Willow Nightingale was set to make her return to Tokyo Joshi Pro Wrestling this weekend. However, unexpected travel problems have changed those plans.
A last-minute issue has forced the AEW star to pull out of Summer Sun Princess. This leaves fans waiting a little longer for her anticipated return to Japan.
The change comes just days after Nightingale regained momentum in AEW, making the timing of the setback all the more unfortunate.
Willow Nightingale misses TJPW Summer Sun Princess after flight cancellation
TJPW confirmed that Nightingale will no longer compete at Summer Sun Princess on July 18 at Korakuen Hall after the cancellation of her scheduled flight to Japan. The promotion said it explored alternative travel arrangements but could not get her to the venue before the event began.
In its statement, TJPW said, “Willow Nightingale, who was scheduled to compete in ‘SUMMER SUN PRINCESS ’26’… has had her flight to Japan cancelled. We have been working to arrange an alternative flight, but it has become difficult for her to arrive in time for the start of the event, so she will unfortunately have to withdraw.”
The promotion also announced that Chris Brookes will make an emergency appearance and face Mizuki in a singles match instead.
Nightingale later addressed the situation herself, explaining that she had done everything possible to make the trip.
“I tried to exhaust every option, but a flight issue in the middle of my travel day has prevented me from making it to Tokyo in time. I’m sorry to fans who were looking forward to our match… I still want to face @mizupyon3 one day!” she wrote on X.
The canceled match would have marked Nightingale’s first TJPW appearance since defeating Miu Watanabe at Grand Princess 2025.
While this chapter has been delayed, it doesn’t appear to be closed. Both Nightingale and Mizuki have expressed interest in facing each other in the future.
Despite missing the Japan event, Nightingale still has a major opportunity ahead. After returning from a shoulder injury on the July 8 edition of AEW Dynamite, she earned an AEW Women’s World Championship match against Thekla at AEW Redemption on July 26.
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