New Japan Pro-Wrestling star Katsuyori Shibata appeared to be the “dream opponent” for Orange Cassidy’s All-Atlantic Championship defense for AEW Rampage. The revelation was made during the November 2 episode of AEW Dynamite, this week.
Over on the flagship show of the AEW, Cassidy retained his All-Atlantic Title against Luchasaurus and Rey Fenix in a three-way bout. After the successful defense, Cassidy was ambushed by his arch-rival PAC when Shibata came out in a surprising post-match segment to make the rescue.
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As per the stipulation, the winner of last night’s “All-Atlantic City Dream Match” had the option of picking an opponent of their choice during the AEW Rampage All-Atlantic Title defense. Cassidy chose the NJPW star for the next title match set from the Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey for this Friday.
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Before this week’s Dynamite, Shibata was last seen on AEW programming at AEW Forbidden Door pay-per-view, where he rescued Cassidy in a similar fashion from a post-match beatdown at the hands of Will Ospreay and Aussie Open.
Shibata, who will be seen in action on AEW Rampage had last wrestled a match against Ren Narita at Wrestle Kingdom 16 earlier this year. The upcoming match against Cassidy will be his third-only match since his 5-minute exhibition against Zack Sabre Jr. at last year’s G1 Climax 31.
It should also be noted that Shibata got himself injured during his critically-acclaimed match against Kazuchika Okada at NJPW’s Sakura Genesis event in 2017 which also put him into early retirement but he managed to make a comeback, after all.
AEW Rampage November 4 episode match card
Besides Cassidy vs. Shibata, the confirmed lineup for the November 4 episode of AEW Rampage includes a tag team matchup for the team of Britt Baker and Jamie Hayter while a major guest appearance will feature Mike Tyson. Plus, an announcement regarding the AEW World Championship Eliminator Tournament will also be made.
At a glance, the match card for AEW Rampage stands as follows,
Orange Cassidy (c) vs. Katsuyori Shibata – All-Atlantic Championship Match
Madison Rayne & Skye Blue vs Dr. Britt Baker & Jamie Hayter
Full Gear Eliminator Tournament Participants will be announced
Mike Tyson returns