Yes, there is a reason why this thread is in the Old School. A long, long time ago, this actually was a fairly common matter to occur in promotions. Companies like the NWA and the WWF would send some of their best workers, and in turn, some of Japan's most famous workers would spend quality time in the other promotions. Giant Baba, creator of of All Japan Pro Wrestling, was a recognized official of the NWA. The NWA Title was continually defended on consistent basis in Japan, even having Baba get a reign with the belt, though it would only last a week or two. The AWA was fond of sending Hulk Boulder over to Japan, as was Vince, and it was here that Hogan actually had his much better matches with the late Andre the Giant. Even Japanese legends such as Great Muta and Stan Hansen (That should at least get a Lariat plug to this thread) would spend extended amounts of time in the NWA. Even up to 1999, major promotions had an extended relationship with Japanese promotions, the last being ECW's business agreement with FMW, which brought in greats such as Masato Tanaka and Mike Awesome, and allowing Hayabusa and Jinzei (Cough... Hakushi...) in for one time appearances.
Now, it appears as though TNA and NJPW are furthering agreements, allowing top wrestlers such as the Dudleys and Kurt Angle to ship out to Japan on rare occasions. However, TNA isn't the only promotion looking to further it's popularity outside the States. For years, the E has put an emphasis on reaching out to international markets. Japan is one of the largest wrestling audiences in the world. And though this may be a bit presumptuous, I don't think NJPW would have any qualms no longer doing business with TNA if a more lucrative, famous company offered the chance. So could more of a working WWE-NJPW be effective for the WWE?
First, consider all of the following factors:
The WWE's roster is absolutely saturated right now. Many performers find it difficult to find television time, and what with ECW eventually shutting down, in theory, there's going to be even more saturation of the brands. So, why would Vince not find the ability to stick his wrestlers that have good wrestling skills, but need work on the microphone, over to NJPW. Someone like Shelton Benjamin immediately comes to mind, and even wrestlers like Rey Mysterio, CM Punk, and even Chris Jericho could spend more time in Japan, to rest their faces from television for a little while. In turn, the WWE gets more of a market from the Japanese contingency. This could open the doors to plenty more International Business, and possibly more shows to Japanese shows that typically tend to sell really well.
So again, the question begs to be asked.... Should the WWE invest in some Jap Anus relationships? Should the WWE attempt to strike a deal with Japan, to grow their market?
Now, it appears as though TNA and NJPW are furthering agreements, allowing top wrestlers such as the Dudleys and Kurt Angle to ship out to Japan on rare occasions. However, TNA isn't the only promotion looking to further it's popularity outside the States. For years, the E has put an emphasis on reaching out to international markets. Japan is one of the largest wrestling audiences in the world. And though this may be a bit presumptuous, I don't think NJPW would have any qualms no longer doing business with TNA if a more lucrative, famous company offered the chance. So could more of a working WWE-NJPW be effective for the WWE?
First, consider all of the following factors:
The WWE's roster is absolutely saturated right now. Many performers find it difficult to find television time, and what with ECW eventually shutting down, in theory, there's going to be even more saturation of the brands. So, why would Vince not find the ability to stick his wrestlers that have good wrestling skills, but need work on the microphone, over to NJPW. Someone like Shelton Benjamin immediately comes to mind, and even wrestlers like Rey Mysterio, CM Punk, and even Chris Jericho could spend more time in Japan, to rest their faces from television for a little while. In turn, the WWE gets more of a market from the Japanese contingency. This could open the doors to plenty more International Business, and possibly more shows to Japanese shows that typically tend to sell really well.
So again, the question begs to be asked.... Should the WWE invest in some Jap Anus relationships? Should the WWE attempt to strike a deal with Japan, to grow their market?