Kazuchika Okada Brings Back Old IWGP Championship At NJPW Road To Power Struggle

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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• road to power struggle
• IWGP Championship
• NJPW
• Kazuchika Okada

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