IWGP US Title Match Set For NJPW Wrestle Grand Slam

Following NJPW Resurgence on August 14, an IWGP United States Title match has been announced for the September 4 Wrestle Grand Slam event.

At NJPW Resurgence, Hiroshi Tanahashi defeated Lance Archer to win the IWGP US Title. He will defend the gold on the first night of Wrestle Grand Slam against former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Kota Ibushi. Tanahashi notably defeated Ibushi in the finals of the 2018 G1 Climax tournament.

NJPW announced the match on their website, writing:

“The IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship will be on the line on September 4, as Hiroshi Tanahashi defends against the returning Kota Ibushi. This match was made official after an exchange of video message from both men earlier today. Tanahashi called out Ibushi from California, where he won US gold against Lance Archer at Resurgence, issuing a challenge that Ibushi was quick to accept. After his Tokyo Dome challenge to Shingo Takagi in July was taken away by illness, the Golden Star will be more motivated than ever to put in a grand slam performance, and to lift the only singles championship that has eluded him in his NJPW career.”

Shingo Takagi is currently set to defend the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship against EVIL at Wrestle Grand Slam night 2 on September 5. Takagi and BUSHI both recently tested positive for COVID-19.

Former titleholder Will Ospreay made his return to NJPW at Resurgence, declaring himself the “real” IWGP World Heavyweight Champion. He was forced to vacate the gold in May after suffering a neck and back injury.

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