A former New Japan Pro-Wrestling star has touched down in NXT, making a surprise appearance at a recent live event.
Karl Fredericks made the appearance at a show in Fort Pierce, Florida on January 20th. WWE later shared footage of the star confronting Axiom. It was noted that he had a microphone in his hand and teased cutting a promo before dropping the mic and leaving.
Karl Fredericks Arrives In NXT
On August 1st Karl Fredericks announced that he was no longer part of New Japan Pro Wrestling, posting the following statement on his social media:
“As of today August 1st I am no longer under contract with New Japan Pro Wrestling and I will not be re-signing with the company at this time. Though there is disappointment at the ending of this chapter I am grateful for the last four years traveling the world and growing with my best friends.”
“I want to say thank you to the company for the opportunities and especially thank you to Shibata-San for believing in me and bringing me along his journey with the LA Dojo. Last but not least thank you to my fans and thank you to the NJPW fans for your support over these years. I hope you will continue to support me along my path wherever that may lead.”
In September Fredericks was spotted at the WWE Performance Center but at the time it was unclear whether he would be joining the company. Meanwhile, it was reported by Mike Johnson of PWInsider that Fredericks had agreed a deal with WWE in January.
Karl Fredericks began his wrestling career back in 2015 before starting to train at NJPW’s LA Dojo under Katsuyori Shibata three years later.
It has also been reported that WWE hold an interest in signing NJPW stars Hikuleo, Jay White and Tama Tonga.