IWGP World title to be defended at two NJPW US events

When NJPW returns to the United States this April and May, the company’s top title will be on the line.

NJPW has announced that the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship will be defended at both Windy City Riot (Friday, April 11) and Resurgence 2025 (Friday, May 9). The title is currently held by Hirooki Goto, who became the new champion by dethroning Zack Sabre Jr. earlier this week. NJPW has not announced who will be challenging for the belt at either of these two events.

A veteran of the NJPW roster for more than 20 years, Goto finally reached the top of the company with his IWGP World Championship win. His first defense will be against Hiroshi Tanahashi at NJPW’s 53rd Anniversary show on March 6. The winner of that match will defend their belt against the New Japan Cup tournament winner at Sakura Genesis on April 5, less than a week before Windy City Riot.

Wintrust Arena in Chicago is hosting Windy City Riot, while Resurgence will be held at Toyota Arena in Ontario, California. Tickets for Resurgence are going on sale to the general public this Friday (February 14). Windy City Riot tickets are already available.

There were also IWGP World Championship matches at both Windy City Riot and Resurgence last year. Jon Moxley won the belt from Tetsuya Naito in Chicago before retaining against Shota Umino at Resurgence. Moxley, Naito, Sabre, and Goto are the most recent title holders.