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Ex-NJPW Star Makes WWE Debut

By Lyle Kilbane • Published 21st January 2023
WWE Logo over Roster

A former New Japan Pro Wrestling star has made their WWE debut after making an appearance at a live event to confront an NXT star.

Karl Fredericks allowed his contract with New Japan Pro Wrestling to expire in September 2022, noting on social media at the time that he would not be putting pen to paper on a new deal with the company.

A month later, there were reports that he had been spotted at the WWE Performance Center, and it would now seem that it wasn’t just a one-off trip he made and that he will be making the journey more regularly as of this week.

A report from PWInsider said on the 10th of January that Karl Fredericks signed a deal with WWE, and will be a part of the NXT brand. It further notes that he has officially reported to the Performance Center in Orlando, Florida.

Now Fredericks has debuted for NXT in front of fans when he confronted Axiom at a live event in Fort Pierce, Florida before attacking the star. It is not yet known when Fredericks will make his official in-ring debut on the brand.

Fredericks trained under Katsoyuri Shibata at NJPW’s Los Angeles Dojo from 2018 to 2022. During the last couple of years, he was also featured on the company’s STRONG programming, which is based out of the United States. His final televised match in the promotion came in the form of a victory against QT Marshall.