Report: Karl Anderson Still Expected To Work NJPW Dates

Karl Anderson has found himself in a unique position within the professional world in recent weeks and Machine Gun KA is currently double-booked due to his status in two major promotions. 

Anderson has been working NJPW dates in 2022 and the NEVER Openweight Champion is scheduled to defend his title against Hikuleo at Battle Autumn on November 5. Anderson is set to be in Saudi Arabia that day, though, for The OC's match with The Judgment Day at Crown Jewel. 

Anderson has committed to working the WWE show with New Japan having since announced that KA will be stripped of the NEVER Openweight Title if he does not appear at Battle Autumn.

The situation appeared to be part of a storyline from the beginning and that is indeed the case. The status of the NEVER Openweight Title is unknown, but Fightful Select have reported there are still active plans for Karl Anderson to wrestle for New Japan and the promotion expect him to work additional dates. 

Furthermore, NJPW have known Gallows and Anderson were returning to WWE since August, when the deal was agreed, and relations between NJPW, WWE, and The Good Brothers are "fine." WWE are also okay with Anderson working additional dates for NJPW despite him being under contract with the US-based company.