WWE To Possibly Approach NJPW Over Working Relationship

Two years on from talks last taking place between the two promotions, WWE might be looking to work with New Japan Pro-Wrestling again.

WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H and possibly WWE President Nick Khan are looking to ally with Japanese promotions going forward, according to Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. This is the reason behind WWE's recent partnership with All Japan Pro-Wrestling which saw Charlie Dempsey challenge for the Triple Crown Championship on January 3. 

All Japan aren't the only promotion WWE are looking to work with, though, and Meltzer reported "there has been talk internally of them [WWE] trying to make another go with New Japan, now that Hiroshi Tanahashi is president." WWE are also looking to partner with a women's promotion, with reports in recent days suggesting they have earmarked Stardom as a possible partner. 

Hiroshi Tanahashi was appointed NJPW President in late 2023. How open he would be to a partnership with WWE is unclear, however, as New Japan Pro-Wrestling already have a working relationship with WWE's biggest competition, All Elite Wrestling. Talent is often exchanged between AEW and NJPW and the companies co-promoted the Forbidden Door pay-per-view in 2022 and 2023.

WWE approached New Japan about a working relationship in 2021, primarily in the hopes of retaining Bryan Danielson. The talks did not reach an advanced stage but did lead to a Tony Khan call-out where he told Nick Khan there was only room for one Khan in the wrestling business.