Yota Tsuji Says He’s Open To Non-Title Match In AEW, Didn’t Boycott Forbidden Door

Yota Tsuji says that he is happy to compete in a non-title match in AEW and didn’t boycott Forbidden Door. The IWGP Heavyweight Champion kicked up a storm in the leadup to this year’s Forbidden Door when he suggested that he might skip the event.

Tsuji spoke with Tokyo Sports for a new interview and during the conversation, he weighed in the NJPW and AEW relationship. He noted that he did not have an issue with the show, but was rather concerned about granting an IWGP Heavyweight Championship match to someone without them having earned it.

“I think many people have the impression that I boycotted the Forbidden Door joint event in June, but I didn’t boycott it,” Tsuji said. “I just don’t intend to easily have an IWGP match against a wrestler from another organization.”

He continued, “But conversely, if it’s not a title match, I think it’s fine for me to go to AEW. If someone picks a fight with me, I’ll accept the challenge even if the belt isn’t on the line.”

Tony Khan weighed in on Tsuji’s previous comments after Forbidden Door and said that he has a lot of respect for the NJPW star, and that “he’s always felt very respected by AEW when he comes here, and he feels like the New Japan wrestlers get a lot of respect from the company and me personally.”