At NJPW Power Struggle 2026, Gabe Kidd defeated Taichi to retain the IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship.
Following the bout, Kidd attacked NJPW President Hiroshi Tanahashi, leading to Yuya Uemura to make the save before he was assaulted by Jon Moxley.
Despite Shingo Takagi coming down to go after Mox, The Death Riders got the upper hand and laid out everyone before announcing they were declaring war on New Japan Pro Wrestling.
Here are some potential NJPW future plans for AEW’s Death Riders.
Jon Moxley vs. Shingo Takagi at Wrestle Kingdom 21
Following his win over Claudio Castagnoli at NJPW Destruction in Kobe, Shingo Takagi has been calling out Jon Moxley.
Wanting revenge for his previous loss against Mox two years prior, Takagi goaded the Death Riders leader to make his return to New Japan Pro Wrestling.
At NJPW Power Struggle 2026, Shingo teamed with Jeff Cobb to pick up a win over Moxley and Wheeler Yuta of The Death Riders.
Post match, Takagi issued a challenge to Mox for a singles match at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 21 on January 4.
Gabe Kidd vs. Yuya Uemura for the IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship at Wrestle Kingdom 21
As previously mentioned, Gabe Kidd defeated Taichi to retain the IWGP Global Heavyweight Title and then attacked New Japan President Hiroshi Tanahashi at NJPW Power Struggle 2026.
This led to Yuya Uemura coming down to the ring to go after Kidd and challenged him for his title.
While Kidd and Jon Moxley laid out Uemura and Shingo Takagi, “The Mad Man” went on to accept Yuya’s challenge and wanted the match at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 21.
Kidd and Uemura have history dating back to their time in the New Japan dojo, which should make this a deeply personal feud and matchup at the Tokyo Dome.
Recruit Shota Umino to join The Death Riders & turn his back on NJPW
There are plenty of stars on the current NJPW roster who have history with both Gabe Kidd and Jon Moxley.
One such name from the company is Shota Umino, who trained at the NJPW dojo with Kidd and became the young boy for Moxley during his formative years in the company.
Since then, there have been various references to this past between Shooter and The Death Riders.
After being neglected by NJPW and their fans, Shooter could snap and become a recruit from New Japan turning his back on the company to join The Death Riders during this war.
Force Hiroshi Tanahashi out of retirement
Gabe Kidd’s attack on Hiroshi Tanahashi at NJPW Power Struggle 2026 became a declaration of war.
At NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 20, Tanahashi retired from in-ring competition in front of a record crowd at the Tokyo Dome.
However, Kidd has continued to taunt, disrespect and assault “The Ace” at every turn in recent months.
Kidd, Jon Moxley and The Death Riders forcing Tanahashi out of retirement might be unlikely, but it now feels possible following their actions in Hiroshima.
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