Peatzilla | MP
By: Lewis Carlan
Callum Newman made his debut for New Japan Pro Wrestling back in Sept. 2023 as part of the United Empire faction and he hasn’t looked back since.
Now the leader of United Empire, Newman made history as he became the youngest competitor ever to win the prestigious New Japan Cup tournament at 23 years of age. Newman had to go through intense battles against OSKAR, Hartley Jackson, Hirooki Goto and Shota Umino to reach the finals of the tournament.
In the finals, Newman faced and defeated Yuya Uemura in an electrifying bout to earn the right to hoist the New Japan Cup 2026 trophy.
Photo Credit: NJPW
With the tournament victory, Newman earned an opportunity at the IWGP Heavyweight Champion Yota Tsuji. Tsuji is scheduled to defend his title against Newman On April 4th at SAKURA GENESIS 2026 which will take place at Ryogoku Sumo Hall in Tokyo.
Newman will be looking to become the youngest IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, a feat that is currently held by Shinsuke Nakamura at 23 years and 9 months.
Monthly Puroresu caught with up with Callum Newman as he is preparing for his IWGP Heavyweight Championship opportunity for this special interview to discuss various topics.
Here is the Monthly Puroresu interview with New Japan Cup 2026 winner and United Empire leader Callum Newman:
Monthly Puroresu:
Congratulations on winning the New Japan Cup 2026 tournament. Would you call this your great achievement to date as a pro-wrestler and how does it feel in possession of that coveted trophy?
Callum Newman:
It feels great. I’m the youngest to ever hold that trophy so that puts me in the history books of New Japan and makes me one of the best to ever step in that ring.
Photo Credit: NJPw
Monthly Puroresu:
You had to go through some tough opponents which were Yuya Uemura, Shota Umino, Hirooki Goto, Hartley Jackson & OSKAR to win the tournament. How do you prepare yourself mentally for such a physically demanding tournament?
Callum Newman:
I think about everything I sacrificed to be here in the first place and how much more I want to achieve. The tournaments are hard but I refuse to give up now when I have come so far.
Monthly Puroresu:
You’ll be facing Yota Tsuji for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship in the main event at SAKURA GENESIS. Do you feel any pressure main eventing on a major stage and if so how do you cope with the pressure?
Callum Newman:
No pressure whatsoever. This would make the third time I have main evented a big show so now it’s just a walk in the park.
Photo Credit: NJPW
Monthly Puroresu:
How important is it to you to win the IWGP Heavyweight Championship?
Callum Newman:
It shuts everyone up that looked down on me and prayed for my downfall knowing that I will be the IWGP champion. I will be the youngest to ever hold that and I will be the standard bearer for this company.
Monthly Puroresu:
In a recent interview you stated that you are already looking past Tsuji. Do you think it’s the best strategy to underestimate the current IWGP Heavyweight Champion?
Callum Newman:
I’ve already beaten two of the three musketeers and if that is all they had to offer then I’m not worried at all. This new version of me is unbeatable and unforgiving in the ring and I don’t think Tsuji is prepared for that.
Photo Credit: NJPW
Monthly Puroresu:
Did you ever expect to rise so rapidly in the world of pro-wrestling being only 23 and being a main event star for NJPW?
Callum Newman:
I definitely expected to be a top guy in this company but at this age I didn’t expect it. So if doing this now at this age then imagine me by the time I’m 25 or 30. I’m going to be the best in the world.
Monthly Puroresu:
What is your current opinion of Will Ospreay?
Callum Newman:
Will is the best wrestler in the world and my older brother in wrestling but my goal is to surpass him.
Monthly Puroresu:
Ospreay offered his assistance to United Empire once he is done with AEW. Do you feel that was a genuine offer?
Callum Newman:
Yes, I do feel it was genuine because he probably misses Japan and coming back to United Empire is his way of apologizing to the fans and the group. So if he wants to do things my way then I’m all for it.
Photo Credit: NJPW
Monthly Puroresu:
Do you believe you need to defeat Ospreay in the ring to truly become the leader of United Empire?
Callum Newman:
No, I’m doing things Ospreay couldn’t do. I defeated Finlay and became the youngest ever New Japan Cup winner and once I hold the IWGP championship then no one can question anything I do again.
Monthly Puroresu:
What is your message to anyone who has ever doubted your ability to become a top star in the world of pro-wrestling?
Callum Newman:
Keep watching because it’s those people that push me to be even better and prove you all wrong.
Monthly Puroresu:
Last question- your message for Yota Tsuji ahead of your championship match with him at SAKURA GENESIS?
Callum Newman:
Tsuji, thank you for helping bring this company up and standing up for what you think is right but I promise you nothing will stop me from becoming the youngest ever champion and carrying not only a faction but a company on my back.
Monthly Puroresu would like to extend our sincere gratitude to New Japan Pro-Wrestling for facilitating this interview with Callum Newman.
Date:
April 1, 2026
