IWGP Heavyweight Championship

{{short description|Men's championship of New Japan Pro-Wrestling}} {{about|NJPW's current top heavyweight title|the original version|IWGP Heavyweight Championship (original version)|the IGF version|IWGP Heavyweight Championship (IGF)|other uses|IWGP Heavyweight Championship (disambiguation)}} {{Infobox pro wrestling championship |championshipname = IWGP Heavyweight Championship |image = IWGP Heavyweight Championship.PNG |caption = The "V4" IWGP Heavyweight Championship belt<br/>(2008 – 2021, 2026 – present) |promotion = New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) |created = June 12, 1987 |currentholder = Callum Newman |won = April 4, 2026 |mostreigns = Hiroshi Tanahashi (8 reigns) |firstchamp = Antonio Inoki |longestreign = Kazuchika Okada (4th reign) (720 days) |shortestreign = Kensuke Sasaki (4th reign) (16 days) |oldest = Genichiro Tenryu ({{Age in years, months and days|1950|02|02|1999|12|10}})<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/362124/|script-title=ja:永田 やるぞ！ＩＷＧＰ５０歳で戴冠！！|date=January 31, 2015|access-date=January 9, 2016|work=Tokyo Sports|language=ja|archive-date=November 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107112041/https://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/362124/}}</ref> |youngest = Callum Newman ({{Age in years, months and days|2002|08|31|2026|04|04}}) |heaviest = Big Van Vader<br />({{convert|185|kg|lb|abbr=on}}) |lightest = Kota Ibushi<br />({{convert|93|kg|lb|abbr=on}}) |pastnames = *IWGP Heavyweight Championship (1987–2021, 2026–present) *IWGP World Heavyweight Championship (2021–2026) }}

The {{nihongo|'''IWGP Heavyweight Championship'''|IWGPヘビー級王座|IWGP hebī-kyū ōza}} is a men's professional wrestling world heavyweight championship<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-11-05 |title=Wrestle Kingdom Rewind: NJPW takes on UWFI 【WK20】 |url=https://www.njpw1972.com/544391 |access-date=2026-01-28 |website=njpw1972}}</ref> owned by New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW).{{efn|"IWGP" is the acronym of NJPW's storyline governing body, the {{Nihongo|International Wrestling Grand Prix|インターナショナル・レスリング・グラン・プリ|intānashonaru resuringu guran puri}}.<ref>{{cite web|title=WK9 101: The Intro|url=http://globalforcewrestling.com/wk9-101-intro/|access-date=2016-02-01|work=Global Force Wrestling|date=13 November 2014|archive-date=2017-07-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170711140329/http://globalforcewrestling.com/wk9-101-intro/}}</ref>}} The current champion is Callum Newman, who is in his first reign. He won the title by defeating previous champion Yota Tsuji at NJPW Sakura Genesis on April 4, 2026.

The title was first introduced on June 12, 1987 as the prize of that year's IWGP League tournament, with Antonio Inoki crowned as the inaugural champion. It was later unified with the IWGP Intercontinental Championship on March 4, 2021 to form the '''IWGP World Heavyweight Championship''', was originally recognized as a new separate title, with both the Heavyweight and Intercontinental titles retired. However, two days after winning the title, Tsuji declared on January 6, 2026 that the Heavyweight Championship was reactivated, replacing the World Heavyweight title and retroactively unifying both titles' lineage.

The championship has been primarily represented by five different belt designs from 1987 to 2026, including the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship. The fourth design, or the ''V4'', was introduced in March 2008, previously retired in 2021, and reintroduced in 2026.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Podgorski |first=Alex |date=2024-05-29 |title=History of the IWGP Heavyweight Championship – Part 3 |url=https://prowrestlingpost.com/history-of-the-iwgp-heavyweight-championship/ |access-date=2026-01-28 |website=Pro Wrestling Post |language=en-US |quote=The monstrous Takayama was, at the time, the biggest combat sports star in Japan. ... [On] May 2nd, 2003, Takayama ended [Yuji Nagata]'s reign and became IWGP Heavyweight Champion. In doing so, he also became a dual world champion because he also held an older title, the NWF Heavyweight Championship, at the same time.}}</ref> The IWGP Heavyweight Championship is regularly defended as the primary heavyweight championship in NJPW.

==Title history== ===IWGP Heavyweight Championship (1987–2021)=== [[File:20200228fujinami.jpg|left|thumb|250x250px|Tatsumi Fujinami, who (as the Inoki-anointed top star of NJPW) won the Heavyweight title six times between 1988 and 1998.]] [[File:IWGP Heavyweight Championship (original version).jpg|thumb|224x224px|The original IWGP Heavyweight Championship belt design, used for both the ''V1'' of the defended title belt and the original design of the original title.]] An early version of this championship was introduced as the prize of the 1983 IWGP League (which later evolved into the G1 Climax), which was won by Hulk Hogan. In 1984 and 1985, the winner of the IWGP League instead earned the right to challenge for the championship at the conclusion of the tournament, and in 1986, then-champion and company founder Antonio Inoki vacated the championship in order to compete in that year's tournament. In 1987, this version of the championship was deactivated and the winner of that year's tournament, Inoki, was recognized as the inaugural IWGP Heavyweight Champion.<ref name=":0">{{cite web |title=International Wrestling Grand Prix Championship Tournament |url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/japan/newjapan/iwgp.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180820021819/http://www.wrestling-titles.com/japan/newjapan/iwgp.html |archive-date=2018-08-20 |access-date=2019-02-09 |publisher=Wrestling-Titles.com}}</ref> His student, Tatsumi Fujinami, who had become NJPW's first homegrown star,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Oliver |first=Greg |date=2017-05-15 |title=10 questions with Tatsumi Fujinami - Slam Wrestling |url=https://slamwrestling.net/news/10-questions-with-tatsumi-fujinami/ |access-date=2026-01-28 |website=slamwrestling.net |language=en-US |quote=[Tatsumi Fujinami] returned to Japan and became a top star, with Inoki and Hisashi Shinma building the Junior Heavyweight division around him. Fujinami was one of the best overall workers in the company and helped establish the credibility of the junior division among Japanese fans. In 1981, [NJPW] moved him to the heavyweight division to make room for the original Tiger Mask.}}</ref> won the championship after Inoki had an injury in 1988, after defeating one of Inoki's main rivals in the American Big Van Vader<nowiki/>in May 1988.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NJPW Super Fight Series 1988 - Tag 22 « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=55951 |access-date=2026-01-28 |website=www.cagematch.net}}</ref> After Fujinami and Riki Choshu had fought to a no contest that same month,<ref>{{Cite web |title=NJPW IWGP Champion Series 1988 - Tag 5 « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=51826 |access-date=2026-01-28 |website=www.cagematch.net}}</ref> the title was vacated pending an immediate rematch for the title, which Fujinami won in June.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NJPW IWGP Champion Series 1988 - Tag 28 « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=25518 |access-date=2026-01-28 |website=www.cagematch.net}}</ref> Choshu, Fujinami, and Vader traded the championship from 1989 until 1992 (with the exception of Salman Hashimikov, who won the title from Vader in 1989, and lost it to Choshu later).

Keiji Muto, as his Great Muta persona, was the first of the ''Toukon Sanjushi'', or Three Musketeers of NJPW, to win the championship, when he defeated Riki Choshu in Fukuoka in 1992. In the same match, he gained Choshu's Greatest 18 Club Championship, which retired afterward.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NJPW G1 Climax Special 1992 - Tag 2 « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=55963 |access-date=2026-01-28 |website=www.cagematch.net}}</ref> In his championship reign, he assumed the longest up to that point at 400 days; he lost the belt to a fellow Musketeer, Shinya Hashimoto, in September 1993.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NJPW G1 Climax Special 1993 - Tag 1 « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=55964 |access-date=2026-01-28 |website=www.cagematch.net}}</ref> Muto won the championship again in 1995, during the invasion by UWF International. After UWFi founder and ''ace'' Nobuhiko Takada won the belt off Muto at Wrestling World 1996,<ref>{{Cite web |title=NJPW Wrestling World In Tokyo Dome 1996 « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=3126 |access-date=2026-01-28 |website=www.cagematch.net}}</ref> Hashimoto gained the title from the invading Takada, and put an end to the rivalry.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-11-05 |title=Wrestle Kingdom Rewind: NJPW takes on UWFI 【WK20】 |url=https://www.njpw1972.com/544391 |access-date=2026-01-28 |website=njpw1972}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=NJPW Battle Formation In Tokyo Dome « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=3127|website=www.cagematch.net|access-date=2026-01-28}}</ref>

In the early 2000s, Inoki saw the rise of several mixed-martial-arts or hybrid-MMA/pro-wrestling stars to become IWGP Heavyweight Champions. The first was Kazuyuki Fujita in 2001, which was followed afterward (after Fujita suffered an injury) by Tadao Yasuda.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-11-05 |title=Wrestle Kingdom Rewind: NJPW takes on UWFI 【WK20】 |url=https://www.njpw1972.com/544391 |access-date=2026-01-28 |website=njpw1972}}</ref> Yoshihiro Takayama,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Podgorski |first=Alex |date=2024-05-29 |title=History of the IWGP Heavyweight Championship – Part 3 |url=https://prowrestlingpost.com/history-of-the-iwgp-heavyweight-championship/ |access-date=2026-01-28 |website=Pro Wrestling Post |language=en-US |quote=The monstrous Takayama was, at the time, the biggest combat sports star in Japan. ... [On] May 2nd, 2003, Takayama ended [Yuji Nagata]'s reign and became IWGP Heavyweight Champion. In doing so, he also became a dual world champion because he also held an older title, the NWF Heavyweight Championship, at the same time.}}</ref> Yuji Nagata<ref>{{Cite web |last=Podgorski |first=Alex |date=2024-05-29 |title=History of the IWGP Heavyweight Championship – Part 3 |url=https://prowrestlingpost.com/history-of-the-iwgp-heavyweight-championship/ |access-date=2026-01-28 |website=Pro Wrestling Post |language=en-US |quote=Nagata's reign provided a brief reprieve from NJPW owner Antonio Inoki's obsession with MMA. At last, the biggest draw in New Japan Pro Wrestling was an actual pro wrestler through and through. ... It was a period during which Nagata and other established NJPW pro wrestlers had to drag the company through the mud to try and save the ailing promotion.}}</ref> and Shinsuke Nakamura,<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Podgorski |first=Alex |date=2024-05-29 |title=History of the IWGP Heavyweight Championship – Part 3 |url=https://prowrestlingpost.com/history-of-the-iwgp-heavyweight-championship/ |access-date=2026-01-28 |website=Pro Wrestling Post |language=en-US |quote=On December 9th, 2003, [Shinsuke Nakamura] defeated transitional champion Hiroyoshi Tenzan to become the youngest IWGP Heavyweight Champion ever, at only 23 years old. ... And to prove how much faith Inoki had in Nakamura, Nakamura defeated Takayama on the [2004 January 4th Tokyo Dome Show]; unifying his IWGP title with Takayama's NWF Heavyweight title.}}</ref> who were trained wrestlers that did MMA consecutively, also won the title during this period; the latter, Nakamura, became the youngest IWGP Heavyweight Champion at the age of 23. After Bob Sapp won the title and Fujita had his second and third reigns, this style of booking was dropped.

