Title change takes place at NJPW Road to G1 Climax event
As NJPW gears up for the G1 Climax, a title change took place at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo on Monday.
Gabe Kidd defeated Shota Umino at a Road to G1 event to become the new IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion. Controversy was the story of the title change with Kidd attacking the referee before the match began, bloodying Umino during a brawl, and spitting on NJPW President Hiroshi Tanahashi. After that pre-match angle, Umino still chose to go forward with the bout and Tanahashi allowed it to continue.
Despite Kidd getting the better of their brawl, Umino was able to take control at the start of the match and almost get an early win. But Kidd took back the advantage and, after faking an injury that caused the referee to make Umino briefly stall, got the win with a Death Rider. He gave Umino a piledriver on the floor (in front of Tanahashi) prior to that and followed with another in the ring.
The post-match included Kidd disrespecting NJPW by throwing the Global title belt around and leaving without it. He even dropped Tanahashi with a slap.
As Umino was being helped to the back after, commentary questioned what shape he would be in for the G1 when it begins this Saturday. A match between Umino and Zack Sabre Jr. is scheduled for the opening night.
Because Umino vs. Kidd are both in B Block of the G1 tournament, they are set to meet again on August 8. The Global title will not be on the line in that rematch.
Umino’s reign as Global Champion lasted only 22 days. He made one successful defense during that time, which was a victory over Kidd’s Death Riders stablemate PAC.
Gabe Kidd’s visa issues —
Kidd — who is under contract with AEW — is currently going through visa issues and unable to compete in the United States. Those visa problems meant that his title challenge against Umino had to happen in Japan today instead of being part of the card for Forbidden Door. Kidd also does not have a match on the first night of the G1 since it’s taking place in Chicago.
Joseph Currier is the lead editor of F4WOnline.com, directing daily news coverage and writing articles on professional wrestling. He is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts, obtaining a journalism degree in 2016. Joseph joined F4W during his time at UMass and has now been writing about the industry for nearly a decade.
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