In a bold move underscoring the growing collaboration between WWE and international promotions, former NXT Tag Team Champions Hank Walker and Tank Ledger, now simply known as Hank & Tank, are poised to challenge for the prestigious GHC Tag Team Championship in Pro Wrestling NOAH. Just days after making their in-ring debut in Japan, the duo will face current champions Masa Kitamiya and Takashi Sugiura at NOAH’s Star Navigation event on November 8, 2025, at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo.
From NXT to NOAH: A Rapid Rise to Championship Contention
Hank Walker and Tank Ledger, who formerly held the NXT Tag Team titles, transitioned to Pro Wrestling NOAH with strong momentum. Their Japanese debut on October 26 at NOAH’s Sunny Voyage show saw them decisively defeat the team of Alpha Wolf and Dragon Bane, the latter being NOAH’s reigning GHC National Champion. This impressive victory immediately positioned Hank & Tank as legitimate contenders for NOAH’s GHC Tag Team Championship[1][2].
Their quick push to the top of NOAH’s tag division reflects both their in-ring ability and WWE’s ongoing talent exchanges with international wrestling companies. According to a WWE insider, “WWE is increasingly supporting its stars competing globally, believing exposure to varied styles elevates their profiles and skills. Hank & Tank’s challenge in NOAH is a testament to that vision”[4].
The GHC Tag Team Championship Clash: Hank & Tank vs. Kitamiya & Sugiura
The scheduled title match pits Hank & Tank against the reigning GHC Tag Team Champions, Masa Kitamiya and Takashi Sugiura. Kitamiya and Sugiura, as the 72nd titleholders, bring veteran savvy and championship pedigree to the bout. The title defense is set to headline the Star Navigation 2025 event on November 8 at the iconic Korakuen Hall — a historic venue treasured by Japanese wrestling fans[2][3].
Following their victory on October 26, Hank & Tank issued strong words during a post-match interview, emphasizing their respect for the titles and their intent to claim them. Hank stated, “Masa, you say we don’t respect you, but at Korakuen Hall, we will show just how much we respect these titles.” Tank added, “Global Honor Crown… we’re more global, more honorable, and we’re coming for those championships.” The duo ended with their signature chant “Honk Honk!” signaling confidence and camaraderie[1].
WWE’s Expanding International Collaborations
This tag team title challenge is part of a broader pattern seeing WWE talents participate in other top wrestling promotions. Recently, WWE NXT stars like Charlie Dempsey and Harlem Lewis have competed in NOAH, teaming with NOAH’s Yoshiki Inamura to notable wins. Inamura is also set to challenge KENTA for the GHC Heavyweight Championship on the same November 8 card, making the event a significant crossover showcase[1][2].
Moreover, the November card also mirrors an expanding trend as other WWE wrestlers pursue non-WWE championships. For instance, WWE NXT North American Champion Ethan Page and Chelsea Green plan to challenge for the AAA Mixed Tag Team Championships in Mexico in early November, reflecting WWE’s new global partnership approach that has gained traction since the administration changes in WWE management[4].
Backstage Insight: Why NOAH and WWE Are Aligning More Closely
Sources within WWE have confirmed that fostering international talent exchanges like that of Hank & Tank is a strategic initiative aimed at broadening WWE’s global influence and developing versatile performers. One backstage source explained, “It’s about blending talent and styles to create stars who can thrive anywhere. Japan’s Pro Wrestling NOAH offers a very different environment, and the GHC Tag Team titles are a prestigious symbol of success for anyone seeking to prove themselves beyond WWE”[4].
This move also enhances NOAH’s international appeal by injecting fresh talent with WWE credentials, increasing interest among North American audiences. Fans can expect high-energy matches rooted in both Japanese wrestling tradition and WWE’s entertainment style.
What to Expect at Korakuen Hall
The November 8 Star Navigation event promises electrifying tag team action with the mix of established NOAH veterans and WWE-bred talent. Hank & Tank will be tested by Sugiura and Kitamiya’s seasoned teamwork and technical prowess. Given the speed at which Hank & Tank earned this title opportunity, the match is highly anticipated as a potentially defining moment for their careers.
Fans watching from overseas will also see if WWE’s embrace of international collaborations will continue bearing fruit, potentially opening more doors for WWE wrestlers in global wrestling circuits.
This exciting chapter in pro wrestling defies boundaries, merging competitive environments across continents and showcasing the shared passion for tag team wrestling excellence. As Hank & Tank prepare to challenge for the GHC Tag Team Championship on November 8, the wrestling world watches keenly to see if these former NXT stars can add Japanese gold to their growing list of accolades.