As part of a storyline between 2003-2004, NJPW recognized the previously-established NWF Heavyweight Championship as the second primary heavyweight championship in the company, which was unified after IWGP champion Shinsuke Nakamura defeated NWF champion Yoshihiro Takayama at Wrestling World 2004.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web|title=NJPW Wrestling World 2004 « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=7997|website=www.cagematch.net|access-date=2026-01-28}}</ref><ref name=":1" /> In July 2006, Brock Lesnar was stripped of the title after he refused to defend it, claiming he was owed money by NJPW. The company proceeded to crown a new champion, while Lesnar kept the physical belt.<ref name="LesnarAngle">{{cite web |last=Woodward |first=Buck |date=2007-06-29 |title=Kurt Angle beats Brock Lesnar in WrestleMania rematch in Japan |url=http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=25224 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170825232724/http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=25224 |archive-date=2017-08-25 |access-date=2017-11-21 |work=Pro Wrestling Insider}}</ref> He signed with Antonio Inoki's Inoki Genome Federation (IGF) in 2007, and lost the championship to Kurt Angle at the promotion's inaugural event.<ref>{{cite web |last=Martin |first=Adam |date=2007-06-28 |title=Brock Lesnar in Japan with IWGP Title; could defend against Kurt Angle |url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2006/1183069997.shtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070701154213/http://www.wrestleview.com/news2006/1183069997.shtml |archive-date=2007-07-01 |access-date=2009-03-26 |work=Wrestleview}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Martin |first=Adam |date=2007-07-02 |title=Video online of Angle vs. Lesnar in Japan, Ask TNA Wrestling, TNA Today |url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2006/1183415472.shtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070704200917/http://www.wrestleview.com/news2006/1183415472.shtml |archive-date=2007-07-04 |access-date=2009-03-26 |work=Wrestleview}}</ref> Angle, who was recognized by his home promotion Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) as the "IWGP Heavyweight Champion" and by NJPW as the "IWGP 3rd Belt Champion",<ref name="PWTorchGlobalImpact">{{cite web |last=Caldwell |first=James |date=2008-01-17 |title=Caldwell's TNA Global Impact report 1/17: Ongoing coverage of Spike TV special |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TV_Reports_9/article_24259.shtml |access-date=2015-09-13 |publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> lost the IGF title in a unification match to the NJPW-recognized Heavyweight Champion Shinsuke Nakamura in February 2008.<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 18, 2007 |title=Circuit2008 NEW JAPAN ISM |url=https://www.njpw.co.jp/tournament/result/12345 |website=New Japan Pro-Wrestling |language=ja}}</ref>

In the midst of a one year reign as champion, NJPW ''ace'' Hiroshi Tanahashi was challenged by the recently-returned Kazuchika Okada. A change in booking was made apparent by Okada winning the championship from Tanahashi, as Bushiroad had just bought NJPW for ¥500 million and Gedo assumed the role as head booker of NJPW.<ref>{{cite web |script-title=ja:5億円！新日オーナー会社 電撃交代 |url=http://www.nikkansports.com/battle/news/p-bt-tp0-20120201-897575.html |access-date=2012-04-11 |publisher=Nikkan Sports |language=ja |archive-date=2019-07-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190703121544/https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/news/p-bt-tp0-20120201-897575.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Sullivan |first=Jarrod |date=2021-10-06 |title=The State of New Japan Pro-Wrestling in 2021 |url=https://lastwordonsports.com/prowrestling/2021/10/06/new-japan-pro-wrestling-in-2021/ |access-date=2026-01-11 |website=Last Word on Pro Wrestling |language=en-US |archive-date=2025-03-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250310224850/https://lastwordonsports.com/prowrestling/2021/10/06/new-japan-pro-wrestling-in-2021/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Podgorski |first=Alex |date=2024-05-31 |title=History of the IWGP Heavyweight Championship - Part 5 |url=https://prowrestlingpost.com/history-of-the-iwgp-heavyweight-2/ |access-date=2026-01-28 |website=Pro Wrestling Post |language=en-US }}</ref> Okada and Tanahashi traded the championship with themselves and others, with a break in-between for wrestlers like AJ Styles and Tetsuya Naito, who had also became popular established stars.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Podgorski |first=Alex |date=2024-05-31 |title=History of the IWGP Heavyweight Championship - Part 5 |url=https://prowrestlingpost.com/history-of-the-iwgp-heavyweight-2/ |access-date=2026-01-28 |website=Pro Wrestling Post |language=en-US }}</ref> Between 2012 and 2018, there were no unsuccessful championship defenses that took place at the January 4th Tokyo Dome event (Wrestle Kingdoms VI through 12). Within 2016 to 2018, Kazuchika Okada had, in his fourth overall reign, the longest reigning (720 days) and the most successfully-defense championship (twelve defenses) reign of the title, which began with a win against the incumbent Tetsuya Naito at Dominion 6.19, and ended with a loss to Kenny Omega at Dominion 6.9 (both at Osaka-jō Hall).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chiari |first=Mike |title=Kenny Omega Beats Kazuchika Okada, Wins IWGP Heavyweight Title at NJPW Dominion |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2776567-kenny-omega-beats-kazuchika-okada-wins-iwgp-heavyweight-title-at-njpw-dominion |access-date=2026-01-11 |website=bleacherreport.com |language=en |archive-date=2021-04-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210428010038/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2776567-kenny-omega-beats-kazuchika-okada-wins-iwgp-heavyweight-title-at-njpw-dominion |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2019, when he was IWGP Intercontinental Champion, Tetsuya Naito declared his intention of making history by becoming the first to hold the IWGP Heavyweight and Intercontinental Championship at the same time.<ref>{{cite web |date=February 1, 2019 |script-title=ja:なんと挑戦者が握手を要求!? 内藤vsタイチのインターコンチネンタル王座調印式は、不気味な静けさの"挑発"合戦！【公開調印式】 |url=https://www.njpw.co.jp/183904 |access-date=March 31, 2021 |publisher=New Japan Pro-Wrestling |language=ja}}</ref> By the end of the year, Jay White, who had won the Intercontinental Championship from Naito, and Kota Ibushi, who was the next challenger for the Heavyweight Championship, also expressed the same desire. After a fan vote, it was decided that Naito, White, Ibushi, and Heavyweight Champion Kazuchika Okada would compete at Wrestle Kingdom 14 on January 4–5, 2020, where one would end up with both titles.<ref>{{cite web |date=November 5, 2019 |script-title=ja:【WK14】"ダブル選手権"が正式決定！「史上初の男になってみせますよ」内藤が"二冠"獲得に自信！「おまえのアイディアは俺が成し遂げる」王者・ジェイは不敵に挑発三昧！【東京ドーム会見（1）】 |url=https://www.njpw.co.jp/224697 |access-date=March 31, 2021 |publisher=New Japan Pro-Wrestling |language=ja |archive-date=July 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210715124408/https://www.njpw.co.jp/224697 |url-status=live }}</ref> Naito achieved the feat to become the first "Double Champion" and the two titles were defended together since (apart from one time). During 2020, Naito said his original intention was for the titles to be defended separately. He requested for this, or otherwise for the titles to be unified, but no change happened.<ref>{{cite web |date=August 31, 2020 |script-title=ja:「タイトルマッチは別々に行った方がいい」内藤が今後の"二冠問題"に言及！ 真夏の野外ビッグマッチ恒例化も熱望！SHOがジュニアタッグ王座返上に関してコメント！【8.31二夜明け会見】 |url=https://www.njpw.co.jp/258560 |access-date=March 31, 2021 |publisher=New Japan Pro-Wrestling |language=ja |archive-date=February 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210216051746/https://www.njpw.co.jp/258560 |url-status=live }}</ref> Both titles kept their individual history, but were defended at the same time and were sometimes referred to as the "Double Championship".<ref>{{Cite web |title=2021.01.05 Varsan presents WRESTLE KINGDOM 15 in Tokyo Dome {{!}} NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING<!-- Bot generated title --> |url=https://www.njpw1972.com/tornament/83844?showResult=1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210106063728/https://www.njpw1972.com/tornament/83844?showResult=1 |archive-date=2021-01-06 |access-date=2021-01-07}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=5 Problems With The Double Champion Idea In NJPW (& 5 Ways It's Working)<!-- Bot generated title --> |date=18 December 2020 |url=https://www.thesportster.com/wrestling/njpw-double-title-concept-works-fails/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201219083616/https://www.thesportster.com/wrestling/njpw-double-title-concept-works-fails/ |archive-date=2020-12-19 |access-date=2021-01-07}}</ref>

=== IWGP World Heavyweight Championship (2021–2026) === [[File:2023.11.04-tuji.jpg|thumb|left|235x235px|Yota Tsuji reactivated the championship in 2026, and combined the lineages of both the Heavyweight and the World Heavyweight titles.]] thumb|The IWGP World Heavyweight Championship title's design, used from 2021–2026 After Ibushi won the titles from Naito at Wrestle Kingdom 15 on January 4, 2021, he expressed his desire for the titles to be unified.<ref name="creation">{{cite web |date=January 12, 2021 |script-title=ja:「この二つのベルトを一つにしたら、もっと凄いことが生まれるんじゃないかなと。絶対おもしろいことになる」"二冠王者"飯伏幸太がベルト統一を再提案！【1.12会見】 |url=https://www.njpw.co.jp/278498 |access-date=March 31, 2021 |publisher=New Japan Pro-Wrestling |language=ja |archive-date=May 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210507035050/https://www.njpw.co.jp/278498 |url-status=live }}</ref> On March 1, 2021, with Ibushi still champion, the unification of the titles to create the new IWGP World Heavyweight Championship was officially announced, with Ibushi as the inaugural World Heavyweight Champion. After the announcement, Ibushi, who was scheduled to face then-IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion El Desperado at the NJPW 49th Anniversary Show on March 4, 2021 in a non-title match, requested for the match to be for both belts to determine the first World Heavyweight Champion.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 1, 2021 |title=IWGP World Heavyweight Championship created: Press conference report |url=https://www.njpw1972.com/o92178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=March 1, 2021 |script-title=ja:【3月4日（木）日本武道館、メインはタイトル戦に変更！】飯伏とデスペラードが二冠王座戦で激突！ 『NJC』1回戦で内藤とオーカーンが注目の初対決！ 因縁勃発の小島とコブが激突！ |url=https://www.njpw.co.jp/285591 |access-date=March 31, 2021 |publisher=New Japan Pro-Wrestling |language=ja |archive-date=April 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210419034148/https://www.njpw.co.jp/285591 |url-status=live }}</ref> Ibushi won the match, and the new belt was eventually revealed and presented on March 30, 2021.<ref>{{cite web |date=February 1, 2019 |script-title=ja:なんと挑戦者が握手を要求!? 内藤vsタイチのインターコンチネンタル王座調印式は、不気味な静けさの"挑発"合戦！【公開調印式】 |url=https://www.njpw.co.jp/183904 |access-date=March 31, 2021 |publisher=New Japan Pro-Wrestling |language=ja |archive-date=May 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210516063520/https://www.njpw.co.jp/183904 |url-status=live }}</ref> Its design incorporated the past belt designs of the two old titles.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.njpw1972.com/94278 |title=IWGP World Heavyweight Championship revealed in Korakuen Hall |date=March 30, 2021 |publisher=New Japan Pro-Wrestling |access-date=March 31, 2021 |archive-date=January 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220105103459/https://www.njpw1972.com/94278 }}</ref> The design also drew a negative reaction from fans and commentators, the Last Word on Sports citing its unusual shaped front plate as a reason for its unpopularity. While champion, Ibushi noted the negative reaction in interviews.<ref>{{cite web | last=Datson | first=Andy | title=Kota Ibushi Believes New IWGP World Heavyweight Design Will Win People Over | website=WrestleTalk | date=2021-05-18 | url=https://wrestletalk.com/news/kota-ibushi-believes-new-iwgp-world-heavyweight-design-will-win-people-over/| access-date=2026-01-24}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last=Richards | first=Alex | title=NJPW Unveils IWGP World Heavyweight Championship Design | website=Last Word on Pro Wrestling | date=2021-03-30 | url=https://lastwordonsports.com/prowrestling/2021/03/30/iwgp-world-heavyweight-championship-design/ | access-date=2026-01-24|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220626114838/https://lastwordonsports.com/prowrestling/2021/03/30/iwgp-world-heavyweight-championship-design/|archive-date=2022-06-26}}</ref>

