WWE Tried to Buy Pro-Wrestling Noah, WWE Japan Rumors

WWE was in talks with the Japanese Wrestling promotion Pro-Wrestling Noah to purchase the company to supplement NXT Japan.

Dave Meltzer noted on Wrestling Observer Radio that WWE is working on the NXT Japan project and they have talked to a number of companies in Japan about a potential deal. There are also rumors of WWE trying to hire top Japanese talents to work as trainers for the NXT Japan brand. A new WWE Performance Center is also rumored to be in work in Japan.

Meltzer noted that WWE has tried to buy a Japanese promotion so they would have a foundation for NXT Japan. There is no word yet on if any of the deals have gone through. One of those companies they tried to purchase was Pro Wrestling NOAH, but a deal could not be reached. He also claimed to know of two top Japanese talents that WWE is trying to sign for the new NXT Japan brand, but he wouldn’t name them until he has confirmation.

Apart from its former development brand NXT in the United States, WWE also operates NXT UK brand in the United Kingdom. NXT UK is supported by a performance center in London and WWE recruits the wrestlers from all over Europe to work under NXT UK.

If WWE can do something similar in Japan, it may allow the company to provide stiff competition to New Japan Pro Wrestling and Pro Wrestling NOAH. NXT Japan brand could also be used just as a breeding ground for young Japanese wrestling talent for WWE.

WWE already has many Japanese performers in the main roster and NXT like WWE Intercontinental Champion Shinsuke Nakamura, WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Kabuki Warriors(Asuka and Kairi Sane), Io Shirai and their latest Japanese acquisition KUSHIDA.