More on WWE’s NXT Japan Plans and Stardom’s Partnership Refusal

As noted before, WWE held talks with Pro Wrestling NOAH and Stardom regarding a potential partnership for their planned NXT Japan branch. Both Japanese companies turned down WWE’s offer for various reasons.

Meiko Satomura and Daisuke Sekimoto are currently rumored to be among the names being considered for head trainer roles for NXT Japan’s planned Performance Center, Dave Meltzer reported in this week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Satomura has been involved with WWE since 2018, most notably as a competitor in last year’s Mae Young Classic tournament.

Meltzer also reported that WWE officials currently have plans for Jiro Kuroshio and Sari Fujimura to be among the top stars for the NXT Japan brand. Fujimura currently wrestles under the ring name Sareee and works for the Pro Wrestling Diana and Sendai Girls all-women’s promotions.

In regards to WWE’s failed partnership deal with Stardom, Meltzer reported another main reason for Stardom’s refusal was due to WWE wanting to merge the company into NXT Japan and replace all of Stardom’s staff with their own. Issues regarding WWE’s uncertainty for house show tours for the NXT Japan brand was another reason for Stardom’s refusal.