NJPW Held tapings tonight for their NJPW Strong Rivals show with a few former WWE stars making their return/debut for the promotion. The tapings were held in Los Angeles, California which will be airing in the next few weeks on their Saturday NJPW Strong show.
Shane Strickland made his debut for NJPW at these tapings, answering Jay white’s open challenge. Strickland was released from his WWE contract on November 18 2022 along with several other talent.
Shane Strickland on NJPW Strong Rivals. 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/HNaoCa8bS8
— Denise 'Hollywood Elite' Salcedo (@_denisesalcedo) February 18, 2022
Shane Haste, formerly known as Shane Thorn in WWE made his return to New Japan Pro Wrestling. Haste aligned himself with JONAH and Bad Dude Tito. His former TMDK tag team partner Mike Nicholls is also on the NJPW roster, which could lead to a possible reunion in the future.
Shane Thorne just appeared on NJPW Strong Rivals. pic.twitter.com/zxr9ivUeyw
— Denise 'Hollywood Elite' Salcedo (@_denisesalcedo) February 18, 2022
.@ShaneTMDK aligns himself with @JONAHISHERE & @BADDUDEtito. Is this TMDK? #NJPWRivals pic.twitter.com/VVO2jP3nOX
— Jim Velasco (@TheJimmyV) February 18, 2022
Mascara Dorada formerly known as Gran Metalik also made an appearance at the taping. He was already announced for Strong Style Evolved in March but this is his first appearance after being released in May.
MASCARA DORADA at NJPW Rivals. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/y1R43KdduT
— Denise 'Hollywood Elite' Salcedo (@_denisesalcedo) February 18, 2022