Tetsuya Naito captured the Singapore Pro Wrestling Championship on Friday, marking his first title victory since his departure from New Japan Pro Wrestling earlier this year.
The 43-year-old defeated the reigning champion and a promotion co-founder in a three-way match to win the belt. The match took place at the SPW Tranquilo event, held at the Foo Chow Building in Singapore.
Naito secured the victory by pinning Da Butcherman, ending his year-long reign as champion. The match also included “The Statement” Andruew Tang, who helped establish the promotion in 2012. According to SEA Wrestling, the event was sold out with over 600 fans in attendance.
Naito’s appearance comes six months after he officially left NJPW. His contract with the company expired on January 31, 2025, though he continued to make scheduled appearances until the Wrestling Dontaku series in May.
His exit ended a tenure that began in 2005, during which he became a three-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion and a leader of the Los Ingobernables de Japon faction.
Naito is expected to return to Singapore for multiple dates in 2026. His first title defense is slated to occur at the annual Champions Never Yield event in January, a staple of the SPW calendar.
SPW has previously hosted international talents such as Zack Sabre Jr. (NJPW), Viva Van (AEW), Lacey Lane (AEW), and Trent Seven (formerly of WWE).
