All articles tagged with #njpw
AEW star MJF publicly declined an invitation from New Japan Pro-Wrestling champion Ryohei Oiwa to compete in the 2027 G1 Climax tournament. The exchange began after Oiwa won the 2026 tournament with a headlock submission, prompting MJF to claim superiority in the move. Oiwa invited MJF to prove his claim next year, but MJF responded with insults and stated he has nothing to prove as the best wrestler in the world.
Talents across AEW, NJPW, and CMLL reportedly haven’t been told their Forbidden Door plans for the June 28 PPV, with plans kept close and matches likely to be announced the week of the show; Fightful Select notes a recently added 3‑way tag match and that further details are available to subscribers.
AJ Styles reportedly wrapped his WWE in-ring career after the Royal Rumble, but sources say he isn’t done with wrestling entirely. With WWE and AEW unsure of his next move, NJPW has shown interest, and Styles has kept the door open with a “Never say never” remark, suggesting he could compete again in some capacity beyond a full-time WWE run.
Ciampa’s WWE contract is nearing expiration and he won’t re-sign, making him a free agent after a decade with the company. Disorderly chatter links him to NJPW, with AEW also seen as a potential fit, though competition on AEW’s roster could be a hurdle. He has filed trademarks for Psycho Killer and Psycho King as he plots the next chapter following his WWE departure and indie beginnings, saying he has one decade left and is excited for what’s ahead.
AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door 2025 is a major wrestling event taking place in London, featuring high-profile matches including Adam Page vs. MJF for the AEW World Championship, Toni Storm vs. Athena for the AEW Women’s Title, and a Lights Out Steel Cage Match with top NJPW stars. The event starts at 1 p.m. ET / 10 a.m. PT, with free pre-show matches streaming online, and can be watched via pay-per-view or streaming platforms worldwide.
AEW and NJPW have finalized their Forbidden Door card in London, featuring two chaotic Zero Hour matches with eight-person tag teams, leading into a star-studded main event lineup including title matches and a lights-out steel cage match, promising an unpredictable wrestling event.
Adam Copeland is excited to perform at AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door in London, reflecting on his past matches there and expressing a sense of urgency due to his limited remaining wrestling career, which he estimates will last about two more years.
Following AEW's Double or Nothing event, Tony Khan and several wrestlers, including Mercedes Mone and Will Ospreay, addressed the media. Khan discussed future plans, including potential mixed tag team titles and collaborations with NJPW. Mone praised AEW and Willow Nightingale, while Ospreay expressed readiness to defend his title internationally. Swerve Strickland highlighted his commitment to AEW and hinted at a collaboration with Floyd Mayweather. Khan also mentioned the possibility of expanding AEW's reach to Japan and other networks.
Former NJPW star Tama Tonga has reportedly been seen in Detroit ahead of WWE SmackDown, with rumors suggesting that he has signed with WWE and could debut on the show. Tonga's potential move to WWE has been a long time coming, with previous interest from the company dating back to 2016. There are also speculations about him joining The Bloodline stable due to his familial connections with members like The Rock and Roman Reigns.
Kazuchika Okada is set to leave NJPW and is considering offers from both WWE and AEW as his contract expires. Both companies have made compelling pitches, with AEW reportedly making a strong initial offer. Okada is keeping his options open and has not made a final decision, with WWE offering the possibility of legacy and AEW presenting potential earnings in the American wrestling scene. Wrestling fans are eagerly awaiting Okada's decision as he stands at the crossroads of his career.
Kazuchika Okada is set to become a free agent after leaving NJPW at the end of his contract on January 31, 2024. While there's no confirmation of him signing with WWE, there has been reported interest from the company, and he has previously wrestled for AEW as well, making a move to All Elite a potential option. With the WWE Royal Rumble approaching, the news of Okada's free agency adds an intriguing element to the wrestling landscape.
Former WWE superstar Dolph Ziggler, now known as Nic Nemeth, is set to make his wrestling comeback under his new name. He will face Ray Gonzalez at the World Wrestling Council's Euphoria event in Puerto Rico and has also made a surprise debut in New Japan Pro Wrestling, confronting David Finlay during Wrestle Kingdom 18.
Former WWE star Nic Nemeth, previously known as Dolph Ziggler, made a striking return to professional wrestling at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 18 with a new gimmick video. The video features Nemeth in action-packed sequences fighting zombies, including a notable scene where he superkicks a zombie's head off, and a nod to the Evil Dead with a "Groovy" one-liner. The video aligns with his self-proclaimed status as "The Most Wanted Man" in wrestling, showcasing his free agent appeal and hinting at more appearances in 2024.
WWE is reportedly making a strong push to sign NJPW Strong Women's Champion Giulia, with contract talks said to be at an advanced stage. This move is part of WWE's recent efforts to boost and rebuild its women's division, following the signings of Jade Cargill and Kairi Sane. Giulia had been waiting for a match against Mercedes Mone, but with her WWE signing imminent, that match may not happen unless Mone returns to WWE. AEW had also shown interest in Giulia earlier in the year, but it seems that WWE is now on the verge of signing her.
The G1 Climax 33 Final card is set, featuring a main event match between Kazuchika Okada and Tetsuya Naito. Naito seeks his third G1 Climax victory, while Okada aims for his third trophy in a row. Other matches include a clash between SANADA and EVIL, a battle between Los Ingobernables De Japon and United Empire, and a confrontation between BULLET CLUB and Just Five Guys. The event will take place on August 13 at Ryogoku.