A top star in New Japan would have preferred a bigger spotlight like he got at the first Forbidden Door.
Forbidden Door 2 was a well-attended critical success amongst wrestling fans but there is one talent who was critical of his role on the card. Shingo Takagi was a featured star on last year’s Forbidden Door but his second go-around had him on the “Zero Hour” pre-show in a multi-man tag as Los Ingobernables de Japon defeated United Empire featuring the once mercenary Jeff Cobb, Kyle Fletcher and TJP. Despite the win, Takagi aired his grievances on the AEW Japan Twitter account regarding the bump-down:
“I was able to participate last year, but this year is the pre-show. As a wrestler, I’m honestly disappointed. I’m a man. I’m always waiting for an offer.”
Top Star Shingo Takagi Was A Major Player At The First Forbidden Door
Even if Takagi was leaning into Kayfabe, his removal from the main card does feel like a heavy downgrade considering who he was paired up with last year. Takagi was the lone NJPW man to team up with Darby Allin and Sting as they defeated Bullet Club in El Phantasmo and The Young Bucks. Although sans Shingo, Sting and Darby did keep the trios trend going in 2023 as instead of Tanahashi, they had Tetsuya Naito as their NJPW representation. Sting and Darby are definite good luck charms as they continued their Forbidden Door winning streak by defeating Chris Jericho, Sammy Guevara and Minoru Suzuki. It was Suzuki who took the pin in the bout.
H/t to Fightful.