View source for Togi Makabe

{{Short description|Japanese professional wrestler}}
{{for|the rugby union player|Shinya Makabe (rugby union)}}
{{Infobox professional wrestler
|name=Togi Makabe
|birthname=Shinya Makabe
|names=Shinya Makabe<br />'''Togi Makabe'''<br />SweetGorilla Maruyama<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.njpw1972.com/tornament/37139?showCards=1|title = 2019.01.21 CMLL FANTASTICA MANIA 2019 Night8 &#124; NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING}}</ref>
|image=Togi Makabe 2017.jpg
|image_size=
|caption=Makabe in 2017
|height={{height|m=1.81|precision=0}}<!-- In Japan they measure height in meters so that should be first --><ref name=NJPW/>
|weight={{convert|110|kg|lb|0|abbr=on}}<!--In Japan they measure weight in kilograms so that should be first --><ref name=NJPW/>
|birth_date={{Birth date and age|1972|9|29}}<ref name=NJPW/>
|birth_place=[[Sagamihara, Kanagawa]]<ref name=NJPW/>
|death_date=
|death_place=
|resides=
|billed=
|trainer=Joe Daigo<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.daily.co.jp/ring/2017/11/06/0010710334.shtml | script-title=ja:元新日本プロレス北米支部長の大剛鉄之助さん死去 ７５歳 天山広吉の名付け親 | date=2017-11-06 | access-date=2017-11-06 | work=Daily Sports Online | publisher=[[Kobe Shimbun]] | language=ja}}</ref><br />[[NJPW Dojo]]<ref name="sss"/><br />[[Shinjiro Otani]]<ref>{{Cite web|last=NJPW|title=Ace's HIGH #66: On a knee and a prayer {{!}} NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING|url=https://www.njpw1972.com/100051|access-date=2021-07-26|website=NJPW|language=en}}</ref>
|debut=February 15, 1997<ref name=NJPW/>
|retired=
|website=
}}

{{nihongo|'''Shinya Makabe'''|真壁 伸也|Makabe Shin'ya|born September 29, 1972}},<ref name=NJPW>{{cite web |url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/profile/697 |script-title=ja:真壁 刀義  |access-date=2017-08-30 |work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] |language=ja }}</ref> better known by his [[ring name]] {{nihongo|'''Togi Makabe'''|真壁 刀義|Makabe Tōgi}} is a Japanese [[Professional wrestling|professional wrestler]], trained by and performing for [[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] (NJPW), where he is a former one-time [[IWGP Heavyweight Championship|IWGP Heavyweight Champion]], [[List of IWGP Tag Team Champions|two-time]] [[IWGP Tag Team Champion]], [[List of NEVER Openweight Champions|two-time]] [[NEVER Openweight Championship|NEVER Openweight Champion]] and [[List of NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Champions|one-time]] [[NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Championship|NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Champion]].

Debuting in 1997, Makabe originally wrestled under his birthname as a [[Cruiserweight (professional wrestling)|junior heavyweight]] ({{convert|100|kg|lb|0}}, before gaining several kilograms during a global excursion in 2001 and 2002.<ref name="sss">{{cite web|url=http://puroresufan.com/roster/makabe.php|archive-url=https://archive.today/20080524024451/http://puroresufan.com/roster/makabe.php|url-status=dead|archive-date=2008-05-24|title=Togi Makabe profile|access-date=2010-05-12|publisher=Strong Style Spirit}}</ref> He changed his given name to "Togi" during the [[G1 Climax#2004|2004 G1 Climax]] tournament.<ref name="g104">{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/results/g104.php |title=NJPW G1 Climax 2004 tour results |access-date=2007-08-20 |publisher=Strong Style Spirit |archive-url=https://archive.today/20070819144812/http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/results/g104.php |archive-date=2007-08-19 |url-status=dead }}</ref> His status in New Japan rose significantly in 2007, making it to the finals of the [[New Japan Cup]] and the semifinals of the G1 Climax, and challenging [[Yuji Nagata]] for the [[IWGP Heavyweight Championship]]. After a number of unsuccessful challenges at the title, Makabe finally won the IWGP Heavyweight Championship on May 3, 2010, by defeating [[Shinsuke Nakamura]].

Makabe's wrestling style and character is heavily influenced by the late [[Bruiser Brody]]. Known as the '''"Unchained Gorilla"''', Makabe is known for his violent, bloody style of wrestling, often illegally employing steel chairs and chains into his offense, including a [[Professional wrestling attacks#Lariat|lariat]] with a chain wrapped around his arm (like Brody). He also uses Brody's Japan theme "[[Immigrant Song]]" (albeit a cover made by [[Tomoyasu Hotei]]) as his own.

==Professional wrestling career==

===New Japan Pro-Wrestling===
====Junior heavyweight division (1997–2001)====
Pursuing [[judo]] while enrolled in [[Tokyo]]'s [[Teikyo University]], Shinya Makabe passed an NJPW admission test in February 1996 and enrolled in the New Japan dojo in April of that year, training there for ten months.<ref name="offprof">{{cite web |url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/data/detail_profile.php?f=029 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101228011037/http://www.njpw.co.jp/data/detail_profile.php?f=029|archive-date=2010-12-28|title=Togi Makabe official profile |access-date=2010-12-23 |publisher=NJPW.co.jp |language=ja }}</ref> He made his debut the following year, losing to [[Shinjiro Otani]] on February 15, 1997.<ref name="sss"/> Makabe began wrestling in the undercard, obtaining his first victory 20 months after his debut by defeating [[Yutaka Yoshie]] on October 15, 1998.<ref name="offprof"/> Makabe continued to wrestle in lesser matches through 1999 against other young wrestlers such as [[Wataru Inoue (wrestler)|Wataru Inoue]] and [[Katsuyori Shibata]], and defeating future [[IWGP Heavyweight Championship|IWGP Heavyweight Champion]] [[Hiroshi Tanahashi]] in his debut match on October 10, 1999.<ref name="nj99">{{cite web|url=http://puroresufan.com/njpw/results99.php |title=NJPW results, 1999 |access-date=2007-09-29 |publisher=Strong Style Spirit |archive-url=https://archive.today/20070622212448/http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/results99.php |archive-date=2007-06-22 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

In April 2000, Makabe entered the [[Super J-Cup]], a 16-man [[single-elimination tournament]] held in [[Michinoku Pro Wrestling|Michinoku Pro]], involving junior heavyweights from a number of different promotions; he was eliminated in the first round by [[Gran Hamada]].<ref name="jcup00">{{cite web |url=http://prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/japan/lucha/mich/michtny.html#superj2000 |title=Super J Cup 2000 results |access-date=2007-09-29 |publisher=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments }}</ref> Later that month, Makabe also participated in NJPW's [[Young Lion Cup]], a six-man [[round-robin tournament]] exclusive to young wrestlers; he finished in first place for the group stage, defeating all of his opponents ([[Kenzo Suzuki]], Hiroshi Tanahashi, Wataru Inoue, Katsuyori Shibata and [[Masakazu Fukuda]] by forfeit),<ref name="ylc00">{{cite web|url=http://puroresufan.com/njpw/history/ylc00.php |title=NJPW Young Lion Cup 2000 results |access-date=2007-09-29 |publisher=Strong Style Spirit |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130201001639/http://puroresufan.com/njpw/history/ylc00.php |archive-date=2013-02-01 |url-status=dead }}</ref> though he lost to second-place finisher Kenzo Suzuki in the final.<ref name="nj00">{{cite web|url=http://puroresufan.com/njpw/results00.php |title=NJPW results, 2000 |access-date=2007-09-29 |publisher=Strong Style Spirit |archive-url=https://archive.today/20070926234205/http://puroresufan.com/njpw/results00.php |archive-date=2007-09-26 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Shinya continued his tournament participation in May and June, entering New Japan's [[Best of the Super Juniors]] (BOSJ) round-robin tournament to decide the company's top junior heavyweight wrestler. Makabe finished in last place out of six in Block A, scoring two points by defeating [[Dr. Wagner, Jr.]]<ref name="bosj00">{{cite web|url=http://puroresufan.com/njpw/history/bosj00.php |title=NJPW Best of the Super Juniors 2000 results |access-date=2007-09-29 |publisher=Strong Style Spirit |archive-url=https://archive.today/20071102083814/http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/history/bosj00.php |archive-date=2007-11-02 |url-status=dead }}</ref> He later defeated [[Minoru Fujita]], who finished in last place for Block B to determine the tournament's 11th-place finisher, leaving Fujita at #12.<ref name="bosjall">{{cite web|url=http://puroresufan.com/njpw/history/bosj.php |title=NJPW Best of the Super Juniors history |access-date=2007-09-29 |publisher=Strong Style Spirit |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130131220058/http://puroresufan.com/njpw/history/bosj.php |archive-date=2013-01-31 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Makabe received the first title shot of his career on September 12, 2000, teaming with [[Jyushin Thunder Liger]] to unsuccessfully challenge [[Koji Kanemoto]] and [[Minoru Tanaka (wrestler)|Minoru Tanaka]] for the [[IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship]].<ref name="amazing">{{cite web|url=http://puroresufan.com/njpw/results/amazing00.php |title=NJPW Amazing tour results |access-date=2007-09-29 |publisher=Strong Style Spirit |archive-url=https://archive.today/20070824202514/http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/results/amazing00.php |archive-date=2007-08-24 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Makabe made his debut in the [[Tokyo Dome]], one of the largest venues in Japan, during NJPW's annual event there on January 4, 2001, teaming with [[Tatsuhito Takaiwa]] in a loss to Koji Kanemoto and Minoru Tanaka.<ref name="nj01">{{cite web|url=http://puroresufan.com/njpw/results01.php |title=NJPW results, 2001 |access-date=2007-09-29 |publisher=Strong Style Spirit |archive-url=https://archive.today/20070608135547/http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/results01.php |archive-date=2007-06-08 |url-status=dead }}</ref> For the following few months, Makabe began competing amongst heavyweights, even teaming with [[Riki Choshu]] to challenge [[Satoshi Kojima]] and [[Hiroyoshi Tenzan]] for the [[IWGP World Tag Team Championship]], falling to a Kojima lariat.<ref name="hyperbattle01">{{cite web|url=http://puroresufan.com/njpw/results/hyper01.php |title=NJPW Hyper Battle 2001 tour results |access-date=2007-09-29 |publisher=Strong Style Spirit |archive-url=https://archive.today/20071014192543/http://puroresufan.com/njpw/results/hyper01.php |archive-date=2007-10-14 |url-status=dead }}</ref> However, he returned to the Best of the Super Juniors tournament in June, finishing in fifth place out of six in his block, earning 4 points by defeating Katsuyori Shibata and [[Akira Nogami|AKIRA]].<ref name="bosj01">{{cite web|url=http://puroresufan.com/njpw/history/bosj01.php |title=NJPW Best of the Super Juniors 2000 results |access-date=2007-09-29 |publisher=Strong Style Spirit |archive-url=https://archive.today/20061119033420/http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/history/bosj01.php |archive-date=2006-11-19 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

