Update On NJPW & CMLL Partnership

There has been an update surrounding the working partnership between major wrestling promotions NJPW and CMLL.

With AEW forming working relationships with both IMPACT and NJPW, wrestling partnerships are all the craze in 2021.

While AEW’s talent swaps are currently in the spotlight, NJPW were making partnerships before it was cool. Working with Mexican promotion CMLL for over a decade, New Japan have a strong relationship with their international partners.

NJPW have recently confirmed the continuation of this longstanding partnership. Issuing a joint statement to NJPW1972.com, both companies assured fans that the global pandemic is the only factor keeping both promotions apart.

Here is the full statement:

“‘Since November 2009, New Japan Pro-Wrestling and CMLL have enjoyed a unique and prosperous working relationship. This relationship has seen CMLL stars travel to Japan every January for the annual Fantasticamania tour as well as competing in New Japan rings on a frequent basis, and NJPW prospects developing in excursions to CMLL in Mexico. NJPW remains deeply proud of the strong bond it has with CMLL.

Unfortunately, the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic prevented Fantasticamania from taking place in January 2021. However, New Japan Pro-Wrestling would like to reassure fans that its relationship with CMLL is unwavering, and that CMLL will continue to be the exclusive business partner for NJPW in Mexico.

New Japan Pro-Wrestling is proud to issue this joint declaration with CMLL to reaffirm our mutual commitment. There is plenty more to come from NJPW’s partnership with CMLL in the future, and we appreciate your support.’

Statement from Salvador Lutteroth Lomeli (President, Consejo Mondial de Lucha Libre):

‘New Japan Pro-Wrestling is the leader of the Japanese pro-wrestling industry, and we have developed a strong relationship of mutual trust for 12 years now. It is an honour for us to continue working with NJPW moving forward. Gracias! ‘”

Since 2011, CMLL and NJPW wrestlers have came together for the joint card, Fantasticamania. The event was postponed this year due to the pandemic, but the two promotions emphasised that CMLL will remain NJPW’s exclusive partner promotion from Mexico.

Recently, NJPW star KENTA debuted on AEW Dynamite, signalling the beginning of an AEW and NJPW working relationship. This allowed the long-awaited Jon Moxley vs KENTA match to take place on NJPW Strong last night, with Moxley retaining the IWGP US Championship.

What are your thoughts on the above story? Let us know in the comments on Twitter or Facebook.

• partnership
• CMLL
• NJPW
• AEW

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