Callum Newman, a 6-foot-1 professional wrestler associated with New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW), recently criticized Tony Khan’s wrestling promotion, All Elite Wrestling (AEW), claiming that AEW has failed to properly showcase NJPW talent. In an interview with Sports Illustrated, Newman expressed frustration about the underutilization of New Japan wrestlers within AEW’s programming, raising questions about the ongoing partnership that began when AEW launched in 2019 as a major competitor to WWE in the United States.
Since its inception, AEW has partnered with NJPW, sharing talent for television shows and pay-per-view events such as Forbidden Door. Despite this close working relationship, Newman believes AEW has not done enough to elevate New Japan wrestlers in the U.S. market or leverage their reputation as some of the best in the industry.
“Yeah, yeah, I don’t think AEW has done anything for New Japan. That’s just how I feel. A lot of our guys go to AEW and they’re just kind of there, like they don’t get — we’re not used as the stars we are because New Japan has the best wrestlers in the world. Like pound for pound and in technicality, we’re the best.” – H/T WrestlePurists on X
Newman Claims NJPW Wrestlers Surpass AEW Stars in In-Ring Performance
Newman further emphasized NJPW’s superiority in wrestling skill over AEW’s roster, asserting that New Japan wrestlers excel despite having less extravagant production value compared to AEW. He challenged AEW performers’ ability to match NJPW’s distinct tournament styles like the G1 Climax and Tag League, expressing confidence in New Japan wrestlers’ technical dominance.
“We might not have the greatest production in the world, we might not have all the pyro and all the screens and stuff, but you put us in the ring, we’re the best in the world and I don’t think AEW can step to us. That’s genuinely how I feel. I don’t think anyone in AEW can do a G1, I don’t think anyone can do a Tag League. They’re more than willing to try, but just so you know, you come and step to me, I will smoke you 100 percent.” – H/T WrestlePurists on X
These remarks come at a time when Tony Khan’s AEW continues to navigate its identity and competitive position within the wrestling industry, particularly in its collaborative efforts with NJPW. Newman’s blunt assessment could signal underlying tensions between the promotions or prompt discussions on how to better leverage their partnership.
The Future of the AEW-NJPW Partnership Amid Criticism
The significance of Newman’s remarks lies in their potential to impact the evolving relationship between AEW and NJPW. As AEW works to solidify its role in the wrestling landscape, criticism from a New Japan star highlights challenges around talent usage and creative direction. It remains uncertain how Tony Khan’s company will respond or adapt to such critiques while maintaining a working alliance with NJPW. Fans and industry observers will watch closely to see if these comments affect future collaborations and the overall growth of AEW.
Callum Newman feels AEW has not done anything for NJPW, doesn’t think their talent can step up to NJPW’s:
“Yeah, yeah, I don’t think AEW has done anything for New Japan. That’s just how I feel. A lot of our guys go to AEW and they’re just kind of there, like they don’t get —… pic.twitter.com/trIuHdKBHU
— WrestlePurists (@WrestlePurists) February 27, 2026