On June 8, 2001, as part of a series of interpromotional matches, Makabe and [[Yuji Nagata]] entered [[All Japan Pro Wrestling]] (AJPW) to challenge for the vacant [[All Asia Tag Team Championship]], losing to [[Masahito Kakihara]] and [[Mitsuya Nagai]].<ref name="ajsuperpower">{{cite web|url=http://ajpw.puroresufan.com/results/super01.php |title=AJPW Super Power Series tour results |access-date=2007-09-29 |publisher=Shining Road |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071029032757/http://ajpw.puroresufan.com/results/super01.php |archive-date=2007-10-29 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In August 2001, Makabe announced that he would be leaving Japan indefinitely to wrestle overseas in Canada, Great Britain and Puerto Rico.<ref name="sss"/> He wrestled his farewell match on August 12, 2001, in a tag team loss with Yutaka Yoshie against Riki Choshu and Kenzo Suzuki.<ref name="g101">{{cite web|url=http://puroresufan.com/njpw/results/g101.php |title=NJPW G1 Climax 2001 tour results |access-date=2007-09-29 |publisher=Strong Style Spirit |archive-url=https://archive.today/20070402225143/http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/results/g101.php |archive-date=2007-04-02 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Makabe wrestled in the aforementioned countries for the following 14 months, gaining a considerable amount of muscle.<ref name="sss"/>

====Move to heavyweight division and name change (2002–2006)====
Makabe returned to New Japan on October 14, 2002 in the Tokyo Dome as a heavyweight, teaming with [[Minoru Fujita]] to defeat Kenzo Suzuki and Hiroshi Tanahashi;<ref name="nj02">{{cite web|url=http://puroresufan.com/njpw/results02.php |title=NJPW results, 2002 |access-date=2007-09-29 |publisher=Strong Style Spirit |archive-url=https://archive.today/20070519045039/http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/results02.php |archive-date=2007-05-19 |url-status=dead }}</ref> he continued to team with Fujita and his fellow [[Kaientai Dojo]] member [[Taka Michinoku]] over the next few tours.<ref name="toukon">{{cite web|url=http://puroresufan.com/njpw/results/toukonseries02.php |title=NJPW Toukon Series tour results |access-date=2007-09-29 |publisher=Strong Style Spirit |archive-url=https://archive.today/20071014011035/http://puroresufan.com/njpw/results/toukonseries02.php |archive-date=2007-10-14 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="triathlon">{{cite web|url=http://puroresufan.com/njpw/results/triathlon02.php |title=NJPW Triathlon Survivor tour results |access-date=2007-09-29 |publisher=Strong Style Spirit |archive-url=https://archive.today/20070617045807/http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/results/triathlon02.php |archive-date=2007-06-17 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

In January 2003, Makabe suspended his contract with NJPW, wrestling under his own terms.<ref name="sss"/> Makabe once again wrestled at NJPW's annual Tokyo Dome event on January 4, 2003, competing in the four-man Young Generation Cup tournament, losing in the first round to Yutaka Yoshie.<ref name="nj03">{{cite web|url=http://puroresufan.com/njpw/results03.php |title=NJPW results, 2003 |access-date=2007-09-30 |publisher=Strong Style Spirit |archive-url=https://archive.today/20070926234139/http://puroresufan.com/njpw/results03.php |archive-date=2007-09-26 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Shinya once again teamed with Minoru Fujita in February 2003, competing in an 8-team tournament to decide the #1 contenders to the IWGP Tag Team Championship; they were eliminated in the first round by [[Tatsutoshi Goto]] and [[Hiro Saito]].<ref name="fightingspirit">{{cite web|url=http://puroresufan.com/njpw/results/fspirit03.php |title=NJPW Fighting Spirit tour results |access-date=2007-09-30 |publisher=Strong Style Spirit |archive-url=https://archive.today/20070926233951/http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/results/fspirit03.php |archive-date=2007-09-26 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Regardless, Makabe challenged for the belts with a different partner, [[Yoshihiro Takayama]], on March 9, 2003, losing to champions [[Masahiro Chono]] and Hiroyoshi Tenzan.<ref name="hyper03">{{cite web|url=http://puroresufan.com/njpw/results/hyper03.php |title=NJPW Hyper Battle 2003 tour results |access-date=2007-09-30 |publisher=Strong Style Spirit |archive-url=https://archive.today/20070809022246/http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/results/hyper03.php |archive-date=2007-08-09 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Around the same time, Makabe participated in the G2 U-30 Climax, a round-robin tournament featuring only wrestlers under the age of 30 (although Makabe was already 31) to decide the first [[IWGP U-30 Openweight Championship|IWGP U-30 Openweight Champion]]. Makabe finished in first place out of five in Block A, defeating Hiroshi Tanahashi, Masahito Kakihara and Dan Devine, and losing to Makai #2. He would go on to defeat [[Dolgorsürengiin Serjbüdee|Blue Wolf]] in the semifinals before losing to Hiroshi Tanahashi in the final on April 23, 2003.<ref name="g2">{{cite web|url=http://puroresufan.com/njpw/history/g2climax.php |title=NJPW G2 U-30 Climax results |access-date=2007-09-30 |publisher=Strong Style Spirit |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130224121026/http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/history/g2climax.php |archive-date=2013-02-24 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

On July 1, 2003, Makabe travelled to [[Pro Wrestling Noah]], teaming with Yoshihiro Takayama and NOAH's [[Takashi Sugiura]] to defeat [[Jun Akiyama]], [[Akitoshi Saito]] and [[Makoto Hashi]]. He and Takayama would go on to challenge [[Kenta Kobashi]] and [[Tamon Honda]] for the [[GHC Tag Team Championship]], Makabe getting pinned after a Kobashi lariat.<ref name="accomplish">{{cite web |url=http://noah.puroresufan.com/results/navigationaccomplish03.php |title=NOAH Accomplish Our Third Navigation tour results |access-date=2007-09-30 |publisher=Green Destiny |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080218000314/http://www.noah.puroresufan.com/results/navigationaccomplish03.php |archive-date=2008-02-18 }}</ref> Makabe continued to wrestle mid- and uppercard wrestlers in NJPW throughout 2003 and much of 2004, before making his first appearance in New Japan's annual [[G1 Climax]] heavyweight tournament, changing his name to '''Togi Makabe''' and defeating Mitsuya Nagai on August 7, 2004 to gain entrance into the competition. Makabe finished in seventh out of eight in his block with four points, defeating [[Osamu Nishimura]] by pinfall and Yoshihiro Takayama by forfeit.<ref name="g104"/>

