Oleg Boltin and Konosuke Takeshita Claim NJPW Titles at The New Beginning USA

Trenton, New Jersey – New Japan Pro-Wrestling’s (NJPW) The New Beginning USA event on February 27, 2026, saw two championship changes. Oleg Boltin defeated Tomohiro Ishii to turn into the new STRONG Openweight Champion, while Konosuke Takeshita triumphed over El Phantasmo to capture the NJPW World Television Championship.

Boltin Ends Ishii’s Reign

Oleg Boltin secured his first NJPW STRONG Openweight Championship victory, pinning Tomohiro Ishii after a hard-fought contest. Fightful reports this is Boltin’s second singles title win in New Japan Pro-Wrestling, having previously held the NEVER Openweight Championship. He is also currently one-third of the NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Champions alongside Hirooki Goto and YOSHI-HASHI.

Ishii’s reign, which began in April 2025 with a victory over Gabe Kidd at Windy City Riot in Chicago, Illinois, consisted of only one successful defense before falling to Boltin. Post Wrestling described the match as being worked like a high-end G1 Climax match, with Ishii even kicking out of Boltin’s signature Kamikaze maneuver. Boltin ultimately secured the win with a Verdict (F-5) followed by a second Kamikaze.

Takeshita Wins World Television Championship After Overtime Bout

Konosuke Takeshita added to his championship pedigree by defeating El Phantasmo to become the new NJPW World Television Champion. The match initially ended in a 15-minute time limit draw, prompting ELP to propose a five-minute overtime period, which Takeshita accepted. TPWW.net details that Takeshita secured the victory with a powerdrive kneestrike and a raging fire.

This marks Takeshita’s first reign as NJPW World Television Champion. He has previously held the IWGP Heavyweight Championship, IWGP Intercontinental Championship, and NEVER Openweight Championship. ELP is a two-time former NJPW World Television champion, having previously won the belt in January 2025 and regaining it later that same year.

Two Titles Change Hands

The New Beginning USA event proved to be a night of change for NJPW, with both the STRONG Openweight Championship and the NJPW World Television Championship changing hands. These title changes set the stage for new storylines and challenges within the promotion.