Multiple Title Changes At NJPW New Beginning In Sapporo 2024 Day One

New Japan Pro-Wrestling held their latest major event on February 23 as day one of the New Beginning in Sapporo emanated from the Hokkaido Prefectural Sports Center Hokkai Kitayell in Hokkaido, Japan. 

Three titles ended up changing hands on the show, ending reigns that had only begun at Wrestle Kingdom 18. 

In the first title change of day one at the New Beginning in Sapporo, SHO defeated El Desperado in controversial fashion to win the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship. The match was the usual interference-laden affair that fans have come to expect from House of Torture. In a unique finish, though, the title changed hands by count-out after Ren Narita appeared from under the ring and locked El Desperado in a Reared-Naked Choke, preventing him from climbing back into the squared circle before the 20 count. Unlike in other promotions, titles can change hands on a count-out in New Japan. 

The win kicked off SHO's first reign as IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion, while also ending El Desperado's third after just 50 days. Despe had been champion since defeating Hiromu Takahashi at Wrestle Kingdom 18 on January 4. 

Matt Riddle also defeated NJPW President Hiroshi Tanahashi in only his second New Japan Pro-Wrestling match to capture the NJPW World Television Title. Riddle won the match in decisive fashion, putting Tanahashi away after only eight minutes with the Bro-Derek. The Ace's reign also ended at 50 days, having defeated inaugural champion Zack Sabre Jr. for the belt at Wrestle Kingdom 18. 

Riddle was previously a part from WWE from 2017 until his release in September 2023, having simply run out of chances after he accused a police officer of sexual assault. 

The biggest title change was saved for last as Nic Nemeth became the second IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion, defeating inaugural champion David Finlay in the main event of day one of New Beginning in Sapporo. 

David Finlay dominated the overwhelming majority of the match, gaining the upper hand after he attacked Nemeth from behind before the bell rang. Nemeth had a brief flurry but he found himself hobbled after Finlay targeted his leg. Nemeth’s plight earned him sympathy with the NJPW crowd, who were firmly behind the former WWE World Heavyweight Champion, and Nemeth later kicked out of Oblivion. 

After blocking another Oblivion attempt from Finlay, Nemeth connected with a Superkick and followed up with Danger Zone (FKA ZigZag) to win the gold. The champion looks set to be in action tomorrow too as he requested to team with Hiroshi Tanahashi on night two of New Beginning in Sapporo. 

Other championship matches on the show ended with better luck for the champions. EVIL retained the NEVER Openweight Title against Shota Umino in another match riddled with House of Torture interference. Mayu Iwatani also remained the IWGP Women's Champion too with a victory over Mina Shirakawa.