NEVER Openweight Championship

In the world of professional wrestling, championships are more than just gold belts; they are symbols of excellence, aspiration, and tradition. Among the many titles that adorn the wrestling landscape, the NEVER Openweight Championship holds a special place, embodying the spirit of innovation and toughness that defines New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW). Let’s delve into the rich history and profound impact of this prestigious championship.

History of the NEVER Openweight Championship

The NEVER Openweight Championship was introduced by New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) in 2012 as part of the promotion’s efforts to revamp its roster and create new opportunities for emerging talent. The title’s name, “NEVER,” was derived from the NJPW’s marketing slogan “New Blood,” “Evolution,” “Valiantly,” “Eternal,” and “Radical,” reflecting its purpose to showcase the promotion’s commitment to innovation and change.

The inaugural NEVER Openweight Champion was crowned on August 26, 2012, in a tournament final that saw Masato Tanaka defeat Karl Anderson. Tanaka’s victory established the championship as a platform for hard-hitting, physical contests, setting the tone for its future.

In 2014, the championship underwent a brief name change, dropping the “NEVER” to become the Openweight Championship. However, the following year, NJPW decided to reintroduce the “NEVER” concept, renaming the title as the NEVER Openweight Championship. This change reinforced the championship’s connection to NJPW’s core values and its role in showcasing the promotion’s unique style of wrestling.

The NEVER Openweight Championship has since become known for its intense, competitive matches, often featuring strong-style wrestling and hard-hitting action. Wrestlers from various backgrounds and weight classes have competed for the title, adding to its reputation as a platform for diverse wrestling styles and talent.

Throughout its history, the championship has been held by some of NJPW’s most respected and talented wrestlers, including Tetsuya Naito, Tomohiro Ishii, and Hirooki Goto. These champions have helped elevate the prestige of the title through their performances and feuds, solidifying its status as one of NJPW’s most important championships.

Overall, the history of the NEVER Openweight Championship is a testament to NJPW’s commitment to innovation and its ability to adapt to the ever-changing landscape of professional wrestling. As the championship continues to evolve, it remains a symbol of the promotion’s dedication to pushing boundaries and showcasing the best in wrestling talent.

Unique Rules and Characteristics of NEVER Openweight Championship

The NEVER Openweight Championship is known for its unique rules and characteristics that set it apart from other titles in professional wrestling. Here are some of the key aspects that define the championship:

• Openweight Nature: As the name suggests, the NEVER Openweight Championship is open to wrestlers of all sizes. Unlike traditional weight-classed titles, which are often restricted to specific weight categories (e.g., heavyweight, cruiserweight), the Openweight Championship allows for matches between competitors of varying sizes, creating dynamic and unpredictable matchups.
• “NEVER” Concept: The “NEVER” concept, derived from NJPW’s marketing slogan, stands for “New Blood,” “Evolution,” “Valiantly,” “Eternal,” and “Radical.” This concept reflects the championship’s role in showcasing new talent, promoting innovation, and embodying the fighting spirit of NJPW.
• Hard-Hitting Matches: The NEVER Openweight Championship is known for its emphasis on physicality and hard-hitting action. Matches for the title often feature strong-style wrestling, characterized by stiff strikes, impactful moves, and a focus on realism.
• Prestigious Title: Despite its openweight nature, the NEVER Openweight Championship is highly regarded in NJPW and the wrestling world. Holding the title is seen as a significant achievement, as it represents not only skill and athleticism but also a willingness to compete against opponents of any size.
• Diverse Champions: The championship has been held by a diverse range of wrestlers, including both established stars and up-and-coming talent. This diversity in champions reflects the title’s openweight concept and its role in providing opportunities for wrestlers of all backgrounds.
• Intense Feuds: The NEVER Openweight Championship has been the focal point of some of NJPW’s most intense and memorable feuds. Matches for the title often result in fierce rivalries and hard-fought battles, adding to the championship’s prestige and excitement.
• Global Recognition: While primarily based in Japan, NJPW has a global fan base, and the NEVER Openweight Championship has helped to increase the promotion’s international recognition. The championship has been defended in various countries outside of Japan, further solidifying its status as a prestigious title in professional wrestling.

NEVER Openweight Championship’s unique rules and characteristics have made it a standout title in NJPW and the wrestling world. Its openweight nature, “NEVER” concept, hard-hitting matches, and diverse champions have all contributed to its reputation as a prestigious and exciting championship.

Matches and Feuds that Defined the Championship’s Identity

The NEVER Openweight Championship has been the stage for some of New Japan Pro-Wrestling’s (NJPW) most intense and memorable matches, as well as feuds that have shaped its identity. These rivalries often showcase the championship’s unique “Openweight” concept, where wrestlers from different weight classes compete in hard-hitting battles. Here are some matches and feuds that have defined the championship’s identity:

