Gabe Kidd won the IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship on Monday at Korakuen Hall, but his post-match refusal to accept the belt, tossing it to the floor in front of President Hiroshi Tanahashi, signals a defiant new chapter for New Japan Pro Wrestling’s most disruptive heel.
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The Madman has gold once again.
Gabe Kidd defeated Shota Umino to capture the IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship
Full report:https://t.co/qSYjawVVi2
Watch the replay:https://t.co/UrAgxpY7Oe#njpw pic.twitter.com/wRrkiI9G4f
— NJPW Global (@njpwglobal) July 6, 2026
Kidd defeated Shota Umino in a heated bout in front of 1,483 fans in Tokyo. He arrived and immediately dropkicked the referee before getting into Tanahashi’s face, prompting Umino to attack and send the two brawling onto the bleachers, where Umino was busted open early.
Ringside, Kidd tossed the belt to the floor and spat at Tanahashi as the crowd chanted for Umino. Kidd flipped off the audience, feeding a hostile atmosphere as Umino mounted several comebacks with the fans behind him.
Kidd Plays Possum, Then Finishes Umino
Umino targeted Kidd’s previously injured shoulder, sending the AEW performer down and drawing the trainer into the ring. Kidd played possum, nailed Umino with a big lariat, then hit the Drill-a-Hole piledriver directly in front of Tanahashi while locking eyes with the president.
Umino survived another piledriver but ultimately fell to the Death Rider, giving Kidd the title. Per NJPW WORLD, the finish capped a performance in which Kidd worked at a high level from bell to bell.
The disrespect continued after the bell. Tanahashi presented Kidd with the belt, but the new champion discarded it on the floor and left without the title.
What’s Next For Kidd
Kidd carried a shoulder issue into the match: Tony Khan addressed the injury following Dynasty, and Kidd worked around it throughout the title win. His rising stock continues amid ongoing questions about his contract status.
Due to ongoing visa issues, Kidd will miss this Saturday’s G1 Climax card in Illinois. His first tournament match comes July 18 in Hokkaido against Drilla Moloney.
Kidd and Umino, both in the B Block, are booked for a rematch on August 8 at Yokohama Budokan.
