At NJPW New Beginning In Osaka, Rey Mysterio made a shock video appearance similar to that of Chris Jericho at Power Struggle last year, challenging the legendary Jushin Thunder Liger to a match at NJPW Strong Style Evolved in Long Beach, California on March 25.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYpO6NFX1ys

The match will mark Mysterio’s first ever appearance for the promotion, and only his second ever singles bout with Liger. The last time they wrestled one-on-one was over 20 years ago at WCW Starrcade ’96. Liger won that match (rated ***3/4 by Dave Meltzer) in 14:16.

Mysterio had been widely expected to return to WWE following his successful one-off appearance at the Royal Rumble, so for him to now turn up in New Japan is something of a surprise.

Where his appearance is a one-off or the start of a regular commitment remains to be seen. There are many exciting possibilities if it is the latter. For example, it would certainly be very interesting to see Rey competing in the annual Best of the Super Juniors tournament against some of the best flyers in the world. The prospect of Rey clashing with Will Ospreay, KUSHIDA, Hiromu Takahashi and co. is mouth-watering to say the least.

• Jushin Liger
• New Beginning in Osaka
• Strong Style Evolved
• Starrcade 96
• Long Beach
• Jushin Thunder Liger
• Power Struggle
• rey mysterio
• New Japan
• NJPW
• chris jericho
• Royal Rumble

Share this article with friends