New Japan's english site did an interview with Sanada about him working with AEW at Forbidden Door and real recognizes real across international boundries:
SANADA: It does, it really does. When you’re chasing this title, there isn’t anything you have to protect, not just the belt itself but the image behind it. When I was over with AEW, I felt how important that IWGP label is.
–Do you think that trip made it hit home for you?
SANADA: I got to chat with CM Punk, and he was like ‘that belt is the coolest’. You know, for a CM Punk to know who you are and what you’re doing, that speaks to how widely the IWGP Champion is known.