Will Ospreay Changes Name Of IWGP US Title

The IWGP US Title in New Japan no more after the champion Will Ospreay changed the title to better suit what he wants to represent.

In the semifinals of the NJPW G1 Climax 33 tournament, Will Ospreay faced off against Naito. In a battle of former IWGP World Champions, Naito found a way to win while Ospreay was angry in defeat. If Ospreay won, he would have faced the legendary Kazuchika Okada, who Ospreay beat earlier in the tournament.

After his defeat, Will Ospreay made it clear that he didn’t want to carry around the IWGP US Championship anymore. Ospreay is from England, so he has named it the IWGP United Kingdom Championship.

While speaking to NJPW’s official website, Ospreay explained why the title changed to the IWGP UK Championship.

“The belt doesn’t make the man, the man makes the belt, and I am sick to death of carrying something I have no attachment to. I don’t want to carry this (US) flag. I’ve been to America and been the best in the world. Canada, Europe, Australia and Japan, I am the best in the world. The best in the world is from the United Kingdom.”

“So to the IWGP committee, have this, I don’t want it. I want a championship that suits my needs. I was going to reveal this when I beat Naito, but s**t happens. I am the best in the world, and I want this championship.”

As he continued, the confident Ospreay spoke about how he’s defeated everybody.

“This is my championship. This means I am the best in the world. I have beaten Kenny Omega, beaten Okada, I have beaten them all. So if anyone in the world thinks they are better than me, championship on the line, you beat Will Ospreay and you take this from me, you’re the best in the world. Naito, congratulations, but tomorrow is a new day, and I’m taking this bad boy with me.”

Here’s a photo of Ospreay with the new IWGP UK Title.

When Did Will Ospreay Win The IWGP US Title?

It was at the AEW-NJPW Forbidden Door pay-per-view back in June in Toronto when Will Ospreay defeated Kenny Omega in an incredible match to become the IWGP US Champion. That match was a rematch from their Wrestle Kingdom match back in January when Omega won the title from Ospreay.

As for what’s next, Ospreay is rumored for the AEW All In pay-per-view on August 27th with former AEW World Champion Chris Jericho as his opponent. Following on from All In, Ospreay has been announced to return to London as part of New Japan’s Royal Quest show.