Maple Leaf Pro will crown the reimagined Champion’s Grail champion at their “Forged In Excellence” event.
Scott D’Amore relaunched Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling last month, his first major act since leaving TNA. Along with Qatar Pro Wrestling and Oceania Pro Wrestling, MPW formed the Pro Wrestling Alliance. This came with a view to work together on talent exchanges, champion vs. champion dream matches and other collaborations.
This includes bringing back an iconic championship from one of the legends of Japanese wrestling. In a recent press release, MLP announced that a reimagined version of the “Champion’s Grail” title will be on spotlight at its “Forged In Excellence” event later this month.
The match to crown the first champion will be between TNA Wrestling’s Jake Something and Rohan Raja. This will be on MLP’s Forged in Excellence, live from Windsor, Ontario, Canada, on Night One, October 19.
MLP’s Press Release About The Champion’s Grail
In their press release, MLP went through the history of the Champion’s Grail. They revealed that it was first won by Rikidōzan and his partner Toyonobori, represented by a pair of trophies.
Nearly half a century later, Kenny Omega won another version of the trophy. However, this was part of the cancelled “Wrestling Retribution Project”. Due to it being cancelled, the win was never televised.
In the press release, they explained the history of the Champion’s Grail, writing;
“The origins of the first Champion’s Grail date back to July 1, 1962, when the legendary Rikidōzan and his partner Toyonobori triumphed over Mike Sharpe and Buddy Austin in Toyonaka, Japan, and were awarded magnificent eagle-topped trophies with a chalice. Following Rikidōzan’s tragic passing in 1963, his trophy remained a sacred family heirloom, preserved for over sixty years. “
“With the blessing of Rikidōzan’s family, MAPLE LEAF PRO and the PWA have reimagined the Champion’s Grail for the modern era. This new title also integrates the legacy of the second Champion’s Grail. Which was claimed by Canadian wrestling icon Kenny Omega in 2011. Omega emerged victorious in a legendary tournament featuring names like MVP, LA Knight, Chris Hero, Adam Pearce, Brian Cage, The Good Brothers, and “Psycho” Mike Rollins.”
They added that the belt’s design will take inspiration from Rikidozan’s trophies.
Thoughts?