MJF Makes Surprise Arrival In New Japan To Challenge Ryohei Oiwa
MJF has set his sights on Ryohei Oiwa of New Japan Pro Wrestling.
On today’s Road To King Of Pro Wrestling show, Ryohei Oiwa and Zack Sabre Jr. defeated Ares and current IWGP Heavyweight Champion Yota Tsuji. At present, the man known as “The Grip” will be focused on his opportunity to claim the richest prize in the promotion as he looks to capitalise on his G1 Climax victory on October 14. However, with his opportunity at Tsuji’s title looming, Oiwa has been challenged to a future match by a former AEW World Champion.
After the TMDK members picked up the win, MJF appeared to set up a clash with Ryohei Oiwa.
Maxwell Jacob Friedman has had quite the 2026, both in and out of the ring, including being named PWI’s No.1 Wrestler of the Year. However, ever since losing the AEW World Championship at Beach Break, he’s struggled to rebuild momentum, with his last appearance in the company coming as part of the Casino Gauntlet at All In: London.
While many will be immediately taken aback by the match announcement, Oiwa has made the headlock a huge part of his arsenal, while MJF also used the move as a significant part of his feud with Darby Allin. Oiwa’s move, known as Big Rock, was used to defeat Yuya Uemura the G1 Climax, with the 27-year-old having set the wrestling world alight by giving the traditional move the utmost importance. As such, the hold will likely be a huge factor in their match together.
Since AEW and New Japan first joined up for Forbidden Door, MJF has made no bones about his feelings towards the Japanese promotion. On that note, he gave a statement to Fightful on why he’s decided to work with NJPW in typical fashion.
“I have a statement for why I’m doing business with New Japan. It’s a simple one I’d like public. I want to prove new Japan isn’t a real company. I want to prove I’m the master of the headlock. But MOST of all. I want to upset puro twitter.”
-MJF
With the match happening after October 14, it’s possible Oiwa could be IWGP Heavyweight Champion when the two square off, adding an extra layer to their eventual meeting. For now, though, whether that’s the case remains to be seen.
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As always, we’ll aim to provide any further updates on MJF’s New Japan Pro Wrestling arrival as soon as we hear more.
