Takeshita Wins IWGP World Title, Syuri Reclaims IWGP Women's Title

Konosuke Takeshita captured the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship and Syuri reclaimed the IWGP Womens title as New Japan Pro-Wrestling held King of Pro-Wrestling on Monday night at Ryogoku Sumo Hall in Tokyo. Takeshita defeated reigning champion Zack Sabre Jr. in the main event, while Syuri opened the show by pinning Sareee to become a two-time IWGP Womens Champion.

Takeshita earned the top prize by striking with his Powerdrive Knee to pin Sabre Jr., ending Sabre Jr.'s 106-day reign. Takeshita had secured his title opportunity by winning this year's G1 Climax and elected to cash in the guaranteed shot at King of Pro-Wrestling rather than waiting for Wrestle Kingdom. After the match he acknowledged that some fans were upset by the result and said, "if they were, they should come and say it to his face." Hirooki Goto immediately confronted Takeshita and declared himself next in line; Takeshita later said he would face Goto before Wrestle Kingdom.

Syuri defeated Sareee with a buzzsaw kick followed by her finishing hold, the Syusekai, handing Sareee a loss in the opening match. Sareee had defended the IWGP Womens Championship earlier this month while appearing in North America,...