Konosuke Takeshita may have lost the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship at Wrestle Kingdom 20, but his journey in New Japan Pro-Wrestling is far from over.
After dropping the title to Yota Tsuji at the Tokyo Dome, Takeshita didnt take a break. He jumped right back into the action the very next night at New Year Dash, teaming with Rocky Romero in a tag team victory over NJPW World Television Champion El Phantasmo and Young Lion Shoma Kato. Tensions flared after the match between Takeshita and Phantasmo, teasing a potential feud on the horizon.
In his post-match comments, Takeshita confirmed that he remains under contract with NJPW and will continue wrestling for the promotion throughout 2026. And he made it clear hes not slowing down.
Takeshitas comment signals an open field ahead and possibly some major creative freedom in 2026. Though hes also contracted to DDT and AEW, his focus on NJPW seems far from temporary. With gold behind him and options in front of him, the only real question is: whats next?
What would you like to see Takeshita do next in NJPW? Any dream opponents or shocking partnerships? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.
