In August, Kenta competed in the inaugural New Japan Cup USA tournament, with the winner receiving a match for the IWGP United States Championship. Kenta defeated Karl Fredericks in the first round, Jeff Cobb in the semi-finals, and David Finlay in the finals to win the tournament. Kenta then competed in the 2020 G1 Climax in the B Block, but failed to win with a final score of 10 points. At Power Struggle on November 7, Kenta successfully retained his Right to Challenge contract for the United States Championship against Hiroshi Tanahashi. He was then due to defend the contract against Juice Robinson at Wrestle Kingdom 15, but Robinson suffered an injury and Satoshi Kojima was named as his replacement. At the event on January 4, 2021, Kenta defeated Kojima to retain the Right to Challenge contract. On the January 29 episode of "Strong", Kenta was attacked by United States Champion Jon Moxley. It was then announced that Kenta would receive his championship shot against Moxley at The New Beginning USA on February 26, where he was defeated.