Folks, the world of wrestling just got its latest plot twist, and it’s juicier than a superkick to the face. AEW’s partnership with NJPW hit turbulence, and no, it’s not because someone forgot their wrestling boots. Instead, the culprit appears to be Warner Brothers-Discovery (WBD), wielding its corporate influence like a steel chair, reportedly stopping AEW from hyping the Wrestle Dynasty and Wrestle Kingdom events. That’s right, the drama wasn’t even inside the ring this time.
Omega Returns, But Did Anyone Know?
AEW’s golden boy, Kenny Omega, returned to Japan’s hallowed Tokyo Dome for Wrestle Kingdom after more than a year of will he, won’t he? Yet, you wouldn’t know it if you only watched AEW programming. The promotional buzz was quieter than a wrestling crowd during a chin lock, and now we know why. According to wrestling oracle Dave Meltzer, WBD wanted no part of AEW promoting events that might draw eyeballs to NJPWWorld.com or the equally mysterious TrillerTV. Because why promote your stars when you can play corporate keep-away, right?
The Young Bucks Win, AEW’s Hype Machine Snoozes
EVPs Matt and Nick Jackson, aka The Young Bucks, picked up IWGP Tag Team Championship gold in Tokyo. Naturally, this victory was… barely mentioned stateside. Meltzer insists AEW will probably acknowledge it later because, well, they gotta. But with no timetable for Omega or the Bucks’ return, AEW’s tag line might as well be: Coming soon… eventually… we promise.
Suspensions, Slander, and Streaming Shenanigans
And if that wasn’t enough drama, NJPW’s Chris Charlton allegedly tossed some verbal grenades AEW’s way during the event. NJPW promptly suspended Charlton, proving that in the world of wrestling, you can talk trash about your ex, but not your tag team partner. AEW, meanwhile, remains awkwardly silent, leaving fans wondering if their NJPW alliance is more fragile than a folding table.
Final Bell
This entire fiasco boils down to one thing: streaming wars. WBD clearly wants to keep its toys in its own sandbox, even if it means ignoring marquee events like Wrestle Kingdom. But if AEW doesn’t start promoting its stars’ international exploits, it risks alienating fans faster than a surprise heel turn.
Stay tuned, wrestling fans. The real showdown here isn’t Omega vs. Ospreay; it’s AEW vs. WBD vs. NJPW in a battle royale for your eyeballs.