IWGP Global Champion Yota Tsuji has expressed frustration with the partnership between New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) and All Elite Wrestling (AEW). Tsuji is set to defend his global title against AEW star and IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Konosuke Takeshita in a winner-takes-all match at Wrestle Kingdom 20. Recently, Tsuji was defeated by Kazuchika Okada in the Continental Classic semifinals at World’s End. Okada is also scheduled to appear at Wrestle Kingdom, facing Hiroshi Tanahashi in his retirement match.
It’s significant that AEW wrestlers Okada and Takeshita are involved in two of the highest-profile matches at NJPW’s premier event—one being a world title bout, and the other a company legend’s farewell. This dynamic was a key point during Tsuji’s interview ahead of the event. Tsuji openly criticized AEW, stating he doesn’t want to lose to AEW and would prefer NJPW to sever ties with them. He questioned what AEW has contributed to NJPW, arguing that the relationship is unequal and suggesting NJPW should stand stronger independently.
While acknowledging Okada’s role in promoting the show, Tsuji lamented that no NJPW wrestler, aside from Okada, would be part of Tanahashi’s farewell match. Despite this, he recognizes that no current NJPW wrestler holds the same stature as Okada or Tanahashi. Wrestle Kingdom 20 is scheduled for January 4th at the Tokyo Dome.
Fan Take: This revelation from Yota Tsuji highlights the tension behind the scenes of NJPW and AEW’s partnership, which could impact future cross-promotional opportunities. For AEW fans, this might signal challenges ahead in how both companies collaborate, potentially shaping the landscape of international pro wrestling.
