On the heels of this sellout and in the middle of a great War of the Worlds tour, New Japan Pro-Wrestling had a surprise announcement for the fans of New Japan Pro-Wrestling.

New Japan Pro-Wrestling Chairman Naoki Sugabayshi, and referee Tiger Hattori, Kevin Kelly, Ring of Honor COO Joe Koff, George Carroll Jr and ROH Ambassador Cary Silkin stood in a sold out Hammerstein Ballroom in Manhattan, New York and shocked the world.

New Japan officials took note of the demand for the global branding and wanted to ensure that the already epic G1 in the USA specials on July 1 & 2 become truly landmark events in the history of professional wrestling.

It was announced that at the G1 in the US Specials in Long Beach California, the stars of New Japan Pro-Wrestling and Ring of Honor will complete in a round robin tournament.

For the first time in its 45 year history, New Japan Pro-Wrestling will add their first championship based in the US. At the G1 Specials in the USA, The winner of this tournament will become the New IWGP United States Champion!

It was also announced that former ROH World Champion Jay Lethal would be the first competitor announced for this epic tournament!

The Bullet Club’s Hangman Page attempted to crash that party and let Lethal and NJPW officials know that he wants to be the first champion!