Ladies and Gentlemen, boys and girls, and all you wrestling maniacs out there! Hold onto your hats (and masks), because WWE SummerSlam is about to get a lot more ‘NOAH-ppropriate’!
Fresh off his exhilarating face-off with AJ Styles, Pro Wrestling NOAH’s legend, the one and only Naomichi Marufuji, is set to make waves across the Pacific. He’s bringing his signature flair not to the ring, but to the Japanese commentary booth for ABEMA’s PPV broadcast of WWE SummerSlam on August 3. Well, technically, it’s August 4 for those of you keeping track in Japan, thanks to the time difference (because who needs sleep, right?).
After Styles pulled a victory out of his proverbial hat at Budokan, it seems the cross-promotion fever is hotter than a wrestling ring under summer lights. WWE isn’t just borrowing Marufuji’s expertise for commentary – they’re going all-in with an international flavor that’s spicier than a jalapeño in a sumo suit.
Marufuji: From Budokan to Broadcast
Marufuji, a former GHC Heavyweight Champion and all-around wrestling maestro, is set to lend his golden voice to the broadcast. It’s the kind of partnership that makes you wonder if WWE’s next move is to invite Godzilla as a special guest referee. This commentary coup is a part of WWE’s broader strategy to embrace global talent, proving that wrestling truly is a universal language.
More Than Just a Cameo
The news follows WWE’s recent announcement that NXT talents Josh Briggs and Tavon Heights will be packing their bags for NOAH’s N-1 Victory tournament. This round-robin spectacle runs from August 4 through September 1, ensuring that these boys will get more culture shock than a cat at a dog show.
Cross-Promotion Frenzy
WWE’s been on a collaboration spree hotter than a Texas chili cook-off. TNA talents are popping up on “WWE NXT” like daisies in spring. Joe Hendry is practically running the show, and TNA Knockouts Champion Jordynne Grace is shaking things up like a martini at James Bond’s bar. Grace not only made waves at the women’s Royal Rumble but also squared off against NXT Women’s Champion Roxanne Perez at NXT Battleground.
The No Quarter Catch Crew – try saying that three times fast – took a leap into the TNA Slammiversary ring, but alas, fell short against The Rascalz’ Trey Miguel, Zachary Wentz, and former NXT North American Champion Wes Lee. And if that wasn’t enough, Charlie Dempsey of the Crew went toe-to-toe for AJPW’s Triple Crown Heavyweight Championship, only to be bested by Katsuhiko Nakajima. Better luck next time, Charlie!
Marufuji-mania is Running Wild!
So mark your calendars, folks! Whether you’re tuning in on August 3 or August 4 (time zones, am I right?), Marufuji’s commentary debut at SummerSlam is bound to be a historic (and hilarious) event. Get ready for the ultimate clash of cultures, styles, and probably a few confused translators.
And remember, in the words of a famous someone: “It’s gonna be yuge. Believe me.”