SANADA vacates IWGP United States title at NJPW Hyper Battle

SANADA vacated the IWGP United States Championship during tonight’s NJPW Hyper Battle event, setting up the next two challengers in the process.

SANADA came to the ring following intermission and said he wouldn’t know when he would be able to return, and thus had to vacate the championship. He suggested that the former champion, Hiroshi Tanahashi, reclaim the title. Will Ospreay came out and said that since he was the one that “caved in” SANADA’s face, he should get the championship. Tanahashi came out and suggested to Ospreay that they fight for the title in Fukuoka, or Wrestling Dontaku 2022 on May 1. Ospreay left, angry as Tanahashi told SANADA that he would be waiting for him once he recovers.

It was announced on March 18 that SANADA would be out of action after suffering a fractured left orbital bone in his New Japan Cup match against Will Ospreay. Ospreay ended up defeating SANADA by referee stoppage to advance.