Rocky Romero talks CM Punk, Mercedes, etc. (Patreon)

Fightful Select caught up with NJPW’s Rocky Romero before his upcoming six-man tag team match at NJPW STRONG’s Lone Star Shootout event in Dallas, Texas, on November 10th. The MLW World Middleweight Champion discussed numerous topics with Fightful’s Sean Ross Sapp.

Romero said Fred Rosser, Tom Lawlor, and West Coast Wrecking Crew are three of their biggest success stories who integrated into the NJPW product.

Rocky told us that New Japan is exploring the possibility of a new TV deal. Rocky said it is one of the goals that they do have for 2024. He also said they aim to bring back the show.

Romero said he loved what they did when New Japan STRONG recorded weekly and believed it benefited younger talent. NJPW would have talent head over on their excursion. Romero said it was good to have a different format than the regular NJPW that fans are used to.

Rocky told Fightful he was pleased with how STRONG turned out and mentioned that he’s been committed to STRONG since day one. Romero would also note that he wants to continue giving people opportunities and growing the NJPW STRONG brand in the States and potentially other countries.

Rocky was asked about the potential of NJPW and CM Punk working together. Rocky says it would be great for their product. Rocky added that he knows Tony Khan well and would likely give Khan a heads-up. He believes if Punk did a show like Wrestle Kingdom, it could be great for their product.

When asked about Mercedes Moné [Sasha Banks], he says he hopes to have a conversation with her and her agent soon. He says he would love to see the former WWE Raw and SmackDown Women’s Champion back in New Japan and Stardom. Rocky stated Mercedes “is such a pro’s pro.”

Sean asked Rocky about the potential of Ronda Rousey working with New Japan STRONG and Stardom. Rocky said he has never met Ronda but is on the November 16th Wrestling Revolver Unreal card with her and is looking forward to connecting with her. Rocky said it could be awesome if she showed up at a New Japan or Stardom show. Rocky would mention that he believes she would fit perfectly and better than any other company. Rocky told us that her style and background would fit perfectly in Japan.

Rocky said he hopes he is remembered for helping bring companies together and getting them to work together. However, he also hopes that he is remembered for his in-ring career.

Romero spoke about how the NJPW relationship with IMPACT improved because of his conversations with Scott D’Amore. He said D’Amore did a lot and made good on IMPACT’s mistakes from a previous regime.

Rocky Romero will team with Ultimo Guerrero and Hechicero to take Atlantis, Tiger Mask & Mascara Dorada in a six-man tag match.

Specifically regarding Punk: "You never know. Obviously, we didn’t really get to do many crossovers when Punk was with AEW. There was supposed to be that Tanahashi and Punk match that never happened. I think Punk coming and doing Wrestle Kingdom or a big show like that could be, I think, great for our product. Obviously, getting fresh eyes and everything that he brings to merchandise and everything else. I wouldn’t be opposed to it at all. I know Tony pretty well. I would probably give him the heads up like, ‘Hey, this is what’s going on,’ but I don’t think he would have much to say about it. It’s another company. He doesn’t own New Japan, and even though we have a great partnership, I think it’s fine and he’d be cool with it and AEW would be cool with it."