“The Wrestler” has won the ROH Pure Championship.
In recent weeks, Wheeler Yuta has set his sights on Katsuyori Shibata, the head coach of the New Japan Dojo for New Japan Pro-Wrestling. Shibata challenged Yuta for the title at ROH Supercard of Honor on March 31, and the veteran scored the win with a stiff kick to bring Yuta’s reign to an end.
The match marked Shibata’s fifth match since he was forced to retire due to a subdural hematoma in 2017. He competed in an exhibition match against Zack Sabre Jr. at the G1 Climax 2021 Finals, and he battled Ren Narita at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 16. Shibata also faced Orange Cassidy on the November 4 episode of AEW Rampage.
Yuta previously won the title by defeating Daniel Garcia at ROH Final Battle 2022.