One big thing: WWE star AJ Styles defeated Pro Wrestling NOAH’s Naomichi Marufuji in a highly anticipated crossover match
The match, which took place at NOAH’s Destination event on July 13, lasted 25 minutes and ended with Styles securing a pinfall victory after executing his signature Styles Clash.
Key takeaways:
• The match was first announced in June, generating significant buzz among wrestling fans
• It was the penultimate bout of the night at the NOAH Destination event
• Both wrestlers showed mutual respect following the match
Why it matters
This crossover match represents a rare instance of a top WWE talent competing in a major Japanese promotion, potentially signaling increased collaboration between WWE and international wrestling companies.
The bigger picture
• More WWE involvement: Josh Briggs and Tavion Heights from NXT are set to compete in NOAH’s N1 Victory tournament later this year
• Expanded reach: These crossovers allow WWE to tap into the Japanese market while giving NOAH more international exposure
• Fan satisfaction: High-profile matches like this cater to hardcore wrestling fans who appreciate seeing dream matchups across promotions
By the numbers
• 25: Duration of the match in minutes
• 2: Number of NXT stars (Briggs and Heights) scheduled to compete in NOAH’s upcoming tournament
What’s next
As WWE continues to allow its talent to participate in events outside the company, fans can expect more exciting crossover matches in the future. The success of this bout may pave the way for similar collaborations between WWE and other international promotions.
What do you think about WWE allowing more of its stars to compete in other promotions? Do you believe this trend will continue, and how might it impact the wrestling industry as a whole? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