Makabe again participated in the G1 Climax in August 2005, though he was in only two matches before tearing his achilles tendon in a match against [[Shinsuke Nakamura]]. Makabe was forced to forfeit the rest of his matches due to the injury, finishing with zero points<ref name="g105">{{cite web|url=http://puroresufan.com/njpw/results/g105.php |title=NJPW G1 Climax 2005 tour results |access-date=2007-12-05 |publisher=Strong Style Spirit |archive-url=https://archive.today/20071126113352/http://puroresufan.com/njpw/results/g105.php |archive-date=2007-11-26 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and taking him out of action for five months. He returned on January 8, 2006, teaming with [[Toru Yano]] in a losing effort against Osamu Nishimura and Naofumi Yamamoto.<ref name="nj06">{{cite web|url=http://puroresufan.com/njpw/results06.php |title=NJPW results, 2006 |access-date=2007-12-05 |publisher=Strong Style Spirit |archive-url=https://archive.today/20071117151907/http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/results06.php |archive-date=2007-11-17 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Makabe entered the second annual [[New Japan Cup]] in April 2006, defeating Tatsutoshi Goto in the first round before losing to Yuji Nagata in the quarterfinals.<ref name="njc06">{{cite web|url=http://puroresufan.com/njpw/results/njcup06.php |title=NJPW New Japan Cup 2007 tour results |access-date=2007-12-05 |publisher=Strong Style Spirit |archive-url=https://archive.today/20070609130139/http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/results/njcup06.php |archive-date=2007-06-09 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

On July 2, 2006, Makabe teamed with [[Shiro Koshinaka]] in a one-night tournament to crown the interim [[IWGP Tag Team Championship|IWGP Tag Team Champions]], after primary champions Masahiro Chono and Hiroyoshi Tenzan became inactive. The duo defeated the teams of Yuji Nagata and Naofumi Yamamoto and [[Matt Bloom|Giant Bernard]] and [[Travis Tomko]] to win the interim title;<ref name="Interim IWGP Tag">{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/result/2006/0701_0719/0702_01.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070224231848/http://www.njpw.co.jp/result/2006/0701_0719/0702_01.html|script-title=ja:7月2日(日)後楽園ホール|archive-date=2007-02-24|access-date=2016-01-22|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=ja}}</ref> the reign would be short-lived however, as Koshinaka and Makabe would lose the title to [[Manabu Nakanishi]] and [[Takao Omori]] just 15 days later.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/result/2006/0701_0719/0717_01.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070210035805/http://www.njpw.co.jp/result/2006/0701_0719/0717_01.html|script-title=ja:7月17日(月)札幌・月寒グリーンドーム|archive-date=2007-02-10 |access-date=2016-01-22|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=ja}}</ref>

Makabe entered the 2006 G1 Climax in August, finishing with three points in his block with a win over Naofumi Yamamoto and a double count out against Yuji Nagata.<ref name="g106">{{cite web|url=http://puroresufan.com/njpw/results/g106.php |title=NJPW G1 Climax 2006 tour results |access-date=2007-12-05 |publisher=Strong Style Spirit |archive-url=https://archive.today/20070822032506/http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/results/g106.php |archive-date=2007-08-22 |url-status=dead }}</ref> On September 24, 2006, Makabe entered [[Apache Pro-Wrestling Army]], defeating [[Kintaro Kanemura]] on their third anniversary show to revive the [[WEW Heavyweight Championship]], the first official Japanese title of his career.<ref name="apache06">{{cite web |url=http://www.purolove.com/misc/apache/results/results06.php |title=Apache Pro results, 2006 |access-date=2008-01-20 |publisher=PuroLove.com |language=de }}</ref> 

====Great Bash Heel (2006–2010)====
On October 2, 2006, Hiroyoshi Tenzan announced a new faction featuring himself, Makabe and Shiro Koshinaka, naming it [[Great Bash Heel]] (GBH) shortly afterward; Toru Yano and [[Tomohiro Ishii]], who had been feuding with Makabe and Koshinaka, also joined the group.<ref name="oct06">{{cite web|url=http://puroresufan.com/script/show_archives.php?archive=1162202633&subaction=list-archive& |title=NJPW news, October 2 to 27 2006 |access-date=2008-01-20 |publisher=Strong Style Spiirt |archive-url=https://archive.today/20071221224542/http://www.puroresufan.com/script/show_archives.php?archive=1162202633&subaction=list-archive& |archive-date=2007-12-21 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Makabe teamed with Koshinaka in the G1 Tag League later that month, finishing in last place in their block out of five, ending with two points via a victory over eventual winners Masahiro Chono and Shinsuke Nakamura.<ref name="g1t06">{{cite web|url=http://puroresufan.com/njpw/results/circuitexplosion06.php |title=G1 Tag League 2006 tour results |access-date=2007-12-05 |publisher=Strong Style Spirit |archive-url=https://archive.today/20071117151852/http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/results/circuitexplosion06.php |archive-date=2007-11-17 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Makabe entered another tag team tournament in November, the National Area Tag League, in which teams were organized by home region; Makabe teamed with Gedo, representing the [[Kantō region]]. They lost both of their matches in Block D, falling to Hiroshi Tanahashi and Naofumi Yamamoto of [[Kansai region|Kansai]] as well as [[Akihito Terui|Milano Collection AT]] and [[Fergal Devitt|Prince Devitt]], representing [[Hokkaidō]].<ref name="10-1206">{{cite web|url=http://puroresufan.com/script/show_archives.php?archive=1165422411&subaction=list-archive& |title=NJPW news, October 28 to December 2, 2006 |access-date=2008-01-20 |publisher=Strong Style Spirit |archive-url=https://archive.today/20071221224547/http://www.puroresufan.com/script/show_archives.php?archive=1165422411&subaction=list-archive& |archive-date=2007-12-21 |url-status=dead }}</ref> On November 18, 2006, Makabe made his first defense of the WEW title on New Japan's LOCK UP brand, defeating Kintaro Kanemura in a rematch.<ref name="lockup06">{{cite web|url=http://puroresufan.com/njpw/lu/results06.php |title=LOCK UP results, 2006 |access-date=2008-01-20 |publisher=Strong Style Spirit |archive-url=https://archive.today/20070822230856/http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/lu/results06.php |archive-date=2007-08-22 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Makabe and Koshinaka teamed once again on December 10, 2006, unsuccessfully challenging the interpromotional team of Manabu Nakanishi and [[Pro Wrestling Zero1]]'s Takao Omori for the official IWGP Tag Team title after losing the interim title in July.<ref name="nextprogress">{{cite web|url=http://puroresufan.com/njpw/results/circuitfinal06.php |title=NJPW Circuit 2006 Final ~Next Progress~ tour results |access-date=2008-01-20 |publisher=Strong Style Spirit |archive-url=https://archive.today/20080103023021/http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/results/circuitfinal06.php |archive-date=2008-01-03 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

