John Laurinaitis says he wanted to bring a major Japanese wrestling star to WWE.
During his recent in-studio signing with Signed by Superstars, former Head of Talent Relations John Laurinaitis was asked if he ever tried to sign any Japanese wrestler when he returned to WWE in 2001. He revealed that he pitched to bring Kenta Kobashi to the promotion, but unfortunately, things didn’t work out. He believed Kobashi could’ve adapted to WWE/American style and been a good heel.
“Kobashi. That’s one I kept pushing for, but it just didn’t work out. I think Kobashi could’ve adapted to the WWE and American style.” When the host asked if WWE would’ve used him as a straight-shooter type of wrestler or used him as a stereotypical Japanese character, John Laurinaitis said, “I don’t know, but I know that he could’ve come in and be a good heel. His work rate speaks for itself.”
John Laurinaitis and Kenta Kobashi are former tag team champions
John Laurinaitis and Kenta Kobashi worked together as a tag team and as part of the Global, Energetic & Tough (GET) faction alongside Patriot during their time together in All Japan Pro-Wrestling from 1990 to 1998. They are former four-time tag team champions.
Kenta Kobashi spent the early years of his legendary career in All Japan Pro-Wrestling. Apart from his multiple tag team title runs, he is also a former three-time AJPW Triple Crown Heavyweight Champion. He worked with Pro Wrestling Noah from 2000 until his retirement in 2013.
Kobashi once competed in a WWE-related event back when it was the WWF in April 1990. He teamed up with Masanobu Fuchi in a losing effort against Jimmy Snuka and Tito Santana at a Wrestling Summit event co-produced by WWE, NJPW, and AJPW at the Tokyo Dome.
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