PHOTO: New Japan Pro Wrestling Unveils IWGP United States Title; Tournament Announced to Crown the First Champion

May 12, 2017

War of the Worlds 2017 Lethal - Daniels - Cody art

Moments before the start of Friday night’s ROH War of the Worlds IPPV, which was co-branded by New Japan Pro Wrestling, the company unveiled their brand new IWGP United States Championship. A two-night tournament was also announced for the upcoming NJPW specials in Long Beach this July to crown the inaugural champion. Jay Lethal has been announced as the first tournament participant.

While we are still waiting on more details, it is expected that the IWGP United States Championship will be the primary belt defended once New Japan rolls out their U.S. expansion in 2018, which will include the launch of a new developmental center in California. With so many American stars currently performing for the promotion, as well as their partnerships within the country and future plans of expansion, this is a move that obviously makes a lot of sense going forward.

Breaking News
G1 Specials in the US will have a 2 night tourney for the IWGP United States Championship https://t.co/GsbwNuB2sY for updates pic.twitter.com/TqjSpAg9pa

— NJPW Global (@njpwglobal) May 13, 2017

Nick was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, and lived there until the age of 18, when he decided to pack his flack jacket and move to New York City.

Nick attended New York University and graduated in 2001 with a degree in Drama.

Nick first entered the internet wrestling community back in 2004 when he became the co-host of The Voice of Wrestling Radio Show. From there, Nick made the transition from radio personality to editor when he began working with WrestleZone in 2008.

Nick is a member of two Off-Broadway theatre companies, Another Urban Riff, and the Drama Desk Award winning Godlight Theatre Company. Nick has appeared in over a dozen Off-Broadway plays since he moved to New York City, and has shot several short and feature length films. In 2010, he completed principle photography on a film titled "How to Score Your Life," which also features TNA Knockout ODB.

Inspiration in his life has come from many people including his family, Woody Allen, Steven Spielberg, Jack Nicholson, The Beatles, and of course, Lassie.