NJPW Strong Titles Explained: USA‑Based Championships for New Japan
NJPW Strong titles are championships created specifically for New Japan’s US brand, giving American tours and TV specials their own singles and tag belts without crowding the main Japan‑based title scene.
What is NJPW Strong?
NJPW Strong is the brand name for New Japan’s US operation, initially a weekly studio show and now an umbrella for all American live events and on‑demand specials.
The Strong belts were introduced as part of NJPW’s expansion plan, letting US shows have their own title feuds while still tying into the broader New Japanuniverse.
Strong Openweight Championship (singles)
The Strong Openweight Championship is the primary singles title of the Strong brand, first established in April 2021 with Tom Lawlor as the inaugural champion.
It is an openweight belt defended on US‑branded events, with recent reigns by names like Fred Rosser and Tomohiro Ishii, who won it at Windy City Riot 2025 in Chicago.
Strong Openweight Tag Team Championship
The Strong Openweight Tag Team Championship is the tag‑team counterpart for the US brand, introduced via an eight‑team tournament that Aussie Open won in July 2022.
The titles are featured on NJPW Strong shows in America and crossover events, with current champions Los Hermanos Chávez (Ángel de Oro & Niebla Roja) winning them in 2025 and defending as part of NJPW–CMLL cooperation.
How Strong titles fit into NJPW’s hierarchy
Strong belts sit below Japan’s top titles (like the IWGP World and NEVER Openweight) but give the US roster meaningful stakes and clear “top guy” and “top team” roles on American cards.
As NJPW consolidated all US shows under the Strong name, these championships became the consistent through‑line for American tours, often defended on PPVs that also feature mainline NJPW and AEW/ROH talent.
NJPW Strong Titles Overview
Topic
Details
What is NJPW Strong?
NJPW Strong is New Japan’s US brand, originally a weekly studio show and now the umbrella for all American live events and specials.
Why create Strong titles?
The Strong championships give US shows their own singles and tag belts, adding stakes without overcrowding the Japan‑based title scene.
Strong Openweight Championship (Singles)
Aspect
Details
Title name
Strong Openweight Championship.
Brand
Primary singles title of the NJPW Strong (US) brand.
Established
Introduced in 2021, with Tom Lawlor as inaugural champion.
Weight class
Openweight – heavyweights and juniors can challenge.
Where it’s defended
US‑branded Strong events and American tours.
Notable reigns
Held by Fred Rosser and Tomohiro Ishii, who captured it at Windy City Riot 2025 in Chicago.
Role in hierarchy
Sits below top Japan titles (e.g., IWGP World, NEVER) but defines the top singles star on US cards.
Strong Openweight Tag Team Championship
Aspect
Details
Title name
Strong Openweight Tag Team Championship.
Brand
Tag‑team counterpart for the NJPW Strong US brand.
Established
Created via an eight‑team tournament, first won by Aussie Open in 2022.
Weight class
Openweight tag titles, allowing any mix of heavyweights and juniors.
Where it’s defended
NJPW Strong US shows and crossover events, including co‑promoted cards.
Current champions
Los Hermanos Chávez (Ángel de Oro & Niebla Roja), crowned in 2025.
Cross‑promotion role
Frequently defended in NJPW–CMLL cooperation and on US cards featuring NJPW, AEW, and ROH talent.
Strong Titles in NJPW’s Ecosystem
Aspect
Details
Position vs Japan titles
Below IWGP World and NEVER belts, but significant for defining champions on American tours.
Narrative function
Provide clear “top guy” and “top team” roles on US cards and act as anchors for ongoing Strong storylines.
Brand continuity
As all US shows were folded under the Strong name, these titles became the main connective thread for NJPW’s American expansion.
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