Bryan Danielson Confirms WWE-NJPW Talks

Bryan Danielson has confirmed WWE held talks with New Japan Pro-Wrestling.

A report from Wrestling Observer's Dave Meltzer noted in May that WWE had opened talks with NJPW over a working relationship. Any deal would see WWE become New Japan's exclusive US partner and WWE would send talent to Japan. Bryan Danielson was also reportedly the "main crux" behind negotiations beginning as The American Dragon's contract was close to expiring when talks began.

Speaking on the In The Kliq Podcast, Danielson confirmed WWE held talks with NJPW over him wrestling in Japan.

"I don't know how far along the talks went and I don't know even if I was the start of them, for sure, but one of the things when I was talking to them when WWE was trying to re-sign me was, I said, 'I want to be able to work in Japan.' They were trying to come up with an agreement to where I would be able to go and do that. It was definitely something that was talked about. I don't know where it went or anything, all I know is now it seems like AEW has a really great relationship with New Japan. So, I feel like it couldn't have gone that well," Danielson said.

NJPW and WWE were ultimately unable to agree to a deal. Instead, NJPW still have working relationships with AEW and IMPACT Wrestling in the United States and all three companies have exchanged talent in 2021.

Danielson may well be the next AEW wrestler to go through the forbidden door and The American Dragon has expressed his desire to wrestle in the G1 Climax.

H/T to Fightful