John Laurinaitis Reveals He Pushed For WWE To Sign Kenta Kobashi: “It Just Didn’t Work Out”
When Laurinaitis began working for WWE, he tried to make it happen.
Kenta Kobashi spent 25 years of his life as a pro wrestler. He spent the first half of his career with All Japan Pro Wrestling and then finished with Pro Wrestling NOAH. He is a three-time AJPW Triple Crown Heavyweight Champion and former GHC Heavyweight Champion.
Kobashi’s name came up during a virtual signing that former WWE executive John Laurinaitis did with Signed By Superstars. Laurinaitis shared that when he first started working behind the scenes for WWE in the early 2000s, he attempted to get Kobashi signed.
“(Kenta) Kobashi,” Laurinaitis responded when asked if there was anybody he pushed for WWE to sign. “That’s one I kept pushing for but, you know, it just didn’t work out.” Laurinaitis was asked about Kobashi’s style translating over to the WWE product and he said, “Oh, I think Kobashi could’ve adapted to the WWE and American style… I know that he could come in and be a very good heel. His work rate speaks for itself.”
Kobashi presents his Fortune Dream independent shows in Japan. The results from the most recent show can be read here.
Laurinaitis was included in former WWE employee Janel Grant’s sex trafficking lawsuit against Vince McMahon and WWE. Laurinaitis was dropped after he agreed to provide evidence to help Grant’s case.
If the quote in this article is used, please credit Fightful for the transcription.
