Dave Meltzer provided some interesting insight into the current morale of NJPW wrestlers in the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter (subscribe here). Below are some of the key points.
Meltzer says that some early contract offers from NJPW have “raised some concern” among wrestlers. There is apparently some frustration with new President Harold Meij and General Manager Michael Craven.
Meltzer says that they are both not experienced dealing with wrestlers. Craven, in particular, is said to be “the most unpopular guy among the wrestlers”. Craven was previously a Tech director and worked in IT recruitment prior to coming onboard. According to some wrestlers, the feeling is that he talks down to them.
There seems to be a dip right now in morale within the company with the new management group. The excitement level has seemed to drop among wrestlers for working with the company. According to someone within the company, some wrestlers “feel like they are seen as workers in a factory assembly line as opposed to high-level athletes or entertainers”.
So what could this mean for WWE?
Meltzer says that there are now some people in NJPW who have never previously considered going to WWE, who are now thinking about it. WWE will be a massive player come contract renewal time due to the recent money they came into from their new Television deals plus their Saud Arabia shows.
There are no specific names mentioned in the report.
Your thoughts on all of this?
On a related note, here are some WWE vs NJPW matches that would be incredible.