3 Key Points:
- New IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship to debut at Wrestle Kingdom 18.
- Jonathan Moxley, Will Ospreay, and David Finlay set for three-way title clash.
- Revamped IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships showcased by Bullet Club War Dogs.
New Class of Champions to Emerge at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 18
As the atmosphere electrified during the NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 18 press conference, the unveiling of the IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship set the stage for a landmark event. The introduction of this prestigious belt marks a milestone for the federation, bidding farewell to the IWGP United States Heavyweight title, with Will Ospreay recognized as the last to hold it.
Inaugural IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship Match
A collision course for three of wrestling’s elite—Will Ospreay, Jonathan Moxley, and David Finlay—will determine the first bearer of the new Global Heavyweight title. Ready to leave his mark, Finlay expressed his eagerness to dismantle his celebrated rivals, framing the scene as a chance to outshine both the seasoned veteran Moxley and the rising star Ospreay.
Tactical Ceasefire Between Moxley and Ospreay
Echoing the tension, Moxley and Ospreay announced a temporary truce to focus their efforts on Finlay in the triple-threat encounter. This strategic move hinted at a desire from both men to turn the three-way match into a head-to-head showdown at some point, satisfying a widespread craving among fans for a direct duel between the two powerhouse figures of the ring.
IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Titles Redesigned
Further developments enriched the press conference as Clark Connors and Drilla Moloney of Bullet Club War Dogs showcased the reimagined IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship belts. The reveal promised to elevate the already heated rivalry with Catch 2/2, comprised of TJP and Francesco Akira, who are seeking to reclaim their former glory as two-time champions. The newly designed straps symbolize a break from the past, igniting a contemporary era for this tag-team division.
Bullet Club War Dogs Ready for Challenge
With a nonchalant disregard for the past champions like Jyushin Liger and the Young Bucks, Moloney dismissed the bygone era in a brash statement, while Akira ominously foreshadowed the emergence of “The Aswang,” hinting at TJP’s menacing transformation. As the current holders of the titles, Moloney and Connors have the opportunity to solidify their legacy against a formidable and determined Catch 2/2 at the January 4th showdown.
With eager anticipation building for Wrestle Kingdom 18, these championship revelations have raised the stakes, promising an epic and memorable night of professional wrestling action.