Triple H is ‘absolutely’ open to cross-promotional events, even with New Japan

This week saw TNA and Kenny Omega on WWE Network, and WWE prominently promoting a video game showdown between The New Day and The Elite at E3. The Street Fighter V battle ended with Xavier Woods and Omega saying their encounter was hopefully just the beginning of making Kenny’s catchphrase “Change The World” into a reality, where inter-company crossover would become more commonplace - maybe even in the ring.

Braun Strowman vs. Kazuchika Okada is probably still a long way away, but based on a quote Triple H gave The Sun, it’s not out of the question.

Context is difficult, because the United Kingdom tabloid doesn’t tell us exactly what they asked the WWE’s Executive Vice-President, but here’s the answer they say “sensationally refused to rule out a future cross-promotion event between World Wrestling Entertainment and New Japan Pro Wrestling”:

“Is there opportunity for cross-promotional events? Absolutely, with the right things. It’s a blank slate and I’m open to just about anything if the right situation shows itself.

We have an alliance with Progress in the UK, a situation with ICW in Scotland, two very well run and respected promotions that do good business – but more importantly they are cultivating talent.

They are not just exploiting talent and grabbing guys to do a show with them, they are teaching talent and trying to make them better, which is what it is all about for me.”

The difference between those examples and New Japan, of course, is that they don’t have a television or streaming presence which could position them to be competition for WWE. And they’ve agreed to arrangements whereby the receive promotional assistance from The ‘E in exchange for serving as, essentially, feeder systems.

The likelihood NJPW would agree to that seems small.

But, hey. While not a match, the Street Figher thing was a lot of fun. And in a world where the IWGP Intercontinental Champ sings the theme song for TakeOver: Chicago 2, anything should be possible.