AEW and New Japan Pro Wrestling are no strangers to working together, and the so-called forbidden door was opened multiple times at NJPW Resurgence.
One match on the show saw Juice Robinson take on Fred Rosser in a street fight. The two have been at odds for some time, and as they brawled throughout the arena on May 21st, Rosser looked to have the upper hand. Robinson was bloodied with multiple weapon shots, and just when things appeared hopeless for the star, his wife and former AEW Women’s Champion Toni Storm interfered, attempting to hit a low blow on Rosser.
"Invasion of #Tonistorm🔥
Live on #njpwworld PPV! ⇒https://t.co/1jAfO5ZEUs…#NJPW#njResurgence#njpwworldpic.twitter.com/C9AqGiWJV2
— njpwworld (@njpwworld) May 22, 2023
Rosser revealed that he was wearing a cup, rendering Storm’s blow ineffective. When he lifted Storm up for the airplane spin, however, he fell victim to a low blow by Robinson, far more effective after his cup was removed. The two went back and forth some more, but due to continued interference from Storm, Robinson emerged victorious from the bout.
Meanwhile, following KENTA’s defeat over Hikuleo to become the new STRONG Openweight Champion, Eddie Kingston appeared on the video screen to challenge KENTA for the title. Kingston is currently out of action as he recovers from hernia surgery.
AEW Star Willow Nightingale Is The Inaugural NJPW STRONG Women’s Champion
Willow Nightingale perhaps made the biggest splash of any All Elite Wrestling star on the show, defeating Mercedes Mone in the main event to become the inaugural STRONG Women’s Champion.
After the match, Nightingale cut an emotional promo thanking fans for all their love and support during her professional wrestling journey.
However, not all was a cause for celebration as it was later reported that Mone had broken her ankle in the course of the match. While she was originally scheduled to win the championship, the mid-match injury caused the finish to be changed, making Nightingale the champion instead. Nightingale expressed her appreciation and sent well wishes to Mone on social media following the bout.