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This week's episode of NJPW Strong featured the highly-awaited singles match between Jon Moxley and KENTA. After months of build-up, the two Superstars finally met inside the ring, and Moxley emerged victorious.
Following an intense 15-minute match between the two, Jon Moxley hit The Death Rider on KENTA and put him away to once again retain the IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship. The bout was Moxley's first official match in NJPW in over a year. Before that, the last time he competed in a New Japan ring came when he successfully defended the title against Minoru Suzuki.
Moxley marked his New Japan return with one of the biggest wins of his career, and now the possibilities are endless. Especially, with the Forbidden Door now being open, the reigning IWGP United States Champion is eligible to defend his title on US soil. The Death Rider could even appear on NJPW Strong from time to time.
With KENTA now in his rear-view mirror, here's a look at five potential challengers for Moxley's IWGP United States Championship.
#5. Juice Robinson and Jon Moxley are long-term rivals
Juice Robinson has a lot of history with Moxley. The champion's first match in New Japan Pro-Wrestling came against Robinson, and the former WWE Superstar ended up winning the match and the title.
Moxley even defended his IWGP United States Championship against Robinson at New Japan's biggest stage, Wrestle Kingdom. Following IMPACT Wrestling's alliance with New Japan, Robinson and his tag team partner, David Finlay have once again started working in the United States.
The partnership between AEW and NJPW has opened up another potential match between Moxley and Robinson. Because Robinson is still contracted to New Japan, he has every reason to challenge for the belt he once held.
At Wrestle Kingdom 15, Robinson was initially set to face KENTA for the Rights To Challenge briefcase, but an injury forced NJPW to replace the former with Satoshi Kojima. As a result, Robinson is technically owed a shot at the title.
#4. Jon Moxley vs. Tom Lawlor has the potential to be another classic brawl
Jon Moxley is already familiar with GCW, as he has compted at the company's Bloodsport events. The reigning IWGP United States Champion has already faced NJPW Strong superstar Chris Dickinson on Bloodsport, and the latter's Team Filthy stablemate, Tom Lawlor remains another potential contender.
Over the past few months, NJPW Strong has been the home for Young Lions and some of the finest Independent wrestlers in the business. One of those Superstars is non-other than former MMA fighter Tom Lawlor.
The former MLW World Heavyweight Champion is regarded as one of the most talented workhorses in the game, and he could rightfully challenge for the IWGP United States Championship.
With Jon Moxley occasionally working on NJPW Strong, the promotion has the perfect opportunity to push the likes of Lawlor and help these stars shine on the biggest stage. A match between Moxley and Lawlor has all the potential to deliver a classic brawl that could be a remarkably physical match.
#3. El Phantasmo could try to get some revenge against Jon Moxley
Jon Moxley hasn't faced El Phantasmo in an official match, but there's a lot of history between The Death Rider and the Bullet Club's Headbanger.
El Phantasmo is a fairly fresh face on NJPW Strong, but he is no stranger to New Japan fans. Over the past few weeks, Phantasmo has taken Strong by storm, and he has shared the ring with the likes of Lio Rush.
On the day Jon Moxley returned to the New Japan ring, the champion took out KENTA and set his sights on the former's fellow Bullet Club stablemates, El Phantasmo and Hikuleo.
A feud between Moxley and ELP would be extremely fun to watch on New Japan Strong. The Bullet Club star is currently trying to bounce back from a title loss. He and Taiji Ishimori recently dropped the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Championship to El Desperado and Yoshinobu Kanemaru.
But to make up for this defeat, Phantasmo will challenge Desperado and BUSHI in a Triple Threat Match for the vacant IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship. That being said, if NJPW decides to bank on a potential Moxley vs. ELP feud, The Headbanger will be presented with the chance to become a double champion.
#2. NJPW could finally revisit the feud between Jon Moxley and Zack Sabre Jr.
Jon Moxley's last match in Japan was against Minoru Suzuki. Prior to the pandemic, the reigning IWGP United States Champion was in the middle of a heated feud against Suzuki-Gun.
At Wrestle Kingdom 14, Jon Moxley defeated his current AEW colleague, Lance Archer to win the title. Moments later, the new champion was attacked by Suzuki, who made his intentions of winning the United States Championship clear. Though Moxley was ultimately victorious over Suzuki-Gun, he was attacked by Zack Sabre Jr.
Though Moxley is currently in the United States, NJPW could book a feud between the two stars after the champion concludes his business with Kenny Omega in AEW. A few weeks ago, Sabre Jr. and his tag team partner, Taichi failed to regain the IWGP World Tag Team Championship. In his post-match interview, he stated that he will be returning to singles competition. He could target Moxley in his return to this division.
While Jon Moxley and Sabre Jr. have contrasting in-ring styles, a match between the two would certainly be a must-see contest. If the champion returns to Japan in the coming few months, NJPW could consider re-booking his feud against Sabre Jr.
#1. Jay White could put Jon Moxley on notice once again
Jay White is no stranger to Jon Moxley. Like the former AEW World Champion, White also has a lot of history with the IWGP United States Championship.
White's current goal is to cement his place as the top dog in NJPW. At Wrestle Kingdom 15, Switchblade failed to win the IWGP Heavyweight and Intercontinental Championships from Kota Ibushi. He then went on a hiatus from in-ring competition. But since he returned to New Japan, White has been on a tear, and he has targeted Tomohiro Ishii.
While White's objective is to win the IWGP Heavyweight Championship, one must not forget that he already has one win over Jon Moxley. Switchblade earned that victory in the G1 Climax, and Moxley was still the IWGP United States Champion at the time.
A feud between Moxley and White should be regarded as a money feud for New Japan. White officially has earned himself a shot at the United States Champioship, and it remains to be seen whether NJPW will cash in on this rivalry. If the company rolls with it, fans should be in for an iconic rivalry between The Death Rider and Switchblade.
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