Shingo vs. Kazuchika Okada set for NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 16

A match for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship has been made official for Wrestle Kingdom 16.

NJPW confirmed this morning during a press conference that champion Shingo Takagi will defend against Kazuchika Okada on January 4. During this morning’s press conference, Takagi promised that he would retain the championship against Okada. He then mentioned that when he won he would take the IWGP Heavyweight title that Okada is carrying and would give it to “the appropriate IWGP advocate”, mentioning that 2022 is NJPW’s 50th anniversary.

Okada has been carrying the IWGP Heavyweight title since winning the G1 Climax last month, with the title representing his IWGP World Heavyweight title shot at Wrestle Kingdom. He successfully defended his title shot at Power Struggle this past weekend, defeating Tama Tonga.

Wrestle Kingdom 16, for the first time, will be held across three days. January 4 and 5 will be held at the Tokyo Dome, with a third Wrestle Kingdom event taking place on January 8 at Yokohama Arena.