Karl Anderson’s reign as NJPW Never Openweight Champion has come to an end at the hands of Tama Tonga.
Anderson returned to WWE in October 2022, still holding the title, and opted to compete at WWE Crown Jewel in November, instead of NJPW Battle Autumn.
Anderson attacked Tonga with the belt before the bell rang but Tonga recovered to have a back-and-forth contest.
Tonga hit two consecutive Gun Stuns, the latter of which was botched, to get the win and dethrone the WWE Superstar.
Another title change ! @Tama_Tonga is the NEW NEVER OPENWEIGHT CHAMPION ! 🔥#NJPW #WK17 pic.twitter.com/NyJWYDFg85
— All Wrestling Media (@AWegrp) January 4, 2023
This marks Tonga’s second reign with the title, with his first being ended by Anderson at Dominion 6.12 in Osaka-jo Hall in June of last year.
