As we previously reported here on eWn, Bushiroad has terminated the contract of STARDOM founder Rossy Ogawa, claiming that he “poached many STARDOM wrestlers and staff.”
Ogawa has announced that he plans to start his own promotion, and it’s expected that several talents will leave STARDOM in March.
The Wrestling Observer Newsletter is reporting that WWE contacted STARDOM and Ogawa in December 2023 about establishing a working relationship.
WWE’s Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque was the person conducting the talks and was one of the few individuals outside of STARDOM to be informed about Ogawa’s departure.
It should be noted that the disputes between Ogawa and Bushiroad transpired before WWE made contact.
While WWE may work with either STARDOM or Ogawa in the future, currently there aren’t any plans in motion. WWE will collaborate with the company that will benefit them, be it STARDOM or Ogawa’s new promotion.
WWE believes that Ogawa has the experience, particularly with developing new talent, however, Bushiroad has the finances and STARDOM offers more brand value.
A working relationship with Bushiroad could also lead to WWE possibly partnering with NJPW in the future.
There were rumors that Ogawa was a mole for WWE, funneling STARDOM talents to the billion-dollar promotion, but this is “far from the case.”
The speculation began due to the poaching accusations, AEW President Tony Khan’s celebratory tweet, and the fact that Kairi Sane signed with WWE, and Giulia is rumored to be heading there as well.
It is to be noted that Sane decided to return to WWE upon learning that Ogawa was leaving.
Giulia, who is loyal to Ogawa, received an offer from WWE. However, she is set to work with Ogawa and help him build his new promotion from the ground up.
