BY SACNILK

In a resounding victory, the AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door collaboration was crowned Fightful's fan-voted Event of the Year in 2022, commencing its journey with a sold-out crowd and the announcement of two monumental matches. ## This week, celebrated NJPW star KENTA took to Twitter, expressing his interest in participating in the Forbidden Door extravaganza, contingent upon the financial terms aligning with his expectations. It appears that the financial negotiations have proven favorable, as insider information from Fightful Select reveals that the intended plan was for KENTA to be part of the event. Notably, KENTA had already made an appearance on AEW Dynamite back in April 2021, when he teamed up with Kenny Omega to face the formidable duo of Jon Moxley and Lance Archer. ## While the finalization of KENTA's agreement to appear at the show has not been officially confirmed, both AEW and NJPW are proceeding under the assumption that he will indeed be present. However, the significant aspect lies in the potential opponent being discussed internally. Insider reports indicate that the legendary CM Punk's name has surfaced in discussions as a potential adversary for KENTA, a matchup that could provide a sense of closure to a decade-long back-and-forth between the two esteemed wrestlers. ## Throughout their illustrious careers, both men have exchanged verbal jabs and subtle references, stemming from Punk's adoption of KENTA's iconic Go 2 Sleep finishing move. Recent statements from KENTA suggest that he no longer harbors any ill will regarding this matter, but he remains resolute in his desire for substantial compensation in exchange for his participation in the Forbidden Door event. ## To stay updated with all the latest combat sports news, add Sacnilk.com to your Google News feeds and follow us on Twitter.

BY SACNILK

New Japan Pro-Wrestling has recently unveiled the eagerly anticipated card for the highly anticipated NJPW Academy Showcase, set to take place on June 10. ## This momentous event will grace the prestigious grounds of the LA Dojo, serving as a platform for the inaugural class of the NJPW Academy to showcase their extraordinary talents. The students shall valiantly square off against their revered mentors, esteemed peers, and an array of exceptionally skilled local competitors. ## Duly confirming the enthralling lineup, luminaries such as the remarkable Trish Adora, the indomitable Kevin Knight, the formidable Royce Isaacs, and the electrifying Fred Rosser, amongst other prodigious athletes, shall grace the hallowed ring, captivating the audience with their awe-inspiring performances. ## The full card for NJPW Academy Showcase is below. ## NJPW Academy Showcase (6/10) ## -Trish Adora vs Johnnie Robbie## -Kevin Knight & The DKC vs Matt Vandagriff & Cameron Gates## -Mulligan & Kyraciaos J. Toumbas vs Calder McColl & James Tapia## -Alec Bullsdale, Elliot Qrow, Langi & Phill Godfrey) vs El Primohenio Trebeca, Jordan Oasis, Red Williams & Alonzo Alvarez## -Dayton Cameron & Honest John vs J2 Mattioli & Michael Hopkins## -Samsara vs Mylo## -Rudy Lockhart vs Royce Isaacs## -Fred Rosser vs Buck Skynyr## To stay updated with all the latest combat sports news, add Sacnilk.com to your Google News feeds and follow us on Twitter.

BY SACNILK

The stage is set, and anticipation soars as NJPW and AEW officially solidify two monumental clashes that promise to captivate wrestling enthusiasts worldwide. ## With resounding certainty, it has been confirmed that Kazuchika Okada will lock horns with Bryan Danielson, while Kenny Omega will face off against Will Ospreay at the highly anticipated AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door event. This announcement sent shockwaves through the wrestling community, sparking a fervor of excitement. ## During the prestigious NJPW Dominion event, Bryan Danielson, employing the medium of a compelling video message, made a formidable appearance, issuing a direct challenge to the revered Kazuchika Okada, pitting their exceptional skills against each other in what can only be described as a dream match. Swift to seize the opportunity, Okada wasted no time in accepting the invitation, affirming that the enigmatic "forbidden door" would indeed be swung open, thus setting the stage for an encounter that will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on the annals of wrestling history. ## In a display of sheer resilience and unwavering determination, Will Ospreay etched his name in the record books by vanquishing Lance Archer in the climactic finale of the highly competitive number one contenders tournament at NJPW Dominion. This impressive feat granted Ospreay an extraordinary opportunity—a coveted shot at Kenny Omega and a chance to vie for the illustrious IWGP US Title. This electrifying clash promises to be a veritable collision of titans, igniting an unparalleled spectacle that will leave spectators on the edge of their seats. ## It’s official! For the first time ever @rainmakerXokadavs. @bryandanielsonSunday, June 25th at #ForbiddenDoor LIVE on PPV from the @ScotiaBankArena in Toronto, Canada! #AEWxNJPW pic.twitter.com/nPruLjZKpX— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) June 6, 2023 ## To stay updated with all the latest combat sports news, add Sacnilk.com to your Google News feeds and follow us on Twitter.

