New Japan Pro-Wrestling’s Wrestle Kingdom 21 lineup has another major grudge match, as IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion YOH will put his title on the line against former tag team partner SHO on January 4 at the Tokyo Dome.

The challenge emerged following Tuesday’s Power Struggle event in Hiroshima, where YOH teamed with Hyo and Shota Umino to defeat House of Torture members SHO, Dick Togo, and Yujiro Takahashi.

Following the match, a video message aired featuring a masked individual who challenged YOH for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship at Wrestle Kingdom 21. The challenger added a major consequence to the contest, declaring that YOH would have to leave New Japan Pro-Wrestling if he failed to retain the title.

The mystery figure soon made his way to the ring in an attempt to attack the champion. YOH fought back, however, and unmasked the assailant to reveal SHO, setting the stage for a showdown between the former Roppongi 3K partners.

YOH accepted SHO’s challenge for the Tokyo Dome, but the champion added a stipulation of his own. Should SHO lose the match, he will be forced to leave House of Torture, with YOH seeking to reunite the team that once dominated the junior heavyweight tag team division.

You can follow Pro Wrestling Wire on X at @pwwireand on Facebook at The Pro Wrestling Wire. You can follow Rick Del Santo on X at @TheRickDelSanto or on Facebook at The Prof Rick Del Santo