Report: NJPW Rejects Former WWE Star

New Japan Pro-Wrestling reportedly turned down the opportunity to sign a former WWE star.

Dave Meltzer reported in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that NJPW were offered the chance to bring in Trinity Fatu (FKA Naomi in WWE) but ultimately rejected the two-time SmackDown Women's Champion due to budgetary concerns. Bushiroad's professional wrestling division - which includes New Japan and STARDOM - has taken a major financial hit in recent years because of the COVID-19 pandemic and the division is under pressure to keep spending down. 

After they were offered the chance to bring in Naomi, Bushiroad decided against it as they felt Fatu would cost too much. 

Fatu previously competed as Naomi in WWE from 2009 until 2022. Her departure was never officially acknowledged by WWE but Naomi revealed in late March that she was no longer with the company. Her exit came after Fatu and her tag team partner Mercedes Moné (FKA Sasha Banks) walked out of WWE over a creative dispute with Vince McMahon in May of last year. 

Fatu looks set to continue her pro-wrestling career at some point as she recently filed to trademark 'Trinity Starr', which will likely be her new in-ring name. 

While NJPW turned down signing the former Naomi, Mercedes Moné did land in New Japan/STARDOM and she is the reigning IWGP Women's Champion.