Never having set foot in a WWE ring prior to this past Saturday, legendary Japanese wrestler Jushin “Thunder” Liger will become a more frequently seen performer for WWE fans, according to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter (via Lords Of Pain ).
At this past Saturday’s NXT Takeover: Brooklyn event, Liger defeated NXT mainstay Tyler Breeze in first WWE appearance, making history in the process. But if fans were hoping to see more of Liger in the future, he is reportedly set to work more dates for the company soon.
According to the report, several promoters have reached out to Liger in an attempt to book him for several dates. But they were told that Liger was already booked by WWE on those dates. The specific dates are currently unknown but WWE will likely heavily promote Liger for any events that the company has him booked for.
There is also talk of WWE and New Japan Pro Wrestling having some sort of agreement in which Liger can appear for both promotions. While it is not unprecedented for performers from other promotions to appear for WWE, it has been a while since any significant names have done so.
One name of reference in this case is the “Samoan Submission Machine” Samoa Joe. The former longtime TNA superstar signed with WWE earlier this year, soon making his debut for NXT. However, Joe is not only wrestling for NXT; he’s still making a litany of appearances on the independent circuit. However, Joe did sign an exclusive-to-WWE deal, so his independent dates will conclude in September.
Not only did Joe wrestle on the independents, he made appearances for Ring of Honor, although he did not appear on ROH television.
This fueled speculation that Liger is under a similar deal with WWE, since the company has shown an open-minded disposition for their talent to work for outside promotions. But it’s important to remember that Liger, unlike Joe, is under contract for another major promotion. So, his dates for WWE will likely come in a limited capacity.
While this is not confirmed by any means, WWE may use Liger at their upcoming live event at Madison Square Garden on October 3. Brock Lesnar is set to make his first MSG appearance in a decade, Chris Jericho will be in action, and more. Having Liger make his first MSG appearance would likely help boost ticket sales and perhaps WWE Network subscribers.
However, the more likely scenario may be Liger facing Breeze for a second time, giving him an attempt to avenge his first loss. That could make Liger a special attraction to the NXT brand.
[Image via WWE]
