Yota Tsuji Retains IWGP Heavyweight Title at King of Pro Wrestling

Yota Tsuji retained the IWGP Heavyweight Championship at NJPW King of Pro Wrestling 2026 in Japan.

He defeated Ryohei Oiwa, who had gained momentum after winning the G1 Climax tournament in August.

The tournament winner had gone on to take the championship in each of the previous five years, adding to expectations around Oiwa.

Tsuji is presented as New Japan Pro Wrestling’s leading champion in 2026, while Oiwa is seen as a rising star.

After the match, Tsuji was set on a potential path to face Kenny Omega.

That match could take place at Wrestle Kingdom 21 in January, but it depends on Omega becoming the No.

1 contender in a three-way match next month involving Tsuji and Boltin Oleg.

A contest with Omega could become a defining moment in Tsuji’s career.