AEW star Eddie Kingston is the new NJPW Strong Openweight Champion.

Kingston won the title from KENTA in a hard-fought battle that took place at Wednesday's NJPW Strong Independence Day event from Japan.

KENTA's reign ends at 44 days. He had been champion since beating Hikuleo at Resurgence.

In a backstage interview after the win, Kingston fought back tears as he spoke about the significance of the win.

"I was a street kid doing stupid things," he said. "I was the kind of guy that somebody could have killed or I could have gone to jail. But I didn't. It's because wrestling, Japanese wrestling, supported me. If I can do it, anyone can do it."

Elsewhere on the show, Giulia dethroned Willow Nightingale to capture the NJPW Strong Women's Championship.