NJPW The New Beginning USA: Boltin & Takeshita Win Titles | Results & Highlights

TRENTON, NJ – A pair of championships changed hands at New Japan Pro-Wrestling’s The New Beginning USA event held Friday night in Trenton, New Jersey. Oleg Boltin emerged as the new STRONG Openweight Champion, while Konosuke Takeshita claimed the NJPW World Television Championship in a dramatic match that went to overtime.

Boltin’s victory over Tomohiro Ishii marked a significant moment in his New Japan Pro-Wrestling career, securing his third title with the promotion. He defeated Ishii with a combination of a Verdict (F5) and a Kamikaze (rolling fireman’s carry slam). This win represents Boltin’s second singles title in NJPW, following his 120-day reign as NEVER Openweight Champion last year. He currently also holds a share of the NEVER Openweight Six-Man Tag Team Championship alongside Hirooki Goto and YOSHI-HASHI, making him a three-time winner of that title as well.

Ishii’s reign as STRONG Openweight Champion, which began in April 2025 with a victory over Gabe Kidd at Windy City Riot in Chicago, Illinois, came to an complete. He had only recently defended the title, making Boltin’s win a relatively swift change at the top of the division.

The NJPW World Television Championship also saw a new holder crowned as Konosuke Takeshita defeated El Phantasmo. The match initially concluded in a time limit draw, prompting a surprising challenge from ELP for an overtime period. Takeshita accepted, ultimately securing the victory with a powerdrive kneestrike and raging fire. This marks Takeshita’s first reign as NJPW World Television champion, adding to a decorated career that already includes championships in the IWGP Heavyweight, IWGP Intercontinental, and NEVER Openweight divisions.

For El Phantasmo, the loss represents a second defeat in his pursuit of retaining the NJPW World Television Championship. He originally won the belt from Ren Narita at Wrestle Kingdom 19 in January 2025, in a four-way match that also featured Jeff Cobb (now competing as JC Mateo on SmackDown) and Ryohei Oiwa. He subsequently lost the title to Great-O-Khan in April, but regained it later that same month, demonstrating a resilience that was on full display in Trenton with his call for overtime.

The New Beginning USA event showcased a night of compelling action and significant shifts in the championship landscape within New Japan Pro-Wrestling. Boltin’s ascent to the STRONG Openweight Championship represents a continuation of his momentum within the promotion, while Takeshita’s victory signals a new chapter in his already impressive career. Both title changes are likely to have ripple effects throughout their respective divisions, setting the stage for future rivalries and championship pursuits.

Boltin’s path to the STRONG Openweight Championship has been marked by versatility, demonstrating success in both singles and tag team competition. His ability to adapt and compete at a high level across different formats has clearly contributed to his success. The win over Ishii, a known powerhouse and a respected veteran, further solidifies Boltin’s position as a top contender in NJPW.

Takeshita’s victory in the NJPW World Television Championship match was particularly noteworthy due to the dramatic circumstances surrounding it. ELP’s challenge for overtime, and Takeshita’s acceptance, created a unique and intense atmosphere that ultimately led to a decisive victory for the new champion. This willingness to compete under pressure and embrace the unexpected is a testament to Takeshita’s competitive spirit.

The outcomes of both championship matches at The New Beginning USA are poised to influence the direction of New Japan Pro-Wrestling in the coming months. Fans will be keenly watching to see how Boltin and Takeshita navigate their new roles as champions, and how their respective divisions respond to these changes at the top.