Popular NJPW Star To Have US Run In 2023

Published: Dec 21, 2022 by Sanchez Taylor | Last Updated: Dec 21, 2022 by Sanchez Taylor

Sanchez has over six years of pro-wrestling news writing experience, covering the biggest news stories in WWE, NXT, AEW, TNA Wrestling and more. He has personally interviewed a number of top stars, producing exclusive content with the likes of AEW's Swerve Strickland and WWE's Nick Aldis.

NJPW

NJPW star KUSHIDA has commented on his plans for 2023, revealing that he will wrestle out of the US next year.

After establishing himself as a top junior heavyweight wrestler in Japan, KUSHIDA gained popularity in the US following his NXT debut in 2019.

The Japanese star went on to hold the Cruiserweight Championship for 160 days in 2021, ahead of his release in April 2022.

KUSHIDA returned to NJPW in June, before making his in-ring comeback for the promotion that July.

After a few matches in the US for the NJPW STRONG brand and IMPACT Wrestling in the summer, the former IWGP Jr Heavyweight Champion returned to Japan in September, where he has been wrestling since.

During a recent NJPW talk show, KUSHIDA stated that next year, he’ll return to the US for an extended run stateside.

Summarising KUSHIDA’s comments, NJPW shared the following on its Japanese site:

“When asked by a fan about his outlook for 2023, KUSHIDA replied, ‘In 2023, America will be the main battlefield.’

“He promised to participate not only in the New Japan American Tournament, but also in other organizations.”

(Translated from Japanese)

KUSHIDA isn’t currently set to compete at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 17 on January 4, 2023, however the promotion has teased surprises for the event.

Check out the announced card for Wrestle Kingdom 17, featuring current WWE and AEW stars, right here.

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