Right now, Karl Anderson is one of the most talked about wrestlers in the professional wrestling industry. This is due to Anderson being the reigning NEVER Openweight Champion in NJPW, and has just signed a new deal with WWE. There was no breach of contract to speak of, with Anderson only having a handshake deal with NJPW, leaving his next challenger out in the cold.
Hikule’o Claims Anderson Is Running Scared
Following the October 21st NJPW Battle Autumn event, Hikule’o would call out Karl Anderson in a backstage promo. Hikule’o was booked to meet Anderson on November 5th with the title on the line, with that match set prior to the WWE return of Anderson. From the looks of things, that match could still be planned in some form.
“You think you forgot about me? I’ve got alot on my plate right now, but I can make time for you. What are you scared of, Karl Anderson? The second non-Japanese person to make the finals of the G1, scared of someone who’s just coming back from a learning excursion? The former multi time IWGP Tag Team Champion, scared of someone who’s only had two title matches? Listen, you want to call yourself ‘bright lights’? Don’t forget who turned on those lights for you- New Japan did. And now you want to say those lights are brighter? You want to say your lights are brighter. Well don’t turn your back on us. Don’t forget where you came from. Karl, you want to hide from me? I’ll find you, and when I do- I’ll knock all your lights out,”
Karl Anderson Anderson Will Likely Be Stripped If He No Shows
NJPW would declare this match is still booked for Battle Autumn, despite Anderson being booked to wrestle for WWE in Saudi Arabia that same day. It’s adding extra hype and interest to this match which was previously overlooked. If Anderson misses his NJPW date, it’s likely he will be stripped of the title – leaving it vacant.
We previously seen champions stripped after missing events due to injury or natural disasters shutting down their travel – creating a precedent for Anderson to be stripped of his title. It is possible this is the plan, with Anderson keeping the physical belt to defend on January 4th in the Tokyo Dome. Will Karl Anderson defend his title on November 5th? Let us know what you think in the comment section down below.
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