New Japan Pro-Wrestling has a new title within it’s ranks.
Back in November at Power struggle, Dave Finlay took it upon himself to destroy both the IWGP US and UK Titles. Following the destruction of the championship belts, NJPW Chairman Naoki Sugabayashi announced a new title would replace the belts that were destroyed. Today Chairman Sugabayashi introduced the world to the IWGP Global Heavyweight Title as the newest championship in NJPW.
The inaugural IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion will be crowned at Wrestle Kingdom 18 as it will be Jon Moxley vs Will Ospreay vs Dave Finlay in a three way match to determine who will be the first to strap the new championship around their waist.
Chairman Naoki Sugabayashi made these comments regarding the new Global Heavyweight Championship:
‘The IWGP US Heavyweight Championship came into being in July 2017 to mark NJPW’s first major event in the United States of America in Long Beach. After its introduction, it became the symbol of NJPW competition in the USA.
In the years that followed, the title would be defended in Japan, becoming familiar to Japanese fans as well. However, with the introduction of the IWGP UK Championship this summer, there was confusion among fans as to the status of the title.
With that in mind, this new championship combines and adds to the US and UK Championship roles, and will be called the IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship. As has already been discussed in a recent business strategy presentation, NJPW is working to ensure that 2024 sees our presence grow not just in the UK and the US, but throughout all of Europe, the rest of Asia and Oceania.
With a mindfulness on the international space, there was discussion of renewing the defunct IWGP Intercontinental Championship, but as we see an entirely new level of international involvement, the IWGP Global Heavyweight name was decided to be the most fitting. We hope fans look forward to seeing the brand new title and the matches contested for it.
As a result, January 4’s three way at Wrestle Kingdom between Will Ospreay, Jon Moxley and David Finlay will officially determine the first IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion. Thank you’
Chairman Naoki Sugabayashi
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