NJPW Championship Belts

NJPW Championship Belts

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    IWGP Championship Belts: The Legacy of New Japan Pro Wrestling Titles

    New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) is one of the most prestigious wrestling promotions in the world, and its IWGP (International Wrestling Grand Prix) Championship belts represent the highest honors in Japanese professional wrestling. Over the years, NJPW has introduced several titles under the IWGP banner, each carrying a rich history of legendary matches, dominant champions, and unforgettable rivalries.

    In this article, we’ll explore the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship, IWGP Intercontinental Championship, IWGP Tag Team Titles, and other major IWGP championships, discussing their history, design evolution, and legendary champions.

    1. IWGP World Heavyweight Championship

    Introduction & First Champion (2021)

    The IWGP World Heavyweight Championship is the top title in NJPW and was introduced in 2021 after the unification of the IWGP Heavyweight Championship (est. 1987) and the IWGP Intercontinental Championship (est. 2011). The first champion was Kota Ibushi, who defeated El Desperado to claim the historic new title.

    Belt Design Evolution

    • IWGP Heavyweight Championship (1987–2021) – Had five distinct versions, with the final version featuring an intricate gold-plated design with a classic feel.
    • IWGP World Heavyweight Championship (2021–Present) – Features a modern, winged design, symbolizing the next generation of NJPW.

    Notable Champions

    • Kazuchika Okada (Record 5-time IWGP World Champion) – The face of NJPW for over a decade.
    • Shingo Takagi (2021) – One of the most dominant champions post-unification.
    • Will Ospreay (2022) – Helped bring a more global spotlight to the title.

    2. IWGP Intercontinental Championship (2011–2021, Retired)

    Introduction & First Champion

    The IWGP Intercontinental Championship was introduced in 2011 as NJPW’s secondary title, but over time, it became nearly as prestigious as the heavyweight championship. The first champion was MVP (Montel Vontavious Porter).

    Belt Design Evolution

    • The white-strapped gold-plated design gave it a unique identity, making it one of NJPW’s most visually striking championships.

    Notable Champions

    • Shinsuke Nakamura (5-time champion) – The man who elevated the title to main-event status.
    • Tetsuya Naito (6-time champion, record holder) – Unified it with the IWGP Heavyweight Championship.
    • Kota Ibushi (Final champion, 2021) – Retired the title after unification.

    3. IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship

    Introduction & First Champion (2017)

    Introduced in 2017, the IWGP U.S. Heavyweight Championship was created to expand NJPW’s influence in North America. The first champion was Kenny Omega, who won it in a tournament at NJPW’s first U.S. event.

    Belt Design

    • The title features a bold red, white, and blue design with a large NJPW lion logo, symbolizing its connection to American wrestling.

    Notable Champions

    • Jon Moxley (Longest combined reign, 694 days, 2019–2022) – Brought global prestige to the title.
    • Will Ospreay (2022–2023) – Elevated the belt with incredible matches.
    • Kenny Omega (First Champion, 2017) – Helped establish the title’s importance.

    4. IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship

    Introduction & First Champion (1986)

    The IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship is NJPW’s premier title for lighter, high-flying wrestlers. Introduced in 1986, the first champion was Shiro Koshinaka.

    Belt Design

    • The title has had several redesigns, but it has always featured a sleek, smaller design to reflect its division.

    Notable Champions

    • Jushin Thunder Liger (11-time champion, most reigns) – The greatest junior heavyweight of all time.
    • Hiromu Takahashi (5-time champion) – One of the modern-day legends of the division.
    • Will Ospreay (2019) – Transitioned from this division to heavyweight dominance.

    5. IWGP Tag Team Championship

    Introduction & First Champions (1985)

    The IWGP Tag Team Championship is the top prize for heavyweight tag teams in NJPW. The first champions were Kengo Kimura & Tatsumi Fujinami.

    Belt Design

    • Features large gold plates with a traditional heavyweight design, emphasizing the importance of tag team wrestling.

    Notable Champions

    • Guerrillas of Destiny (7-time champions, record holders) – One of the most dominant teams in NJPW history.
    • The Steiner Brothers (1991–1992) – Helped globalize the prestige of NJPW tag wrestling.
    • FTR (2022–2023) – Brought global attention to NJPW’s tag team division.

    6. IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship

    Introduction & First Champions (1998)

    The IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship was introduced in 1998 for NJPW’s high-flying junior heavyweight division. The first champions were Shinjiro Otani & Tatsuhito Takaiwa.

    Notable Champions

    • The Young Bucks (7-time champions) – Helped bring international attention to the division.
    • Roppongi Vice (2015–2017) – A dominant team in the modern junior heavyweight scene.

    7. IWGP NEVER Openweight Championships

    NEVER Openweight Championship (2012–Present)

    The NEVER Openweight Championship was introduced in 2012 as a hard-hitting, strong-style championship that could be contested between both heavyweight and junior heavyweight wrestlers. Masato Tanaka was the first champion.

    Notable Champions

    • Tomohiro Ishii (Record 6-time champion) – The king of NEVER division wars.
    • Shingo Takagi (2020) – Used this title to elevate himself into IWGP World Heavyweight Championship contention.

    The Future of IWGP Championships

    With NJPW continuing to expand globally, the IWGP championships remain some of the most prestigious titles in professional wrestling. Recent trends include:

    • Crossover defenses in AEW (Forbidden Door PPVs)
    • More global champions (like Jon Moxley, Kenny Omega, and FTR)
    • New championship designs and potential unifications

    Conclusion: IWGP Titles Represent the Best of Professional Wrestling

    The IWGP Championship belts have defined New Japan Pro Wrestling for decades. From the legendary IWGP World Heavyweight Championship to the iconic IWGP Intercontinental and Junior Heavyweight Titles, these championships have been held by the best wrestlers in the world.