:IWGP Heavyweight Championship

An early version of this championship was introduced in 1983 for the winner (Hulk Hogan) of the IWGP League 1983. Since then, the championship was defended annually against the winner of the IWGP League of the year. A new IWGP Heavyweight Championship arrived only in 1987, replacing the old version.{{cite web|title=International Wrestling Grand Prix Championship Tournament|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/japan/newjapan/iwgp.html|access-date=2019-02-09|publisher=Wrestling-Titles.com|archive-date=2018-08-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180820021819/http://www.wrestling-titles.com/japan/newjapan/iwgp.html|url-status=live}} The 1987 version was defended regularly and was the top championship of NJPW until the introduction of the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship in 2021.

Throughout the history of the championship, several wrestlers were forced to relinquish the title due to an inability to participate in title defenses. When a wrestler had been injured or unable to compete for other reasons, tournaments were held to determine the new champion.{{cite web|title=History of the IWGP Heavyweight Title |publisher=Official Website of the Inoki Dojo |url=http://www.njpw.com/about/heavywhistory.shtml |access-date=2009-03-26 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090321001152/http://njpw.com/about/heavywhistory.shtml |archive-date=2009-03-21 }}{{cite web|title=Vader rejuvenated in Japan|url=http://slam.canoe.com/SlamWrestlingEditorial/jan5_molinaro.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160112041044/http://slam.canoe.com/SlamWrestlingEditorial/jan5_molinaro.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 12, 2016|access-date=2009-03-26|first=John F.|last=Molinaro|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}

In 2006, Brock Lesnar was stripped of the title for refusing to defend it, claiming he was owed money by NJPW. The company went on to crown a new champion, while Lesnar kept the physical belt.{{cite web | url=http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=25224 | title=Kurt Angle beats Brock Lesnar in WrestleMania rematch in Japan | last=Woodward | first=Buck | date=2007-06-29 | access-date=2017-11-21 | work=Pro Wrestling Insider | archive-date=2017-08-25 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170825232724/http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=25224 | url-status=live }} He signed with Antonio Inoki's Inoki Genome Federation (IGF) in 2007, and lost the championship to Kurt Angle on the promotion's inaugural event.{{cite web|title=Brock Lesnar in Japan with IWGP Title; could defend against Kurt Angle|work=Wrestleview|first=Adam|last=Martin|access-date=2009-03-26|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2006/1183069997.shtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070701154213/http://www.wrestleview.com/news2006/1183069997.shtml|archive-date=2007-07-01|date=2007-06-28}}{{cite web|title=Video online of Angle vs. Lesnar in Japan, Ask TNA Wrestling, TNA Today|first=Adam|last=Martin|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2006/1183415472.shtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070704200917/http://www.wrestleview.com/news2006/1183415472.shtml|archive-date=2007-07-04|access-date=2009-03-26|date=2007-07-02|work=Wrestleview}} Angle later lost the belt in a unification match to the NJPW-recognized champion Shinsuke Nakamura in 2008.

On January 5, 2020, Tetsuya Naito won the Heavyweight and Intercontinental Championships. Both titles kept their individual history, but were defended at the same time. Sometimes, they were called "Double Championship".{{Cite web |url=https://www.njpw1972.com/tornament/83844?showResult=1 |title=2021.01.05 Varsan presents WRESTLE KINGDOM 15 in Tokyo Dome {{!}} NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING |access-date=2021-01-07 |archive-date=2021-01-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210106063728/https://www.njpw1972.com/tornament/83844?showResult=1 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |url=https://www.thesportster.com/wrestling/njpw-double-title-concept-works-fails/ |title=5 Problems With The Double Champion Idea In NJPW (& 5 Ways It's Working) |access-date=2021-01-07 |archive-date=2020-12-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201219083616/https://www.thesportster.com/wrestling/njpw-double-title-concept-works-fails/ |url-status=live }} One year after Naito's victory, Chairman Naoki Sugabayashi announced the unification of both titles, deactivating the Intercontinental title and forming the new IWGP World Heavyweight Championship.{{Cite web |url=https://solowrestling.mundodeportivo.com/new/96487-njpw-unifica-campeonatos-iwgp |title=NJPW: Kota Ibushi unifica los dos títulos IWPG en un único campeonato mundial {{!}} Solowrestling |access-date=2021-03-05 |archive-date=2021-07-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210715121001/https://solowrestling.mundodeportivo.com/new/96487-njpw-unifica-campeonatos-iwgp |url-status=live }} On March 4, 2021, the Double Champion Kota Ibushi defeated El Desperado to unify and retire both titles.

On October 21, 2021, after winning the G1 Climax, winner Kazuchika Okada asked for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship belt to be awarded to him for winning the G1 instead of the typical briefcase and contract for an IWGP World Heavyweight Championship match at Wrestle Kingdom 16. On October 25 at Road to Power Struggle, Okada's request was approved and he appeared with the championship; despite holding the championship belt, Okada was not recognized as the official IWGP Heavyweight Champion and the belt is still considered deactivated.

File:Kota_Ibushi_Aug_2015.JPG]]

There were seventy three reigns shared among thirty-one wrestlers with ten vacancies. Title changes happen at NJPW-promoted events. Big Van Vader, Salman Hashimikov, Scott Norton, Bob Sapp, Brock Lesnar, A.J. Styles, Kenny Omega and Jay White were the eight non-Japanese wrestlers (billed as gaijin) to have held the title, with Vader being the first American champion, Hashimikov being the only Soviet-born champion,{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=11558 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140512221009/http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=11558 |title="新IWGP王者"AJスタイルズに直撃! 「もう誰にもIWGPを渡す気はない！俺が"カネの雨"を降らせるから心配するな！」|archive-date=2014-05-12 |date=2014-05-12 |access-date=2015-05-06 |work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling |language=ja |url-status=dead }} Omega is the only Canadian champion and White the only New Zealand champion. Antonio Inoki was the first champion in the title's history. Hiroshi Tanahashi held the record for most reigns with eight. Kazuchika Okada held the record for the longest reign in the title's history at 720 days during his fourth reign, over which he successfully defended the title 12 times, more defenses than any other title holder. Kensuke Sasaki's fourth reign of 16 days is the shortest in the title's history. Over his five reigns, Okada successfully defended the title 30 times, the most of any champion. Big Van Vader's first and third reigns, Salman Hashimikov's only reign, Riki Choshu's first reign, Tatsumi Fujinami's third and fifth reigns, Masahiro Chono's only reign, Genichiro Tenryu's only reign, Scott Norton's second reign, Hiroyoshi Tenzan's first and third reigns, Kensuke Sasaki's fourth reign, Kazuyuki Fujita's third reign, Manabu Nakanishi's only reign, Hiroshi Tanahashi's eighth reign, and Jay White's only reign are all tied for least successful defenses at zero.

