Andrade El Idolo is off to a strong start in 2026, and his year could get even bigger as he is set to challenge Yota Tsuji for the IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship later this month following his recent involvement with New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW).
At NJPW’s annual “The New Beginning in Osaka” event on February 11, Andrade faced Gabe Kidd in a pivotal match to earn the top contender spot for the IWGP Global Heavyweight title. The two had a falling out after their Wrestle Kingdom 20 encounter on January 4, but Andrade secured the victory in front of a sold-out crowd. His title match against Tsuji is scheduled to headline the upcoming “The New Beginning In USA” event on February 27 at the Cure Insurance Arena in Trenton, New Jersey.
On that same night in Osaka, Yota Tsuji successfully defended the IWGP Heavyweight Championship against Jake Lee in the main event. Post-Wrestle Kingdom 20, Tsuji clarified that the IWGP Heavyweight Championship would be the sole title defended by NJPW’s contracted wrestlers in Japan, while the IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship would serve as the premier international championship and a secondary title domestically.
Meanwhile, Andrade is also making waves in AEW. Ahead of his showdown with Tsuji, he will face Hangman Page at AEW Grand Slam Australia in Sydney, with the winner earning a shot at the AEW Men’s World Championship on March 15 at Revolution against either MJF or Brody King, who will also compete at Grand Slam Australia. Andrade’s path now has him three wins away from securing top titles in both AEW and NJPW.
Opinion: Andrade El Idolo beating Yota Tsuji isn’t such a bad idea
Andrade El Idolo is having a standout 2026, featuring prominently in both AEW’s main event scene and New Japan’s championship picture—a clear result of his dedication and hard work. In addition to besting Gabe Kidd at the Osaka event, Andrade has already defeated two former AEW Men’s World Champions, Swerve Strickland and Kenny Omega, highlighting his impressive resume. It wouldn’t be surprising or unreasonable for Andrade to overcome Tsuji in their upcoming match.
After Wrestle Kingdom 20, Tsuji brought clarity to NJPW’s complex title situation by reinstating the IWGP Heavyweight Championship’s classic lineage and design, merging it with the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship lineage, which itself merged with the IWGP Intercontinental Championship in 2021. Despite this move, the IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship is being positioned as NJPW’s international showpiece title, indicating the company’s intentions to bolster its global presence.
The 2010s were a golden era for NJPW’s international growth, but the pandemic and the decline of that era’s top stars have shifted the promotion’s focus back to its Japanese roots under Tsuji’s leadership. Tsuji is keen on restoring the IWGP Heavyweight Championship as the preeminent prize in professional wrestling, and holding a second belt on top of that could dilute that goal and physically drain Tsuji. Therefore, passing the IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship to Andrade makes strategic sense.
This move would consolidate NJPW’s domestic titles, cementing Tsuji’s reign as the singular top champion in Japan. Meanwhile, Andrade, a key figure in AEW, would frequently showcase the Global Heavyweight Title internationally, boosting NJPW’s global appeal. An early Tsuji loss allows Japanese talent to aim for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship with renewed vigor, raising competition and excitement in NJPW’s main event scene. While Andrade’s chances of capturing the AEW Men’s World Championship remain slim, holding NJPW’s premier international title would still establish him as a significant global wrestling figure and a worthy champion.
Fan Take: This development is crucial for AEW fans since Andrade El Idolo’s pursuit of NJPW gold underscores the growing synergy between AEW and New Japan, enriching storylines across both promotions. If Andrade captures the IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship, it could redefine cross-promotional dynamics and elevate the international profile of pro wrestling, offering fans fresh and exciting matchups on a global scale.
