Wrestle Kingdom Weekend SCOOPS THREAD (Patreon)

Tony Khan did not make the trip to Japan, as AEW had Collision in Charlotte.

A number of talent got to Japan before the new year, but the majority headed over on January 1 or 2.

There were a number of other talent that NJPW had hoped to use for Wrestle Dynasty. but

NJPW has been actively negotiating with a number of talent whose deals are up soon.

NJPW has been discussing bringing some new talent in as well.

The prop gun in David Finlay's entrance was 3D printed. New Japan was very happy with how it came out, and the entrance was planned for months.

Kenny Omega's entrance had been planned for months, and there were a series of meetings with Masayoshi Soken and Nobuo Uematsu to make it happen.

Kevin Knight's deal ended up expiring before Wrestle Kingdom.

Drilla Moloney is said to have outside interest, though we're not sure from where.

New Japan was understandably very happy with Gabe Kidd vs. Kenny Omega

 Reactions In Brit Wrestling to Mercedes Mone’s Title Win

On January 5th, Mercedes Mone challenged Mina Shirakawa for the Undisputed British Women’s Championship at AEW x NJPW Wrestle Dynasty, with the NJPW STRONG Championship also being on the line. Mone would walk away the victor, leading to the domino effect of Mercedes holding one of the top titles in British Wrestling.

Fightful Select’s Corey Brennan asked around up and down the UK scene including with sources in RevPro, who were overwhelmingly positive about the decision to have Mercedes Mone as Undisputed Women’s Champion. When we spoke with RevPro higher ups, they expressed excitement about the growth of the division, along with looking forward to working with Mercedes to book future title defenses in the UK, confirming that they will take place. Outside of RevPro, we spoke to other promoters in the UK, who were thrilled for RevPro and the eyes Mone’s title reign would bring to their promotion and the rest of the UK scene. 

One talent we spoke with who has been active with RevPro as of late noted that adding Mone to a division that features the likes of Dani Luna, Kanji and The Cut Throat Collective can only be a good thing, and stated their belief that ‘all eyes are on RevPro’s women’s division.’ Another noted that any of the active women’s roster could take it to Mone in the ring.

Outside talent have also expressed their desire to see Mone wrestle in other promotions in the United Kingdom, in particular in Riot Cabaret, where Thunder Rosa currently reigns as their champion.

Overall, the scene is happy to have Mercedes Mone and the additional eyes she brings wherever she goes.