One of the first matches advertised for tonight’s (Mar. 25) New Japan Pro Wrestling’s Strong Style Evolved was Rey Mysterio Jr. vs. Jushin Thunder Liger.
Unfortunately, due to Mysterio’s biceps injury, that didn’t happen.
Instead, Will Ospreay slotted into Mysterio’s spot and wrestled Liger. Prior to the match, Mysterio came out and cut a quick promo for the Long Beach, California crowd.
He apologized for missing the match, explaining that unfortunately injuries happen. However, he said even though a match with Liger isn’t happening tonight, it doesn’t mean it’s not happening at all. Mysterio went on to say that he will wrestle for New Japan when he is healthy.
.@reymysterio makes a promise to #NJPW fans. #njSSE pic.twitter.com/4wRnvcopH9
— TDE Wrestling (@totaldivaseps) March 26, 2018
A one off with Liger isn’t the only thing they set up for Mysterio though. After Ospreay defeated Liger, he challenged Mysterio for a match with the NJPW Junior Heavyweight title on the line. That’s not all either! Then Marty Scurll attacked Rey and took his mask off and put it on himself!
WOOP WOOP-yaka! The #Villain☔️ @MartyScurll just rained on everyone's parade. #njSSE pic.twitter.com/spkvSlpCVz
— TDE Wrestling (@totaldivaseps) March 26, 2018
It looks like there’s more than a one off match with Liger set up for the Ultimate Underdog tonight. Mysterio has matches with Will Ospreay and Marty Scurll that could conceivably happen after tonight’s happenings as well.
This is interesting not just for New Japan fans, but WWE fans as well. There have been continued rumors that despite Rey’s injury, a return to the WWE is still in the works. If it is just a one off match with Jushin Thunder Liger, then Mysterio could head to WWE after that. But if the seeds from the three matches planted tonight come to fruition, and Rey is New Japan bound for more than just one match, maybe WWE isn’t happening any time soon.
Where would you prefer to see Rey Mysterio? WWE or New Japan?