United Empire is set to introduce a new member soon.
At the NJPW New Japan Soul event on July 5, Francesco Akira, Great-O-Khan, and TJP of United Empire defeated SANADA, TAKA Michinoku, and Yuya Uemura of Just 5 Guys.
In his post-match comments, TJP discussed how his goal was to lead by example, and he highlighted how Callum Newman had a major opportunity to qualify for the NJPW G1 Climax 34 tournament.
“All the last couple of days, I get the same message, the same one that I got after the Super Juniors. Today, here in Tokyo, big signing, every single person that came to the table, ‘TJ, I hoped the best for you in the G1. I hoped the best for you in the Super Juniors. Next year. Always, every time, next year. But it’s okay. I said from the beginning the goal was to lead by example. Tonight, the example may just come to fruition. Because Callum [Newman] has a chance to do something nobody has ever done and be the youngest entrant in the G1, and I knew he could do it, and he’s gonna do it. I’m gonna see to it. I was along for the ride, it wasn’t my year, and that’s fine. Onto the next one," TJP said.
After noting that he would eventually return to the heavyweight and openweight divisions, TJP stated that finding United Empire's next recruit was their other order of business, and he found someone who would be there soon.
“The other order of business was to find out next recruit. I see a lot of guessing, mostly among Western fans, that’s fine. He’s not from the UK, he’s an American, and he’s also not famous, either. I didn’t want anybody who accomplished a long resume outside of here. They have no pride and they have no heart. They come here, and we went they for a month or two and they’re gone. No, I found somebody that’s young and hungry and has all the right fundamentals, and they’re starving for the opportunity. They’re gonna live, breathe, eat New Japan Pro-Wrestling and the United Empire. It’s somebody that I’m a good friend with and somebody I’ve watched for a little while grind and grind and grind to wait for this opportunity. He’s gonna be here soon, and I can’t wait for you to meet him. United Empire still has our direction. We have winds on our side, gold around waists, and we’re gonna add to it. Onwards and upwards. Crowns up," TJP said.
Newman went on to qualify for the NJPW G1 Climax 34. More information is available here.
Fightful will monitor the situation and provide more information as it becomes available.
Catch up on past NJPW shows and other events with Fightful's results section.
If you use any of the quotes above, please credit the original source with a h/t and link back to Fightful for the transcription.
