Wrestling company looking to 'strengthen ties' with AEW

With AEW having a strong history of using NJPW talent, and their own stars appearing on the Japanese promotions events, New Japan owner Takaaki Kidani recently discussed their relationship.
The comments were made during a press conference that also featured NJPW President Hiroshi Tanahashi and Representative Director Hitoshi Matsumoto as they discussed their ‘road map’ for the coming months.

Speaking about the relationship between AEW and NJPW, Kidani said:
“We have a very positive relationship with AEW right now, and there is room for it to evolve further.
“There are things we can’t talk about just yet, but I think it’s something that can involve other departments within Bushiroad as well.”

Bushiroad not only owns NJPW but also Stardom and has departments that handle collectible card games, video games and multimedia ventures.
Addressing the development of the partnership between AEW and NJPW, Kidani went on to say:
“I think that this relationship has settled into something that’s a lot more stable in the long run, and a lot of that comes from Tony Khan having a deep fandom and appreciation for NJPW.
“He has a lot of passion for 90s guys like Hase, and the Steiners. He’s a fan, and both he and his father have an incredible business acumen.
“With that acumen and their affinity for Japan, there’s a lot that can be done in the future, and I don’t think NJPW could ask for a better partner right now.”

Kidani would address the perception that NJPW is being treated as a ‘sub brand’ of AEW, going on to say that ‘ the truth of the matter is AEW’s strengths and NJPW’s strengths are different.”
He would specifically note that NJPW can offer ‘development of talent from scratch’ and ‘a historical and traditional perspective’ that AEW cannot.
New Japan runs two dojos – one in Tokyo, Japan and the other in Carson, California – which has been fundamental in developing new talent for NJPW.