The Knockout Brothers have officially committed their futures to New Japan Pro-Wrestling, putting an end to speculation regarding a potential move to the United States. According to a new report from Dave Meltzer, the current IWGP Tag Team Champions received contract offers from WWE but ultimately decided to remain in Japan.
Speaking on Wrestling Observer Radio, Meltzer confirmed that the interest from WWE was legitimate. “There was interest from WWE in them and they turned it down, they’re staying,” Meltzer reported. The news comes shortly after the duo successfully defended their titles in the main event of New Year Dash on January 5.
In that match, Yuto-Ice and OSKAR defeated the formidable team of Zack Sabre Jr. and Ryohei Oiwa, with Yuto-Ice securing the pinfall on Oiwa. Following the bout, the champions addressed the speculation directly during their backstage comments. Yuto-Ice shut down the talk of a departure, stating, “Whatever rumours you hear, we’re not going anywhere.”
Yuto-Ice and OSKAR have been a part of the NJPW system for several years, originally joining the promotion as Young Lions. Their careers took a turn when they returned from an excursion on the final day of the 2025 G1 Climax, where they were revealed as the newest members of the Bullet Club War Dogs faction.
Since their return, they have rapidly ascended the tag team division. The duo captured the IWGP Tag Team Championships at Destruction in Kobe by defeating Tomohiro Ishii and Taichi. Their victory at New Year Dash solidifies their position at the top of the division as NJPW moves into the new year.
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