First matches announced for NJPW Resurgence

The first matches have been announced for NJPW Resurgence.

As teased during Windy City Riot, a NEVER title match between champion Konosuke Takeshita and El Phantasmo is now set for May 9 in Ontario. After Takeshita showed respect to his opponent Hiroshi Tanahashi, he exited the ring but ended up exchanging words with ELP. In backstage comments, ELP brought up their match from last year’s G1 and issued a title challenge.

Another title match will see new Strong Openweight Champion Tomohiro Ishii defend against Drilla Moloney. Ishii emerged victorious at Windy City Riot, beating Gabe Kidd under sudden death rules in a 30 minute iron man match to win the championship. The World Class Wrecking Crew meanwhile will defend the Strong Openweight Tag Team titles against Templario and TJP.

An eight man tag team match was also announced, with Kidd, David Finlay, Clark Connors, and Gedo taking on The Young Bucks and two mystery opponents. When issuing their challenge at Windy City Riot, The Young Bucks hinted that their partners would be ‘some OG buddies’.

Already announced was a three-way match pitting Strong Women’s Champion Mercedes Mone against AZM and Mina Shirakawa in a three-way match.

Here is the updated card for NJPW Resurgence on May 9:

• NEVER Openweight title: Konosuke Takeshita defends against ELP
• Strong Openweight title: Tomohiro Ishii defends against Drilla Moloney
• Strong Women’s title: Mercedes Mone defends against AZM and Mina Shirakawa
• Strong Openweight Tag Team titles: World Class Wrecking Crew defend against Templario and TJP
• Eight-man tag match: Gabe Kidd, David Finlay, Clark Connors, and Gedo vs. The Young Bucks & TBA
• Fred Rosser vs. Matt Vandagriff
• Strong Survivor match: Allan Breeze vs. CJ Tino

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