Report: Former NJPW Talent Signs With WWE

A former talent for New Japan Pro-Wrestling has put pen to paper on a contract with WWE.

According to Mike Johnson of PWInsider, Karl Fredericks has signed with WWE and he will report to the NXT developmental brand. Fredericks started at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida this week. How long Fredericks is under contract for is currently unknown. 

The 32-year-old's signing comes after he received a private WWE tryout in September of 2022. He had been a free agent since his departure from New Japan in August after four years with the promotion.

During his time with NJPW, Fredericks was a regular on the promotion's shows in the United States and he looked set to have a bright future, winning the 2019 Young Lion Cup. His exit came about after he opted not to sign a new deal with New Japan. 

Fredericks might not be the only NJPW talent to sign with WWE. According to recent reports, WWE are interested in bringing Hikuleo and Tama Tonga to the company.