KENTA Calls Out CM Punk After IWGP US Title Victory

New Japan Pro Wrestling held their Power Struggle in Osaka event over the weekend. In addition to Shingo Takagi defending the IWGP World Heavyweight title against Zack Sabre Jr, the IWGP United States championship was on the line. Hiroshi Tanahashi defended against KENTA in an anticipated matchup.

After defeating The Ace with his signature Go to Sleep, KENTA did a backstage interview. He said that he wanted a piece of a major AEW star. KENTA once again called out CM Punk.

“I just want to entertain you guys, I want to give you guys a hope. So, hey, CM Punk, I’m ready to put you sleep. I’m officially, new IWGP United States Champion.”

KENTA has been calling out the Second City Saint since this summer. The difference now is that Punk is an active wrestler. Shortly after Punk signed, KENTA appeared on AEW Dynamite as a part of a talent exchange with NJPW. He tweeted then that he wanted a match with the Best in the World.

Now that Punk has his sea legs and has wrestled several matches, it could be that the timing is perfect. With COVID-19 related conditions improving in Japan, fans could be closer than ever to the dream match they’ve been clamoring for. As an added bonus, there could be some gold on the line.

CM Punk returned to professional wrestling when he debuted in AEW to massive hype in late August. Since then, he as wrestled a series of pay-per-view and television matches and is currently involved in a feud with Eddie Kingston. He’s not against taking on top Japanese talent. He has gone on record that he’d like to face Kazuchka Okada at some point.