NJPW Says NEVER Openweight Title Will Be Vacated If Karl Anderson Doesn’t Make B

[Liz]

NJPW says that Karl Anderson will be stripped of the NEVER Openweight Championship if he doesn't defend it at NJPW Battle Autumn. As has been reported, Anderson and the company have been issuing statements back and forth about the show, where Anderson is scheduled to defend his title against Hikuleo. Anderson is booked for WWE Crown Jewel on the same day as the show and has alleged he was booked without being spoken to about it.

NJPW's statement says that Anderson did approve the booking and that they have tried to negotiate with Anderson without receiving a response. You can see the full announcement below:

"Thank you for supporting New Japan Pro-Wrestling.

Early morning Japan time on October 20, NEVER Openweight Champion Karl Anderson posted a video on social media indicating that he would not be making his advertised commitment on November 5 in Osaka.

NJPW had announced Anderson's match with Hikuleo for the NEVER Openweight Championship on October 4. Despite comments from Doc Gallows to the contrary in Anderson's video, the booking was made through the appropriate channels, and with Anderson's expressed approval.

However, after the match's announcement, both Gallows and Anderson would appear on the October 10 edition of WWE's "Monday Night Raw" broadcast. This led to WWE announcing a match featuring both men for their Saudi Arabia event on November 5, in direct conflict with Anderson's prior commitment.

NJPW has for the past several days attempted to negotiate with Anderson, but has not been met with a response. Should Anderson decide to renege on his scheduled championship match, he will be required to vacate the NEVER Openweight Championship and return the title belt to NJPW immediately.

New Japan Pro-Wrestling holds its champions to the highest standards of professionalism, and sincerely apologises to fans for any disappointment or inconvenience caused by this matter."