Gabe Kidd Spits on Tanahashi, Attacks Referee, Recaptures IWGP Global Heavyweight Title at NJPW Road to G1 Climax

Gabe Kidd made his contempt for New Japan Pro-Wrestling abundantly clear on Monday, July 6, doing everything short of burning the building down before — and after — reclaiming the IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship at the Road to G1 Climax event.

The AEW star challenged Shota Umino for the title in one of two championship bouts on the card, and the chaos started before the opening bell. Kidd attacked the referee, setting an ugly tone for what followed. Once the match got underway, he ultimately came away with the win and the title, completing a reign-recapturing moment that puts gold back around his waist.

The most striking image of the night, however, came courtesy of a moment aimed squarely at New Japan legend Hiroshi Tanahashi — Kidd spat in his face, a brazen act of disrespect toward one of the promotion’s most beloved figures and a clear statement about how Kidd views the institution he’s now once again a champion of.

Kidd’s return to the top of the IWGP Global Heavyweight division is a significant development heading into what is traditionally one of New Japan’s most important stretches of the calendar year, with the G1 Climax tournament looming on the horizon. Whether Tanahashi, Umino, or someone else steps up to respond to his latest provocation remains to be seen, but Kidd has given the entire locker room — and fanbase — plenty of reason to want to see him dethroned.