Kota Ibushi unified the IWGP Heavyweight and IWGP Intercontinental Champion titles on March 4 when he defeated El Desperado to become the inaugural IWGP World Heavyweight Champion.
Ibushi previously revealed that 99% of people were against the unification of the titles. Once the belt design was revealed, even more people may have been against it as the design was questioned by many fans.
Speaking to NJPW, Ibushi commented on the design of the title.
"You know, I think I’ve always had this image in mind that a championship belt is always round. So when I first saw this title, I did think ‘woah, this is really different!’. I think though that the design is something that will win everyone over in time," said Ibushi. "I’m delighted to be able to say I was the first. A lot has changed, even since I was a junior heavyweight."
Ibushi lost the IWGP World Heavyweight Title to Will Ospreay at NJPW Sakura Genesis.
Elsewhere during the interview, Ibushi discussed working through an ankle injury following Wrestle Kingdom 15. You can find his full comments by clicking here.
