Over the past few months, there has been several AEW stars who have been making their presence felt in New Japan Pro Wrestling.
From Will Ospreay to Kenny Omega, these names have helped to put a significant spotlight on what’s going on in NJPW.
As 2026 is winding down, there seems to be an increase in the number of AEW names making their way over to Japan to appear in the top promotion in the country.
Here are five AEW stars to potentially debut in NJPW.
MJF
On the Road to King of Pro Wrestling, MJF shocked the world by sending a video message to Ryohei Oiwa.
Challenging the G1 Climax 36 winner, Maxwell Jacob Friedman wants a battle of the headlocks against the TMDK member.
While he was focused on his IWGP Heavyweight Title bout against Yota Tsuji at King of Pro Wrestling 2026, Oiwa has stated that he wants to shut MJF up.
This should lead to MJF finally making his long awaited first appearance in Japan to square off with Oiwa sooner rather than later.
Tommaso Ciampa
In January 2026, Tommaso Ciampa signed with All Elite Wrestling and has become one of the most prominent stars on the roster.
The former TNT Champion has gone on record several times to say that he would love to appear in NJPW.
Ciampa is the kind of performer who should right at home in New Japan Pro Wrestling based on his style.
“The Psycho Killer” arriving in NJPW would lead to some exciting matchups with the likes of Zack Sabre Jr., Hirooki Goto or Shota Umino.
The New Level (Kofi & Austin Creed)
Another pair of new AEW stars who might make their first appearance in New Japan is The New Level.
Debuting in AEW at All In London 2026, Kofi and Austin Creed have felt like a breath of fresh air to the roster.
The New Level have brought their infectious energy to the AEW trios scene, but they could do the same in NJPW.
Looking at the New Japan tag team picture, a duo like The Knockout Brothers or United Empire could make for ideal opponents for The New Level if they make the trip over to Japan to appear in NJPW.
Ilja Dragunov
At AEW WrestleDream 2026, Ilja Dragunov made his official debut to the company as the newest signeee.
“The Mad Dragon” has felt like one of the best free agent signings who has a tremendous upside in the promotion.
During the WrestleDream post-show media scrum, Dragunov stated that he would love to make the trip to Japan and wrestle in the country.
From Shingo Takagi to Boltin Oleg, there are some tantalizing matchups in store for Ilja Dragunov in New Japan Pro Wrestling.
Adam Copeland
Another AEW star who has made it clear that he is keen to appear in NJPW is Adam Copeland.
On the October 14 edition of AEW Dynamite and Collision, Copeland announced that 2027 will be his final year in pro wrestling.
“The Rated R Superstar” recently revealed his desire to wrestle in one of the most famous buildings in the business, the Tokyo Dome.
With NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 21 in the Dome this upcoming January, it would make sense if Cope was part of the card to check this legendary arena off his list before he officially retires.
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