Important Update Regarding New Japan Pro Wrestling Working with WWE

PWInsider.com has provided an important update regarding New Japan Pro Wrestling working with WWE, which was initially reported as a talent scouting/exchange program between NJPW and NXT. However, this information appears to be wrong.

It was initially reported that NJPW would be expanding their international relations, and would be sending talent to different promotions around the world as part of an international talent exchange. However, Mike Johnson claims that the information was incorrect, as the translation was not accurate.

He writes,

“New Japan Pro Wrestling did NOT announce a working relationship with WWE NXT this morning during their press conference. My initial post, which went up 18 minutes ago, stated that as such. My apologies for the error. Here is WHAT was announced:

According to my old friend Masa, my initial post was an error based on a translation I was given. The promotion actually announced a “Young Lions” program and described it as being similar to WWE NXT, so it would be something of a developmental program where they would scout talents and have a program for them to gain experience in the ring. They did not state they were working WITH NXT however.

New Japan noted that they are officially partnering with promotions in the United States including Ring of Honor, The NWA and Global Force Wrestling. I was told they didn’t list WWE as a partner as they did the aforementioned other American companies. 

New Japan during the conference made a big deal of other companies they are partnering with, including The UK’s Revolution Pro, CMLL in Mexico and Germany’s WXW.”

That being said, NJPW allowing Jushin “Thunder” Liger to work “NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn,” appears to be a one-time thing.

Editor’s Note:

Welp. I’m still holding out hope that we see Okada in NXT/WWE someday soon.