There are no doubts that the wrestling world is going through changes. With reports coming out that WWE NXT and TNA have more plans to collaborate beyond just Battleground, AEW and NJPW gear up for Forbidden Door.
With the possibility of the Prohibited Portal opening up, and more promotions coming together. Last Word on Sports and Will Gray, have some ideas on who might work for both sides.
Which Promotions Fit the Mold?
Major League Wrestling, founded originally in 2002 and revived in 2017, the New York based promotion, by way of Philadelphia, fits the AEW side well. Coming out of a lawsuit where WWE reportedly paid 20 million to MLW, the enemy of my enemy is my friend.
With a roster stacked with TV ready talent. Bobby Fish, Timothy Thatcher and AJ Francis all allow for built in stories with the current AEW roster. Alex Kane, the former MLW world champion, could be a plug and play roster member the same way Powerhouse Hobbs or Brian Cage have been.
WWE has a worldwide presence unlike very few in the wrestling world. With that comes a reputation that might not be the best. After WWE NXT UK left a certain taste in some fans’ mouths, a European revival might be in order.
Westside Xtreme Wrestling, WxW, is based in Germany. Founded in 2000, the widely popular European promotion had a previous relationship with WWE in 2018. As one of the largest promotions in Europe, it is an obvious fit for WWE. The WWE world tour continues in August as they go to Germany for the Bash in Berlin, PLE.
This relationship would allow WWE to start rebuilding their status in Europe, and their relationship with the European independents.
International Plans for Both Sides
With the formation of “United Japan Pro-Wrestling” both sides already have friends on the inside. WWE sent Charlie Dempsey to All Japan Pro-Wrestling and Shinsuke Nakamura to Pro-Wrestling NOAH. AEW has a great relationship with NJPW and Stardom, sending talent to both promotions.
Big Japan Pro-Wrestling would fit AEW and their more hardcore style. Big Japan in a lot of ways carries the Japanese Death-match traditions of Onita into 2024. The idea of Akira and Jon Moxley in a street fight on Dynamite would put both American independent fans as well as Japanese eyes on the product.
To lean into the rising popularity of Joshi style pro-wrestling in the states, WWE could partner with, well, Tokyo Joshi Pro-Wrestling. Asuka, Kairi Sane and Iyo Sky all have huge followings in Japan, and would be assets to both companies.
A dark horse in this race of gaining allies is Dream Star Fighting Marigold. WWE has tentative plans to send talent over for the newly minted promotion. The promotion, founded by Rossy Ogawa, came to be after Ogawa left Stardom. Rossy was the previous promoter for Stardom and was let go from the company in February of 2024. The heat between Rossy and Stardom makes WWE an easy fit for their side.
As the wrestling world turns, the best thing to do is hang on. As fans there is no telling what is coming. One thing is for sure, we are in for a ride.
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