KENTA will officially be the first challenger for Tetsuya Naito’s double gold.

NJPW has confirmed that Naito vs. KENTA will headline the New Beginning in Osaka on Sunday, February 9. Naito’s IWGP Heavyweight and IWGP Intercontinental titles will both be on the line.

KENTA being Naito’s first challenger was established during the show-closing angle at Wrestle Kingdom 14 night two. After Naito defeated Kazuchika Okada in their double title match, KENTA attacked Naito, hit a Penalty Kick, and laid him out with the Go 2 Sleep. KENTA then posed with Naito’s title belts.

Naito & SANADA defeated KENTA & Jay White at New Year Dash, with SANADA getting the pin on White as KENTA and Naito were fighting outside. KENTA and White attacked Naito and SANADA after and hit them with chairs. KENTA cut a promo telling Naito that he’s going to take both of his titles.

The New Beginning in Osaka is taking place at Osaka-jo Hall. Naito vs. KENTA is the first match announced for the New Beginning tour.