Photo Credit: AJPW
By: Lewis Carlan
On Feb. 23rd, All Japan Pro-Wrestling will present the final event of the EXCITE SERIES 2026 tour with a huge show at the Ota Ward General Gymnasium.
The main event will feature the AJPW Triple Crown Champion Kento Miyahara making the fifth defense of his seventh reign as he faces the challenge of Jun Saito. Miyahara defeated Saito for the title back on Sept. 23rd 2025 and Saito will attempt to win the title for the second time of his career.
Also on the event, Rei Saito will make his return to in-ring action as he has been out with an injury since Aug. 3rd 2025.
Miyahara has been accusing AJPW of bias in favor of the Saito Brothers when it comes to the Feb. 23rd event. AJPW has heavily promoted the event with Jun & Rei Saito at the forefront of the advertising campaign and this has not sit well with Miyahara.
AJPW held a press conference to promote the Feb. 23rd event as Miyahara and Jun Saito came face to face. Miyahara pointed out with disdain that the current billboard at Ota Ward General Gymnasium only has Jun & Rei Saito on it when he, the Triple Crown Champion, should be gracing the billboard.
Miyahara also expressed his disappointed with media outlets including Tokyo Sports and accused them of being biased in favor of Jun & Rei Saito as well.
The Triple Crown Champion took to X and made another comment concerning the billboard at the Ota Ward General Gymnasium:
From Kento Miyahara:
“The giant sign at Ota City General Gymnasium only features the Saito Brothers. The Triple Crown Champion isn’t even on it. Is that really acceptable? What do you fans think?”
Miyahara directly told Tokyo Sports that when he defeats Jun Saito for his fifth successful title defense, he should be on the front page in full color ahead of the Olympics and horse racing. He threatened to boycott interviews with Tokyo Sports if he is not on the front page following his match with Jun Saito that he confidently believes he will win.
Photo Credit: AJPW
Date:
February 18, 2026
Category:
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