Yota Tsuji Reveals His Plans For The IWGP Heavyweight and Global Titles, Says The IWGP Heavyweight Title Is Worth Dying For

By: Lewis Carlan

On Jan. 4th at New Japan Pro-Wrestling Wrestle Kingdom 20, the IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion Yota Tsuji defeated Konosuke Takeshita to win the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship.

Tsuji had indicated that should he defeat Takeshita that he would bring back the classic IWGP Heavyweight Championship and he made good on his promise.

Photo Credit: NJPW

In a press conference that occurred following Tsuji’s championship victory over Takeshita, the now double champion revealed his plans for both the IWGP Heavyweight Championship and the IWGP Global Heavyweight Title.

Tsuji revealed that, moving forward, the IWGP Heavyweight and Global Heavyweight Championships will be defended separately. He stated that the IWGP Heavyweight Title will be defended in Japan against NJPW competitors while the Global Championship will be defended at international events or against wrestlers from other companies.

Tsuji confirmed that he would not participate in any event that has an IWGP Heavyweight Title bout that isn’t the main event of the show.

NJPW President Hiroshi Tanahashi gave his approval for the return of the IWGP Heavyweight Title and stated he expects Tsuji to ‘lead NJPW into a new world with the title’.

Tsuji responded to Tanahashi with these comments.

From Yota Tsuji:

Before (Wrestle Kingdom) I had said that NJPW might face tough times without Tanahashi. Now that I see this IWGP title shining I realize there is nothing to fear. This is a belt worth dying for.”

Photo Credit: NJPW

Tsuji said he understands that the future of NJPW is his responsibility and he promised a bright one for the company.