AEW News: Update on AEW-NJPW Working Relationship Following NJPW’s KENTA Appearing on AEW Dynamite
On last night’s AEW Dynamite, NJPW superstar KENTA appeared and nailed a GTS (Go To Sleep) on AEW’s Jon Moxley. This came in retaliation after the current IGWP United States champion Moxley fired the first shot, attacking the challenger at NJPW Strong show last month. With both superstars appearing on each other’s show, this brought up the question of whether a partnership was in the works for the two promotions?
On the latest Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer reported there is a deal for a working relationship between AEW and NJPW. The deal was made to allow Moxley to defend his IGPW United States Championship in exchange for KENTA to appear on AEW Dynamite. KENTA’s appearance does not seem to be a one-off as he will team with AEW World Champion and former IGWP Heavyweight Champion Kenny Omega to face Jon Moxley and Lance Archer in a Lights Out match at next week’s Dynamite. That show will be taped tonight.
#AEW Exclusive
We caught up with @KennyOmegamanX & @KENTAG2S moments after the shocking conclusion of #AEWDynamite, and Kenny issues a challenge. pic.twitter.com/EyvL9sMnao— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) February 4, 2021
Meltzer speculates the COVID-19 pandemic being the reason for the deal to moving along quickly and also noted that many superstars could not wait to go back to Japan.
It will be interesting to see where this new working relationship between the two promotions and possibly IMPACT wrestling. NJPW just announced a partnership with Roku to bring a one-hour weekly program to the States, Canada, and United Kingdom. Also, a few of AEW’s top stars such as Kenny Omega, The Young Bucks as well as IMPACT’s Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows arguably made their names in Japan.