Kota Ibushi's reign as IWGP World Heavyweight Champion didn't last long.
At NJPW Sakura Genesis, Will Ospreay captured the IWGP World Heavyweight Title, defeating Kota Ibushi in the main event. Ospreay survived kamigoye with Ibushi's exposed knee, hitting hidden blade and a storm breaker to put Ibushi down for the count.
After the bout, United Empire continued to beatdown Ibushi, who was helped out of the ring by NJPW officials. Once Ibushi was taken to the back, Ospreay called out Kazuchika Okada, wanting revenge for his Wrestle Kingdom 15 loss.
Okada came to the ring, but they were both interrupted by Shingo Takagi, who staked his claim for a shot at the IWGP World Heavyweight Title. Ospreay said Shingo would be first, then Okada.
This marks Ospreay's first reign as IWGP World Heavyweight Champion. Ibushi won the IWGP Heavyweight Championship and IWGP Intercontinental Championship at Wrestle Kingdom 15. He stated after the event that his goal was to unify the titles. That happened at NJPW 49th Anniversary when Ibushi defeated El Desperado to became the first official IWGP World Heavyweight Champion.
NOPE! #njSG #NJPW https://t.co/d63mH2znnl pic.twitter.com/bshMHHSQq3
— Italo Santana (@BulletClubIta) April 4, 2021
GODDAMN! Brutal V-Trigger by @WillOspreay!! #njSG #NJPW https://t.co/d63mH2znnl pic.twitter.com/4OhisnLB9r
— Italo Santana (@BulletClubIta) April 4, 2021
STORMBREAKER!!!!!! HISTORY HAS BEEN MADE!!! @WillOspreay is the new IWGP World Heavyweight Champion!!! #njSG #NJPW https://t.co/d63mH2znnl pic.twitter.com/b55G5lLiFa
— Italo Santana (@BulletClubIta) April 4, 2021
The Empire stands tall over a falling star. #njSG #NJPW https://t.co/d63mH2znnl pic.twitter.com/pDupqep8ev
— Italo Santana (@BulletClubIta) April 4, 2021
Ospreay has accepted Shingo's challenge! And if Ospreay wins, he wants Okada next!https://t.co/YCKTFJJeYE#njpw #njsg pic.twitter.com/241u3gOFr7
— Ciaràn (@CiaranRH) April 4, 2021
You can find full results from NJPW Sakurau Genesis by clicking here.
