Note on Yota Tsuji’s Criticism & Relationship With AEW, Stance on Wrestling in the US

As previously reported, reigning IWGP Heavyweight Champion Yota Tsuji has been openly critical of AEW as of late, with the wrestler refusing to take part in last month’s co-promotional AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door 2026 event. Sean Ross Sapp answered a fan question asking if Yota Tsuji genuinely dislikes AEW or if it’s all an elaborate work in the latest Fightful Select Answers Q&A.

According to Sapp, Tsuji’s views did at least start out legitimately, which was “widely known within New Japan Pro Wrestling.” It’s also said that Tsuji didn’t want to work many of the NJPW shows in the U.S., let alone an AEW event.

However, it appears Tsuji’s stance might be softening due to recent comments by AEW President and CEO Tony Khan, who publicly shared his and AEW’s respect for Tsuji. Tsuji also told Tokyo Sports about Tony Khan, “I was once again struck by the greatness of his character as a person. I’ll say it again, I respect Tony Khan.”

Tsuji even went so far as to invite Khan to attend the upcoming kickoff NJPW G1 Climax event scheduled for July 11 in Chicago, if his schedule would allow it. It seems unlikely Khan will make it to the event, as AEW has a live edition of Collision scheduled for Saturday at the Berglund Center in Roanoke, VA.