{{Professional wrestling title history top|defenses=yes}}

{{PWtitlereign

|number = 1

|champion = {{sortname|Antonio|Inoki}}

|reign = 1

|date = {{dts|1987|6|12}}

|days = {{age in days nts|month1=6|day1=12|year1=1987|month2=5|day2=2|year2=1988}}

|location = Tokyo, Japan

|event = IWGP Champion Series 1987

|defenses = 4

|notes = Inoki defeated Masa Saito in a tournament final.

|ref = {{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=11921|title=NJPW IWGP Champion Series 1987 - Tag 25|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=June 12, 1987|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=October 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201012102822/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=11921|url-status=live}}}}{{PWtitlereign

|sort number = 1.5

|type = vacated

|date = {{dts|1988|5|2}}

|defenses = yes

|notes = Vacated due to Inoki fracturing his left foot.

|

}}{{PWtitlereign

|number = 2

|champion = {{sortname|Tatsumi|Fujinami}}

|reign = 1

|date = {{dts|1988|5|8}}

|days = {{age in days nts|month1=5|day1=8|year1=1988|month2=5|day2=27|year2=1988}}

|location = Tokyo, Japan

|event = Super Fight Series 1988

|defenses = 1

|notes = Fujinami defeated Big Van Vader to win the vacant title.

|ref = {{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=55951|title=NJPW Super Fight Series 1988 - Tag 22|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=May 8, 1988|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=January 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210113174455/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=55951|url-status=live}}

}}{{PWtitlereign

|sort number = 2.5

|type = vacated

|date = {{dts|1988|5|27}}

|defenses = yes

|notes = Title held up after defense against Riki Choshu ended in a no contest.

|

}}{{PWtitlereign

|number = 3

|champion = {{sortname|Tatsumi|Fujinami}}

|reign = 2

|date = {{dts|1988|6|24}}

|days = {{age in days nts|month1=6|day1=24|year1=1988|month2=4|day2=5|year2=1989}}

|location = Osaka, Japan

|event = IWGP Champion Series 1988

|defenses = 7

|notes = Fujinami defeated Riki Choshu to win the vacant title.

|ref = {{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=25518|title=NJPW IWGP Champion Series 1988 - Tag 28|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=June 24, 1988|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=October 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201018012121/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=25518|url-status=live}}

}}{{PWtitlereign

|sort number = 3.5

|type = vacated

|date = {{dts|1989|4|5}}

|defenses = yes

|notes = Vacated so the title could be decided in a tournament.

|

}}{{PWtitlereign

|number = 4

|champion = Big Van Vader

|reign = 1

|date = {{dts|1989|4|24}}

|days = {{age in days nts|month1=4|day1=24|year1=1989|month2=5|day2=25|year2=1989}}

|location = Tokyo, Japan

|event = Battle Satellite in Tokyo Dome

|defenses = 0

|notes = Vader defeated Shinya Hashimoto in a tournament final to win the vacant title.

|ref = {{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=3119|title=NJPW Battle Satellite In Tokyo Dome|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=April 24, 1989|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=September 25, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140925134745/http://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=3119|url-status=live}}

|}}{{PWtitlereign

|number = 5

|champion = {{sortname|Salman|Hashimikov}}

|reign = 1

|date = {{dts|1989|5|25}}

|days = {{age in days nts|month1=05|day1=25|year1=1989|month2=07|day2=12|year2=1989}}

|location = Osaka, Japan

|event = Battle Satellite 1989 in Osaka Dome

|defenses = 0

|notes =

|ref = {{cite web | url=http://www.f4wonline.com/other-wrestling/day-pro-wrestling-history-may-25-rockers-last-match-awa-tiger-mask-wins-nwa-jr | title=On this day in pro wrestling history (May 25): Rockers last match in AWA, Tiger Mask wins NWA Jr. Heavyweight gold, Russian amateur wrestler beats Vader | date=2015-05-25 | access-date=2017-02-19 | first=Brian | last=Hoops | work=Wrestling Observer/Figure Four Online | archive-date=2018-06-12 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612165216/https://www.f4wonline.com/other-wrestling/day-pro-wrestling-history-may-25-rockers-last-match-awa-tiger-mask-wins-nwa-jr | url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=51829|title=NJPW Battle Satellite 1989 In Osaka|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=May 25, 1989|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=October 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201012082940/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=51829|url-status=live}}

}}{{PWtitlereign

|number = 6

|champion = {{sortname|Riki|Choshu}}

|reign = 1

|date = {{dts|1989|7|12}}

|days = {{age in days nts|month1=7|day1=12|year1=1989|month2=8|day2=10|year2=1989}}

|location = Osaka, Japan

|event = Summer Fight Series 1989

|defenses = 0

|notes =

|ref = {{cite web | url=http://www.f4wonline.com/other-wrestling/day-pro-wrestling-history-july-12-gagne-bruiser-crusher-ladd-wins-americas-title | title=On this day in pro wrestling history (July 12): Gagne, Bruiser & Crusher, Ladd wins Americas title, 1992 Bash with Sting vs. Vader | date=2015-07-12 | access-date=2017-02-12 | first=Brian | last=Hoops | work=Wrestling Observer/Figure Four Online | archive-date=2018-06-12 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612162516/https://www.f4wonline.com/other-wrestling/day-pro-wrestling-history-july-12-gagne-bruiser-crusher-ladd-wins-americas-title | url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=45958|title=NJPW Summer Fight Series 1989 - Tag 19|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=July 12, 1989|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=October 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201012094109/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=45958|url-status=live}}

}}{{PWtitlereign

|number = 7

|champion = Big Van Vader

|reign = 2

|date = {{dts|1989|8|10}}

|days = {{age in days nts|month1=8|day1=10|year1=1989|month2=8|day2=19|year2=1990}}

|location = Tokyo, Japan

|event = Fighting Satellite of 1989

|defenses = 4

|notes =

|ref = {{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=11589|title=NJPW - TV-Show @ Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo, Japan|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=August 10, 1989|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=October 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020082110/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=11589|url-status=live}}

}}{{PWtitlereign

|number = 8

|champion = {{sortname|Riki|Choshu}}

|reign = 2

|date = {{dts|1990|8|19}}

|days = {{age in days nts|month1=8|day1=19|year1=1990|month2=12|day2=26|year2=1990}}

|location = Tokyo, Japan

|event = Summer Night Fever II

|defenses = 1

|notes =

|ref = {{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=42769|title=Riki Choshu defeated Big Van Vader|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=August 19, 1990|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=October 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201018003836/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=42769|url-status=live}}

}}{{PWtitlereign

|number = 9

|champion = {{sortname|Tatsumi|Fujinami}}

|reign = 3

|date = {{dts|1990|12|26}}

|days = {{age in days nts|month1=12|day1=26|year1=1990|month2=1|day2=17|year2=1991}}

|location = Hamamatsu, Japan

|event = King of Kings

|defenses = 0

|notes =

|ref = {{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=35004|title=Tatsumi Fujinami defeated Riki Choshu|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=December 26, 1990|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=July 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711114622/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=35004|url-status=live}}

}}{{PWtitlereign

|number = 10

|champion = Big Van Vader

|reign = 3

|date = {{dts|1991|1|17}}

|days = {{age in days nts|month1=1|day1=17|year1=1991|month2=3|day2=4|year2=1991}}

|location = Yokohama, Japan

|event = New Year Dash 1991

|defenses = 0

|notes =

|ref = {{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=43317|title=NJPW New Year Dash 1991 - Tag 11|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=January 17, 1991|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=October 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201012200022/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=43317|url-status=live}}

}}{{PWtitlereign

|number = 11

|champion = {{sortname|Tatsumi|Fujinami}}

|reign = 4

|date = {{dts|1991|3|4}}

|days = {{age in days nts|month1=3|day1=4|year1=1991|month2=1|day2=4|year2=1992}}

|location = Hiroshima, Japan

|event = Big Fight Series 1991

|defenses = 3

|notes =

|ref = {{cite web | url=http://www.f4wonline.com/other-wrestling/daily-pro-wrestling-history-0304-roh-10th-anniversary-show-231196 | title=Daily Pro Wrestling History (03/04): ROH 10th Anniversary Show | date=2017-03-04 | access-date=2017-03-05 | first=Brian | last=Hoops | work=Wrestling Observer/Figure Four Online | archive-date=2018-06-12 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612163215/https://www.f4wonline.com/other-wrestling/daily-pro-wrestling-history-0304-roh-10th-anniversary-show-231196 | url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=50200|title=NJPW Big Fight Series 1991 - Tag 2|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=March 4, 1991|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=October 14, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201014014352/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=50200|url-status=live}}

