Lio Rush issues challenge to Hiromu Takahashi for IWGP Junior title


Lio Rush has his eyes set on Hiromu Takahashi’s IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship.
Rush teamed with Trey Miguel and defeated Takahashi and Mike Bailey at Impact x NJPW Multiverse United 2 on Sunday in Philadelphia. The finish of the match saw Rush hit a low blow on Takahashi and roll him up for a three count.
After the match, Rush, already the X-Division Champion, cut a promo about wanting more gold and challenged Takahashi to a IWGP Junior title match. Takahashi appeared to accept but this didn’t seem to sit well with Bailey, who had issued a similar challenge to Takahashi the night before at All Star Junior Festival USA.
.@IamLioRush wants @SpeedballBailey's shot at the IWGP Junior Championship!#MultiverseUnited2 #NJPWxIMPACT pic.twitter.com/ELitSX1TzL
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) August 20, 2023
NJPW has yet to announce who Takahashi will defend his IWGP Junior title against next.
After an ill gotten win for Lio Rush, will it be the bad Child challenging Hiromu Takahashi next, or Mike Bailey?#Multiverseunited2 report:https://t.co/VOf8YyERYp
Order the replay now!https://t.co/NA5aRR3DCD pic.twitter.com/i1pQc4z4Un
— NJPW Global (@njpwglobal) August 21, 2023
Impact x NJPW Multiverse United 2 results:
- Joe Hendry, Yuya Uemura, & Heath defeated Rocky Romero, Ryusuke Taguchi & Master Wato (Pre-Show)
- Impact Digital Media Champion Kenny King defeated Yoshinobu Kanemaru (Just 5 Guys) to retain (Pre-Show)
- Chris Sabin defeated MAO, Kevin Knight, Rich Swann, YOH (CHAOS), BUSHI (LIJ), Frankie Kazarian and El Desperado (Strong Style) in a scramble match
- Moose & Eddie Edwards Zack Sabre Jr. & Shane Haste (TMDK)
- NJPW Strong Women’s Champion Giulia (Donna del Mondo) defeated Momo Kohgo (Stars), Deonna Purrazzo & Gisele Shaw to retain
- Sami Callihan defeated Douki (Just 5 Guys) in a South Philly Street Fight
- Catch 22 (TJP & Francesco Akira) (United Empire) defeated Robbie Eagles & Kosei Fujita (TMDK)
- Bullet Club (Ace Austin, Chris Bey, KENTA, Clark Connors, Alex Coughlin & David Finlay) defeated The World (The DKC, PCO, Josh Alexander, Tama Tonga, Tanga Loa & El Phantasmo)
- Trey Miguel & Lio Rush defeated Mike Bailey & Hiromu Takahashi
- Impact World Champion Alex Shelley defeated Hiroshi Tanahashi to retain
