Tetsuya Naito Regains IWGP World Heavyweight Title At AEW X NJPW Forbidden Door
Naito is once again IWGP World Heavyweight champion
Tetsuya Naito is once again IWGP World Heavyweight champion, after defeating Jon Moxley at AEW X NJPW Forbidden Door on Sunday night on Long Island.
At different junctures in the match, Moxley attempted to use a steel chair, only to have the weapon confiscated by referee Red Shoes Unno. Moxley also hit the Death Rider, but Naito kicked out.
A sequence of finisher reversals between the two men led to Naito hitting the Destino to regain the title.
Naito previously held the IWGP World Heavyweight title for 99 days earlier this year, winning the title from Sanada at Wrestle Kingdom 18 on January 4 in Tokyo. Overall, Naito is a five-time World champion under the NJPW banner, previously holding the since-retired IWGP Heavyweight title on three occasions between 2016 and 2020.
Moxley's reign ends at 79 days. He won the title from Naito at Windy City Riot on April 12 in Chicago. The win gave Moxley the bragging rights of being the first man to hold World titles in WWE, AEW, and NJPW.
Written by Justin Henry
In addition to writing lists and commentaries for Cultaholic, Justin is also a features writer and interviewer for Fighting Spirit Magazine, and is co-author of the WWE-related book Titan Screwed: Lost Smiles, Stunners, and Screwjobs.