NJPW New Beginning USA 2026 Sees Title Changes and Farewell Match

The annual NJPW event in the US featured championship shifts and a veteran's final bout

Mar. 3, 2026 at 8:39am

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New Japan Pro-Wrestling's (NJPW) The New Beginning USA 2026, held on February 27 in Trenton, New Jersey, saw several title changes and the farewell match of veteran wrestler David Finlay. The event featured eight matches, including six title bouts, as NJPW made a substantial return to the US after nearly a year away.

Why it matters

The title changes and cross-promotional dynamics at The New Beginning USA 2026 highlight NJPW's continued growth and ambition to solidify its position as a leading force in the global wrestling landscape. The event also marked an emotional farewell for a respected veteran, David Finlay, as the promotion looks to the future with rising stars.

The details

The evening featured several championship changes, including Boltin Oleg defeating Tomohiro Ishii to capture the STRONG Openweight Championship, Konosuke Takeshita claiming the NJPW World Television Championship from El Phantasmo, and the Knockout Brothers (OSKAR and Yuto-Ice) retaining the IWGP Tag Team Championship. Ricochet successfully defended his AEW National Championship against Taiji Ishimori, while Syuri maintained her grip on the IWGP Women's Championship by defeating Athena. Yota Tsuji also retained the IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship against Andrade El Idolo.

  • The New Beginning USA 2026 took place on February 27, 2026 in Trenton, New Jersey.

The players

Boltin Oleg

A rising star in NJPW who defeated Tomohiro Ishii to capture the STRONG Openweight Championship.

Konosuke Takeshita

Claimed the NJPW World Television Championship by defeating El Phantasmo.

The Knockout Brothers (OSKAR and Yuto-Ice)

Retained the IWGP Tag Team Championship against Gates of Agony.

Ricochet

Successfully defended his AEW National Championship against Taiji Ishimori.

Syuri

Maintained her grip on the IWGP Women's Championship by defeating Athena.

Yota Tsuji

Retained the IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship against Andrade El Idolo.

David Finlay

A veteran wrestler who had his final NJPW match, defeating Fred Rosser.

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What they’re saying

“I am the present of professional wrestling, and NJPW is the dominant force in this industry.”

— Yota Tsuji

What’s next

Boltin Oleg's victory over Tomohiro Ishii suggests a significant push for the young wrestler, potentially leading to a main event run in the future.

The takeaway

The title changes and cross-promotional dynamics at The New Beginning USA 2026 highlight NJPW's continued growth and ambition to solidify its position as a leading force in the global wrestling landscape, while also marking an emotional farewell for a respected veteran, David Finlay.