Jun Akiyama
Marufuji returned to AJPW to compete in the 2018 Champion Carnival, where he finished his block with a record of five wins and two losses, last defeating Jun Akiyama on April 29 to advance to the finals. Then the following day, he defeated B Block winner and Triple Crown Heavyweight Champion Kento Miyahara to win the Champion Carnival. On the rematch for the title on May 25, however, Marufuji was defeated.