NJPW Championships and Signature Matches

The Prestige of NJPW Championships and the Matches That Defined Them

New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) is one of the most prestigious wrestling promotions in the world. Established in 1972 by Antonio Inoki, it has cultivated a legacy built on strong style wrestling, dramatic rivalries, and unforgettable championship moments. While championships are at the heart of NJPW’s storytelling, the matches contested for those belts often become legendary, setting new standards for in-ring performance and storytelling.

For collectors and fans alike, NJPW’s championship belts hold immense historical significance. Their evolving designs symbolize eras of wrestling greatness, while the signature matches fought over them immortalize the wrestlers who carried the gold. Fans today often look for replica belts at WWFBelt.com, keeping a piece of NJPW’s history alive in their collections.

This blog takes you through the legacy of NJPW’s major championships and the matches that made them iconic. From the IWGP Heavyweight Championship to the never-ending wars in the Junior division, each belt has been elevated through unforgettable performances that continue to inspire fans across the globe.

The IWGP Heavyweight Championship: The Crown Jewel of NJPW

For decades, the IWGP Heavyweight Championship stood as the most prestigious prize in NJPW and one of the most respected titles in all of professional wrestling. First introduced in 1987, the belt symbolized greatness and was only awarded to those who carried the responsibility of leading the company into new eras.

Legendary reigns include Shinya Hashimoto’s dominance in the 1990s, Keiji Mutoh’s reinventions, and the modern dynasties of Hiroshi Tanahashi and Kazuchika Okada. Each reign elevated the belt’s significance, but it was the matches that defined the title’s reputation.

One such match was Kazuchika Okada vs. Kenny Omega at Wrestle Kingdom 11 (2017), widely regarded as one of the greatest wrestling matches of all time. Their epic clash redefined what fans expected from championship wrestling, combining athletic storytelling with dramatic stakes. The IWGP Heavyweight Championship became a global talking point, introducing millions to NJPW.

When the belt was eventually unified with the IWGP Intercontinental Championship to create the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship in 2021, it symbolized both tradition and evolution, ushering NJPW into a new era.

The IWGP Intercontinental Championship: A Belt That Found Its Identity

Originally created in 2011, the IWGP Intercontinental Championship began as a secondary title but quickly established itself as one of NJPW’s most prestigious belts. Shinsuke Nakamura, often called the “King of Strong Style,” is credited with giving the championship its identity. Through his flamboyant charisma and show-stealing performances, Nakamura made the belt feel as important as the IWGP Heavyweight Title.

Signature matches like Nakamura vs. Tanahashi at Wrestle Kingdom 9 (2015) showcased how this belt could headline major events. Fans began to view the Intercontinental Title not as a mid-card prize but as a main-event-worthy championship.

Collectors often view the IWGP Intercontinental Championship’s white leather strap and golden design as one of NJPW’s most beautiful belts — a must-have replica for any fan at WWFBelt.com.

The IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship: Speed and Innovation

The IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship has long been the centerpiece of NJPW’s high-flying division. First introduced in 1986, it has showcased the world’s best cruiserweight wrestlers.

Signature names like Jushin Thunder Liger, Tiger Mask, Prince Devitt (Finn Bálor), and Hiromu Takahashi elevated the belt with their innovative styles. Matches such as Liger vs. Great Sasuke in the 1990s and Hiromu Takahashi vs. Will Ospreay (2018) set benchmarks for junior heavyweight wrestling.

These matches not only defined the division but also influenced wrestling styles worldwide, with NJPW’s Juniors inspiring future generations in WWE, AEW, and beyond.

The IWGP Tag Team Championships: Brotherhood and War

Tag team wrestling holds a special place in NJPW history, and the IWGP Tag Team Championships have been contested by legendary duos. The belts have seen everything from powerhouse teams like TenKoji (Hiroyoshi Tenzan and Satoshi Kojima) to modern innovators like Guerrillas of Destiny (Tama Tonga and Tanga Loa).

One of the most celebrated tag matches came at Wrestle Kingdom 9, when Bullet Club’s Doc Gallows and Karl Anderson clashed with Meiyu Tag (Hirooki Goto and Katsuyori Shibata). The combination of teamwork, rivalry, and championship stakes made this division unforgettable.

