Konosuke Takeshita, an AEW wrestler who also holds the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship from New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW), has responded to criticism regarding his limited appearances in Japan. Takeshita captured the IWGP World Heavyweight title on October 13th at King of Pro Wrestling by defeating Zack Saber Jr. Since his victory, he has defended the championship only once, against Hirooki Goto in NJPW. With contracts spanning AEW, NJPW, and DDT-Pro, Takeshita addressed the backlash in a New Japan Pro Wrestling interview, explaining that as a world champion, he aims to showcase the title globally rather than staying confined to Japan. Reflecting on his childhood frustrations about major matches happening mostly in Tokyo, he acknowledges fans’ impatience but emphasizes the importance of taking the IWGP World Heavyweight Title to the international stage.
When asked if he plans to wrestle more frequently for NJPW to quell the criticism, Takeshita stated that his motivation is driven by love for wrestling, not to appease critics. He highlighted the unique experience of defending a global title versus regional titles like the NEVER or IWGP championships. Looking ahead, Takeshita will face IWGP World Champion Yota Tsuji in a Winner Takes All match at NJPW’s Wrestle Kingdom 20 event. Additionally, two more AEW wrestlers have been announced for the January 4th show, showcasing growing collaboration between AEW and NJPW.
Fan Take: This news is significant for AEW supporters as it highlights Takeshita’s rising global prominence and AEW’s expanding presence on the international wrestling stage. The upcoming Wrestle Kingdom title unification match promises high stakes and could deepen the relationship between AEW and NJPW, potentially opening doors for more cross-promotional opportunities in the future.
