H Jenkins on January 7, 2026
AEW opened their doors with the idea that their stars would be allowed to wrestle for other companies, especially on the indie scene and Japan, as long as the company’s schedule permits it. Over the years, several stars have taken to NJPW for their yearly G1 Climax event. This year, fans wonder who may show up next.
The G1 Climax is set to begin on July 11 in Chicago at the NOW Arena. This will mark another major New Japan Pro Wrestling event in the United States. Naturally, fans may be expecting to see a few American wrestlers that don’t normally make it to NJPW.
While speaking on The Battleground podcast, Tony Khan discussed AEW’s working relationship with New Japan Pro Wrestling and whether AEW talent could be involved in the tournament. Tony Khan was asked if he has creative input when AEW wrestlers are booked into NJPW tournaments.
“No, New Japan may come to me to book wrestlers into the tournamen, butt how they handle their business, that’s completely New Japan’s prerogative. But we may work together. I think there could potentially be involvement from AEW wrestlers. I believe there will be, based on our early talks. So I’m excited about that, and the G1 coming this summer to America.“
Tony Khan was also asked about NJPW referring to Andrade as an AEW wrestler at Wrestle Kingdom 20 and New Year’s Dash, and whether that signaled anything about his status with the company.
“I’d say that bodes well, wouldn’t you?” Khan responded. “I think it bodes very well.”
Later in the interview, Tony Khan addressed the idea of wrestlers having creative control in AEW and made his stance clear. The Jacksonville Jaguars owner made it clear that he is the man who calls the shots, even though there is a bit of freedom.
“There’s no creative control. Only I have it. No wrestler has that. There’s a lot of freedom to work with the staff, and the coaches, and the wrestlers together and come up with ideas. I am one of the most collaborative people on the planet.”
Several AEW wrestlers have already crossed over into New Japan Pro Wrestling’s G1 Climax while signed with AEW. Jon Moxley was the first, competing in the 2019 G1 Climax shortly after joining AEW. Lance Archer followed with his entry in the 2022 tournament, and the AEW brand certainly brought attention.
The list continued to grow in recent years. Eddie Kingston made his G1 debut in 2023 while under AEW contract, and Konosuke Takeshita has been the most active crossover name. Takeshita competed in the G1 in 2024 and again in 2025.
We will have to see what is in the future for AEW and NJPW, but the two companies still have a relationship. Their yearly Forbidden Door event is, obviously, a mainstay on their yearly schedule at this point.
What’s your take on AEW stars competing in the G1 Climax tournament? Who do you think Tony Khan should let wrestle in it next? Let us know what you think in the comments section!
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