Following up on the drama the last couple months between New Japan and NEVER Openweight Champion Karl Anderson refusing to defend the title earlier this month, the next defense may be set. Anderson posted a video on Instagram today announcing he will return to New Japan on 12/14 in Sendai to defend the title. That’s the current tour-ender date with the World Tag League & Super Jr. Tag League Finals. We should hear something definite from New Japan soon, maybe late tonight US time, and then maybe find out if Hikuleo will still get his chance at the title per the original plan.
This all started in October when Anderson and Doc Gallows returned to, and subsequently re-signed with, WWE after Anderson was announced foe the 11/5 New Japan event. Anderson announced he would instead be at the WWE event in Saudi Arabia that day despite the prior commitment to New Japan. The promotion threatened to strip Anderson of the title but didn’t and Hikuleo instead faced (and beat) Yujiro Takahashi.
More as it becomes available.
UPDATE: It’s now official. Anderson-Hikuleo for the title will happen on 12/14.
