Future Card To Feature Both WWE & NJPW Talent?

WWE/NJPW

Since returning to New Japan Pro-Wrestling, a former WWE star has set about regaining the momentum he had during his previous NJPW run.

After more than three years away from New Japan, KUSHIDA returned to the company in July 2022.

He recently spoke to the official NJPW website about his plans for a ‘bonus track’ to his career, explaining:

“And, and this is a bit pie in the sky, but I have an idea in my head for a kind of ‘bonus track’ for my career.

“I don’t know whether it would be 3, 5, 10 years from now, but I want to produce an all junior card.”

In NJPW, “junior” is referred to as any wrestler under the weight limit of 100kg (220lbs).

KUSHIDA won the Super J-Cup in 2016.

His vision doesn’t hold him at the centre of the event, with KUSHIDA explaining:

“I’m not saying I want ‘KUSHIDA Presents: Super J-Cup 2022’ or anything.

“It could be a different concept entirely.

“You know, I’ve held a lot of titles, and been in a lot of rings.

“Just this month I’m on STRONG and IMPACT.

“I’ve been meeting a lot of other wrestlers again over the last few weeks alone.

“It’s nice to reminisce, but having been in all of these places and having had all of these contacts, and then watching the old J-Cups really made me think that there’s still a few dreams and ambitions I want to achieve.”

The 39 year old, who has a career spanning seventeen years, also has important contact details, should he want to turn his dream into a ‘forbidden door’ reality, with KUSHIDA saying that he has:

“HHH’s phone number (laughs).

“I wouldn’t completely rule out being able to get a few good guys on loan from over there- don’t ask, don’t get.

“And you know, that’s the attitude I’ve always had.”

Reflecting on his career, KUSHIDA concluded:

“I’ve survived in a big man’s world as a small guy, and it’s all because I’ve had dreams in mind and worked to achieve them.

“That’s what I want to show everyone.

“What I want to show kids who aren’t destined to be more than 170cm and are getting set to give up on pro-sports as their careers- that there is still room and still things to achieve in this incredible business.”

Whilst KUSHIDA’s plan may be a long way off, the Triple H-led WWE isn’t a stranger to working with NJPW, with Karl Anderson scheduled to appear at Wrestle Kingdom and a potential appearance for a former WWE star and current IWGP champion appearing at Royal Rumble.

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• IWGP Junior Heavyweight title
• KUSHIDA
• New Japan
• NJPW

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