CM Punk Invited To NJPW Wrestle Kingdom By Hiroshi Tanahashi

While the CM Punk vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi match for the AEW World Championship at Forbidden Door was quickly scrapped after The Second City Saviour announced he had broken his foot and would require surgery, Tanahashi has suggested a new date for their clash.

Speaking to Tokyo Sports (translated using DeepL), The Ace invited Punk to perform at Wrestle Kingdom, particularly the January 4 event in the Tokyo Dome.

"The CM Punk match is a big chance. I definitely want to do it. We have to go beyond the hop and step. Punk is right there at the end of it, isn't he? I think Punk owes me one. I would like to invite him to Japan. I've been to the U.S. a lot, so I'd like to get a special price. At the Tokyo Dome? I think it's a special stage," Tanahashi said.

The Ace also commented on Punk still being AEW World Champion despite his injury, adding: "I think it's overprotective. If it were in Japan, he would have to vacate the title. Or maybe he can come back in a short period of time."

While his match with Punk was scrapped, Tanahashi will still be involved in the AEW World Title picture. He will face Hirooki Goto in an Interim AEW World Title Eliminator at Dominion on June 12. Should The Ace win, he will face the victor of Jon Moxley vs. a Battle Royal winner for the Interim AEW World Championship at Forbidden Door on June 26.