AEW Champion Making Surprise Return To NJPW
One AEW champion is making their surprise return to NJPW for two major shows where they’ll be putting their title on the line.
At WrestleDream, Konosuke Takeshita made the most of his Don Callis Family as Kyle Fletcher screwed over his old friend Will Ospreay allowing Takeshita to pick up the win to become AEW International Champion.
Shortly after winning the gold, Takeshita put the title on the line at Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling and now it seems he’s ready to put the gold up for grabs again but not in AEW.
Konosuke Takeshita Defending AEW Title In NJPW
NJPW revealed a video on social media where Konosuke Takeshita revealed he was returning to the promotion for the US-based PPV cards – Fighting Spirit Unleashed on November 8th and Strong Style Evolved on December 15th. Takeshita put out an open challenge for the events and indicated that his title would be on the line.
BREAKING
A message from AEW International Champion @Takesoup – Takeshita returns to NJPW NOVEMBER 8 in Lowell!
November 8, Lowell MA #njFSUhttps://t.co/I3dyGYi2JG
December 15 Long Beach CA #njSSEhttps://t.co/V5YcU5DCE5#njpwpic.twitter.com/AbZx3xHsHs
— NJPW Global (@njpwglobal) October 29, 2024
Takeshita made his name in Japan as part of the DDT promotion with his only involvement with New Japan Pro Wrestling coming after he joined All Elite Wrestling. Takeshita was part of the cross-promoted Forbidden Door shows in 2023 and 2024 before being part of the 2024 G1 Climax tournament ultimately won by Zack Sabre Jr.
Takeshita will be far from the only AEW talent on the Fighting Spirit Unleashed show as Anna Jay, Trish Adora, the Grizzled Young Vets, and Lio Rush will all be competing.