A highly anticipated championship match between Konosuke Takeshita and Zack Sabre Jr has been officially announced following the NJPW Destruction in Kobe event. This Konosuke Takeshita Championship Match is set to headline the King of Pro Wrestling show on October 13, where Takeshita aims to claim the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship.
Title Defense Sets Stage for Takeshita’s Challenge
Konosuke Takeshita secured his title opportunity by winning the prestigious G1 Climax tournament, earning the right to challenge for NJPW’s top championship. As the October 13 King of Pro Wrestling event approaches, the AEW and NJPW star has been waiting to learn who would hold the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship heading into their clash.
At the September 28 Destruction in Kobe event, Zack Sabre Jr successfully defended the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship against Ren Narita in what became his final title defense before the upcoming match. Sabre Jr demonstrated exceptional technical skill, maintaining his hold on the championship and confirming his role as Takeshita’s opponent.
Final Moments Highlight Sabre Jr’s Defense Against Narita
The closing moments of Sabre Jr’s match with Narita displayed impressive counters and striking exchanges, emphasizing Sabre Jr’s mastery. NJPW summarized the conclusion:
“Sabre Jr. ultimately hit the decisive Zack Driver, securing his second successful defense of the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship in his current reign, and seeing him advance to face the challenge of Konosuke Takeshita on October 13 at King of Pro-Wrestling.”
– NJPW
Takeshita’s Road to Championship Opportunity
Notably, Takeshita defeated Zack Sabre Jr during the G1 Climax semifinals before overcoming Evil in the finals to win the tournament. Currently contracted with both All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), Takeshita most recently appeared on AEW Dynamite on September 24. There, he teamed with Hechicero and Kazuchika Okada in a losing effort against Hologram, Mark Briscoe, and Orange Cassidy.
Implications for NJPW and AEW Fans Ahead
The forthcoming King of Pro Wrestling showdown is a key moment for Takeshita as he pursues the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship, aiming to enter Wrestle Kingdom 20 as the titleholder. This match not only solidifies Takeshita’s rising status but also adds significant intrigue for fans of NJPW and AEW, bridging the two wrestling promotions through a top-tier contest.
With Zack Sabre Jr defending his title at King of Pro Wrestling, the event is expected to deliver top-level wrestling showcased by two technically gifted performers. The outcome will have lasting impact leading into the biggest NJPW event of the year, Wrestle Kingdom 20, spotlighting Takeshita’s career trajectory and Sabre Jr’s championship reign.