Unusually for a unification, during the time the World Heavyweight Championship was active, NJPW considered both the Heavyweight Championship and the Intercontinental Champion deactivated, with the World Heavyweight Championship using a brand new lineage rather than continuing one of the belts' history.<ref>{{cite web | last=Lambert | first=Jeremy | title=Yota Tsuji Plans To Separate IWGP World Heavyweight Title And Bring Back IWGP Heavyweight Title | website=Fightful | date=2024-03-21 | url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/yota-tsuji-plans-separate-iwgp-world-heavyweight-title-and-bring-back-iwgp-heavyweight-title/ | access-date=2026-01-24|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240429140430/https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/yota-tsuji-plans-separate-iwgp-world-heavyweight-title-and-bring-back-iwgp-heavyweight-title/|archive-date=2024-04-29}}</ref> As part of a storyline in late 2021, Kazuchika Okada was awarded the old Heavyweight Championship belt after defeating Ibushi in that year's G1 Climax final. He carried the championship as is to replace the typical briefcase that was used for the contendership of the championship, which was custom<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 22, 2021 |title=Chairman Sugabayashi, Kazuchika Okada issue post G1 Statements |url=https://www.njpw1972.com/o106730}}</ref> After defeating then-champion Shingo Takagi at Wrestle Kingdom 16, he elected to be recognized as the World Heavyweight Champion instead of reviving the Heavyweight Championship.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 5, 2022 |title=Kazuchika Okada New IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, Has Tall Task in Ospreay |url=https://www.njpw1972.com/o112861}}</ref> ===IWGP Heavyweight Championship (2026–present)=== At Wrestle Kingdom 20 in January 2026, Yota Tsuji defended the IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship against incumbent IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Konosuke Takeshita in a double-title match. Tsuji defeated Takeshita and proclaimed himself the IWGP Heavyweight Champion both in the post-match in-ring promo, and at New Year Dash!! a day later, stating that the World title was "cursed".<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-01-03 |title=Wrestle Kingdom 20 (January 4) Preview 【WK20】 |url=https://www.njpw1972.com/618058 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251228095629/https://www.njpw1972.com/618058 |archive-date=2025-12-28 |access-date=2026-01-26 |website=www.njpw1972.com |language=en |quote=Should Tsuji win [the title], he plans to abandon the 'cursed' IWGP World title and to revive the IWGP Heavyweight gold. It's a key tenet, Tsuji feels in his dedication to ushering in a new boom period for NJPW, a philosophy that stands distinct from [Konosuke Takeshita's]. }}</ref> In accordance with his wishes, NJPW revived the IWGP Heavyweight Championship ''V4'' belt, reactivating its and the IWGP Intercontinental Championship's lineages, and combined said lineages with the World Heavyweight Championship. As a result, all former World Heavyweight Champions were retroactively recognized as both former Heavyweight and Intercontinental Champions, and Tsuji was recognized as the 87th IWGP Heavyweight Champion.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-01-06 |title=Yota Tsuji talks title win, new faction in press conference |url=https://www.njpw1972.com/623114 |url-status=live |access-date=2026-01-06 |website=njpw1972 |archive-date=2026-01-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260107012542/https://www.njpw1972.com/623114 }}</ref>

==Reigns== As of {{CURRENTMONTHNAME}} {{CURRENTDAY}}, {{CURRENTYEAR}}, there have been 88 reigns shared among 40 different wrestlers with 11 vacancies. Title changes predominantly occur during NJPW-promoted events. There have been 12 foreign-born IWGP Heavyweight Champions, including six Americans (Big Van Vader, Scott Norton, Bob Sapp, Brock Lesnar, AJ Styles and Jon Moxley) and three Brits (Will Ospreay, Zack Sabre Jr. and Callum Newman). Those that hail from other foreign nations include Salman Hashimikov (the Soviet Union in what is now Kazakhstan),<ref>{{cite web |date=2014-05-12 |title="新IWGP王者"AJスタイルズに直撃! 「もう誰にもIWGPを渡す気はない！俺が"カネの雨"を降らせるから心配するな！」 |url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=11558 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140512221009/http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=11558 |archive-date=2014-05-12 |access-date=2015-05-06 |work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling |language=ja}}</ref> Kenny Omega (Canada) and Jay White (New Zealand). Overall, close to 42% of wrestlers who have held the IWGP Heavyweight Championship are ''gaijin''. Masahiro Chono, despite being born in the United States, is not classified as foreign-born due to his being raised in Japan by Japanese nationals.

Antonio Inoki was the first champion in the title's history; Hiroshi Tanahashi holds the record for most reigns with eight. Kazuchika Okada holds the record for the longest reign in the title's history at 720 days during his fourth reign, over which he successfully defended the title 12 times, more defenses than any other title holder; Kensuke Sasaki's fourth reign of 16 days is the shortest in the title's history. Over his seven reigns, Okada successfully defended the title 36 times, the most of any champion; sixteen championship reigns have had zero defenses.

Callum Newman is the current champion in his first reign. He won the title by defeating previous champion Yota Tsuji at Sakura Genesis in Tokyo, Japan, on April 4, 2026. Newman is also the youngest champion at the age of 23 years, 7 months and 4 days.

