When Karl Anderson signed a new contract with WWE as the reigning NEVER Openweight Champion, it set up a situation where NJPW would need to work alongside WWE. Originally set to defend the belt on November 5th, Anderson would miss that date in favour of wrestling for WWE in Saudi Arabia instead. Now, he’s going to defend on December 14th – now being scheduled to show up on the final night of World Tag League & Super Junior Tag League.
Karl Anderson Expected To Wrestle On January 4th As Well
His next opponent in NJPW will be Hikule’o, who he was set to face on November 5th. Instead on that night, Hikule’o would run through Yujiro Takahashi in a matter of minutes, and is set to be a major problem for Anderson on December 14th.
However, it seems unlikely Hikule’o will win the belt on that night – as Anderson is already factored into plans for January 4th with Wrestle Kingdom 17. A report Fightful Select had the following information.
“Those that we’ve spoken to said that the plan is still for Anderson to work more dates beyond his title defense in December, noting that he’s always been penciled in and planning to work the Tokyo Dome show. He and Gallows had committed to working those dates even before they left IMPACT Wrestling.”
WWE & AEW Both Sending Names For Wrestle Kingdom
It seems likely that we will instead get Tama Tonga vs. Karl Anderson for the NEVER Openweight Championship at Wrestle Kingdom 17 – allowing for Tama to get a big title victory on the biggest possible stage. This also means we will have a show with both WWE & AEW talent working with NJPW, as Kenny Omega has been announced to return to NJPW for Wrestle Kingdom 17.
Wrestle Kingdom 17 is shaping up to be a truly historic event, with the card currently consisting of the following matches.
Jay White vs. Kazuchika Okada for IWGP World Heavyweight Championship
Will Ospreay vs. Kenny Omega for IWGP United States Championship
KAIRI vs. Tam Nakano for IWGP Women’s Championship
Ren Narita vs. Zack Sabre Jr. for NJPW World Television Championship
Taiji Ishimori vs. Master Wato vs. El Desperado vs. Hiromu Takahashi for IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship
FTR & Catch 2/2 will also meet the winners of World Tag League and Super Junior Tag League, and a match involving Keiji Mutoh has also been teased. Add in Karl Anderson – and this card is already looking legendary. Are you excited for Wrestle Kingdom 17? Let us know what you think in the comment section down below.
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