Has WWE Ever Worked With NJPW?By Coder| September 29, 2023 Wrestling Blogs Wrestling fans around the world have always wondered if two of the biggest wrestling promotions, WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) and NJPW (New Japan Pro-Wrestling), have ever worked together. Let’s delve into the history and find out if these two powerhouses have ever collaborated. WWE and NJPW: While both WWE and NJPW have had a significant impact on the wrestling industry, they have rarely crossed paths in terms of collaboration. The reasons behind this are multi-faceted, including business strategies, cultural differences, and the desire to maintain their own unique identities. The Cultural Divide: One major factor hindering a partnership between WWE and NJPW is the cultural divide between American and Japanese wrestling styles. WWE has always been known for its larger-than-life characters, scripted storylines, and entertainment-focused approach. On the other hand, NJPW emphasizes strong in-ring action, technical prowess, and a more sports-like presentation. The differing styles make it challenging to seamlessly merge the two promotions without diluting their respective appeals. This cultural gap has made it difficult for both companies to find common ground for collaboration. Occasional Talent Exchange: Although a full-fledged collaboration has not taken place between WWE and NJPW, there have been instances where talent from one promotion has appeared in the other. These exchanges generally occur on an individual basis rather than as a result of any official partnership. In 2016, WWE signed top NJPW star Shinsuke Nakamura, who went on to become one of their most popular superstars. Additionally, several other former NJPW wrestlers such as AJ Styles, Finn Balor (formerly Prince Devitt), and Karl Anderson also made their way to WWE in recent years. Similarly, there have been cases where former WWE wrestlers ventured into NJPW after leaving or retiring from WWE. These include stars like Chris Jericho and Jon Moxley (formerly Dean Ambrose), who have had successful runs in NJPW following their WWE tenures. While these talent exchanges create buzz and excitement among fans, they are not indicative of a long-term collaboration between WWE and NJPW. Competition and Market Share: Another reason for the lack of collaboration between WWE and NJPW is the competitive nature of the wrestling business. Both promotions strive to capture the largest possible market share and appeal to a global audience. A partnership may be seen as diluting their own brand identity or giving an advantage to their competitor. WWE, being the largest wrestling promotion in the world, has traditionally focused on expanding its own brand rather than partnering with others. This approach has allowed them to dominate the industry and maintain their position as a market leader. NJPW, while not as globally recognized as WWE, has a strong foothold in Japan and has been steadily expanding its international presence in recent years. By maintaining its independence, NJPW can continue to grow its fanbase and solidify its unique identity. The Future Possibilities: While WWE and NJPW have yet to officially collaborate, wrestling fans can never say never. The wrestling landscape is constantly evolving, and opportunities for cross-promotion or joint ventures may arise in the future. Given the popularity of both promotions among fans worldwide, a potential partnership could generate tremendous interest and excitement within the wrestling community. In conclusion, WWE and NJPW have had limited interaction over the years. While talent exchanges have occurred on an individual basis, there has not been any official collaboration between these two wrestling giants. The cultural divide, competition for market share, and desire to maintain their unique identities have all played a role in keeping them separate entities. However, as with all things in wrestling, surprises can happen at any time. Only time will tell if WWE and NJPW will ever join forces to create an unprecedented wrestling spectacle.