An AEW star, who currently holds the ROH championship, is set to challenge for a title from another promotion in his debut match later this month. New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) is returning to the U.S. with The New Beginning USA event on February 27th at the CURE Arena.
AEW’s Konosuke Takeshita is reportedly looking to compete for the NJPW World Television Championship, officially adding AEW talent to the NJPW event card. Meanwhile, ROH Women’s World Champion Athena will be vying for the IWGP Women’s Championship, currently held by Shuri, as announced by NJPW’s official Twitter account.
In a video, Athena, accompanied by Billy Starks and Diamante, made her ambitions clear, addressing her followers:
“Minions, I’m tired of the disrespect. Too often, MIT and you, Billiams, are underestimated, and I refuse to be undervalued,” she stated. “Let’s change the atmosphere. On February 27th, in Trenton, New Jersey, at New Japan Pro Wrestling, Athena—the Eternal ROH Champion, Minion Overlord, Fallen Goddess, and most importantly, American Joshi—will make her NJPW debut. And Shuri, not only will I debut, but I’ll also be taking your IWGP Championship. See you soon.”
Additionally, Tomohiro Ishii will defend his Strong Openweight Championship against Boltin Oleg at the same event.
[Embedded NJPW Twitter announcement about Athena’s challenge and ticket info]
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Fan Take:
This development is huge for AEW fans as it highlights the growing collaboration between AEW and other global wrestling promotions, giving their favorite stars broader platforms and fresh storylines. Athena’s NJPW title challenge not only elevates her status but also signifies exciting cross-brand opportunities that can reinvent the sport’s landscape.
