NJPW's Katsuyori Shibata Getting Title Match On 11/4 AEW Rampage
New Japan Pro-Wrestling star Katsuyori Shibata was revealed as Orange Cassidy's "dream opponent" during the 11/2 episode of "AEW Dynamite."
After retaining his All-Atlantic Title against Luchasaurus and Rey Fenix in a three-way bout, Cassidy was ambushed by his arch-rival PAC, only to be rescued by Shibata in a surprising post-match segment. Cassidy would then grant Shibata a title match for Friday's live episode of "AEW Rampage" in Atlantic City, NJ. As per stipulation, the winner of Wednesday's "All-Atlantic City Dream Match" had the option of picking an opponent of their choosing to defend the All-Atlantic Title against, at the Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall on Friday, and he chose the NJPW star.
Shibata was last seen on AEW programming at the 6/26 Forbidden Door pay-per-view, where he similarly rescued Cassidy from a post-match beatdown at the hands of Will Ospreay and Aussie Open. Shibata, who was forced into early retirement in 2017 due to a subdural hematoma, last wrestled a match against Ren Narita at Wrestle Kingdom 16 earlier this year. Friday's match against Cassidy will mark only his third bout since his 5-minute exhibition against Zack Sabre Jr. at last year's G1 Climax 31.
Shibata wasn't the only surprise star appearing on "AEW Dynamite" this week though as WWE Hall Of Famer Jeff Jarrett also made his presence known on the show, striking Darby Allin with a trademark guitar shot.
Besides Cassidy vs. Shibata, the confirmed lineup for the 11/4 "AEW Rampage" includes Britt Baker & Jamie Hayter vs. Madison Rayne & Skye Blue, a guest appearance from Mike Tyson, and an announcement pertaining to the AEW World Championship Eliminator Tournament.