NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 14 got a big boost in January when AEW stars Chris Jericho and Jon Moxley were added to the show. Moxley ended up facing Lance Archer on night one of the two-night event in a bout for the IWGP United States Title while Jericho battled Hiroshi Tanahashi on night two. Moxley also competed on night two against Juice Robinson.
While Moxley and Jericho helped NJPW in filling out both nights of action, Archer doesn't believe attendance would have been any different if they weren't on the card.
“I don’t think you should look at its important to have them,” Archer told The Roman Show. “It is important to have all of the talent that are a part of our shows. New Japan is doing the best business its ever done. There was a time where a bunch of guys left the company and people were like ‘oh these guys are leaving. But the way New Japan runs their business and what’s going on people don’t see it because it is in Japan but the hardcore fans, they see the shows. The American fans that are coming out to see the shows this weekend is a different experience and what New Japan is different. Their business is very strong but to have a Jericho and Moxley at the shows is a cool thing, but it doesn’t make or break the show. I think that’s a misconception of what New Japan does with what they are doing in Japan. They add to the show. This show, the crowd that we drew I think were coming regardless if those two gentlemen where there or not. That’s not knocking them, I am just saying New Japan is doing a good show at producing.”
Despite the presence of AEW stars like Jericho and Moxley, a potential partnership between AEW and NJPW appears to be no closer. The Young Bucks recently commented that nothing is happening between the two sides despite the rumors.
