3 Key Highlights
- Eddie Kingston reveals illness before NJPW G1 Climax match with Shingo Takagi.
- Kingston’s profound influence from Japanese wrestling is evident in his NJPW performance.
- AEW representation continues with appearances at NJPW’s January 4 Wrestle Kingdom 18 event.
Eddie Kingston, an established AEW wrestler, has recently shared his experiences competing in the prestigious NJPW G1 Climax tournament. Despite a health setback before his inaugural match, Kingston’s passion for Japanese wrestling shone through during the competition.
Illness Strikes Before Key Match
Kingston, who has always admired Japanese wrestling culture, admitted to a substantial challenge he faced while participating in this significant event. In an interview with Sports Illustrated’s Justin Barrasso, Kingston unveiled that he suffered a bout of illness just ahead of his match against Shingo Takagi, commenting, “I threw up before my match against Shingo. I always get nervous before matches, but I’ve never been that nervous.”
The confrontation with Takagi was rife with anticipation, but Kingston used his anxiety to fuel his performance, recalling his thought process, “So I got to the ring, talked to myself and said, ‘Yup, I’m in the G1.’ That helped. Then Shingo hit me really hard with the first forearm, and I knew I was ready.” Despite the pre-match setback, Kingston emerged victorious against the former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, securing a win in under 13 minutes.
AEW Stars Rise in NJPW Events
Kingston’s journey in the G1 Climax concluded with him earning 8 points, landing him a respectable fourth place in Block C. His participation underlined the growing crossover and camaraderie between AEW and NJPW talents.
Continuing this trend of inter-promotional appearances, several AEW competitors are scheduled to feature prominently in the upcoming NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 18 event on January 4. Fans can find the complete card for the event and anticipate more electrifying matches involving AEW stars on the global stage.
