Francesco Akira Challenging YOH For IWGP Junior Heavyweight Title At 7/6 NJPW Road To G1 Climax Show

Francesco Akira is eyeing the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship.

There was a four-way match at the June 23rd NJPW Road to G1 Climax show to determine the first challenger to YOH’s IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship.

Competing in the bout were Francesco Akira, SHO, Kosei Fujita, and Master Wato. Akira emerged victorious, and below is NJPW’s write-up about the bout:

“After a brief pre-match speech from SHO, Akira quickly shut him up, and the chaotic four-way bout got underway. While Fujita and Wato battled in the center of the ring, SHO and Akira took a more strategic approach, waiting on the outside for the right opportunity. Once it presented itself, the two teamed up against Wato and Fujita, but their alliance quickly fell apart as they turned on one another.

As the temporary coalition crumbled, SHO and Akira applied a double Boston Crab before Wato broke things up with a surprise attack. He then resumed his battle with Fujita. With the threat of SHO and Akira still looming on the outside, Wato and Fujita briefly shifted their focus, diving onto their opponents before continuing their own rivalry inside the ring. Fujita survived the TTD and managed to take out all three opponents at once, but could not secure the victory.

The four men continued to trade momentum, with both Akira and SHO finding themselves caught in submissions. The Japanese Young Punk then turned his attention back to Wato as the chaos intensified. SHO came close to ending the match with the Shock Arrow, but Wato escaped and responded with Recientemente. Before he could capitalize, a Fireball from Akira and German Suplex from Fujita gave the audience almost a winner.

Wato then dropped Akira with a lariat and followed up with the Tsutenkaku German, seemingly on the verge of victory, but SHO pulled the referee out of the ring. The interference brought DOUKI into the fray, and after all four competitors found themselves on the receiving end of the steel plate, it was Francesco Akira who took advantage of the chaos. Akira connected with Crown Fall on Wato to score the victory and earn an IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship opportunity.”

Akira is challenging YOH for the title at the July 6th Road to G1 Climax show.