[[File:Togi Makabe 2008.JPG|thumb|Makabe in August 2008]]
Makabe teamed with GBH allies Yano and Ishii on January 4, 2007, at [[Wrestle Kingdom I|Wrestle Kingdom in Tokyo Dome]], defeating Travis Tomko and AJPW's [[D'Lo Brown]] and [[Barry Buchanan|Buchanan]].<ref name="nj07">{{cite web|url=http://puroresufan.com/njpw/results07.php |title=NJPW results, 2007 |access-date=2008-01-20 |publisher=Strong Style Spirit |archive-url=https://archive.today/20080104070542/http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/results07.php |archive-date=2008-01-04 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Four days later, Makabe retained the WEW title against Tetsuhiro Kuroda at an event co-produced by Apache Pro and [[Takashi Sasaki]];<ref name="apache07">{{cite web |url=http://www.purolove.com/misc/apache/results/results07.php |title= Apache Pro results, 2007 |access-date=2008-01-20 |publisher=PuroLove.com |language=de }}</ref> he would defend the championship for a third time on February 4, 2007 at LOCK UP's first show in Korakuen Hall, defeating Mammoth Sasaki in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Cages|cage death match]].<ref name="lockup07">{{cite web|url=http://puroresufan.com/njpw/lu/results07.php |title=LOCK UP results, 2007 |access-date=2008-01-20 |publisher=Strong Style Spirit |archive-url=https://archive.today/20080117194727/http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/lu/results07.php |archive-date=2008-01-17 |url-status=dead }}</ref> On February 18, 2007, Makabe faced and lost to Shinsuke Nakamura in a match pitting GBH against Nakamura and Masahiro Chono's BLACK faction, subtitled "SANCTIONS".<ref name="ism">{{cite web|url=http://puroresufan.com/njpw/results/circuitism07.php |title=NJPW Circuit 2007 New Japan ISM tour results |access-date=2008-01-20 |publisher=Strong Style Spirit |archive-url=https://archive.today/20080117031301/http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/results/circuitism07.php |archive-date=2008-01-17 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Makabe again entered the New Japan Cup in March 2007, making it to the finals with victories over Travis Tomko and [[Takayuki Iizuka|Takashi Iizuka]] by pinfall and Hiroyoshi Tenzan by disqualification, before losing to Yuji Nagata in the final.<ref name="njc07">{{cite web|url=http://puroresufan.com/njpw/results/circuitevolution07.php |title=NJPW Circuit 2007 New Japan Evolution ~New Japan Cup 2007~ tour results |access-date=2008-01-20 |publisher=Strong Style Spirit |archive-url=https://archive.today/20080117031256/http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/results/circuitevolution07.php |archive-date=2008-01-17 |url-status=dead }}</ref> On April 8, 2007, Makabe faced Nakamura in a rematch of their February contest, defeating Shinsuke in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Strap match|chain death match]].<ref name="brave">{{cite web|url=http://puroresufan.com/njpw/results/circuitbrave07.php |title=NJPW Circuit 2007 New Japan Brave tour results |access-date=2008-01-20 |publisher=Strong Style Spirit |archive-url=https://archive.today/20080117031245/http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/results/circuitbrave07.php |archive-date=2008-01-17 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Makabe made his fourth defense of the WEW title on April 15, 2007 in Apache Pro, again defeating Mammoth Sasaki.<ref name="apache07"/> Makabe battled Nakamura for a third time on May 3, 2007 in a match dubbed "Reality or Revenge", winning once more.<ref name="hall2days">{{cite web|url=http://puroresufan.com/njpw/results/circuitnewworld07.php |title=NJPW Circuit 2007 Brave New World ~HALL2DAYS~ tour results |access-date=2008-01-20 |publisher=Strong Style Spirit |archive-url=https://archive.today/20080117031306/http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/results/circuitnewworld07.php |archive-date=2008-01-17 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

On May 20, 2007, GBH battled a BLACK and NJPW seikigun alliance of Yuji Nagata, Riki Choshu, Masahiro Chono, Shinsuke Nakamura and Naofumi Yamamoto; Makabe and Hiroyoshi Tenzan survived, Makabe last eliminating IWGP Heavyweight champion Nagata by pinfall.<ref name="desperado">{{cite web|url=http://puroresufan.com/njpw/results/circuitglory07.php |title=NJPW Circuit 2007 New Japan Glory X "GBH" ~DESPERADO~ tour results |access-date=2008-01-20 |publisher=Strong Style Spirit |archive-url=https://archive.today/20080104070529/http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/results/circuitglory07.php |archive-date=2008-01-04 |url-status=dead }}</ref> On June 24, 2007, Makabe lost the WEW Heavyweight Championship in Apache Pro to Kintaro Kanemura in their third meeting.<ref name="apache07"/> Makabe followed up his pinfall over Nagata in May with a challenge to Nagata's title, his first singles title shot in New Japan, on July 6, 2007 in front of a sold out [[Korakuen Hall]]; Nagata won with a [[Suplex#Belly to back suplex|backdrop]] in just under 20 minutes.<ref name="soul">{{cite web|url=http://puroresufan.com/njpw/results/circuitsoul07.php |title=NJPW Circuit 2007 New Japan Soul ~CTU Farewell Tour~ tour results |access-date=2008-01-20 |publisher=Strong Style Spirit |archive-url=https://archive.today/20080113185027/http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/results/circuitsoul07.php |archive-date=2008-01-13 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Makabe had his strongest showing to date in the G1 Climax in August, finishing first place in his block with six points with pinfall victories over Giant Bernard, Yuji Nagata, and Masahiro Chono before losing in the semifinals to eventual winner Hiroshi Tanahashi.<ref name="g107">{{cite web|url=http://puroresufan.com/njpw/results/g107.php |title=G1 Climax 2007 tour results |access-date=2008-01-20 |publisher=Strong Style Spirit |archive-url=https://archive.today/20080117194742/http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/results/g107.php |archive-date=2008-01-17 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Makabe also made it to the semifinals in the G1 Tag League in November, scoring 8 points with Toru Yano in the tournament's single block by defeating  the teams of Yuji Nagata and Manabu Nakanishi, [[Akebono Tarō|Akebono]] and Masahiro Chono, and Gedo and Jado, as well as Giant Bernard in a handicap match when his partner Travis Tomko no-showed the event; Bernard and Tomko, the eventual winners, would defeat Makabe and Yano in the semifinals.<ref name="g1tag07">{{cite web|url=http://puroresufan.com/njpw/results/circuittruth07.php |title=NJPW Circuit 2007 Truth ~G1 Tag League~ tour results |access-date=2008-01-20 |publisher=Strong Style Spirit |archive-url=https://archive.today/20080119213641/http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/results/circuittruth07.php |archive-date=2008-01-19 |url-status=dead }}</ref> On December 9, 2007, Makabe and Shinsuke Nakamura faced off in their fourth and final match of the year, this time with the winner receiving a shot at Hiroshi Tanahashi's IWGP Heavyweight title at the Tokyo Dome in January; Nakamura was victorious, tying their series at 2-2.<ref name="alive">{{cite web|url=http://puroresufan.com/njpw/results/circuitalive07.php |title=NJPW Circuit 2007 New Japan Alive |access-date=2008-01-20 |publisher=Strong Style Spirit |archive-url=https://archive.today/20071119172633/http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/results/circuitalive07.php |archive-date=2007-11-19 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

On January 4, 2008, at [[Wrestle Kingdom II in Tokyo Dome]], fresh off of winning [[Tokyo Sports]]' Tag Team of the Year award for 2007,<ref name="tsgp00"/> Makabe and Toru Yano were defeated by [[Total Nonstop Action Wrestling]]'s (TNA) [[The Dudley Boyz|Team 3D]] ([[Mark LoMonaco|Brother Ray]] and [[Devon Hughes|Brother Devon]]) as part of an interpromotional card between TNA and NJPW.<ref name="nj08">{{cite web|url=http://puroresufan.com/njpw/results08.php |title=NJPW results, 2008 |access-date=2008-01-20 |publisher=Strong Style Spirit |archive-url=https://archive.today/20071231040951/http://puroresufan.com/njpw/results08.php |archive-date=2007-12-31 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Makabe and Yano would later defeat Giant Bernard and Travis Tomko for the IWGP Tag Team Championship on February 17, 2008.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://puroresufan.com/njpw/results/circuitism08.php |title=NJPW Circuit 2008 New Japan ISM tour results |access-date=2008-01-27 |publisher=Strong Style Spirit |archive-url=https://archive.today/20080105121140/http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/results/circuitism08.php |archive-date=2008-01-05 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Earlier in the night, GBH leader Hiroyoshi Tenzan was betrayed and attacked by fellow GBH members Tomohiro Ishii, Jado and Gedo, kicking him out of the faction.<ref name="sssmain">{{cite web |url=http://puroresufan.com/ |title=Strong Style Spirit main page |access-date=2008-02-19 }}</ref>

Makabe and Yano made their first title defense on March 9, 2008, retaining over Giant Bernard and Shinsuke Nakamura when interference from both teams' respective factions led to a no contest; as a result the match was stricken from the record, and is not considered an official defense. Later that month, Makabe participated in the New Japan Cup for the third straight year, defeating Takashi Iizuka and ousted GBH leader Hiroyoshi Tenzan in the first two rounds, before falling to eventual winner Hiroshi Tanahashi in the semifinal.<ref name="njc08">{{cite web|url=http://puroresufan.com/njpw/results/circuitnjc08.php |title=New Japan Cup 2008 tour results |access-date=2008-03-31 |publisher=Strong Style Spirit |archive-url=https://archive.today/20080323055431/http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/results/circuitnjc08.php |archive-date=2008-03-23 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Makabe and Tenzan battled the following week in a non-title tag team match, Tenzan and Takashi Iizuka defeating Makabe and Yano when Tenzan pinned Makabe.<ref name="nj08"/> The two teams battled again, this time for the championship, on April 27, 2008; Makabe and Yano came out on top in their first official defense after Iizuka betrayed Tenzan and allowed the champions to retain, seemingly joining GBH. In August Makabe once again finished first in his block of the G1 Climax tournament and advanced to the finals, where he was defeated by [[Hirooki Goto]], despite interference from Makabe's GBH teammates.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/results/g108.html|title=G1 CLIMAX 2008 ~HEROES OF SUPREMACY~ (8/9/08 to 8/17/08)|access-date=2010-03-22|publisher=Strong Style Spirit}}</ref>