BY SACNILK

KENTA triumphed over Nick Wayne at DEFY Your Nightmare on June 3, seizing the prestigious DEFY World Title. The decisive sequence witnessed KENTA strategically executing a low blow, followed by a forceful belt shot, culminating in a devastating GTS maneuver that secured his victory. ## This monumental achievement signifies KENTA's inaugural reign as the illustrious DEFY World Champion. Wayne's ascendance to the championship throne commenced on April 8, when he vanquished Swerve Strickland in a thrilling encounter. Wayne exhibited remarkable resilience throughout his tenure, successfully defending the title on two occasions. ## It is noteworthy to mention that KENTA also holds the esteemed position of the reigning NJPW STRONG Openweight Champion, further solidifying his dominance in the realm of professional wrestling. Meanwhile, Wayne, a promising talent contracted to AEW, is poised to make his highly anticipated in-ring television debut on the forthcoming July 12 episode of AEW Dynamite, where he is scheduled to clash with the formidable Swerve Strickland. ## NEW DEFY WORLD CHAMPION!!! KENTA!!!!#DEFYYourNightmare #AndNew #DEFYANCE pic.twitter.com/2jq5FbUyFT— Ally Nicole (@allynicole456) June 4, 2023 ## Nick Wayne vs KENTADEFY World ChampionshipAbsolutely incredibly main event, feeling incredibly fortunate that I decided to come to my first DEFY show tonight!!#DEFYYourNightmare #DEFYANCE pic.twitter.com/A4RawgAAkO— Ally Nicole (@allynicole456) June 4, 2023 ## KENTA 、獲ったってよ。 pic.twitter.com/supfUgdkkb— KENTA aka Lil’K (@KENTAG2S) June 4, 2023 ## To stay updated with all the latest combat sports news, add Sacnilk.com to your Google News feeds and follow us on Twitter.

BY SACNILK

Reports from Fightful Select, a trusted source, confirmed last week that Mercedes was poised to triumph over Willow Nightingale at Resurgence, solidifying her reign as champion. However, unforeseen circumstances unfolded during the match, leading Mercedes herself to make a swift decision, calling for an alteration in the planned finish. ## In a moment of realization that something had gone awry physically, she acted promptly to safeguard her well-being. At that time, the extent of her injury was only known to be related to her leg or foot. Intriguingly, insiders have disclosed that the NJPW Strong Women's Championship was created with Mercedes in mind, a testament to her exceptional talent and undeniable potential. ## New Japan Pro Wrestling is currently under the belief that Mercedes sustained a severe sprain, devoid of any fractures. Yet, close sources assert that there is indeed evidence of a sprain, accompanied by a worrisome possibility of a fracture. The profound swelling surrounding the injury has hindered a definitive assessment, and hopes remain that a clearer understanding will emerge once the swelling subsides. As of now, no immediate plans for Mercedes' return to the ring have been reported, as she focuses on recuperating from the injury. ## The aftermath of the match painted a vivid picture of Mercedes enduring immense pain. Thankfully, she received much-needed assistance from esteemed colleagues such as Tamina and others, guiding her through the backstage area with utmost care and support. ## To stay updated with all the latest combat sports news, add Sacnilk.com to your Google News feeds and follow us on Twitter.

BY SACNILK

Master Wato Ascends to the Pinnacle of Success. ## In a display of exceptional prowess, Master Wato emerged triumphant in the fiercely contested NJPW Best of Super Junior 30 tournament, vanquishing Titan in a riveting finale. Employing his signature Recientemente II, a modified gutwrench driver, Wato secured the decisive victory, capping off a thrilling encounter that unfolded over the course of approximately 25 enthralling minutes. This historic achievement marks Wato's maiden triumph in the illustrious Best of Super Juniors tournament. ## During the round-robin stage, Wato exhibited his remarkable skills as the formidable second seed in the B Block, accumulating an impressive 7-2 record and amassing a total of 14 points. Notably, he overcame the formidable "Speedball" Mike Bailey, the top seed in the A Block, in the exhilarating semi-finals. ## With this remarkable tournament conquest, Wato ascends to the coveted position of challenger, earning an opportunity to vie for the prestigious IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship, currently held by the esteemed Hiromu Takahashi. ## To stay updated with all the latest combat sports news, add Sacnilk.com to your Google News feeds and follow us on Twitter.