NJPW Sends Ultimatum To Karl Anderson Over WWE Crown Jewel Appearance

Karl Anderson

On the October 10th episode of Monday Night Raw Doc Gallows and Karl Anderson shockingly returned to WWE to back up their long-time friend AJ Styles. The Phenomenal One had come under attack from Judgment Day after turning down the opportunity to join the group.

While it was surprising to see Gallows and Anderson back in WWE, the return also raised eyebrows for fans as New Japan Pro Wrestling, as Anderson is still the NEVER Openweight Champion. Furthermore, the star is booked to defend that title on November 5th at the Battle Autumn event against Hikuleo.

However, this became even more of a sticking point when WWE announced that Anderson will be appearing at Crown Jewel on the same day. Although NJPW have continued to advertise the match, Gallows and Anderson have insisted they will not be appearing on the show.

NJPW Threaten To Strip Karl Anderson Of The NEVER Openweight Title

On October 25th NJPW issued an official statement on regarding the situation and laid out their plans to strip Karl Anderson of the NEVER Openweight Title if he does not defend it as advertised.

You can find the statement from NJPW 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.”

At WWE Crown Jewel Anderson will team with Doc Gallows and AJ Styles to take on Finn Balor, Damian Priest and Dominik Mysterio.