Originally Posted by Voices of Wrestling

We were able to gather more information on the "gaijin unrest" situation in New Japan.

Regarding Ospreay, several Japanese wrestlers inside the company are insisting that the Will Ospreay neck injury is in fact legitimate, adding that the dispute stems from New Japan wanting Ospreay to remain in Japan for treatment, but Ospreay refusing, having already made up his mind that he was going home.

Others have noted that while Ospreay may be hurting, the official neck injury story coming out of New Japan may be an office cover reason for Will leaving the country. In addition to whatever injury he may or may not have or the true severity of that injury, there is built up frustration among the gaijin (including Ospreay) over the promotions handling of the COVID situation, with the abrupt scheduling of the latest tour being a tipping point. Once Ospreay left the country, whether due to legitimate injury that will keep him shelved, or out of sheer frustration and an unknown date of return (or a combination of both), at that point the promotion had no choice other than to strip him of the World title.

It should be noted that when RevPro's official Twitter account was asked about the status of Ospreay, the company was very non committal on whether he would be stripped of their version of the top title, noting that Ospreay would address this himself on an upcoming show.

Ospreay gave a short, vague statement to Dave Meltzer in this weeks Wrestling Observer Newsletter, saying "he would be fine and just needs time". Neither Ospreay or RevPro directly addressing the alleged injury is worth noting ...

Specifically in regards to the gaijins, the situation has been described by more than one source as a potential "mutiny", with the fly-ins already being frustrated with the constant quarantine and bubble arrangements, and the latest round of positive tests being a breaking point.

Originally Posted by Fightful

Kazuchika Okada has stepped forward to reveal he tested positive for COVID-19.

In an interview with Radio Oshabering (via Tokyo Sports), Okada admitted he was one of the handful of positive tests coming out of NJPW following Wrestling Dontaku on May 4. Okada, along with SHO, YOH, Minoru Suzuki, El Desperado, and Yoshinobu Kanemaru were pulled from Wrestling Dontaku and with the company saying they were undergoing thorough examination and PCR and antibody testing.

Okada stated he repeatedly tested negative, but over time felt a fever and was unwell before he finally tested positive. He stated that he is feeling better now.

Originally Posted by Voices of Wrestling

Multiple Japanese wrestlers and at least some in the office believe that Ospreay could be NXT UK bound. The way the NXT UK speculation was described to me, reads more of a general misunderstanding of what NXT UK is, in that some of our Japanese sources don't fully understand the difference between NXT and NXT UK, and also a connecting of the dots scenario due to the feeling that Ospreay was homesick and anxious in the heart of a COVID crisis in a foreign country. It should be noted that Ospreay is under New Japan contract, so even if he wanted to leave, he would have to be granted a release. There is no indication that he has asked for a release, that New Japan would be willing to grant him one, or whether he even wants one to begin with.

On its face, the NXT UK speculation makes very little sense. Assuming Ospreay were able to secure himself a release, it would be foolish to take an NXT UK level deal when he could unquestionably score a much larger contract from AEW or elsewhere (ROH). From WWE's perspective, it would be foolish to sign a star the level of Ospreay to a contract fair to his market value, and then use him on such a low priority brand. It would seem some on the Japanese side may have a misunderstanding of what NXT UK is and it's place in the WWE pecking order, and it should be noted that the NXT UK rumblings are not coming from anyone on the western side. Still, the talk among the Japanese wrestlers is that they believe Ospreay is NXT UK bound, and at least one person in the office is telling people he is convinced that NXT UK is Ospreay's end game. One source close to several Japanese talents chalked up the NXT UK talk to "ignorance of the western wrestling landscape" and went on to say that he wouldn't be surprised if the office is equally uninformed.

There is also talk among the Japanese roster is that there is a very good chance of "a mass foreign exodus" in January, when several contracts come due. It is unknown if Ospreay's contract is up in January of 2022, but it should be noted various media reports in 2019 indicated that Ospreay had signed a 5-year contract.

Originally Posted by Post Wrestling

The current IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion El Desperado took to Twitter and revealed that he contracted Coronavirus as well. Desperado listed off symptoms he is dealing with such as: 39 ℃ Fever, back pain, incredible levels of malaise, dizziness, decline in cardiopulmonary function, coughing, a strange taste of drinks, Gastrointestinal issues and pain in his muscle and joints.

Originally Posted by Fignuts (Post 5455480)

I thought Japan was handling the pandemic better than anyone at one point. How did they turn into such a shitshow?

