Konosuke Takeshita to Challenge El Phantasmo for NJPW World TV Title at The New Beginning USA

By Noah Leatherland

NJPW have announced the first match for The New Beginning USA. In Trenton, New Jersey, ‘The Alpha’ Konosuke Takeshita will challenge the reigning NJPW World TV Champion, El Phantasmo.

The two men have faced off a number of times in recent history. Their first match happened in 2024’s edition of the G1 Climax, where Takeshita defeated Phantasmo. Takeshita challenged Phantasmo for the TV Title at last year’s Wrestling Dontaku, with that going to a time limit draw. A week after that, Phantasmo challenged Takeshita for the NEVER Openweight Title at NJPW Resurgence, but failed. Then, in last year’s G1 Climax, Phantasmo picked up two points by defeating Takeshita. As such, the series heading into The New Beginning USA is 2-1-1 in Takeshita’s favour.

NJPW followed this news by confirming that Yota Tsuji will also appear at the event.

NJPW The New Beginning USA takes place on February 27th at the CURE Insurance Arena in Trenton, New Jersey.