WATCH: NXT Superstar enters the proverbial “Forbidden Door”, appears at an AJPW show

Charlie Dempsey makes a stupendous debut on behalf of WWE NXT as he wins his first match in AJPW.

WATCH: NXT Superstar enters the proverbial “Forbidden Door”, appears at an AJPW show

Charlie Dempsey at AJPW (via @Peps_Wrestling/'X'/Wrestling Observer)

2024 will be the year of forging new international alliances for WWE. The first chapter was added after the NXT Superstar, Charlie Dempsey made his AJPW debut on December 31, 2023. His debut came in a tag team match where he joined Yuma Anzai. Together, they overcame the team of Leona Fujinami and Tatsumi Fujinami.

This exciting tag team battle was featured on the AJPW Mania Event. The victory has seemingly given young Dempsey a major push, as he is set to face Katsuhiko Nakajima for the AJPW Triple Crown Championship. Their bout will take place on January 3, 2023, at Korakuen Hall. 

YouTube video

Nakajima has enjoyed favorable booking ever since he was crowned the World Champion. It will be interesting to see whether things will remain the same or whether he’ll crumble against the British Lancashire style of Charlie Dempsey. As can be seen below, Dempsey looked quite natural as he walked in with the swagger of a star.

FS Video

As previously reported, Dempsey is the son of WWE legend, William Regal. In the promotional video for AJPW, Regal announced that it would be Dempsey who’ll step up against the Triple Crown Champion. If the unthinkable happens, then it would be Dempsey’s first World Title win, and that too outside the base of the USA.

Shawn Michaels praises Charlie Dempsey ahead of his AJPW Debut

WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels has been one of the supporting pillars of NXT. He has not only looked after the talent as a guardian figure but has also supported them in their journey. He poured his heart out for the young technical talent, Charlie Dempsey ahead of his much-awaited title match in AJPW.

Charlie Dempsey and Shawn Michaels
Charlie Dempsey and Shawn Michaels (via WWE)
@WWENXT is about supporting and developing our young Superstars while evolving along the way. Help me support #CharlieDempsey as he travels to @alljapan_pw for the Triple Crown Championship on January 3. I couldn’t ask for a better Superstar to represent #WWENXT. Good luck!!
Shawn Michaels on Charlie Dempsey

It seems the Heartbreak Kid is pretty excited to see one of his talents compete internationally. Young Dempsey has been given a serious opportunity to not only represent WWE but also the developmental territory of NXT.

On the other hand, the Hall of Famer made his last televised appearance at NXT Deadline. He was there to kick off the show and was soon accompanied by the Second City Saint. Michaels and CM Punk engaged in a banter where they had an off-script interaction, to the delight of the audience. 

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