Originally Posted by Observer Newsletter

In what could end up being among the biggest wrestling stories of the year, or a non-story, depending on the end result, Nick Khan has been in talks with New Japan Pro Wrestling about WWE being the exclusive American partner with the promotion. Right now New Japan has been working with AEW (KENTA, Yuji Nagata, Rocky Romero and Ren Narita plus Jon Moxley working New Japan Strong) and Impact (Juice Robinson, David Finlay, El Phantasmo and Satoshi Kojima) and has had a relationship with CMLL and ROH, but things have slowed down with those companies since COVID.

Obviously there are a million questions regarding such a deal if it was to happen, and there are no indications where talks are at past they date back to late March or early April. But it would include WWE sending talent and WWE top stars being allowed to work in New Japan if talks go anywhere. With Khan, the former isolationist attitude of WWE vs. everyone is changing with the idea WWE is part of the wrestling landscape and not separate from the pro wrestling landscape. Obviously it’s also to keep New Japan, which pre-pandemic was the third strongest company in the world, away from working with other companies which could strengthen the opposition and also be a factor with WWE gunning for the same talent as other companies because there is a percentage of younger talent that grew up on watching New Japan either via tape or YouTube where working there is a much bigger part of their career goals than the prior generation, and AEW talent has been willing to allow its talent to work outside its walls and Impact would allow talent to work with other promotions.

Originally Posted by Conspiracy Victim Vito (Post 5455782)

I'm sure Rollins or Cesaro or whatever could go to NJPW and work bangers (even though the NJPW style of booking has led to a lot of matches that feel samey).

But I'd have no trust in WWE not misusing any talent that went to the States.

Originally Posted by Fignuts (Post 5455804)

I doubt NJPW would enter a partnership if WWE wanted control of their booking. Probably just a few caveats on how their talent is used from both sides.

As much as I dislike WWE, there are far more exciting potential match up there, than what we'd get with an AEW partnership.

Originally Posted by Volare (Post 5455786)

Vince (or his "writers") booking NJPW would be the following...

Evil Japanese is here to "steal" a title or start a "war" while feuding with Otis in the opening match. Will also bow all the time.

One would think Nakamura would be phoning NJPW and warning them to get away from the E.

Originally Posted by PWI

There was a report earlier today from Dave Meltzer of The Wrestling Observer about WWE reaching out to New Japan Pro Wrestling about a potential working agreement. Since that report began making the rounds, we've heard from a number of readers asking whether there is anything to it. We are told there is and there isn't.

PWInsider.com has been told today by sources from each company that there have been communications between the two sides for several months but the main crux of it was over the potential of Daniel Bryan being able to potentially work some dates in NJPW. Whether anything has come from those discussions remain to be seen. Is it possible the two sides could build a bridge to each other? Sure, but if so, it's not happening right now and it's not something that has happened yet despite talking for some time off and on.

So, This is not a case where any sort of talks are about to lead to New Japan immediately pulling up stakes with their current working agreement or NJPW talents making some sort of shocking appearance on Raw. AEW's Jon Moxley has possession of the IWGP United States title, plus Yuji Nagata worked for them several weeks ago plus Roppongi Vice just reunited in AEW. Meanwhile, Satoshi Kojima just made his Impact Wrestling debut. Don't expect anything in regard to those promotions' relationships with NJPW to change anytime soon, if at all.

Originally Posted by Emperor Smeat (Post 5455853)

According to PWI, WWE is trying to use Daniel Bryan as the bridge piece for a potential partnership.

Basically trying to entice him to sign a new deal with them by going out and having these talks and entice NJPW to ditch all of their current partners for them instead by dangling Bryan in front of them.

Thing is Bryan technically could just work for NJPW on his own since his current contract with WWE expired but he knows the moment he does that, the level of pettiness WWE is going to unleash his way will be massive. He also likely knows that will tank his wife's chances of returning to WWE and not get hit with the petty treatment by association.

Originally Posted by Emperor Smeat (Post 5455866)

Or Bryan just wants to simply check off wrestling in NJPW and CMLL before he retires like he's mentioned a bunch of times before for his final career goals.

He's basically pulling a page out of Brock Lesnar's book by using his free agency as a huge bargaining chip to get it potentially done while also staying in WWE's good graces.

Originally Posted by Emperor Smeat (Post 5455869)

:lol: at the idea this would be beneficial to anyone but WWE for the long run.

Whatever benefits NJPW would get for the short term would be erased once NXT Japan pops up because Triple H hasn't been shy at all about what his real goals are for NXT's global expansion.

Last time WWE wanted to partner with someone in Japan, it almost led to two promotions being bought out and shut down. Only reason their first attempt at NXT Japan failed was Wdue to WE being too upfront about what the future of anyone who partners with them in Japan would be.

Originally Posted by Mr. Nerfect (Post 5455872)

You’re not smart, Smeat. All your thinking is borrowed from hucksters who have eroding sources in the industry.

