Shingo Takagi Points Finger at AEW's Claudio Castagnoli for G1 Climax Struggles

The G1 Climax tournament organized by New Japan Pro Wrestling concluded on August 16, with Ryohei Oiwa taking the top spot. In contrast, Shingo Takagi's performance was less impressive, finishing his A Block campaign with only eight points from 18 possible, despite victories over notable opponents.

After the final event in Tokyo, Takagi expressed his frustration in a backstage promo, stating that his rhythm was disrupted by a previous loss to Claudio Castagnoli, an AEW star. He called out Castagnoli, urging him to come to Kobe for a match, indicating that he holds him responsible for his lackluster results.

The match that Takagi referenced occurred during a tag team event on July 2, where he and Drilla Moloney faced Castagnoli and PAC. Takagi and Castagnoli have only met in the ring twice before, and they have yet to compete in a one-on-one match, which Takagi hopes to change.