WWE In Huge NXT Japan Talks With AJPW?
Could WWE be on the verge of striking a deal with one of Japan's biggest promotions?
WWE has been locked in secretive talks with prominent Japanese promotion AJPW since last summer.
This is according to a new report from Tokyo Sports (via Eastern Lariat) stating that the two promotions "have been in confidential contact several times," with NXT Japan reportedly on the agenda.
A Yahoo Japan story notes that Triple H originally met with AJPW head honcho Jun Akiyama to talk about WWE's Japanese expansion last June. The two have remained in contact ever since and AJPW has today announced that Akiyama will head to the WWE Performance Center for a guest coaching stint in May, with another Triple H meeting on the cards.
While much of the NXT Japan chatter is just speculation at this point, it's in-line with WWE's reported plans in the country. We already know they plan on announcing a new Performance Center soon. On top of this, Vince McMahon and co. have previously mounted failed attempts at purchasing Pro Wrestling Noah, Stardom, and Dragon Gate, leaving few viable partners on the table.
While AJPW's business has declined immensely since their '90s prime, their ace, Kento Miyahara, is among the most revered wrestlers in the country. He'd be one hell of an asset to build NXT Japan around.