Did we just witness a changing of the guard, or is Callum Newman’s reign a paper one?
I’m still trying to process the main event of Sakura Genesis. Seeing Callum Newman—the "Prince" himself—capture the IWGP Heavyweight Championship from Yota Tsuji at such a young age felt like a genuine shock to the system.
The match had its critics (I know, I know, the first half was a bit slow), but that closing stretch was pure adrenaline. It felt like NJPW finally pulled the trigger on the youth movement we've been begging for since Tanahashi's retirement at the Dome.
My question for you all: Is Newman ready to be the face of the United Empire and the company? Or did Tsuji lose the belt too early? I can’t help but feel like Shingo Takagi is going to be the ultimate test for Newman’s first defense. Shingo doesn't "pass torches"—you have to take them from his cold, dead hands.