'Thrillbilly' Mason Retains NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship in Japan - News
NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion "Thrillbilly" Silas Mason Deats Shotaro Ashino at AJPW's Super Power Series.
National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) Worlds Heavyweight Champion Silas Mason successfully retained the legendary “Ten Pounds of Gold” on Wednesday, defeating Shotaro Ashino at All Japan Pro Wrestling’s (AJPW) Super Power Series 2026 at Korakuen Hall.
Continuing his international “Thrill ’Em All Tour,” Mason defeated one of All Japan Pro Wrestling’s fastest-rising stars in front of a packed crowd in one of Japan’s most historic wrestling venues.
A former two-time AJPW World Tag Team Champion, Ashino entered the title match with an impressive résumé that includes two reigns as Wrestle-1 Champion. The protégé of Keiji Mutoh, better known as The Great Muta, and Kaz Hayashi pushed the reigning NWA champion to the limit before ultimately falling victim to Mason’s patented “Thrillride” finishing maneuver.
“He’s a tough brother and we had one hell of a fight in front of the great fans of All Japan Pro Wrestling,” Mason said after the match.
“But when you challenge for the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Title, you’re not just stepping into the ring for the Ten Pounds of Gold,” he continued. “You’re stepping in there with ‘The Biggest Man Who Ever Lived.’ You’re facing Silas Mason.”
The victory marked the first defense of the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship in Japan in more than two years and added another milestone to Mason’s growing championship reign.
Mason captured the title from Thom Latimer at NWA 77 in Long Island, New York, last August and has since compiled an impressive list of successful title defenses. During his reign, he became the first NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion of the Lightning One Era to defend the championship across all NWA-recognized territories.
To date, Mason has defended the title in 12 states and Japan, earning victories over former champion Latimer, Rich Swann, former NWA World Television Champion Bryan Idol and other top challengers.
Mason’s next televised title defense is scheduled for Saturday’s episode of NWA Powerrr, where he will face 6-foot-9, 376-pound challenger El Dragon Nihan. The matchup will air at 4 p.m. ET on Comet TV.
Looking ahead, Mason is also slated to compete at NWA 78 on July 25 at Philadelphia’s 2300 Arena. The event will celebrate the National Wrestling Alliance’s 78th anniversary and is expected to feature the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship in the main event.
For complete details about the National Wrestling Alliance, upcoming NWA Live Events, and more, visit: NationalWrestlingAlliance.com.