WWE Hall of Famer AJ Styles recently shared why he believes the company should expand into Japan.
Over the past few years, WWE has continued growing its international presence. The company has expanded through Netflix distribution deals and premium live events in countries like Saudi Arabia, France, Australia, Germany and Italy. WWE programming also reaches millions of fans worldwide through broadcasts in multiple languages.
Last year, WWE strengthened its position in Mexico by acquiring Lucha Libre AAA. The promotion has gained momentum in recent months, especially with the rivalry involving Original El Grande Americano and El Grande Americano.
WWE also previously expanded into the UK with NXT UK before the brand was eventually discontinued. As WWE continues looking for opportunities in international markets, Styles believes Japan should be the company’s next major focus.
AJ Styles wants WWE to expand into Japan
Speaking on The Phenomenally Retro Podcast, Styles explained why he wants WWE to establish a presence in Japan just like AAA. He said, “I would love WWE to find a way to be in Japan, kind of like the way AAA is. We’re not changing what they’re doing. We’re not trying to change the culture. We’re just putting our spin on it. … It’s not them coming to WWE, but WWE has purchased a company in Japan. Now, we have Japan, we have Mexico.”
He said WWE should establish a presence in Japan rather than bringing Japanese wrestlers to RAW or SmackDown. “I don’t want them to come to Raw or SmackDown. I want them to be a WWE whatever in Japan. That’s what we need because we build our stars and just because we have stars that are Japanese doesn’t mean there can’t be some guys in Japan. We need those guys too. It’s endless things that we could do.”
He said WWE could help restore Japanese wrestling to its former glory by creating a promotion in the country while allowing it to maintain its own identity. “I believe that with the help of WWE, we would be able to revive Japanese wrestling to where it was.”
“I would love to see it back where it’s the Tokyo Dome. I’m talking about not like a WrestleMania over there, I’m just saying it’s the company selling out the Tokyo Dome like it did in the early ’90s. That’s what I would want to see.” [H/T: Fightful]
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