Alex Shelley challenges Hiroshi Tanahashi for Impact x NJPW Multiverse United 2

Alex Shelley wants to put his Impact Championship on the line against Hiroshi Tanahashi. 

Impact posted a video on Wednesday of Shelley issuing a challenge to the Ace of New Japan for Multiverse United 2 on August 20. 

Shelley said:

Tana-san, you were a big sempai to me for years in when I was in New Japan Pro Wrestling and I looked up to you because you are the Ace. Well, guess what? I’m the joker. Come August 20, world-famous 2300 Arena, go ahead, challenge for this. I’m going to show you why now I’m the best in the world. 

BREAKING: @fakekinkade has laid out a HUGE challenge to @tanahashi1_100 for an IMPACT World Championship match at #MultiverseUnited2 on August 20 in the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, PA! @njpwglobal

Get tickets HERE: https://t.co/QqMDilHO7V pic.twitter.com/hvjiaqAFAe

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) July 26, 2023

Shelley defeated Steve Maclin at Against All Odds 2023 to win the Impact World Championship. He has since defended it against Brian Myers, Maclin, and most recently against Nick Aldis at Slammiversary. 

Only one match has been officially announced for Impact x NJPW Multiverse United 2. The show takes place from Philadelphia’s 2300 Arena and will air live on FITE TV. 

Impact x NJPW Multiverse United 2 announced lineup:

• Lio Rush & Trey Miguel vs. Hiromu Takahashi & Mike Bailey