Konosuke Takeshita Addresses Title Loss to Yota Tsuji at NJPW Wrestle Kindom 20, Promises To ‘Become Even Stronger’

As previously reported, Yota Tsuji defeated AEW star, Konosuke Takeshita, to win the IWGP World Heavyweight Title at today’s NJPW Wrestle Kindgom 20 event. After the match, Takeshita spoke to the media on his fresh defeat and title loss.

Despite his loss, Konosuke Takeshita remarked to Yota Tsuji that he will come back even stronger later. Takeshita stated after his matchup, “Was I able to show a new era, a new style of pro wrestling? But I can become even stronger. Yota Tsuji, you’re strong! Someday, I’ll go after your belt.”

Takeshita held the title for 83 days. He won it from Zack Sabr Jr. last October at NJPW King of Pro-Wrestling 2025. This is the first time Tsuji has won the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship.

A clip of Takeshita’s comments, plus a video of his post-match press conference are available below:

🎙1.4 #njwk20 東京ドーム大会 試合後コメント

破れるもTAKESHITAはより強くなることを宣言！

TAKESHITA「新しい時代、新しいプロレス、見せることが出来たかな？　でも俺はもっと強くなれるから。辻陽太、お前は強い！　いつの日かお前のベルト、獲りに行くからな」#棚橋引退 #njpw #ddtpro pic.twitter.com/ync6kPD6sw

— DDT ProWrestling (@ddtpro) January 4, 2026