• New World Champion Crowned In NJPW, Shinsuke Nakamura’s Youngest Champion Record Broken (Photos)
History was made at NJPW Sakura Genesis 2026 as Callum Newman shocked the world to become the new IWGP Heavyweight Champion. At just 23 years and 7 months old, Newman is now the youngest person to ever hold the title, breaking a record that was held by Shinsuke Nakamura since 2003.
The main event saw Newman face off against the champion, Yota Tsuji. Newman didn’t come alone; the entire United Empire faction (including AEW star Will Ospreay) walked him to the ring.
The match had a major turning point when Newman tried to use a steel chair. In a surprising moment, Ospreay actually stopped him from using the weapon. Instead, Newman relied on his own skill, hitting a massive Hidden Blade. Newman pinned Tsuji and became the new champion.
.@PrinceofpaceCN "Hidden Blade"
From the profile URL#njpwworld #njSG pic.twitter.com/0D1Ed0NDzB
— NJPW WORLD (@njpwworld) April 4, 2026
After the match, Ospreay placed the championship around Newman’s waist in an emotional celebration.
The new champion won’t have much time to rest, though. Shingo Takagi immediately came to the ring to challenge him, making it clear that Newman already has a target on his back for his first title defense.
• Real Reason Behind Pat McAfee’s WWE Return & Heel Turn
The decision to put Pat McAfee into the massive Cody Rhodes vs. Randy Orton storyline on SmackDown wasn’t a typical move from the WWE writing team.
According to PWInsider, this didn’t start as a creative idea from Triple H or his writers. Instead, it was reportedly an order from the higher-ups at TKO. Some sources even believe the directive came straight from Ari Emanuel, who runs the parent company and also happens to be McAfee’s agent.
The goal behind this move is mostly about business and promotion. Since ESPN is broadcasting its first-ever WrestleMania this year, WWE wanted a way to bridge the gap between sports fans and wrestling fans.
McAfee is a powerhouse on ESPN. By putting him in the main event picture, WWE gives the sports network a huge reason to promote WrestleMania 42 to a mainstream audience.
While it might feel sudden to some fans, the move is designed to make the event feel like a must-watch sports spectacle for people who might not usually tune into wrestling.
While the writers are now tasked with making it work on TV, it’s clear that the suits in the front office are the ones who pulled the strings on this one.
UPDATE: Pat McAfee Makes A Bold WrestleMania 42 Deal After Heel Turn
