New WWE Netflix deal could start next phase of international expansion

WWE

WWE content will soon be seen on Netflix in a new territory, bringing Raw, SmackDown and NXT under a single umbrella.

As announced on September 15, WWE fans will be able to follow what’s happening on Netflix in Japan, with streaming starting on October 1.

Justin LaBar, the Busted Open Radio co-host on WWE Radio, tweeted an interesting point about the Japan deal, stating:

“WWE programming coming to Japan via Netflix next month. They got into Mexico with AAA…fully expect them to run the same play eventually in some fashion in Japan. Nothing they do is by accident or rarely is isolated.”

In April of last year, WWE announced the acquisition of AAA, with a crossover of stars seen between the Mexico-based promotion and both the NXT and main roster. More recently, the tour of Mexico saw a number of title changes, including one that took place at a house show.

With WWE clearly having faith in their Mexico offering, could a move into Japan finally become a reality for the company?

NXT Japan

Back in 2022, Shawn Michaels reaffirmed plans for NXT Europe, which are still to see fruition, along with revealing “talks of NXT Japan and NXT Mexico.”

WWE recently held tryouts in Mexico, with selected talent from across the region being in attendance. It isn’t too difficult to imagine a time when WWE decide to launch the AAA Performance Center to create stars of the future in “NXT Mexico”, potentially led by Rey Mysterio, who has recently looked towards the end of his own in-ring career.

With the success that WWE has already experienced in Mexico, trying to break into Japan once again could be the next business move.

Pro-Wrestling NOAH

WWE has a talent-sharing relationship with Pro-Wrestling NOAH that saw the likes of NXT stars Charlie Dempsey and Harlem Lewis undertake a tour last year. Omos would also benefit from the relationship, becoming GHC Tag Team Champion alongside Jack Morris, with the WWE star now finding a new home over in AAA.

LaBar would state that TKO, the parent company of WWE, doesn’t own Pro-Wrestling NOAH in a reply on Twitter, although that relationship could certainly change with the right overtures being made.

Without taking away from what makes AAA, WWE has been able to use its expertise, through stars like The Undertaker and Pete Dunne, among others, to elevate the television product and could very well do so again for Pro-Wrestling NOAH.

The Voice Of WWE Japan

WWE already has a Japanese commentary team in the form of former Cruiserweight Champion Sho Funaki and the announcer Shun Yamaguchi. Bringing both names to a hypothetical NXT Japan or Pro-Wrestling NOAH would be a smart move for all involved, particularly with Funaki also having served as Giulia’s translator in NXT.

Add to this the current Japanese stars on the main roster, and there’s plenty of crossover potential between Raw, SmackDown and the product in Japan.

Worlds Collide Goes Global

Returning on September 26, Worlds Collide will once again see a crossover of stars from Raw, SmackDown, NXT and AAA. Adding a Japanese company to Worlds Collide would enhance the product in a similar way to AEW’s Forbidden Door, which sees AEW, NJPW, Stardom and CMLL on the pay-per-view.

What’s Old Is New Again

Many stars in WWE (and AEW) found a home in Japan during their careers, and it’s not unusual for international talent to take in tours of the country as they hone their skills.

From the 70s to the modern day, WWE has had a relationship with promotions in Japan, with the modern landscape seeing NOAH and Marigold as part of the partnership.

While it’s too early to say if WWE will make moves into Japan beyond Netflix, it’s an interesting time for the region as programming moves from ABEMA to its new home.

To make sure you stay up to date with all the biggest wrestling and WrestleTalk news, follow us on Threads by clicking this link!

• Netflix
• wwe
• japan

Share this article with friends