Yota Tsuji invites Tony Khan to NJPW G1 Climax opening night in Chicago
IWGP Heavyweight Champion Yota Tsuji has invited Tony Khan to NJPW G1 Climax.
Earlier this year, Tsuji had opened up and suggested boycotting the AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door PPV. Tsuji was not in favor of how AEW treated the IWGP Heavyweight Champion and suggested protecting the promotion and its wrestlers by not attending the event.
Later, AEW Women’s Champion Thekla addressed his comments and shared that she respected his point of view. Tony Khan later spoke about his comments during the Forbidden Door post-show, asserting that Tsuji would always be welcomed in AEW.
Recently speaking to Tokyo Sports, Tsuji responded to Khan’s comments and invited him to the upcoming G1 Climax show in Chicago.
“I was once again struck by the greatness of his character as a person. I’ll say it again, I respect Tony Khan. I have my own thoughts about AEW as well, but what I think is really the problem is New Japan’s diplomatic style. I think we can build a new relationship by re-examining that aspect.” He then added, “If his schedule allows, I’d like Tony Khan to come to Chicago. We at New Japan will have a chance to show the US what IWGP is all about, against the AEW champion. If necessary, I’d like to play a round of golf with him afterward,” he said. (Interview translated from Japanese.)
The G1 Climax 2026 opening night will take place on July 11, 2026 at the NOW Arena in Hoffman Estates, Illinois. Tsuji will face AEW International Champion Konosuke Takeshita at NJPW G1 Climax in Chicago.
Shounak Chakrabarti is an experienced sports journalist with a lifelong passion for athletics and storytelling. He holds a Master’s Degree in International Journalism from the University of Leeds and joined F4WOnline in 2025.
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