5 Potential cross-promotional matches between WWE & NJPW

Will they face off in a ring?
Will they face off in a ring?

Wrestling fans have been salivating at the chance to see their favourite performers and organizations for years. However, fans have lost hope on cross-promotional matches and events. Yes, fans remember the past partnerships such as with USWA and AAA.

However, that was between 1992 and 1998. During this time, WWE borrowed talent from companies, which included NJPW. However, there were no exchanges. Fans of NJPW in that time would not witness Diesel, Bret Hart, or Stone Cold as examples.

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Recently Triple H has worked with United Kingdom promotions ICW and Progress wrestling. He has managed to form partnerships which connect with the WWE United Kingdom tournament. Moreover, recent news suggested that the WWE network will air a specific United Kingdom show. However, more details will be coming.

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The idea of a partnership with NJPW and WWE has become almost reality. Firstly, Triple H stated he was open to working with anyone. Moreover, The New Day and The Elite faced off outside WWE at a gaming convention. This segment was reviewed an aired on WWE marketing, (their website and YouTube channel). This is positive.


#5 Kushida vs Daniel Bryan

Kushida implementing the Kushida Lock
Kushida implementing a submission

Daniel Bryan's return to WWE has lacked direction. Of course, he is feuding with Big Cass. However, their feud has been uneventful. Throughout his career, Bryan has been pivotal and innovative. Furthermore, his actions were crucial in forming Ring of Honor (ROH). Many performers owe their success to Bryan.

Kushida is a legitimate athlete in pro wrestling and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), where he is undefeated. He currently performs in New Japan Pro Wrestling, Impact Wrestling, and Ring of Honor via a partnership. Overall, Kushida's success has been immense. He is the only wrestler to have won Best of the Super Juniors more than once, (2015 and 2017), and he is a former five-time IWGP Junior Heavyweight champion.

Both competitors have been immensely successful and have battled varied opponents. Their match could be crucial to improving the popularity of smaller heavyweight wrestlers. Presently WWE is pushing bigger guys like; Braun Strowman or Lars Sullivan. However, Bryan once reached exponential heights similar to Kushida in Japan. Therefore, could times change again?

Summarily their match would afford immense entertainment value and generate mass intrigue. Moreover, it would benefit both organisations. Fans should expect technical and hard-hitting moves. Furthermore, both wrestlers implement submission finishing moves. Firstly, Kushida's devastating Kushida Lock. Secondly, Bryan's Yes Lock, see video below.

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#4 'Switch-Blade' Jay White vs Finn Balor

Jay White is on his way to pure success
Jay White is on his way to pure success

Jay White debuted in Japan in 2015 and has been successful. At present, he is the reigning IWGP United States Champion, having defeated Kenny Omega. Throughout White's short tenure his character has immensely changed. His actions have been positive for his personal development and that of others. His current path seems lucrative.

Finn Balor has recently lacked a solid direction within WWE. He has mainly feuded over the Intercontinental Championship. At present, he has yet to receive his Universal Championship rematch. However, he once worked in Japan performing as, Prince Devit. He created the original Bullet Club and was a former three-time IWGP Junior Heavyweight champion.

Throughout their tenures, these wrestlers have been successful. Balor has been a multi-time tag team and singles champion in WWE and NJPW. Whereas, White has years left to reach his potential. At present WWE needs to develop its mid-card, wrestlers like; Dolph Ziggler and Cesaro, who are underutilised. In Japan, their mid-card is the Junior division, and this system is arguably better.

Therefore, a cross-promotional match between Balor and White could be beneficial. It builds both individuals and affords opportunities for feuds. Furthermore, their unique ring styles compliment each other. Fans could non-stop action and excitement, see video below. However, it depends on WWE.

#3 Will Ospreay vs Seth Rollins

Will Ospreay plying his trade on the independent circuit
Will Ospreay plying his trade on the independent circuit

Seth Rollins has been on fire since capturing the Intercontinental championship. His character has developed immensely. Moreover, his popularity seems endless. However, it is unfortunate he has to regain a world championship. At one stage he was poised to replace John Cena as the top performer.