[[File:Togi Makabe 2010.JPG|thumb|left|Makabe in December 2010]]
On January 4, 2009, Makabe and Yano were scheduled to defend the IWGP Tag Team Championship at [[Wrestle Kingdom III in Tokyo Dome]] in a three way dance against Team 3D of TNA Wrestling and [[Satoshi Kojima]] and [[Hiroyoshi Tenzan]], but an injury to Tenzan turned it into a match between Makabe & Yano and 3D, which 3D won. 3D also won the subsequent rematch a month later. This failure inevitably lead to the Makabe/Yano team dissolving when Yano cost Makabe a match against Shinsuke Nakamura in early April. While Makabe was out due to a head injury suffered at the hands of Yano, most of GBH, Yano included, went on to form [[CHAOS (professional wrestling)|CHAOS]] with Shinsuke Nakamura, leaving Makabe and Tomoaki Honma on their own. In August 2009 Makabe finished first in his block of the G1 Climax tournament for the third year in a row and then defeated Takashi Sugiura and Shinsuke Nakamura to win the entire tournament.<ref name=G12009>{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/results/g109.html|title=G1 CLIMAX 2009 ~NEW LORDS, NEW LAWS~ (8/7/09 to 8/16/09)|access-date=2010-03-22|publisher=Strong Style Spirit}}</ref> After Hiroshi Tanahashi was forced to vacate the IWGP Heavyweight Championship due to an injury, Makabe and Nakamura were booked in a rematch to determine the new champion. Nakamura defeated Makabe with the [[Shinsuke Nakamura#In wrestling|Boma Ye]] to become the 53rd champion.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/results/circuitgeneration09.html|title=NJPW, 9/27/09 (WPW)|access-date=2010-03-22|publisher=Strong Style Spirit}}</ref> At [[Wrestle Kingdom IV in Tokyo Dome]] Makabe defeated [[Muhammad Yone]] in an interpromotional match between New Japan and Pro Wrestling Noah.<ref name=KingdomIV>{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=1308|title=Results New Japan, 1/4/10|date=2010-01-04|access-date=2010-01-13|publisher=Strong Style Spirit}}</ref>

[[File:Togi Makabe.jpg|thumb|Makabe in November 2011]]
In January Makabe along with his ally Honma, would compete on Noah's [[Global Tag League]]. They only won one match,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cagematch.de/?id=1&nr=47001|title=NOAH The First Navigation 2010 - Tag 1|access-date=2010-03-22|publisher=Cagematch}}</ref> but Makabe left a huge mark by pinning [[GHC Heavyweight Championship|GHC Heavyweight Champion]] Takashi Sugiura in a non-tournament tag team match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cagematch.de/?id=1&nr=48299|title=NOAH The First Navigation 2010 - Tag 4|access-date=2010-03-22|publisher=Cagematch}}</ref> On February 28, Makabe failed to claim the GHC Heavyweight Championship from Takashi Sugiura at Budokan Hall.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cagematch.de/?id=1&nr=48601|title=NOAH The First Navigation 2010 - Tag 9|access-date=2010-03-22|publisher=Cagematch}}</ref> 

====IWGP Heavyweight Champion (2010–2012)====
In March 2010 Makabe entered the [[New Japan Cup#2010|2010 New Japan Cup]] and defeated Tomohiro Ishii, Toru Yano and [[Tetsuya Naito]] to advance to the finals, where he was once again defeated by Hirooki Goto in a rematch of their 2008 G1 Climax final match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=1475|title=Results New Japan, 3/22/10|date=2010-03-22|access-date=2010-03-22|publisher=Strong Style Spirit|archive-date=2012-02-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120227012908/http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=1475|url-status=dead}}</ref> After Goto failed in his title match against the IWGP Heavyweight Champion Shinsuke Nakamura, Makabe laid a challenge for the belt and on May 3, 2010, at [[Wrestling Dontaku 2010]], defeated Nakamura to win the IWGP Heavyweight Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=1486|title=Results New Japan, 4/4/10 & SUPER J TAG TOURNAMENT lineup|date=2010-04-04|access-date=2010-05-03|publisher=Strong Style Spirit|archive-date=2012-02-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120227012953/http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=1486|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=IWGPHeavy>{{cite web | url=http://superluchas.net/jushin-liger-nuevo-campeon-mundial-medio-del-cmll-nakamura-pierde-el-titulo-iwgp/ | title= Jushin Liger, nuevo campeón mundial medio del CMLL – Nakamura pierde el título IWGP | author= Flores, Manuel | date=2010-05-03| access-date=2010-05-03| work=SuperLuchas | language=es}}</ref> On June 19 at [[Dominion 6.19]], Makabe made his first successful title defense, defeating Pro Wrestling Noah's [[Go Shiozaki]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=1659|title=(Results) New Japan "DOMINION 6.19", 6/19|date=2010-06-19|access-date=2010-06-19|publisher=Strong Style Spirit|archive-date=2012-03-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120312040148/http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=1659|url-status=dead}}</ref> On July 19 Makabe successfully defended the IWGP Heavyweight Championship against previous champion Shinsuke Nakamura.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=1785|title=(Results) New Japan, 7/19/10|date=2010-07-19|access-date=2010-07-20|work=Strong Style Spirit|archive-date=2012-03-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120312040334/http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=1785|url-status=dead}}</ref> The following month Makabe entered the [[G1 Climax#2010|2010 G1 Climax tournament]]. After a rocky start, which included losses to Tetsuya Naito and former tag team partner Toru Yano, Makabe came back with a four match winning streak, only to lose to Hiroshi Tanahashi on the final day of the tournament and thus miss advancing to the finals.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=1836|title=(Results) New Japan, 8/6/10|work=Strong Style Spirit|date=2010-08-06|access-date=2010-08-15}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=1848|title=(Results) New Japan, 8/7/10|work=Strong Style Spirit|date=2010-08-07|access-date=2010-08-15|archive-date=2012-03-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120312040405/http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=1848|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=1869|title=(Results) New Japan, 8/8/10|work=Strong Style Spirit|date=2010-08-08|access-date=2010-08-15|archive-date=2012-03-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120312040418/http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=1869|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=1885|title=(Results) New Japan, 8/10/10|work=Strong Style Spirit|date=2010-08-10|access-date=2010-08-15|archive-date=2012-03-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120312040447/http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=1885|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=1848|title=(Results) New Japan, 8/13/10|work=Strong Style Spirit|date=2010-08-13|access-date=2010-08-15|archive-date=2012-03-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120312040405/http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=1848|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=1950|title=(Results) New Japan, 8/14/10|work=Strong Style Spirit|date=2010-08-14|access-date=2010-08-15|archive-date=2012-03-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120312040632/http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=1950|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=1973|title=(Results) New Japan, 8/15/10|work=Strong Style Spirit|date=2010-08-15|access-date=2010-08-15|archive-date=2012-03-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120312040709/http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=1973|url-status=dead}}</ref> On October 11 Makabe lost the IWGP Heavyweight Championship to G1 Climax winner, Satoshi Kojima.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=2154|title=(Results) New Japan, 10/11/10|work=Strong Style Spirit|date=2010-10-11|access-date=2010-10-11|archive-date=2010-10-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101014184056/http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=2154|url-status=dead}}</ref> 