}}{{PWtitlereign

|number = 12

|champion = {{sortname|Riki|Choshu}}

|reign = 3

|date = {{dts|1992|1|4}}

|days = {{age in days nts|month1=1|day1=4|year1=1992|month2=8|day2=16|year2=1992}}

|location = Tokyo, Japan

|event = Super Warriors in Tokyo Dome

|defenses = 4

|notes = This match was also for Choshu's Greatest 18 Championship.

|ref = {{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=3121|title=NJPW/WCW Starrcade 1992 In Tokyo Dome|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=January 4, 1992|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=November 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211115044251/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=3121|url-status=live}}

}}{{PWtitlereign

|number = 13

|champion = The Great Muta

|reign = 1

|date = {{dts|1992|8|16}}

|days = {{age in days nts|month1=8|day1=16|year1=1992|month2=9|day2=20|year2=1993}}

|location = Fukuoka, Japan

|event = G1 Climax Special 1992

|defenses = 5

|notes = This match was also for Choshu's Greatest 18 Championship.

|ref = {{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=55963|title=NJPW G1 Climax Special 1992 - Tag 2|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=August 16, 1992|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=June 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200611232450/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=55963|url-status=live}}

}}{{PWtitlereign

|number = 14

|champion = {{sortname|Shinya|Hashimoto}}

|reign = 1

|date = {{dts|1993|9|20}}

|days = {{age in days nts|month1=9|day1=20|year1=1993|month2=4|day2=4|year2=1994}}

|location = Nagoya, Japan

|event = G1 Climax Special 1993

|defenses = 4

|notes =

|ref = {{cite web | url=http://www.f4wonline.com/other-wrestling/date-pro-wrestling-history-920-flair-defeats-mcdaniel-gagne-beats-von-raschke-160911 | title=On this date in pro wrestling history (9/20): Flair defeats McDaniel, Gagne beats Von Raschke | date=2015-09-20 | access-date=2017-02-19 | first=Brian | last=Hoops | work=Wrestling Observer/Figure Four Online | archive-date=2018-06-12 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612162940/https://www.f4wonline.com/other-wrestling/date-pro-wrestling-history-920-flair-defeats-mcdaniel-gagne-beats-von-raschke-160911 | url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=55964|title=NJPW G1 Climax Special 1993 - Tag 1|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=September 20, 1993|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=October 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201012115202/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=55964|url-status=live}}

}}{{PWtitlereign

|number = 15

|champion = {{sortname|Tatsumi|Fujinami}}

|reign = 5

|date = {{dts|1994|4|4}}

|days = {{age in days nts|month1=4|day1=4|year1=1994|month2=5|day2=1|year2=1994}}

|location = Hiroshima, Japan

|event = Battle Line Kyushu

|defenses = 0

|notes =

|ref = {{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=48980|title=NJPW Battle Line Kyushu 1994 - Tag 2: Grand Cross In Hiroshima|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=April 4, 1994|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=October 19, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201019142717/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=48980|url-status=live}}

}}{{PWtitlereign

|number = 16

|champion = {{sortname|Shinya|Hashimoto}}

|reign = 2

|date = {{dts|1994|5|1}}

|days = {{age in days nts|month1=5|day1=1|year1=1994|month2=5|day2=3|year2=1995}}

|location = Fukuoka, Japan

|event = Wrestling Dontaku 1994

|defenses = 9

|notes =

|ref = {{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=38853|title=NJPW Wrestling Dontaku In Fukuoka Dome|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=May 1, 1994|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=April 4, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404153120/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=38853|url-status=live}}

}}{{PWtitlereign

|number = 17

|champion = {{sortname|Keiji|Mutoh}}

|reign = 2

|date = {{dts|1995|5|3}}

|days = {{age in days nts|month1=5|day1=3|year1=1995|month2=1|day2=4|year2=1996}}

|location = Fukuoka, Japan

|event = Wrestling Dontaku 1995

|defenses = 5

|notes = Mutoh previously won the title as The Great Muta.

|ref = {{cite web | url=http://www.f4wonline.com/daily-updates/day-pro-wrestling-history-low-ki-vs-devitt-punk-wins-ovw-title-muto-wins-iwgp-belt | title=On this day in pro wrestling history: Low Ki Vs. Dewitt, Punk wins OVW title, Mutoh wins IWGP belt, Bret wins NA title, Dibiase & Dr. Death, Sheik, Watts, Fargos | date=2015-05-03 | access-date=2017-02-11 | author=F4W Staff | work=Wrestling Observer/Figure Four Online | archive-date=2018-06-12 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612163027/https://www.f4wonline.com/daily-updates/day-pro-wrestling-history-low-ki-vs-devitt-punk-wins-ovw-title-muto-wins-iwgp-belt | url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=45608|title=NJPW Wrestling Dontaku 1995 In Fukuoka Dome|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=May 3, 1995|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=October 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201013171427/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=45608|url-status=live}}

}}{{PWtitlereign

|number = 18

|champion = {{sortname|Nobuhiko|Takada}}

|reign = 1

|date = {{dts|1996|1|4}}

|days = {{age in days nts|month1=1|day1=4|year1=1996|month2=4|day2=29|year2=1996}}

|location = Tokyo, Japan

|event = Wrestling World 1996

|defenses = 1

|notes =

|ref = {{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=3126|title=NJPW Wrestling World In Tokyo Dome|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=January 4, 1996|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=November 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112232423/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=3126|url-status=live}}

}}{{PWtitlereign

|number = 19

|champion = {{sortname|Shinya|Hashimoto}}

|reign = 3

|date = {{dts|1996|4|29}}

|days = {{age in days nts|month1=4|day1=29|year1=1996|month2=8|day2=31|year2=1997}}

|location = Tokyo, Japan

|event = Battle Formation

|defenses = 7

|notes =

|ref = {{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=3127|title=NJPW Battle Formation In Tokyo Dome|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=April 29, 1996|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=October 19, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201019114813/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=3127|url-status=live}}

}}{{PWtitlereign

|number = 20

|champion = {{sortname|Kensuke|Sasaki}}

|reign = 1

|date = {{dts|1997|8|31}}

|days = {{age in days nts|month1=8|day1=31|year1=1997|month2=4|day2=4|year2=1998}}

|location = Yokohama, Japan

|event = Final Power Hall in Yokohama

|defenses = 3

|notes =

|ref = {{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=40882|title=NJPW Final Power Hall In Yokohama|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=August 31, 1997|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=October 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201012130006/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=40882|url-status=live}}

}}{{PWtitlereign

|number = 21

|champion = {{sortname|Tatsumi|Fujinami}}

|reign = 6

|date = {{dts|1998|4|4}}

|days = {{age in days nts|month1=4|day1=4|year1=1998|month2=8|day2=8|year2=1998}}

|location = Tokyo, Japan

|event = Antonio Inoki Retirement Show

|defenses = 2

|notes =

|ref = {{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=3131|title=NJPW The Final Inoki Tournament|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=April 4, 1998|access-date=January 12, 2021}}

}}{{PWtitlereign

|number = 22

|champion = {{sortname|Masahiro|Chono}}

|reign = 1

|date = {{dts|1998|8|8}}

|days = {{age in days nts|month1=8|day1=8|year1=1998|month2=9|day2=21|year2=1998}}

|location = Osaka, Japan

|event = Rising the Next Generation in Osaka Dome

|defenses = 0

|notes =

|ref = {{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=41339|title=NJPW Rising The Next Generations In Osaka Dome|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=August 8, 1998|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=October 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201018090720/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=41339|url-status=live}}

