Commentator Walker Stewart Announces NJPW Contract Extension

Over the last couple of years, Walker Stewart has established himself as the English voice of New Japan Pro Wrestling's commentary team, while also expanding his duties to calling World Wonder Ring Stardom and, most recently, AEW. So when Stewart posted a cryptic message on X earlier Monday indicating he had signed a contract, some wondered if this was a sign that Stewart was transitioning to AEW full-time. As it turns out, it was Stewart hinting that he had signed a new contract with New Japan, something he confirmed soon after his initial hint.

In a lengthy statement, Stewart expressed pride in watching New Japan improve since he first joined the promotion in 2023, and was "very lucky to continue my journey waving the lionmark banner." He also revealed that this new contract wouldn't keep him strictly at the New Japan booth, as he would also continue his duties with Stardom, would work for certain indie promotions, and would be working "limited" dates with AEW, including dates in 2026 and even some in 2027.

I'm happy to announce that I've signed an extension of my contract with NJPW! I've been very lucky to watch NJPW continue to grow and improve upon itself year after year since my debut with the company in 2023, and I am very lucky to continue my journey waving the lionmark...

— Walker Stewart (ウォーカー・スチュワート) (@VelvetVoiceWS) September 14, 2026

Stewart first called matches for AEW back in August 2025, when he was part of the commentary team for AEWxNJPW Forbidden Door in London; he performed similar duties during the 2026 incarnation of Forbidden Door held in San Jose, California. His first non-Forbidden Door AEW appearance came just a little less than two weeks ago, however, when he joined Tony Schiavone and Excalibur in the booth for "AEW Collision." Stewart is set to return to the booth for New Japan on September 27, where he'll call New Japan's Destruction in Kobe event.