Backstage News On AJ Styles, Shinsuke Nakamura And Other Stars Joining WWE, Royal Rumble Appearance
As noted, WWE has reportedly signed top New Japan Pro Wrestling stars AJ Styles, Doc Gallows, Karl Anderson and current IWGP Intercontinental Champion Shinsuke Nakamura.
Dave Meltzer indicated on the latest episode of Wrestling Observer Radio that there are Royal Rumble main event surprises planned and some of these names could appear in the match. Meltzer also noted that they have not officially signed yet, as Nakamura is still under contract to NJPW, although they are WWE bound.
It was also noted that Nakamura and Styles were apparently not signed to be on the NXT roster and have a high price tag. They could always work NXT events or be sent down for a few shows but word is they were not signed for that brand, indicating main roster plans.
"The money that they signed Finn Balor for is nothing compared to what it what take to get Nakamura, not even close," Meltzer said. "There's no way to justify that in NXT, even with the touring when you're talking about going into 1,500 seat buildings, 800 seat buildings... When you're running shows like that, you can't very well sign guys for hundreds of thousands of dollars a year, it makes no economic sense."
Regarding Nakamura, he is not coming in right away and is expected to drop his title and work a notice, unlike Alberto Del Rio with AAA.