10 Worst Case Scenarios For Wrestling In 2019
8. Unease Sparks NJPW Exodus
Talk that several high-level New Japan Pro Wrestlers were upset with new company president Harold Meij hit the internet in Q4 2018, leading to speculation that some had become frustrated to the point of wanting to leave the promotion.
This may have been a leak to leverage bargaining positions ahead of contract season, but it's worrying. NJPW is a rising company. They give the impression of harmony, and after a record-breaking business year in 2018, it'd be terrible to see them shrink in 2019, though All Elite Wrestling's emergence and the confusion surrounding Kenny Omega's future increases those chances.
NJPW prospered despite the loss of Shinsuke Nakamura and AJ Styles in 2016 because guys like Katsuyori Shibata, Tetsuya Naito, and Omega were ready for their spots. Now, that sub-main event level isn't as stacked. Kazuchika Okada and Hiroshi Tanahashi are all-timers, but they were at that level in 2016 as well. Naito will be preoccupied with the Intercontinental Title for much of 2019. Though Jay White (the de facto top gaijin if Omega departs) has improved, he still lacks polish. Beneath them, the Juice Robinsons and Zack Sabres aren't ready, while Tomohiro Ishii and Hirooki Goto are typecast as also-rans.
Tanahashi and Robinson have already come to terms on new deals. Let's hope more follow suit.