WWE NXT Star Charlie Dempsey’s Shocking Defeat Marks The End of WWE’s AJPW Excursion

In 2024, WWE is actively pursuing global expansion and forging partnerships with other promotions. An example is the collaboration with AJPW, where Charlie Dempsey made his in-ring debut on December 31st. Dempsey would challenge Katsuhiko Nakajima today for the AJPW Triple Crown Title and ended up losing, thus bringing an end to WWE’s excursion in AJPW

As previously reported, an NXT Superstar was recently teased as future opponent for Katsuhiko Nakajima. The NXT Superstar was ultimately revealed to be William Regal’s son, Charlie Dempsey.

Charlie Dempsey already made his in-ring debut for AJPW, as he teamed up with Yuma Anzai and faced off against Leona Fujinami & Tatsumi Fujinami at AJPW Mania event in a solid tag team bout on December 31st.

In the January 3 show, both the champion and challenger fiercely competed for the AJPW Triple Crown Heavyweight Title. Dempsey, dubbed the ‘Ace of NXT,’ showcased intense moments in the match. After an 18-minute hard-hitting bout, Nakajima put away the young Charlie Dempsey for the win.

This was an unexpected conclusion as many fans wanted Charlie Dempsey to win in order to further build WWE and AJPW’s relationship. Regardless, we will have to wait and see whether AJPW and WWE will work again, as Dempsey’s current excursion has come to an end.

What do you think of Charlie Dempsey losing to Nakajima? Do you feel WWE and AJPW will collaborate again in the future? Let us know in the comments!