"The Forbidden Door"

[Xxcjb01xX [PIECE OF: SH-]]

This is worth putting in the AEW thread I think for all the speculation it causes to circulate around it. Harold Meij is stepping down as president of New Japan.

Harold was the driving force behind NJPW and AEW not having a working relationship, as he was upset the Elite did not stay with New Japan for another year more is my understanding. Others in New Japan have wanted a relationship, but Meij held it shut. "The Forbidden Door/Portal" it was called.

With Meij out, there seems to be nothing stopping AEW and New Japan reaching some sort of partnership in the future, when the pandemic has lifted enough to once again allow easier travel and safer conditions. Do we in fact see this deal come to fruition? Do we see talent exchanges and crossovers? With the biggest force against it now out of New Japan... we could very well see something happen, given how AEW has been open with working with other companies and talent already in the states like NWA

Time will tell, but it sure is fun to think about anyway!  

[Mozenrath]

I won't go so far as to say there are no obstacles, because there are still some potential hurdles. NJPW and CMLL's relationship, even if it's not as strong as it once was, still could be an issue considering AEW's relationship of sorts with AAA, and there's always going to be a concern over how someone is portrayed. AEW has been generous with its treatment of Thunder Rosa of NWA, though, and NJPW was very gracious in how they portrayed Jericho and Moxley at Wrestle Kingdom, so there's probably some earned trust.

Hopefully, it is decided there is room for mutual benefit.

[TOK Hehe'd Around & Found Out]

I can't see AEW and NJPW having an actual relationship as long as NJPW is attempting to expand into the US. Anyone who cares about NJPW in the US already knows about AEW, why risk losing some of your audience to another company? It isn't like either company is in need of a talent infusion at the moment

[toodarkmark]

Sept 29, 2020 8:55:01 GMT -5 TOK Hehe'd Around & Found Out said:

I can't see AEW and NJPW having an actual relationship as long as NJPW is attempting to expand into the US. Anyone who cares about NJPW in the US already knows about AEW, why risk losing some of your audience to another company? It isn't like either company is in need of a talent infusion at the moment

Well, before Covid, NJPW held shows in the states and they didn't draw well. NJPW can use AEW to draw more people, when shows start again. AEW, not starved for talent, still would be giving a lot of their fans some dream matches if they bring in an Okada, Ibushi, Naito (drool) and my favorite Suzuki. In the same way Jericho and Mox were used. I think not having a two way relationship is pointless.

This is all a year or two in the future anyways. Eventually, the Bucks and Omega will appear in the Tokyo Dome and Naito will have matches for AEW in America. 2022, 2023, but it will happen.

[TOK Hehe'd Around & Found Out]

Sept 29, 2020 9:34:13 GMT -5 toodarkmark said:

Sept 29, 2020 8:55:01 GMT -5 TOK Hehe'd Around & Found Out said:

I can't see AEW and NJPW having an actual relationship as long as NJPW is attempting to expand into the US. Anyone who cares about NJPW in the US already knows about AEW, why risk losing some of your audience to another company? It isn't like either company is in need of a talent infusion at the moment

Well, before Covid, NJPW held shows in the states and they didn't draw well. NJPW can use AEW to draw more people, when shows start again. AEW, not starved for talent, still would be giving a lot of their fans some dream matches if they bring in an Okada, Ibushi, Naito (drool) and my favorite Suzuki. In the same way Jericho and Mox were used. I think not having a two way relationship is pointless.

This is all a year or two in the future anyways. Eventually, the Bucks and Omega will appear in the Tokyo Dome and Naito will have matches for AEW in America. 2022, 2023, but it will happen.

AEW bringing in NJPW guys would do literally nothing for buyrates and ratings. I can't see TK, as much of a money mark as he can be (love ya Tony please keep knocking it out of the park I know you're reading) spending the money to give a potential competitor free publicity. This isn't bringing in a 3rd tier indy champ because you don't have any other potential programs for the division like they're doing with Thunder Rosa, this is allowing for a well-funded potential competitor to reach the biggest audience that they'd ever see in the states.

[toodarkmark]

Sept 29, 2020 10:11:30 GMT -5 TOK Hehe'd Around & Found Out said:

Sept 29, 2020 9:34:13 GMT -5 toodarkmark said:

Well, before Covid, NJPW held shows in the states and they didn't draw well. NJPW can use AEW to draw more people, when shows start again. AEW, not starved for talent, still would be giving a lot of their fans some dream matches if they bring in an Okada, Ibushi, Naito (drool) and my favorite Suzuki. In the same way Jericho and Mox were used. I think not having a two way relationship is pointless.

This is all a year or two in the future anyways. Eventually, the Bucks and Omega will appear in the Tokyo Dome and Naito will have matches for AEW in America. 2022, 2023, but it will happen.

