KENTA Wins NJPW Strong Openweight Title - Challenged by Eddie Kingston
KENTA is the new New Japan Pro Wrestling Strong Openweight Champion and already has an opponent lined up.
At NJPW Resurgence. KENTA regained the title from Hikuleo, becoming the first-ever two-time NJPW Strong Openeweight Champion. KENTA's count-out victory ends Hikuleo's reign at 18 days, with zero successful title defenses. Hikuleo won the title from KENTA at Wrestling Dontaku on May 3.
The match began with a sudden boot from Hikuleo that forced KENTA to retreat. Once back in the ring, KENTA bumped the ref and attempted a low blow, which was blocked by Hikuleo. The now-former champion's dominance continued on the outside, and the two fought to the back, with KENTA re-emerging first. When the pair climbed the stairs near the fans, KENTA was able to send Hikuleo crashing through a table ten-feet below. KENTA made it back in the ring to get the count-out victory.
After KENTA's victory, a video from Eddie Kingston played, issuing a challenge to the eventual winner of the bout. Due to the video being recorded before the match, the challenge was not directly issued to KENTA. The new champion answered by saying he doesn't understand the accent of the Ring of Honor star, but he is prepared to defend his title anywhere at any time.
A title match between the two has yet to be announced but could be made official for the upcoming AEWxNJPW: Forbidden Door crossover event. While Kingston is a Ring of Honor star (having 'quit' AEW in March) he remains one of the many wrestlers employed by Tony Khan and eligible for the show.
