During a recent interview, New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) star Tetsuya Naito revealed that he turned down a deal from WWE over the summer. Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Newsletter has followed up with a report, suggesting WWE offered deals to two more NJPW stars as well.
Meltzer didn’t name anyone specifically, but did note one of the names was a “huge surprise.” The other was described as a great worker, but Meltzer speculated they wouldn’t be able to flourish under WWE’s system. He did say that those stars, along with many Japanese talents, wouldn’t be reluctant to relocate to the United States.
WWE is expected to make some big moves when free agency begins in January. A few big names from NJPW and Ring Of Honor (ROH) are set to have their respective deals expire in early 2019. With the money WWE is receiving from their billion-dollar broadcast deal, and their shows in Saudi Arabia, they’ll be able to offer up some big money.
