Could WWE board member The Rock be hinting at a new relationship with a major international wrestling company?
For well over a decade, Vince McMahon did all he could to frustrate and turn off diehard wrestling fans. However, his permanent ouster in 2023 has opened the door to a new golden age for WWE. As the company nears its biggest yearly event, WrestleMania, its product is as hot as it’s ever been.
There are quite a few reasons for that beyond McMahon being out of the picture. The roster is as diverse and talented as it has ever been. Triple H is giving fans the sort of long-term and entertaining storytelling that is worth investing in. And they are crossing over with pop culture in ways they hadn’t before via relationships with men like Logan Paul and Bad Bunny.
Yet another key element that has helped WWE get its cool factor back is a new willingness to work with other companies outside their universe. They currently have a new multi-year partnership in place with longtime competition, TNA Wrestling. They also have friendly relations with GCW, NOAH, All Japan, and AAA.
However, over the weekend, The Rock may have subtly hinted at a relationship with a huge wrestling promotion in Asia. And it could be bad news for AEW.
Did The Rock hint at a WWE and New Japan Relationship?
In a new video posted on his Instagram, “The Great One” is staring intently at a Rubik’s cube. The video is captioned with, “Slightly intellectually intimidated, but keeping faith alive.” But what makes this interesting to wrestling fans is that “The Final Boss” is wearing a New Japan Pro Wrestling shirt.
It could mean nothing and could simply be the shirt of the day and The Rock showing he is a fan of the legendary promotion. Or maybe there is more to it? The current TKO Group Holdings board member often uses his social for special messaging and hints. His references to intellectually, could be in regards to intellectual property and some how trying to make use of a certain IP. Perhaps the one on his shirt.
This certainly will worry some in AEW. Since they have a deep partnership with NJPW, the company produces their annual Forbidden Door co-promoted pay-per-view. While they certainly benefit from the relationship, NJPW would do much better by working with WWE. And having one of the most famous men in the world referencing the brand is massive.
TNA Wrestling has been on an upward swing in recent years. But it is no coincidence that they have returned to making some of their best numbers since they started working with WWE. NJPW decision-makers could be seeing that value and would like it for themselves.
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