NJPW has apologized to its fans on behalf of NEVER Openweight Champion, Karl Anderson.
“Despite extensive efforts by New Japan Pro-Wrestling to negotiate with Karl Anderson regarding his scheduled match in Osaka at Battle Autumn on November 5, NJPW officials have still been met with no response, and have been left with no other option but to cancel the planned NEVER Openweight Championship match. We apologise to fans who had been looking forward to watching Anderson wrestle,” said the promotion in a statement. Anderson was supposed to defend the title against Hikuleo at the event.
The Battle Autumn match has been changed to Hikuleo taking on Yujiro Takahashi instead.
NJPW expressed its displeasure with Anderson.
“NJPW holds its champions to the highest standard of professionalism. We deeply apologize for the inconvenience and disappointment caused by this matter,” they said.
Before The Good Brothers joined the WWE, NJPW announced on October 4th that Anderson would defend the championship at the November 5th event.
The Good Brothers returned to the WWE on October 10th and teaming with AJ Styles will face Judgment Day at WWE Crown Jewel on November 5th, the same day as Battle Autumn.