New Japan Pro Wrestling and STARDOM previously announced that soon the two companies would merge and STARDOM would beocome a subsidiary of the largest Japanese professional wrestling company in the world. This week that officially went into effect as AEW gets ready to host its yearly Forbidden Door pay-per-view in collaboration with New Japan. This year things are a bit different as STARDOM will have involvement for the first time in AEW history.
Tanahashi recently opened up about the exciting new business venture, easing the minds of fans who have expressed concerns over the whole ordeal. Tanahashi promises that with the help of President Okada, they will make sure that it will be enjoyed by everyone moving forward."Today, I was officially able to make an address in front of the fans of STARDOM. Essentially, STARDOM and New Japan shows will continue to run as they have previously.
— スターダム✪STARDOM June 29, 2024 Okada added,"the name has also changed from Bushiroad Fight Co., Ltd. to Stardom Co., Ltd. STARDOM will grow with momentum that exceeds that of New Japan Pro-Wrestling!" In 2019, STARDOM joined Bushiroad where they held several collaborative events, including the first Historic X-Over, in November of 2022.
AEW President Tony Khan has been candid about the former STARDOM management and how hard they were to work with. However, now, Khan expresses gratitude to the promotion, explaining that he's excited to work with them more in the future, including sending AEW talent over to Japan to wrestle STARDOM shows.