WWE has renewed interest in working with Japanese companies

[Chris]

In the new edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer provided an update on WWE looking to align with promotions in Japan.

Meltzer writes that Paul "Triple H" Levesque is looking at Japanese allies going forward. Step one of that plan was NXT working with AJPW, where Charlie Dempsey recently challenged for the Triple Crown Championship. WWE is looking for a women's promotion to align with as well, and there has been talk internally within WWE about WWE attempting to work with NJPW.

Meltzer wrote:

Paul Levesque and perhaps Nick Khan are looking at Japanese allies going forward with the step one with All Japan this week and are looking for a women’s group ally as well. Obviously there is an All Japan/NXT alliance with Charlie Dempsey going there this week and Katsuhiko Nakajima, whose style is the farthest thing from what WWE does, talking about defending the Triple Crown here. There has been talk internally of them trying to make another go with New Japan, now that Hiroshi Tanahashi is president. With AEW having Forbidden Door which has been a major success for both sides the past two years, that would be a key factor in play for continuing the relationship with AEW, plus AEW allows its top stars to go to major New Japan events both in the U.S. and Japan.

Dempsey worked multiple matches for NJPW this week, including a loss to Triple Crown Champion Katsuhiko Nakajima. It was mentioned on this week's NXT episode that Dempsey was away working for AJPW.

Meltzer reported last week that WWE had expressed interest in working with women's promotion Stardom, which is owned by NJPW's parent company Bushiroad: "Besides the new deal working with All Japan, WWE has also expressed interest in working with Stardom. Nothing is finalized that we know of regarding that but WWE is confirmed interested."

A partnership between WWE and NJPW was discussed in 2021 but didn't come to fruition.

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[Canadian Dragon]

I would be careful if I were these companies, I doubt WWE has good intentions (sorry, I still have those nxt europe and nxt japan gfx still in my mind)

 

[Dale]

With Vince out of the way, I can definitely see something eventually happening however long that may take.

 

[Cwalker]

Definitely think it’s an inevitability. And you’d have to assume All Japan allowing Dempsey to come over means they’re not against the idea.

Let’s see how it plays out

 

[Jimmy King]

I’m hyped to see what comes of this, whatever it is. I’m down for them having partnerships with other promotions, I’ll let it play it out and see what happens before I pass judgement.

 

[Deadd2009]

As long as it doesnt affect the AEW partnership, can you imagine WWE and AEW guys at Wrestle Kingdom next year?

 

[Kenoh]

As long as it doesnt affect the AEW partnership, can you imagine WWE and AEW guys at Wrestle Kingdom next year?

If WWE works with All Japan, then there is no worry for AEW. The problem mainly arises at joint shows the promotions have done in the last couple of years.

 

[Kenoh]

By the way, go watch Dempsey vs. Nakajima because it is a great match.

 

[Bobby Barrows]

I do have to wonder how AJPW is doing in recent years to make such a partnership viable in the first place.

 

[Deezy]

What's the Yakuza influence in Japan these days?

Killed Pride when the UFC was looking to keep that going back in the day.

 

[Kenoh]

I do have to wonder how AJPW is doing in recent years to make such a partnership viable in the first place.

All Japan has been doing pretty well for itself. After, Muto left it was a bit rough, but they have found their stride and had a solid core of people.

What's the Yakuza influence in Japan these days?

Little to none

 

[Bobby Barrows]

All Japan has been doing pretty well for itself. After, Muto left it was a bit rough, but they have found their stride and had a solid core of people.

Little to none

Last I checked wasn't NOAH hit with a bit yakuza scandal in 2012?

 

[Kenoh]

Last I checked wasn't NOAH hit with a bit yakuza scandal in 2012?

That was 12 years ago, and a lot has changed since then. Also, the Yakuza have also been more invested in Illegal Gambling like Illegal Casinos and rigged Pachinko machines and so forth.

 

[Daddy Deville]

maybe Thatcher isn't to far out of reach

 

[The Gipper]

As long as it doesnt affect the AEW partnership, can you imagine WWE and AEW guys at Wrestle Kingdom next year?

Don’t have to imagine, literally happened last year bud