Another performer, Will Ospreay has been exponential in his career. He was the first British wrestler to win the Best of the Super Juniors and IWGP Junior Heavyweight championship. Moreover, he has numerous championship reigns in multiple independent promotions. However, he has yet performed in WWE.

Bringing these names together in a match would be awesome. Rollins tears down the house every Monday night. Whereas, Ospreay's following is tremendous. A showdown would build both promotions and afford much-needed interest in WWE, specifically the mid-card. Ultimately it would be beneficial to everyone involved.

Overall, Rollins has the power to generate an immense reaction and sell merchandise, see video below. However, Ospreay prints money wherever he performs. Therefore, depending on which direction Triple H wishes.

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Could we witness the Aerial Assassin versus The Architect?

#2 Marty Scurll vs The Miz

The Miz is perhaps the most talented wrestler in WWE
The Miz is perhaps the most talented wrestler in WWE

Marty Scurll has plied his talent in the wrestling industry for years. Presently he works for New Japan Pro Wrestling and Ring of Honor (ROH). During his tenure, he has risen to become IWGP Junior Heavyweight champion, ROH Television champion, and a Five-Star match rating against Will Ospreay. Scurll is perhaps the best Villain in wrestling.

In comparison, The Miz has been wrestling since 2003, primarily within WWE. Presently Miz is working on the SmackDown brand and lacks direction. Throughout his career, he has been in the good and bad books of WWE management. However, he has risen to become perhaps the most decorated performer in WWE. He is a former WWE Champion and eight-time Intercontinental champion, two from dethroning Chris Jericho's record.

Scurll and Miz are very similar. They are excellent ring technicians and can provide fantastic microphone segments. Moreover, they are arguably the best villains in their respective promotions. Therefore, it seems the best option to prove who is the best villain in the wrestling industry.

Their match benefits both wrestlers and would be interesting. It develops an interest in bad guys once again. Moreover, it brings back old school nostalgia. Just remember when Ted Debiase, was the ultimate villain, see video below. This match could afford immense entertainment value. Perhaps it could even draw Scurll to join WWE.

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#1 The Elite vs The New Day (Six Man Tag Team Match)

Perhaps two of the best gaming enthusiasts in the wrestling world
Perhaps two of the best gaming enthusiasts in the wrestling world

In New Japan Pro Wrestling, Kenny Omega, Nick Jackson, Matt Jackson, and Kota Ibushi form the group known as The Elite. They debuted in 2016. Moreover, they are a sub-group of the notorious Bullet Club. Since forming they have been immensely successful, with Omega recently becoming IWGP Heavyweight Champion. Overall, they have dominated the Japanese wrestling scene.

In WWE, Kofi Kingston, Xavier Woods, and Big E form the group called The New Day. They would debut in 2014. Since forming they have been exponentially successful. Collectively they are two-time SmackDown Tag Team champions and two-time Raw Tag Team champions. Moreover, they have two further records. Firstly, holding the Raw Tag Team championship for the longest time (483 days). Secondly, they attain the record for the longest combined champions (532 days).

The Elite and New Day are arguably leaders in their respective companies. New Day member, Woods has a successful YouTube channel, UpUpDownDown. Whereas, The Elite have an equally successful show called, Being The Elite. Overall, their presence in wrestling and social media makes both groups valuable to an organisation. Therefore, it makes perfect sense to build a crossed-promotional rivalry.

This match would generate merchandise sales for wrestler and organisation and provides fans with the perfect faction war dream match. In prior years Japanese factions like Kaentai have flourished in WWE. The partnership between Japan and WWE is historic, and seems to be rekindling, see video below. Recently Kota Ibushi participated in the Cruiserweight Classic. His performance combined with Chris Jericho performances should help build this match.

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Which is your favourite booking on this list? Or would you like to add another combination? Let us know in the comments section below.

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Edited by Shruti Sadbhav
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