The 1998 movie coined the term "GINO", Godzilla in Name Only. It was just a mutant lizard. That was born pregnant. And had it's spawning grounds on Manhattan Island. (The critter was from around Tahiti so the link was never explained.)
If they hadn't named it "Godzilla" it might have been acceptable to the kaiju fans.
If they hadn't named it "Godzilla" it might have been acceptable to the kaiju fans.