Callum Newman Captures IWGP Heavyweight Title at NJPW Sakura Genesis, Gabe Kidd Returns and Attacks Yota Tsuji

New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) has a new IWGP Heavyweight Champion. At today’s NJPW Sakura Genesis event, Callum Newman defeated Yota Tsuji in the main event to capture the title.

At 23 years old, the British wrestler is now the youngest IWGP Heavyweight Champion in company history. However, the finish was not without controversy. Tsuji managed to kick out of the Kiss the Crown and Prince’s Curse. Newman then used the referee to block the Gene Blaster and delivered a low blow. A final Make Way sealed the victory, crowning Callum Newman as the new IWGP Heavyweight Champion

Tsuji’s first reign as champion now comes to an end at 90 days. He won the belt earlier this year from Konosuke Takeshita at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 20. Newman won this year’s New Japan Cup tournament to earn a shot at the title.

The drama also continued after the match ended. Will Ospreay, who wrestled earlier in the night, came out for Newman’s coronation, placing the belt around him and embracing his former protege.

After that, a masked figure appeared from the ringside area and attacked Yota Tsuji. He was ultimately revealed as AEW star Gabe Kidd, who returned to NJPW. Kidd has now set his sights on the IWGP Global Championship, still currently held by Tsuji.

Shortly after, Shingo Takagi appeared, issuing a challenge against Newman for the title. So, it appears Newman’s first challenge as champion will be against Takagi at a later date.

This is not only Newman’s first major singles title in New Japan, but the first major singles title win of his career. He previously held the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Titles on two occasions with The Great-O-Khan and Jeff Cobb.

Highlights and clips of Newman vs. Takagi, plus the post-match activity, can be viewed below:

Challenger/『NEW JAPAN CUP 2026』Winner @PrinceofpaceCN

From the profile URL#njpwworld #njSG pic.twitter.com/e3LJDHgvxp

— NJPW WORLD (@njpwworld) April 4, 2026

IWGP Heavyweight Champion @njpw_yotatsuji

From the profile URL#njpwworld #njSG pic.twitter.com/x5lGS4LZGx

— NJPW WORLD (@njpwworld) April 4, 2026

.@njpw_yotatsuji "Lariat"

From the profile URL#njpwworld #njSG pic.twitter.com/HgbGO14idR

— NJPW WORLD (@njpwworld) April 4, 2026

.@PrinceofpaceCN "Hidden Blade"

From the profile URL#njpwworld #njSG pic.twitter.com/0D1Ed0NDzB

— NJPW WORLD (@njpwworld) April 4, 2026

🌸SAKURA GENESIS 2026🌸両国大会‼️

IWGPヘビー級選手権試合‼️
MAKE MY WAY…王者か、覇者か、果たして勝つのは⁉️

🆚 @njpw_yotatsuji × @PrinceofpaceCN
「NJPW WORLD」で配信中📡

視聴＆登録⏩「NJPW WORLD」で検索#njpwworld #njSG pic.twitter.com/vbB4mgMEqr

— NJPW WORLD (@njpwworld) April 4, 2026

🌸SAKURA GENESIS 2026🌸両国大会‼️

IWGPヘビー級選手権試合終了後、謎の覆面男が辻を襲撃‼️
なんとその正体は…"AEW"のゲイブ・キッド(@GabeKidd0115 )‼️
「NJPW WORLD」で配信中📡

視聴＆登録⏩「NJPW WORLD」で検索#njpwworld #njSG pic.twitter.com/SQUbm2XOPg

— NJPW WORLD (@njpwworld) April 4, 2026

Not like this.😲

Watch the replay @njpwworld!#njpw #njSG pic.twitter.com/1SnNaa40Ki

— NJPW Global (@njpwglobal) April 4, 2026

#andNEW
HISTORY MADE!
Callum Newman becomes the youngest IWGP Heavyweight Champion ever!#njSG report:https://t.co/jdaUMI08vx

Watch the replay:https://t.co/CJ1CzUHcm7 pic.twitter.com/KLGWWvNcC9

— NJPW Global (@njpwglobal) April 4, 2026

Ospreay returns. Newman makes history.
And the challengers are already lining up!#njSG report:https://t.co/jdaUMI08vx

Watch the replay:https://t.co/CJ1CzUHcm7 pic.twitter.com/6jHSrstTfY

— NJPW Global (@njpwglobal) April 4, 2026

YOUNGEST OF ALL TIME

MAKE WAY 😘👑 pic.twitter.com/k4o0LGfELe

— Callum newman カラム・ニューマン (@PrinceofpaceCN) April 4, 2026