NJPW King of Pro-Wrestling 2026 delivered five title matches and major angle shifts, with title changes and fractious alliances reshaping the promotional landscape heading into Power Struggle. The fallout from Sumo Hall is already booking the next phase of New Japan’s main event scene.
#1. Will Ospreay
The United Empire leader lost his NEVER Openweight Six-Man Tag titles to Unbound Co. at King of Pro-Wrestling, but the real story is the internal tension with Callum Newman that erupted during the match—Ospreay secured a visual pin that the ref didn’t count, and now he’s chasing IWGP Tag gold with Newman at Power Struggle. Ospreay remains the promotion’s most prominent gaijin and is driving multiple concurrent angles.
#2. Yota Tsuji
🏆 IWGP Heavyweight Champion
Defended his title against 2026 G1 Climax winner Ryohei Oiwa at King of Pro-Wrestling in what was positioned as one of the event’s marquee matches. This is his second reign and second defense, keeping him firmly locked in as NJPW’s top heavyweight.
#3. Gabe Kidd
🏆 IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion
Successfully retained the IWGP Global title against Shota Umino at King of Pro-Wrestling, and now faces Taichi at Power Struggle—a challenger angle that suggests Kidd’s reign remains a focal point despite (or because of) his polarizing character work.
#4. Jeff Cobb
Co-led Unbound Co. to the NEVER Openweight Six-Man Tag titles at King of Pro-Wrestling, pinning Will Ospreay in the process and positioning himself as a credible threat to United Empire. Cobb’s stock rises significantly with a title capture over a top-tier opponent.
#5. Ryohei Oiwa
The 2026 G1 Climax winner earned his shot against IWGP Champion Yota Tsuji at King of Pro-Wrestling, putting him directly in the heavyweight title picture. His G1 victory carries obvious trajectory into the promotion’s biggest matches.
#6. Shota Umino
Challenged for the IWGP Global title against Gabe Kidd at King of Pro-Wrestling, signaling his placement in the secondary heavyweight title scene. Umino remains a top challenger in NJPW’s depth chart.
#7. Great-O-Khan
Lost the NEVER Openweight Six-Man Tag titles with United Empire at King of Pro-Wrestling but remains a core member of the promotion’s top faction. Khan is featured in high-profile matches but isn’t driving his own storylines independently.
#8. Callum Newman
Now positioned for a tag title shot at Power Struggle with Will Ospreay, but the angle hinges on tension between the partners—Newman is relevant because of the drama with Ospreay, not because of standalone momentum. His role is secondary despite the opportunity.
#9. Taichi
Earned a Power Struggle title shot against IWGP Global Champion Gabe Kidd, positioning himself as a serious challenger to the secondary heavyweight strap. Taichi’s booking suggests upward momentum heading into the next event.
#10. HENARE
Lost the NEVER Openweight Six-Man Tag titles with United Empire but remains a trusted member of the faction. HENARE is featured but not yet a prominent singles draw in NJPW’s current landscape.