}}{{PWtitlereign

|sort number = 22.5

|type = vacated

|date = {{dts|1998|9|21}}

|defenses = yes

|notes = Title was vacated due to Chono's neck injury.

|

}}{{PWtitlereign

|number = 23

|champion = {{sortname|Scott|Norton}}

|reign = 1

|date = {{dts|1998|9|23}}

|days = {{age in days nts|month1=9|day1=23|year1=1998|month2=1|day2=4|year2=1999}}

|location = Yokohama, Japan

|event = Big Wednesday

|defenses = 4

|notes = Norton defeated Yuji Nagata to win the vacant title.

|ref = {{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=41391|title=NJPW G1 Climax Special 1998 - Tag 13 ~ Big Wednesday|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=September 23, 1998|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=October 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201012102044/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=41391|url-status=live}}

}}{{PWtitlereign

|number = 24

|champion = {{sortname|Keiji|Mutoh}}

|reign = 3

|date = {{dts|1999|1|4}}

|days = {{age in days nts|month1=1|day1=4|year1=1999|month2=12|day2=10|year2=1999}}

|location = Tokyo, Japan

|event = Wrestling World 1999

|defenses = 5

|notes =

|ref = {{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=3132|title=NJPW Wrestling World In Tokyo Dome 1999|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=January 4, 1999|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=October 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201012100240/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=3132|url-status=live}}

}}{{PWtitlereign

|number = 25

|champion = {{sortname|Genichiro|Tenryu}}

|reign = 1

|date = {{dts|1999|12|10}}

|days = {{age in days nts|month1=12|day1=10|year1=1999|month2=1|day2=4|year2=2000}}

|location = Osaka, Japan

|event = Battle Final 1999

|defenses = 0

|notes =

|ref = {{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/SlamWrestlingArchive/dec11_tenryu.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160112041044/http://slam.canoe.com/SlamWrestlingArchive/dec11_tenryu.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 12, 2016|title=Tenryu wins IWGP Heavyweight title |last=Molinaro|first=John|date=1999-12-11|work=SLAM! Sports: Wrestling|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|access-date=2009-06-27}}{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=46865|title=NJPW Battle Final 1999 - Tag 17|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=December 10, 1999|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=December 21, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141221225721/http://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=46865|url-status=live}}

}}{{PWtitlereign

|number = 26

|champion = Kensuke Sasaki/Power Warrior

|reign = 2

|date = {{dts|2000|1|4}}

|days = {{age in days nts|month1=1|day1=4|year1=2000|month2=10|day2=9|year2=2000}}

|location = Tokyo, Japan

|event = Wrestling World 2000

|defenses = 5

|notes =

|ref = {{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=15329|title=NJPW Wrestling World 2000|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=January 4, 2000|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=December 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201218143821/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=15329|url-status=live}}

}}{{PWtitlereign

|sort number = 26.5

|type = vacated

|date = {{dts|2000|10|9}}

|defenses = yes

|notes = Vacated after Sasaki lost a non-title match to Toshiaki Kawada at Do Judge!!.

|

}}{{PWtitlereign

|number = 27

|champion = {{sortname|Kensuke|Sasaki}}

|reign = 3

|date = {{dts|2001|1|4}}

|days = {{age in days nts|month1=1|day1=4|year1=2001|month2=3|day2=17|year2=2001}}

|location = Tokyo, Japan

|event = Wrestling World 2001

|defenses = 1

|notes = Sasaki defeated Toshiaki Kawada in a tournament final to win the vacant title.

|ref = {{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=15330|title=NJPW Wrestling World 2001|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=January 4, 2001|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=October 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201018145951/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=15330|url-status=live}}

}}{{PWtitlereign

|number = 28

|champion = {{sortname|Scott|Norton}}

|reign = 2

|date = {{dts|2001|3|17}}

|days = {{age in days nts|month1=3|day1=17|year1=2001|month2=4|day2=9|year2=2001}}

|location = Nagoya, Japan

|event = Hyper Battle 2001

|defenses = 0

|notes =

|ref = {{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=42342|title=NJPW Hyper Battle 2001 - Tag 12|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=March 17, 2001|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=October 19, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201019204142/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=42342|url-status=live}}

}}{{PWtitlereign

|number = 29

|champion = {{sortname|Kazuyuki|Fujita}}

|reign = 1

|date = {{dts|2001|4|9}}

|days = {{age in days nts|month1=4|day1=9|year1=2001|month2=1|day2=4|year2=2002}}

|location = Osaka, Japan

|event = Strong Style 2001

|defenses = 2

|notes =

|ref = {{cite web | url=http://www.so-net.ne.jp/njpw/result/2001/0409/0409_01.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021221232910/http://www.so-net.ne.jp/njpw/result/2001/0409/0409_01.html | script-title=ja:4月9日（月）大阪ドーム | archive-date=2002-12-21 | access-date=2017-08-04 | work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling | language=ja | url-status=dead }}{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=42378|title=NJPW Strong Style 2001|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=April 9, 2001|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=October 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020205814/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=42378|url-status=live}}

}}{{PWtitlereign

|sort number = 29.5

|type = vacated

|date = {{dts|2002|1|4}}

|defenses = yes

|notes = Fujita vacated the title due to an injured achilles tendon.

|

}}{{PWtitlereign

|number = 30

|champion = {{sortname|Tadao|Yasuda}}

|reign = 1

|date = {{dts|2002|2|16}}

|days = {{age in days nts|month1=2|day1=16|year1=2002|month2=4|day2=5|year2=2002}}

|location = Tokyo, Japan

|event = Fighting Spirit 2002

|defenses = 1

|notes = Yasuda defeated Yuji Nagata in a tournament final to win the vacant title.

|ref = {{cite web | url=http://www.f4wonline.com/other-wrestling/daily-pro-wrestling-history-0216-bret-hart-wins-wwf-gold-your-house-230261 | title=On this day in pro wrestling history (Feb 16): Bret Hart wins WWF gold at In Your House | date=2017-02-16 | access-date=2017-02-17 | first=Brian | last=Hoops | work=Wrestling Observer/Figure Four Online | archive-date=2018-06-12 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612163533/https://www.f4wonline.com/other-wrestling/daily-pro-wrestling-history-0216-bret-hart-wins-wwf-gold-your-house-230261 | url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=41992|title=NJPW Fighting Spirit 2002 - Tag 10|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=February 16, 2002|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=February 18, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190218021503/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=41992|url-status=live}}

}}{{PWtitlereign

|number = 31

|champion = {{sortname|Yuji|Nagata}}

|reign = 1

|date = {{dts|2002|4|5}}

|days = {{age in days nts|month1=4|day1=5|year1=2002|month2=5|day2=2|year2=2003}}

|location = Tokyo, Japan

|event = Toukon Special

|defenses = 10

|notes =

|ref = {{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=42015|title=NJPW Inoki-Ism Fighting Spirit Special|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=April 5, 2002|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=October 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201018092350/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=42015|url-status=live}}

}}{{PWtitlereign

|number = 32

|champion = {{sortname|Yoshihiro|Takayama}}

|reign = 1

|date = {{dts|2003|5|2}}

|days = {{age in days nts|month1=5|day1=2|year1=2003|month2=11|day2=3|year2=2003}}

|location = Tokyo, Japan

|event = Ultimate Crush

|defenses = 3

|notes = This match was also for Takayama's NWF Heavyweight Championship.

