Knock Out Brothers Commit to NJPW Amid WWE Interest

WWE has expressed interest in signing the Knock Out Brothers, consisting of Yuto-Ice and OSKAR, who are the current IWGP Tag Team Champions in New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW). Reports indicate that WWE made a formal contract offer to the duo prior to NJPW's "Wrestle Kingdom 20" show, which was politely declined. Despite this rejection, WWE remains keen on the pair, with plans to revisit negotiations in the future as part of their strategy to enhance their tag team division.

WWE Offer Rejected As Top Stars Stay Put In Current CompanyThe Knockout Brothers Commit To NJPW Amid WWE Offer RumoursNewsweekNJPW Tag Team Not Headed to WWE After All Despite RumorsWWE Hasn’t Given Up on Signing NJPW Tag Team After RejectionYuto-Ice Addresses Knock Out Brothers’ Future In NJPW: Whatever Rumors You Hear, We’re Not Going AnywhereTwo Highly-Rated Stars NOT WWE-Bound As Rumors Suggest

Yuto-Ice and OSKAR have made significant strides in NJPW, winning the IWGP Tag Team Championship on September 28, 2025, by defeating Taichi and Tomohiro Ishii at the "Destruction in Kobe" event. They successfully defended their titles against T.M.D.K. (Zack Sabre Jr. and Ryohei Oiwa) at the NJPW New Year Dash on January 5, 2026. This victory marked their 100th day as champions, solidifying their status within the promotion.

WWE Offer Rejected As Top Stars Stay Put In Current CompanyThe Knockout Brothers Commit To NJPW Amid WWE Offer RumoursTwo Highly-Rated Stars NOT WWE-Bound As Rumors SuggestYuto-Ice Addresses Knock Out Brothers’ Future In NJPW: Whatever Rumors You Hear, We’re Not Going AnywhereNJPW Tag Team Not Headed to WWE After All Despite RumorsNewsweekWWE Hasn’t Given Up on Signing NJPW Tag Team After Rejection

Following their title defense, Yuto-Ice addressed the rumors surrounding their potential move to WWE, stating, “Whatever rumors you hear, we’re not going anywhere.” This sentiment was echoed in various reports, confirming their commitment to NJPW and their intention to continue defending their titles. Yuto-Ice emphasized that they aim to make NJPW "even more interesting" as they remain with the promotion.

NJPW Tag Team Not Headed to WWE After All Despite Rumors

While WWE's interest in the Knock Out Brothers has been noted, some wrestling analysts suggest that the duo's decision to stay with NJPW may limit their exposure to a broader audience that WWE offers. Critics argue that a move to WWE could have provided them with greater financial incentives and a larger platform to showcase their talents. However, supporters of their decision highlight the importance of loyalty and the opportunity to build a legacy within NJPW.

WWE Hasn’t Given Up on Signing NJPW Tag Team After Rejection

There is a consensus among various sources regarding WWE's interest in Yuto-Ice and OSKAR, but the specifics of the contract offer remain unclear. While some reports suggest a multi-year deal was proposed, others do not provide details on the terms. Additionally, the long-term implications of their decision to remain with NJPW versus a potential future with WWE remain speculative.

WWE Hasn’t Given Up on Signing NJPW Tag Team After Rejection

As the Knock Out Brothers continue their reign in NJPW, they will face new challengers for their IWGP Tag Team Championships. The next contenders will be determined through an upcoming tag match featuring Yuya Uemura and Shota Umino against Taichi and Tomohiro Ishii. The ongoing developments in their careers will be closely monitored by fans and industry insiders alike.

Yuto-Ice Addresses Knock Out Brothers’ Future In NJPW: Whatever Rumors You Hear, We’re Not Going Anywhere

• “Whatever rumors you hear, we’re not going anywhere.” — Yuto-Ice, Knock Out Brothers

Yuto-Ice Addresses Knock Out Brothers’ Future In NJPW: Whatever Rumors You Hear, We’re Not Going Anywhere

• “WWE offered a multi-year deal to the Knock Out Brothers as they wanted to give the tag division a big boost.” — Cory Hays, Bodyslam.net

WWE Hasn’t Given Up on Signing NJPW Tag Team After Rejection

• “They’re staying, so they retain their championship,” Meltzer said.” — Dave Meltzer, Wrestling Observer Radio

WWE Offer Rejected As Top Stars Stay Put In Current Company

The Knock Out Brothers' commitment to NJPW amidst WWE's interest highlights the competitive landscape of professional wrestling and the choices athletes face in balancing career opportunities with loyalty to their current promotions.

Newsweek