Karl Anderson Retains NEVER Openweight Title At NJPW Event

Karl Anderson made his shocking return to WWE back in the October 10th episode of Monday Night RAW, after over two years away from the company. However, he still had prior commitments to NJPW and this created a very messy situation for both companies. In the end, the two companies managed to work out a deal as Anderson is now defending the NEVER Openweight Title. In fact, he even retained the title during a recent NJPW recent.

Anderson was supposed to defend his title at NJPW Battle Autumn, but he competed at the Crown Jewel Premium Live Event instead. Thankfully, Anderson wasn’t stripped of the title despite the schedule conflict.

Anderson made his way to Japan this week and defended his NEVER Openweight Title against Hikuleo at NJPW’s World Tag/Super Junior Tag League finals. This was the match that was supposed to take place on November 5th.

In the end, Anderson retained his title despite Hikuelo’s best efforts. Right after his impressive victory, Karl Anderson turned to the camera and sent a message to the NJPW locker room.

I ain’t coming over here to drop no titles. You think I’m coming back to New Japan Pro-Wrestling to do a jiz-zob?

Tama Tonga came out to the ring and confronted Anderson, but Anderson hit a Stun Gun on Tonga and laid him out. Anderson then told Tonga he will see him again at Wrestle Kingdom 17 on January 4th. We will have to see if Anderson will be able to retain his title or not. You may check out the updated card for Wrestle Kingdom 17 below.

• IWGP Women’s Championship: KAIRI (c) vs. Tam Nakano
• NJPW World Television Championship Tournament Final: Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Ren Narita
• IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Jay White (c) vs. Kazuchika Okada
• IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship — Four Way: Taiji Ishimori (c) vs. Master Wato vs. Hiromu Takahashi vs. El Desperado
• IWGP U.S. Heavyweight Championship: Will Ospreay (c) vs. Kenny Omega
• IWGP Tag Team Championships: FTR (Dax Harwood & Cash Wheeler) (c) vs. TBD
• NEVER Openweight Championship: Karl Anderson (c) vs. Tama Tonga

This is a good look for Karl Anderson, and it likely means that he will be at the Wrestle Kingdom event on January 4th. Keep checking back at Ringside News as we will provide in-depth coverage of this story.

Are you looking forward to Anderson defending his title in NJPW? Sound off in the comments!