New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) has announced four more matches for the NJPW STRONG: “The New Beginning” taping on January 15.
Most notably, Tom Lawlor will defend the STRONG Openweight Championship against Taylor Rust. Plus, Gabriel Kidd will take on Fred Rosser. Elsewhere on the show, Ethan HD and Cody Chunn will make their debuts for the promotion.
Four big matches added to Jan. 15 in Seattle!
STRONG Openweight Championship
Tom Lawlor vs Taylor Rust!Fred Rosser vs Gabriel Kidd!
Karl Fredericks vs Ethan HD!
Cody Chhun vs Hikuleo!https://t.co/FWsKugmeEp
Last tix (standing only!)https://t.co/SZ5LlhoNPs#njpwSTRONG pic.twitter.com/fwU5Z3Xvoo
— NJPW Global (@njpwglobal) January 12, 2022
The previews, courtesy of the NJPW website, are as follows:
STRONG Openweight Championship: Tom Lawlor (c) vs. Taylor Rust
After Tom Lawlor’s sixth and final STRONG Openweight Championship defense at Detonation in December against Fred Rosser, the champion was surprised by the return of Taylor Rust. Rust had been removed from the Team Filthy lineup at the start of the year as he underwent a sojourn to WWE, but on his return, seemed to be welcomed with open arms by Lawlor…Only to receive a Perfect Circle and a declaration that Rust would be next to challenge.
Now back in STRONG, can Rust be the one to put a stop to the seemingly unstoppable in Lawlor? Or will the Filthy Era continue on Saturday nights?
Gabriel Kidd vs. Fred Rosser
Gabriel Kidd will be taking on Fred Rosser in Seattle. Kidd has been making headlines this week after his war with Eddie Kingston in Hollywood made air. After their bout, Kingston made the Briton promise he would rack up the wins against top opposition before he faces the Mad King again. Back to back STRONG match of the year winner Fred Rosser more than fits that bill. Who comes out on top in Seattle?
Karl Fredericks vs. Ethan HD
Karl Fredericks will take on the debuting Ethan HD. A representative of DEFY in Seattle, Ethan HD has the benefit of 16 years experience, and will look to bring all of that to Fredericks here tonight.
Cody Chhun vs. Hikuleo
Also making his debut from the DEFY promotion is Cody Chhun. Still not yet 25, Chhun still carries five years of experience, including on AEW Dark. A big opportunity for young Chhun awaits, but Hikuleo will provide a formidable opponent. Can he survive the Young Gun?
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