SANADA has done it.
In the main event of New Japan Pro Wrestling's Sakura Genesis, SANADA defeated Kazuchika Okada to become the new IWGP World Heavyweight Champion. This is the first world championship win in his career.
SANADA defeated Okada by hitting his new finisher, Deadfall, to pin "The Rainmaker" and earn the win.
.@seiyasanada "Rainmaker"
— njpwworld (@njpwworld) April 8, 2023
Watch Sakura Genesis live in LIVE in English on https://t.co/CcdQ1XamUA (outside Japan)#njSG #njpw #njpwworld pic.twitter.com/SMwvYPuW5A
The newest member of Just 5 Guys used the New Japan Cup to not only get back on track but find a new edge to himself after a losing streak that saw him question his place in NJPW. After being passed over for his mentor Keiji Muto's retirement match for his former stablemate Tetsuya Naito, SANADA noted that a change was needed.
The title victory for SANADA ends Okada's second reign with the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship at 95 days -- the shortest reign of his career.
You can check out Sakura Genesis by subscribing to NJPW World.
Fans can find results from NJPW Sakura Genesis by clicking here.
You can follow NJPW on Twitter at their official account (@njpw1972) and their official English account (@njpwglobal) to stay up-to-date with the promotion.
