Katsuhiko Nakajima Prevails Again, Yuma Anzai Steps Up As Next Challenger

By: Lewis Carlan

On February 20th, over 1200 fans packed Korakuen Hall to witness Katsuhiko Nakajima successfully defend his AJPW Triple Crown Title for the fourth straight time with a victory over Jun Saito. Saito had vowed to destroy Nakajima and win the Triple Crown but unfortunately it was not his night to become champion. While he put up a valiant fight, Nakajima was able put Saito away in just over eighteen minutes with a Northern Light Bomb.

The challenger for Nakajima was initially scheduled to be Rei Saito but he had to pull out of the title match after dislocating his right shoulder, The injury to Saito occurred at the “70 Years of Pro-Wrestling” event back on February 9th. Jun was named the new opponent for Nakajima on February 11th.

It didn’t take long for Nakajima to find out who would his next challenger will be following his victory over Saito. The blue chip prospect Yuma Anzai made his way to the ring to confront the champion and asked for a title opportunity.. The two stars engaged in a verbal battle that lasted a few minutes before Nakajima departed with his championship belt in tow. Left alone in the ring, Anzai addressed the crowd at Korakuen and promised to win the Triple Crown Title back for AJPW.

【ご来場ありがとうございました】

2.20後楽園大会へご来場、全日本プロレスTVでのご視聴、誠にありがとうございました。

三冠王者・中嶋勝彦 が4度目の防衛に成功、そして安齊勇馬が挑戦者に名乗りをあげる！！

次回大会は2.23岡山大会
皆さまのご来場お待ちしております。#ajpw #ajpwtv pic.twitter.com/iRSaBPOO1y

— 全日本プロレス/alljapan (@alljapan_pw) February 20, 2024

As of this writing, a Triple Crown Title match between Nakajima and Anzai has not yet been made official. Anzai faced Nakajima back in August 2023 in a Pro Wrestling NOAH N-1 Victory match. Nakajima defeated Anzai in that encounter in just over 10 minutes. When the match between the two is made official by AJPW, this will be the second Triple Crown Championship opportunity for Anzai. The young star was unsuccessful back in June 2023 against then champion Yuji Nagata in his first attempt at the Triple Crown Title.