Category: NJPW

Major Update On Kazuchika Okada’s Future

Kazuchika Okada is parting ways with New Japan Pro-Wrestling, and it’s believed that WWE and AEW are both chasing his signature. However, the former IWGP World Champion might have made his decision already, as Fightful Select reports that he’s AEW-bound.

According to the report, the deal is almost complete and should be complete soon, barring unforeseen circumstances. Furthermore, AEW officials have reportedly been confident about landing him since January. It’s unknown when he’s scheduled to debut as of this writing, but it will likely be after he finishes his commitments to NJPW, and there’s been speculation that he could show up on AEW television in the first half of March. Additionally, AEW’s creative team is believed to be bouncing creative ideas for Okada, but details about their plans are unknown for the time being. 

The report also states that Okada held talks with WWE, noting that he considered the pros and cons of joining the sports entertainment promotion. The Japanese star reportedly wants to participate in a match at a WWE WrestleMania event, but that outcome now looks unlikely as he seems to be joining the competition.

Earlier this year, Tony Khan revealed that he’s focused on the free agent market in 2024, and some big signings are expected to join his company soon. In March, Mercedes Mone will reportedly debut on the “AEW Dynamite: Big Business” special. Furthermore, Will Ospreay has confirmed that he’s coming to AEW when he’s completed his obligations to NJPW, which just so happens to be this month.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

NJPW Parent Company (Bushiroad) Fires STARDOM Founder

Bushiroad has announced that they have fired STARDOM founder Rossy Ogawa.

The parent company of New Japan Pro Wrestling released a statement on the STARDOM website, pointing to the knowledge that Ogawa “poached many Stardom players and staff” as the reason for the firing:

“Since 2019, our company has entered into a contract with Rossy Ogawa, the founder of Stardom, and has appointed him as an executive producer and outsourced work related to Stardom. However, we would like to inform you that we have come to know that he has poached many Stardom players and staff, and we have decided to cancel this contract.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you. As a company, we will continue to aim for the further development of Stardom, and the players and staff will continue to work together to deliver excitement to all the fans, so we will continue to receive the same compliments as before. I am very fortunate.”

Ogawa, who founded the promotion in 2010, has since posted on social media, stating he was informed of the firing after the promotion’s event the previous night before saying “the truth of the matter may be told someday” and that he was “worried about the players right now”:

https://twitter.com/rossystardom/status/1754342320168972627

Following up on the news, F4WOnline has reported that Bryan Alvarez and Dave Meltzer will have more on the situation in an upcoming Wrestling Observer Radio, after Alvarez noted that the story is “way bigger than just Rossy leaving.”

AEW President Tony Khan took to social media to comment on the situation:

https://twitter.com/TonyKhan/status/1754347589456019715

Source: WrestleView

Backstage Update – Kazuchika Okada In Talks With WWE, AEW Confident About Signing Him

Kazuchika Okada’s contract with NJPW expired at midnight Japan Standard Time, making him a free agent.

Pro Wrestling Tees announced that Okada’s shirts will be pulled from the site, which caused fans to speculate about the future of the former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion.

Fightful is reporting that Pro Wrestling Tees pulling Okada’s merchandise is connected to the expiration of his NJPW contract.

Additionally, while Okada was still technically under contract with NJPW, the Bushiroad promotion was said to be “very understanding” with the 36-year-old wrestler negotiating with other companies since he made it clear he won’t be re-signing. Things are reportedly amicable between both sides.

There have been talks between WWE and Okada. According to certain WWE talents, Okada has spoken to roster members to gauge his potential offers, learn more about WWE’s approach, and help decide his future.

It is to be noted that WWE has not put any creative plans in place for Okada, and no pitches have been made in this regard.

AEW has been fairly confident about signing Okada. In fact, Tony Khan was so confident that AEW put tentative plans together for Okada’s potential debut. AEW has reportedly made a “substantial offer” to Okada.

Barry Bloom is representing Okada and acting as his agent.

Despite the expiration of his NJPW contract, Okada still has some New Japan dates he will be finishing up next month including a final match with Hiroshi Tanahashi scheduled for NJPW’s The New Beginning in Osaka on February 11.

Source: eWn

Backstage Details On Kazuchika Okada’s Upcoming Departure From NJPW

With the confirmation of Kazuchika Okada, the former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, parting ways with New Japan Pro-Wrestling, backstage reports have emerged concerning his free agency.

As per a report by “Fightful Select,” it was plain to see that at the end of Okada and NJPW’s conversation, the current NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Champion was to leave the promotion. Several sources who spoke with “Fightful” were surprised by Thursday night’s news since they expected the news of his departure to be released sometime next week. However, there are reportedly no hard feelings between the promotion and the longtime NJPW star.

