Yota Tsuji on There Being Some Things NJPW Can Learn from AEW For “Our New System” & Potentially Not Defending IWGP Heavyweight Title at Forbidden Door, Will Ospreay Responds

As noted before, current IWGP Heavyweight Champion Yota Tsuji has been public in the past about his issues with NJPW’s partnership with AEW and wanting NJPW to cut ties due to his belief that it has been hurting more than it has helped the company.

Tokyo Sports held a recent interview with Tsuji. One of the topics discussed included Tsuji’s thoughts about him liking AEW CEO Tony Khan and his belief that NJPW can learn from AEW to help benefit their new system.

“I like Tony Khan (the president of AEW). I only appeared in the FD once (at the 2024 tournament), but even though it was the zero hour (match 0), he came up to the wrestlers and said, ‘I’m a fan of yours. Thanks for coming.’ I think there are at least some things we can learn from AEW in our new system.”

Tsuji also gave his thoughts about the potential of him not defending the IWGP Heavyweight title at this year’s AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door event and his reason why he would not want to defend it or compete at the event.

“I think we must firmly protect what New Japan Pro Wrestling must not lose. Look back at the past. There were 4-way matches, open challenges, and retired wrestlers challenging… Do you think I would participate in an IWGP match when it’s being treated like this in FD? As the man who revived the IWGP Heavyweight Championship, I have to protect its value.”

Following the interview, Will Ospreay responded to Tsuji’s comments on Twitter about him not wanting to defend his IWGP Heavyweight title at Forbidden Door and his issues with Tsuji not wanting to represent NJPW as their top guy as champion overseas.

“Or maybe have some pride in representing your company as the top lad.

When I held any IWGP championship I wanted to travel the world calling out the best to show them all New Japan is the better.

Obviously his home market is Japan & he has done great job in the top spot to me this screams “ insecure” The roster clearly isn’t as driven as the guys I was once surrounded by. Just big belly boys wanting to keep playing “Free Play” Grow a sack, fill it with some nuts, call out the BITW & show the world how good New Japan is….”

Or maybe have some pride in representing your company as the top lad.

When I held any IWGP championship I wanted to travel the world calling out the best to show them all New Japan is the better.

Obviously his home market is Japan & he has done great job in the top spot to me… https://t.co/gwFS4NzjgN

— Will Ospreay • ウィル・オスプレイ (@WillOspreay) June 15, 2026