First IWGP Women’s Champion crowned at NJPW/Stardom Historic X-Over

KAIRI is the first-ever IWGP Women’s Champion.

She defeated Mayu Iwantani in the main event of Sunday morning’s NJPW x Stardom Historic X-Over event. In what ended up being a heated back and forth match, KAIRI defeated Iwatani after hitting the Insane Elbow off the top rope.

After the match, Iwatani and KAIRI were emotional. NJPW president Noaki Sugabayashi handed KAIRI the championship as she posed with Bushiroad president Takaai Kiwani. As she was cutting a promo, Tam Nakano came out and challenged KAIRI to a match at Wrestle Kingdom 17, which she accepted.

Iwatanai had defeated Momo Watanabe and Utami Hayashishita to advance to the finals. Kairi meanwhile defeated Jazzy Gabert on October 23 to advance to the finals.

The IWGP Women’s Championship was introduced back in August. It will be a championship that will be defended both in Japan for New Japan Pro Wrestling as well as worldwide on shows such as NJPW Strong.