Sources also reportedly told “Fightful” that they are confident that they will be able to create new talent in both Japan and the United States, and aren’t too worried about losing one of the biggest stars of the company.

Regarding the Japanese star’s next move, the report stated that it’s too early to determine but AEW is interested in him. WWE sources, meanwhile, revealed that they haven’t heard of any talks between the two parties and that they didn’t think Okada would be interested in the move. If ‘The Rainmaker’ does end up in WWE, he would be joining the likes of former five-time IWGP Intercontinental Champion Shinsuke Nakamura, as well as former Bullet Club leaders Finn Balor and AJ Styles in making the switch from NJPW to the American promotion.

Okada most recently took part in TNA Wrestling’s Snake Eyes show on January 14, where he teamed with The Motor City Machine Guns. His last NJPW match was the day before the TNA event on January 13, where he defeated former NJPW and current AEW star Will Ospreay at Battle in the Valley. 

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Former IWGP World Champion Kazuchika Okada Parting Ways With New Japan Pro-Wrestling

The free agency market will soon welcome in a new addition.

Last month, reports indicated that the NJPW contract of former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Kazuchika Okada was set to expire at the end of January. With this expiration fastly approaching, New Japan Pro-Wrestling has now confirmed that Okada will be departing from the promotion upon the conclusion of his deal on January 31.

In the wake of this announcement, NJPW has also provided Okada’s official statement about his upcoming exit from NJPW. “I have nothing but gratitude for having been a part of New Japan Pro-Wrestling since 2007, and for NJPW bringing me from a 19 year old kid off the plane in Mexico to the Rainmaker I am today,” Okada said. “Thank you to the best of companies in NJPW, to the best of opponents that I’ve been able to face here, and to the best of fans that have cheered and booed over the years. I promise to make it rain in every match I have left, so keep watching.”

Despite his impending entry into the free agency market, Okada is still scheduled to be present at a trio of NJPW shows next month. After he completes his appearance at The New Beginning event in Osaka on February 11, “The Rainmaker” will head to Sapporo as The New Beginning series continues on February 23 and 24.

Okada’s most recent NJPW match took place at Battle in the Valley on January 13, where he defeated another IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, Will Ospreay. The next day, Okada made his way to Las Vegas for TNA Snake Eyes.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

NJPW Battle In The Valley 1/13/2024 (Results), Jack Perry

  • Pre-Show – STRONG Survivor powered by NJPW Academy: Matt Vandagriff def. Goldy.
  • Pre-Show: Stephanie Vaquer def. Viva Van.
  • Shota Umino, Fred Rosser & Jacob Fatu def. Team Filthy (Tom Lawlor, Royce Isaacs & Jorel Nelson).
    • After the match, Jack Perry attacked Shota Umino from behind to make his NJPW Debut & his first wrestling appearance since AEW All In.
    • Perry pulled out an AEW contract and ripped it up in the ring to send a message. It’s also worth noting that Perry was sporting a beard and a black armband that read “Scapegoat,” which appears to be his new nickname. It appears that this is all part of an angle however details are few and far between as of this writing.
  • Mascara Dorada & Volador Jr def. Rocky Romero & Soberano Jr.
  • David Finlay def. TJP.
  • NJPW STRONG Openweight Tag Team Championship Match: Guerrillas of Destiny (El Phantasmo & Hikuleo) (c) def. BULLET CLUB War Dogs (Alex Coughlin & Clark Connors).
  • NJPW STRONG Women’s Championship Match: Giulia (c) def. Trish Adora (w/ Carlie Bravo & Shawn Dean of The Infantry).
  • There was a video vignette of Mustafa Ali, where he challenged Hiromu Takahashi to a match on 4/12 for NJPW Windy City Riot.
  • Matt Riddle & Jeff Cobb def. TMDK (Bad Dude Tito & Zack Sabre Jr).
  • AEW Triple Crown (NJPW STRONG Openweight Championship, ROH World Championship & AEW Continental Championship): Eddie Kingston (c) vs Gabe Kidd Ended in a Tie via Count-Out.
    • After the match, the Bullet Club WAR DOGS (Alex Coughlin & Clark Connors) attacked Kingston, laying out Kingston in the ring from the attack.
  • No Disqualification Match: Jon Moxley def. Shingo Takagi.
    • After the match, Moxley called out Tetsuya Naito, saying it was time. The match was made official for Windy City Riot.
  • Kazuchika Okada def. Will Ospreay.
    • Bullet Club WAR DOGS (David Finlay, Alex Coughlin, Gabe Kidd & Clark Connors) attacked Ospreay & Okada after the match. TJP & Jeff Cobb made the save before Eddie Kingston joined in to run off the Bullet Club.
    • Will Ospreay gave his thanks to NJPW, the fans, and to Okada for helping him become a better person & wrestler, saying that his run, but did promise that United Empire would bury War Dogs on New Beginning in Osaka.

