WWE's AJ Styles Vs. Naomichi Marufuji Set For Pro Wrestling NOAH Event on 7/13
WWE Superstar AJ Styles will compete for Pro Wrestling NOAH this July in another example of the 'prohibited portal' being wide open.
The Phenomenal One will take on Naomichi Marufuji at NOAH's Destination event on July 13. This news comes days after it was revealed that a big announcement was coming relating to both promotions. In a video promo, Styles shared his excitement for the match.
Despite his lofty career in Japan, this will be Styles' first time competing at a Pro Wrestling NOAH event. Marufuji on the other hand, has spent close to a quarter of a century with NOAH after debuting in 2000. He is a four-time GHC Heavyweight Champion and was appointed NOAH's Vice President in 2009.
The WWE-NOAH announcement has served to underline that the Sports Entertainment juggernaut is indeed in a new era. NOAH is the latest promotion to see collaboration with WWE, something that seemed impossible just a few years ago.
WWE's Shayna Baszler and Charlie Dempsey were allowed to work the GCW Bloodsport X event over WrestleMania weekend with both winning their respective fights More recently, TNA Knockouts World Champion Jordynne Grace has been appearing in NXT. The Juggernaut also retained her title against NXT's Tatum Paxley at TNA Against All Odds. It was a piece of merchandise for Grace that spawned the phrase 'prohibited portal' a copyright-friendly take on AEW's Forbidden Door.
IYO SKY will soon appear for Marigold Wrestling in another sign of how things have changed. The next episode of WWE NXT will feature a battle royal with many believing that the match will feature TNA talent. Between SKY's upcoming match, the battle royal plans for Giulia to work in WWE and Marigold, and now Styles Vs. Marufuji, WWE's new era is indeed far different from the past.
