Title Change Occurs At NJPW Summer Struggle
A rematch could be imminent
New Japan Pro Wrestling's second night of Summer Struggle in Sapporo played host to a title change.
Tetsuya Naito and SANADA of Los Ingobernables de Japon defeated Dangerous Tekkers (Taichi and Zack Sabre Jr) to become IWGP Tag Team champions on Sunday. The 37-minute match concluded with Naito pinning Sabre following his Destino.
Naito and SANADA focused their offense on Sabre's neck in preparation for Destino. Sabre had kicked out of one Destino earlier in the match.
This marks Naito and SANADA's first reign together as Tag Team champions, though both have previously been IWGP Tag Team champion. Naito held the titles back in 2010 with No Limit partner Yujiro Takahashi. SANADA won the titles at consecutive Wrestle Kingdoms with EVIL in 2018 and 2019.
Taichi and Sabre's reign as champions comes to an end after just 41 days. The two defeated Guerrillas of Destiny at Road to Dominion on June 1 to become champions.
Backstage after the match, Taichi and Sabre demanded a rematch at Wrestle Grand Slam on July 25. While Naito and SANADA appeared to agree to the challenge, it has not yet been made official by New Japan.
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.