NJPW Battle In The Valley 1/13/2024

Tonight’s NJPW Battle In The Valley card is set. The event will be held tonight in San Jose, CA. You can catch the action at 10 p.m. Eastern time on Triller.

You can check out the final card below:

Will Ospreay vs Kazuchika Okada

No DQ: Shingo Takagi vs Jon Moxley

NJPW STRONG Openweight Championship (AEW Triple Crown): Eddie Kingston (c) vs Gabe Kidd

Matt Riddle & X vs TMDK (Bad Dude Tito & Zack Sabre Jr.)

NJPW STRONG Women’s Championship: Giulia (c) vs Trish Adora

NJPW STRONG Openweight Tag Team Championships: Guerrillas of Destiny (El Phantasmo & Hikuleo) (c) vs BULLET CLUB War Dogs (Alex Coughlin & Clark Connors)

TJP vs David Finlay

Mascara Dorada & Volador Jr vs Rocky Romero & Soberano Jr.

Shota Umino, Fred Rosser & Jacob Fatu vs Team Filthy (Tom Lawlor, Royce Isaacs & Jorel Nelson)

Viva Van vs Stephanie Vaquer

STRONG Survivor powered by NJPW Academy: Matt Vandagriff vs Goldy

Backstage News On Jacob Fatu And Matt Riddle’s Deals With NJPW

Matt Riddle and Jacob Fatu — who collided this past weekend at Major League Wrestling’s Kings of Colosseum event — are set to make their debuts for New Japan Pro-Wrestling at Battle in the Valley on Saturday night. While discussing the upcoming NJPW STRONG pay-per-view on “Wrestling Observer Radio,” veteran wrestling reporter Dave Meltzer spoke about Riddle and Fatu’s deals with the Japanese promotion.

“Jacob Fatu was a deal made through MLW because he’s under contract to MLW,” Meltzer said. “MLW will be bringing in more New Japan guys, so it’s part of that deal right there. And Matt Riddle is gonna be working for both.”

Riddle, who was released by WWE last September, will team up with a mystery tag team partner against The Mighty Don’t Kneel’s Zack Sabre Jr. and Bad Dude Tito at Battle in the Valley. Riddle was first seen in NJPW the night after Wrestle Kingdom 18 at New Year Dash!!, appearing in a pre-recorded video challenging the new NJPW World Television Champion and NJPW president Hiroshi Tanahashi to a match. Riddle is set to tour with NJPW next month. Meanwhile, the team of Fatu, Fred Rosser, and Shota Umino will take on Team Filthy’s Tom Lawlor, Royce Isaacs, and Jorel Nelson in a six-man tag team match at Battle in the Valley. The main event of that pay-per-view will see Kazuchika Okada take on Will Ospreay.

Source: Wrestling Inc. with credit to Wrestling Observer Radio

Former WWE Star Matt Riddle Makes NJPW Debut, Challenges President & NJPW World TV Champion Hiroshi Tanahashi

Matt Riddle debuted for NJPW in a vignette where he challenged President and NJPW World TV Champion Hiroshi Tanahashi during Friday’s New Year Dash event. The video aired after Tanahashi’s title defense against Ryusuke Taguchi, with Riddle setting his sights on the “Ace” and promising to see him soon. Tanahashi responded with a promo in Japanese to accept the challenge, which NJPW commentator Chris Charlton translated roughly, “I will have to do some research as I have no idea who that is.” 

Matt Riddle was released by WWE in September 2023, reportedly a result of burning too many bridges throughout his time with the company. He was accused of sexual assault during the #SpeakingOut movement, spurring litigation directly involving WWE as a defendant. He was also known for having real-life issues with top talent, and violating the company wellness policy multiple times.

While there was no explicit reasoning for his WWE release, Riddle was also involved in an incident last year at JFK Airport in New York which led to a police investigation. He is still not short of work outside WWE, however, with MLW looking to be his home promotion in the U.S. going forward. He will wrestle his return match for MLW on January 6 against Jacob Fatu. Riddle is also booked to face Rob Van Dam in March. Riddle is not the first of WWE’s 2023 releases to make their way to NJPW at the beginning of 2024. Nic Nemeth (formerly Dolph Ziggler) sat ringside for Wrestle Kingdom 18 on Thursday alongside his brother Ryan Nemeth, where he would be later involved in an angle with new IWGP Global Champion David Finlay.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

NJPW Star Tama Tonga Says This Is His Last Month In The Promotion

During NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 18, Tama Tonga beat Shingo Takagi, securing his fourth NEVER Openweight Championship.

In a post-show press conference, Tonga revealed that January marks his final month with New Japan Pro Wrestling. Tonga said he wanted to work closer to his family before talking highly about Japan, NJPW, and its talented roster.

Source: eWn