As the WWE universe continues to grapple with the aftermath of this year’s Royal Rumble, a new development has left fans wondering whether several high-profile WWE Superstars will be making the trip to Tokyo for Wrestle Kingdom 20. According to multiple sources, the answer appears to be a resounding no.
WWE Stars MIA from Wrestle Kingdom 20
Wrestle Kingdom 20, the annual New Year’s celebration produced by New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), is set to take place at the iconic Tokyo Dome on January 4th. Typically, this event is a significant showcase for top WWE talent, with a mix of established Superstars and up-and-coming hopefuls making the journey to Japan. However, it now seems that several high-profile WWE stars will be absent from the festivities.
Sources close to WWE have revealed that a combination of factors – including contractual obligations, health concerns, and a desire to focus on domestic storylines – has led to a number of key Superstars being left off the company’s travel roster for Wrestle Kingdom 20. Among those reportedly absent are a number of top stars, including several members of the WWE Championship picture.
The Impact on WWE’s Creative Narrative
The absence of these high-profile Superstars from Wrestle Kingdom 20 is likely to have significant implications for WWE’s creative narrative. With the likes of Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, and Cody Rhodes all expected to be absent, it’s unclear how NJPW will adapt their storylines to account for the void left by these prominent WWE talents.
“It’s always a challenge when you’re working with a partner like WWE, and their talent pool is so deep,” said a WWE insider, speaking on the condition of anonymity. “But at the end of the day, we’re all about putting on the best show possible, and if that means making some adjustments on the fly, then so be it.”
The Future of WWE-NJPW Collaborations
The absence of WWE Superstars from Wrestle Kingdom 20 raises important questions about the future of the WWE-NJPW partnership. While the two companies have enjoyed a successful working relationship over the years, it’s clear that there are now significant logistical and creative challenges to navigate.
“Both sides have to be flexible and understanding when it comes to working together,” said a source close to the partnership. “We’re not just talking about a one-off event – we’re talking about a long-term relationship that requires a lot of planning and coordination. Sometimes that means making sacrifices, and this year it seems like WWE is prioritizing their domestic product.”
A New Era for WWE’s International Presence?
The absence of WWE Superstars from Wrestle Kingdom 20 could mark the beginning of a new era for the company’s international presence. As WWE continues to expand its reach into new markets, the question remains whether they will prioritize partnerships with established promotions like NJPW, or focus on developing their own homegrown talent.
“It’s a delicate balance, but at the end of the day we’re all about putting on the best show possible,” said the WWE insider. “If that means partnering with other promotions, or focusing on our own domestic product, then so be it. We’re not going to let a few absent Superstars hold us back from delivering an amazing product for our fans.”