Tetsuya Naito vs. Jon Moxley is Official for Windy City Riot

by: R. Faliani

Shocking appearances, surprising developments, and a new challenge thrown to the IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Tetsuya Naito, by none other than AEW’s Jon Moxley. After defeating Shingo Takagi in a brutal No DQ match, the former AEW World Champion and IWGP United States Champion took the microphone and challenged Naito for Windy City Riot, on April 12.

'The time has come!'

Moxley has just challenged Tetsuya Naito!

LIVE:https://t.co/yevfxDp7nw#njpw #njbitv

— NJPW Global (@njpwglobal) January 14, 2024

In Moxley’s history with New Japan Pro Wrestling, he has faced Naito in a singles match once in the G1 Climax 29 and defeated him. Now, four years later, both men are at the peak of their careers, as Moxley has taken a brawler approach to his craft and Naito has become The Man recently in New Japan after defeating SANADA in the Main Event of Wrestle Kingdom. Now, Naito has the chance to even the odds on the board with Moxley and give him a taste of his own medicine.

OFFICIAL

April 12 Windy City Riot Wintrust Arena Chicago

TETSUYA NAITO vs JON MOXLEY

Tickets: https://t.co/UuTuvLOJmn#njriot pic.twitter.com/q4VASw0M5t

— NJPW Global (@njpwglobal) January 14, 2024

Moxley’s history with Los Ingobernables de Japon goes back to 2019, as in that year Moxley lost against Naito and Takagi in a tag match with then Young Lion, Shota Umino. Now, it seems that Moxley is looking for revenge against the Ingobernables leader himself.

Windy City Riot is shaping up to be a great show already, and as the biggest show for NJPW STRONG, it’s not surprising they’re pulling all the cards to sell out Wintrust Arena and give a spectacle worthy of Chicago’s aura.

Now, will we see the first AEW-bound IWGP World Heavyweight Champ? Or will Naito give Moxley a true taste of Strong Style?