{{Professional wrestling title history top|defenses=yes}} {{PWtitlereign |number = 1 |champion = {{sortname|Antonio|Inoki}} |reign = 1 |date = {{dts|1987|6|12}} |days = {{age in days nts|month1=6|day1=12|year1=1987|month2=5|day2=2|year2=1988}} |location = Tokyo, Japan |event = IWGP Champion Series 1987 |defenses = 4 |notes = Inoki defeated Masa Saito in a tournament final. |ref = <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=11921|title=NJPW IWGP Champion Series 1987 - Tag 25|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=June 12, 1987|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=October 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201012102822/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=11921|url-status=live}}</ref>}}{{PWtitlereign |sort number = 1.5 |type = vacated |date = {{dts|1988|5|2}} |defenses = yes |notes = Vacated due to Inoki fracturing his left foot. | }}{{PWtitlereign |number = 2 |champion = {{sortname|Tatsumi|Fujinami}} |reign = 1 |date = {{dts|1988|5|8}} |days = {{age in days nts|month1=5|day1=8|year1=1988|month2=5|day2=27|year2=1988}} |location = Tokyo, Japan |event = Super Fight Series 1988 |defenses = 1 |notes = Fujinami defeated Big Van Vader to win the vacant title. |ref = <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=55951|title=NJPW Super Fight Series 1988 - Tag 22|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=May 8, 1988|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=January 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210113174455/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=55951|url-status=live}}</ref> }}{{PWtitlereign |sort number = 2.5 |type = vacated |date = {{dts|1988|5|27}} |defenses = yes |notes = Title held up after defense against Riki Choshu ended in a no contest. | }}{{PWtitlereign |number = 3 |champion = {{sortname|Tatsumi|Fujinami}} |reign = 2 |date = {{dts|1988|6|24}} |days = {{age in days nts|month1=6|day1=24|year1=1988|month2=4|day2=5|year2=1989}} |location = Osaka, Japan |event = IWGP Champion Series 1988 |defenses = 7 |notes = Fujinami defeated Riki Choshu to win the vacant title. |ref = <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=25518|title=NJPW IWGP Champion Series 1988 - Tag 28|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=June 24, 1988|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=October 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201018012121/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=25518|url-status=live}}</ref> }}{{PWtitlereign |sort number = 3.5 |type = vacated |date = {{dts|1989|4|5}} |defenses = yes |notes = Vacated so the title could be decided in a tournament. | }}{{PWtitlereign |number = 4 |champion = Big Van Vader |reign = 1 |date = {{dts|1989|4|24}} |days = {{age in days nts|month1=4|day1=24|year1=1989|month2=5|day2=25|year2=1989}} |location = Tokyo, Japan |event = Battle Satellite in Tokyo Dome |defenses = 0 |notes = Vader defeated Shinya Hashimoto in a tournament final to win the vacant title. |ref = <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=3119|title=NJPW Battle Satellite In Tokyo Dome|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - 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The Internet Wrestling Database|date=May 25, 1989|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=October 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201012082940/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=51829|url-status=live}}</ref> }}{{PWtitlereign |number = 6 |champion = {{sortname|Riki|Choshu}} |reign = 1 |date = {{dts|1989|7|12}} |days = {{age in days nts|month1=7|day1=12|year1=1989|month2=8|day2=10|year2=1989}} |location = Osaka, Japan |event = Summer Fight Series 1989 |defenses = 0 |notes = |ref = <ref name=F4W0712>{{cite web | url=http://www.f4wonline.com/other-wrestling/day-pro-wrestling-history-july-12-gagne-bruiser-crusher-ladd-wins-americas-title | title=On this day in pro wrestling history (July 12): Gagne, Bruiser & Crusher, Ladd wins Americas title, 1992 Bash with Sting vs. Vader | date=2015-07-12 | access-date=2017-02-12 | first=Brian | last=Hoops | work=Wrestling Observer/Figure Four Online | archive-date=2018-06-12 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612162516/https://www.f4wonline.com/other-wrestling/day-pro-wrestling-history-july-12-gagne-bruiser-crusher-ladd-wins-americas-title | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=45958|title=NJPW Summer Fight Series 1989 - Tag 19|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=July 12, 1989|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=October 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201012094109/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=45958|url-status=live}}</ref> }}{{PWtitlereign |number = 7 |champion = Big Van Vader |reign = 2 |date = {{dts|1989|8|10}} |days = {{age in days nts|month1=8|day1=10|year1=1989|month2=8|day2=19|year2=1990}} |location = Tokyo, Japan |event = Fighting Satellite of 1989 |defenses = 4 |notes = |ref = <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=11589|title=NJPW - TV-Show @ Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo, Japan|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=August 10, 1989|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=October 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020082110/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=11589|url-status=live}}</ref> }}{{PWtitlereign |number = 8 |champion = {{sortname|Riki|Choshu}} |reign = 2 |date = {{dts|1990|8|19}} |days = {{age in days nts|month1=8|day1=19|year1=1990|month2=12|day2=26|year2=1990}} |location = Tokyo, Japan |event = Summer Night Fever II |defenses = 1 |notes = |ref = <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=42769|title=Riki Choshu defeated Big Van Vader|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=August 19, 1990|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=October 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201018003836/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=42769|url-status=live}}</ref> }}{{PWtitlereign |number = 9 |champion = {{sortname|Tatsumi|Fujinami}} |reign = 3 |date = {{dts|1990|12|26}} |days = {{age in days nts|month1=12|day1=26|year1=1990|month2=1|day2=17|year2=1991}} |location = Hamamatsu, Japan |event = King of Kings |defenses = 0 |notes = |ref = <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=35004|title=Tatsumi Fujinami defeated Riki Choshu|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=December 26, 1990|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=July 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711114622/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=35004|url-status=live}}</ref> }}{{PWtitlereign |number = 10 |champion = Big Van Vader |reign = 3 |date = {{dts|1991|1|17}} |days = {{age in days nts|month1=1|day1=17|year1=1991|month2=3|day2=4|year2=1991}} |location = Yokohama, Japan |event = New Year Dash 1991 |defenses = 0 |notes = |ref = <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=43317|title=NJPW New Year Dash 1991 - Tag 11|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=January 17, 1991|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=October 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201012200022/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=43317|url-status=live}}</ref> }}{{PWtitlereign |number = 11 |champion = {{sortname|Tatsumi|Fujinami}} |reign = 4 |date = {{dts|1991|3|4}} |days = {{age in days nts|month1=3|day1=4|year1=1991|month2=1|day2=4|year2=1992}} |location = Hiroshima, Japan |event = Big Fight Series 1991 |defenses = 3 |notes = |ref = <ref name=F4W0304>{{cite web | url=http://www.f4wonline.com/other-wrestling/daily-pro-wrestling-history-0304-roh-10th-anniversary-show-231196 | title=Daily Pro Wrestling History (03/04): ROH 10th Anniversary Show | date=2017-03-04 | access-date=2017-03-05 | first=Brian | last=Hoops | work=Wrestling Observer/Figure Four Online | archive-date=2018-06-12 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612163215/https://www.f4wonline.com/other-wrestling/daily-pro-wrestling-history-0304-roh-10th-anniversary-show-231196 | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=50200|title=NJPW Big Fight Series 1991 - Tag 2|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=March 4, 1991|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=October 14, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201014014352/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=50200|url-status=live}}</ref> }}{{PWtitlereign |number = 12 |champion = {{sortname|Riki|Choshu}} |reign = 3 |date = {{dts|1992|1|4}} |days = {{age in days nts|month1=1|day1=4|year1=1992|month2=8|day2=16|year2=1992}} |location = Tokyo, Japan |event = Super Warriors in Tokyo Dome |defenses = 4 |notes = This match was also for Choshu's Greatest 18 Championship. |ref = <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=3121|title=NJPW/WCW Starrcade 1992 In Tokyo Dome|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=January 4, 1992|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=November 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211115044251/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=3121|url-status=live}}</ref> }}{{PWtitlereign |number = 13 |champion = The Great Muta |reign = 1 |date = {{dts|1992|8|16}} |days = {{age in days nts|month1=8|day1=16|year1=1992|month2=9|day2=20|year2=1993}} |location = Fukuoka, Japan |event = G1 Climax Special 1992 |defenses = 5 |notes = This match was also for Choshu's Greatest 18 Championship. |ref = <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=55963|title=NJPW G1 Climax Special 1992 - Tag 2|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=August 16, 1992|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=June 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200611232450/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=55963|url-status=live}}</ref> }}{{PWtitlereign |number = 14 |champion = {{sortname|Shinya|Hashimoto}} |reign = 1 |date = {{dts|1993|9|20}} |days = {{age in days nts|month1=9|day1=20|year1=1993|month2=4|day2=4|year2=1994}} |location = Nagoya, Japan |event = G1 Climax Special 1993 |defenses = 4 |notes = |ref = <ref name=F4W0920>{{cite web | url=http://www.f4wonline.com/other-wrestling/date-pro-wrestling-history-920-flair-defeats-mcdaniel-gagne-beats-von-raschke-160911 | title=On this date in pro wrestling history (9/20): Flair defeats McDaniel, Gagne beats Von Raschke | date=2015-09-20 | access-date=2017-02-19 | first=Brian | last=Hoops | work=Wrestling Observer/Figure Four Online | archive-date=2018-06-12 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612162940/https://www.f4wonline.com/other-wrestling/date-pro-wrestling-history-920-flair-defeats-mcdaniel-gagne-beats-von-raschke-160911 | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=55964|title=NJPW G1 Climax Special 1993 - Tag 1|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=September 20, 1993|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=October 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201012115202/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=55964|url-status=live}}</ref> }}{{PWtitlereign |number = 15 |champion = {{sortname|Tatsumi|Fujinami}} |reign = 5 |date = {{dts|1994|4|4}} |days = {{age in days nts|month1=4|day1=4|year1=1994|month2=5|day2=1|year2=1994}} |location = Hiroshima, Japan |event = Battle Line Kyushu |defenses = 0 |notes = |ref = <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=48980|title=NJPW Battle Line Kyushu 1994 - Tag 2: Grand Cross In Hiroshima|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=April 4, 1994|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=October 19, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201019142717/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=48980|url-status=live}}</ref> }}{{PWtitlereign |number = 16 |champion = {{sortname|Shinya|Hashimoto}} |reign = 2 |date = {{dts|1994|5|1}} |days = {{age in days nts|month1=5|day1=1|year1=1994|month2=5|day2=3|year2=1995}} |location = Fukuoka, Japan |event = Wrestling Dontaku 1994 |defenses = 9 |notes = |ref = <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=38853|title=NJPW Wrestling Dontaku In Fukuoka Dome|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=May 1, 1994|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=April 4, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404153120/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=38853|url-status=live}}</ref> }}{{PWtitlereign |number = 17 |champion = {{sortname|Keiji|Muto}} |reign = 2 |date = {{dts|1995|5|3}} |days = {{age in days nts|month1=5|day1=3|year1=1995|month2=1|day2=4|year2=1996}} |location = Fukuoka, Japan |event = Wrestling Dontaku 1995 |defenses = 5 |notes = Muto previously won the title as The Great Muta. |ref = <ref name=F4W0503>{{cite web | url=http://www.f4wonline.com/daily-updates/day-pro-wrestling-history-low-ki-vs-devitt-punk-wins-ovw-title-muto-wins-iwgp-belt | title=On this day in pro wrestling history: Low Ki Vs. Dewitt, Punk wins OVW title, Mutoh wins IWGP belt, Bret wins NA title, Dibiase & Dr. Death, Sheik, Watts, Fargos | date=2015-05-03 | access-date=2017-02-11 | work=Wrestling Observer/Figure Four Online | archive-date=2018-06-12 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612163027/https://www.f4wonline.com/daily-updates/day-pro-wrestling-history-low-ki-vs-devitt-punk-wins-ovw-title-muto-wins-iwgp-belt | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=45608|title=NJPW Wrestling Dontaku 1995 In Fukuoka Dome|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=May 3, 1995|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=October 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201013171427/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=45608|url-status=live}}</ref> }}{{PWtitlereign |number = 18 |champion = {{sortname|Nobuhiko|Takada}} |reign = 1 |date = {{dts|1996|1|4}} |days = {{age in days nts|month1=1|day1=4|year1=1996|month2=4|day2=29|year2=1996}} |location = Tokyo, Japan |event = Wrestling World 1996 |defenses = 1 |notes = |ref = <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=3126|title=NJPW Wrestling World In Tokyo Dome|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=January 4, 1996|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=November 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112232423/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=3126|url-status=live}}</ref> }}{{PWtitlereign |number = 19 |champion = {{sortname|Shinya|Hashimoto}} |reign = 3 |date = {{dts|1996|4|29}} |days = {{age in days nts|month1=4|day1=29|year1=1996|month2=8|day2=31|year2=1997}} |location = Tokyo, Japan |event = Battle Formation |defenses = 7 |notes = |ref = <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=3127|title=NJPW Battle Formation In Tokyo Dome|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=April 29, 1996|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=October 19, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201019114813/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=3127|url-status=live}}</ref> }}{{PWtitlereign |number = 20 |champion = {{sortname|Kensuke|Sasaki}} |reign = 1 |date = {{dts|1997|8|31}} |days = {{age in days nts|month1=8|day1=31|year1=1997|month2=4|day2=4|year2=1998}} |location = Yokohama, Japan |event = Final Power Hall in Yokohama |defenses = 3 |notes = |ref = <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=40882|title=NJPW Final Power Hall In Yokohama|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=August 31, 1997|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=October 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201012130006/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=40882|url-status=live}}</ref> }}{{PWtitlereign |number = 21 |champion = {{sortname|Tatsumi|Fujinami}} |reign = 6 |date = {{dts|1998|4|4}} |days = {{age in days nts|month1=4|day1=4|year1=1998|month2=8|day2=8|year2=1998}} |location = Tokyo, Japan |event = Antonio Inoki Retirement Show |defenses = 2 |notes = |ref = <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=3131|title=NJPW The Final Inoki Tournament|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=April 4, 1998|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=October 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201012144436/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=3131|url-status=live}}</ref> }}{{PWtitlereign |number = 22 |champion = {{sortname|Masahiro|Chono}} |reign = 1 |date = {{dts|1998|8|8}} |days = {{age in days nts|month1=8|day1=8|year1=1998|month2=9|day2=21|year2=1998}} |location = Osaka, Japan |event = Rising the Next Generation in Osaka Dome |defenses = 0 |notes = |ref = <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=41339|title=NJPW Rising The Next Generations In Osaka Dome|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=August 8, 1998|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=October 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201018090720/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=41339|url-status=live}}</ref> }}{{PWtitlereign |sort number = 22.5 |type = vacated |date = {{dts|1998|9|21}} |defenses = yes |notes = Title was vacated due to Chono's neck injury. | }}{{PWtitlereign |number = 23 |champion = {{sortname|Scott|Norton}} |reign = 1 |date = {{dts|1998|9|23}} |days = {{age in days nts|month1=9|day1=23|year1=1998|month2=1|day2=4|year2=1999}} |location = Yokohama, Japan |event = Big Wednesday |defenses = 4 |notes = Norton defeated Yuji Nagata to win the vacant title. |ref = <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=41391|title=NJPW G1 Climax Special 1998 - Tag 13 ~ Big Wednesday|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=September 23, 1998|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=October 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201012102044/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=41391|url-status=live}}</ref> }}{{PWtitlereign |number = 24 |champion = {{sortname|Keiji|Muto}} |reign = 3 |date = {{dts|1999|1|4}} |days = {{age in days nts|month1=1|day1=4|year1=1999|month2=12|day2=10|year2=1999}} |location = Tokyo, Japan |event = Wrestling World 1999 |defenses = 5 |notes = |ref = <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=3132|title=NJPW Wrestling World In Tokyo Dome 1999|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=January 4, 1999|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=October 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201012100240/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=3132|url-status=live}}</ref> }}{{PWtitlereign |number = 25 |champion = {{sortname|Genichiro|Tenryu}} |reign = 1 |date = {{dts|1999|12|10}} |days = {{age in days nts|month1=12|day1=10|year1=1999|month2=1|day2=4|year2=2000}} |location = Osaka, Japan |event = Battle Final 1999 |defenses = 0 |notes = |ref = <ref name="ten1">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/SlamWrestlingArchive/dec11_tenryu.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160112041044/http://slam.canoe.com/SlamWrestlingArchive/dec11_tenryu.html|archive-date=January 12, 2016|title=Tenryu wins IWGP Heavyweight title |last=Molinaro|first=John|date=1999-12-11|work=SLAM! Sports: Wrestling|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|access-date=2009-06-27}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=46865|title=NJPW Battle Final 1999 - Tag 17|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=December 10, 1999|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=December 21, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141221225721/http://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=46865|url-status=live}}</ref> }}{{PWtitlereign |number = 26 |champion = Kensuke Sasaki |reign = 2 |date = {{dts|2000|1|4}} |days = {{age in days nts|month1=1|day1=4|year1=2000|month2=10|day2=9|year2=2000}} |location = Tokyo, Japan |event = Wrestling World 2000 |defenses = 5 |notes = |ref = <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=15329|title=NJPW Wrestling World 2000|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=January 4, 2000|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=December 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201218143821/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=15329|url-status=live}}</ref> }}{{PWtitlereign |sort number = 26.5 |type = vacated |date = {{dts|2000|10|9}} |defenses = yes |notes = Vacated after Sasaki lost a non-title match to Toshiaki Kawada at ''Do Judge!!''. | }}{{PWtitlereign |number = 27 |champion = {{sortname|Kensuke|Sasaki}} |reign = 3 |date = {{dts|2001|1|4}} |days = {{age in days nts|month1=1|day1=4|year1=2001|month2=3|day2=17|year2=2001}} |location = Tokyo, Japan |event = Wrestling World 2001 |defenses = 1 |notes = Sasaki defeated Toshiaki Kawada in a tournament final to win the vacant title. |ref = <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=15330|title=NJPW Wrestling World 2001|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=January 4, 2001|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=October 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201018145951/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=15330|url-status=live}}</ref> }}{{PWtitlereign |number = 28 |champion = {{sortname|Scott|Norton}} |reign = 2 |date = {{dts|2001|3|17}} |days = {{age in days nts|month1=3|day1=17|year1=2001|month2=4|day2=9|year2=2001}} |location = Nagoya, Japan |event = Hyper Battle 2001 |defenses = 0 |notes = |ref = <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=42342|title=NJPW Hyper Battle 2001 - Tag 12|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=March 17, 2001|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=October 19, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201019204142/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=42342|url-status=live}}</ref> }}{{PWtitlereign |number = 29 |champion = {{sortname|Kazuyuki|Fujita}} |reign = 1 |date = {{dts|2001|4|9}} |days = {{age in days nts|month1=4|day1=9|year1=2001|month2=1|day2=4|year2=2002}} |location = Osaka, Japan |event = Strong Style 2001 |defenses = 2 |notes = |ref = <ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.so-net.ne.jp/njpw/result/2001/0409/0409_01.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021221232910/http://www.so-net.ne.jp/njpw/result/2001/0409/0409_01.html | script-title=ja:4月9日（月）大阪ドーム | archive-date=2002-12-21 | access-date=2017-08-04 | work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling | language=ja }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=42378|title=NJPW Strong Style 2001|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=April 9, 2001|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=October 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020205814/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=42378|url-status=live}}</ref> }}{{PWtitlereign |sort number = 29.5 |type = vacated |date = {{dts|2002|1|4}} |defenses = yes |notes = Fujita vacated the title due to an injured achilles tendon. | }}{{PWtitlereign |number = 30 |champion = {{sortname|Tadao|Yasuda}} |reign = 1 |date = {{dts|2002|2|16}} |days = {{age in days nts|month1=2|day1=16|year1=2002|month2=4|day2=5|year2=2002}} |location = Tokyo, Japan |event = Fighting Spirit 2002 |defenses = 1 |notes = Yasuda defeated Yuji Nagata in a tournament final to win the vacant title. |ref = <ref name=F4W0216>{{cite web | url=http://www.f4wonline.com/other-wrestling/daily-pro-wrestling-history-0216-bret-hart-wins-wwf-gold-your-house-230261 | title=On this day in pro wrestling history (Feb 16): Bret Hart wins WWF gold at In Your House | date=2017-02-16 | access-date=2017-02-17 | first=Brian | last=Hoops | work=Wrestling Observer/Figure Four Online | archive-date=2018-06-12 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612163533/https://www.f4wonline.com/other-wrestling/daily-pro-wrestling-history-0216-bret-hart-wins-wwf-gold-your-house-230261 | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=41992|title=NJPW Fighting Spirit 2002 - Tag 10|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=February 16, 2002|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=February 18, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190218021503/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=41992|url-status=live}}</ref> }}{{PWtitlereign |number = 31 |champion = {{sortname|Yuji|Nagata}} |reign = 1 |date = {{dts|2002|4|5}} |days = {{age in days nts|month1=4|day1=5|year1=2002|month2=5|day2=2|year2=2003}} |location = Tokyo, Japan |event = Toukon Special |defenses = 10 |notes = |ref = <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=42015|title=NJPW Inoki-Ism Fighting Spirit Special|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=April 5, 2002|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=October 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201018092350/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=42015|url-status=live}}</ref> }}{{PWtitlereign |number = 32 |champion = {{sortname|Yoshihiro|Takayama}} |reign = 1 |date = {{dts|2003|5|2}} |days = {{age in days nts|month1=5|day1=2|year1=2003|month2=11|day2=3|year2=2003}} |location = Tokyo, Japan |event = Ultimate Crush |defenses = 3 |notes = This match was also for Takayama's NWF Heavyweight Championship. |ref = <ref name="PowerSlam109">{{cite news | author = Power Slam Staff | title = We are the Champions (as of July 8) | page= 15 | work = Power Slam Magazine | id = 109 | date = August 2003 | publisher=SW Publishing LTD | location=Lancaster, Lancashire, England}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=871|title=NJPW Ultimate Crush|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=May 2, 2003|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=October 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201012111020/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=871|url-status=live}}</ref> }}{{PWtitlereign |number = 33 |champion = {{sortname|Hiroyoshi|Tenzan}} |reign = 1 |date = {{dts|2003|11|3}} |days = {{age in days nts|month1=11|day1=3|year1=2003|month2=12|day2=9|year2=2003}} |location = Yokohama, Japan |event = Yokohama Dead Out |defenses = 0 |notes = |ref = <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=15326|title=NJPW Yokohama Dead Out|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=November 3, 2003|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=October 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201012083033/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=15326|url-status=live}}</ref> }}{{PWtitlereign |number = 34 |champion = {{sortname|Shinsuke|Nakamura}} |reign = 1 |date = {{dts|2003|12|9}} |days = {{age in days nts|month1=12|day1=9|year1=2003|month2=2|day2=5|year2=2004}} |location = Osaka, Japan |event = Battle Final 2003 |defenses = 1 |notes = Nakamura defeated Yoshihiro Takayama to unify the IWGP Heavyweight Championship with the NWF Heavyweight Championship on January&nbsp;4, 2004, at Wrestling World 2004. |ref = <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=16444|title=NJPW Battle Final 2003 - Tag 12|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=December 9, 2003|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=October 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201018004430/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=16444|url-status=live}}</ref> }}{{PWtitlereign |sort number = 34.5 |type = vacated |date = {{dts|2004|2|5}} |defenses = yes |notes = Title was vacated due to Nakamura suffering various injuries. | }}{{PWtitlereign |number = 35 |champion = {{sortname|Hiroyoshi|Tenzan}} |reign = 2 |date = {{dts|2004|2|15}} |days = {{age in days nts|month1=2|day1=15|year1=2004|month2=3|day2=12|year2=2004}} |location = Tokyo, Japan |event = Fighting Spirit 2004 |defenses = 1 |notes = Tenzan defeated Genichiro Tenryu in a tournament final for the vacant title. |ref = <ref name=F4W0215>{{cite web | url=http://www.f4wonline.com/other-wrestling/daily-pro-wrestling-history-0215-eddie-guerrero-wins-wwe-championship-230196 | title=On this day in pro wrestling history (Feb 15): Eddie Guerrero wins the WWE Championship | date=2017-02-15 | access-date=2017-02-16 | first=Brian | last=Hoops | work=Wrestling Observer/Figure Four Online | archive-date=2018-06-12 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612165206/https://www.f4wonline.com/other-wrestling/daily-pro-wrestling-history-0215-eddie-guerrero-wins-wwe-championship-230196 | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=8012|title=NJPW Fighting Spirit 2004 - Tag 14|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=February 15, 2004|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=December 13, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241213224421/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=8012|url-status=live}}</ref> }}{{PWtitlereign |number = 36 |champion = {{sortname|Kensuke|Sasaki}} |reign = 4 |date = {{dts|2004|3|12}} |days = {{age in days nts|month1=3|day1=12|year1=2004|month2=3|day2=28|year2=2004}} |location = Tokyo, Japan |event = Hyper Battle 2004 |defenses = 0 |notes = |ref = <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=8054|title=NJPW Hyper Battle 2004 - Tag 9|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=March 12, 2004|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=March 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306235434/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=8054|url-status=live}}</ref> }}{{PWtitlereign |number = 37 |champion = {{sortname|Bob|Sapp}} |reign = 1 |date = {{dts|2004|3|28}} |days = {{age in days nts|month1=3|day1=28|year1=2004|month2=6|day2=2|year2=2004}} |location = Tokyo, Japan |event = King of Sports |defenses = 1 |notes = |ref = <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=8392|title=NJPW King Of Sports|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=March 28, 2004|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=March 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303225920/http://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=8392|url-status=live}}</ref> }}{{PWtitlereign |sort number = 37.5 |type = vacated |date = {{dts|2004|6|2}} |defenses = yes |notes = Title vacated after Sapp lost a K-1 fight to Kazuyuki Fujita. | }}{{PWtitlereign |number = 38 |champion = {{sortname|Kazuyuki|Fujita}} |reign = 2 |date = {{dts|2004|6|5}} |days = {{age in days nts|month1=6|day1=5|year1=2004|month2=10|day2=9|year2=2004}} |location = Osaka, Japan |event = The Crush II |defenses = 1 |notes = Fujita defeated Hiroshi Tanahashi to win the vacant title. |ref = <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=16483|title=NJPW Best Of The Super Junior XI - Tag 11 ~ The Crush II|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=June 5, 2004|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=August 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210806045656/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=16483|url-status=live}}</ref> }}{{PWtitlereign |number = 39 |champion = {{sortname|Kensuke|Sasaki}} |reign = 5 |date = {{dts|2004|10|9}} |days = {{age in days nts|month1=10|day1=9|year1=2004|month2=12|day2=12|year2=2004}} |location = Tokyo, Japan |event = Pro-Wrestlers Be Strongest |defenses = 2 |notes = |ref = <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=16489|title=NJPW Pro-Wrestlers Be Strongest|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=October 9, 2004|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=March 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190307054122/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=16489|url-status=live}}</ref> }}{{PWtitlereign |number = 40 |champion = {{sortname|Hiroyoshi|Tenzan}} |reign = 3 |date = {{dts|2004|12|12}} |days = {{age in days nts|month1=12|day1=12|year1=2004|month2=2|day2=20|year2=2005}} |location = Nagoya, Japan |event = Battle Final 2004 |defenses = 0 |notes = |ref = <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=18884|title=NJPW Battle Final 2004 - Tag 13|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=December 12, 2004|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=March 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306235227/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=18884|url-status=live}}</ref> }}{{PWtitlereign |number = 41 |champion = {{sortname|Satoshi|Kojima}} |reign = 1 |date = {{dts|2005|2|20}} |days = {{age in days nts|month1=2|day1=20|year1=2005|month2=5|day2=14|year2=2005}} |location = Tokyo, Japan |event = New Year Gold Series |defenses = 1 |notes = This match was also for Kojima's Triple Crown Heavyweight Championship. |ref = <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=918|title=NJPW New Year Gold Series 2005 - Tag 12|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=February 20, 2005|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=January 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220103203333/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=918|url-status=live}}</ref> }}{{PWtitlereign |number = 42 |champion = {{sortname|Hiroyoshi|Tenzan}} |reign = 4 |date = {{dts|2005|5|14}} |days = {{age in days nts|month1=5|day1=14|year1=2005|month2=7|day2=18|year2=2005}} |location = Tokyo, Japan |event = Nexess VI |defenses = 1 |notes = |ref = <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=3296|title=NJPW Nexess VI|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=May 14, 2005|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=October 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201012090441/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=3296|url-status=live}}</ref> }}{{PWtitlereign |number = 43 |champion = {{sortname|Kazuyuki|Fujita}} |reign = 3 |date = {{dts|2005|7|18}} |days = {{age in days nts|month1=7|day1=18|year1=2005|month2=10|day2=8|year2=2005}} |location = Sapporo, Japan |event = Summer Fight Series 2005 |defenses = 0 |notes = |ref = <ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/result/2005/0630_0721/0718_01.