Inoki also held the title which was held by the legends such as Bruno Sammartino, Pedro Morales, Bob Backlund, Hulk Hogan, and Ric Flair.

Although New Japan had almost no relation with the NWA, it had a strong working relationship with WWF, and champion Bob Backlund came to Japan and several great matches with Inoki. In his fourth title challange, Inoki finllay won the title; however, the rematch ended as no-contest, and Inoki vacated the title being unsatisfied with the finish.

Although it was a short moment, Inoki became the first Japanese to win the title, and this can be considered as the equivalent to Baba's NWA World title win.

See the detailed history of the title, courtesy of The Great Hisa's Puroresu Dojo.

UWA, a major organization of Mexico, also used to have a strong relationship with New Japan. The title, which was held by Mexican stars including Canek and Dos Caras, was won by Tiger Jeet Singh who appeared on UWA cards through the deal with New Japan and became the third champion. The title was put on the line during his feud against Inoki, and Inoki won the title from Singh to become the fourth champion. At the time, Inoki held three titles : NWF Heavyweight, WWF Martial Art World Heavyweight, and the UWA World Heavyweight titles. In rematch in Okinawa, Inoki was disqualified and lost the title back to Singh, who later lost it to Canek in Mexico (NOTE by translator : North America is the only place I know where titles only change by pinfall, submission or knockout).

Later, Riki Choshu won the belt in Mexico but lost it right before returning to Japan. Choshu, who was hoping to return home with the belt, could not tell the press about losing the title, and with frustration, started the famous 10-year feud against Tatsumi Fujinami.

See the detailed history of the title, courtesy of The Great Hisa's Puroresu Dojo.