Tomohiro Ishii wins Strong Openweight title at NJPW Windy City Riot

A new Strong Champion has been crowned.

Tomohiro Ishii pinned Gabe Kidd to win the Strong Openweight title for the first time. After their 30 minute iron man match ended in a draw, the match went into sudden death to determine a victor. Shortly thereafter, Ishii scored the win with a brainbuster to officially become champion.

Back at NJPW Battle in the Valley in January, Kidd and Ishii went to a time limit draw in a match that had also been for the Strong Openweight title. It was eventually agreed upon that a rematch would take place at Windy City Riot, with the stipulation being a 30 minute iron man match.

Kidd had held the NJPW Strong title for nearly a year. He defeated Eddie Kingston in a no rope last man standing match back at NJPW Strong Resurgance on May 11 of last year. His stock has risen during his championship run, facing Kenny Omega at Wrestle Dynasty on January 5.

There were two other title matches on Friday’s card. The World Class Wrecking Crew defeated Kevin Knight & KUSHIDA to retain the Strong Openweight Tag Team titles, while Hirooki Goto retained the IWGP World title over Shota Umino.

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