Zack Sabre Jr. has regained the gold.
At NJPW Windy City Riot on April 12, Zack Sabre Jr. defeated Matt Riddle to win the NJPW World Television Championship. They battled back and forth, and Sabre Jr. caught Riddle with a crucifix to clinch the victory.
With the win, Zack Sabre Jr. won the title for the second time. He was the inaugural champion, as he won a tournament for the title. Sabre Jr. held the gold for 365 days and lost it to Hiroshi Tanahashi at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 18. Riddle defeated Tanahashi to win the title at New Beginning in Sapporo on February 23.
After the match, Jeff Cobb confronted Zack Sabre Jr. after the new champion said he planned to defend the title in the United States soon, setting the stage for a title bout.
Zack Sabre Jr. Dethrones Matt Riddle
Here’s how the match broke down, courtesy of our play-by-play coverage:
Zack Sabre Jr. stretches Riddle from a surfboard position. Riddle locks in an arm-bar through the ropes. He suplexes Sabre Jr. and hits a senton. Riddle gets a two-count with a stiff shot. Sabre Jr. hits a tornado DDT and locks in a guillotine. He goes for an arm-bar. Riddle hits a German suplex and a floating bro. They trade blows, and both men are down. Riddle nails Sabre Jr. with a knee strike. They keep going back and forth, and Sabre Jr. stacks Riddle up for the three count.
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