Add as a preferred source on Google Finn Bálor has once again spoken about his strong connection to Japan, and he ended up suggesting a fairly ambitious idea for WWE’s future.
During a recent appearance on Stephanie McMahon’s What’s Your Story?, the Irishman said he had always pictured ending his in-ring career in Japan. However, he admitted that today, he is not exactly thinking about returning to the country to wrestle.
“Maybe we can create an NXT Japan. Paul Levesque might need a right-hand man to run that. I think me and Shinsuke Nakamura would do a good job over there.”
The idea does not come completely out of nowhere. In 2018, Triple H had already laid out a global expansion plan for NXT, with the creation of regional brands, training centers, and tryouts in different international markets.
WWE also has an important relationship with the Japanese audience. In 2024, the company returned to the country with three live events, stopping in Osaka and Tokyo on its first Japanese tour in five years. RAW, SmackDown, NXT, and premium live events are also part of the programming shown in Japan by ABEMA.
It is also worth remembering that Bálor and Nakamura both have long histories tied to Japanese wrestling. WWE itself has previously noted that Bálor crossed paths with Nakamura during his time in Japan, and that he was also the creator of Bullet Club in New Japan Pro-Wrestling.
So far, WWE has not announced any official plans to create NXT Japan. That means the idea remains only a suggestion from Bálor, even if it is a very interesting one for the company’s future.