Could WWE be looking to create some cracks in the relationship between AEW and NJPW by loaning out Japanese legend Shinsuke Nakamura?
Since Paul “Triple H” Levesque and Nick Khan took full control of WWE a few years ago, they have looked to branch out and build alliances throughout the industry. They have worked with Josh Barnett for his GCW offshoot Bloodsport. They have a working relationship with TNA Wrestling, and they purchased Mexican promotion AAA earlier this year.
They have also done some work with Japanese promotions, including NOAH and Marigold. However, they have not done anything with the nation’s leader in pro wrestling, New Japan Pro Wrestling. But that could change later this year.
According to Wrestling Observer, WWE is in conversations with NJPW to allow company legend Shinuske Nakamura to return at this year’s Wrestle Kingdom to face fellow icon Hiroshi Tanahashi in his retirement match.
Is WWE trying to create a rift between AEW and NJPW?
Nakamura possibly competing at Wrestle Kingdom is fascinating for so many reasons, but mostly because NJPW has a close working relationship with WWE’s top rival, AEW.
However, NJPW has been struggling over the last few years as many of their top talent have left to go to AEW. It has led to some desperate measures from the company, including having AEW star Konosuke Takeshita win their top title last week. Could WWE be looking to cause problems between the two companies with the relationship so one-sided?
Probably not. In their report, Wrestling Observer noted that the ability to go and compete in Japan is something Nakamura specifically had added to the new contract he recently signed. Furthermore, they don’t believe AEW boss Tony Khan will be bothered by the kind gesture from WWE.
“People are going, ‘oh he’s gonna get really mad.’ I dunno,” Dave Meltzer of WO claimed. “Maybe he will, but I don’t think so. I just think it’s Tanahashi’s retirement, and if Tanahashi wants to retire against Nakamura and they can pull that off, I think it should be okay.”
Nakamura is an absolute legend of NJPW and had a lengthy feud with Tanahashi. The WWE star being his opponent in his wrestling send-off makes sense. He also served in the same role for the Great Muta’s final match two years ago.
