On the February 3, 2020 episode of AEW Dynamite, titled “Beach Break,” things got interesting. After Lance Archer had cleared the ring of the Good Brothers, Jon Moxley had Kenny Omega in his sights. He was clearly looking to send a message ahead of their eventual AEW World Championship rematch. Before he could, however, Moxley was attacked by a man who had his hood was up and his face was covered as well. The man quickly revealed himself to be KENTA, which came as a huge surprise to all. KENTA then laid out Jon Moxley with the GTS as Don Callis alluded to the Bullet Club bond still being strong. As it would turn out however, Callis was wrong as KENTA wasn’t there for Omega, only to deliver a receipt to Moxley.
KENTA is the number one contender for Jon Moxley’s IWGP United States Championship. Moxley recently made waves by appearing on NJPW Strong to attack KENTA. The two will meet for the Championship on February 26th at The New Beginning In The USA 2021. KENTA seemed to be returning a favor for the attack Moxley delivered to him on NJPW Strong. KENTA has been the number one contender for nearly a year, having defended his rights contract case more times than Moxley has defended the United States Championship across both of his reigns, and more times than any United States Champion ever.
https://twitter.com/AEW/status/1357162388861177857?s=20
Many are speculating this is step one in the rumored and potential AEW/NJPW partnership. However, it’s important to note that KENTA is indeed not signed to New Japan. He is a freelancer and can work wherever he would like to. Also, him potentially signing to AEW isn’t likely due to the terms of his WWE release. Early reports following his release indicated that KENTA signed a unique waiver, promising to not sign with any major United States company ever in exchange for his release. Pure speculation on that part, however. What will happen next after this shocking moment on Dynamite?
#AEW Exclusive
We caught up with @KennyOmegamanX & @KENTAG2S moments after the shocking conclusion of #AEWDynamite, and Kenny issues a challenge. pic.twitter.com/EyvL9sMnao— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) February 4, 2021
Well, it seems in the short term at least that KENTA will be back. After Dynamite went off the air, Omega tried to play pals with KENTA only to be brushed off. This led the champ to lay down a challenge. Him and KENTA vs Moxley and Lance Archer in an unsanctioned, lights out match. Tony Khan has yet to accept the offer but it sure seems like this match will take place at some point, possibly even next week.
Stay tuned to Last Word on Pro Wrestling for more on this and other stories from around the world of wrestling, as they develop. You can always count on LWOPW to be on top of the major news in the wrestling world, as well as to provide you with analysis, previews, videos, interviews, and editorials on the wrestling world. You can catch AEW Dynamite Wednesday nights at 8 PM ET on TNT and AEW DARK Tuesday nights at 7 PM ET on YouTube.
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