Jun Akiyama Turned Down WWE Guest Coaching Role In 2020

Japanese legend Jun Akiyama on why his WWE coaching gig didn't happen.

by Andy H Murray
Jun Akiyama
DDT

Japanese pro wrestling legend Jun Akiyama spoke on his WWE guest coaching spot that never was during today's CyberFight press conference, which hosted big announcements on the group's two biggest promotions, DDT and Pro Wrestling NOAH, and their new world champions, Akiyama and Keiji Mutoh.

Akiyama's old home promotion, AJPW, announced last March that Uncle Jun was heading to the WWE Performance Center to coach wrestlers and hold a meeting with Triple H. This bred fresh NXT Japan rumours. When asked about it at Today's press conference, Akiyama answered that as DDT's head coach, he wouldn't be able to take the offer if it came back around and that he loves what he's doing with his current promotion.

It was announced during the presser that Akiyama had signed a player-coach contract with DDT, continuing as a wrestler while assuming the head coach role. This comes less than 24 hours after the veteran defeated Tetsuya Endo to capture the KO-D Openweight Championship - DDT's top title.

Advertisement

Akiyama has been with DDT since May 2020, initially splitting his time between his new home and All Japan, eventually stopping his appearances with the latter group.

Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.