Konosuke Takeshita, known for his performances in AEW and NJPW, is scheduled for a highly anticipated Konosuke Takeshita championship match at NJPW New Beginning USA, taking place on February 27 in the United States. The event will see Takeshita challenge El Phantasmo for the NJPW World Television Championship, marking an important encounter in both wrestlers’ careers.
Takeshita’s Recent NJPW Appearances and Tournament History
Earlier in January, Konosuke Takeshita competed at both NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 20 and the New Year Dash!! event. At New Year Dash!! on January 5, he teamed with Rocky Romero as part of The Don Callis Family, securing a victory over El Phantasmo and Shoma Kato. This win helped reestablish Takeshita’s momentum following his previous loss to Yota Tsuji, where he relinquished the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship—ushering in a new titleholder and reviving a previously retired championship.
The latest match announcement was made official through NJPW’s website, confirming that the first NJPW championship to be contested in the United States in 2026 will be the World TV Championship. Takeshita and El Phantasmo have a notable rivalry, with both athletes leaving their mark at Wrestle Kingdom, where Phantasmo successfully defended his TV title in the opening bout at the Tokyo Dome, while Takeshita saw defeat in the semi-main event.
History Between Takeshita and El Phantasmo
The competitive tension between Takeshita and El Phantasmo escalated again at New Year Dash, reflecting a longstanding rivalry. Their upcoming match in Trenton will be the fifth singles contest between these two, adding to a storied series. With Takeshita earning two prior victories against El Phantasmo—including a U.S. win at the Resurgence event last year—there is significant anticipation for this title bout.
El Phantasmo has managed to defend his World TV Championship against various challengers, but his defense against Takeshita at Dontaku ended in a time-limit draw. The tables turned during the G1 Climax 35 opening weekend in Sapporo, where El Phantasmo secured his first singles win over Takeshita with a 15 minute, two second match—a result that would have ended in another draw had TV title rules been in effect. The standard format for every NJPW World TV title match imposes a 15-minute time limit, ensuring high intensity and strategic pacing throughout the contest.
What’s at Stake at New Beginning USA
The upcoming match is not just another encounter—it carries significant implications for both wrestlers. For El Phantasmo, this is an opportunity to solidify his hold on the World Television Championship by achieving a clear victory over one of his most persistent rivals, rather than relying on the clock to retain his title. Takeshita, meanwhile, aims to broaden his international profile by capturing the championship, hoping to add a new highlight to his growing list of achievements.
As both competitors have already experienced a time-limit draw in championship stakes, fans can expect an intense, fast-paced match as each seeks to decisively capture or defend the gold. The backdrop of their shared history—from their G1 Climax meeting to past U.S. matches—only increases the stakes for Takeshita and El Phantasmo.
Looking Ahead to the Match and Its Impact
NJPW New Beginning USA on February 27 is already generating buzz within the wrestling community, with many speculating how the result will affect both Takeshita’s and El Phantasmo’s careers. With both men’s histories tied to key organizations and events—such as the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship and appearances at Wrestle Kingdom—the outcome could influence future title matches and rivalries across both NJPW and AEW.
The announcement has also brought further attention to the reach of NJPW championship matches on U.S. soil, highlighting the promotion’s growing international influence. As the wrestling world awaits the showdown in Trenton, attention remains fixed on Konosuke Takeshita’s pursuit of the World Television Championship and the dynamic rivalry with El Phantasmo—an encounter promising high energy and potential shake-ups in the title picture.
