As noted before, current IWGP Heavyweight Champion Yota Tsuji had stated in an interview with Tokyo Sports this past June about him not being interested in defending his title at AEW and NJPW’s co-promoted Forbidden Door 2026 event and going as far as suggesting boycotting the event due to his lingering issues with NJPW’s partnership with AEW. AEW CEO Tony Khan had stated in response at this past Sunday’s post-show media scrum that he is a big fan of Tsuji and respects both him and the IWGP Heavyweight title.
Tokyo Sports held a recent interview with Tsuji. One of the topics discussed included Tsuji’s thoughts about Khan’s recent comments about him and invited Khan to come to NJPW’s G1 Climax 2026 opening night event in Chicago this July and to play a round of golf with him.
“I was once again struck by the greatness of his character as a person. I’ll say it again, I respect Tony Khan. I have my own thoughts about AEW as well, but what I think is really the problem is New Japan’s diplomatic style. I think we can build a new relationship by re-examining that aspect.” He then added, “If his schedule allows, I’d like Tony Khan to come to Chicago. We at New Japan will have a chance to show the US what IWGP is all about, against the AEW champion. If necessary, I’d like to play a round of golf with him afterward,” he said.
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