WWE has a lot of fans talking about possibilities of outside partnerships. Where Vince McMahon closed his Forbidden Door a long time ago, Triple H doesn’t seem as eager to keep it bolted shut. That has led to some interesting prospects for the future.
WWE has always wanted to branch into Japan, and secure more of that market. Although attempts to form some sort of alliance failed over the years, things are very different within WWE now, as Vince McMahon’s mentality is no longer an issue.
WWE & STARDOM’s Possible Deal
Sean Ross Sapp posted on Fightful Select to note that he could not confirm that talks between WWE and STARDOM have resulted in a deal, but conversations are present between the two companies.
It was noted that, “Numerous WWE sources noted that the company was in a new era and things could be done a lot differently.”
WWE & AJPW’s Current Arrangement
Regarding the AJPW deal with WWE, one that saw Charlie Dempsey make his way to the Japanese company, there is more of a “wait and see how it goes” approach, “but that things are looking good.”
It was also noted that, “WWE has been much more relaxed on these possibilities since Nick Khan gained power, though it wasn’t directly attributed to his arrival, the timeline added up.”
WWE & NJPW Possibly Working Together
Whenever deals with Japanese companies arise, fans will naturally ask about the possibility of WWE linking up with New Japan Pro-Wrestling. It was reported that, at this time, it doesn’t seem likely that a partnership will happen considering NJPW’s alliance with AEW.
Regarding rumors of WWE interest with NJPW, we’ve heard that WWE has long maintained interest in at least some connection with NJPW. Those we spoke to in both companies don’t think it’s particularly likely considering the strong partnership between AEW and NJPW, but said that with new faces at the helm of both WWE and NJPW, it’s at least more likely than it has been in a long time. Sources within WWE we spoke to said that Vince McMahon usually quickly nixed any discussion of such. Rocky Romero had spoken with Nick Khan at one point years ago, but the conversation never went anywhere.
AJPW insiders reportedly expressed happiness with Charlie Dempsey’s performances, considering him an effective representative sent by WWE. NXT sources also reported positive treatment of Dempsey during his trip. We will have to see if that trip will be the only one an NXT talent makes to Japan to represent the company over the course of 2024.
