The Genius Heading To New Japan?

In perhaps one of the more unusual stories of the year, The Wrestling Observer report that Lanny Poffo, 63, better known as The Genius in 1990s WWF, is heading to New Japan for a commentary audition at the end of the month.

Poffo is being lined up to replace Don Callis, who has been noticeably absent from New Japan broadcasts of late due to his Impact Wrestling commitments.

The Observer notes that Callis is “likely done” as a New Japan commentator. It adds that although Callis has not been officially canned from the role, he has simply not been called after missing several G1 dates because of Impact.

Poffo is one of several names New Japan are looking at adding to a “rotating” colour commentator position. Jim Ross has also been mentioned as one possible option for bigger shows such as Wrestle Kingdom.

Lanny Poffo responded to the claims in an interview with Pro Wrestling Stories, admitting that contact had been made and he was heading to Japan (which he says he has never visited) on October 23 for almost two weeks.

While there, Poffo confirmed he would be auditioning for the role, saying he met New Japan’s Michael Craven at All In, which is when the subject was first broached.

Poffo, who professed to be a big fan of New Japan, ROH and WWE, said that he was going to do his very best “to be an asset and not a liability” while in Tokyo.

He added that he felt “alive again” thanks to the recent resurgence his career has enjoyed from his ROH, All In and Being The Elite appearances.

Do you think The Genius would make a good commentator in New Japan? Let us know in the comments below.

• The Genius
• Lanny Poffo
• don callis
• NJPW

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