KUSHIDA Challenges Alex Shelley To NJPW Singles Match

KUSHIDA has officially landed back in New Japan and is wasting no time in getting his career back-on-track after a so-so run in WWE NXT.

After being confirmed for NJPW Music City Madness on July 30, NJPW posted a video to YouTube where KUSHIDA read out a letter to Alex Shelley, challenging his former tag-partner to a match in Nashville:

"July 30 in Nashville, there’s someone important I want to face. I thought it would be best to put my feelings in a letter,” Kushida started. “'Dear friend, what are you doing now? I signed with New Japan Pro-Wrestling and started a new professional wrestling life. The match between you and I were cancelled a long time ago… Do you remember it? I want to see you in person very soon. We are waiting for you at the Nashville NJPW Strong on July 30. Please show up to the ring. My dearest professor, my best friend, my all-time best partner. Alex Shelley. Best regards, KUSHIDA’. Now is the right time for this to happen. Shelley, I’m waiting.”

The pair wrestled for several years as the Time Splitters, twice reigning as IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions, before briefly reforming in NXT as part of the 2020 Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic.