What's Happening?
AEW President Tony Khan recently discussed the historical relationship between All Elite Wrestling and New Japan Pro-Wrestling during the AEW Full Gear 2026 media call on Thursday, November 12. Khan revealed that the two promotions experienced a 'cold
war' in AEW's early years, specifically in 2019 and 2020, where their relationship was not optimal. Despite these initial tensions, connections were maintained through wrestlers like Jon Moxley and Chris Jericho, who worked for both companies. The relationship began to improve in 2021 after Khan fostered stronger ties with NJPW officials Rocky Romero and Gedo, leading to a formal working agreement and the inaugural AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door pay-per-view in 2022. Khan now characterizes the partnership as 'great' and expressed enthusiasm for AEW's contribution of talent, including Moxley, Kenny Omega, and MJF, to the upcoming NJPW Wrestle Kingdom event in January. He also indicated that the collaborative Wrestle Dynasty event might not return as a standalone show in the immediate future, as AEW is focusing on sending its top stars to Wrestle Kingdom to provide a similar crossover experience.
Why It's Important?
The evolving relationship between AEW and NJPW holds significant importance for the professional wrestling landscape in the U.S. and globally. A strong partnership allows for unique crossover events and matches that appeal to a broader audience, potentially increasing viewership and revenue for both promotions. The initial 'cold war' period likely limited creative possibilities and fan excitement, whereas the current 'great partnership' enables dream matches and storylines that would otherwise be impossible. Khan's decision to potentially integrate the 'Wrestle Dynasty' concept into Wrestle Kingdom rather than as a separate event suggests a strategic consolidation of resources and talent. This approach could maximize the impact of crossover appearances, making Wrestle Kingdom an even more significant event for U.S. fans interested in both promotions. It also demonstrates a mature working relationship where both companies can leverage each other's strengths to deliver compelling content, benefiting wrestlers through increased exposure and fans through higher-quality, more diverse programming.
What's Next?
Looking ahead, the immediate focus will be on the NJPW Wrestle Kingdom event in January, where several prominent AEW stars are expected to participate. This collaboration will serve as a key indicator of the continued strength and direction of the AEW-NJPW partnership. Fans can anticipate high-profile matches featuring AEW talent on a major NJPW stage, which could further solidify the working agreement. While a standalone Wrestle Dynasty event may not be on the immediate horizon, the success of AEW's involvement in Wrestle Kingdom could influence future collaborative strategies. Tony Khan's emphasis on sending top AEW talent to Wrestle Kingdom suggests a continued commitment to showcasing AEW stars on an international platform, potentially leading to more integrated storylines and appearances across both promotions' programming. The ongoing dialogue and collaboration between Khan and NJPW officials will determine the long-term trajectory of this partnership and any future joint ventures.
Beyond the Headlines
The strategic shift from a standalone Wrestle Dynasty event to integrating AEW talent into NJPW's Wrestle Kingdom reflects a deeper understanding of market dynamics and fan engagement in professional wrestling. By concentrating top talent at a single, established major event like Wrestle Kingdom, both promotions can create a more impactful and memorable experience, rather than potentially diluting the appeal across multiple events. This approach also highlights the growing trend of inter-promotional cooperation in wrestling, moving away from the more insular business models of the past. It signifies a recognition that collaboration can lead to mutual growth and a more exciting product for fans worldwide. The success of such partnerships could set a precedent for other wrestling promotions, fostering a more interconnected global wrestling scene where talent can move more freely and dream matchups become more feasible, ultimately enriching the sport for both performers and audiences.