During the [[G1 Tag League#2010|2010 G1 Tag League]], where he teamed with Tomoaki Honma, Makabe suffered a neck injury in a match against [[Masato Tanaka]] and Tomohiro Ishii that would sideline him indefinitely.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=2240|title=Makabe out injured and a video of the match|date=2010-11-04|work=Strong Style Spirit|access-date=2010-11-08}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=2253|title=Kojima vs. Nakamura set! And other big December matches...|date=2010-11-08|work=Strong Style Spirit|access-date=2010-11-08}}</ref> Makabe and Tanaka would settle their grudge on January 4, 2011, at [[Wrestle Kingdom V in Tokyo Dome]], in a match, where Makabe was victorious.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=132|script-title=ja:レッスルキングダムV ｉｎ 東京ドーム|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|access-date=2011-01-04|language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1294158810 |title=1/4 TNA-NJPW Results: Tokyo, Japan |last=Gerweck |first=Steve |date=2011-01-04 |access-date=2011-01-04 |work=WrestleView |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110107121731/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1294158810 |archive-date=2011-01-07 }}</ref> On May 3, Makabe formed a new partnership with Satoshi Kojima, after their match against each other, when the rest of [[Suzuki-gun#Kojima-gun (2010–2011)|Kojima-gun]], aided by the returning [[Minoru Suzuki]], turned on their leader.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=2776|title=(Results) New Japan, 5/3/11|date=2011-05-03|access-date=2011-05-03|work=Strong Style Spirit|archive-date=2020-03-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200328193400/http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=2776|url-status=dead}}</ref> Later that same month, Makabe took part in New Japan's first ever tour of the United States, the [[NJPW Invasion Tour 2011|Invasion Tour 2011]], during which he feuded with [[Rhino (wrestler)|Rhino]]. Makabe and Rhino main evented the final day of the tour on May 15 at the [[Asylum Arena]], where Makabe was victorious in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Hardcore-based variations|South Philadelphia Street Fight]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1305557577 |title=5/15 New Japan Pro Wrestling Results: Philly, PA |last=Martin |first=Adam |date=2011-05-16 |access-date=2011-05-16 |work=WrestleView |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110610122633/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1305557577 |archive-date=2011-06-10 }}</ref> Makabe continued his rivalry with the [[Suzuki-gun]] by scoring victories over [[Taichi Ishikari|Taichi]], [[Taka Michinoku]] and [[Lance Hoyt|Lance Archer]], before being defeated by the group's leader Minoru Suzuki in a grudge match on October 10 at [[Destruction '11]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=412|title=Destruction '11|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|access-date=2011-10-10|language=ja}}</ref> In the [[G1 Tag League#2011|2011 G1 Tag League]], Makabe teamed with Satoshi Kojima as the "Beast Combination".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=3179|title=G1 Tag League 2011 teams announced!|work=Strong Style Spirit|date=2011-09-21|access-date=2011-11-04|archive-date=2011-09-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110929150407/http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=3179|url-status=dead}}</ref> After picking up three wins and one loss in their first four matches, Makabe and Kojima were defeated by the Billion Powers (Hirooki Goto and Hiroshi Tanahashi) on November 4, causing them to narrowly miss advancing to the semifinals of the tournament.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=3235|title=(Results) New Japan, 11/4/11|work=Strong Style Spirit|date=2011-11-04|access-date=2011-11-04}}</ref> In late 2011, Makabe shifted from feuding with Minoru Suzuki to his partner Yoshihiro Takayama, which built to a match on January 4, 2012, at [[Wrestle Kingdom VI in Tokyo Dome]], where Makabe defeated Takayama in a singles match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=470|title=NJPW 40th anniversary Tour. レッスルキングダムVI in 東京ドーム|access-date=2012-01-04|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=ja|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120108044116/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=470|archive-date=2012-01-08}}</ref> Makabe's rivalry with Suzuki culminated on June 16 at [[Dominion 6.16]], where Makabe was victorious in a singles grudge match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=543|title=Dominion 6.16|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|access-date=2012-06-16|language=ja}}</ref> As a result, Makabe was granted a shot at the IWGP Heavyweight Championship, but he was unable to dethrone the defending champion, Hiroshi Tanahashi, in their title match on July 1.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=582|title=ｶｰﾄﾞﾌｧｲﾄ!! ｳﾞｧﾝｶﾞｰﾄﾞ Presents 新日本ﾌﾟﾛﾚｽﾘﾝｸﾞ&全日本ﾌﾟﾛ・ﾚｽﾘﾝｸﾞ創立40周年記念大会 ｻﾏｰﾅｲﾄﾌｨｰﾊﾞｰ in 両国 「We are Prowrestling Love!」|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|access-date=2012-07-01|language=ja}}</ref> Makabe ended his long rivalry with the Suzuki-gun on September 23 at [[Destruction (2012)|Destruction]], when he defeated the stable's newest member, [[Kengo Mashimo]], in a singles match.<ref name=Destruction2012/>

====Various feuds (2012–2014)====
With his feud with Suzuki-gun behind him, Makabe began a new feud with the returning Laughter7 team of Katsuyori Shibata and [[Kazushi Sakuraba]],<ref name=Destruction2012>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=617|title=NJPW 40th anniversary Destruction|access-date=2012-11-15|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=ja}}</ref> leading to him and Wataru Inoue losing to the two in tag team matches on October 8 at [[King of Pro-Wrestling (2012)|King of Pro-Wrestling]] and November 11 at [[Power Struggle (2012)|Power Struggle]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result_game.php?e=619&c=4752|title=NJPW 40th anniversary King of Pro-Wrestling|access-date=2012-11-13|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=625|title=NJPW 40th anniversary Power Struggle|access-date=2012-11-13|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=ja}}</ref> From November 20 to December 1, Makabe and Inoue, billed collectively as "Always Hypers",<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=8507|title=11月20日(火)開幕!! 『World Tag League 2012』の対戦カード決定!! TDC大会、愛知大会には桜庭＆柴田が特別参戦！|date=2012-11-16|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|access-date=2012-12-01|language=ja}}</ref> took part in the round-robin portion of the [[G1 Tag League#2012|2012 World Tag League]]. The team finished with a record of four wins and two losses, winning their block and advancing to the semifinals of the tournament.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=648|title=NJPW 40ｔｈ anniversary Tour World Tag League 2012|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|access-date=2012-12-01|language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=654|title=NJPW 40ｔｈ anniversary Tour World Tag League 2012|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|access-date=2012-12-01|language=ja}}</ref> On December 2, Makabe and Inoue were eliminated from the tournament in their semifinal match by the reigning IWGP Tag Team Champions, [[Killer Elite Squad|K.E.S.]] ([[David Hart Smith|Davey Boy Smith, Jr.]] and Lance Archer).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=656|title=NJPW 40ｔｈ anniversary Tour World Tag League 2012|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|access-date=2012-12-02|language=ja}}</ref> The rivalry between Makabe and Katsuyori Shibata built to a grudge match on January 4, 2013, at [[Wrestle Kingdom 7 in Tokyo Dome]], where Makabe was victorious.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=657|title=Wrestle Kingdom 7 ～Evolution～ in 東京ドーム|access-date=2013-01-04|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=ja}}</ref> 

The following month, Makabe started a new rivalry with [[Yujiro Takahashi]].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result_game.php?e=683&c=5115 | title=Road to the New Beginning | access-date=2013-02-02 |work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | language=ja}}</ref> The two first met each other in a singles match on February 10 at [[The New Beginning (2013)|The New Beginning]], where Makabe was victorious.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=687|title=The New Beginning|access-date=2013-02-10|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=ja}}</ref> On March 11, Makabe and Takahashi faced off in the first round of the [[New Japan Cup#2013|2013 New Japan Cup]] in a match, where Takahashi emerged victorious.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=695 | title= New Japan Cup 2013 | access-date= 2013-03-11 | work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/118-daily-updates/30209-mon-update-notes-on-tonights-raw-who-was-flown-in-new-japan-cup-and-smith-scores-biggest-carer-win-hogan-lawsuit-impact-summerslam-tickets-dino-bravo-end-of-us-tvs-greatest-villain-nash-does-tv-shoot-marathon-of-movies-from-past-wrsetler- | title= Mon. update: Notes on tonight's Raw, Who was flown in, New Japan Cup and Smith scores biggest career win, Hogan lawsuit, Impact, SummerSlam tickets, Dino Bravo, End of U.S. TV's greatest villain, Nash does TV shoot, Marathon of movies from past wrsetler | last=Meltzer | first=Dave | author-link=Dave Meltzer | date=2013-03-11 | access-date=2013-03-12 | work=[[Dave Meltzer#Wrestling Observer Newsletter|Wrestling Observer Newsletter]] | language=ja}}</ref> On March 23, Tomoaki Honma returned to New Japan, aligning himself with Makabe in his war with Takahashi and the rest of Chaos.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result_game.php?e=701&c=5240 | title=New Japan Cup 2013 | access-date=2013-03-23 | work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | language=ja}}</ref> The reunited GBH had their first match back together on April 7 at [[Invasion Attack (2013)|Invasion Attack]], where they were defeated by Takahashi and Masato Tanaka in a tag team match.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=706 | title=Invasion Attack | access-date=2013-04-07 | work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | language=ja}}</ref> Makabe and Takahashi faced off in another singles match on May 3 at [[Wrestling Dontaku 2013]], where Makabe picked up a decisive win. After the main event of the evening, Makabe challenged [[Kazuchika Okada]] to a match for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=708|script-title=ja:レスリングどんたく 2013|access-date=2013-05-03|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=ja}}</ref> Makabe received his title shot on June 22 at [[Dominion 6.22]], but was defeated by Okada.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=729|title=Dominion 6.22|access-date=2013-06-22|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=ja}}</ref> From August 1 to 11, Makabe took part in the [[G1 Climax#2013|2013 G1 Climax]],<ref name=G1Climax23>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=9857 |title=『G1 Climax 23』出場メンバー発表!! 飯伏幸太、石井智宏が初出場!! 柴田勝頼が9年ぶりエントリー!! |date=2013-07-05 |access-date=2013-07-05 |work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130706145439/http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=9857 |archive-date=2013-07-06 }}</ref> where he finished with a record of five wins and four losses, with a loss against Prince Devitt on the final day costing him a spot in the finals.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=747 |title=ブシモ Presents G1 Climax 23 |access-date=2013-08-11 |work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130816170459/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=747 |archive-date=2013-08-16 }}</ref> Makabe then started feuding with Devitt and his [[Bullet Club]] stable.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=10344|title=10.14両国、全カード発表!! オカダvs棚橋! 中邑vs丸藤! 内藤vs裕二郎! 永田vs桜庭! 柴田vs石井! "X"とは？|date=2013-09-30|access-date=2013-09-30|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=ja}}</ref> Later in the year, after Devitt began concentrating on defending his [[IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship]], Makabe made another Bullet Club member, [[Fale Simitaitoko|Bad Luck Fale]], whose interference had cost him his match against Devitt in the G1 Climax, his main rival.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/209165/|script-title=ja:真壁１・４ドーム大会でダブルヘッダー志願|date=2013-11-29|access-date=2013-11-29|work=[[Tokyo Sports]]|language=ja}}</ref> In December, Makabe and Honma made it to the semifinals of the [[G1 Tag League#2013|2013 World Tag League]], before being eliminated by the Bullet Club team of [[Drew Hankinson|Doc Gallows]] and [[Karl Anderson]], following outside interference from Fale.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=793|title=World Tag League 2013|access-date=2013-12-08|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=ja}}</ref> The rivalry between Makabe and Fale culminated in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Last Man/Woman Standing match|King of Destroyer match]] on January 4, 2014, at [[Wrestle Kingdom 8 in Tokyo Dome]], where Makabe was victorious.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=781|title=バディファイトPresents Wrestle Kingdom 8 in 東京ドーム|access-date=2014-01-04|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=ja}}</ref> Makabe and Fale faced off again on March 15 in the first round of the [[New Japan Cup#2014|2014 New Japan Cup]], where Fale was victorious.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=815|title=New Japan Cup 2014|access-date=2014-03-15|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=ja}}</ref> 