|ref = {{cite news | author = Power Slam Staff | title = We are the Champions (as of July 8) | page= 15 | work = Power Slam Magazine | id = 109 | date = August 2003 | publisher=SW Publishing LTD | location=Lancaster, Lancashire, England}}{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=871|title=NJPW Ultimate Crush|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=May 2, 2003|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=October 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201012111020/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=871|url-status=live}}

}}{{PWtitlereign

|number = 33

|champion = {{sortname|Hiroyoshi|Tenzan}}

|reign = 1

|date = {{dts|2003|11|3}}

|days = {{age in days nts|month1=11|day1=3|year1=2003|month2=12|day2=9|year2=2003}}

|location = Yokohama, Japan

|event = Yokohama Dead Out

|defenses = 0

|notes =

|ref = {{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=15326|title=NJPW Yokohama Dead Out|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=November 3, 2003|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=October 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201012083033/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=15326|url-status=live}}

}}{{PWtitlereign

|number = 34

|champion = {{sortname|Shinsuke|Nakamura}}

|reign = 1

|date = {{dts|2003|12|9}}

|days = {{age in days nts|month1=12|day1=9|year1=2003|month2=2|day2=5|year2=2004}}

|location = Osaka, Japan

|event = Battle Final 2003

|defenses = 1

|notes = Nakamura defeated Yoshihiro Takayama to unify the IWGP Heavyweight Championship with the NWF Heavyweight Championship on January 4, 2004, at Wrestling World 2004.

|ref = {{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=16444|title=NJPW Battle Final 2003 - Tag 12|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=December 9, 2003|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=October 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201018004430/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=16444|url-status=live}}

}}{{PWtitlereign

|sort number = 34.5

|type = vacated

|date = {{dts|2004|2|5}}

|defenses = yes

|notes = Title was vacated due to Nakamura suffering various injuries.

|

}}{{PWtitlereign

|number = 35

|champion = {{sortname|Hiroyoshi|Tenzan}}

|reign = 2

|date = {{dts|2004|2|15}}

|days = {{age in days nts|month1=2|day1=15|year1=2004|month2=3|day2=12|year2=2004}}

|location = Tokyo, Japan

|event = Fighting Spirit 2004

|defenses = 1

|notes = Tenzan defeated Genichiro Tenryu in a tournament final for the vacant title.

|ref = {{cite web | url=http://www.f4wonline.com/other-wrestling/daily-pro-wrestling-history-0215-eddie-guerrero-wins-wwe-championship-230196 | title=On this day in pro wrestling history (Feb 15): Eddie Guerrero wins the WWE Championship | date=2017-02-15 | access-date=2017-02-16 | first=Brian | last=Hoops | work=Wrestling Observer/Figure Four Online | archive-date=2018-06-12 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612165206/https://www.f4wonline.com/other-wrestling/daily-pro-wrestling-history-0215-eddie-guerrero-wins-wwe-championship-230196 | url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=8012|title=NJPW Fighting Spirit 2004 - Tag 14|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=February 15, 2004|access-date=January 12, 2021}}

}}{{PWtitlereign

|number = 36

|champion = {{sortname|Kensuke|Sasaki}}

|reign = 4

|date = {{dts|2004|3|12}}

|days = {{age in days nts|month1=3|day1=12|year1=2004|month2=3|day2=28|year2=2004}}

|location = Tokyo, Japan

|event = Hyper Battle 2004

|defenses = 0

|notes =

|ref = {{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=8054|title=NJPW Hyper Battle 2004 - Tag 9|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=March 12, 2004|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=March 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306235434/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=8054|url-status=live}}

}}{{PWtitlereign

|number = 37

|champion = {{sortname|Bob|Sapp}}

|reign = 1

|date = {{dts|2004|3|28}}

|days = {{age in days nts|month1=3|day1=28|year1=2004|month2=6|day2=2|year2=2004}}

|location = Tokyo, Japan

|event = King of Sports

|defenses = 1

|notes =

|ref = {{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=8392|title=NJPW King Of Sports|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=March 28, 2004|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=March 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303225920/http://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=8392|url-status=live}}

}}{{PWtitlereign

|sort number = 37.5

|type = vacated

|date = {{dts|2004|6|2}}

|defenses = yes

|notes = Title vacated after Sapp lost a K-1 fight to Kazuyuki Fujita.

|

}}{{PWtitlereign

|number = 38

|champion = {{sortname|Kazuyuki|Fujita}}

|reign = 2

|date = {{dts|2004|6|5}}

|days = {{age in days nts|month1=6|day1=5|year1=2004|month2=10|day2=9|year2=2004}}

|location = Osaka, Japan

|event = The Crush II

|defenses = 1

|notes = Fujita defeated Hiroshi Tanahashi to win the vacant title.

|ref = {{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=16483|title=NJPW Best Of The Super Junior XI - Tag 11 ~ The Crush II|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=June 5, 2004|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=August 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210806045656/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=16483|url-status=live}}

}}{{PWtitlereign

|number = 39

|champion = {{sortname|Kensuke|Sasaki}}

|reign = 5

|date = {{dts|2004|10|9}}

|days = {{age in days nts|month1=10|day1=9|year1=2004|month2=12|day2=12|year2=2004}}

|location = Tokyo, Japan

|event = Pro-Wrestlers Be Strongest

|defenses = 2

|notes =

|ref = {{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=16489|title=NJPW Pro-Wrestlers Be Strongest|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=October 9, 2004|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=March 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190307054122/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=16489|url-status=live}}

}}{{PWtitlereign

|number = 40

|champion = {{sortname|Hiroyoshi|Tenzan}}

|reign = 3

|date = {{dts|2004|12|12}}

|days = {{age in days nts|month1=12|day1=12|year1=2004|month2=2|day2=20|year2=2005}}

|location = Nagoya, Japan

|event = Battle Final 2004

|defenses = 0

|notes =

|ref = {{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=18884|title=NJPW Battle Final 2004 - Tag 13|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=December 12, 2004|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=March 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306235227/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=18884|url-status=live}}

}}{{PWtitlereign

|number = 41

|champion = {{sortname|Satoshi|Kojima}}

|reign = 1

|date = {{dts|2005|2|20}}

|days = {{age in days nts|month1=2|day1=20|year1=2005|month2=5|day2=14|year2=2005}}

|location = Tokyo, Japan

|event = New Year Gold Series

|defenses = 1

|notes = This match was also for Kojima's Triple Crown Heavyweight Championship.

|ref = {{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=918|title=NJPW New Year Gold Series 2005 - Tag 12|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=February 20, 2005|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=January 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220103203333/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=918|url-status=live}}

}}{{PWtitlereign

|number = 42

|champion = {{sortname|Hiroyoshi|Tenzan}}

|reign = 4

|date = {{dts|2005|5|14}}

|days = {{age in days nts|month1=5|day1=14|year1=2005|month2=7|day2=18|year2=2005}}

|location = Tokyo, Japan

|event = Nexess VI

|defenses = 1

|notes =

|ref = {{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=3296|title=NJPW Nexess VI|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=May 14, 2005|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=October 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201012090441/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=3296|url-status=live}}

}}{{PWtitlereign

|number = 43

|champion = {{sortname|Kazuyuki|Fujita}}

|reign = 3

|date = {{dts|2005|7|18}}

|days = {{age in days nts|month1=7|day1=18|year1=2005|month2=10|day2=8|year2=2005}}

|location = Sapporo, Japan

|event = Summer Fight Series 2005

|defenses = 0

|notes =

|ref = {{cite web | url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/result/2005/0630_0721/0718_01.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061114205326/http://www.njpw.co.jp/result/2005/0630_0721/0718_01.html | script-title=ja:7月18日(月)札幌・月寒グリーンドーム | archive-date=2006-11-14 | access-date=2017-08-04 | work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling | language=ja | url-status=dead }}{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=3323|title=NJPW Summer Fight Series 2005 - Tag 10|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=July 18, 2005|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=October 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201018221724/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=3323|url-status=live}}

