AEWs WrestleDream 2024 event brought a big show to Tacoma, Washington. There were plenty of titles defended throughout the show, including the TNT Title in a hard-hitting contest.
Jack Perry is in his first reign as TNT Champion. He claimed the vacant title by winning a ladder match at Forbidden Door on June 30, 2024, where he defeated Konosuke Takeshita, Mark Briscoe, Dante Martin, Lio Rush, and El Phantasmo. The title had been vacated after the previous champion, Adam Copeland, was stripped of the championship due to an injury.
Katsuyori Shibata saw his career halt suddenly after suffering a terrible subdural hematoma thanks to his brutal headbutts. It was thought during a time that he may never wrestle again. Thankfully, Tony Khan was able to change that, as Shibata signed with AEW and quickly became a fan favorite. At WrestleDream, he finally had his shot against Jack Perry for his sick custom TNT Title.
Jack Perry and Shibata gave it their all in this intense match. It began with Perry trying to stall by running around the ring, with Shibata chasing him. However, it didnt take long for Shibata to unleash a series of stiff chops on Perrys chest, setting the tone for the rest of the bout.
At one point, Shibata dropped to the mat, inviting Perry to trade shots with him on his level. Instead, Perry spat on Shibata and fired off a few kicks to his chest. Shibata quickly responded, trapping Perry in the corner and delivering more of his signature chops.
As the match neared its conclusion, Shibata locked in a chokehold, but Perry managed to roll onto his back and secure the pinfall in a sudden and controversial finish. The outcome left fans visibly upset. After the match, tensions escalated as Perry struck Shibata with a shot from the TNT Title, leaving him laid out in the ring.
Daniel Garcia ran down to stop the abuse on Shibata, but then MJF interrupted him with his big return at the AEW pay-per-view.
