New Date Proposed For CM Punk Vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi

Hiroshi Tanahashi has proposed that his cancelled AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door match with CM Punk be rescheduled for Wrestle Kingdom 17.

New Japan Pro Wrestling's ace was revealed as Punk's Forbidden Door opponent on last week's Dynamite. The AEW World Champion effectively issued an open challenge, inviting whoever he was facing on 26 June to reveal themselves, with Tanahashi walking out in response.

But the first match to be confirmed for AEW and NJPW's first ever interpromotional show was rendered impossible days later. As revealed on the 3 June Rampage, Punk is injured and requires surgery on a suspected broken foot. Though he will retain the AEW World Championship, with an interim title-holder crowned in his absence, there is no word on when he might return.

Instead of wrestling Punk at Forbidden Door, Tanahashi has a shot at wrestling for the Interim World Championship should he defeat Hirooki Goto at NJPW Dominion 6.12 on 12 June.

Now, speaking with Tokyo Sports, Tanahashi has proposed Punk face him at NJPW's signature event, Wrestle Kingdom 17, on 4 January 2023. Tana stated that he travels to the United States regularly, so would like to invite Punk to Japan instead.

Whether or not this would be a realistic recovery window for Punk remains unclear. The 43-year-old will undergo surgery on his injury soon, though there is no word on when.

AEW begins the process of crowning an Interim World Champion on tonight's Dynamite, where Jon Moxley will face a battle royal winner, with the victor of that singles match advancing to Forbidden Door. Goto or Tanahashi then await on 26 June, where the champion will be coronated.