Unhappy NJPW Wrestlers Jumping Ship To WWE After Managerial Changes?
Could NJPW's office reshuffle prompt a mass talent exodus?
Although New Japan Pro Wrestling remains the most critically acclaimed promotion in the world, things may not be so peachy behind the scenes.
As reported last week, NJPW recently replaced a number of popular high-ranking officials with executives who have little-to-no experience in the wrestling business, leading to concern backstage. Now, it sounds like the changes may have greater consequences than first thought.
Dave Meltzer writes in this week's Wrestling Observer Newsletter that some NJPW wrestlers are "very unhappy" with the new management, to the point where they may now be considering jumping ship to WWE - even if they'd never thought about such a move before.
New General Manager Michael Craven is said to be particularly unpopular, with Meltzer noting that he has upset several wrestlers by talking down to them. Morale is now shaky, the performers themselves are uncertain as to what will happen next, and they reportedly have less confidence in this regime than the old.
Wrestlers like Kenny Omega, Cody, and The Young Bucks could conceivably leave for WWE when their deals expire in early 2019. Now, it looks like even those who were leaning towards staying in NJPW are thinking about moving on, which is extremely worrying for the promotion.