This past weekend, Japan was hugely affected by Typhoon Hagibis and a number of wrestling shows were delayed because of the storm.
While the company was still able to hold their King of Pro Wrestling event at the Ryogoku Sumo Hall, unfortunately, Jon Moxley and Zack Sabre Jr. were unable to make the show due to travel issues.
New Japan issued a statement confirming that Moxley has been stripped of the IWGP US title due to the former WWE star being unable to defend the belt:
"Due to travel delays as a result of this weekend’s Typhoon Hagibis, we regret to announce that Jon Moxley will be unable to appear at Ryogoku Sumo Hall for King of Pro Wrestling on Monday October 14. As Moxley is unable to wrestle in a scheduled championship defense, he has relinquished the IWGP United States Championship. In place of the scheduled Jon Moxley versus Juice Robinson No Disqualification match tonight for the United States Championship, a match will be contested for the now vacant title."
“Further to the prior announcement that Jon Moxley will not be able to wrestle his scheduled championship match at King of Pro Wrestling, we regret to announce that Zack Sabre Junior will also be unable to compete due to travel delays resulting from the effects of Typhoon Hagibis. We apologize to fans who were looking forward to seeing Sabre wrestle, and appreciate your understanding.”
The replacement for Moxley turned out to be Lance Archer, who faced Juice Robinson in a No Disqualification match for the title.
As expected, Robinson and Archer had a stiff match that came extremely close to ending several times; however, the former IWGP US Champion made the mistake of introducing chairs into a match, as Archer nailed the Blackout – crucifix powerbomb – through a stack of chairs set up by Juice earlier and then connected with his EVD claw finisher for the win.
This is the first time Lance Archer has won the IWGP United States Championship.