Jon Moxley failed to win the inaugural IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship in the Triple Threat Match with Will Ospreay and David Finlay at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 18.
Finlay battled all odds and triumphed over the two AEW stars, winning the new title.
During a post-match interview, Moxley discussed his loss and his hopes to bring the Blackpool Combat Club to NJPW later this year.
You can check out some highlights from the podcast below:
On this being a the best way to start his year: “2023 ****ing sucked. There were some highs and there was some lows, and it was f***ing tough and I didn’t like it. I want to forget it but now it’s 2024, and I said it the other day and I really f***ing mean it. There is no other place in the world that I would rather start this year. This is Jon Moxley’s motherf***ing year, and there there was no other place I would rather start than right here in Japan and Tokyo and the Tokyo Dome with [David] Finlay, who was at the beginning of his journey.”
His thoughts on David Finlay: “All **** aside, it took balls for him to do what he did in Osaka, and to step up to the plate and put his name in the hat. And sometimes you do stuff like that, it’s not popular the time, but when you look back years later you say that was the moment that that guy put his name on the map. That was the moment that that guy had the balls to step up and swim with the big fishes, swim with the sharks. And you know maybe Finlay’s falling in with the wrong crowd. Maybe he’s sucking up to the bookers. I don’t know, but I know what kind of family he comes from. I know who he is deep down. I said it before, and it’s a true story. I sat at a bar years ago drinking with his dad, Fit Finlay, on a European tour. He told me his son wants to be a wrestler. I said, ‘Was he going to come here? Is he going to come to WWE developmental?’ Whatever it was. He [Fit Finlay] said, ‘Shit no. I’m going to send him to Japan. I want him to learn how to do it right. All these years later, and here I am facing off with [him] at the Tokyo Dome, blood running all down my face, my eye about popped out of my head. I think I got a broken rib. It’s just funny how the world all ties together, so I know what kind of person Finlay is deep down. This is just the beginning of his journey We may meet again. We may not, but I got to be a little small part of it. That was pretty cool.”
On his plans to return to New Japan in 2024: “I have a lot of stuff I want to do in Japan in 2024. I faced and defeated a litany of some of the greatest stars in the history of New Japan Pro-Wrestling; Tanahashi, Suzuki, Ishii, and there is a long list that I haven’t even been in the ring with yet. There is a long list of shit I can do in Japan and a long list of moments and holy shit stuff that I can do in Japan. Bryan, my Blackpool Combat Club teammate, he’s wrestling Okada right now. I want to go out and see that. I want to see him make Okada tap out and break his arm after what he cost him.”
On bringing the Blackpool Combat Club to New Japan: The Blackpool Combat Club has plans in Japan for 2024 and beyond. I want to comeback with Bryan Danielson, with Claudio Castagnoli, I want to get Wheeler Yuta, our young rookie out here and have him test himself and prove himself and prove his mettle with all the great young competitors in Japan. Bushiroad has some kind of relationship with Stardom and there is a lot of great women’s pro wrestling, Joshi promotions in Japan and this is some of the best women’s wrestling in the world.”
On wanting to bring Marina Shafir to NJPW: “Friend of the Blackpool Combat Club, Marina Shafir, it’s a goal of mine to get her out in Japan. Seeing Marina Shafir wrestle, I think the fans of Japan, when you see her submission skills or Judo skills, her martial art skills on the mat, I think fans of Japan will absolutely adore the violence she can bring to women’s wrestling. That’s something I hope to have in the future. Marina Shafir, she wants a shot in Japan. Bring the best women you’ve got because that’s one of the baddest bitches walking the planet and she’ll come over here representing the Blackpool Combat Club.”
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Jon Moxley Fails to Win IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 18
In a highly anticipated Triple Threat Match at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 18, Jon Moxley faced off against Will Ospreay and David Finlay for the inaugural IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship. However, despite his best efforts, Moxley was unable to secure the victory, as Finlay emerged as the winner and the new titleholder.
The match was filled with intense action and high stakes, as all three competitors showcased their skills and determination. Finlay, in particular, defied the odds and proved himself against two AEW stars, solidifying his place in the history books as the first-ever IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion.
Following the match, Moxley took part in a post-match interview where he discussed his loss and expressed his hopes of bringing the Blackpool Combat Club to NJPW later in the year. Moxley reflected on the ups and downs of 2023 and stated that he is determined to make 2024 his year.
Moxley also shared his thoughts on David Finlay, acknowledging the courage it took for him to step up and compete in such a high-profile match. He praised Finlay’s determination and mentioned their connection through Fit Finlay, David’s father, who had expressed his desire for his son to learn the craft of wrestling in Japan.
Looking ahead, Moxley revealed his plans to return to New Japan in 2024. He expressed his eagerness to face more legendary stars in the promotion and mentioned his Blackpool Combat Club teammate, Bryan Danielson, who was currently wrestling against Okada. Moxley expressed his desire to witness Danielson’s success and hinted at a potential rivalry between them.
Furthermore, Moxley expressed his intentions of bringing the Blackpool Combat Club to New Japan. He mentioned other members of the club, such as Claudio Castagnoli and Wheeler Yuta, and emphasized the talent and potential they possess. Moxley also highlighted the strong women’s wrestling scene in Japan and expressed his interest in bringing Marina Shafir, a friend of the Blackpool Combat Club, to NJPW.
In conclusion, Jon Moxley’s loss at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 18 may have been disappointing for him, but it has not dampened his spirits or determination. He remains focused on making 2024 his year and has exciting plans for his future in New Japan. Wrestling fans can look forward to witnessing Moxley’s journey and the potential clashes with other top stars in the promotion.