Three former WWE contracted wrestlers have made their first appearances for New Japan Pro Wrestling as part of the NJPW: Strong tapings in Los Angeles, California. Shane Strickland (Isaiah Swerve Scott), Shane Haste (Shane Thorne) and Mascara Dorada (Gran Metalik) each made their respective debuts as part of the TV episodes.
Shane Strickland made his debut as part of Jay White’s open challenge, answering the call to a raucous reception. ‘Switchblade’ walked away with the win in the taping’s main event, but it was reportedly a strong performance from the debuting ‘Swerve’. Strickland is rumoured to be in talks with All Elite Wrestling, who are very close to signing a contract with the young star, but this would likely not hinder his opportunities to appear as part of the Japanese promotion.
Meanwhile, Shane Haste re-emerged alongside former TMDK teammate, JONAH, former partner Nick Miller is also signed with NJPW, so expect some stuff to happen between the three of them soon enough. Dorada is also slated to appear at future NJPW: Strong shows.
With so many other free agents currently roaming the industry without a signed contract, NJPW could be on the right paths to forming one of the deepest rosters with a tonne of untapped potential. The likes of Haste and Dorada are two wrestlers that could have become much bigger than they were on the main roster, with Thorne acting as part of the awful Retribution faction and Dorada barely scratching the surface of his Lucha abilities as part of Lucha House Party.
Shane Strickland was destined to be a big deal as part of the popular faction Hit Row, but had his legs cut from under him by a shocking release of him and his teammates in October of last year. Here’s hoping he goes on to big things as part of NJPW.
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