The belts’ design reflects NJPW’s love for tradition, with bold plates that embody the spirit of competition. Fans often seek replicas to celebrate the legendary partnerships these titles symbolize.

The NEVER Openweight Championship: The Belt of Toughness

Created in 2012, the NEVER Openweight Championship quickly developed a reputation as NJPW’s “toughest” belt. Unlike other titles with strict weight divisions, the NEVER belt allowed both heavyweights and juniors to compete, leading to brutal clashes that showcased NJPW’s strong style at its most intense.

Signature matches like Katsuyori Shibata vs. Tomohiro Ishii at Wrestle Kingdom 10 (2016) redefined what fans expected from championship wars. These bouts were less about flashy moves and more about sheer toughness, endurance, and fighting spirit.

For many fans, the NEVER belt embodies NJPW’s core identity: fierce, hard-hitting wrestling that leaves a lasting impression.

The IWGP United States Championship: Bridging East and West

Introduced in 2017, the IWGP United States Championship was designed to expand NJPW’s international presence, particularly in North America. With inaugural champion Kenny Omega setting the tone, the title quickly became a global prize.

Jon Moxley’s reign during 2019–2022 cemented the belt’s worldwide relevance. His hard-hitting battles against Juice Robinson and Lance Archer gave the title an aura of unpredictability. The belt also allowed NJPW to collaborate with AEW and other promotions, strengthening its international connections.

The red-accented design of the belt has made it visually unique, appealing to both hardcore collectors and new fans alike.

The IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: A New Chapter

When NJPW unified its Heavyweight and Intercontinental belts in 2021, the result was the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship. This new belt signaled a fresh chapter for NJPW, reflecting its global ambitions.

Shingo Takagi, Kazuchika Okada, and Will Ospreay have already brought prestige to the title through epic clashes. One standout match is Okada vs. Ospreay at Wrestle Kingdom 16 (2022), which combined storytelling, athleticism, and emotional weight.

While the new belt design sparked debates among fans, it remains the pinnacle of NJPW competition, carrying the weight of two legendary lineages.

Women’s Championships in NJPW’s Orbit

Although NJPW traditionally focused on men’s divisions, the creation of the IWGP Women’s Championship in partnership with Stardom marked a historic milestone. Matches like Kairi vs. Mayu Iwatani (2022) and Mercedes Moné’s appearances in NJPW have made the belt globally relevant.

This expansion shows NJPW’s willingness to embrace change while honoring Japan’s strong Joshi wrestling tradition.

Signature Matches That Shaped NJPW’s Legacy

Beyond the belts themselves, NJPW’s legacy is defined by the matches contested for them. Here are some signature bouts that stand as cornerstones of wrestling history:

• Antonio Inoki vs. Hulk Hogan (1983, IWGP League Final) – A clash of international icons that set NJPW on the global map.

• Keiji Mutoh vs. Nobuhiko Takada (1995) – A battle that blended puroresu and MMA influences.

• Tanahashi vs. Okada (Wrestle Kingdom 10, 2016) – The culmination of a rivalry that defined a generation.

• Okada vs. Omega series (2017–2018) – Matches that broke rating systems and drew global acclaim.

• Shibata vs. Okada (Sakura Genesis 2017) – A career-defining, heartbreaking battle showcasing fighting spirit.

Each of these matches elevated their respective championships, proving that belts in NJPW are more than symbols — they are vehicles for storytelling and legacies.

Belt Collecting and Fan Legacy

NJPW belts are not just trophies for wrestlers; they are coveted by fans and collectors who want to preserve wrestling history. Replica belts allow enthusiasts to hold a piece of the magic. Whether it’s the elegant design of the IWGP Intercontinental Championship or the modern boldness of the IWGP World Heavyweight Title, each replica captures the spirit of its era.

Collectors searching for authentic replicas can explore WWFBelt.com, where detailed craftsmanship ensures each belt mirrors its legendary counterpart.

Conclusion

NJPW’s championships are more than just physical belts — they are emblems of history, honor, and unforgettable moments. From the IWGP Heavyweight Championship’s glory to the brutal NEVER Openweight wars, every belt has been defined by matches that transcended the sport.

For fans, the legacy of these titles is best remembered not only through the wrestlers who held them but also through the unforgettable matches that made them legendary. NJPW’s championships and signature matches remain the heartbeat of strong style wrestling, shaping the promotion’s identity for generations to come.