====NEVER Openweight Champion (2014–2015)====
The following month, Makabe and Hiroshi Tanahashi formed a tag team named "Ace to King" ([[Japanese language|Japanese]] for "Ace and King") to go after Bullet Club's IWGP Tag Team Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=11421|title="エースとキング"棚橋＆真壁組が、IWGPタッグ王者から完全フォールを奪取!! (4.19後楽園大会結果)|date=2014-04-19|access-date=2014-04-19|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=ja}}</ref> On May 25 at [[Back to the Yokohama Arena]], Makabe and Tanahashi defeated Hirooki Goto and Katsuyori Shibata to earn a shot at the IWGP Tag Team Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=842|title=Back to the Yokohama Arena|access-date=2014-05-25|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=Japanese}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_78619.shtml|title=Caldwell's NJPW iPPV results 5/25: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live show featuring Styles vs. Okada for IWGP World Title, MOTY Contender, NWA Tag Titles, more|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=2014-05-25|access-date=2014-05-25|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> Makabe and Tanahashi received their title shot on June 21 at [[Dominion 6.21]], but were defeated by Bullet Club's Doc Gallows and Karl Anderson.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=853 |title=Dominion 6.21 |access-date=2014-06-21 |work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140624013755/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=853 |archive-date=2014-06-24 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Other_News_4/article_79157.shtml|title=NJPW news: Key results from Saturday's "Dominion" PPV featuring U.S. stars in top title matches|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=2014-06-21|access-date=2014-06-21|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> Makabe then reunited with Tomoaki Honma for the [[G1 Tag League#2014|2014 World Tag League]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=12707 |title=『World Tag League 2014』出場チーム＆公式戦が決定！ 棚橋はヨシタツとタッグ結成！ 桜庭、AJ、柴田、ROH、NWAも参戦! |date=2014-11-11 |access-date=2014-12-05 |work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141112222204/http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=12707 |archive-date=2014-11-12 }}</ref> where the two finished last in their block with a record of three wins and four losses.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=912 |title=World Tag League 2014 |access-date=2014-12-05 |work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141210130824/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=912 |archive-date=2014-12-10 }}</ref>

[[File:Togi Makabe 2015.jpg|thumb|Makabe in March 2015]]
On January 4, 2015, at [[Wrestle Kingdom 9|Wrestle Kingdom 9 in Tokyo Dome]], Makabe defeated Tomohiro Ishii to win the [[NEVER Openweight Championship]] for the first time.<ref name=WK9>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=902 |title=Wrestle Kingdom 9 in 東京ドーム |access-date=2015-01-04 |work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150104154549/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=902 |archive-date=2015-01-04 }}</ref> After coming down with [[influenza]], Makabe was stripped of the title on February 14 due to being unable to wrestle Ishii in a title rematch at [[The New Beginning in Sendai]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=13391|title=【お詫びとお知らせ】真壁刀義選手がインフルエンザのため、2月14日仙台大会欠場。"NEVER王座決定戦"本間vs石井が緊急決定|date=2015-02-14|access-date=2015-02-14|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=ja}}</ref> After recovering, Makabe defeated Ishii on April 29 at ''[[Wrestling Hinokuni#2015|Wrestling Hinokuni]]'' to regain the NEVER Openweight Championship.<ref name=WrestlingHinoKuni>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=967|script-title=ja:レスリング火の国|access-date=2015-04-29|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=ja}}</ref> He made his first successful title defense against Ishii on July 5 at [[Dominion 7.5 in Osaka-jo Hall]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=990 |title=Dominion 7.5 in Osaka-jo Hall |access-date=2015-07-05 |work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706044456/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=990 |archive-date=2015-07-06 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/102-japan/43407-new-japan-dominion-live-coverage-from-osaka-jo-hall-styles-vs-okada-for-iwgp-title-nakamura-vs-goto-for-ic-title-and-notes-on-biggest-event-since-the-tokyo-dome|title=New Japan Dominion live coverage from Osaka Jo Hall - Styles vs. Okada for IWGP title, Nakamura vs. Goto for IC title and notes on biggest event since the Tokyo Dome, plus all G-1 main events|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|author-link=Dave Meltzer|date=2015-07-04|access-date=2015-07-05|work=[[Dave Meltzer#Wrestling Observer Newsletter|Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> From July 20 to August 14, Makabe took part in the [[G1 Climax#2015|2015 G1 Climax]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/component/content/article/80-features-and-tv-reviews/43611-the-big-audio-nightmares-guide-to-the-annual-new-japan-g1-climax|title=The Big Audio Nightmare's Guide to the annual New Japan G1 Climax|last=Sempervive|first=Mike|date=2015-07-18|access-date=2015-08-14|work=[[Dave Meltzer#Wrestling Observer Newsletter|Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> where he finished in the middle of his block with a record of four wins and five losses.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=1010|title=バディファイトPresents G1 Climax 25|access-date=2015-08-14|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=ja}}</ref> On September 23 at [[Destruction in Okayama (2015)|Destruction in Okayama]], Makabe made his second successful defense of the NEVER Openweight Championship against [[Kota Ibushi]], who had defeated him during the 2015 G1 Climax.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=1036|title=Destruction in Okayama|access-date=2015-09-23|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=ja}}</ref> On October 12 at [[King of Pro-Wrestling (2015)|King of Pro-Wrestling]], Makabe lost the title back to Ishii.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=1038 | title = King of Pro-Wrestling | access-date=2015-10-12 | work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.f4wonline.com/japan/njpw-king-pro-wrestling-10-11-kazuchika-okada-vs-aj-styles-iwgp-heavyweight-title-199546 | title = NJPW King of Pro Wrestling 10-11: Kazuchika Okada vs. A.J. Styles for IWGP heavyweight title | last=Meltzer | first=Dave | author-link=Dave Meltzer | date=2015-10-11 | access-date=2015-10-12 | work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref>

