New Japan Pro Wrestling has confirmed that Jon Moxley has been stripped as IWGP United States Champion, with travel issues stemming from Typhoon Hagibis ensuring that he will miss tonight’s King of Pro Wrestling event.
The change will ensure that, instead, Lance Archer will face Juice Robinson for the vacant title. Robinson has been on a roll ever since he came to NJPW, with many believing it is the best move that he’s ever made following a poor stint in NXT where he was known as CJ Parker.
While the expectation is that Moxley will challenge the winner upon returning, there’s no confirmation of that, with NJPW releasing the following statement.
“Due to travel delays as a result of this weekend’s Typhoon Hagibis, we regret to announce that Jon Moxley will be unable to appear at Ryogoku Sumo Hall for King of Pro Wrestling on Monday October 14.
As Moxley is unable to wrestle in a scheduled championship defence, he has relinquished the IWGP United States Championship.
In place of the scheduled Jon Moxley versus Juice Robinson No Disqualification match tonight for the United States Championship, a match will be contested for the now vacant title.
Card change details:
IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship No DQ Match
Jon Moxley (champion) vs Juice Robinson (challenger)
IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship
Lance Archer vs Juice Robinson
The winner will be crowned the seventh IWGP United States Heavyweight Champion
We sincerely apologize to fans looking forward to seeing Moxley wrestle, and appreciate your understanding.”