All Elite Wrestling Executive Vice President Nick Jackson has stressed that is “zero chance” of a partnership between AEW and New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW).
When asked by a fan via Twitter what his thoughts were on a potential partnership between the companies, Jackson replied with a succinct, “Not happening.”
His response was challenged by another fan, who stated that Jackson wouldn’t admit to it over social media, even if a deal was in the works. This prompted him to reiterate his point, stressing that “It’s really not happening. Been asked this thousands of times and telling the truth is always best. Don’t want fans holding onto something that has zero chance of happening.”
Several AEW talents have appeared on NJPW shows in the past. Jon Moxley won the IWGP United States Championship in his debut match for the company. He also competed during their summer-long G1 Climax tournament.
Kenny Omega also featured a recent reference to Kota Ibushi during a recent video promo on AEW: Dynamite.
Just yesterday during NJPW’s Power Struggle event, AEW World Champion Chris Jericho announced his return. He challenged New Japan’s Ace, Hiroshi Tanahashi to a match at next year’s Wrestle Kingdom 14 show.
Nick Jackson explained that Jericho’s appearance and clash with Tanahashi is “in his contract” and doesn’t reflect on any sort of speculated relationship between AEW and NJPW.