====Great Bash Heel reunion (2015–present)====
In December, Makabe and Honma won their block in the [[G1 Tag League#2015|2015 World Tag League]] with a record of four wins and two losses, advancing to the finals of the tournament.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2015/12/06/njpw-world-tag-league-2015-results-standings/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151209121103/http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2015/12/06/njpw-world-tag-league-2015-results-standings/|title=NJPW World Tag League Results & Standings|archive-date=2015-12-09|access-date=2015-12-06|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On December 9, Makabe and Honma defeated ''[[Los Ingobernables de Japón]]'' ([[Takaaki Watanabe|Evil]] and Tetsuya Naito) in the finals to win the 2015 World Tag League.<ref name=WTL2015>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=1064|title=World Tag League 2015|access-date=2015-12-09|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=ja}}</ref> On January 4, 2016, at [[Wrestle Kingdom 10 in Tokyo Dome]], Makabe and Honma defeated Bullet Club's Doc Gallows and Karl Anderson to win the IWGP Tag Team Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=1065|script-title=ja:Wrestle Kingdom 10 in 東京ドーム|access-date=2016-01-04|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=ja}}</ref> They made their first successful title defense on February 14 at [[The New Beginning in Niigata]] in a rematch against Gallows and Anderson.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=1088|title=The New Beginning in Niigata|access-date=2016-02-14|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=ja}}</ref> They lost the title to [[Guerrillas of Destiny]] ([[Tama Tonga]] and [[Tanga Loa]]) on April 10 at [[Invasion Attack 2016]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/japan/njpw-invasion-attack-live-results-kazuchika-okada-vs-tetsuya-naito-iwgp-championship-210736|title=NJPW Invasion Attack live results: Kazuchika Okada vs. Tetsuya Naito for the IWGP Championship|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|author-link=Dave Meltzer|date=2016-04-09|access-date=2016-04-10|work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> From July 18 to August 12, Makabe took part in the [[G1 Climax#2016|2016 G1 Climax]], where he finished with a record of four wins and five losses.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/g1climax2016/|title=2016 New Japan G1 Climax Results|access-date=2016-08-12|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> In December, Makabe and Honma advanced to the finals of the [[G1 Tag League#2016|2016 World Tag League]] by winning their block with a record of five wins and two losses.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/tornament/13460?showResult=1|script-title=ja:戦国炎舞 -Kizna- Presents World Tag League 2016|access-date=2016-12-08|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=ja}}</ref> On December 10, Makabe and Honma defeated the reigning IWGP Tag Team Champions Guerrillas of Destiny to win the 2016 World Tag League,<ref name=WTL2016>{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/japan/njpw-world-tag-league-finals-live-results-winners-are-crowned-226256|title=NJPW World Tag League finals live results: The winners are crowned|last1=Meltzer|first1=Dave|author-link1=Dave Meltzer|last2=Currier|first2=Joseph|date=2016-12-09|access-date=2016-12-10|work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> becoming the first ever team to win the tournament in two consecutive years.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/card_result/76772|script-title=ja:戦国炎舞 -Kizna- Presents World Tag League 2016|access-date=2016-12-10|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=ja}}</ref> On January 4, 2017, at [[Wrestle Kingdom 11 in Tokyo Dome]], Makabe and Honma took part in a three-way match for the IWGP Tag Team Championship, which was won by Tomohiro Ishii and Toru Yano.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/japan/njpw-wrestle-kingdom-11-live-results-kazuchika-okada-vs-kenny-omega-227626|title=NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 11 live results: Kazuchika Okada vs. Kenny Omega|last1=Rose|first1=Bryan|last2=Currier|first2=Joseph|date=2017-01-03|access-date=2017-01-04|work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> On February 21, Makabe celebrated his 20th year as a professional wrestler with a special event promoted by NJPW. In the main event, Makabe and Honma defeated IWGP Tag Team Champions Ishii and Yano in a non-title match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/tornament/78159?showResult=1|script-title=ja:戦国炎舞-KIZNA- Presents 真壁刀義 20th anniversary|access-date=2017-02-21|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=ja}}</ref>

On January 30, 2019, Makabe, Taguchi and Yano defeated Bullet Club to win the [[NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Championship]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.njpw1972.com/tornament/37890?showResult=1|title = 2019.01.30 Road to THE NEW BEGINNING 2019 Night4 &#124; NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING}}</ref>

==Other media==
Makabe provided the voice of Rictus Erectus in the Japanese dub of the 2015 film ''[[Mad Max: Fury Road]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=13771|script-title=ja:6月20日(土)公開!! アクション超大作『マッドマックス』敵役ジョー軍の最強ファイター・エレクトスの吹き替え声優で真壁刀義が出演!!|date=2015-04-14|access-date=2015-04-14|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=ja}}</ref> In 2016, Makabe, along with Hiroshi Tanahashi, appeared in ''Garo: Ashura'', the 10th anniversary special of the Japanese ''[[tokusatsu]]'' series ''[[Garo (TV series)|Garo]]''.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=16656 | title="新日本プロレス×牙狼"10周年記念スペシャル「＜Garo＞-阿修羅-」が、7月1日(金)深夜1時23分～テレビ東京ほかにて放送決定！！ | date=2016-07-01 | access-date=2016-07-02 | work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | language=ja}}</ref> He also provided the voice for the animated version of himself in the [[Tiger Mask W]] anime.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2016/09/22/pro-wrestler-togi-makabe-appears-as-himself-in-tiger-mask-w|title=Pro Wrestler Togi Makabe Appears as himself in "Tiger Mask W"|date=2016-09-23|website=Crunchyroll|access-date=2017-06-09}}</ref> Makabe voices a boss character on the Japanese version of the video game ''[[Let It Die (video game)|Let It Die]]''.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/85037 | title=真壁刀義選手がPS4用のサバイバルゲーム『Let It Die』にボスキャラ声優として登場！ | date=2017-02-21 | access-date=2017-02-21 | work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | language=ja}}</ref>

[[File:Makabe King Kong Knee Drop.jpg|thumb|Makabe performing the ''King Kong Knee Drop'' on [[Manabu Nakanishi]]]]

==Championships and accomplishments==
[[File:Togi Makabe IWGP Tag Team Champion.JPG|thumb|Makabe as one half of the [[IWGP Tag Team Championship|IWGP Tag Team Champions]] in February 2016]]
[[File:Togi Makabe NEVER Openweight Champion.JPG|thumb|Makabe as the [[NEVER Openweight Championship|NEVER Openweight Champion]] in August 2015]]
*'''[[Apache Pro-Wrestling]]'''
**[[WEW World Heavyweight Championship]] ([[WEW Heavyweight Championship#Title history|1 time]])<ref name="wew">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/japan/wew/wew-h.html|title=WEW Heavyweight Championship title history|access-date=2007-08-20|publisher=Wrestling-Titles.com}}</ref>
*'''[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]'''
**[[IWGP Heavyweight Championship]] ([[List of IWGP Heavyweight Champions|1 time]])<ref name=IWGPHeavy/>
**[[IWGP Tag Team Championship]] ([[List of IWGP Tag Team Champions|2 times]]) – with [[Toru Yano]] (1) and [[Tomoaki Honma]] (1)<ref name="iwgptag">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/japan/newjapan/iwgp-t.html|title=IWGP Tag Team Championship title history|access-date=2007-08-20|publisher=Wrestling-Titles.com}}</ref>
**[[NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Championship]] (1 time) - with [[Ryusuke Taguchi]] and [[Toru Yano]]
**[[NEVER Openweight Championship]] ([[List of NEVER Openweight Champions|2 times]])<ref name=WK9/><ref name=WrestlingHinoKuni/>
**Interim IWGP Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with [[Shiro Koshinaka]]<ref name="Interim IWGP Tag"/>
**[[G1 Climax]] ([[G1 Climax#2009|2009]])<ref name=G12009/>
**[[G1 Tag League|World Tag League]] ([[G1 Tag League#2015|2015]], [[G1 Tag League#2016|2016]]) – with Tomoaki Honma<ref name=WTL2015/><ref name=WTL2016/>
*'''''[[Nikkan Sports]]'''''
**Fighting Spirit Award (2010)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sites.google.com/site/wrestlingscout/home/updates/nikkansportsawards-2010|title=Nikkan Sports Awards - 2010|website=wrestlingscout|date=September 10, 2016|access-date=August 13, 2018|archive-date=August 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200826122604/https://sites.google.com/site/wrestlingscout/home/updates/nikkansportsawards-2010|url-status=dead}}</ref>
*'''''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]'''''
**PWI ranked him #'''54''' of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the [[Pro Wrestling Illustrated#PWI 500|PWI 500]] in 2011<ref>{{cite web|url=http://prowrestlingillustrated.blogspot.com/2011/08/pwi-500-1-100.html|title="PWI 500": 1–100|date=2011-08-09|access-date=2011-08-09|work=[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]}}</ref>
*'''''[[Tokyo Sports]]'''''
**[[Tokyo Sports Puroresu Awards#Best Tag Team Award|Best Tag Team Award]] (2007) <small>with Toru Yano</small><ref name="tsgp00">{{cite web|url=http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/wrestling/wrestling_past4/|script-title=ja:東京スポーツ プロレス大賞|access-date=2014-02-02|work=[[Tokyo Sports]]|language=ja}}</ref>
**[[Tokyo Sports Puroresu Awards#Fighting Spirit Award|Fighting Spirit Award]] (2009)<ref name="tsgp00"/>

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Togi Makabe}}
* {{NJPW profile|id=1414|name=Togi Makabe|newlink=yes}}
* {{in lang|ja}} [http://ameblo.jp/sweetsmakabe/ Official blog]

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Makabe, Togi}}
[[Category:1972 births]]
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