AEW bringing in NJPW guys would do literally nothing for buyrates and ratings. I can't see TK, as much of a money mark as he can be (love ya Tony please keep knocking it out of the park I know you're reading) spending the money to give a potential competitor free publicity. This isn't bringing in a 3rd tier indy champ because you don't have any other potential programs for the division like they're doing with Thunder Rosa, this is allowing for a well-funded potential competitor to reach the biggest audience that they'd ever see in the states.

I guess it's a fair point, but Tony Khan is more about the wrestling and it's place in history, rather then buy rates and ratings. Buy rates and ratings are great, and justifies the investment, but Tony Khan was front row at Kingdom shows, and tape traded New Japan back in the day. Having a product people love and look forward to is more important then keeping a Japanese competitor out of the market. New Japan appeals to a certain kind of audience, and they're not a real threat to AEW in America, in the way that a NXT Japan might be to New Japan. Having New Japan people appear in AEW is a plus to his fans, and that's what AEW wants to do to maintain it's audience.

[Zone Was Wrong]

Tony is all about appealing to the hardcore base. If he thinks bringing in NJPW guys will be a fun thing to do, he will. He's never had issues bringing in other organizations to do crossovers, why would NJPW be any different? Not like they're going against his time slots or anything, so not like it'll hurt the shows to promote them.

[Fake Jesus]

It's not really about increasing buy rates. I mean, it is, but one of the keys to success in 2020 TV is to have a VERY enthused core fanbase. AEW has this, bringing in any NJPW guys would definitely help them to firm it up.

[Fade]

In doses, within moderation, and handled precisely, this would help both companies and entertain fans so much, it’s not even funny.

I need my god damn Moxley stable with Hobbs, Darby and Shota.
I need my Kenny/Hangman/Ibushi love triangle.
I want as many people as possible to know the greatness of Okada and Jay My Boy White.

It’s kind of reassuring to know Harold is stepping down. But all this was already a longshot before Covid..now? Tsk.

[ronin705]

I will pray nightly until I see The Ace himself on Wednesday nights!! And I do m an tanahashi

[Clash, Never a Meter Maid]

Eh....part of me as a big mark would love them having a relationship, but that depends on how big NJPW wants to get over here.

They're never gonna be #1 due to the language barrier and WWE's name recognition, they should know that. But stuff like NJPW Strong where they're bringing in outsiders and UWN talent, and the NJPW America branding? This feels like the groundwork for them to sniff out another US television outlet since AXS dropped them. Same with the Jay push, and Kenny and other English-speakers as key attractions.

New Japan felt bigger than both TNA and ROH when they were doing cards with those guys, and during those Supershow years with WCW in 1992-1995, WCW were still behind WWF before the nWo angle took off. AEW is a strong #2 to WWE over here and getting bigger quickly, which feels more like an impediment for where I think NJPW wants to be stateside.

And what about the Wrestle Dynasty plans, which NJPW feels they can fill up MSG for alone? Yeah, it'd be a guaranteed sellout with AEW talent, but (and I still can't believe that was such a turning point for ROH's fortunes) the New York crowd that night was especially hot for the NJPW acts.

They could do it, but it'd be one of those rare cases where one has to use even-steven wins and losses, so not as to indicate either side is scrubby compared to the other.

[Dub H]

Tanahashi messaging the new owner at this exact moment for an AEW Title Match.

[Dub H]

Sept 29, 2020 12:33:29 GMT -5 Fade said:

In doses, within moderation, and handled precisely, this would help both companies and entertain fans so much, it’s not even funny.

I need my god damn Moxley stable with Hobbs, Darby and Shota.
I need my Kenny/Hangman/Ibushi love triangle.
I want as many people as possible to know the greatness of Okada and Jay My Boy White.

It’s kind of reassuring to know Harold is stepping down. But all this was already a longshot before Covid..now? Tsk.

Moderation and all but..

Could you think if Omega returned as AEW Champion for a show?Going full "I Left you losers in NJPW for a better company" the heat it would get?

[Fade]

Sept 29, 2020 14:06:24 GMT -5 Dub H said:

Sept 29, 2020 12:33:29 GMT -5 Fade said:

In doses, within moderation, and handled precisely, this would help both companies and entertain fans so much, it’s not even funny.

I need my god damn Moxley stable with Hobbs, Darby and Shota.
I need my Kenny/Hangman/Ibushi love triangle.
I want as many people as possible to know the greatness of Okada and Jay My Boy White.

It’s kind of reassuring to know Harold is stepping down. But all this was already a longshot before Covid..now? Tsk.

Moderation and all but..

Could you think if Omega returned as AEW Champion for a show?Going full "I Left you losers in NJPW for a better company" the heat it would get?

I think there’s an endless amount of stories you could tell while maintaining whatever “integrity” both companies would want to maintain.

[1 Free Moon-Down with Burger]

I feel like I’ve said this a million times.

No thanks.

I don’t want NJPW to become one of the promotions in AEW’s orbit or at worst a soldier state for their unused talent. New Japan deserves better.