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061114205326/http://www.njpw.co.jp/result/2005/0630_0721/0718_01.html | script-title=ja:7月18日(月)札幌・月寒グリーンドーム | archive-date=2006-11-14 | access-date=2017-08-04 | work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling | language=ja }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=3323|title=NJPW Summer Fight Series 2005 - Tag 10|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=July 18, 2005|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=October 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201018221724/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=3323|url-status=live}}</ref> }}{{PWtitlereign |number = 44 |champion = {{sortname|Brock|Lesnar}} |reign = 1 |date = {{dts|2005|10|8}} |days = {{age in days nts|month1=10|day1=8|year1=2005|month2=7|day2=15|year2=2006}} |location = Tokyo, Japan |event = Toukon Souzou New Chapter |defenses = 3 |notes = This was a three-way match, also involving Masahiro Chono. |ref = <ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.f4wonline.com/other-wrestling/daily-pro-wrestling-history-1008-brock-lesnar-wins-iwgp-title-244166 | title=Daily Pro Wrestling History (10/08): Brock Lesnar wins IWGP title | last=Hoops | first=Brian | date=2017-10-08 | access-date=2017-11-21 | work=Wrestling Observer/Figure Four Online | archive-date=2018-06-12 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612162629/https://www.f4wonline.com/other-wrestling/daily-pro-wrestling-history-1008-brock-lesnar-wins-iwgp-title-244166 | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=12074|title=NJPW Toukon Souzou New Chapter|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=October 8, 2005|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=March 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210303152942/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=12074|url-status=live}}</ref> }}{{PWtitlereign |sort number = 44.5 |type = vacated |date = {{dts|2006|7|15}} |defenses = yes |notes = Title was vacated due to Lesnar refusing to return and defend it due to a contract dispute. Lesnar kept the physical championship belt, and later was recognized by the Inoki Genome Federation as their first champion, using the same belt. |ref = <ref name=LesnarAngle/> }}{{PWtitlereign |number = 45 |champion = {{sortname|Hiroshi|Tanahashi}} |reign = 1 |date = {{dts|2006|7|17}} |days = {{age in days nts|month1=7|day1=17|year1=2006|month2=4|day2=13|year2=2007}} |location = Sapporo, Japan |event = Circuit2006 Turbulence |defenses = 4 |notes = Tanahashi defeated Giant Bernard in a tournament final for the title. |ref = <ref name=F4W0717>{{cite web | url=http://www.f4wonline.com/daily-updates/day-pro-wrestling-history-kangaroos-gagne-vs-kiniski-hawaii-gordy-wins-triple-crown | title=On this day in pro wrestling history, Kangaroos, Gagne vs. Kiniski in Hawaii, Gordy wins Triple Crown, Hogan wins WCW title from Flair at Bash at the Beach, famous Punk vs. Cena Chicago bout | date=2015-07-17 | access-date=2017-02-13 | first=Brian | last=Hoops | work=Wrestling Observer/Figure Four Online | archive-date=2018-06-12 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612163048/https://www.f4wonline.com/daily-updates/day-pro-wrestling-history-kangaroos-gagne-vs-kiniski-hawaii-gordy-wins-triple-crown | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=7111|title=NJPW Circuit 2006 Turbulence - Tag 12|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=July 17, 2006|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=December 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211216164136/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=7111|url-status=live}}</ref> }}{{PWtitlereign |number = 46 |champion = {{sortname|Yuji|Nagata}} |reign = 2 |date = {{dts|2007|4|13}} |days = {{age in days nts|month1=4|day1=13|year1=2007|month2=10|day2=8|year2=2007}} |location = Osaka, Japan |event = Circuit2007 New Japan Brave tour |defenses = 2 |notes = |ref = <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=10731|title=NJPW 35th Anniversary Tour~ Circuit 2007 New Japan Brave - Tag 5|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=April 13, 2007|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=October 16, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201016224121/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=10731|url-status=live}}</ref> }}{{PWtitlereign |number = 47 |champion = {{sortname|Hiroshi|Tanahashi}} |reign = 2 |date = {{dts|2007|10|8}} |days = {{age in days nts|month1=10|day1=8|year1=2007|month2=1|day2=4|year2=2008}} |location = Tokyo, Japan |event = Explosion '07 |defenses = 1 |notes = |ref = <ref name="explosion07">{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/result/index.php?COM=result_main&SRNO=76&TKNO=1|title=NJPW Explosion '07 official results|access-date=2007-10-08|publisher=NJPW.co.jp|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011001340/http://www.njpw.co.jp/result/index.php?COM=result_main&SRNO=76&TKNO=1|archive-date=2007-10-11}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=14013|title=NJPW Explosion '07|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=October 8, 2007|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=October 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201012133215/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=14013|url-status=live}}</ref> }}{{PWtitlereign |number = 48 |champion = {{sortname|Shinsuke|Nakamura}} |reign = 2 |date = {{dts|2008|1|4}} |days = {{age in days nts|month1=1|day1=4|year1=2008|month2=4|day2=27|year2=2008}} |location = Tokyo, Japan |event = Wrestle Kingdom II in Tokyo Dome |defenses = 2 |notes = Nakamura defeated Kurt Angle on February&nbsp;17, 2008, on the ''Circuit2008 New Japan Ism'' tour to unify the NJPW and IGF versions of the IWGP Heavyweight Championship. |ref = <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=16288|title=NJPW Wrestle Kingdom II In Tokyo Dome|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=January 4, 2008|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=October 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201012125955/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=16288|url-status=live}}</ref> }}{{PWtitlereign |number = 49 |champion = {{sortname|Keiji|Muto}} |reign = 4 |date = {{dts|2008|4|27}} |days = {{age in days nts|month1=4|day1=27|year1=2008|month2=1|day2=4|year2=2009}} |location = Osaka, Japan |event = Circuit2008 New Japan Brave tour |defenses = 4 |notes = |ref = <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=20762|title=NJPW Circuit 2008 New Japan Brave - Tag 11|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=April 27, 2008|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=January 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220103203037/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=20762|url-status=live}}</ref> }}{{PWtitlereign |number = 50 |champion = {{sortname|Hiroshi|Tanahashi}} |reign = 3 |date = {{dts|2009|1|4}} |days = {{age in days nts|month1=1|day1=4|year1=2009|month2=5|day2=6|year2=2009}} |location = Tokyo, Japan |event = Wrestle Kingdom III in Tokyo Dome |defenses = 3 |notes = |ref = <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=33636|title=NJPW Wrestle Kingdom III In Tokyo Dome|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=January 4, 2009|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=April 4, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404151340/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=33636|url-status=live}}</ref> }}{{PWtitlereign |number = 51 |champion = {{sortname|Manabu|Nakanishi}} |reign = 1 |date = {{dts|2009|5|6}} |days = {{age in days nts|month1=5|day1=6|year1=2009|month2=6|day2=20|year2=2009}} |location = Tokyo, Japan |event = Dissidence |defenses = 0 |notes = |ref = <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=38967|title=NJPW Dissidence - TV-Show @ Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=May 6, 2009|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=October 19, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201019051442/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=38967|url-status=live}}</ref> }}{{PWtitlereign |number = 52 |champion = {{sortname|Hiroshi|Tanahashi}} |reign = 4 |date = {{dts|2009|6|20}} |days = {{age in days nts|month1=6|day1=20|year1=2009|month2=8|day2=17|year2=2009}} |location = Osaka, Japan |event = Dominion 6.20 |defenses = 1 |notes = |ref = <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=40500|title=NJPW Dominion 6.20 - Pay Per View @ Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium in Osaka, Japan|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=June 20, 2009|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=January 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210114025217/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=40500|url-status=live}}</ref> }}{{PWtitlereign |sort number = 52.5 |type = vacated |date = {{dts|2009|8|17}} |defenses = yes |notes = Title vacated due to Tanahashi fracturing his eye socket. | }}{{PWtitlereign |number = 53 |champion = {{sortname|Shinsuke|Nakamura}} |reign = 3 |date = {{dts|2009|9|27}} |days = {{age in days nts|month1=09|day1=27|year1=2009|month2=05|day2=03|year2=2010}} |location = Kobe, Japan |event = Circuit2009 New Japan Generation tour |defenses = 6 |notes = Nakamura defeated Togi Makabe to win the vacant title. |ref = <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=43493|title=NJPW Circuit 2009 New Japan Generation - Tag 10|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=September 27, 2009|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=October 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201018040735/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=43493|url-status=live}}</ref> }}{{PWtitlereign |number = 54 |champion = {{sortname|Togi|Makabe}} |reign = 1 |date = {{dts|2010|5|03}} |days = {{age in days nts|month1=05|day1=03|year1=2010|month2=10|day2=11|year2=2010}} |location = Fukuoka, Japan |event = Wrestling Dontaku 2010 |defenses = 3 |notes = |ref = <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=50868|title=NJPW Wrestling Dontaku 2010|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=May 3, 2010|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=October 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201018175534/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=50868|url-status=live}}</ref> }}{{PWtitlereign |number = 55 |champion = {{sortname|Satoshi|Kojima}} |reign = 2 |date = {{dts|2010|10|11}} |days = {{age in days nts|month1=10|day1=11|year1=2010|month2=01|day2=04|year2=2011}} |location = Tokyo, Japan |event = Destruction '10 |defenses = 1 |notes = |ref = <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=56604|title=NJPW Destruction 2010|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=October 11, 2010|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=January 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210113112940/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=56604|url-status=live}}</ref> }}{{PWtitlereign |number = 56 |champion = {{sortname|Hiroshi|Tanahashi}} |reign = 5 |date = {{dts|2011|01|04}} |days = {{age in days nts|month1=01|day1=04|year1=2011|month2=02|day2=12|year2=2012}} |location = Tokyo, Japan |event = Wrestle Kingdom V in Tokyo Dome |defenses = 11 |notes = |ref = <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=58536|title=NJPW Wrestle Kingdom V In Tokyo Dome|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=January 4, 2011|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=October 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201012120125/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=58536|url-status=live}}</ref> }}{{PWtitlereign |number = 57 |champion = {{sortname|Kazuchika|Okada}} |reign = 1 |date = {{dts|2012|02|12}} |days = {{age in days nts|month1=02|day1=12|year1=2012|month2=06|day2=16|year2=2012}} |location = Osaka, Japan |event = The New Beginning |defenses = 2 |notes = |ref = <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=73768|title=NJPW The New Beginning 2012|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=February 12, 2012|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=October 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201018221747/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=73768|url-status=live}}</ref> }}{{PWtitlereign |number = 58 |champion = {{sortname|Hiroshi|Tanahashi}} |reign = 6 |date = {{dts|2012|06|16}} |days = {{age in days nts|month1=06|day1=16|year1=2012|month2=04|day2=07|year2=2013}} |location = Osaka, Japan |event = Dominion 6.16 |defenses = 7 |notes = |ref = <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=79405|title=NJPW Dominion 6.16|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=June 16, 2012|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=October 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201012181157/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=79405|url-status=live}}</ref> }}{{PWtitlereign |number = 59 |champion = {{sortname|Kazuchika|Okada}} |reign = 2 |date = {{dts|2013|04|07}} |days = {{age in days nts|month1=04|day1=07|year1=2013|month2=05|day2=03|year2=2014}} |location = Tokyo, Japan |event = Invasion Attack |defenses = 8 |notes = |ref = <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=93535|title=NJPW Invasion Attack|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=April 7, 2013|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=April 7, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407035002/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=93535|url-status=live}}</ref> }}{{PWtitlereign |number = 60 |champion = {{sortname|AJ|Styles}} |reign = 1 |date = {{dts|2014|05|03}} |days = {{age in days nts|month1=05|day1=03|year1=2014|month2=10|day2=13|year2=2014}} |location = Fukuoka, Japan |event = Wrestling Dontaku 2014 |defenses = 2 |notes = |ref = <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=106606|title=NJPW Wrestling Dontaku 2014|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=May 3, 2014|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=October 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201012100155/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=106606|url-status=live}}</ref> }}{{PWtitlereign |number = 61 |champion = {{sortname|Hiroshi|Tanahashi}} |reign = 7 |date = {{dts|2014|10|13}} |days = {{age in days nts|month1=10|day1=13|year1=2014|month2=02|day2=11|year2=2015}} |location = Tokyo, Japan |event = King of Pro-Wrestling |defenses = 1 |notes = |ref = <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=114425|title=NJPW King Of Pro-Wrestling 2014|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=October 13, 2014|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=April 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230409030012/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=114425|url-status=live}}</ref> }}{{PWtitlereign |number = 62 |champion = {{sortname|AJ|Styles}} |reign = 2 |date = {{dts|2015|02|11}} |days = {{age in days nts|month1=02|day1=11|year1=2015|month2=07|day2=05|year2=2015}} |location = Osaka, Japan |event = The New Beginning in Osaka |defenses = 1 |notes = |ref = <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=122769|title=NJPW The New Beginning In Osaka|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=February 11, 2015|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=October 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201012112307/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=122769|url-status=live}}</ref> }}{{PWtitlereign |number = 63 |champion = {{sortname|Kazuchika|Okada}} |reign = 3 |date = {{dts|2015|07|05}} |days = {{age in days nts|month1=07|day1=05|year1=2015|month2=04|day2=10|year2=2016}} |location = Osaka, Japan |event = Dominion 7.5 in Osaka-jo Hall |defenses = 3 |notes = |ref = <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=131424|title=NJPW Dominion 7.5 In Osaka-Jo Hall|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=July 5, 2015|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=October 17, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201017021005/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=131424|url-status=live}}</ref> }}{{PWtitlereign |number = 64 |champion = {{sortname|Tetsuya|Naito}} |reign = 1 |date = {{dts|2016|04|10}} |days = {{age in days nts|month1=04|day1=10|year1=2016|month2=06|day2=19|year2=2016}} |location = Tokyo, Japan |event = Invasion Attack 2016 |defenses = 1 |notes = |ref = <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=145848|title=NJPW Invasion Attack 2016|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=April 10, 2016|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=November 19, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201119210258/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=145848|url-status=live}}</ref> }}{{PWtitlereign |number = 65 |champion = {{sortname|Kazuchika|Okada}} |reign = 4 |date = {{dts|2016|06|19}} |days = {{age in days nts|month1=06|day1=19|year1=2016|month2=06|day2=09|year2=2018}} |location = Osaka, Japan |event = Dominion 6.19 in Osaka-jo Hall |defenses = 12 |notes = |ref = <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=152094|title=NJPW Dominion 6.19 In Osaka-Jo Hall|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=June 19, 2016|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=November 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201118052705/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=152094|url-status=live}}</ref> }}{{PWtitlereign |number = 66 |champion = {{sortname|Kenny|Omega}} |reign = 1 |date = {{dts|2018|06|09}} |days = {{age in days nts|month1=06|day1=09|year1=2018|month2=01|day2=04|year2=2019}} |location = Osaka, Japan |event = Dominion 6.9 in Osaka-jo Hall |defenses = 3 |notes = This was a no time limit two out of three falls match in which Omega won 2–1. |ref = <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=200129|title=NJPW Dominion 6.9 In Osaka-Jo Hall|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=June 9, 2018|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=August 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210824034202/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=200129|url-status=live}}</ref> }}{{PWtitlereign |number = 67 |champion = {{sortname|Hiroshi|Tanahashi}} |reign = 8 |date = {{dts|2019|01|04}} |days = {{age in days nts|month1=01|day1=04|year1=2019|month2=02|day2=11|year2=2019}} |location = Tokyo, Japan |event = Wrestle Kingdom 13 in Tokyo Dome |defenses = 0 |notes = |ref = <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=217624|title=NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 13 In Tokyo Dome|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=January 4, 2019|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=January 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210114085505/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=217624|url-status=live}}</ref> }}{{PWtitlereign |number = 68 |champion = {{sortname|Jay|White}} |reign = 1 |date = {{dts|2019|02|11}} |days = {{age in days nts|month1=02|day1=11|year1=2019|month2=04|day2=06|year2=2019}} |location = Osaka, Japan |event = The New Beginning in Osaka |defenses = 0 |notes = |ref = <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=222696|title=NJPW The New Beginning In Osaka 2019|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=February 11, 2019|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=October 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201021074423/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=222696|url-status=live}}</ref> }}{{PWtitlereign |number = 69 |champion = {{sortname|Kazuchika|Okada}} |reign = 5 |date = {{dts|2019|04|06}} |days = {{age in days nts|month1=04|day1=06|year1=2019|month2=01|day2=05|year2=2020}} |location = New York City, U.S. |event = G1 Supercard |defenses = 5 |notes = |ref = <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=202437|title=ROH/NJPW G1 Supercard|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=April 6, 2019|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=March 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210307043526/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=202437|url-status=live}}</ref> }}{{PWtitlereign |number = 70 |champion = {{sortname|Tetsuya|Naito}} |reign = 2 |date = {{dts|2020|01|05}} |days = {{age in days nts|month1=01|day1=05|year1=2020|month2=07|day2=12|year2=2020}} |location = Tokyo, Japan |event = Wrestle Kingdom 14 in Tokyo Dome<br />{{small|Night 2}} |defenses = 1 |notes = This match was also for Naito's IWGP Intercontinental Championship. |ref = <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=246212|title=NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 14 In Tokyo Dome - Tag 2|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=January 5, 2020|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=October 17, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201017215209/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=246212|url-status=live}}</ref> }}{{PWtitlereign |number = 71 |champion = Evil |reign = 1 |date = {{dts|2020|07|12}} |days = {{age in days nts|month1=07|day1=12|year1=2020|month2=08|day2=29|year2=2020}} |location = Osaka, Japan |event = Dominion in Osaka-jo Hall |defenses = 1 |notes =This match was also for Naito's IWGP Intercontinental Championship. |ref = <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=272950|title=NJPW Dominion In Osaka-Jo Hall|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=July 12, 2020|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=May 31, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220531130343/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=272950|url-status=live}}</ref> }}{{PWtitlereign |number = 72 |champion = {{sortname|Tetsuya|Naito}} |reign = 3 |date = {{dts|2020|08|29}} |days = {{age in days nts|month1=08|day1=29|year1=2020|month2=01|day2=04|year2=2021}} |location = Tokyo, Japan |event = Summer Struggle in Jingu |defenses = 1 |notes =This match was also for Evil's IWGP Intercontinental Championship. |ref = <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=282639|title=NJPW Summer Struggle in Jingu|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=August 29, 2020|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=October 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201012111211/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=282639|url-status=live}}</ref> }}{{PWtitlereign |number = 73 |champion = {{sortname|Kota|Ibushi}} |reign = 1 |date = {{dts|2021|1|4}} |days = {{age in days nts|month1=01|day1=04|year1=2021|month2=04|day2=04|year2=2021}} |location = Tokyo, Japan |event = Wrestle Kingdom 15 in Tokyo Dome<br />{{small|Night 1}} |defenses = 3 |notes = This match was also for Naito's IWGP Intercontinental Championship. After Ibushi successfully defended both the IWGP Heavyweight and Intercontinental Championship against El Desperado at the 49th Anniversary Show, they were unified into the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship, with Ibushi as the inaugural champion. |ref = <ref>{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/01/04/1-4-njpw-wrestle-kingdom-15-results-powells-review-of-tetsuya-naito-vs-kota-ibushi-for-the-iwgp-heavyweight-and-iwgp-intercontinental-championships-kazuchika-okada-vs-will-ospreay-hiromu-takaha/|title=1/4 NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 15 results: Powell's review of Tetsuya Naito vs. Kota Ibushi for the IWGP Heavyweight and IWGP Intercontinental Championships, Kazuchika Okada vs. Will Ospreay, Hiromu Takahashi vs. El Phantasmo for a shot at the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Championship|first=Jason|last=Powell|publisher=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=January 4, 2021|access-date=January 4, 2021|archive-date=May 30, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220530024137/https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/01/04/1-4-njpw-wrestle-kingdom-15-results-powells-review-of-tetsuya-naito-vs-kota-ibushi-for-the-iwgp-heavyweight-and-iwgp-intercontinental-championships-kazuchika-okada-vs-will-ospreay-hiromu-takaha/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=295975|title=NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 15 In Tokyo Dome - Tag 1|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=January 4, 2021|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=January 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210111062311/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=295975|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=reign1>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagesideseats.com/2021/3/4/22311823/new-japan-49th-anniversary-show-results-desperado-ibushi-naito-o-khan-cobb-kojima|title=NJPW 49th Anniversary Show results for Thursday, March 4: Desperado vs. Ibushi, Naito vs. O-Khan, and more|work=cagesideseats.com|first=Claire|last=Elizabeth|date=March 4, 2021|access-date=March 4, 2021|archive-date=October 5, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221005180256/https://www.cagesideseats.com/2021/3/4/22311823/new-japan-49th-anniversary-show-results-desperado-ibushi-naito-o-khan-cobb-kojima|url-status=live}}</ref> }}{{PWtitlereign |sort number = 72.5 |type = unified |date = {{dts|2021|3|4}} |location = Tokyo, Japan |event = Anniversary Event |defenses = yes |notes = Unified with the IWGP Intercontinental Championship to form the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship. During the period when the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship was active, it was considered to have a distinct lineage to the IWGP Heavyweight Championship. |ref = <ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/njpw/2825190/|script-title=ja:【新日本】飯伏勝利で２冠統一へ！菅林会長は「ＩＷＧＰ世界ヘビー級王座」新設を明言|date=March 1, 2021|access-date=March 1, 2021|work=Tokyo Sports|language=Japanese|archive-date=February 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210228232542/https://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/njpw/2825190/|url-status=live}}</ref> |name = IWGP World Heavyweight Championship }} {{PWtitlereign |number = 74 |champion = {{sortname|Will|Ospreay}} |reign = 1 |date = {{dts|April 4, 2021}} |days = {{age in days nts|April 4, 2021|May 20, 2021}} |location = Tokyo, Japan |event = Sakura Genesis |defenses = 1 |notes = |ref = <ref>{{cite web|last=Lambert|first=Jeremy|title=NJPW Sakura Genesis Results (4/4): Will Ospreay Battles Kota Ibushi|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/results/njpw-sakura-genesis-results-44-will-ospreay-battles-kota-ibushi|work=Fightful|date=April 4, 2021|access-date=April 4, 2021|archive-date=June 18, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220618204949/https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/results/njpw-sakura-genesis-results-44-will-ospreay-battles-kota-ibushi|url-status=live}}</ref> }}{{PWtitlereign |type = vacated |date = {{dts|May 20, 2021}} |days2 = yes |notes = The championship was vacated due to Will Ospreay sustaining a neck injury. |ref = <ref>{{cite web|title=Will Ospreay injured; vacates world title|url=https://www.njpw1972.com/96992|work=njpw1972.com|date=May 20, 2021|access-date=May 20, 2021|archive-date=January 12, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230112055333/https://www.njpw1972.com/96992}}</ref> }}{{PWtitlereign |number = 75 |champion = {{sortname|Shingo|Takagi}} |reign = 1 |date = {{dts|June 7, 2021}} |days = {{age in days nts|June 7, 2021|January 4, 2022}} |location = Osaka, Japan |event = Dominion 6.6 in Osaka-jo Hall |defenses = 3 |notes = Defeated Kazuchika Okada to win the vacant championship. |ref = <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.njpw1972.com/tornament/97421?showResult=1|title=2021.06.07 Dominion 6.6 in Osaka-jo Hall|publisher=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|access-date=June 2, 2021|archive-date=October 1, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231001213641/https://www.njpw1972.com/tornament/97421?showResult=1}}</ref> }}{{PWtitlereign |number = 76 |champion = {{sortname|Kazuchika|Okada}} |reign = 6 |date = {{dts|January 4, 2022}} |days = {{age in days nts|January 4, 2022|June 12, 2022}} |location = Tokyo, Japan |event = Wrestle Kingdom 16<br />{{small|Night 1}} |defenses = 4 |notes = |ref = <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/new-japan-results/njpw-wrestle-kingdom-16-night-one-live-results-shingo-vs-okada-364406|title=NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 16 Night One Live Results: Shingo Vs. Okada|first=Chick|last=Fritts|work=Wrestling Observer Figure Four Online|date=January 4, 2022|access-date=January 4, 2022|archive-date=May 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220522012616/https://www2.f4wonline.com/new-japan-results/njpw-wrestle-kingdom-16-night-one-live-results-shingo-vs-okada-364406|url-status=live}}</ref> }}{{PWtitlereign |number = 77 |champion = {{sortname|Jay|White}} |reign = 2 |date = {{dts|June 12, 2022}} |days = {{age in days nts|June 12, 2022|January 4, 2023}} |location = Osaka, Japan |event = Dominion 6.12 in Osaka-jo Hall |defenses = 2 |notes = |ref = <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/new-japan/results/njpw-dominion-live-results-six-title-matches-aew-interim-world-title-eliminator|title=NJPW Dominion live results: Six title matches, AEW interim World title eliminator Kazuchika Okada defends the IWGP title against Jay White in the main event, plus the AEW interim World title eliminator continues.|first=Chick|last=Fritts|work=Wrestling Observer Figure Four Online|date=June 12, 2022|access-date=June 12, 2022|archive-date=June 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220616024500/https://www.f4wonline.com/news/new-japan/results/njpw-dominion-live-results-six-title-matches-aew-interim-world-title-eliminator|url-status=live}}</ref> }}{{PWtitlereign |number = 78 |champion = {{sortname|Kazuchika|Okada}} |reign = 7 |date = {{dts|January 4, 2023}} |days = {{age in days nts|January 4, 2023|April 8, 2023}} |location = Tokyo, Japan |event = Wrestle Kingdom 17 |defenses = 2 |notes = |ref = <ref name="WK17">{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 17 results: Powell's live report on Jay White vs. Kazuchika Okada for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship, Will Ospreay vs. Kenny Omega for the IWGP U.S. Championship, Kairi vs. Tam Nakano for the IWGP Women's Title, Taiji Ishimori vs. Hiromu Takahashi vs. El Desperado vs. Master Wato for the IWGP Jr. Hvt. Title|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/01/04/njpw-wrestle-kingdom-17-results-powells-live-report-on-jay-white-vs-kazuchika-okada-for-the-iwgp-world-heavyweight-championship-will-ospreay-vs-kenny-omega-for-the-iwgp-u-s-championship-kairi/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=January 4, 2023|access-date=January 4, 2023|archive-date=January 4, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230104061833/https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/01/04/njpw-wrestle-kingdom-17-results-powells-live-report-on-jay-white-vs-kazuchika-okada-for-the-iwgp-world-heavyweight-championship-will-ospreay-vs-kenny-omega-for-the-iwgp-u-s-championship-kairi/|url-status=live}}</ref> }} {{PWtitlereign |number = 79 |champion = Sanada |reign = 1 |date = {{dts|April 8, 2023}} |days = {{age in days nts|April 8, 2023|January 4, 2024}} |location = Tokyo, Japan |event = Sakura Genesis |defenses = 4 |notes = |ref = <ref name="Sakura Genesis2023">{{Cite web|title=2023.04.08 SAKURA GENESIS 2023|url=https://www.njpw1972.com/tornament/141111?showResult=1|work=NJPW|access-date=April 8, 2023|archive-date=April 8, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408102017/https://www.njpw1972.com/tornament/141111?showResult=1}}</ref> }} {{PWtitlereign |number = 80 |champion = Tetsuya Naito |reign = 4 |date = {{dts|January 4, 2024}} |days = {{age in days nts|January 4, 2024|April 12, 2024}} |location = Tokyo, Japan |event = Wrestle Kingdom 18 |defenses = 2 |notes = |ref = <ref>{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 18 results: Powell's live review of Sanada vs. Tetsuya Naito for the IWGP World Hvt. Championship, Kazuchika Okada vs. Bryan Danielson, Will Ospreay vs. Jon Moxley vs. David Finlay for the IWGP Global Title|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/01/04/njpw-wrestle-kingdom-18-results-powells-live-review-of-sanada-vs-tetsuya-naito-for-the-iwgp-world-hvt-championship-kazuchika-okada-vs-bryan-danielson-will-ospreay-vs-jon-moxley-vs-david/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=January 4, 2024|access-date=January 4, 2024|archive-date=January 4, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240104061458/https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/01/04/njpw-wrestle-kingdom-18-results-powells-live-review-of-sanada-vs-tetsuya-naito-for-the-iwgp-world-hvt-championship-kazuchika-okada-vs-bryan-danielson-will-ospreay-vs-jon-moxley-vs-david/|url-status=live}}</ref> }}

