One thing about the wrestling business is there is always news popping up, both good and bad. As long as those news feeds keep popping out some intel, this guy will continue the need to rant. Whether it is new signings or releases or anything in between, something is going to get me going so let’s get this rant started.
Some NJPW Contract News
We are almost 3 months into 2025 and there have been quite a lot of contracts ending and big signings across the globe. New Japan Pro Wrestling is no different.
Zack Sabre Jr, Gabe Kidd, David Finlay and Kevin Knight’s contracts are nearing their end and it created quite an amount of buzz within the industry, and so it should. Each has star power that would make any promotion bend over backwards to sign them.
While all, some or none could resign, many look to WWE or AEW to do battle to see who they can land.
Kidd has ties with AEW as he has appeared a few times for the company and most recently announced an upcoming Collision appearance and most recently went toe to toe with one of the OG’s in AEW – Kenny Omega at Wrestle Dynasty last month.
So, I truthfully wouldn’t expect to see an all-out war here seeing which company can land his work and it seems pretty obvious where he would go.
Another huge name, ZSJ, who is one of the best technical wrestlers in the sport, would be a massive gain to any company and a massive gain for said company’s fanbase.
Similar to Kidd, Zack has ties to AEW and has been treated like the star he is. If it wasn’t for an injury Bryan Danielson sustained just prior to their battle at Forbidden Door, the world would have witnessed a potential greatest match of all time.
Jr does have some ties to WWE as he was part of the Cruiserweight Classic where he was expected to win from numerous fans. He of course ended up losing in the semi-finals, with reports stating the loss was due to him not signing a WWE contract and opting to sign with NJPW.
Truthfully, under the guidance of Triple H, ZSJ would have thrived. Under Vince McMahon, who is a big “body” guy, probably not so much. His decision to sign with New Japan was the best thing he could have done for his career, especially with the major rise of NJPW on this side of the globe.
David Finlay whose career is mostly been wrestling for New Japan, had matches in Ring of Honor and All Elite Wrestling but has family in WWE makes for an interesting choice of where to go.
For me personally, Finlay belongs in WWE and could use his family background as a way to introduce him to the WWE audience. WWE is well known for its generational talent, so David fits the mold perfectly.
He also has appeared in TNA so a possible stint for them isn’t out of the picture, especially with the current NXT-TNA relationship. Having him in TNA to gain some exposure to the newer audience and using NXT to gradually bring him on board (see Jordynne Grace) could be an easy option.
There are many avenues to go down here but the end will be WWE.
Kevin Knight, whose contract has expired, has had talks with AEW, with both Rocky Romero and Tony Khan. He has expressed interest in WWE and also resigning with New Japan, but word is has only been in contact with AEW,
While I think Knight would fit right in with WWE and could have some incredible matchups, I would be shocked if he didn’t side with AEDubb. WWE currently is stocked up on talent but with having numerous other programs like WWEID and WWE Evolve, he would make for a great fit on NXT.
At the end of the day, for any talent, it is what they find best for their respected careers, and you could weigh pros and cons to all companies so it all comes down to what the talent believes best suits them.
Bully Ray Accused of Using LFG to Land Full-Time WWE Job
Yes, you read that right. I had to re-read the articles I read with the same headline. My answer is simple….. So what? You would be silly to not do the same if you were in his shoes, so to make these claims is wild to me.
His in-ring career is pretty much behind him so his options for full-time work are dwindling. So any chance for work he should be praised for jumping at the chance.
He is a perfect fit to help newer talent understand character work and how to cut a promo that draws an audience in and moves the storyline along.
Those are critical pieces to the puzzle if you eye working for any major promotion, so to have someone who is great at this, teaching the next generation and passing along his knowledge, it is priceless.
We tend to forget that we aren’t guaranteed each day and to make the most of what we have. Knowledge is such a powerful tool, way more powerful than sitting in a class being lectured on the do’s and the don’ts.
When a worker has decades of experience, coupled with the adaption of newer processes all the while driving home the importance of the fundamentals, that my friend is priceless.
So should we be accusing Bully Ray of using WWE? Hell no. End of story.
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