Backstage Reactions to Potential NJPW & AEW Partnership

Following New Japan Pro Wrestling’s recent announcement of their current President Harold Meij stepping down later this month, several wrestlers from NJPW and AEW teased on social media the idea of wanting to work together. These teases extended to the October 7th episode of AEW Dynamite that featured several references to NJPW and a special video from NJPW star Hiroshi Tanahashi in celebration of Chris Jericho’s 30th anniversary of his wrestling debut.

Fightful’s Sean Ross Sapp reported that the current feeling within NJPW regarding a potential partnership with AEW is one of openness but also something not seen as a primary concern at the moment.

Sapp reported that one NJPW talent spoken to stated that both sides are still in touch with each other despite some lingering bad blood over The Elite’s departure from NJPW. One source also stated that while Meij was disliked by some wrestlers in NJPW, it is not the same for Tony Khan who “has done his best to keep it amicable.”

Sapp also reported that another source within NJPW stated that he hopes for an eventual partnership to be made since “it would mean more money for New Japan, AEW and the wrestlers” but believes the company’s United States expansion plans “might throw a hiccup into the possibility.”