New Japan Unveil Strong Openweight Championship
Lio Rush, Brody King, Tom Lawlor, and more will battle to become the first champion.
During the ongoing Road to New Japan Cup USA tour, New Japan Pro Wrestling unveiled the creation of a new title; the Strong Openweight Championship. The first champion will be determined by whoever wins this year's New Japan Cup USA.
This replaces the original prize, an opportunity to challenge for the IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship, currently held by Jon Moxley. Last year's winner, KENTA, received his shot at 'The Purveyor of Violence's' championship only a few weeks ago due to the ongoing global health crisis. He failed to become champion.
The final eight in the tournament are Clark Connors, Lio Rush, Brody King, Chris Dickinson, Ren Narita, Tom Lawlor, HIKULEO, and Fred Rosser, the former Darren Young. This official opening round is slated to go down on 9 April, with the inaugural champion being crowned on 23 April.
An official statement from New Japan's website reads the following:-
As the name suggests, the title represents the pinnacle of competition on NJPW STRONG on Friday nights, and will be contested for by wrestlers of any weight class. Things are going to get even more exciting going forward on NJPW STRONG; who of the eight in this year’s tournament will become the first holder of the gold?
The title now becomes the ninth active championship within New Japan Pro Wrestling.