‘The Alpha’ is changing the world.
Back in January, Konosuke Takeshita confirmed that he had signed a contract with New Japan Pro Wrestling. Adding to his existing deals with DDT and AEW, the move made ‘The Alpha’ a triple-contracted performer, appearing across all three promotions throughout 2025. Now, having reached the pinnacle in NJPW as the newly crowned IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, Takeshita has outlined his intentions with the title and addressed speculation surrounding his contract status.
During a media address for NJPW, Takeshita promised ‘a level of IWGP title matches nobody has seen before’, stating his intent to ‘change the wrestling world’.
“I want to do what nobody did before. That led me to DDT, to the USA and now to NJPW and the IWGP. I want to change the wrestling world.”
-Konosuke Takeshita
Takeshita went on to address his contractual commitments across three different promotions, acknowledging NJPW fans who have expressed concern over his busy schedule. He assured that he is able to adjust his commitments to ensure he can appear on any tour he is called for.
“I’m triple contracted, but not exclusive. We can move things around and I can be on any tour I’m called for,’ but that ‘there are people worldwide, not just Japan, that want to see the IWGP World Heavyweight Champion. I know there were boos (in Ryogoku), but I’m a busy man. I don’t have the time to cowtow to people who have already made up their mind about me. I want to spend my effort in making people who support me happy. If you were cheering me, then know I won’t ever let you down.”
-Konosuke Takeshita
Konosuke Takeshita will make his first defence of the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship on November 2, taking on Hirooki Goto in Gifu. In the more immediate future, the Don Callis Family member will return to All Elite Wrestling this coming Saturday at WrestleDream, teaming with Kazuchika Okada to take on Brodido for the AEW World Tag Team Championships.
As always, we’ll aim to provide any further updates on Konosuke Takeshita as soon as we hear more.
