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Yota Tsuji

IWGP Heavyweight Champion · NJPW

Yota Tsuji restored the IWGP Heavyweight Championship in January 2026 and is recognized as its 87th champion, one of New Japan Pro-Wrestling's central figures.

Biography

Yota Tsuji stands at the center of New Japan Pro-Wrestling's 2026 title picture. His run reshaped NJPW's top championship at the start of the year.

At Wrestle Kingdom 20 on January 4, 2026, Tsuji beat Konosuke Takeshita for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship. He then split that belt back into its original components and restored the IWGP Heavyweight Championship, which had been retired since 2021.

The IWGP Heavyweight Championship was reinstated on January 6, 2026, with Tsuji recognized as its 87th champion. His title also connects him to New Japan history alongside past IWGP figures such as Kazuchika Okada and Kenny Omega.

Championships & Titles

IWGP World Heavyweight ChampionshipWon Jan 4, 2026 (NJPW)Beat Konosuke Takeshita at Wrestle Kingdom 20; held briefly before the split
IWGP Heavyweight ChampionshipCurrent (NJPW)Reinstated Jan 6, 2026; recognized as 87th champion

Career & Factions

2026 IWGP title reset

Tsuji won the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship, then split it back into its original parts and restored the IWGP Heavyweight Championship, retired since 2021.

87th IWGP Heavyweight Champion

With the belt reinstated on January 6, 2026, Tsuji is recognized as the 87th IWGP Heavyweight Champion, placing him in New Japan's long title lineage.

Career Timeline

  1. 2026 Beats Konosuke Takeshita for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship at Wrestle Kingdom 20 (Jan 4).
  2. 2026 Restores the IWGP Heavyweight Championship (Jan 6); recognized as 87th champion.

FAQ

What title does Yota Tsuji hold?

The IWGP Heavyweight Championship, reinstated on January 6, 2026, with Tsuji recognized as its 87th champion.

How did Tsuji restore the IWGP Heavyweight Championship?

After winning the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship on January 4, 2026, he split the belt back into its original parts and restored the IWGP Heavyweight Championship, which had been retired since 2021.

Who did Tsuji beat to win the title?

He defeated Konosuke Takeshita for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship at Wrestle Kingdom 20 on January 4, 2026.

Signature Matches

vs. Konosuke Takeshita — Wrestle Kingdom 20, Jan 4, 2026 (IWGP World Heavyweight Title)

Tsuji won the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship, then split the belt back into its parts and restored the IWGP Heavyweight Championship two days later.

Match Record

ROpponentEventDateStipulationNote
WKonosuke TakeshitaWrestle Kingdom 20Jan 4, 2026IWGP World Heavyweight TitleWon the title; restored the IWGP Heavyweight Championship on Jan 6