Published: 2 hours ago by Sanchez Taylor | Last Updated: 8 hours ago by Sanchez Taylor
Sanchez has over six years of pro-wrestling news writing experience, covering the biggest news stories in WWE, NXT, AEW, TNA Wrestling and more. He has personally interviewed a number of top stars, producing exclusive content with the likes of AEW's Swerve Strickland and WWE's Nick Aldis.
AEW/NJPW
With AEW and NJPW first establishing their working relationship in 2021, we’ve seen a lot of stars make crossover appearances in both directions.
AEW’s MJF looks set to wrestle for NJPW, with the star issuing a challenge for one of the Japanese promotion’s top names.
With AEW sending one of its high-profile stars to Japan, we could soon see some of NJPW’s hold the “forbidden door” open and visit the US.
From major title challengers to former proteges of AEW mainstays, there are a number of wrestlers in Japan who it’d make sense to see on Dynamite or Collision in the coming months.
Here are three NJPW stars who could soon appear for AEW.
Ryohei Oiwa
Following the two star’s previous comments, NJPW has now shared a video of AEW’s MJF issuing an official challenge to Ryohei Oiwa.
In the video, MJF discusses his desire to close the forbidden door, telling Oiwa:
“I firmly believe you’re the best New Japan has to offer, so if I end you, I’m one step closer to locking the forbidden door.”
This comes after Oiwa challenged MJF to step into the ring with him, following MJF calling himself the “superior headlock wrestler” shortly after Oiwa’s G1 Climax tournament victory.
Ryohei Oiwa is set to challenge for Yota Tsuji’s IWGP Heavyweight Championship at King of Pro-Wrestling on October 12, but we could see him pay a visit to AEW as part of a feud with MJF in the following weeks.
Shota Umino
At NJPW Dominion 2019, Jon Moxley defeated Shota Umino in singles action. Jon Moxley took Umino under his win following the bout, but Umino is now soaring by himself.
Umino has faced off against several members of the Death Riders over the last couple of years, defeating Claudio Castagnoli at Wrestle Dynasty 2025, and defending the IWGP Global Heavyweight Title against PAC at Forbidden Door in June.
With Umino set to challenge Gabe Kidd for the IWGP Global Heavyweight Title at King of Pro-Wrestling, Shooter could have a victory over another of Jon Moxley’s faction members very early next week.
Having not faced Moxley since May 2024, it’d make a lot of sense to have Umino confront his former mentor following these Death Rider encounters.
Callum Newman
Callum Newman recently played a significant role on AEW TV, with the United Empire leader accompanying Will Ospreay to the ring for his AEW World Championship match at All In London in August.
With Newman also wrestling alongside Ospreay, Francesco Akira, HENARE and Andrade El Idolo on the September 2 Dynamite episode, we could soon see him back on AEW to continue his storyline with the Aerial Assassin.
Prior to All In London, there was some dissension teased between Newman and Ospreay, with Newman not believing that the AEW star’s allegiance was really with the United Empire.
With Wrestle Kingdom 21 right around the corner, it has been heavily speculated that Newman vs Ospreay will be one of the matches announced for the show, which could involve the Prince of Pace showing up on Wednesday nights.
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