Major star set for lengthy absence from AEW programming

A top star is expected to miss a few AEW shows this summer due to commitments outside of the promotion.

The star in question, Konosuke Takeshita, is one of the top heels and a key figure in the Don Callis Family. According to Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, the NJPW NEVER Openweight Champion is set to participate in the promotion's annual G1 Climax tournament, which will run from July 18 to August 17.

“Konosuke Takeshita is on a G-1 Climax poster, which indicates him being in the tournament. The names in the tournament are going to be announced at Dominion and the lineups shortly after. G-1 will be from 7/18 to 8/17, so Takeshita will be absent from AEW during that time frame,” wrote Meltzer. [H/T: Wrestlingnews.co]

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While the official participant list for G1 Climax 35 is expected to be revealed at NJPW’s Dominion event on June 15, fans can expect Takeshita's temporary departure from All Elite Wrestling programming during the period of this tournament.

Konosuke Takeshita might fight legend Hiroshi Tanahashi at AEW X NJPW: Forbidden Door

Wrestling legend Hiroshi Tanahashi is set to retire next year in January, and last week it was reported that his opponent at AEW X NJPW: Forbidden Door would be Konosuke Takeshita.

The event, which is set to take place in the O2 arena in London, will be Tanahashi's last match in the United Kingdom and is part of the Ace's Final Road retirement tour.

According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, which initially broke the news, Takeshita is being rumored for this bout due to Tanahashi's recent run-in with the Don Callis Family at Double or Nothing. Incidentally, Takeshita was also the Ace's opponent for his final match in the US earlier this year.

The Alpha had beaten Tanahashi in the US, but who do you think will go over should they collide in London? Hit the discuss button and sound off!

About the author

Karan Raj is a senior writer in Sportskeeda's AEW division. He holds an engineering degree from Manipal University, but his passion for sports motivated him to pursue an MSc in Sports Business from the University of Liverpool. Karan has been in the sports marketing industry for the past seven years.

As a lifelong WWE fan and enthusiast of wrestling entertainment, he has always been drawn to the industry's unique blend of sports and storytelling. Karan was introduced to the business by his elder sister when he was 10 years old.

Before assuming his current role at Sportskeeda, Karan worked for several reputable organizations, such as Ting Works LLP and Sportz Interactive, wearing different hats. He also wrote the anthem of UP Rudras, a hockey team that played in the Hockey India League. Karan conducts thorough research while writing articles and only relies on credible sources for information.

Karan's favorite pro wrestler is Seth Rollins. He admires The Visionary's versatility as a performer and his ability to play both heel and babyface characters to perfection. Besides Rollins, Karan looks up to Roman Reigns for his storytelling skills and ability to captivate audiences.

In AEW, he enjoys watching Will Ospreay compete inside the ring. Karan loves The Aerial Assassin's technical in-ring ability and athleticism. If Karan could go back to the Attitude Era, he would combine forces with Jericho and promise to elevate his career to the same level as The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin.When not writing about pro wrestling, Karan loves to play and watch football. It is a huge part of his life.

He is also a massive fan of tennis and is learning to play the sport. Apart from sports, he also knows how to play the ukulele.

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Edited by Arsh Das