Kazuchika Okada won the 2021 G1 Climax tournament by injury stoppage when Kota Ibushi suffered an injury in the final of the big tournament.
During his post-G1 press conference, Okada claimed that he did not want to carry a briefcase, rather opting to carry around the old IWGP Championship that Kota Ibushi retired earlier this year. He said:
“The IWGP Heavyweight Championship that Ibushi retired though… I’m not saying that people should call me the ‘X-ieth Heavyweight Champion’ or anything, but I want to hold that belt, until Ibushi gets back. Usually (the G1 winner) gets a contract and defends that. But maybe I can- in fact, since the chairman is here today, I’m asking- to have the fourth IWGP Heavyweight belt in place of a contract. Is that OK, chairman? There’s usually a briefcase with a contract inside. But after the way things ended yesterday, I want to face Ibushi again. And since Ibushi retired that title, I want it as proof of my promise to him. To have a title belt instead of a contract.”
Okada showed up at today’s NJPW Road To Power Struggle show, with the old championship draped over his shoulder.
.@rainmakerXokada "G1 CLIMAX 31 WINNER🏆"
Sign up Now & Stay tuned to https://t.co/CcdQ1XrpWA#njpw #njpst #njpwworld pic.twitter.com/NXsG6dbhUc
— NJPW WORLD (@njpwworld) October 24, 2021
The IWGP Championship was merged with the IWGP Intercontinental Championship back in March to create the current IWGP World Heavyweight Championship that is held by Shingo Takagi.
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