On Tuesday morning, New Japan Pro Wrestling revealed their new IWGP World Heavyweight Championship before the Road To Sakura Genesis show in Korakuen Hall.
The title belt represents the unified lineage of the IWGP Heavyweight and Intercontinental Heavyweight Titles. It’s also the first design change to their top title since 2008.
Kota Ibushi is considered the first IWGP World Heavyweight Champion and he will make his first defense of the belt on April 4th at Sakura Genesis against New Japan Cup winner Will Ospreay.
Ibushi defeated Tetsuya Naito to win both the IWGP Heavyweight and IWGP Intercontinental Titles at night one of NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 15.
The IWGP World Heavyweight Championship.
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— NJPW Global (@njpwglobal) March 30, 2021