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 by fans, and it did not disappoint. Both competitors showcased their incredible skills and put on a spectacular display of athleticism and storytelling. The match had the crowd on the edge of their seats from start to finish.
After the match, Naito was about to address the audience when EVIL, another NJPW superstar, interrupted and stole the spotlight. EVIL claimed that Naito didn’t appreciate the championship and vowed to take it from him. However, SANADA came to Naito’s aid and hinted at a potential rematch in the future. Naito expressed his gratitude towards SANADA and the fans, indicating that he already had an attachment to the prestigious title.
The highlights of the match were shared on social media, giving fans a glimpse of the intense action that took place in the ring. The videos showcased Naito’s entrance, as well as some impressive moves by both Naito and SANADA.
For wrestling enthusiasts, staying updated with all the latest news is essential. Websites like eWrestlingNews.com provide comprehensive coverage of wrestling events, including Wrestle Kingdom 18. Fans can also follow these websites on social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook to receive regular updates.
Wrestle Kingdom 18 was a monumental event for NJPW, and Tetsuya Naito’s victory added another chapter to his storied career. As the new IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, Naito will undoubtedly face numerous challenges from other talented wrestlers in the promotion. Fans can look forward to more thrilling matches and exciting storylines as NJPW continues to captivate audiences worldwide.