Karl Anderson in NJPW could be the signal to more crossovers in the future

Karl Anderson has been a hot talking point since rejoining WWE back in October. That interest isn’t because he was a big signing that fans were pushing to see return. Instead, many knew that he was the current NEVER Openweight Champion. Many speculated what that would mean with him holding that title and signing with WWE, who were aware of his intentions of working dates with New Japan Pro Wrestling. Well, Anderson wrestled at NJPW World Tag League 2022 and retained his title, opening more conversations around the potential of WWE and NJPW working together more often in the future.

WWE has long taken an isolationist approach to professional wrestling. Under Vince McMahon, the promotion refused to acknowledge companies outside its own walls. In many ways, he refused to acknowledge professional wrestling itself, but that’s a conversation for another piece.

It was a common complaint from fans to see how WWE would treat the history that occurred in other companies or big names that made the jump into a WWE ring. WWE rarely treated those names and moments with the reverence fans wanted to see. Partnering with those organizations and sharing superstars was even more rare. But it seems like things are headed for a change.

Mickie James’s appearance in the 2022 Women’s Royal Rumble with the IMPACT Wrestling women’s title in tow was a big moment. Jeff Jarrett, who was then a WWE backstage personnel took part in Ric Flair’s last match that featured AEW performers. Anderson taking part in an NJPW show is the latest in what seems to be a new trend that creates some interesting possibilities. Shinsuke Nakamura is scheduled to compete against The Great Muta on New Year’s Day, another crossover event on the horizon.

All eyes are focused on Sasha Banks and the multiple reports of her scheduled appearance at Wrestle Kingdom 17 on January 4. WWE has not commented on her contract status but Dave Meltzer has gone as far as to say she’s “Done.” Others have raised the question of what if her appearance is the next signal that the two companies are more willing to work together. Only questions remain and the answer to all of them is simply wait and see.

Professional wrestling is entering an interesting phase. The proverbial “forbidden door” is wide open, and it seems that the largest company in the industry is willing to walk through the threshold.