Adam Cole Eyes NJPW Return: Former Bullet Club Member Plans Japan Comeback

One Big Thing

AEW star Adam Cole has expressed his strong desire to return to New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) after an eight-year absence from the promotion’s standalone events.

Why It Matters

Cole’s potential return to NJPW could strengthen the ongoing relationship between AEW and NJPW, while offering fans fresh matchups with the current NJPW roster.

Key Details

• Cole’s last NJPW standalone event appearance was at New Year Dash in January 2017
• He previously competed at Wrestle Kingdom 11, defeating Kyle O’Reilly for the ROH World Championship
• His most recent NJPW-related match was at AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door in June 2022

Direct Quote

“The one for sure that I think I would love to do is I definitely want to go back to New Japan. I got the chance to wrestle there a few times and I got to do a Wrestle Kingdom show, which was amazing,” Cole stated in an interview with Doc Chris Mueller.

By The Numbers

• 8 years since Cole’s last standalone NJPW appearance
• 1 IWGP World Heavyweight Championship match at Forbidden Door
• 1 former ROH World Championship victory at Wrestle Kingdom

Current Landscape

Cole believes wrestling is in its prime, stating: “Without question. It’s a fact. Since I’ve started wrestling, this absolutely is the best time to not only be a wrestler but to be a wrestling fan.”

What’s Next?

With AEW’s established partnership with NJPW, Cole’s return to Japanese wrestling could happen through future cross-promotional events or direct NJPW bookings.

The Bottom Line

What dream matches would you like to see if Adam Cole returns to NJPW? Share your thoughts in the comments below.