In the main event of New Japan Pro Wrestling’s biggest show of the year, Wrestle Kingdom 18, Tetsuya Naito defeated SANADA to win the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship.
This is Naito’s fourth time as the top champion of NJPW, although only his first under the branding of the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship lineage (rather than the IWGP Heavyweight Championship as it was prior to March 2021).
Following the match, Naito was about to speak when EVIL grabbed the microphone, stole the moment, and said that since Naito wasn’t appreciative of the title, he would take it from him. SANADA came to the rescue and teased wanting a rematch with Naito, who thanked SANADA and the fans to end the show with an indication he was already growing an attachment to the belt.
Check out some highlights below:
🔥WRESTLE KINGDOM 18 in 東京ドーム🔥
第10試合IWGP世界ヘビー級選手権試合‼️
『G1 CLIMAX 33』覇者 内藤哲也入場‼️#njpwworld で配信中📡視聴＆登録⏩https://t.co/CeQLGjTmZ5#njwk18 #NJPW pic.twitter.com/udVJUSbmlv
— NJPW WORLD (@njpwworld) January 4, 2024
.@s_d_naito “Corriendo Destino”
Sign up Now & Stay tuned to https://t.co/CeQLGjTmZ5#njwk18 #NJPW #njpwworld pic.twitter.com/PpgUkjXKny
— NJPW WORLD (@njpwworld) January 4, 2024
.@seiyasanada “Inverted Frankensteiner → Shining Wizard”
Sign up Now & Stay tuned to https://t.co/CeQLGjTmZ5#njwk18 #NJPW #njpwworld pic.twitter.com/UTivZh0v10
— NJPW WORLD (@njpwworld) January 4, 2024
🔥WRESTLE KINGDOM 18 in 東京ドーム🔥
第10試合IWGP世界ヘビー級選手権試合‼️
大合唱か、ギフトか、東京ドームのメインイベントを締めるのはどちらだ⁉️🆚 @seiyasanada × @s_d_naito#njpwworld で配信中📡
視聴＆登録⏩https://t.co/CeQLGjTmZ5#njwk18 #NJPW pic.twitter.com/VGdvVObEgs
— NJPW WORLD (@njpwworld) January 4, 2024
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In a thrilling main event at New Japan Pro Wrestling’s Wrestle Kingdom 18, Tetsuya Naito emerged victorious over SANADA to capture the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship. This marks Naito’s fourth reign as the top champion in NJPW, but his first under the new branding of the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship.
The match between Naito and SANADA was highly anticipated, with both wrestlers showcasing their incredible athleticism and technical skills. The bout was filled with high-flying maneuvers, hard-hitting strikes, and intense back-and-forth action that kept the audience on the edge of their seats.
After the match, Naito was about to address the crowd when EVIL, another prominent wrestler in NJPW, interrupted him and claimed that Naito didn’t appreciate the championship title. EVIL declared his intention to take the title from Naito. However, SANADA came to Naito’s aid and hinted at a potential rematch with his former tag team partner.
Naito expressed his gratitude to SANADA and the fans, indicating that he was already forming an attachment to the newly won championship belt. This moment marked a significant milestone in Naito’s career as he solidified his place as one of NJPW’s top stars.
The highlights of the match showcased the incredible athleticism and skill of both Naito and SANADA. From Naito’s signature move “Corriendo Destino” to SANADA’s impressive “Inverted Frankensteiner → Shining Wizard,” these moments exemplified the excitement and intensity of Wrestle Kingdom 18.
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Wrestle Kingdom 18 was a night filled with unforgettable moments, and Naito’s victory over SANADA to become the IWGP World Heavyweight Champion was undoubtedly one of the highlights. As NJPW continues to showcase its top talent and thrilling matches, fans can look forward to more exciting events in the future.