Kazuchika Okada didn't want a briefcase.
Following his G1 Climax 31 victory over Kota Ibushi due to injury stoppage, Okada stated that he wanted to bring back the IWGP Heavyweight Championship in leui of carrying a briefcase to represent his win.
In the post-G1 Climax press conference, Okada said, "The IWGP Heavyweight Championship that Ibushi retired though… I’m not saying that people should call me the ‘X-ieth Heavyweight Champion’ or anything, but I want to hold that belt, until Ibushi gets back. Usually (the G1 winner) gets a contract and defends that. But maybe I can- in fact, since the chairman is here today, I’m asking- to have the fourth IWGP Heavyweight belt in place of a contract. Is that OK, chairman? There’s usually a briefcase with a contract inside. But after the way things ended yesterday, I want to face Ibushi again. And since Ibushi retired that title, I want it as proof of my promise to him. To have a title belt instead of a contract."
Okada took matters into his own hands and showed up at NJPW Power Struggle night one with the old IWGP Heavyweight Championship.
.@rainmakerXokada "G1 CLIMAX 31 WINNER--"
— njpwworld (@njpwworld) October 24, 2021
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Okada is a former five-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion. The belt was merged with the IWGP Intercontinental Championship in March to create the IWGP World Heavyweight Title, which is currently held by Shingo Takagi, though Will Ospreay is claiming to be the "real" IWGP World Heavyweight Champion as he was forced to vacant the title in May and never lost it.
If you missed anything from NJPW Road to Power Struggle night one, check out full results by clicking here.
