Gabe Kidd Spits In Hiroshi Tanahashi’s Face, Wins IWGP Global Title At NJPW Road To G1 Climax

Gabe Kidd disrespects New Japan on his way to regaining gold.

One of two championship matches on the bill for the July 6th NJPW Road to G1 Climax show was Shota Umino defending the IWGP Global Heavyweight Title against AEW’s Gabe Kidd.

Before the match started, Kidd attacked the referee and then jumped in the face of NJPW President Hiroshi Tanahashi. Umino jetted to the ring to take the fight to Kidd.

While Kidd and Umino were brawling on the outside of the ring, Kidd threw the Global Title on the floor and then spit in Tanahashi’s face.

When the match officially got underway, Kidd delivered a piledriver to Umino on the floor. He spat in Tanahashi’s face again. He then took Umino back into the ring and gave him another piledriver, but that only got him a two count.

Kidd proceeded to lift Umino for a Death Rider, which got him the win and his second IWGP Global Heavyweight Title reign.

Tanahashi had to put the title around Kidd’s waist. Kidd allowed him to do so, but then turned around and slapped the NJPW President and threw the title on the ground.

Both Kidd and Umino are in the B block of the 2026 G1 Climax tournament.