{{PWtitlereign |number = 81 |champion = Jon Moxley |reign = 1 |date = {{dts|April 12, 2024}} |days = {{age in days nts|April 12, 2024|June 30, 2024}}<!--Don't remove this, it's a counter that updates automatically. If it's not showing the right number just wait a day!--> |location = Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |event = Windy City Riot |defenses = 4 |notes = |ref = <ref>{{cite web|last=Defelice|first=Robert|title=Jon Moxley Wins IWGP World Title At NJPW Windy City Riot, Gets Attacked And Challenged By Ren Narita|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/jon-moxley-wins-iwgp-world-title-njpw-windy-city-riot-gets-attacked-and-challenged-ren-narita|work=Fightful|date=April 12, 2024|access-date=April 13, 2024|archive-date=April 13, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240413082333/https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/jon-moxley-wins-iwgp-world-title-njpw-windy-city-riot-gets-attacked-and-challenged-ren-narita|url-status=live}}</ref> }} {{PWtitlereign |number = 82 |champion = Tetsuya Naito |reign = 5 |date = {{dts|June 30, 2024}} |days = {{age in days nts|June 30, 2024|October 14, 2024}}<!--Don't remove this, it's a counter that updates automatically. If it's not showing the right number just wait a day!--> |location = Elmont, New York, U.S. |event = AEW x NJPW: Forbidden Door |defenses = 1 |notes = |ref = <ref name="FD2024">{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=AEW Forbidden Door results: Powell's live review of Swerve Strickland vs. Will Ospreay for the AEW World Championship, Jon Moxley vs. Tetsuya Naito for the IWGP World Heavyweight Title|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/06/30/aew-forbidden-door-results-powells-live-review-of-swerve-strickland-vs-will-ospreay-for-the-aew-world-championship-jon-moxley-vs-tetsuya-naito-for-the-iwgp-world-heavyweight-title/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=June 30, 2024|access-date=June 30, 2024|archive-date=July 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240701015416/https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/06/30/aew-forbidden-door-results-powells-live-review-of-swerve-strickland-vs-will-ospreay-for-the-aew-world-championship-jon-moxley-vs-tetsuya-naito-for-the-iwgp-world-heavyweight-title/|url-status=live}}</ref> }} {{PWtitlereign |number = 83 |champion = Zack Sabre Jr. |reign = 1 |date = {{dts|October 14, 2024}} |days = {{age in days nts|October 14, 2024|February 11, 2025}} |location = Tokyo, Japan |event = King of Pro-Wrestling |defenses = 4 |notes = |ref = <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.postwrestling.com/2024/10/14/zack-sabre-jr-becomes-iwgp-world-heavyweight-champion-at-njpw-king-of-pro-wrestling-title-match-set-for-royal-quest-iv/|title=Adam Copeland becomes IWGP World Heavyweight Champion at NJPW King of Pro-Wrestling, title match set for Royal Quest IV|work=POSTWrestling|first=Andrew|last=Thompson|date=October 14, 2024|access-date=October 14, 2024|archive-date=November 6, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241106075645/https://www.postwrestling.com/2024/10/14/zack-sabre-jr-becomes-iwgp-world-heavyweight-champion-at-njpw-king-of-pro-wrestling-title-match-set-for-royal-quest-iv/|url-status=live}}</ref> }} {{PWtitlereign |number = 84 |champion = Hirooki Goto |reign = 1 |date = {{dts|February 11, 2025}} |days = {{age in days nts|February 11, 2025|June 29, 2025}} |location = Osaka, Japan |event = The New Beginning in Osaka |defenses = 7 |notes = |ref = <ref>{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2025/02/11/njpw-the-new-beginning-results-2-11-vetters-review-of-zack-sabre-jr-ryohei-oiwa-robbie-eagles-kosei-fujita-and-hartley-jackson-vs-hirooki-goto-yoshi-hashi-yoh-master-wato-and-tomoak/|title=NJPW "The New Beginning" results (2/11): Vetter's review of Zack Sabre Jr., Ryohei Oiwa, Robbie Eagles, Kosei Fujita, and Hartley Jackson vs. Hirooki Goto, Yoshi-Hashi, Yoh, Master Wato, and Tomoaki Honma|first=Chris|last=Vetter|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=February 11, 2025|access-date=February 14, 2025|archive-date=February 12, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250212160904/https://prowrestling.net/site/2025/02/11/njpw-the-new-beginning-results-2-11-vetters-review-of-zack-sabre-jr-ryohei-oiwa-robbie-eagles-kosei-fujita-and-hartley-jackson-vs-hirooki-goto-yoshi-hashi-yoh-master-wato-and-tomoak/|url-status=live}}</ref> }} {{PWtitlereign |number = 85 |champion = Zack Sabre Jr. |reign = 2 |date = {{dts|June 29, 2025}} |days = {{age in days nts|June 29, 2025|October 13, 2025}} |location = Nagoya, Japan |event = Tanahashi Jam |defenses = 2 |notes = |ref = <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.si.com/fannation/wrestling/njpw/zack-sabre-jr-recaptures-iwgp-world-heavyweight-championship-at-tanahashi-jam/|title=Zack Sabre Jr. Recaptures IWGP World Heavyweight Championship At Tanahashi Jam|first=Lyric|last=Swinton|work=The Takedown on SI|date=June 29, 2025|access-date=June 30, 2025|archive-date=August 12, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250812084913/https://www.si.com/fannation/wrestling/njpw/zack-sabre-jr-recaptures-iwgp-world-heavyweight-championship-at-tanahashi-jam|url-status=live}}</ref> }} {{PWtitlereign |number = 86 |champion = Konosuke Takeshita |reign = 1 |date = {{dts|October 13, 2025}} |days = {{age in days nts|October 13, 2025|January 4, 2026}} |location = Tokyo, Japan |event = King of Pro-Wrestling |defenses = 1 |notes = |ref = <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/konosuke-takeshita-wins-iwgp-world-heavyweight-title-at-njpw-king-of-pro-wrestling/|title=Konosuke Takeshita Wins IWGP World Heavyweight Title At NJPW King of Pro-Wrestling|last=Lambert|first=Jeremy|date=October 13, 2025|work=Fightful.com|access-date=October 13, 2025}}</ref> }} {{PWtitlereign |number = 87 |champion = {{sortname|Yota|Tsuji}} |reign = 1 |date = {{dts|January 4, 2026}} |days = {{age in days|January 4, 2026|April 4, 2026}} |location = Tokyo, Japan |event = Wrestle Kingdom 20 |defenses = 1 |notes = This was a Winner Takes All match in which Tsuji's IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship was also on the line. On January 6, at the post Wrestle Kingdom 20 and New Year Dash!! press conference, Tsuji officially retired the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship, declaring himself the IWGP Heavyweight Champion and retroactively merging the lineage of the two titles. |ref = <ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.njpw1972.com/623114|script-title=ja:Yota Tsuji talks title win, new faction in press conference|date=January 6, 2026|access-date=January 6, 2026|work=NJPW1972|language=English|archive-date=January 7, 2026|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260107012542/https://www.njpw1972.com/623114|url-status=live}}</ref> }} {{PWtitlereign |number = 88 |champion = {{sortname|Callum|Newman}} |reign = 1 |date = {{dts|April 4, 2026}} |days = {{age in days|April 4, 2026}}+ |location = Tokyo, Japan |event = Sakura Genesis |defenses = 1 |notes = |ref = <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/new-japan/new-japan-results/njpw-sakura-genesis-live-results-yota-tsuji-vs-callum-newman/|title=NJPW Sakura Genesis live results: Yota Tsuji vs. Callum Newman|first=Corey|last=Michaels|publisher=Wrestling Observer Newsletter|date=April 3, 2026|accessdate=April 4, 2026}}</ref> }} {{BundleEnd}}

