Yuji Nagata finally relinquished his grip on ZERO1’s World Heavyweight Title today, falling to generation rival and 01 boss Shinjiro Otani in a 20 minute thriller. Nagata seemed unstoppable in 01, having beaten Otani himself previously, as well as the two victories over Masato Tanaka, so had suggested that if he beat Otani again, 01 should be absorbed into New Japan. It wasn’t to be, as Otani edged out Mr. Saikyo with a Dragon suplex to recapture the belt. Nagata told Otani that he had raised the value of 01’s belt and now it was Otani’s responsibility to act as a strong pillar for the struggling company. The ZERO1 fans applauded Nagata, who will now likely focus on New Japan activities again.

ZERO1 “WRESTLER’S BELIEF ‘09″, 2/27/09
Tokyo Korakuen Hall

- World Heavyweight Title: Shinjiro Otani (c) beat Yuji Nagata (20:48) with a Dragon suplex to become the new champion.