AEW’s Konosuke Takeshita Captures IWGP World Title, Sets First Defense After Clarifying Non-Exclusive Deal

The new champion says his non-exclusive triple deal lets him work any tour.

Overview

Takeshita defeated Zack Sabre Jr. at King of Pro-Wrestling on Oct. 13 in Tokyo, winning after two Powerdrive Knees in a bout that ran a little over 30 minutes and ending Sabre’s 106-day reign.
He confirmed he is triple contracted and not exclusive, stating he can adjust his schedule to appear for AEW, NJPW and DDT as needed.
NJPW announced his first IWGP World Heavyweight Championship defense for Nov. 2 in Gifu against former champion Hirooki Goto.
The AEW-contracted titleholder is also booked for Oct. 18 at AEW WrestleDream in St. Louis, teaming with Kazuchika Okada to challenge Bandido and Brody King for the AEW World Tag Team Championship.
Rocky Romero criticized NJPW on X for previously rejecting Takeshita from its dojo and took aim at Hirooki Goto in comments following the title change.