==Combined reigns== [[File:Kazuchika Okada 2015.JPG|thumb|230x230px|Seven-time champion Kazuchika Okada holds the records for the longest reign (720 days; 65th), combined tenure (2,043 days), most single-reign defenses (12; 65th), most combined defenses (36), and two of the ten longest reigns (the 65th and 59th respectively).]] [[File:Hiroshi tanahashi NJPW.JPG|alt=|thumb|297x297px|Record eight-time champion Hiroshi Tanahashi. Up until 2018, he held the single-defense reign record with 11 (the 56th reign). He holds the third longest reign of the title.]]

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center;" !Rank !Wrestler !No. of<br />reigns !Combined<br />defenses !Combined days |- !1 |{{sortname|Kazuchika|Okada}} |7 |36 |2,043 |- !2 |{{sortname|Hiroshi|Tanahashi}} |8 |28 |1,396 |- !3 |{{sort|Muto|Keiji Muto/The Great Muta}} |4 |19 |1,238 |- !4 |{{sortname|Shinya|Hashimoto}} |3 |20 |1,052 |- !5 |{{sortname|Tatsumi|Fujinami}} |6 |13 |785 |- !6 |{{sort|Sasaki|Kensuke Sasaki}} | rowspan="2" |5 |11 |647 |- !7 |{{sortname|Tetsuya|Naito}} |6 |592 |- !8 |{{sortname|Yuji|Nagata}} |2 |12 |570 |- !9 |{{sortname|Kazuyuki|Fujita}} | rowspan="4" |3 |3 |478 |- !10 |{{sort|Vader|Big Van Vader}} |4 |451 |- !11 |{{sortname|Shinsuke|Nakamura}} |9 |390 |- !12 |{{sortname|Riki|Choshu}} |5 |383 |- !13 |{{sortname|Antonio|Inoki}} |1 |4 |325 |- !14 |{{sortname|AJ|Styles}} |2 | rowspan="2" |3 |307 |- !15 |{{sortname|Brock|Lesnar}} | rowspan="2" |1 |280 |- !16 |{{sortname||Sanada|dab=wrestler}} |4 |271 |- !17 |{{sortname|Jay|White}} | rowspan="2" |2 |2 |260 |- !18 |{{sortname|Zack|Sabre Jr.}} |6 |226 |- !19 |{{sortname|Shingo|Takagi}} | rowspan="2" |1 | rowspan="2" |3 |211 |- !20 |{{sortname|Kenny|Omega}} |209 |- !21 |{{sortname|Hiroyoshi|Tenzan}} |4 |2 |197 |- !22 |{{sortname|Yoshihiro|Takayama}} |1 |3 |185 |- !23 |{{sortname|Satoshi|Kojima}} |2 |2 |168 |- !24 |{{sortname|Togi|Makabe}} | rowspan="2" |1 |3 |161 |- !25 |{{sortname|Hirooki|Goto}} |7 |138 |- !26 |{{sortname|Scott|Norton}} |2 |4 |126 |- !27 |{{sortname|Nobuhiko|Takada}} | rowspan="14" |{{sort|01|1}} |1 |116 |- !28 |{{sortname|Kota|Ibushi}} |3 | rowspan="2" |90 |- !29 |{{sortname|Yota|Tsuji}} | rowspan="2" |1 |- !30 |{{sortname|Konosuke|Takeshita}} |83 |- !31 |{{sortname|Jon|Moxley}} |4 |79 |- !32 |{{sortname|Bob|Sapp}} |1 |66 |- !33 | style="background-color:#ffe6bd" | {{sortname|Callum|Newman}} † |1 |{{age in days|April 4, 2026}}+ |- ! rowspan="3" |34 | {{sort |Evil | rowspan="2" |1 | rowspan="3" |48 |- |{{sortname|Tadao|Yasuda}} |- |{{sortname|Salman|Hashimikov}} |0 |- !37 |{{sortname|Will|Ospreay}} |1 |46 |- !38 |{{sortname|Manabu|Nakanishi}} | rowspan="2" |0 |45 |- !39 |{{sortname|Masahiro|Chono}} |44 |- !40 |{{sortname|Genichiro|Tenryu}} |0 |25 |- |}

