NJPW Confirm Four AEW Crossover Bouts for Power Struggle on Nov. 3rd

By: Noah Leatherland

After a momentous King of Pro Wrestling event, NJPW have locked in the first four matches for Power Struggle. Each one involves some kind of AEW presence as flames of an inter-promotional war are fanned.

The match that has the puro world talking was set up at the very end of King of Pro Wrestling. After Yota Tsuji retained the IWGP Heavyweight Championship against Ryohei Oiwa, a video played on the screens, where he received a challenge from AEW’s Kenny Omega. Boltin Oleg came to ringside to confront Tsuji as another challenger, only for both of them to be attacked by an invading Omega. Following Omega’s suggestion in the post-show comments, the three men will meet in a non-title bout. The result is sure to have big implications for Wrestle Kingdom, either deciding Tsuji’s title challenger, or giving the champion a clearer road to the Tokyo Dome.

Also decided at NJPW King of Pro Wrestling was the Knockout Brothers’ next defence of the IWGP Tag Team Championships. After winning the NEVER Six Man Tag Titles from United Empire, they nominated the duo of Callum Newman and AEW World Champion Will Ospreay to face them at Power Struggle. The last time Ospreay and Newman competed as a duo was back on the Road to Destruction in 2023. Since then, their relationship has been fairly tumultuous. Butting heads over the direction and leadership of United Empire, they may not be a totally united front on November 3rd.

The IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship will be on the line at Power Struggle. After Gabe Kidd retained the title at King of Pro Wrestling, Taichi took exception to how the Death Rider disrespected NJPW. Backstage, Taichi shared his thoughts on Kidd and the AEW presence in NJPW:

What’s this AEW nonsense? Screw that. Do you think you can just do whatever you want just because of that organization? Hey, you bald guy, you’re messing with me. If the others aren’t going to step up and do anything, then I’ll just have to finish this by force.

(Quotes translated via DeepL)

Now, Taichi will challenge Kidd for the IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship at NJPW Power Struggle.

The fourth match added to Power Struggle sees another personal grudge meet in the ring. On a personal campaign against the Death Riders, Shingo Takagi gets his wish of a match with Jon Moxley. The two will meet in tag action on November 3rd. Takagi will fight alongside his Unbound Co. ally Jeff Cobb, while Moxley, the current AEW Continental Champion, has enlisted the assistance of his Death Rider protege, Wheeler Yuta.

Though yet to be decided, NJPW Power Struggle will also see the finals of this year’s Super Jr. Tag League.

NJPW Power Struggle takes place on November 3rd in the Ryogoku Kokugikan.