• Tomohiro Ishii vs. Katsuyori Shibata (Wrestle Kingdom 10, January 4, 2016) – This match is often cited as one of the greatest NEVER Openweight Championship matches in history. Ishii and Shibata, known for their stiff strikes and tough wrestling style, delivered a hard-hitting encounter that captivated fans and solidified the championship’s reputation for intense competition.
• Hirooki Goto vs. Shingo Takagi (Power Struggle 2020, November 7, 2020) – Goto and Takagi’s feud over the NEVER Openweight Championship showcased the championship’s ability to elevate both the champion and the challenger. Their match at Power Struggle 2020 was a hard-fought battle that showcased their fighting spirit and determination.
• Tomohiro Ishii vs. Tetsuya Naito (New Beginning in Osaka, February 11, 2014) – This match is another standout moment in the history of the NEVER Openweight Championship. Ishii and Naito’s clash highlighted the championship’s openweight concept, as they both brought different styles and strengths to the ring.
• Minoru Suzuki vs. Katsuyori Shibata (Wrestle Kingdom 12, January 4, 2018) – This match was a brutal affair that showcased the intense rivalry between Suzuki and Shibata. The hard-hitting nature of their encounter exemplified the physicality and toughness that the NEVER Openweight Championship is known for.
• Hirooki Goto vs. EVIL (Wrestle Kingdom 11, January 4, 2017) – Goto and EVIL’s feud over the NEVER Openweight Championship was a highlight of NJPW’s Wrestle Kingdom 11 event. Their match showcased the championship’s ability to showcase emerging talent and provide opportunities for wrestlers to shine on a big stage.

These matches and feuds have helped define the NEVER Openweight Championship’s identity as a title that represents the best in hard-hitting, intense professional wrestling. The championship continues to be a platform for showcasing the fighting spirit and athleticism of NJPW’s roster, making it a coveted prize for wrestlers from all backgrounds.

Impact on NJPW and the Wrestling World

The NEVER Openweight Championship has had a significant impact on both New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) and the wrestling world at large. Here are some key ways in which the championship has made its mark:

• Elevating Mid-Card Talent: The NEVER Openweight Championship has served as a platform for mid-card wrestlers to showcase their skills and elevate their status within NJPW. Holding the championship signifies a wrestler’s ability to compete at a high level and often leads to increased opportunities for titleholders to move up the card and compete for higher-tier championships.
• Providing Opportunities for Emerging Stars: The championship has provided opportunities for emerging stars to shine on a bigger stage. Wrestlers who have held the NEVER Openweight Championship have often gone on to achieve greater success in NJPW and the wrestling world, thanks in part to the exposure and credibility that comes with holding a prestigious title.
• International Recognition: The NEVER Openweight Championship has helped increase NJPW’s international recognition and appeal. The championship has been defended in various countries outside of Japan, exposing new audiences to NJPW’s unique brand of wrestling and helping to grow the promotion’s global fan base.
• Showcasing Different Wrestling Styles: The openweight nature of the championship allows for matches between wrestlers of different sizes and styles, leading to a diverse range of matchups and wrestling styles being showcased. This diversity has helped NJPW distinguish itself as a promotion that offers something for fans of all wrestling styles.
• Impactful Matches and Feuds: The NEVER Openweight Championship has been the focal point of some of NJPW’s most intense and memorable matches and feuds. These matches have helped solidify the championship’s reputation as a title that represents hard-hitting, physical competition and has added to NJPW’s reputation as a top wrestling promotion.

Overall, the NEVER Openweight Championship has had a positive impact on NJPW and the wrestling world, providing a platform for talent to shine, showcasing diverse wrestling styles, and helping to grow NJPW’s global presence.

Memorable Matches and Moments

The NEVER Openweight Championship has been the centerpiece of some of the most memorable matches and moments in New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) history. These matches have not only showcased the championship’s prestige but also highlighted the incredible talent and storytelling that defines NJPW. Here are some of the most memorable matches and moments involving the NEVER Openweight Championship:

• Tomohiro Ishii vs. Katsuyori Shibata (Wrestle Kingdom 10, January 4, 2016): This match is often regarded as one of the greatest NEVER Openweight Championship matches of all time. Ishii and Shibata delivered a hard-hitting, intense battle that captivated fans and showcased the championship’s reputation for tough, physical competition.
• Hirooki Goto vs. Shingo Takagi (Power Struggle 2020, November 7, 2020): Goto and Takagi’s feud over the NEVER Openweight Championship culminated in a memorable match at Power Struggle 2020. The two competitors delivered a hard-fought, dramatic contest that highlighted their skills and determination.
• Tomohiro Ishii vs. Tetsuya Naito (New Beginning in Osaka, February 11, 2014): Ishii and Naito’s clash over the NEVER Openweight Championship was a standout moment in the championship’s history. The match showcased the championship’s openweight concept, as both wrestlers brought different styles and strengths to the ring.
• Minoru Suzuki vs. Katsuyori Shibata (Wrestle Kingdom 12, January 4, 2018): Suzuki and Shibata’s brutal match for the NEVER Openweight Championship was a hard-hitting, intense affair that showcased the physicality and toughness of both competitors. The match was a highlight of Wrestle Kingdom 12 and remains a memorable moment in NJPW history.
• Hirooki Goto vs. EVIL (Wrestle Kingdom 11, January 4, 2017): Goto and EVIL’s feud over the NEVER Openweight Championship was a highlight of NJPW’s Wrestle Kingdom 11 event. Their match showcased the championship’s ability to provide opportunities for emerging talent and deliver exciting, high-stakes matches.

These matches and moments have helped define the NEVER Openweight Championship as one of the most prestigious and exciting titles in NJPW. They have also contributed to the championship’s legacy as a platform for showcasing the best in professional wrestling talent.