Will Ospreay Vacates IWGP World Heavyweight Title Due To Injury
More bad news for NJPW, as a neck issue forces Will Opsreay to relinquish his IWGP strap.
Will Ospreay's IWGP World Heavyweight Title run has met a premature end.
Per New Japan Pro Wrestling's official announcement, the Englishman will be forced to vacate the belt after suffering a neck injury while competing at Wrestling Dontaku on 4 May. The promotion will make a further announcement on its plans for the belt at a later date.
No timetable is in place for Ospreay's recovery or comeback at the moment. His injury's severity is unknown.
The 28-year-old had reigned since becoming the second IWGP World Heavyweight Champion sat Sakura Genesis 2021 (4 April), when he defeated Kota Ibushi following NJPW's decision to merge its existing IWGP Heavyweight and Intercontinental straps. The Shingo Takagi match was Ospreay's first defence, with the duo delivering a universally acclaimed clash on Wrestling Dontaku's second night, as Will bested his rival in around 45 minutes.
Though the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship is a new strap, winning it made Ospreay the first Brit to ever hold New Japan's top prize. He had been scheduled to put the gold on the line against Kazuchika Okada at Wrestle Grand Slam in the Tokyo Dome (29 May) prior to that event's cancellation.
All the best to Ospreay in his recovery.