SquaredCircle

Everyone’s a game changer in AEW…until they’re not. Neither of these two are going to bring new eyes to the shows. At least they’ll have some good matches, though, in Okada’s case, we’ve seen some of them before.

Hard to say. The last few big NJPW names have made Impact/TNA runs right before their contracts expire (Switchblade, Ospreay, and Okada).

My gut feeling–and it's nothing more than that–is that TNA and AEW aren't on the best of terms. Maybe it was TK’s commercials, the way Sammy was handled, or something else, but I just feel like they aren't too cool with each other right now. For a company that's all about the forbidden door, you never hear AEW mention Impact/TNA.

I hope it doesn't either.

One point that I think will keep them amicable for now is the state of NJPW and Japan. The yen isn't doing well right now so money isn't going as far as it needs to (for the talent or the company). Couple that with Switch, Ospreay, Okada leaving, Mone leaving and to keep going, Naito is 100% on his final year or two (he can't do the operation he needs on his bad eye/eyelid again so when its time, he's gonna be done, plus his knees are worse than muta lmao). Tanahashi is obviously done and has been for a bit if you watch his matches. The War Dogs's contracts are up (already or soon) so that's another two down as well and I know I'm forgetting some.

NJPW's been doing good at building up their former young boys. Shota, Narita, Tsuji, whoever else I can't remember (sorry the edibles just hit a 10 as I'm typing this lol) have been put on the good road to building em up but its gonna take a while to cement em as main events. SANADA has been great (at least for the Japanese who love him more than the West does), and there's prospects of Hiromou moving up to heavyweight to help flesh it out since there's nothing left for him in the jr's, but that still leaves a big void for people. I forgot Nemeth which was a great get and will help. Maintaining the relationship if only the occasional Mox appearance (and before I forget, Jungle Boy as well who I guess we'll say is on an excursion so they'll probably have him at least 6 months if not 9-12) will be worth it. Plus Rocky Romero is so close with everyone in AEW and NJPW, that man will die before he lets that one sour.

NJPW and TNA I see no problem with. Not with all the praise Okada heaped on them even with his foot out the door. Plus with Tanahashi running the show, I think he'll be smart enough to keep the door open, and all old sins seem forgiven.

AEW and TNA...who the fuck knows. There doesn't really seem to be a relationship outside of just silent acknowledgement of the others existence with no real hatred on either direction. TNA 100% chose to lay down and spread during the whole Kenny-belt-collector thing (with all TK's promo's and such dunking on em left and right) so AEW got everything out of that deal for sure. That being said, TNA's been busy rebuilding entirely so they may not even give a shit at this point about the past, or they just may be more interested in doing their own thing and not worrying about AEW entirely (different product, different goals, etc). I do want more tho.

I think there is a great opportunity for AEW to take some of its (frankly) bloated roster, and to give opportunities in NJPW for stars that could really make a name for themselves. Jungle Boy is a prime example, and while I don't buy that he's done with AEW, I do think that a long-term loan to NJPW, or favoured deals for some of its stars could help keep the relationship good.