Tommaso Ciampa is open to stepping into a New Japan Pro Wrestling ring, with Shingo Takagi high on his list of dream opponents.

Speaking to SB Nation’s James Dator ahead of AEW WrestleDream 2026, Ciampa discussed the possibility of making appearances for NJPW and named the wrestler he would love to face.

“Shingo [Takagi] always jumps out at me as someone I’ve always wanted to share a ring with,” he said.

While the prospect interests him, Ciampa explained that a lengthy tour or a place in the G1 Climax might be difficult to fit around his physical needs and personal life. A shorter run, however, is something he would welcome.

“I don’t know that my body or personal life at this point bodes well for a full-on tour or G1 Tournament, but doing a show here or there, or three shows, I’d be 100% open to that.”

Ciampa has wrestled in Japan just once, during his time with WWE. He also appeared on ROH and NJPW crossover events in North America in 2014, competing in Canada and the United States.

For now, his attention turns to AEW WrestleDream 2026, where he is scheduled to challenge Andrade for the National Championship.

Would you like to see Ciampa face Shingo Takagi in NJPW, or is there another opponent you would choose? Let us know in the comments.