The exposure New Japan would get from working with WWE would be immense. Their access to talent is far greater than with AEW. They aren’t working with a promotion that is any less credible. For all the zombies and Fiend bullshit, you get equally bad or worse shit in AEW. It potentially gives them a platform for their content via Peacock. WWE also live in a content-driven world. The landscape has changed dramatically since the last time you whinged about how the WWE we’re getting rid of long-term executives who wanted to cling to their already ageing OTT model instead of signing a $1 billion deal with NBC Universal. Because everything WWE does = bad. All they care about is ruining the market they thrive in. You fucking moron.

Think, you fucking stooge. Put down the second-hand opinions and form your own.

Originally Posted by Emperor Smeat (Post 5455875)

And your just someone who's shtick on these forums got very old and annoying fast.

Why the fuck would you even care about NJPW since you already mentioned before they lost whatever respect you had for them that you rarely ever showed around here when they partnered with Impact. Same for coming back to TPWW since you also mentioned about not caring about these forums anymore.

You also must be bored or got kicked out from being an annoying twat at other places if you crawled back here again.

Originally Posted by Fignuts (Post 5455884)

I don't think people would stop watching NJPW, just because NXT Japan showed up. There's a huge difference between the UK scene and Japan, so I don't think those results would be the same. And if both companies are willing to cross promote each other's services, NJPW would get boatloads of new subscribers.

Originally Posted by Fignuts (Post 5455884)

I don't think people would stop watching NJPW, just because NXT Japan showed up. There's a huge difference between the UK scene and Japan, so I don't think those results would be the same. And if both companies are willing to cross promote each other's services, NJPW would get boatloads of new subscribers.

Originally Posted by Fignuts (Post 5455805)

Ishii vs Walter and Sheamus, please

Originally Posted by Conspiracy Victim Vito (Post 5460104)

There's no way they're skipping the G1 entirely, but yeah without foreigners in there it's just not gonna be the same.

Without foreigners their next resort would be to see if they can work a deal with any of the other Japanese promotions to have a couple guys from outside of NJPW in the tourney as they used to.

Originally Posted by Jordan X (Post 5476262)

I don't get it. Haven't watched NJPW for a long time going now but their roster is quite thin and full of rematches every show I read about. 3 "mega" shows in one week sounds like overkill without a lot of outside talent coming in. I wish them well but truly I've just got no interest in NJPW anymore.

Originally Posted by Voices of Wrestling

The creation of the new "House Of Torture" sub-unit (EVIL, SHO, Yujiro Takahashi, Dick Togo) represents the latest example of the growing Dick Togo influence in New Japan.

The idea behind the unit (which was pitched by Togo) is to continue EVIL's long term push as a top star by surrounding him with an entourage, which would lead to an eventual split from Bullet Club and subsequent feud with Jay White (who would presumably go babyface). The obvious comparison point would be The Elite's internal war with the Tongan led Bullet Club a few years ago. For now, House Of Torture will team with other Bullet Club members. House Of Torture will have a heavy presence on the G1 Climax tour, with the goal of establishing the sub-unit as a "constant presence" for EVIL's matches.

HoT members have been directed to focus on character work, storytelling, and "heat". This will be a full-on heel cheating unit, with heavy emphasis on outside interference, in the same vein as EVIL's singles bout.

The Roppongi 3K split was debated internally. Gedo was initially opposed, citing among other issues, merchandise sales. Togo was in favor, as were SHO & YOH themselves, who are eager to work singles and had been pushing for a split for a long while. Once the decision was made, Togo pitched SHO for House Of Torture and was responsible for the booking of the turn angle and the layout of the singles match at Wrestle Grand Slam. SHO's matches moving forward will feature layouts similar to EVIL bouts, with a heavy emphasis on "heat". SHO is said to not be completely sold on his new character directives and unit alignment, but is happy with the opportunity for a singles push.

Togo is not winning all of his battles. Togo pitched a short term EVIL title reign, with EVIL defeating Shingo Takagi for the IWGP World title at Wrestle Grand Slam and then losing it back quickly, in order to establish HoT as an immediate main event force, but the idea was shot down by Gedo, who feels the title needs a long, stable reign after all of the quick changes earlier in the year. In addition, Shingo continues to butt heads with Togo on match layouts. Shingo was not happy with many of the ideas for his match vs EVIL at New Japan Cup. Shingo had similar issues with today's match, but perhaps due to having more pull as champion, was able to veto some of the spots.

Regarding the G1 lineups, nothing should've come as much of a surprise for those following the situation. The last remaining puzzle piece was Aaron Henare. There had been some hope Henare would be ready in time, but it was never considered likely and plans were made at least a month ago to proceed with the idea that he wouldn't be available. Using non-NJPW outside talent to fill out the field was fan fueled speculation and never something we heard discussed internally to any serious degree.