More Details On WWE's Interest In JONAH
Is the former Bronson Reed primed for a WWE return?
Following recent rumblings that WWE has offered a contract to JONAH, aka Bronson Reed, there now comes an update on this situation.
Via Fightful Select, a WWE source confirmed that the company has made "overtures" towards JONAH, though that same source didn't confirm whether or not the powerhouse would indeed be returning to the promotion. This follows on from the Wrestling Observer reporting that JONAH had already received a WWE contract offer.
In addition to those initial reports of the former NXT North American Champion having a WWE return deal on the table, they also said that JONAH likewise has a contract offer from New Japan Pro-Wrestling. Despite having competed regularly for NJPW for the last year, the Australian has yet to pen a full-time deal with the promotion.
Having been a favourite of Paul 'Triple H' Levesque's during his time as Bronson Reed in NXT, JONAH has long been suggested as a talent who the Game would be looking to bring back to WWE. Not just was the 34-year-old a favourite of Levesque's, but he's also said to have impressed WWE officials for how he's boosted his stock during his time away from the market leader.
From WWE Release To WWE Return?
Despite seemingly being on the cusp of a call-up to the WWE main roster, Bronson Reed - like so many others - was released by the company in August 2021. While others were huge fans of Reed, it ultimately came down to Vince McMahon not being sold on the star having a spot on the Raw or SmackDown roster.
Since departing WWE, Reed reverted to his JONAH moniker and set about showcasing his abilities across the globe. By the end of 2021, the talent was flitting between NJPW Strong and IMPACT Wrestling, putting on stellar battles with the likes of Josh Alexander, Moose, Tomohiro Ishii, PCO, and David Finlay - not to mention a PWG banger against Buddy Matthews - before competing in the G1 Climax earlier this year, including picking up a win over Kazuchika Okada.
Ever since Paul Levesque took over creative control of WWE this past July, there's been rumblings that JONAH/Bronson Reed could be brought back into the fold. Since the King of Kings started to steer the WWE ship, the likes of Karrion Kross, Scarlett Bordeaux, Dakota Kai, Johnny Gargano, Candice LeRae, Dexter Lumis, and Hit Row are some of the released NXT alumnus to be brought back to the company. As such, it seems only natural to presume that Bronson Reed is another name primed for a return. Whether that return happens, of course, remains to be seen.