As noted earlier, it looks like WWE is moving forward with expansion plans in Japan and Australia as WWE officials met with officials from Dragon Gate and Stardom and they are looking to sign some of the top Australian stars. Canada also appears to be in WWE’s expansion plans.
Dave Meltzer noted in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that there will be tryouts from 8/7 to 8/9 at the Paramount Fine Foods Centre in Mississauga, ONT.
Meltzer added that there’s been talk of starting an NXT Canada brand with former WWE Superstar Santino Marella (Anthony Carelli) being involved with it. Carelli trains wrestlers at his Battle Arts Academy in the same city.
The timing works out for WWE because the tryouts will take place a few days before SummerSlam in Toronto, which means it will be easy for WWE officials to attend.
Marella has not commented on the rumors. The first student from his academy to get a developmental offer is Aleksandar Kaksic and we could see more signees in the near future if WWE establishes a working relationship with Marella.
Proud to announce @BattleArtsMMA’s 1st @WWE @WWENXT signing to the @WWEPC. Alexsandar Jaksic is a high level athlete w tremendous focus & passion. His physical attributes were impressive but his level of commitment was even more so. Get some sunglasses, the future looks bright! pic.twitter.com/JggiXRurax
— Santino Marella (@milanmiracle) April 5, 2019
