World Wrestling Entertainment and New Japan Pro Wrestling couldn’t be any different if they tried, and yet there are many similarities between the two. Well, kind of, but there’s probably more of a connection between NJPW and Ring of Honor considering their many collaborations.
Anyway, let’s get onto our topic for the day before we ramble on too much.
The WWE is stacked full of world class talent in the pro wrestling department, with many of their Superstars having the potential to become a world champion within the industry one day. Unfortunately, not everyone can achieve that goal whilst under the tutelage of Vinnie Mac, and because of this many stars seek comfort in other promotions.
We aren’t suggesting that’s what is going to happen with these five, but it’s a possibility that they should definitely look into, in case they begin to feel disgruntled within the WWE system. Of course, that may not be considered likely by some, but recent interviews have suggested that the company may not be wrestling’s answer to Disneyland as many of us would’ve liked to believe.
With all that said, here are five current WWE superstars who would suit NJPW perfectly.
#1 Dean Ambrose
The Lunatic Fringe Dean Ambrose has been stagnant for quite some time on Monday Night Raw, with his transfer following the Superstar Shake-Up not really working out all too well thus far. The guy is still one of the most over wrestlers in the company, but he’s nowhere near the level he was at in the months leading up to WrestleMania 32.
Dean is an expert at facial expressions and telling a story with his unique abilities, as the man himself told Steve Austin during his appearance on the Stone Cold Podcast. Because of this, we believe that there’s a massive opportunity for Dean just waiting to be ceased in Japan when you consider his wrestling ability combined with his other traits.
Get those sirens going.
#2 Cesaro
The Swiss Superman has been at the top of the underrated list for many fans within the WWE Universe for quite some time now, and we tend to agree with those sentiments. He’s got the look, he’s got the power, and he certainly has the wrestling pedigree and appeal necessary to make a run at the title in the main event picture.
But Vince doesn’t seem to see things that way, so Cesaro may need to take his talents east if he’s going to find any chance of success. Sure it’s not a guarantee that he’ll thrive, but the Japanese will be amazed by his overwhelming strength and the guy won’t even have to get on the mic all too much – which is by far the weakest part of his game.
Joe. Joe. Joe.
#3 Samoa Joe
Samoa Joe is unlike many WWE superstars that we’ve ever seen. The Samoan Machine has gone through every single person that has been put in his way since arriving on the main roster, and he hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down just yet. Still, though, we can’t help but let our minds drift to the opportunities that would be available to him in Japan.
Joe is a larger than life character which is exactly what the Japanese love in a big monster heel, and he’d get legit heat to go alongside his persona. Plus, and this may well be the biggest point of them all, Joe has already built up a fairly solid reputation for himself when it comes to ‘Strong Style’ wrestling – so why not keep that going?
This would be fun.
#4 TJ Perkins
First off, let’s just get straight down to it: NJPW fans would absolutely adore TJP’s 8-bit entrance and we can’t blame them.
He’s one of the most energetic and entertaining performers that WWE have at their disposal in the Cruiserweight division, but over in Japan he probably wouldn’t be restricted to just performing with the same collection of guys night in and night out.
TJP would be shown a certain level of respect and before you know it, he could he thriving as one of the top guys in all of New Japan. Sure it seems unlikely right now but just think about the potential that Perkins vs. Omega has. On one hand, you’ve got the plucky underdog who just won’t die, and on the other: we’ve got the cleaner.
New. Day. Rocks.
#5 Kofi Kingston
Whilst Kofi Kingston may be a great ambassador for World Wrestling Entertainment, he’s also an extremely skilled performer in the ring who doesn’t get the credit he deserves for the work that he’s done during his decade in the company. Because of this, it may be time to look to the future – a future that would be, shall we say, too sweet.
That’s right: we’d love to see a heel Kofi join the Bullet Club and reign supreme as their second in command. He’s got the experience necessary to teach the younger guys a thing or two, and he’d instantly be thrust into a better position on the card. Sure they’d have to break New Day up, but that’s a sacrifice we’ll just have to make.
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