Eddie Kingston is living his dream.
For the first time in his career, the AEW star headed to Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan to challenge for championship gold in the historic venue. Kingston has made no secret of how much it means to him to compete in New Japan Pro-Wrestling and Korakuen Hall given his reverence for Japanese wrestling.
On the second night of NJPW STRONG Independence Day, Kingston took on KENTA with the NJPW STRONG Openweight Championship on the line.
While Kingston was the sentimental favourite, KENTA wasn’t about to give up his title easily, pulling every trick in the book to keep his run going. The former NXT star manipulated the referee, and hit Kingston with a belt, although was unable to hit his famous GTS.
Despite everything thrown in his direction, Kingston kept fighting back demonstrating the spirit that has endeared him to wrestling fans around the world. The AEW star eventually scored the win following a series of spinning back-fists, a massive lariat, and unceremoniously dumping KENTA on his head.
After the bell, Kingston celebrated with his newly-won gold visibly moved by the magnitude of what he’d achieved.
LOOK AT WHAT IT MEANS TO EDDIE KINGSTON!!!
Eddie Kingston just won a NJPW championship in Korakuen Hall!
(enjoy it before it gets taken down)https://t.co/0S7uCBack3— Ciarán (@CiaranRH93) July 5, 2023
Recently Matt Hardy revealed that Eddie Kingston expressed his desire to join the Hardy Boyz when he returns to AEW.
Tony Khan Admits Concerns About Eddie Kingston Competing In The G1 Climax
Eddie Kingston’s NJPW adventure will continue on July 15th when he takes his place in the month-long G1 Climax Tournament, another dream of the Mad King.
Speaking in a recent interview, AEW boss Tony Khan spoke openly about his joy at being able to help Kingston achieve his dream, although he admitted there are also injury concerns given the incredibly physical nature and grueling schedule associated with the G1.
“Absolutely I am but at the same time for Eddie Kingston going to the G1 is a lifelong dream for him and it’s something that he has wanted to do since he was very young and it’s something I want to make possible for him. Eddie’s a long-time fan of puroresu also and I believe that it means so much to him, it’s worth it taking that kind of a risk even though he’s coming back from a major injury and he’s been out.
For him to go back and risk re-injury, losing more time it’s terrible but the upside that he can go over, fulfill his dream…”
In recent news Eddie Kingston made his return to AEW on the August 16th episode of Dynamite. He will make his first defence of the NJPW Openweight Championship against Claudio Castagnoli at AEW Dynamite Grand Slam.
H/t to TJR Wrestling