}}{{PWtitlereign

|number = 44

|champion = {{sortname|Brock|Lesnar}}

|reign = 1

|date = {{dts|2005|10|8}}

|days = {{age in days nts|month1=10|day1=8|year1=2005|month2=7|day2=15|year2=2006}}

|location = Tokyo, Japan

|event = Toukon Souzou New Chapter

|defenses = 3

|notes = This was a three-way match, also involving Masahiro Chono.

|ref = {{cite web | url=http://www.f4wonline.com/other-wrestling/daily-pro-wrestling-history-1008-brock-lesnar-wins-iwgp-title-244166 | title=Daily Pro Wrestling History (10/08): Brock Lesnar wins IWGP title | last=Hoops | first=Brian | date=2017-10-08 | access-date=2017-11-21 | work=Wrestling Observer/Figure Four Online | archive-date=2018-06-12 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612162629/https://www.f4wonline.com/other-wrestling/daily-pro-wrestling-history-1008-brock-lesnar-wins-iwgp-title-244166 | url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=12074|title=NJPW Toukon Souzou New Chapter|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=October 8, 2005|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=March 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210303152942/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=12074|url-status=live}}

}}{{PWtitlereign

|sort number = 44.5

|type = vacated

|date = {{dts|2006|7|15}}

|defenses = yes

|notes = Title was vacated due to Lesnar refusing to return and defend it. Lesnar kept the physical championship belt, and later was recognized by the Inoki Genome Federation as their first champion, using the same belt.

|ref =

}}{{PWtitlereign

|number = 45

|champion = {{sortname|Hiroshi|Tanahashi}}

|reign = 1

|date = {{dts|2006|7|17}}

|days = {{age in days nts|month1=7|day1=17|year1=2006|month2=4|day2=13|year2=2007}}

|location = Sapporo, Japan

|event = Circuit2006 Turbulence

|defenses = 4

|notes = Tanahashi defeated Giant Bernard in a tournament final for the title.

|ref = {{cite web | url=http://www.f4wonline.com/daily-updates/day-pro-wrestling-history-kangaroos-gagne-vs-kiniski-hawaii-gordy-wins-triple-crown | title=On this day in pro wrestling history, Kangaroos, Gagne vs. Kiniski in Hawaii, Gordy wins Triple Crown, Hogan wins WCW title from Flair at Bash at the Beach, famous Punk vs. Cena Chicago bout | date=2015-07-17 | access-date=2017-02-13 | first=Brian | last=Hoops | work=Wrestling Observer/Figure Four Online | archive-date=2018-06-12 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612163048/https://www.f4wonline.com/daily-updates/day-pro-wrestling-history-kangaroos-gagne-vs-kiniski-hawaii-gordy-wins-triple-crown | url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=7111|title=NJPW Circuit 2006 Turbulence - Tag 12|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=July 17, 2006|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=December 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211216164136/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=7111|url-status=live}}

}}{{PWtitlereign

|number = 46

|champion = {{sortname|Yuji|Nagata}}

|reign = 2

|date = {{dts|2007|4|13}}

|days = {{age in days nts|month1=4|day1=13|year1=2007|month2=10|day2=8|year2=2007}}

|location = Osaka, Japan

|event = Circuit2007 New Japan Brave tour

|defenses = 2

|notes =

|ref = {{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=10731|title=NJPW 35th Anniversary Tour~ Circuit 2007 New Japan Brave - Tag 5|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=April 13, 2007|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=October 16, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201016224121/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=10731|url-status=live}}

}}{{PWtitlereign

|number = 47

|champion = {{sortname|Hiroshi|Tanahashi}}

|reign = 2

|date = {{dts|2007|10|8}}

|days = {{age in days nts|month1=10|day1=8|year1=2007|month2=1|day2=4|year2=2008}}

|location = Tokyo, Japan

|event = Explosion '07

|defenses = 1

|notes =

|ref = {{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/result/index.php?COM=result_main&SRNO=76&TKNO=1|title=NJPW Explosion '07 official results|access-date=2007-10-08|publisher=NJPW.co.jp|language=ja|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011001340/http://www.njpw.co.jp/result/index.php?COM=result_main&SRNO=76&TKNO=1|archive-date=2007-10-11}}{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=14013|title=NJPW Explosion '07|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=October 8, 2007|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=October 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201012133215/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=14013|url-status=live}}

}}{{PWtitlereign

|number = 48

|champion = {{sortname|Shinsuke|Nakamura}}

|reign = 2

|date = {{dts|2008|1|4}}

|days = {{age in days nts|month1=1|day1=4|year1=2008|month2=4|day2=27|year2=2008}}

|location = Tokyo, Japan

|event = Wrestle Kingdom II in Tokyo Dome

|defenses = 2

|notes = Nakamura defeated Kurt Angle on February 17, 2008, on the Circuit2008 New Japan Ism tour to unify the NJPW and IGF versions of the IWGP Heavyweight Championship.

|ref = {{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=16288|title=NJPW Wrestle Kingdom II In Tokyo Dome|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=January 4, 2008|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=October 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201012125955/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=16288|url-status=live}}

}}{{PWtitlereign

|number = 49

|champion = {{sortname|Keiji|Mutoh}}

|reign = 4

|date = {{dts|2008|4|27}}

|days = {{age in days nts|month1=4|day1=27|year1=2008|month2=1|day2=4|year2=2009}}

|location = Osaka, Japan

|event = Circuit2008 New Japan Brave tour

|defenses = 4

|notes =

|ref = {{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=20762|title=NJPW Circuit 2008 New Japan Brave - Tag 11|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=April 27, 2008|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=January 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220103203037/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=20762|url-status=live}}

}}{{PWtitlereign

|number = 50

|champion = {{sortname|Hiroshi|Tanahashi}}

|reign = 3

|date = {{dts|2009|1|4}}

|days = {{age in days nts|month1=1|day1=4|year1=2009|month2=5|day2=6|year2=2009}}

|location = Tokyo, Japan

|event = Wrestle Kingdom III in Tokyo Dome

|defenses = 3

|notes =

|ref = {{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=33636|title=NJPW Wrestle Kingdom III In Tokyo Dome|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=January 4, 2009|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=April 4, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404151340/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=33636|url-status=live}}

}}{{PWtitlereign

|number = 51

|champion = {{sortname|Manabu|Nakanishi}}

|reign = 1

|date = {{dts|2009|5|6}}

|days = {{age in days nts|month1=5|day1=6|year1=2009|month2=6|day2=20|year2=2009}}

|location = Tokyo, Japan

|event = Dissidence

|defenses = 0

|notes =

|ref = {{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=38967|title=NJPW Dissidence - TV-Show @ Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=May 6, 2009|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=October 19, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201019051442/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=38967|url-status=live}}

}}{{PWtitlereign

|number = 52

|champion = {{sortname|Hiroshi|Tanahashi}}

|reign = 4

|date = {{dts|2009|6|20}}

|days = {{age in days nts|month1=6|day1=20|year1=2009|month2=8|day2=17|year2=2009}}

|location = Osaka, Japan

|event = Dominion 6.20

|defenses = 1

|notes =

|ref = {{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=40500|title=NJPW Dominion 6.20 - Pay Per View @ Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium in Osaka, Japan|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=June 20, 2009|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=January 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210114025217/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=40500|url-status=live}}

