NJPW Issue Statement On Karl Anderson Situation

The saga of Karl Anderson’s double booking on November 5 doesn’t look like it’s going to be easily cleared up any time soon.

The current NEVER Openweight Champion was scheduled to defend the title against Hikuleo at NJPW Battle Autumn in Osaka, but subsequently re-signed with WWE, being added to the Crown jewel card in Saudi Arabia on the same day.

NJPW President Takami Ohbari has been vocal with his displeasure of the situation, especially after Anderson and Doc Gallows released a video saying they would wrestle for New Japan on their time.

New Japan have since released an official statement on the matter:

“Thank you for supporting New Japan Pro-Wrestling.

“Early morning Japan time on October 20, NEVER Openweight Champion Karl Anderson posted a video on social media indicating that he would not be making his advertised commitment on November 5 in Osaka.

"NJPW had announced Anderson’s match with Hikuleo for the NEVER Openweight Championship on October 4. Despite comments from Doc Gallows to the contrary in Anderson’s video, the booking was made through the appropriate channels, and with Anderson’s expressed approval.

“However, after the match’s announcement, both Gallows and Anderson would appear on the October 10 edition of WWE’s “Monday Night Raw” broadcast. This led to WWE announcing a match featuring both men for their Saudi Arabia event on November 5, in direct conflict with Anderson’s prior commitment.

“NJPW has for the past several days attempted to negotiate with Anderson, but has not been met with a response. Should Anderson decide to renege on his scheduled championship match, he will be required to vacate the NEVER Openweight Championship and return the title belt to NJPW immediately.

“New Japan Pro-Wrestling holds its champions to the highest standards of professionalism, and sincerely apologises to fans for any disappointment or inconvenience caused by this matter.”