Last night, the wrestling world was rocked by the news of the departure of Rossy Ogawa, co-founder of the Japanese promotion STARDOM. The parent company Bushiroad cited allegations of talent poaching as the reason for his release from the contract. While the destination of Ogawa’s recruitment efforts remains unclear, reactions from Tony Khan and insights from Dave Meltzer shed light on how this development might affect the landscape of professional wrestling.
Meltzer, speaking on “Wrestling Observer Radio,” offered insights into the responses from both All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). According to Meltzer, WWE had previously expressed interest in collaborating with STARDOM, potentially indicating a strategic move toward expanding its talent pool. However, the departure of Ogawa, a key figure in STARDOM’s leadership, raises questions about the direction of such partnerships.
Within WWE, figures like Paul “Triple H” Levesque were reportedly aware of Ogawa’s impending exit from STARDOM. Meltzer highlighted how this awareness might have influenced the decision-making processes within WWE, especially considering the departure of talents like Kairi Sane, who opted to leave STARDOM for WWE last year.
Similarly, Meltzer discussed AEW’s previous attempts to acquire talent from STARDOM. While logistical issues hindered some potential signings in the past, Khan’s reaction to Ogawa’s departure suggests a hopeful outlook for future collaborations between AEW and STARDOM. Given AEW’s existing relationship with New Japan Pro-Wrestling, the prospect of further ties with STARDOM seems plausible.
Delving deeper into Ogawa’s departure, Meltzer contextualized the situation within STARDOM, highlighting Ogawa’s role in the promotion’s founding and subsequent relationship with Bushiroad. According to Meltzer, Ogawa’s desire for a larger company to support STARDOM’s growth led to the sale to Bushiroad in 2019. However, disagreements over creative direction and dissatisfaction with management reportedly contributed to Ogawa’s decision to leave.
Regarding Ogawa’s next steps, Meltzer speculated on the possibility of him starting his own company, given the allegations of talent poaching. While nothing has been confirmed, Meltzer suggested that the upcoming months might see significant roster changes as contracts expire and talents evaluate their options.
In conclusion, the departure of Rossy Ogawa from STARDOM has sparked speculation within the wrestling community about potential shifts in alliances and talent acquisitions. With WWE and AEW closely monitoring developments, the fallout from Ogawa’s exit could have far-reaching implications for the industry.
