Will Ospreay Wants IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship

“It is going to be defended around the globe, and there is no one better served to do that.”

New Japan Pro-Wrestling is introducing a new championship: the IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship.

'In 2024 our presence will grow not just in the UK and the US, but throughout all of Europe, the rest of Asia and Oceania.'

Per Chairman Sugabayashi, January 4 sees Ospreay vs Moxley vs Finlay to crown the inaugural IWGP Global Champion!https://t.co/BTqYUi9Q6Z#njpw pic.twitter.com/6qaikMqjda

— NJPW Global (@njpwglobal) December 11, 2023

During yesterday’s World Tag League press conference, New Japan Chairman Naoki Sugabayashi announced that the new title will be on the line at the upcoming Wrestle Kingdom 18 event at the Tokyo Dome on January 4.

A three-way match at Wrestle Kingdom 18 between Jon Moxley, David Finlay, and Will Ospreay will determine the first-ever IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion. The title replaces the IWGP United States and United Kingdom championships, which Finlay destroyed last month at Power Struggle.

Courtesy NJPW

Instead of reintroducing the IWGP Intercontinental title, the decision was made to unveil a new championship. And before he becomes a full-time star with AEW, Ospreay wants to become the first-ever champion.

“It is going to be defended around the globe, and there is no one better served to do that,” said Ospreay. “I’m performing at the highest level around the world.

“This is my chance to cross-promote. That’s truly a special thing to have. I want to elevate the promotions I work with and my opponents in the ring. I am going to deliver the best possible matches I can deliver.”

Courtesy NJPW

While Ospreay and Moxley will demand the most attention in the buildup, it is Finlay who may leave the lasting impression. His work as leader of Bullet Club has been unheralded, yet extremely convincing. Wrestling fans will be treated to his superb style of pro wrestling at Wrestle Kingdom 18, which particularly shines against Ospreay, a longtime contentious foe.

“Me and Finlay, we’ve got a huge history,” said Ospreay. “We’re the same age, only a few days between us. I’m sure there is some underlying jealousy about my ascent in New Japan. But it just clicked for me. I just operate differently.

“It’s a real rivalry. Finlay is ruthless and one of the best wrestlers, learning that from his father. He’s got a different way of looking at the wrestling industry.”

Courtesy NJPW

The combination of Ospreay, Moxley, and Finlay should lead to an exceptionally compelling bout. Ospreay and Moxley have wrestled only once against one another in a singles bout, then once more in a four-way. In their singles match, which took place in April of 2022, Moxley emerged victorious.

“I want to walk out of New Japan defeating Finlay, but there is Moxley, too,” said Ospreay. “Moxley needs to understand something. We had one match, and that was in Chicago, and it was a botch by the referee, who f----- up on the three-count. Moxley can say whatever he wants, but that’s not going to happen in Japan.

“At Wrestle Kingdom, I am going to be in my element. They’re going to focus on violence, I’m going to focus on winning.”