/ Official blog]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20100528134439/http://www.rohwrestling.com/pastresults.php ROH past results]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20070812061909/http://dgusa.puroresufan.com/dgresults.html Dragon Gate past results]


{{Navboxes|list1=
{{Los Ingobernables de Japon}}
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{{IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship}}
{{NEVER Openweight Championship}}
{{NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Championship}}
{{New Japan Pro Wrestling personnel}}
{{Open the Dream Gate Championship}}
{{Open the Owarai Gate Championship}}
{{Open the Twin Gate Championship}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Takagi, Shingo}}
[[Category:1982 births]]
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