IWGP Championship Belts: The Prestigious Titles of New Japan Pro-Wrestling
The IWGP Championship Belts represent the pinnacle of professional wrestling in Japan, sanctioned by New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW). The International Wrestling Grand Prix (IWGP) is NJPW’s governing body, and its titles have been held by some of the greatest wrestlers in history, including Hiroshi Tanahashi, Kazuchika Okada, Kenny Omega, Shinsuke Nakamura, and Will Ospreay. This SEO-optimized article explores the IWGP Championship Belts, their history, design, and legendary champions.
IWGP World Heavyweight Championship
History & First Champion (2021)
The IWGP World Heavyweight Championship was introduced in 2021, merging the IWGP Heavyweight and IWGP Intercontinental Championships. Kota Ibushi was the first champion after unifying the belts.
Belt Design
The title features a large gold-plated center plate with intricate detailing, symbolizing NJPW’s prestige and legacy.
Notable Champions
- Kazuchika Okada (2022–2023) – A record-breaking champion and NJPW’s top star.
- Will Ospreay (2022) – A high-flying, technical wrestling master.
- Tetsuya Naito (2023–Present) – One of NJPW’s most beloved figures.
IWGP Heavyweight Championship (Defunct)
History & First Champion (1987)
The IWGP Heavyweight Championship was NJPW’s top title from 1987 to 2021. Antonio Inoki was recognized as the first champion.
Belt Design
The final version, known as the Fourth Generation Belt, had a gold-plated design with five side plates, showcasing NJPW’s history.
Notable Champions
- Hiroshi Tanahashi (8-time champion, 2006–2019) – The “Ace” of NJPW.
- Kazuchika Okada (5-time champion, 2012–2021) – Dominated the modern era.
- Kenny Omega (2018–2019) – Brought international recognition to the title.
IWGP Intercontinental Championship (Defunct)
History & First Champion (2011)
Introduced in 2011, the IWGP Intercontinental Championship was a prestigious secondary title before merging with the IWGP Heavyweight Championship in 2021. MVP was the inaugural champion.
Belt Design
The title had a white leather strap with a gold-plated center plate, making it one of the most visually striking belts in wrestling.
Notable Champions
- Shinsuke Nakamura (5-time champion, 2012–2016) – Defined the title’s legacy.
- Tetsuya Naito (2016–2020) – A rebellious champion who helped merge the title.
- Kota Ibushi (2020–2021) – The last champion before unification.
IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship
History & First Champion (2017)
The IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship was introduced in 2017 to expand NJPW’s reach into North America. Kenny Omega became the first champion by winning a tournament in the U.S.
Belt Design
The title features a red, white, and blue design with a large NJPW lion logo, symbolizing its American influence.
Notable Champions
- Jon Moxley (2019–2022) – Brought mainstream recognition to the title.
- Will Ospreay (2022–2023) – Elevated the championship with world-class matches.
- Lance Archer (2021) – A dominant champion with a hard-hitting style.
IWGP World Television Championship
History & First Champion (2023)
Introduced in 2023, the IWGP World Television Championship is designed for fast-paced, 15-minute matches. Zack Sabre Jr. won the inaugural championship.
Belt Design
The title has a modern silver-plated design, differentiating it from NJPW’s other gold-based championships.
Notable Champions
- Zack Sabre Jr. (2023–Present) – The technical wrestling genius who defined the belt’s style.
IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship
History & First Champion (1986)
The IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship was introduced in 1986 to showcase high-flying, technical wrestlers. Shiro Koshinaka was the first champion.
Belt Design
The belt has a compact gold-plated design, symbolizing speed and agility in the junior heavyweight division.
Notable Champions
- Jushin Thunder Liger (11-time champion, 1989–2010) – The greatest junior heavyweight ever.
- Hiromu Takahashi (5-time champion, 2017–Present) – The face of modern NJPW’s junior division.
- Prince Devitt (Finn Bálor, 3-time champion, 2010–2013) – Helped bring international attention to the title.
IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship
History & First Champions (1998)
The IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship was introduced in 1998 for smaller, high-flying tag teams. The first champions were Shinjiro Otani & Tatsuhito Takaiwa.
Belt Design
The titles have a symmetrical gold-plated look, showcasing junior heavyweight excellence.
Notable Champions
- The Young Bucks (2013–2017, 7-time champions) – Revolutionized junior heavyweight tag wrestling.
- Roppongi Vice (Rocky Romero & Beretta, 2015–2017) – A dominant team in modern NJPW.
IWGP Tag Team Championship
History & First Champions (1985)
The IWGP Tag Team Championship was introduced in 1985 as NJPW’s top heavyweight tag team title. The first champions were Kengo Kimura & Tatsumi Fujinami.
Belt Design
The titles feature a traditional gold-plated design with NJPW’s logo, symbolizing the prestige of heavyweight tag wrestling.
Notable Champions
- The Guerrillas of Destiny (Tama Tonga & Tanga Loa, 7-time champions) – NJPW’s most dominant modern team.
- The Steiner Brothers (1991–1992, 1997) – Brought international credibility to the division.
IWGP NEVER Openweight Championship
History & First Champion (2012)
The NEVER Openweight Championship was introduced in 2012, allowing heavyweights and junior heavyweights to compete for the same title. Masato Tanaka was the first champion.
Belt Design
The belt has a bold gold-plated look, symbolizing its hard-hitting, no-nonsense reputation.
Notable Champions
- Tomohiro Ishii (6-time champion, 2014–2019) – The division’s cornerstone.
- Shingo Takagi (2019–2020) – Elevated the title’s prestige.
Conclusion: The Legacy of IWGP Championship Belts
The IWGP Championship Belts represent the best of Japanese wrestling, blending tradition, strong style, and innovation. From the legendary IWGP Heavyweight Championship to the United States, Tag Team, and Junior Heavyweight Titles, these belts have been held by some of the greatest wrestlers in history. With NJPW’s global expansion, these championships continue to shape the future of professional wrestling worldwide