Andrade El Idolo defeated Yota Tsuji to capture the IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship at NJPW Wrestling Dontaku night one in Fukuoka, scoring the pin after hitting two DDTs — one into the ring post and a second onto the mat. The loss marks Tsuji’s second title defeat in under a month, following his IWGP World Heavyweight title loss to Callum Newman at Sakura Genesis on April 4.

After the match Andrade called for challengers and was answered by Shota Umino and Drilla Moloney; Andrade immediately proposed defending the belt in a three-way match, with a date to be announced. The title change is the latest in the Global belt’s short history since its introduction at Wrestle Kingdom 18 in 2024.

Originally reported by Wrestling Observer: https://www.f4wonline.com/news/new-japan/new-champion-crowned-at-njpw-wrestling-dontaku-night-one/.

Callum Newman, the reigning IWGP Heavyweight Champion, revealed he originally thought he would compete as a junior heavyweight when he signed with New Japan Pro-Wrestling. Newman, who became the youngest IWGP Heavyweight Champion in history, discussed the unexpected trajectory of his career and how his rapid rise altered those early expectations.

Newman’s first title defense is set for May 4 at NJPW Wrestling Dontaku against veteran Shingo Takagi, and the champion sat down for an interview ahead of the big match to address the challenge. The bout will be a key test for the young champion as he looks to cement his place atop New Japan’s heavyweight division.

Originally reported by Fightful: https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/callum-newman-i-joined-njpw-thinking-i-was-gonna-be-a-junior-heavyweight