Konosuke Takeshita is a name American fans should get to know

One thing the “Forbidden Door” creates is an opportunity for American fans to see performers that they may never see. That’s happened the last few weeks during Konosuke Takeshita’s second run with All Elite Wrestling. The Japanese wrestler has killed it in his last two performances and now more fans should follow him from this point forward.

If Takeshita’s two matches with Jay Lethal and “Hangman” Adam Page could not turn viewers into fans, then perhaps professional wrestling isn’t your thing. In a bit more than a combined 20 minutes, Takeshita let the wrestling world know that he can hang with some of the best in the world.

Lethal is a multiple-time champion, best known for carrying Ring of Honor for years as many of its biggest names went to perform in other companies. Page is the face of AEW, putting on an interesting run as the promotion’s top champion. Takeshita put on believable matches with both, and while the outcomes were predictable, he still showcased high-level talent from start to finish.

Let’s talk about what Takeshita’s accomplished in his career. The man is only 26-years old and he’s already experienced 18 combined title runs. Not only is he called the “Future of DDT,” as he’s the ace of that promotion, but he could be considered one of the names to become the face of Japanese professional wrestling in years to come. To date, he’s captured the DDT Iron Man Heavy Metal Championship, KO-D Openweight Championship, KO-D Six-Man Tag Team Championship, and the KO-D Tag Team Championship. That’s quite the run and it’s just the start of things to come.

Just think of some of the matches that Takeshita could have during his brief run in AEW. Kyle O’Reilly, Bryan Danielson, Jon Moxley, Swerve Strickland, Jonathan Gresham – that’s just a shortlist of talent. But the movement shouldn’t be for him to “stay in AEW,” instead fans should tune into DDT where he’s performing very well. Go watch some of his old matches that are available on YouTube and follow the future of his career. Takeshita’s catalog has enough to keep professional wrestling fans engaged and excited along the way.

The “Forbidden Door” has helped bridge the gap for fans to find new talent to watch. Names like Rin Narita and Maki Itoh are getting exposure to wrestling fans that wouldn’t see their talent otherwise. Konosuke Takeshita is the newest name on this list and his work should not be missed.