Will Ospreay changes IWGP US title to UK title

At least for now, the IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship has a new name and a new look.

In his post-match comments after the G1 Climax semifinals, Will Ospreay revealed a new IWGP United Kingdom Heavyweight Championship belt. Ospreay said he was tired of carrying around a belt that he has no attachment to. Ospreay claimed that the UK title makes him the best in the world.

The belt doesn’t make the man, the man makes the belt, and I am sick to death of carrying something I have no attachment to. I don’t want to carry this (US) flag. I’ve been to America and been the best in the world. Canada, Europe, Australia and Japan, I am the best in the world. The best in the world is from the United Kingdom. So to the IWGP committee, have this, I don’t want it. I want a championship that suits my needs. I was going to reveal this when I beat Naito, but sh*t happens. I am the best in the world, and I want this championship.

This is my championship. This means I am the best in the world. I have beaten Kenny Omega, beaten Okada, I have beaten them all. So if anyone in the world thinks they are better than me, championship on the line, you beat Will Ospreay and you take this from me, you’re the best in the world. Naito, congratulations, but tomorrow is a new day, and I’m taking this bad boy with me.

While making his case for being the best in the world, Ospreay also pointed out that he’s never been pinned by IWGP World Heavyweight Champion SANADA.

Tetsuya Naito defeated Ospreay in the main event of Saturday’s G1 event. Naito and Kazuchika Okada will face off in the G1 Climax finals this Sunday (August 13).

Ospreay is a two-time IWGP United States Heavyweight Champion. After dropping the title to Kenny Omega at Wrestle Kingdom 17, Ospreay won it back in a rematch at Forbidden Door this June.

A match between Ospreay and Chris Jericho has been rumored for AEW All In, which is taking place at Wembley Stadium in London on Sunday, August 27.