Former WWE Superstar Davey Boy Smith Jr. Crowned New AJPW Triple Crown Champion at Giant Series 2024

A new chapter in All Japan Pro Wrestling history was written today as former WWE Superstar Davey Boy Smith Jr. claimed the prestigious AJPW Triple Crown Championship. Smith defeated Yuma Aoyagi in a thrilling main event at Giant Series 2024 in Sapporo, securing his place as the 74th champion in the title’s legacy.

The intense match saw Aoyagi fighting valiantly with near falls off a Fisherman buster and a series of pinning combinations. But Smith’s resilience and power ultimately prevailed, as he landed consecutive Saito suplexes followed by his signature Bulldog Bomb for the decisive victory.

With this win, Smith joins an elite group as the seventh foreign wrestler to hold the Triple Crown Championship, joining the ranks of legendary names like Terry Gordy, Stan Hansen, “Dr. Death” Steve Williams, Big Van Vader, Taiyo Kea, and Joe Doering. Smith’s triumph marks a significant achievement for international wrestlers in Japan and adds to the storied history of AJPW’s top title.

Aoyagi’s second reign as Triple Crown Champion ends after 79 days, during which he successfully defended the title twice. He had captured the belt in August at AJPW Summer Action Wars by defeating the 2023 WON Rookie of the Year, Yuma Anzai.

Smith’s journey with AJPW began at the end of 2023, where he competed in the Champion Carnival tournament and placed second in the A Block with a 5-3 record. This summer, he solidified his commitment to the promotion by signing a contract that will see him remain in AJPW through January.

As Davey Boy Smith Jr. embarks on his reign as Triple Crown Champion, fans are eager to see how he will elevate the title and who his next challengers might be.

Are you excited to see Davey Boy Smith Jr. as the new AJPW Triple Crown Champion? Share your thoughts in the comments, and stay tuned for more updates on his journey in AJPW!