Junya Matsunaga Set to Defend ZERO1 World Heavyweight Title Against Katsuhiko Nakajima at Korakuen Hall on 11/23

By: Ian McCord

Since returning to Pro Wrestling ZERO1 earlier this year, Katsuhiko Nakajima has made his presence felt in a big way, using both his actions and words to get the attention of the younger generation competing for the promotion.

Nakajima has not shied away from speaking his mind when it comes to his thoughts on the current state of ZERO1. Nakajima told Tokyo Sports over the summer that he believes ZERO1 has become complacent and that the new generation has no ambition. Since winning the Fire Festival, Nakajima has been eager for a member of ZERO1’s new generation to step up and prove him wrong.

Following Nakajima and Naruki Doi’s win over Hayabusa and Vent Vert Jack on the opening night of ZERO1’s Tenkaichi Junior Tournament on September 21st, Junya Matsunaga appeared to confront Nakajima. In a shocking turn of events, Matsunaga nominated Nakajima as the next challenger for his championship, with the match being made official for ZERO1’s return to Korakuen on November 23rd.

Matsunaga took to social media after the event, stating that he has been heavily criticized and feels lost after an unsuccessful Fire Festival.

From Junya Matsunaga via X:

“November 23, Korakuen Hall – World Heavyweight Championship vs. Katsuhiko Nakajima. I’ve been criticized relentlessly, lost the Fire Festival, and I’ve lost myself. I’m determined to fight for the World Heavyweight Championship. I’ll get my revenge on Katsuhiko Nakajima and defend ZERO1. Please come see my determination.”

(English Translation via DeepL)

Matsunaga was the first member of the ZERO1 roster Nakajima defeated upon his return to the promotion back in February. Since then, Matsunaga has clawed his way to the top of ZERO1 and is determined to stay there and prove to Nakajima that this new generation does, in fact, have ambition.