In recent years, WWE has made headlines as it continues to reach far and wide in an effort to develop relationships, expand partnerships and ultimately build a feeder system to the main roster.
Thanks to working relationships with Evolve (United States) and Progress (United Kingdom), some of the WWE’s brightest future stars have continued growing their respective brands while Vince McMahon awaits their eventual full-time arrival. WWE apparently isn’t content with plucking some of the top talent on its home turf, or even in the U.K.
As Ring of Honor and New Japan Pro Wrestling work together in an attempt to close the gap in national interest, WWE is reportedly shifting its focus to developing a working relationship with Pro Wrestling NOAH in Japan, according to the Wrestling Observer.
Details were scarce at the time, but the crossover is official with Hideo Itami (fka KENTA) slated to face off with Naomichi Marufuji on September 1 at Sumo Hall.
【9.1両国大会 対戦カード決定!】
9月1日・両国国技館大会にて行われる丸藤正道20周年記念大会「飛翔」全対戦カードが決定!
メインは丸藤正道vsヒデオ・イタミ。
全対戦カードはこちらをご参照下さい。https://t.co/n6If3lTv72
皆様のご来場お待ちしております。#noah_ghc pic.twitter.com/sr98gU3Bfi— プロレスリング・ノア ｜PROWRESTLING NOAH (@noah_ghc) June 26, 2018
NJPW is set to hit the United States for only the third time, with growing interest in a WWE alternative from the American audience. Although the company has yet to put on a full tour in America, Cody Rhodes has been outspoken about wanting them to “grow a pair” and do it. As the battle between ROH/NJPW and WWE gets even uglier, don’t expect the arms race for talent to slow anytime soon.
(Via 411 Mania)
