NJPW Belts

New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) Championship Belts: An In-Depth Overview

New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) is renowned for its prestigious championship belts, which symbolize excellence and achievement in professional wrestling. These belts have been central to NJPW's legacy and are deeply valued by fans and wrestlers alike. Here’s a comprehensive look at NJPW’s notable championship belts, their history, design evolution, and significance.

The IWGP Heavyweight Championship

Introduction and Inception
The IWGP Heavyweight Championship is NJPW's premier title, representing the pinnacle of success in the promotion. It was first introduced on January 4, 1987, at Wrestle Kingdom I, and quickly became NJPW's top championship. The title's creation was part of NJPW's effort to establish a prestigious and globally recognized championship belt.

Design Evolution
The IWGP Heavyweight Championship has seen several design changes since its inception. The original design featured a traditional gold and leather look. Over the years, the belt has undergone several redesigns, including:

  • The Original Design: Characterized by a large, ornate central plate and a gold and leather design that emphasized its status as the top prize.
  • The “Big Gold” Design: Adopted in the early 2000s, this design was inspired by classic wrestling belts with a more elaborate and grand appearance.
  • The Current Design: The modern version, introduced in 2019, features a sleek, contemporary look with a central plate that showcases the NJPW logo prominently. It combines elements of tradition with a modern aesthetic.

Notable Champions
The IWGP Heavyweight Championship has been held by some of the most significant names in professional wrestling, including:

  • Antonio Inoki: The inaugural champion, whose reign helped establish the belt’s prestige.
  • Hiroshi Tanahashi: Known for his multiple reigns and contributions to NJPW’s global success.
  • Kazuchika Okada: One of the most celebrated champions in NJPW history, whose reigns have been marked by high-profile matches and significant milestones.

The IWGP Intercontinental Championship

Introduction and Inception
The IWGP Intercontinental Championship was introduced on February 14, 2011, during NJPW’s "New Beginning" event. The title was created to add a secondary top-tier championship to NJPW’s roster, providing an additional opportunity for wrestlers to achieve success and gain recognition.

Design Evolution
The design of the IWGP Intercontinental Championship has seen updates over the years, including:

  • The Original Design: Featured a central plate with a design that included the IWGP logo and a classic wrestling belt look.
  • The 2015 Redesign: This version included a more elaborate design with additional plates and a more modern aesthetic.
  • The Current Design: The most recent design maintains the prestige of the title with a sleek, updated look while preserving its historical elements.

Notable Champions
Champions of the IWGP Intercontinental Championship include:

  • Shinsuke Nakamura: The first champion, known for his charismatic style and impact on NJPW.
  • Chris Jericho: A globally recognized star whose reign brought significant attention to the title.
  • Tetsuya Naito: A popular champion known for his dynamic style and contributions to the title’s legacy.

The IWGP Tag Team Championship

Introduction and Inception
The IWGP Tag Team Championship was introduced on March 21, 1991. This title represents the top tag team championship in NJPW and has been a significant part of the promotion’s tag team division.

Design Evolution
The IWGP Tag Team Championship has evolved through several designs:

  • The Original Design: Featured a traditional tag team belt design with a gold central plate.
  • The 2000s Redesign: Included a more modern look with updated plates and designs.
  • The Current Design: The latest design features a classic yet modern look, combining traditional elements with contemporary updates.

Notable Champions
Notable teams who have held the IWGP Tag Team Championship include:

  • The Steiner Brothers: The inaugural champions who set the standard for tag team excellence.
  • The Guerrillas of Destiny: A dominant team in recent years, known for their numerous reigns and significant impact on the tag team division.
  • The Young Bucks: Known for their innovative style and contributions to the tag team landscape.

The IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship

Introduction and Inception
The IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship was introduced on August 25, 1986. It represents the top championship for NJPW’s junior heavyweight division, highlighting the skills and athleticism of lighter wrestlers.

Design Evolution
The IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship has seen several design changes:

  • The Original Design: Featured a classic look with a large central plate and gold detailing.
  • The 1990s Redesign: Included updated designs with additional plates and a modern aesthetic.
  • The Current Design: Maintains the championship’s prestige with a design that blends traditional elements with modern updates.

Notable Champions
Key champions of the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship include:

  • Jushin Liger: A legendary figure in junior heavyweight wrestling, known for his groundbreaking matches and contributions to the division.
  • Hiromu Takahashi: A prominent champion whose dynamic style and numerous reigns have significantly impacted the title’s legacy.
  • Kushida: Known for his technical skill and impact on the junior heavyweight division.

The IWGP Women’s Championship

Introduction and Inception
The IWGP Women’s Championship was introduced on January 4, 2022, at Wrestle Kingdom 16. This championship was created to recognize the top female talent in NJPW and provide a platform for women’s wrestling within the promotion.

Design Evolution
As a relatively new title, the IWGP Women’s Championship’s design is still evolving. The initial design featured:

  • The Original Design: A sleek, modern belt with a central plate highlighting the IWGP logo and emphasizing the importance of women’s wrestling in NJPW.

Notable Champions
Notable champions include:

  • Kairi Sane: The inaugural champion, known for her exceptional in-ring skills and impact on women’s wrestling in NJPW.

The NJPW Strong Openweight Championship

Introduction and Inception
The NJPW Strong Openweight Championship was introduced on August 7, 2020, as part of NJPW’s expansion into the U.S. market with the NJPW Strong brand. This championship was created to feature top talent across weight classes.

Design Evolution
The design of the NJPW Strong Openweight Championship is characterized by:

  • The Original Design: Featuring a bold, modern look with a large central plate that reflects the championship’s openweight nature and emphasis on strong, competitive matches.

Notable Champions
Key champions include:

  • Tom Lawlor: The inaugural champion, known for his strong style and significant impact on the U.S. NJPW brand.

Conclusion

NJPW’s championship belts represent a rich legacy of wrestling excellence and have been integral to the promotion’s history. From the prestigious IWGP Heavyweight Championship to the newly introduced IWGP Women’s Championship, each title has its own unique design and historical significance. These belts not only symbolize the pinnacle of achievement within NJPW but also reflect the evolution of professional wrestling and the promotion’s commitment to showcasing top talent.