Following an unbelievable Wrestle Kingdom 10 event on Monday at the Toyko Dome, the big news coming out of the show for New Japan Pro Wrestling is the fact that four of the promotion's top stars supposedly gave notice that they will be leaving very soon. According to multiple media reports (originated by Court Bauer and confirmed by Dave Meltzer), Shinsuke Nakamura, AJ Styles, Karl Anderson, and Doc Gallows all told NJPW that they will be finishing up with the company. New Japan typically issues one year contracts, with those being due every January. The decision by these four to leave coincides with some of their contracts expiring (Styles and Gallows were not under contract), and Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter believes the four have already signed or agreed to terms with WWE. A timetable is not yet known for their arrival in the WWE system. Styles has been rumored to be interested in a run with WWE for quite some time now. The former top star of TNA Wrestling has become a major star in Japan over the last couple of years, holding the company's IWGP Heavyweight Championship for several months in 2015. WWE has offered him a relatively low paying developmental deal in the past (more as a form of courtesy) but never truly pursued Styles. Styles commented in recent months that he wouldn't be opposed to wrestling in NXT alongside his former rival Samoa Joe. Having long been one of the top wrestlers in the world, it was always rumored that his size must be the reason WWE never seriously considered Styles. It appears he has overcome that belief with top WWE decision makers, and his debut with the company looks imminent. Nakamura is an interesting case. He is the current IWGP Intercontinental Champion, having defended the belt in an excellent match with AJ Styles at Wrestle Kingdom 10. He is one of the biggest stars in NJPW, but it's been reported in the past that he's interested in becoming a star in North America before his career is over (he is currently 35 years old). Nakamura is one of the most charismatic wrestlers in the world today, and if booked properly, could definitely be a superstar in WWE. Nakamura is expected to drop his championship belt before finishing up with New Japan. Karl Anderson and Doc Gallows, founding members of NJPW's successful Bullet Club alongside NXT's Finn Balor (Prince Devitt while he was in New Japan), also appear headed for WWE. According to a report from Dave Meltzer, Anderson was close to signing a contract with TNA until WWE showed interest. His partner, Gallows, was formerly in WWE (wrestling as Festus). The two could be brought in to either feud or team with Balor, a move that would intrigue any fans who followed their career paths in Japan.
