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What's the story?
According to reports from PWInsider, Impact Wrestling are currently planning on fixing their relationship with top Japanese wrestling promotion, New Japan Pro Wrestling.
Reports have indicated that former TNA director Michael Vedder has made his return to the company to replace David Sahadi as the lead director and producer of Impact television.
In case you didn't know...
A few years ago, NJPW and Impact Wrestling (then known as TNA) were part of a working relationship with each other. However, Impact's dealings with New Japan Pro Wrestling came to an end for multiple reasons. One of the most probable reasons being Vince Russo's involvement with Impact, which eventually killed the deal.
However, another reason was TNA's usage of Kazuchika Okada. He had played an absurd gimmick called Okato during his time with the promotion.
The heart of the matter
It is understood that one of Impact Wrestling's main goals for 2018 is to try and repair their relationship with NJPW.
Impact Wrestling has also been trying to fix things with NJPW for the past few months. Reportedly, a few months ago, Scott D'Amore gave a visit to NJPW in order to apologize for the company's treatment of Kazuchika Okada and to also talk about a possible working relationship for the future.
Impact has also recently hired NJPW color commentator Don Callis as their new Executive Vice-president. The veteran could potentially play a huge part in this current scenario between Impact and NJPW.
What's next?
NJPW is yet to make any sort of claims or comments regarding a possible working relationship with Impact Wrestling. As of right now, it seems like NJPW will look to avoid working with another company as they are already in a relationship with ROH, RPW, and CMLL as well.
On the other hand, Impact is also currently working with Lucha Libre AAA (CMLL's rival promotion) and Pro Wrestling NOAH (NJPW's rival promotion).
Author's take
Despite the various reports, a possible deal between Impact and NJPW seems fairly unlikely right now. One feels that NJPW must avoid working with Impact Wrestling at any cost.
