This week’s pro wrestling news cycle was jumpstarted early when Bushiroad announced late Sunday night that it had terminated its contract with Stardom founder Rossy Ogawa. Bushiroad, the parent company of NJPW and Stardom, accused Ogawa of poaching talent. Shortly after his termination was publicly confirmed, Ogawa announced he had plans to launch his own pro wrestling promotion. One big name who looks to be helping him get it off the ground is current NJPW Strong Women’s Champion Giulia.
Despite being a sitting NJPW Strong champion, Giulia is considered to be one of pro wrestling’s top free agents, and the Wrestling Observer reports that she does plan to sign with WWE eventually. The report states that Giulia is delaying debuting for WWE in order to help Ogawa get his new promotion off the ground. Apparently, when she initially spoke with WWE regarding their interest in her, she gave her word that she was going to help Ogawa in the early stages of his new venture before making the leap.
In an interview with Tokyo Sports, Ogawa had the following to say about allegations he was poaching talent and if he plans to start a new promotion. (Note: Translation done by Google Translate)
“We did not do this. After hearing the rumors, there were a lot of players who wanted to come to this (new organization). I guess they were panicked, too,” he said. “However, President Okada accepted (the new organization). We will make an offer to (Yokohama) BUNTAI,” and, “Let’s have a rivalry match on the 15th anniversary in two years.”