}}{{PWtitlereign

|sort number = 52.5

|type = vacated

|date = {{dts|2009|8|17}}

|defenses = yes

|notes = Title vacated due to Tanahashi fracturing his eye socket.

|

}}{{PWtitlereign

|number = 53

|champion = {{sortname|Shinsuke|Nakamura}}

|reign = 3

|date = {{dts|2009|9|27}}

|days = {{age in days nts|month1=09|day1=27|year1=2009|month2=05|day2=03|year2=2010}}

|location = Kobe, Japan

|event = Circuit2009 New Japan Generation tour

|defenses = 6

|notes = Nakamura defeated Togi Makabe to win the vacant title.

|ref = {{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=43493|title=NJPW Circuit 2009 New Japan Generation - Tag 10|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=September 27, 2009|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=October 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201018040735/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=43493|url-status=live}}

}}{{PWtitlereign

|number = 54

|champion = {{sortname|Togi|Makabe}}

|reign = 1

|date = {{dts|2010|5|03}}

|days = {{age in days nts|month1=05|day1=03|year1=2010|month2=10|day2=11|year2=2010}}

|location = Fukuoka, Japan

|event = Wrestling Dontaku 2010

|defenses = 3

|notes =

|ref = {{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=50868|title=NJPW Wrestling Dontaku 2010|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=May 3, 2010|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=October 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201018175534/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=50868|url-status=live}}

}}{{PWtitlereign

|number = 55

|champion = {{sortname|Satoshi|Kojima}}

|reign = 2

|date = {{dts|2010|10|11}}

|days = {{age in days nts|month1=10|day1=11|year1=2010|month2=01|day2=04|year2=2011}}

|location = Tokyo, Japan

|event = Destruction '10

|defenses = 1

|notes =

|ref = {{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=56604|title=NJPW Destruction 2010|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=October 11, 2010|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=January 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210113112940/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=56604|url-status=live}}

}}{{PWtitlereign

|number = 56

|champion = {{sortname|Hiroshi|Tanahashi}}

|reign = 5

|date = {{dts|2011|01|04}}

|days = {{age in days nts|month1=01|day1=04|year1=2011|month2=02|day2=12|year2=2012}}

|location = Tokyo, Japan

|event = Wrestle Kingdom V in Tokyo Dome

|defenses = 11

|notes =

|ref = {{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=58536|title=NJPW Wrestle Kingdom V In Tokyo Dome|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=January 4, 2011|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=October 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201012120125/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=58536|url-status=live}}

}}{{PWtitlereign

|number = 57

|champion = {{sortname|Kazuchika|Okada}}

|reign = 1

|date = {{dts|2012|02|12}}

|days = {{age in days nts|month1=02|day1=12|year1=2012|month2=06|day2=16|year2=2012}}

|location = Osaka, Japan

|event = The New Beginning

|defenses = 2

|notes =

|ref = {{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=73768|title=NJPW The New Beginning 2012|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=February 12, 2012|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=October 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201018221747/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=73768|url-status=live}}

}}{{PWtitlereign

|number = 58

|champion = {{sortname|Hiroshi|Tanahashi}}

|reign = 6

|date = {{dts|2012|06|16}}

|days = {{age in days nts|month1=06|day1=16|year1=2012|month2=04|day2=07|year2=2013}}

|location = Osaka, Japan

|event = Dominion 6.16

|defenses = 7

|notes =

|ref = {{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=79405|title=NJPW Dominion 6.16|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=June 16, 2012|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=October 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201012181157/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=79405|url-status=live}}

}}{{PWtitlereign

|number = 59

|champion = {{sortname|Kazuchika|Okada}}

|reign = 2

|date = {{dts|2013|04|07}}

|days = {{age in days nts|month1=04|day1=07|year1=2013|month2=05|day2=03|year2=2014}}

|location = Tokyo, Japan

|event = Invasion Attack

|defenses = 8

|notes =

|ref = {{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=93535|title=NJPW Invasion Attack|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=April 7, 2013|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=April 7, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407035002/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=93535|url-status=live}}

}}{{PWtitlereign

|number = 60

|champion = {{sortname|A.J.|Styles}}

|reign = 1

|date = {{dts|2014|05|03}}

|days = {{age in days nts|month1=05|day1=03|year1=2014|month2=10|day2=13|year2=2014}}

|location = Fukuoka, Japan

|event = Wrestling Dontaku 2014

|defenses = 2

|notes =

|ref = {{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=106606|title=NJPW Wrestling Dontaku 2014|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=May 3, 2014|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=October 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201012100155/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=106606|url-status=live}}

}}{{PWtitlereign

|number = 61

|champion = {{sortname|Hiroshi|Tanahashi}}

|reign = 7

|date = {{dts|2014|10|13}}

|days = {{age in days nts|month1=10|day1=13|year1=2014|month2=02|day2=11|year2=2015}}

|location = Tokyo, Japan

|event = King of Pro-Wrestling

|defenses = 1

|notes =

|ref = {{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=114425|title=NJPW King Of Pro-Wrestling 2014|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=October 13, 2014|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=April 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230409030012/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=114425|url-status=live}}

}}{{PWtitlereign

|number = 62

|champion = {{sortname|A.J.|Styles}}

|reign = 2

|date = {{dts|2015|02|11}}

|days = {{age in days nts|month1=02|day1=11|year1=2015|month2=07|day2=05|year2=2015}}

|location = Osaka, Japan

|event = The New Beginning in Osaka

|defenses = 1

|notes =

|ref = {{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=122769|title=NJPW The New Beginning In Osaka|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=February 11, 2015|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=October 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201012112307/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=122769|url-status=live}}

}}{{PWtitlereign

|number = 63

|champion = {{sortname|Kazuchika|Okada}}

|reign = 3

|date = {{dts|2015|07|05}}

|days = {{age in days nts|month1=07|day1=05|year1=2015|month2=04|day2=10|year2=2016}}

|location = Osaka, Japan

|event = Dominion 7.5 in Osaka-jo Hall

|defenses = 3

|notes =

|ref = {{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=131424|title=NJPW Dominion 7.5 In Osaka-Jo Hall|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=July 5, 2015|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=October 17, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201017021005/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=131424|url-status=live}}

}}{{PWtitlereign

|number = 64

|champion = {{sortname|Tetsuya|Naito}}

|reign = 1

|date = {{dts|2016|04|10}}

|days = {{age in days nts|month1=04|day1=10|year1=2016|month2=06|day2=19|year2=2016}}

|location = Tokyo, Japan

|event = Invasion Attack 2016

|defenses = 1

|notes =

|ref = {{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=145848|title=NJPW Invasion Attack 2016|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=April 10, 2016|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=November 19, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201119210258/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=145848|url-status=live}}

}}{{PWtitlereign

|number = 65

|champion = {{sortname|Kazuchika|Okada}}

|reign = 4

|date = {{dts|2016|06|19}}

|days = {{age in days nts|month1=06|day1=19|year1=2016|month2=06|day2=09|year2=2018}}

|location = Osaka, Japan

|event = Dominion 6.19 in Osaka-jo Hall

|defenses = 12

|notes =

|ref = {{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=152094|title=NJPW Dominion 6.19 In Osaka-Jo Hall|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=June 19, 2016|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=November 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201118052705/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=152094|url-status=live}}

}}{{PWtitlereign

|number = 66

|champion = {{sortname|Kenny|Omega}}

|reign = 1

|date = {{dts|2018|06|09}}

|days = {{age in days nts|month1=06|day1=09|year1=2018|month2=01|day2=04|year2=2019}}

|location = Osaka, Japan

|event = Dominion 6.9 in Osaka-jo Hall

|defenses = 3

|notes = This was a no time limit two out of three falls match in which Omega won 2–1.

