Yota Tsuji’s Anti-AEW Remarks Are Believed to Be Real

Yota Tsuji’s recent comments about AEW weren’t meant to stir debate or sell a cross-promotional match — and a new backstage report makes it clear he meant every word.

During a recent interview with NJPW1972.com, Tsuji was asked whether his upcoming Wrestle Kingdom match against Konosuke Takeshita should be viewed as a cross-promotional clash, given Takeshita’s ties to AEW. Tsuji didn’t hesitate and immediately shut down the idea, making his stance unmistakably clear.

“Well, I don’t want to lose to AEW. I don’t like AEW. In all honesty, with the relationship between us the way it is, I’d like us to cut ties with them.”

When it was pointed out just how strong those comments were, Tsuji doubled down and questioned the value of the partnership altogether.

“What has being with AEW done for NJPW, really? If it was an even handed relationship that’s one thing, but it’s not.”

Tsuji acknowledged the financial imbalance between the companies but rejected the idea that it should dictate New Japan’s approach.

“There’s certainly a difference in terms of the money behind each company, but I don’t see that as a reason to be so weak willed. This is NJPW, dammit.”

He did, however, offer a measured take when discussing Kazuchika Okada’s involvement in cross-promotional history, specifically related to Hiroshi Tanahashi.

“Now on the other hand, Kazuchika Okada has played a part in selling the Tokyo Dome out. I have to admit to that. I’m sore that it isn’t an NJPW wrestler facing Tanahashi in his last match, but there isn’t anybody on the roster that has the connections to Tanahashi that Okada has, and I have to acknowledge that.”

After the interview circulated, some assumed Tsuji’s remarks were exaggerated or delivered in character due to his Wrestle Kingdom match with Takeshita. However, an update from Fightful Select paints a very different picture.

According to Fightful, sources within New Japan Pro Wrestling do not believe Tsuji was speaking in character at all and say he has been vocal internally about his dissatisfaction with the AEW relationship for years.

“In speaking with NJPW sources, they do not believe Yota Tsuji was in character when speaking about his feelings on the AEW-NJPW relationship. They said he’s been pretty vocal about it in recent years.”

The report also noted that Tsuji was among the talent who were hesitant about working U.S.-based shows tied to the partnership, even though he had participated in them previously. Adding a twist to the situation, it was also revealed that Tsuji was once discussed for a major AEW spotlight.

“Ironically enough, at one point, Tsuji was considered for an AEW World Title match for AEW Forbidden Door 2024 against Swerve Strickland. However, Will Ospreay volunteered to face and to lose to Swerve, which ended up happening.”

The update reframes Tsuji’s interview as something far more revealing than pre-match rhetoric. Rather than playing along with inter-promotional narratives, it appears Tsuji was expressing genuine frustration about where New Japan stands in the relationship — even as he continues to compete within it.

Do you think Yota Tsuji speaking this openly could impact NJPW’s relationship with AEW going forward, or is it simply long-overdue honesty finally coming to the surface? Share your thoughts and leave your feedback below.