NJPW G1 CLIMAX 31 winner Kazuchika Okada, in a post-G1 CLIMAX press conference requested the return of the fourth generation IWGP Heavyweight Championship over the traditional G1 CLIMAX briefcase, a decision that NJPW Chairman Naoki Sugabayashi stated will need some consideration from management.

Speaking at the press conference, Okada had the following to say, “There’s usually a briefcase with a contract inside, but after the way things ended yesterday, I want to face Ibushi again and since Ibushi retired that title, I want it as proof of my promise to him, to have a title belt instead of a contract.”

NJPW Chairman questioned Okada as to whether he would want this in place of the traditional G1 CLIMAX contract, to which Okada stated was correct, with Sugabayashi requesting time for some consideration.

Okada, understanding the decision from management for some consideration stated, “If it were to be a contract, last night Tama Tonga came to me after the match and I have no qualms with putting it on the line against him, but I want to fire up New Japan in my own way, not as the IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, but as the G1 Champion. Until I get to face Ibushi again and I don’t know where or when that will be, but if I have this belt, I plan to keep it until then. I won the G1 and I want to face Ibushi again, but I feel there should be something concrete to represent that. I’m not a Champion and I don’t have anything to put up, the IWGP Heavyweight Championship that Ibushi retired though…I’m not saying that people should call me the ‘X-ieth Heavyweight Champion’ or anything, but I want to hold that belt until Ibushi gets back. Usually the G1 winner gets a contract and defends that, but maybe I can, in fact since the Chairman is here today, I’m asking to have the fourth IWGP Heavyweight belt in place of a contract, is that ok Chairman?”

New Japan Pro Wrestling have yet to issue an additional update regarding Okada’s comments, however we will keep you updated.