Wrestling fans have been busy trying to figure out whether WWE has struck up a relationship with NJPW, or if it signing Anderson and Gallows has just angered the rival promotion. As Anderson and NJPW continue to go back and forth, it remains unclear whether he will be holding the Never Openweight Title hostage after this weekend, or if there is some master plan the rest of the world isn't privy to right now.
Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Great Muta
If you're under the impression that it definitely isn't all above board because WWE is incapable of playing well with others, even without Vince McMahon, this next bit of news might come as a surprise. One of its contracted Superstars will definitely be competing in a Japanese promotion very soon. It just won't be Anderson, and they won't be competing in NJPW.
It was revealed over the weekend that Shinsuke Nakamura will wrestle Great Muta in NOAH on New Year's Day. “On New Year's Day, fans will see pro wrestling's biggest dream match in 2023,” NOAH tweeted on Sunday. The tweet includes a promotional image for the match, and a reaction from Nakamura has not only confirmed it to be happening, but the Royal Rumble winner labeled it a “miracle”.
Great Muta's Retirement Tour
The match will be a part of Muta's retirement tour that ends three weeks after his match with Nakamura. Furthering the crossover between companies, AEW's Sting will also be a part of that tour. Muta showed up in AEW recently, after which it was confirmed he and Sting will team up in the former's final match on January 22, 2023. Their opponents have not yet been revealed.
It remains unclear who can and can't work together on the wrestling landscape, but with each passing week, a new door is kicked down, or at least cracked open. Nakamura being allowed to compete in NOAH while still under contract with WWE is a big deal. It might also mean fans get to see the Nakamura of old, something a lot of people have been vocal about missing since The King of Strong Style signed with WWE.
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