WWE Tried To Buy Dragon Gate

They planned to make it into NXT Japan.

WWE Dragon Gate
WWE/Dragon Gate

It was reported earlier this month that, in an attempt to expand NXT even further across the globe, WWE made inquiries into purchasing a number of Japanese promotions, amongst them the ailing Pro Wrestling NOAH and the female-exclusive STARDOM.

Vince McMahon hit a brick wall with the former, whilst the latter recently struck a deal with NJPW's owner Bushiroad.

According to Dave Meltzer, writing in this week's edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, WWE also made overtures towards Dragon Gate, with the intention of transforming them into NXT Japan.

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Interestingly, Dragon Gate already have their own development brand named... NEX. The project is designed to showcase recent graduates of the company's dojo.

It is unknown if WWE planned to condense all aspects of Dragon Gate's business into one, or simply take over the running of NEX.

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In any event, it isn't happening - denying Vince the golden opportunity to spitefully freeze PAC out again.

Although NXT Japan seems off the cards for now, Triple H recently told TMZ Sports that the idea could refloat in the future.

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Editorial Team
Editorial Team

Benjamin was born in 1987, and is still not dead. He variously enjoys classical music, old-school adventure games (they're not dead), and walks on the beach (albeit short - asthma, you know). He's currently trying to compile a comprehensive history of video game music, yet denies accusations that he purposefully targets niche audiences. He's often wrong about these things.