3 Key Points
- Charlie Dempsey’s quest for the AJPW Triple Crown Championship ends in defeat.
- William Regal publicly acknowledges Dempsey as his son and his ties to WWE NXT.
- Katsuhiko Nakajima retains the title, while Dempsey’s NXT faction members continue their journey.
Up-and-Coming Star’s AJPW Foray
The wrestling world looked on as “WWE NXT” upstart Charlie Dempsey stepped into the AJPW ring to challenge reigning Triple Crown Champion Katsuhiko Nakajima. Despite a valiant effort, the rising star was unable to secure the coveted championship belt. This high-stakes match followed Dempsey’s official announcement by AJPW last month, with William Regal—wrestling royalty in his own right—confirming his paternal relationship to Dempsey, further adding emotional weight to the contest.
Into the Japanese Arena
NXT’s touted ‘Ace’, Dempsey, displayed his wrestling prowess in a series of matches prior to the title shot. Partnering with Yuma Anzai, he notched up wins against formidable opponents including Hideki Suzuki and even Nakajima himself. His journey culminated with the championship faceoff broadcasted live, showcasing Dempsey’s international appeal and his grappling skill set.
Title Defense Woes and WWE Ties
Nakajima, hot off a title defense against Kento Miyahara, was pushed to the limits by Dempsey. Post-match, an intriguing development unfolded as Shotaro Ashino, holder of a rightful claim to the Triple Crown courtesy of his Champion Carnival Tournament victory, stepped forward to challenge Nakajima. This moment underscored the drama that fuels AJPW’s championship picture.
Charlie Dempsey’s NXT Endeavors
Back on NXT soil, Dempsey’s fight continues with the No Quarter Catch Crew, alongside Damon Kemp, Myles Borne, and Drew Gulak. This faction has become a staple in the NXT landscape. Despite falling short in his own title aspirations in a thrilling three-way clash with North American Champion Dragon Lee and Joe Coffey in December, Dempsey’s journey is yet unwavering in WWE’s fiercely competitive environment.
