The rough times for New Japan Pro Wrestling continue. They’re set to get back to running shows on May 22nd, after a brief COVID-19 related shutdown, but one man who won’t be on the cards is the leader of The United Empire. Will Ospreay had suffered a neck injury in his recent IWGP World Heavyweight Championship title defense, and will be forced to vacate the championship.
This will be the first time since 2009 when the IWGP Heavyweight Championship was left vacant. Hiroshi Tanahashi was the champion then, and was forced to vacate the title due to an eye fracture suffered at the hands of Shinsuke Nakamura.
This news comes directly from New Japan Pro Wrestling, in an update from NJPW1972.com which stated the following. “There is no timetable for Ospreay’s return to action at this time, and as a result, his IWGP World Heavyweight Championship will be vacated.”
Will Ospreay Was Set To Defend The Championship Against Kazuchika Okada In Tokyo Dome
This injury news comes just ahead of when Will Ospreay was set to defend the championship against Kazuchika Okada in the Tokyo Dome. It was to be the main event of the second event in the Wrestle Grand Slam series, and would have seen Ospreay seek to finally surpass a man who heavily served as his mentor.
It’s unclear now if Ospreay would have defeated Okada or not, but it seemed likely he would make this second successful defense and hold the Championship until January 4th, 2022 atleast. This was due to Kota Ibushi having a very short reign after unifying the IWGP Heavyweight & Intercontinental Championship into the new IWGP World Heavyweight Championship.
A long reign from Will Ospreay would have helped remedy the situation slightly, especially after it got going with the incredible defense against Shingo Takagi. However, now a new champion will need to be crowned.
Jeff Cobb vs. Kota Ibushi Could Become For The Vacant Championship
Another match that was set for Wrestle Grand Slam was former champion Kota Ibushi taking on one of Will Ospreay’s stablemates in Jeff Cobb. Due to Ibushi’s status as former champion and not having gotten a rematch, it’s likely he is in the picture to be involved in a match over the vacant championship.
Really, Jeff Cobb could easily fit into this situation as well, even if the match between Ibushi & Cobb would determine who goes on to face Kazuchika Okada for the now vacant championship. It would allow for a huge main event, and Okada was next in line for a shot, so it makes sense he’d be half of this match.
How should NJPW decide who gets to challenge for the vacant world championship? Let us know what you think in the comment section down below.
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