Rey Mysterio vs. Jushin Liger set for NJPW Strong Style Evolved

The first match for New Japan Pro Wrestling’s return to the United States appears to be confirmed, and it’s one that involves a big name from outside of the promotion.

A video where Rey Mysterio challenged Jushin Thunder Liger to face him at Strong Style Evolved in Long Beach aired on this morning’s New Beginning in Osaka show. Mysterio introduced himself, announced that he’d be wrestling in NJPW for the first time ever, and then issued the challenge to Liger.

Liger, who was doing commentary for the New Beginning show, accepted Mysterio’s challenge.

Mysterio called Liger one of the greatest junior heavyweight wrestlers ever, and Kevin Kelly and Don Callis hyped it up as a dream match. In their only other singles meeting, Liger defeated Mysterio at Starrcade 1996.

After making a surprise appearance in last month’s Royal Rumble, Mysterio spoke optimistically about returning to WWE. Dave Meltzer noted that Mysterio doesn’t have a contract with anyone, but he wrote Mysterio has commitments “all over the world” right now.

Strong Style Evolved will take place at Walter Pyramid in Long Beach on March 25th.