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FIRST THREE MATCHES SET FOR NJPW WRESTLE KINGDOM

New Japan Pro Wrestling has announced the first three matches for its two-night Wrestle Kingdom 15 event on January 4 and 5 next year.

Tetsuya Naito will defend the IWGP Heavyweight Championship and IWGP Intercontinental Championship against Kota Ibushi on January 4.

Ibushi lost his challenge rights certificate from winning G1 Climax 30 to Jay White at Power Struggle on November 7. However, Naito insisted he wanted to defend both championships against Ibushi on January 4.

Prior to losing the certificate to White, Ibushi planned to face Naito on January 4. White on the other hand has stated he wishes to face Naito on January 5.

Naito will face Ibushi on January 4 and White will face the winner of the match on January 5.

Naito’s match against Ibushi will be the second defense of both championships. He regained both championships from EVIL at SUMMER STRUGGLE in JINGU on August 29 and also made his first successful defense against EVIL at Power Struggle.

If Naito defeats Ibushi, he will attempt his third defense against White. If Ibushi wins, it will be his first reign with the IWGP Heavyweight Championship.

Also on January 4, Kazuchika Okada will face Will Ospreay.

Ospreay betrayed Okada on the last night of G1 Climax 30 A block competition with the help of Bea Priestley and Great-O-Khan, who was returning from excursion in England.

After Okada defeated Great-O-Khan by referee stoppage at Power Struggle, Ospreay challenged Okada to a match at Wrestle Kingdom 15.

 

 

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