The main events for New Japan Pro-Wrestling’s next major event, King of Pro-Wrestling, have been set following the conclusion of the Destruction in Kobe show. The event on Sunday, September 28, saw both the IWGP World Heavyweight Champion and the IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion retain their championships, but they were immediately confronted by their next challengers, setting the stage for two massive encounters at the October 13 show. The announcements solidify the top of the card for what is traditionally one of NJPW’s biggest events of the fall season, and both championship matches promise to be hard-hitting, high-stakes affairs.
In the main event of Destruction in Kobe, Zack Sabre Jr. successfully defended his IWGP World Heavyweight Championship against Ren Narita. After the match, ZSJ sent a direct message to the winner of the G1 Climax 35 tournament, Konosuke Takeshita, confirming their scheduled championship match for King of Pro-Wrestling. In his post-match comments, Sabre Jr. told Takeshita to enjoy his time in America, because he is in Japan representing the company as its champion.
Earlier in the night, Gabe Kidd retained his IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship against Shingo Takagi. Following his victory, Yota Tsuji came to the ring and challenged Kidd for the championship. Kidd accepted, and the match was made for the King of Pro-Wrestling event. This will be the third time the two men have faced each other for the championship this year.
The updated King of Pro-Wrestling card for October 13 is below:
- IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship Match: Gabe Kidd (champion) vs. Yota Tsuji
- IWGP World Heavyweight Championship Match: Zack Sabre Jr. (champion) vs. Konosuke Takeshita