== See also == *G1 Climax *New Japan Cup *IWGP Heavyweight Championship (original version)

== Footnotes == {{Notelist}}

==References== ;General * {{cite journal|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated: 2008 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts|journal=The ... Wrestling Almanac and Book of Facts|publisher=Sports & Entertainment Publications, LLC|issn=1043-7576|volume=29|issue=5|pages=107–108}} *{{Cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/champions/iwgp|title=IWGP Heavyweight Championship history|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|publisher=NJPW.co.jp|language=ja|access-date=2016-11-10|archive-date=2017-07-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170705212858/http://www.njpw.co.jp/champions/iwgp|url-status=live}}

;Specific {{Reflist|30em}}

==External links== *[https://www.njpw.co.jp New Japan Pro-Wrestling official website] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130605160639/http://www.njpw.co.jp/ |date=2013-06-05 }} * [https://www.njpw.co.jp/champions/iwgp-world-heavyweight Championship history on official website] {{in lang|ja}} * [https://www.njpw1972.com/champions/iwgp-world-heavyweight Championship history on official website] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240227185409/https://www.njpw1972.com/champions/iwgp-world-heavyweight |date=2024-02-27 }} {{in lang|en}}

{{S-start}} {{S-sports}} {{S-bef|before=IWGP Heavyweight Championship (original version)}} {{S-ttl|title=New Japan Pro-Wrestling's top heavyweight championship| years = 1987–2021<br />2026–present|rows=2}} {{S-aft|after=IWGP World Heavyweight Championship}}} {{S-bef|before=IWGP World Heavyweight Championship}} {{S-aft|after=''Current''}} {{S-end}}

{{IWGP Heavyweight Championship}} {{New Japan Pro Wrestling}}

{{Featured list}}

Category:New Japan Pro-Wrestling championships Category:World heavyweight wrestling championships