Takeshita returns to DDT for three November shows amid AEW timing clash

Konosuke Takeshita will return to DDT Pro Wrestling for three November shows, the promotion announced Thursday, a schedule that will keep the IWGP World Heavyweight Champion in Japan and out of several U.S. appearances for All Elite Wrestling. DDT confirmed Takeshita will wrestle on November 6 at Shinjuku FACE in Tokyo and on November 8 and 9 at events in Fukuoka and Kumamoto, marking his first matches for the promotion since May.

The dates conflict with AEW’s U.S. taping calendar. The November 8 DDT booking prevents an in-person appearance at AEW’s Collision taping in Houston, and the roughly 14-hour time difference and long flight make a live appearance on the November 5 Dynamite broadcast impractical. Takeshita is under contracts with AEW, New Japan Pro-Wrestling, and DDT, and has been a regular presence across all three companies this year.

Takeshita captured the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship earlier this month by defeating Zack Sabre Jr. at New Japan’s King of Pro Wrestling. He earned the title opportunity by winning the 2025 G1 Climax and told reporters after his victory that he intends to represent NJPW broadly while balancing commitments across promotions. "I'll...