Turmoil In New Japan? Several Major Stars Heading To WWE?

According to a detailed report by Dave Meltzer in the latest issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter and on radio show Wrestling Observer Radio, there are significant problems backstage in New Japan Pro Wrestling that could lead to a raft of departures of key talent to WWE within the next few months.

The report claims that morale amongst the wrestlers is at a significant low point due to the internal changes that have taken place within the company recently since new President Harold Meij took over the running of the promotion.

The appointment of Michael Craven as the group’s new general manager (and head of talent relations) has been a particular cause of concern, with the talent unhappy that trusted “wrestling people” who previously held the role have been displaced by someone with no wrestling experience.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYi1aGCM8Hc

‘A lot of unhappiness’

The general feeling in the locker room is that the new management has little respect for the talent, with Craven said to “talk down to the wrestlers”. Meltzer says the mindset of the wrestlers is that “they are seen as workers in a factory assembly line as opposed to high level athletes or entertainers”.

A lot of the problems have occurred in the past month, with a recent round of contract offers leaving several talents considering their future options as the offers are said to be far lower than expected. Meltzer noted on the radio show:

“There’s a lot of unhappiness. A lot of people who you would never think would even think about leaving are at least thinking about it. People who were 100% committed to staying are questioning that commitment”

Many of the wrestlers who have contracts up for renewal at the turn of the year, which includes the likes of Kenny Omega, Cody, The Young Bucks, Hangman Page and several others from both Japan and America, are now seriously considering WWE as an option rather than re-signing with New Japan. Meltzer noted:

“It’s not one person, it’s not two people and it’s not five people. It’s a lot more than that. I can’t say everyone, but pretty much everyone”

Public denial

There has been a reaction from some members of the New Japan roster denying these reports, with well-established Twitter troll Tama Tonga taking particular offence to the claims and posting the following tweets:

Funny reading that a lot of foreign performers are complaining about the work atmosphere not being “fun” in New Japan. What a load of shit. Plenty of great talents out there that would be grateful to have an opportunity to work in NJPW
Who fed you those lies @davemeltzerWON ?

— Tama Tonga (@Tama_Tonga) October 12, 2018

New President and management helping the company gain sponsorship with international expansion-What a time to be a part of New Japan. Traveling, big money, company growing.yeah bitch, us foreigners that have been here and worked our asses off are very proud of how far we’ve come

— Tama Tonga (@Tama_Tonga) October 12, 2018

So to the foreigner or foreigners complaining to @davemeltzerWON that they are not having “fun” you can GTFO. I’ve never in my career here in New Japan have ever heard of a Japanese wrestler complaining about the work atmosphere not being “fun” in New Japan. GTFOUTTAHERE

— Tama Tonga (@Tama_Tonga) October 12, 2018

Regardless of Tonga’s public defence of the new management, the belief is that the reports of morale unrest are true and that while Tonga may have a different opinion, his reaction does not reflect the opinions of the majority of the locker room.

There will no doubt be significant updates on this story in the next few weeks as more information surfaces and contract talks continue. Officials in WWE must be licking their lips at the prospect of the potential full-scale invasion of New Japan talent that it may be able to work with in 2019.

There is also the possibility that the talent can band together and create their own promotion, as was the case with Mistuharu Misawa when he left All Japan Pro Wrestling to form Pro Wrestling NOAH, taking the majority of the roster with him. The Bullet Club have already proven that they can run their own show so this might not be outside the realms of possibility.

What do you think of these reports? Can New Japan management get the house in order or will there be an influx of talent heading for WWE next year?

• new japan pro wrestling
• Backstage
• NJPW
• wwe

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