NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Championship

Lore & Background

Born from the desire to expand competitive opportunities beyond standard tag divisions, the NEVER Six Man Title embodies the spirit of innovation. It was designed to allow wrestlers who might not pair naturally as a duo to shine within a trio format. This flexibility has led to memorable combinations where technical masters share the ring with powerhouses. Throughout its history, the belt has been a focal point for major factions like Suzuki-gun and Bullet Club. These groups utilized the championship to demonstrate their numerical superiority and depth of talent. The title often acts as a proving ground for future main event stars, granting them visibility in high-profile segments without requiring them to hold an IWGP Tag Team Championship. The legacy of this belt is intertwined with major NJPW events, including Dominion and Wrestle Kingdom. Defending the title here requires stamina and adaptability, as matches often span long durations involving complex tag rules. It remains a symbol of unity and strength within the promotion's competitive hierarchy.

In Their Own Story

The arena lights dimmed to a single spotlight cutting through the haze above the ring. Three men stood tall in the center, their boots planted firmly on the canvas. The silver plates of the NEVER championship gleamed against the dark backdrop, heavy with history and sweat. The crowd roared, a deafening wave of sound that vibrated through the steel ropes. They had fought for this moment, trading blows across weeks of grueling matches. Tonight, the belt was theirs to hold until the next challenger dared step into the ring.

Reader's Guide

The NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Championship debuted in 2013 following a tournament at Dominion, establishing the inaugural trio of Okada, Naito, and Nagata as champions. Originally conceived under the NEVER brand philosophy, it provided a platform for trios regardless of weight class or divisional affiliation. Over the years, the belt has seen design updates to match NJPW's evolving aesthetic while retaining its core silver plating. Various factions have dominated the title, including Suzuki-gun and Bullet Club, using it to showcase their depth beyond standard tag teams. The championship is frequently defended in high-stakes matches during major tour stops like Wrestle Kingdom or G1 Climax. While individual reigns vary, the title often serves as a stepping stone for future IWGP Heavyweight contenders. Record-breaking reigns have occurred, though specific durations fluctuate due to frequent tournament defenses and injury vacates. The belt remains a prestigious accolade, symbolizing the strength of three-man alliances within the promotion's hierarchy. Its existence ensures that six-man tag action retains top-tier status alongside traditional dual-team competition in New Japan Pro-Wrestling history.

Did You Know?

• The inaugural champions were crowned at Dominion in June 2013.
• It is open to wrestlers from any weight class division within the promotion.
• Bullet Club and Suzuki-gun have both held significant reigns with this title.
• The belt design has been updated multiple times since its inception.