In a backstage interview following his NJPW G1 Semifinal Match, Will Ospreay revealed he has changed the IWGP United States Championship.
The Title going forward, at least for now will be known as the IWGP United Kingdom Championship.
Ospreay said that he was tired of carrying around a belt that he has no attachment to. He then further noted that the UK Championship makes him the best in the world.
New Japan Pro Wrestling also made the official announcement of the change on their social media and website.
Will Ospreay reveals IWGP United Kingdom Championship!
After an incredible main event in Ryogoku on August 12, Will Ospreay was disappointed but philosophical in defeat, and had a big reveal backstage that has changed the shape of the championship scene.
‘Naito, congratulations. Today you are the best in the world. You earned it,’ Ospreay commented, before continuing ‘but tomorrow, no matter if I’m in the final or not, I resume that responsibility of being the best in the world, because I hold this (IWGP United States Championship). I hold that, and SANADA, the IWGP World Heavyweight Champion has never pinned Will Ospreay. Thus anything I do makes me the best in the world. This championship makes me the best in the world, but it’s meaningless in someone else’s hands. This is only valuable in my hands. It never mattered in Kenny’s hands, or Jay’s, or Juice, or Moxley or Lance, Tanahashi or KENTA. It means nothing unless it’s in mine.
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 shit 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.