A new year is rapidly approaching and for New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW), that means their biggest events, Wrestle Kingdom and Wrestle Dynasty, are set to take place. Unfortunately for them, recent years have also meant a new batch of expiring contracts and rumors about potential talent leaving the company.
The last decade has seen names such as Shinsuke Nakamura, AJ Styles, Kenny Omega, Jay White, and others deciding to try their hand elsewhere. Even as recently as last year, superstars such as Kazuchika Okada, Will Ospreay, and Tama Tonga have left the company to make a name for themselves in the States.
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With WWE and AEW constantly looking for fresh talent, this is an annual occurrence that is always worth monitoring. Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter recently highlighted a few names whose contracts are set to expire at the end of January. Will any of these names make a move? Let’s discuss.
Zack Sabre Jr.
The British submission specialist has carved out a nice place for himself at the top of the NJPW card, even going so far as defeating Tetsuya Naito to capture his first IWGP World Heavyweight Championship. It’s been a long time coming for Sabre, who has always been a standout amongst fans with his incredibly unique offense. His stock has never been higher and he would be a high-profile acquisition for any company.
That being said, with his noted success in the company and his recent declaration that he intends to stay committed to NJPW, it would truly be surprising to see ZSJ signing anywhere else in 2025.
Jeff Cobb
It feels like Jeff Cobb has been on the cusp of a major breakout for a while now. Always a highlight of events such as the G1 Climax, he’s a powerhouse with an undeniable physical presence that can really go in the ring. Cobb has reportedly flirted with signing with WWE and AEW before, but it has never come to pass.
At 42 years old, his window is closing if he ever wants to take a shot at making a huge splash in a U.S. company. This next contract period will be a very important one for the big man.
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Henare
The New Japan Pro Wrestling mainstay is coming up on a decade with the company. A product of the New Japan Dojo, he has evolved quite a bit from his early days as a Young Lion. Now 32 and incredibly seasoned, the New Zealander would be an incredibly solid addition to any roster.
According to fellow free agent and United Empire stablemate Jeff Cobb, Henare turned down a very good offer from WWE in the past. That’s as good a sign as any that he seems to be comfortable in New Japan. But still, it’s worth keeping an eye on where he lands.
Callum Newman
We round out this trio of United Empire members with one of its young studs. Callum Newman is fairly new on the New Japan scene, having debuted in 2023. However, he has steadily been making a name for himself, even qualifying for this year’s G1 Climax tournament. Given he’s a protege of Will Ospreay, AEW may come calling to add him to their collection of up-and-coming talent.
However, given he idolized Prince Devitt (aka WWE’s Finn Balor) growing up, it wouldn’t be out of the realm of possibility for him to give WWE a try. He’s a name who would fit right in making some waves in a place like NXT.
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