New Japan has been worlds better since the weight of Omega and The Bucks was lifted. I’m good with them staying apart. Keep the door closed, put up a “No Kenny’s” sign and call it a day.

[Dub H]

Sept 29, 2020 14:09:41 GMT -5 Fade said:

Sept 29, 2020 14:06:24 GMT -5 Dub H said:

Moderation and all but..

Could you think if Omega returned as AEW Champion for a show?Going full "I Left you losers in NJPW for a better company" the heat it would get?

I think there’s an endless amount of stories you could tell while maintaining whatever “integrity” both companies would want to maintain.

I know people have bad experiences because of TNA and ROH

The difference is that both NJPW and AEW arent run by absolute morons and know their own value.If they do strike a deal it would be two way street.

[Deleted]

I really, really don't want it to happen. Not a fan of cross-promotional stuff nor do I see much real point in it. Feel like if you want to watch New Japan you should watch it and if you want to watch AEW you should watch it.

[Clash, Never a Meter Maid]

So far as whether or not I think both companies should try it, it depends on how bullish I feel about New Japan’s US odds. They seem like they’re in darn good shape ATM despite Meij not seeing the earnings Bushiroad wanted (in an unrealistically limited frame of time, I feel), so I’m leaning towards “no” based on that.

I think they’re fine without the Elite because their roster’s already insanely stacked, so the NJPW product is strong regardless, but I won’t act like Kenny and co. weren’t good box office for them because they were.

[Mozenrath]

Sept 29, 2020 14:27:52 GMT -5 1 Free Moon-Down with Burger said:

I feel like I’ve said this a million times.

No thanks.

I don’t want NJPW to become one of the promotions in AEW’s orbit or at worst a soldier state for their unused talent. New Japan deserves better.

New Japan has been worlds better since the weight of Omega and The Bucks was lifted. I’m good with them staying apart. Keep the door closed, put up a “No Kenny’s” sign and call it a day.

None of that strikes me as all that likely, though, frankly. I think that NJPW would be on a much better bargaining position than during the WCW relationship, so it's not like they'd be sending Nagata equivalents over to be curtain jerkers. I think it's more likely we'd be getting Dynamite or Dark exhibitions, and like occasionally maybe even sending young lions on excursion, possibly, if the trust is there.

If this was a few years ago, maybe it'd be a different situation, but CMLL's turned into kind of a joke due to their pissing matches with Rush and Dragon Lee, Revolution Pro has had some rough scandals in the last year or two that put major blemishes all over the company, and the NJPW/ROH supershow had ROH booking a shitty invasion storyline that overshadowed Okada winning the title back in terms of what people were talking about. NJPW has always been all about partnerships, but their partners have been failing them.

Realistically, I think NJPW gets some exposure, something Omega/Okada and the Jericho matches got them to begin with. Without them, the chances of an expansion to begin with were precisely somewhere between "jack" and "shit". ROH just never gave them anywhere near as much relevance in the West as they have now. I would love to see NJPW in a place where they have a consistent status in the US, but they're not in a position to do that by themselves without a long, grueling grind. If they don't have to do it, this just seems like a waste of time.

[Dub H]

Sept 29, 2020 20:01:41 GMT -5 Mozenrath said:

Sept 29, 2020 14:27:52 GMT -5 1 Free Moon-Down with Burger said:

I feel like I’ve said this a million times.

No thanks.

I don’t want NJPW to become one of the promotions in AEW’s orbit or at worst a soldier state for their unused talent. New Japan deserves better.

New Japan has been worlds better since the weight of Omega and The Bucks was lifted. I’m good with them staying apart. Keep the door closed, put up a “No Kenny’s” sign and call it a day.

None of that strikes me as all that likely, though, frankly. I think that NJPW would be on a much better bargaining position than during the WCW relationship, so it's not like they'd be sending Nagata equivalents over to be curtain jerkers. I think it's more likely we'd be getting Dynamite or Dark exhibitions, and like occasionally maybe even sending young lions on excursion, possibly, if the trust is there.

If this was a few years ago, maybe it'd be a different situation, but CMLL's turned into kind of a joke due to their pissing matches with Rush and Dragon Lee, Revolution Pro has had some rough scandals in the last year or two that put major blemishes all over the company, and the NJPW/ROH supershow had ROH booking a shitty invasion storyline that overshadowed Okada winning the title back in terms of what people were talking about. NJPW has always been all about partnerships, but their partners have been failing them.

Realistically, I think NJPW gets some exposure, something Omega/Okada and the Jericho matches got them to begin with. Without them, the chances of an expansion to begin with were precisely somewhere between "jack" and "shit". ROH just never gave them anywhere near as much relevance in the West as they have now. I would love to see NJPW in a place where they have a consistent status in the US, but they're not in a position to do that by themselves without a long, grueling grind. If they don't have to do it, this just seems like a waste of time.

I honestly think if Shooter had went into exercursion to AEW everyone would have won in that exchange.