Kyoki Works WWE Dark Match Ahead of RAW Taping in Ottawa

Kyoki Works Dark Match Ahead of WWE RAW Taping in Ottawa

After debuting alongside Shinsuke Nakamura during a promo segment on the August 21 edition of SmackDown, Kyoki (formerly Hiromu Takahashi in NJPW) made his unofficial WWE in-ring debut prior to the August 24 episode of WWE RAW.

Nakamura spent weeks teasing the arrival of a mystery partner to help combat Tama Tonga and The MFTs. While the new duo made their intentions clear regarding the tag team division on Friday night, Kyoki didn’t wait long to test his skills in a WWE ring. Before RAW went live at the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, Kyoki competed in a dark match, defeating Kit Wilson.

Decorated International Resume Meets New WWE Horizon

Kyoki brings a massive level of international pedigree to the WWE roster. During his decorated 16-year tenure with New Japan Pro-Wrestling, he established himself as a premiere junior heavyweight, holding the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship five times and winning the prestigious Best of the Super Juniors tournament four times.

The Ottawa dark match marked Kyoki’s first live in-ring action since February 11, when he officially wrapped up his final NJPW commitments.

Wrestling fans on social media expressed immediate excitement over his arrival, with many recalling his acclaimed performances in Japan and high-profile bouts abroad, including his standout match against Kyle Fletcher at AEW Forbidden Door.

While his pairing with Nakamura has generated substantial momentum, his official televised in-ring debut remains a major question mark. WWE is expected to give the duo a prominent showcase on television as creative plans for the tag division unfold over the coming weeks.

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