7 of the best NJPW feuds in recent memory

KUSHIDA vs. Hiromu Takahashi

KUSHIDA and Hiromu Takahashi are two of the greatest competitors in the history of the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Division, so it’s only natural that their defining rivalry came against each other in 2017.

While KUSHIDA’s had big-time rivalries in NJPW with fellow NXT star Kyle O’Reilly and Will Ospreay, who is now a heavyweight and one of the best in the world, his feud with Takahashi brings up the most nostalgic memories.

It all started at Wrestling Kindom 11 when Hiromu ended KUSHIDA’s title reign after mere months, accomplishing the feat after calling out KUSHIDA for a match when he initially won the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Title from Bushi at Power Struggle.

“The Time Bomb”, Hiromu made good on his promise and then added to his mystique by taking care of KUSHIDA in mere minutes when they had a rematch in April.

KUSHIDA would then ready himself for one more shot at Takahashi’s title. He went to the United States and won the ROH World Television Title off another rising star in Marty Scurll. And then he defeated future rival Will Ospreay in the final of the Best of the Super Junior Tournament to become a two-time champion.

Finally, KUSHIDA was ready to take on Hiromu at the June Dominion show. He won the title, becoming the fourth wrestler in NJPW history to become a five-time IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion.