Masahiro Kubota | MP | 8.05.22
By: Lewis Carlan
In what should have been an exciting entry into 2024 for All Japan Pro-Wrestling has turned into unexpected turmoil for the promotion. Top talent have been departing the company with Shuji Ishikawa and Black Menso-re as the latest two wrestlers to announce they will be leaving at the end of January.
In addition to the talent departures, there is the situation with Katsuhiko Nakajima who reportedly has not been well received behind the scenes. To make matters more troublesome, Nakajima has appeared to relinquish the AJPW Triple Crown Title. Pro Wrestling NOAH superstar KENOH even weighed in and is convinced that Nakajima has been “brainwashed” and extended an invitation for him to return to NOAH.
Kenoh says that Katsuhiko Nakajima is “brainwashed”, and has offered to come and rescue him. pic.twitter.com/11WIAs1QVD
— Pro-Wrestling Noah Eng (Hisame, 冰雨) (@Hi5ame) January 18, 2024
In a report from Tokyo Sports, apparently there has been an individual advising President Fukuda who is thought to be the “mastermind” Suwama was referring to in a recent interview that is attempting to take over AJPW. According to the report, the person said to be advising President Fukuda is also reportedly the manager of Katsuhiko Nakajima. If this is in fact the case, then the dots have started to connect regarding the situation.
The backlash against AJPW President Fukuda and his advisor is reportedly on the rise within the company especially from younger talent, none of which have been named. There has been speculation that the lack of trust in President Fukuda is the reason why Shuji Ishikawa and Black Menso-re have walked away from AJPW. The situation which has seemed to have reached a boiling point has prompted a significant star, who remained anonymous, to vow that action will be taken in the near future to normalize the organization. Suwama has also vowed that he will protect All Japan at any cost.
Date:
January 21, 2024
Category:
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