To say his worldview is “unique” would be an understatement, but no one can question the technical skill and explosive power of this Junior Heavyweight star.

Hiromu debuted in August 2010, and went abroad in June 2013 to further his training. After amassing experience in England, Mexico and America, he finally exploded back on the scene at the Tokyo Dome on January 4th, 2017. It would be a triumphant return to New Japan, as he won the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight title by beating KUSHIDA.

Reaffirming his place at the top of the junior heavyweight tree, Hiromu defeated KUSHIDA again at Sakura Genesis that year in just two minutes. Saying that he is happy to ‘take three shots to deliver one’, Takahashi earned a reputation for putting his body on the line to do the most damage to his opponents. His unpredictable wrestling style was paired with an eccentric disposition out of the ring, and whether calling opponents ‘cats’ or professing his love for them, or by carrying his own stuffed cat named Daryl to the ring, Hiromu drew bemusement from his opponents and adoration from the fans. 

Hiromu lost the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship at Dominion 2017, and had a rough road back to the title. The pieces finally seemed to come together by June 2018, as he defeated Taiji Ishimori to become Best of the Super Juniors, and then bested Will Ospreay at Dominion to become IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion once more. 

Shortly after his title win, at G1 Special in the Cow Palace, Takahashi battled a long time rival from his CMLL days in Dragon Lee. Every match the two had would see the envelope pushed further, and on this July night, too far. Hiromu sustained an injury in the match, but still came out with the victory. Nevertheless, his injuries required him to vacate his championship, and take time away from the ring. Stating he’ll only return when 1000% ready, the countdown to Hiromu’s return is nearing its completion. The Time Bomb still ticks…