Konosuke Takeshita Signs With NJPW

Konosuke Takeshita was featured prominently for New Japan Pro-Wrestling over the weekend, first defeating Shingo Takagi at Wrestle Kingdom 19 to capture the NEVER Openweight Title. Takeshita then successfully defended the NEVER Openweight Championship and AEW International Title against Tomohiro Ishii at Wrestle Dynasty.

Following his widely-praised match with Ishii, Takeshita announced in a press conference that he was now affiliated with New Japan, with Bushiroad CEO Takaaki Kidani revealing to Tokyo Sports that Takeshita has signed a one-year deal with NJPW.

"I think the contract is for one year, but AEW doesn't have many fights. If he wants to fight in the New Japan main event, that could happen in practice. I think it's fine for him to come and go. There are a lot of wrestlers like that," Kidani said.

Takeshita is still signed to All Elite Wrestling, with Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer reporting that 'The Alpha' has dual contracts with AEW and NJPW, similar to the arrangement KUSHIDA had with New Japan and TNA. NJPW and AEW will work together on Takeshita's usage across the two promotions.

Takeshita will next be in action for New Japan on January 11 at Battle in the Valley. He will defend the NEVER Openweight Championship against KUSHIDA.

H/T Fightful

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