As New Japan pro wrestling gains traction in America, the IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship becomes a title targeted more and more by the world's top wrestlers. With only a handful of champions able to attain the New Belt, a U.S. title shot is an opportunity for a wrestler to attach themselves to New Japan's history as well as its expansive future. I'm Kevin Kelly and this is the recount where today we're diving into the history of the IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship. The U.S. title was announced in May of 2017. Months before New Japan's first independent U.S. event, the G1 Special in the U.S.A. Its conception represented a commitment to overseas fans, a commitment to host recurrent matches in the United States beginning in Long Beach, California. The inaugural champion was to be the survivor of the G1 Special, eight man single elimination tournament that pit contestants of all origins against each other. And then it was down to two chaos's Tomohiro Ishi versus Bullet Clubs Kenny Omega. With Ishi eliminating him in the first round of the New Japan Cup months before Omega was out to repay the favor. After an exhausting night tapped off of the one-win danger, the first IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship belonged to Kenny Omega. Omega would hold the title for over 200 days with four successful defenses to his name. One of them being against an industry legend Chris Jericho. Alpha versus Omega electrified the Tokyo Dome, but ultimately the champ retained his belt. Meanwhile, Jay White returned to New Japan in November 2017 and brought with him a dark new shift in personality. Calling himself the switchblade, he wasted no time in getting his hands on a belt. Seeing potential in the merciless former young lion, Omega put forth a proposition. I know exactly what we need. Switchblade, you remind me of the cleaner Kenny Omega in 2015. I would like to honor you. But switchblade had his own plans. There's your news being made out of New Year's cash. Wait a minute! What the hell? Blame Runner! What is that? Taking advantage of the generosity of Omega. January 28th at New Beginning in Sapporo, White challenged Omega for the IWGP US Heavyweight title and it looked like the cleaner was going to make quick work of it. The New Zealander became the second ever wrestler to hold the belt and the following title defenses helped him enhance his cutthroat techniques. But the success further depraved White, turning him downright vicious when his former young lion mate, Juice Robinson, decided to take him on. Juice Robinson having thus far failed to capture a singles title in his career hoped to make the leap in the historic Cal Palace at the G1 Special in San Francisco. He could finally see glory in his home country. The odds were heavily stacked against him. Juice has been known to fall short even at 100% and has broken hand the left hand of God plays an important role in his finishing move. But the stars aligned in Juice SA. The flamboyant Juice Robinson now sits in New Japan Pro Wrestling history as the first American IWGP in the United States Heavyweight Champion. However, there will always be a long list of challengers eager to claim the belt for themselves.