New Japan Pro Wrestling confirmed during today’s NJPW Hyper Battle 2022 Day 5 event at the Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo, Japan that the IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship has been declared vacant.

SANADA, who suffered an orbital fracture during the New Japan Cup 2022, announced that he had to vacate the title, with no timetable set for his in-ring return.

The new Champion will be decided in a match between Hiroshi Tanahashi and Will Ospreay at NJPW Wrestling Dontaku 2022 on May 1st.