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NJPW flagship, reactivated 2026

IWGP Heavyweight Championship

Current: Yota Tsuji NJPW Reactivated Jan 2026

The IWGP Heavyweight Championship is New Japan Pro-Wrestling's flagship singles title, created in 1987. Its arc runs through three phases. It headlined Wrestle Kingdom cards for decades, was retired in 2021 when NJPW merged it into the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship, and then, as reported by NJPW, was reactivated in January 2026 with the three prior lineages folded back into it.

Its reign chart tracks New Japan's rise as a global promotion, from home-grown aces to the Bullet Club and gaijin champions who carried the belt abroad. AJ Styles, Kenny Omega and Jon Moxley all held New Japan gold during that expansion.

Reigns that defined the title

Yota TsujiCurrent, won Jun 14, 2026 at Dominion 6.14Defeated Callum Newman and is recognized as the 87th IWGP Heavyweight Champion following the January 2026 reactivation (as reported)
Kota IbushiInaugural IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, Mar 4, 2021First holder of the unified title before the lineages were folded back in 2026
Kazuchika Okada2010sDefined the modern IWGP era with a reign of more than 700 days and a run of classic Wrestle Kingdom main events
Hiroshi Tanahashi2000s to 2010sThe ace credited with rebuilding NJPW across a decade of headline reigns
AJ Styles, Kenny Omega, Jon Moxley2010sBullet Club and gaijin champions who helped globalize New Japan's top title

Champions with profiles

Read more on the NJPW promotion page. Reign numbers after the 2026 reactivation are reported by NJPW and may be revised.

FAQ

Who is the current IWGP Heavyweight Champion?
Yota Tsuji is the reigning IWGP Heavyweight Champion. He won the title on June 14, 2026 at Dominion 6.14 by defeating Callum Newman, and is recognized as the 87th champion following the reactivation.
Why was the IWGP Heavyweight Championship reactivated?
As reported by NJPW, the promotion reactivated the IWGP Heavyweight Championship in January 2026 and folded the Heavyweight, Intercontinental and World Heavyweight lineages back into a single flagship title.
When was the IWGP Heavyweight Championship created?
The title was created in 1987 as New Japan Pro-Wrestling's top singles championship. It was retired in 2021, then reactivated in January 2026.