If you were expecting CM Punk taking on current Strong Openweight Champion KENTA at AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door 2023, you’ll be disappointed. The match which had been anticipated by many as KENTA created and Christened CM Punk’s finisher the Go to Sleep.
What Happened to CM Punk vs KENTA at AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door 2023?
It was never explicitly said that the match would take place and it kind of existed as loud fantasy booking. I mean, “GTS vs. G2S” is a good match subtitle, it works. In the lead up to Forbidden Door, there was a lot of talk on Twitter from KENTA about wanting more cash for the bout.
He was hyping the fan-made rivalry and apparently it was confirmed internally in New Japan Pro-Wrestling. However, the match which seemed very close to happening was scrapped. KENTA recently took to social media saying “Kenta vs Punk is never going to happen” and it appears that he pulled out of the match even though CM Punk was reportedly up to face him.
KENTA’s replacement has been penciled in as former NWA World Heavyweight, Triple Crown, GHC Heavyweight and IWGP Heavyweight Champion Satoshi Kojima.
While known for his time as a top star in both New Japan—where he began his career—and All Japan, Kojima wrestled in the U.S for MLW where he was the second World Heavyweight Champion as well as for IMPACT Wrestling in 2021.
Also in 2021, Kojima would make his first appearance for AEW at All Out 2021. The two will compete in the opening round of the Owen Hart Foundation Tournament.
What do you believe happened to the CM Punk-KENTA match? Where did this match breakdown and why? The rest of the card has been established and none have been up in the air as far as if it would happen. However, this one seemed like a sure thing then it became uncertain in short order.
Also, what scheduled matches are you looking forward to at the event? For this fan, the Blackpool Combat Club vs. The Elite and friends and the AEW World title bout between MJF and Hiroshi Tanahashi attention.
Share your theories and thoughts in the comments!
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