Published: 3 hours ago by SP3 | Last Updated: 3 hours ago by SP3
Born in Harlem, New York and now living in the Bronx, Sid Pullar III aka SP3 is a lifelong wrestling fan who has been covering the industry for over nine years as a podcaster and writer. His passion for the industry has been documented with over 3,000 videos on YouTube and 8,000 written pieces across multiple outlets, such as WrestleTalk, Sports Illustrated and more.@TruHeelSP3
AEW/NJPW
Since 2021, All Elite Wrestling and New Japan Pro Wrestling have had an established partnership.
This relationship has led to several AEW stars appearing on NJPW shows in the past from established names Will Ospreay, Kazuchika Okada and Kenny Omega to younger stars like Konosuke Takeshita, Nick Wayne and Wheeler Yuta.
There are even more names from the AEW roster who could make a similar impact to what these stars have in the past.
Here are eight AEW stars to potentially debut in NJPW.
8. Bobby Lashley
In 2024, Bobby Lashley left WWE after his contract expired with the company.
From there, the former two-time WWE Champion decided to sign with All Elite Wrestling later that same year.
Reuniting with MVP and Shelton Benjamin to form The Hurt Syndicate, Lashley has been among one of the most dominant competitors on the AEW roster.
While The Hurt Syndicate does not get a ton of TV time as of late, it might be a good time for Lashley to make his NJPW debut and perform in front of the Japanese fans who will have a great deal of respect for him and his accomplishments.
7. El Clon
The members of The Don Callis Family have been no strangers to New Japan Pro Wrestling.
El Clon made his debut in 2025 and has become one of the most unique members of the DCF.
With his blend of lucha libre influence and unmatched agility, Clon has made for a more than capable in-ring performer.
Having the chance to compete against the top junior heavyweights in NJPW, Clon could shine in a way that he is unable to in AEW.
6. Jake Doyle
Another Don Callis Family member who could excel in New Japan Pro Wrestling is Jake Doyle.
The former Jake Something has showcased himself to a brute that can dominate any opponent with his strength, power and athleticism.
As a member of the DCF, Doyle has played the role of enforcer and could exert his dominance across New Japan if he wanted to.
Coming into NJPW, Doyle may be able to run roughshod over anyone and everyone in front of him.
5. HOOK
Making his AEW debut in 2021, HOOK cut his teeth and grew in front of the fans.
Now looking for more experience, HOOK has started to travel around the world on the independent scene.
The former three-time FTW Champion would greatly benefit from an excursion in Japan.
Cutting his teeth with the young stars in NJPW could help HOOK improve and allow him the chance to progress his career in ways not possible in All Elite Wrestling.
4. Komander
Komander has been on a roll of quality matches since returning from his visa issues.
With his exciting high flying style, Komander has been impressing the fans and making a name for himself in a major way as of late.
Feeling like someone who would be right at home in the junior heavyweight division, it shouldn’t take long for NJPW fans to connect with Komander.
Whether it be in the Best of Super Juniors tournament or challenging for the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title, there is a ton of possibilities for Komander if or when he makes his NJPW debut.
3. Darby Allin
To the surprise of many fans, Darby Allin has yet to appear on an exclusive NJPW show.
Considered to be one of the most popular AEW stars today, Allin has etched his name in the promotion and become one of the biggest names on the roster today.
The former AEW World Champion has appeared in Japan for Pro Wrestling NOAH, but it is still shocking to learn he has never made his way to NJPW.
Considering his high risk style and willingness to put his body on the line, the NJPW fans will likely fall in love with Darby and his fighting spirit if he makes his debut.
2. The New Level (Kofi & Austin Creed)
At AEW All In London 2026, The New Level’s Kofi and Austin Creed made their debut in the company by teaming with Swerve Strickland to win the Trios Roulette Royale and become the new AEW World Trios Champions.
Creed and Kofi have established themselves as one of the greatest tag teams of all time and would love to show that around the world.
While they have signed with AEW, there is a chance The New Level want to make at least one appearance over in Japan.
Whether it be for a tour or a Wrestle Kingdom match, The New Level could be a significant draw for New Japan Pro Wrestling if they made the trip.
1. Cope & Cage (Adam Copeland & Christian Cage)
In 2025, Adam Copeland and Christian Cage reunited as a tag team for the first time in over a decade.
Then at AEW Double Or Nothing 2026, Cope and Cage defeated FTR in an I Quit Match to win the AEW World Tag Team Championships.
Recently, Copeland let it be known that he has a list of historic arenas that he wants to check off his bucket list. “The Rated R Superstar” has been able to compete in Wembley Stadium, Arena Mexico and is set to wrestle Steve Maclin at Maple Leaf Gardens soon.
The only place yet to be checked off is the Tokyo Dome, so this could lead to Cope and Cage coming to NJPW together to make their debut at a future Wrestle Kingdom before it is all set and done.
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