With El Desperado's current reign as IWGP Jr. Heavyweight champion becoming his longest (currently 210 days as of writing) and most successful reign with 7 defences so far, what do you think is next for our favourite Japanese luchador?
As it stands I think there are 3 opponents that are almost certain face El Desperado in the near future:
Hiromu Takahashi – Storied rivals and wrestling soulmates, they haven't had a singles match together since Wrestle Kingdom 2024. Despy notably said during media leading up to the show that match would be the last time he faced Hiromu outside of the main event. If this match was to take place I would imagine it would be on a major show.
YOH – Beat Despy in the Best of the Super Juniors tournament earlier this year, even declaring after the bout that he would be the one to take the belt. YOH also managed to make it all the way to the finals, undoubtedly proving he can hang with the best. You could make the case for this match happening at Destruction in Kobe later in the year.
Douki – These two have not seen each other since their ill-fated Wrestle Kingdom match earlier this year. Given their close history and Douki's fresh heel turn, as well as Despy's desire to do the match they originally had planned, I think this is almost a lock for a future defence and potentially even a Wrestle Kingdom 20 match.
I personally really hope Kosei Fujita is the one to defeat Despy eventually, however with two losses so far this year it might be a while before he climbs back up the ladder.
Who do you want to see take on El Desperado next? And as a bonus question: do you think he can tie or break the single reign defence record of 11 set by Minoru Tanaka?
by burningxlariat