|ref = {{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=200129|title=NJPW Dominion 6.9 In Osaka-Jo Hall|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=June 9, 2018|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=August 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210824034202/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=200129|url-status=live}}

}}{{PWtitlereign

|number = 67

|champion = {{sortname|Hiroshi|Tanahashi}}

|reign = 8

|date = {{dts|2019|01|04}}

|days = {{age in days nts|month1=01|day1=04|year1=2019|month2=02|day2=11|year2=2019}}

|location = Tokyo, Japan

|event = Wrestle Kingdom 13 in Tokyo Dome

|defenses = 0

|notes =

|ref = {{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=217624|title=NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 13 In Tokyo Dome|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=January 4, 2019|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=January 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210114085505/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=217624|url-status=live}}

}}{{PWtitlereign

|number = 68

|champion = {{sortname|Jay|White}}

|reign = 1

|date = {{dts|2019|02|11}}

|days = {{age in days nts|month1=02|day1=11|year1=2019|month2=04|day2=06|year2=2019}}

|location = Osaka, Japan

|event = The New Beginning in Osaka

|defenses = 0

|notes =

|ref = {{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=222696|title=NJPW The New Beginning In Osaka 2019|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=February 11, 2019|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=October 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201021074423/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=222696|url-status=live}}

}}{{PWtitlereign

|number = 69

|champion = {{sortname|Kazuchika|Okada}}

|reign = 5

|date = {{dts|2019|04|06}}

|days = {{age in days nts|month1=04|day1=06|year1=2019|month2=01|day2=05|year2=2020}}

|location = New York City, U.S.

|event = G1 Supercard

|defenses = 5

|notes =

|ref = {{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=202437|title=ROH/NJPW G1 Supercard|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=April 6, 2019|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=March 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210307043526/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=202437|url-status=live}}

}}{{PWtitlereign

|number = 70

|champion = {{sortname|Tetsuya|Naito}}

|reign = 2

|date = {{dts|2020|01|05}}

|days = {{age in days nts|month1=01|day1=05|year1=2020|month2=07|day2=12|year2=2020}}

|location = Tokyo, Japan

|event = Wrestle Kingdom 14 in Tokyo Dome
{{small|Night 2}}

|defenses = 1

|notes = This match was also for Naito's IWGP Intercontinental Championship.

|ref = {{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=246212|title=NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 14 In Tokyo Dome - Tag 2|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=January 5, 2020|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=October 17, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201017215209/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=246212|url-status=live}}

}}{{PWtitlereign

|number = 71

|champion = Evil

|reign = 1

|date = {{dts|2020|07|12}}

|days = {{age in days nts|month1=07|day1=12|year1=2020|month2=08|day2=29|year2=2020}}

|location = Osaka, Japan

|event = Dominion in Osaka-jo Hall

|defenses = 1

|notes =This match was also for Naito's IWGP Intercontinental Championship.

|ref = {{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=272950|title=NJPW Dominion In Osaka-Jo Hall|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=July 12, 2020|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=May 31, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220531130343/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=272950|url-status=live}}

}}{{PWtitlereign

|number = 72

|champion = {{sortname|Tetsuya|Naito}}

|reign = 3

|date = {{dts|2020|08|29}}

|days = {{age in days nts|month1=08|day1=29|year1=2020|month2=01|day2=04|year2=2021}}

|location = Tokyo, Japan

|event = Summer Struggle in Jingu

|defenses = 1

|notes =This match was also for Evil's IWGP Intercontinental Championship.

|ref = {{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=282639|title=NJPW Summer Struggle in Jingu|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=August 29, 2020|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=October 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201012111211/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=282639|url-status=live}}

}}{{PWtitlereign

|number = 73

|champion = {{sortname|Kota|Ibushi}}

|reign = 1

|date = {{dts|2021|01|4}}

|days = {{age in days nts|month1=01|day1=04|year1=2021|month2=03|day2=04|year2=2021}}

|location = Tokyo, Japan

|event = Wrestle Kingdom 15 in Tokyo Dome
{{small|Night 1}}

|defenses = 3

|notes = This match was also for Naito's IWGP Intercontinental Championship.

|ref = {{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/01/04/1-4-njpw-wrestle-kingdom-15-results-powells-review-of-tetsuya-naito-vs-kota-ibushi-for-the-iwgp-heavyweight-and-iwgp-intercontinental-championships-kazuchika-okada-vs-will-ospreay-hiromu-takaha/|title=1/4 NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 15 results: Powell's review of Tetsuya Naito vs. Kota Ibushi for the IWGP Heavyweight and IWGP Intercontinental Championships, Kazuchika Okada vs. Will Ospreay, Hiromu Takahashi vs. El Phantasmo for a shot at the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Championship|first=Jason|last=Powell|publisher=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=January 4, 2021|access-date=January 4, 2021|archive-date=May 30, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220530024137/https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/01/04/1-4-njpw-wrestle-kingdom-15-results-powells-review-of-tetsuya-naito-vs-kota-ibushi-for-the-iwgp-heavyweight-and-iwgp-intercontinental-championships-kazuchika-okada-vs-will-ospreay-hiromu-takaha/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=295975|title=NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 15 In Tokyo Dome - Tag 1|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=January 4, 2021|access-date=January 12, 2021|archive-date=January 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210111062311/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=295975|url-status=live}}

}}{{PWtitlereign

|sort number = 72.5

|type = unified

|date = {{dts|2021|3|4}}

|location = Tokyo, Japan

|event = Anniversary Event

|defenses = yes

|notes = Unified with the IWGP Intercontinental Championship to form the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship.

|ref = {{cite news|url=https://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/njpw/2825190/|script-title=ja:【新日本】飯伏勝利で２冠統一へ！菅林会長は「ＩＷＧＰ世界ヘビー級王座」新設を明言|date=March 1, 2021|access-date=March 1, 2021|work=Tokyo Sports|language=Japanese|archive-date=February 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210228232542/https://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/njpw/2825190/|url-status=live}}

}}

{{BundleEnd}}

File:オカダ・カズチカ.jpg holds the records for longest reign at 720 days, longest combined reign at 1,790 days, most defenses in one reign at 12, and most combined defenses at 30.]]

File:Hiroshi tanahashi NJPW.JPG|alt=Hiroshi Tanahashi posing with the IWGP Heavyweight Championship belt in front of a crowd.]]

• G1 Climax
• New Japan Cup
• IWGP Heavyweight Championship (original version)

;General

• {{cite journal|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated: 2008 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts|journal=The ... Wrestling Almanac and Book of Facts|publisher=Sports & Entertainment Publications, LLC|issn=1043-7576|volume=29|issue=5|pages=107–108}}
• {{Cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/champions/iwgp|title=IWGP Heavyweight Championship history|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|publisher=NJPW.co.jp|language=ja|access-date=2016-11-10|archive-date=2017-07-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170705212858/http://www.njpw.co.jp/champions/iwgp|url-status=live}}

;Specific

{{Reflist|30em}}

• [https://www.njpw.co.jp New Japan Pro-Wrestling official website] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130605160639/http://www.njpw.co.jp/ |date=2013-06-05 }}

{{S-start}}

{{S-sports}}

{{S-bef|before=IWGP Heavyweight Championship (original version)}}

{{S-ttl|title=New Japan Pro-Wrestling's top heavyweight championship| years = 1987–2021}}

{{S-aft|after=IWGP World Heavyweight Championship}}

{{S-end}}

{{IWGP Heavyweight Championship}}

{{New Japan Pro Wrestling}}

{{Featured list}}

Category:New Japan Pro-Wrestling championships

Category:World heavyweight wrestling championships