Hikuleo vs. Karl Anderson is still on for NJPW Battle Autumn according to NJPW.
Karl Anderson, the reigning NEVER Openweight Champion, is double booked for November 5 as he was scheduled to defend his title at NJPW Battle Autumn against Hikuleo. On Monday, he was booked for WWE Crown Jewel where he'll team with Luke Gallows & AJ Styles to take on The Judgment Day (Finn Balor, Damian Priest, & Dominik Mysterio).
Anderson put out a statement saying he would not be defending the NEVER Openweight Title at NJPW Battle Autumn on November 5.
After the October 21 NJPW Battle Autumn event, Hikuleo spoke backstage and addressed Anderson.
"You think you forgot about me? I’ve got alot on my plate right now, but I can make time for you. What are you scared of, Karl Anderson? The second non Japanese person to make the finals of the G1, scared of someone who’s just coming back from a learning excursion? The former multi time IWGP Tag Team Champion, scared of someone who’s only had two title matches? Listen, you want to call yourself ‘bright lights’? Don’t forget who turned on those lights for you- New Japan did. And now you want to say those lights are brighter? You want to say your lights are brighter. Well don’t turn your back on us. Don’t forget where you came from. Karl, you want to hide from me? I’ll find you, and when I do- I’ll knock all your lights out," he said.
The end of the article from NJPW states, "Hikuleo is still scheduled to face Karl Anderson on November 5 at Battle Autumn."
Anderson has yet to respond to Hikuleo. Fightful will continue to update fans on the situation as more is known.
