The suspension of NJPW English-language commentator Chris Charlton after his anti-AEW comments during the Wrestle Dynasty broadcast has sparked considerable discussion within the wrestling community. The comments, which were made during the co-main event between NJPW’s Gabe Kidd and AEW’s Kenny Omega, appear to have clashed with the spirit of cooperation between NJPW and AEW, which had worked hard to make the event a celebration of their cross-promotional relationship.
Details of the Incident
- Chris Charlton’s Comments: During the match, Charlton referred to AEW President Tony Khan as a “money mark,” a term often used to describe someone who invests large sums of money in a business without having significant experience or understanding of it. Charlton also suggested that former NJPW talent like Kenny Omega, Will Ospreay, Jay White, and Kazuchika Okada had not achieved the same level of success in AEW as they had in NJPW. Additionally, Charlton criticized AEW’s Continental Classic tournament, which is modeled after NJPW’s G1 Climax tournament, calling it inferior.
- Impact on the Event: Given the nature of Wrestle Dynasty as a collaborative show between NJPW and AEW, Charlton’s remarks were seen as damaging to the respectful competitive spirit that had been cultivated. His comments were perceived by many as out of place and divisive, especially during a time when both promotions were hoping to celebrate their combined successes in front of a massive crowd at the Tokyo Dome.
NJPW’s Response
- Two-Month Suspension: The Wrestling Observer reports that Charlton’s comments led to his indefinite hiatus from NJPW broadcasting. Fightful Select clarified that the hiatus was actually a two-month suspension, a response to the controversial remarks. The suspension appears to have been a corrective measure from NJPW to maintain the professionalism of their broadcasts and to avoid further disruption to the working relationship with AEW.
- Backstage Reactions: While some people backstage reportedly supported Charlton for speaking his mind, others felt his comments were inappropriate and hurtful to the collaborative nature of the event. This division of opinion likely influenced NJPW’s decision to suspend him.
- New Year’s Dash: The night after Wrestle Dynasty, Charlton’s broadcast partner was forced to commentate alone for part of the New Year’s Dash event. He was later joined by TJP, an NJPW wrestler, which temporarily filled the gap left by Charlton’s absence.
Omega’s Return and the Bigger Picture
The match between Kenny Omega and Gabe Kidd was significant for multiple reasons. Omega’s return to NJPW after a long absence (due to his departure with AEW’s founding members in 2019 and his extended battle with diverticulitis) was one of the key highlights of the event. For Omega, Wrestle Dynasty marked his first match in NJPW since 2019 and his return to the ring after a year-long medical hiatus. Despite the controversy surrounding Charlton’s remarks, Omega’s victory was a pivotal moment in the night.
Reflection on NJPW-AEW Relations
This incident underscores the challenges that can arise when two major promotions work together, especially when commentators and talent are involved. While both AEW and NJPW have created a working relationship over the years, there will always be tensions between loyalty to one’s promotion and the necessity of cooperation when cross-promoting.
Charlton’s comments, while likely made out of his allegiance to NJPW and perhaps a personal desire to defend the promotion’s legacy, ultimately disrupted the spirit of collaboration that was supposed to define Wrestle Dynasty. NJPW’s decision to suspend him is a signal that they are committed to maintaining a professional and respectful atmosphere, especially during co-promoted events. It also serves as a reminder of the delicate balance broadcasters must strike between being passionate advocates for their respective companies and maintaining an inclusive, respectful environment for fans of all promotions involved.