Wrestling fans all over the world were jazzed as hell last month when it was announced that Rey Mysterio would wrestle for New Japan Pro Wrestling at Strong Style Evolved. Not only would Mysterio be following in Chris Jericho’s shoes and be a legitimate WWE legend spending some time in the hottest promotion in the world right now, but he would be taking on his old WCW nemesis, Jushin “Thunder” Liger.
Unfortunately, Mysterio suffered an injury at an indie show at the beginning of March, and while there were hopes that it wouldn’t be significant enough to keep him out of action, he was forced to pull out of the Long Beach supershow just this week.
Liger’s new opponent at Strong Style Evolved ended up being current IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion Will Ospreay, but Mysterio still made the trip and appeared at the show.
Before the Liger vs. Ospreay match, Mysterio made his way to the ring. He spoke to the fans in attendance and apologized for being unable to perform, but promised to wrestle for NJPW as soon as he’s able.
After the match, which Ospreay won, Ospreay cut a promo of his own. The Junior champ praised Liger, but said that he’s nobody’s replacement, and he wants to wrestle Rey Mysterio himself. Mysterio came to the ring, but that’s when former IWGP Jr. champ Marty Scurll hit the ring and … well, was generally a villain.
Scurll tore off Mysterio’s mask, beat down Mysterio and Ospreay and tauntingly wore Rey’s mask before being chased off by Liger. It appears there’s some intrigue brewing here. Could this be building toward a four-way match for the Junior Heavyweight title? Probably not, but there’s certainly some bad blood and challenges being thrown around here.
