Katsuhiko Nakajima Retains AJPW Triple Crown Title Against WWE NXT’s Charlie Dempsey

Charlie Dempsey’s attempts to bring the AJPW Triple Crown Heavyweight Title to the No Quarter Catch Crew were in vain at the promotion’s recent event. 

Last month, it was announced that Dempsey would be competing for AJPW, in a rare instance of WWE allowing one of their stars in another promotion. In a video, William Regal (Dempsey’s father) spoke about his own career in Japan before announcing that Dempsey would be working the AJPW show. This also proved to be Regal’s first public acknowledgment of the WWE NXT Superstar as his son. 

Charlie Dempsey Competes in All Japan

On December 31, Katsuhiko Nakajima defeated Kento Miyahara to retain the Triple Crown Heavyweight Championship and set up the title defense against Dempsey. Heading into their title match, Dempsey held a victory over the champion, having bested Nakajima in a previous tag-team match. 

At the January 3, show, the champion and challenger held nothing back in their efforts to leave with the AJPW Triple Crown Heavyweight Title. Dempsey was called the ‘Ace of NXT’ by the ring announcer. You can check out highlights of the match below. 

After Dempsey exited the ring, Nakajima was approached by Shotaro Ashino, who has been out since May 2023 with a fractured left forearm. Before his injury, Ashino had won the Champion Carnival tournament, earning himself a shot at the Triple Crown. He made his return to the ring on December 31. 

Back in the United States, things didn’t go any better for Dempsey’s allies in the No Quarter Catch Crew. Click here to find out more. 

Related
Opinions & Features

The Art of N64 Wrestling Games and an Interview with RGT85

The Nintendo 64 (N64) is often regarded as one of the greatest gaming consoles of all time, and for wrestling fans,...

Daniel Bryan Vs. Bryan Danielson: Who Has The Greater Legacy?

At All In 2024, Bryan Danielson defeat Swerve Strickland to, for the first time, capture the AEW World Championship. The victory...

Best Celebrity Matches in WWE History (Ranked)

WWE has always had a flair for the dramatic, blending athleticism with entertainment to create memorable moments. Over the years, WWE...
Top Stories

First Look: John Cena Guest Stars in The Simpsons Season 36 Premiere

John Cena is heading to Springfield. The 16-time WWE World Champion will guest star on The Simpsons Season 36 premiere, airing...

Watch: What Happened With Cody Rhodes After (9/20) SmackDown Went Off Air

Multiple top WWE stars including Liv Morgan, Cody Rhodes, and Drew McIntyre were in action in dark matches after this week's...

Roman Reigns’ In-Ring Return Match Confirmed For Bad Blood

Roman Reigns will be teaming up with an unlikely ally for his WWE return match against Bloodline at the upcoming Bad...
Guides

WWE Bad Blood 2024 Card: Every match taking place

WWE Bad Blood is making its long-awaited return after a 20-year hiatus, promising an action-packed night of intense rivalries and high-stakes...

WWE Bad Blood 2024 Tickets: Availability, price and more

WWE Bad Blood 2024 Tickets: Availability, price and moreWWE is bringing back a classic event with Bad Blood 2024, set to...

Kevin Owens WWE Contract: Rumored expiry, dates and more

As one of the company's most versatile performers, Kevin Owens and his contract status has become a hot topic in the...