Gabe Kidd is a major player who NJPW will capitalize on

New Japan Pro Wrestling has needed to retool for the last few years. The emergence of All Elite Wrestling and the COVID-19 pandemic had a major impact on the organization in ways that it still hasn’t recovered from in the eyes of many. One of the big issues was the need to rebuild the roster that had quietly become reliant on foreign stars to carry the top of the card. As the company has continued to adapt, Gabe Kidd has become a budding star that should be a big part of the immediate future. 

In rapid time, Kidd has become one of those hated heels that New Japan thrives in promoting to both the domestic and international wrestling fans. His time as a Young Lion helped establish himself in NJPW, but this transition into a Bullet Club member has worked in pushing him to a new level. While David Finlay may be the “leader” of the group, Kidd really seems like the star with the highest ceiling. 

Kidd is only 27 years old, but he has 12 years of experience in wrestling. In that time, he’s performed in some of the most important organizations on the independent scene. This includes companies like GCW, CMLL, Rev Pro, DEFY, and more. Earlier in 2024, NJPW was able to re-sign Kidd to a longer deal at the right time as it is clear more eyeballs were gravitating his way, making him a bigger attraction to other organizations that continue to sap superstars from Japan. 

“That’s between me and them, but I’ll tell you this, we’re talking about fat bags of cash. There were many fat bags of cash distributed,” Kidd said to Fightful back in May. “That’s all that needs to be said about that. I don’t care about the politics of when the cage match was and when my contract was. Fat bags of cash is what I got sent and what I’m going to continue to get sent. I’m good.” 

Locking him into a new deal was the right move as he continues to become a bigger name in the company. Do not be surprised if Kidd finds his way to hold the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship at some point within the next two years. His trajectory is pointing up and that would be a big addition to his resume.