Quote:
Originally Posted by CSL
really 'fear' for New Japan if Nakamura is a hit in WWE, they'd definitely go back for Okada, possibly Tanahashi despite his age, Kota etc. Maybe the best thing for them would be some kind of working relationship where those guys could do the odd shot for NXT, the way Liger did in Brooklyn. And mayyybe WWE could send guys to do tours for New Japan. Or maybe it's wishful thinking. Definitely was a few years ago but now, I almost wouldn't be surprised.
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I think Nakamura is somewhat of a special case. His charisma is really off the charts. I think they'd like Okada, but I also feel that his place in Japan is pretty set, and he can grow into as big a national hero as a Japanese wrestler can. The talent raided by WWE have all been American guys with the exception of Nakamura who has probably had the inkling he'd be going for years.
WWE are probably seeing New Japan as a bit of a feeder right now, but I think they've probably plucked everybody they want. Give Kenny Omega a couple of years and see how Will Ospreay does. Cody Hall and Tama Tonga will probably eventually go too. So will The Young Bucks and maybe Matt Sydal for another run once he proves to be reliable and if he can eventually develop a more rounded personality. The value of the New Japan guys is that they actually make a name for themselves in New Japan before they get snatched up, so it'll keep New Japan on their toes, but they'll probably get a lot of juice out of guys before they lose them.
A New Japan/WWE talent exchange would be great. For both companies. New Japan would benefit by getting more star power, some of the WWE's audience that follows that stuff and having a more diverse presentation with some of the talent on offer to them. WWE would benefit by its talent getting more shine, building their ring skills and overall work, and getting cred for some of their talent that seem a bit "floppy" (largely because of booking or because they've only worked for WWE developmental companies).
I was thinking about what guys like Jack Swagger and Dolph Ziggler miss, and I realize that I don't really see them as "heavy impact" guys. They're both beautiful workers with an amateur background, but they don't really scream "bad-ass" to me. Send Jack Swagger to Japan and let him be promoted with the over the top pro-American patriot gimmick. Let him work matches with the heavyweights there, look more "snug," actually have some potentially classic matches, then bring him back once he's conquered Japan.
Tyler Breeze is not doing anything on the main roster. It's way too early to send him back to NXT for a repackaging. Why not send him to New Japan as a junior heavyweight and play off his history with Jushin Liger. Breeze could beat Liger in their rematch and easily be established as a contender for the Junior Heavyweight Title. KUSHIDA vs. Tyler Breeze? Yes please. Do updates on RAW and SmackDown promoting that Breeze is staying at his holiday home in Tokyo and competing for New Japan. Show some matches on the WWE Network (In fact, why not try and work out a deal with New Japan stuff being shown on the WWE Network in general? It might get me to jump onto it), and then bring back Breeze with a more "legit" style. Hell, bring him back with a slightly warped gimmick, where he claims to have found enlightenment in a Japanese temple, and he does a trendy mock zen type thing. Tyler Breeze -- Buddhist monk.
You're doing nothing with Damien Sandow, Zack Ryder, Fandango, Los Matadores and The Prime Time Players right now. Let them go out in the world, with the same paychecks, and get them to learn, become overall better workers, have their TV presence recharged and bring them back better and more over.