AEW stars are crossing over to New Japan Pro-Wrestling, setting the stage for a series of high-stakes matchups at New Beginning USA on February 27.
Cross-Promotional Clash: AEW and NJPW Set for February Showdown
The upcoming New Beginning USA event will feature champions from both AEW and NJPW defending their titles in a series of compelling contests.
- Ricochet will defend the AEW National Championship against Taiji Ishimori.
- The Knockout Brothers will defend the IWGP Tag Team titles against GOA.
- Yota Tsuji will challenge Andrade El Idolo for the IWGP Global title.
- Tomohiro Ishii will face Boltin Oleg for the NJPW Strong Openweight Championship.
- El Phantasmo will defend the NJPW World TV title against Konosuke Takeshita.
The action unfolded on Wednesday when the Knockout Brothers successfully retained the IWGP Tag Team titles against Shota Umino and Yuya Uemura. Immediately following the victory, Ricochet and GOA appeared on the video screen, signaling their intent to dominate New Beginning USA. Ricochet boldly called out Taiji Ishimori for an AEW National Championship match, while Bishop Kaun and Toa Liona vowed to target YUTO-ICE and Oskar, “smelling blood in the water.”
Ricochet first captured the AEW National Championship at Full Gear, winning a Casino Gauntlet match. Since then, he has proven to be a fighting champion, defending the title against CMLL’s Titan on January 16 and Dalton Castle in ROH at Final Battle. Most recently, on the February 4 edition of Dynamite, Ricochet secured a victory over Jack Perry.
New Beginning USA: Complete Lineup
- IWGP Global title: Yota Tsuji defends against Andrade El Idolo
- AEW National title: Ricochet defends against Taiji Ishimori
- IWGP Tag Team titles: Knockout Brothers defend against GOA
- NJPW Strong Openweight title: Tomohiro Ishii defends against Boltin Oleg
- NJPW World TV title: El Phantasmo defends against Konosuke Takeshita
What titles are on the line at New Beginning USA? The IWGP Global, AEW National, IWGP Tag Team, NJPW Strong Openweight, and NJPW World TV championships will all be defended at the event on February 27.
The New Beginning USA event promises a thrilling showcase of talent from both AEW and NJPW, as champions from both promotions prepare to defend their titles against formidable challengers.
