Charlie Dempsey, a rising star in WWE’s NXT brand, is making headlines this week as he embarks on a high-profile stint with Japan’s Pro Wrestling NOAH. The move, officially announced by NOAH and confirmed by WWE, marks a significant moment in the ongoing collaboration between the two wrestling powerhouses.
Dempsey’s Japanese Adventure: What’s Happening?
On September 23, Dempsey will appear at Pro Wrestling NOAH’s event at the iconic Korakuen Hall in Tokyo. He’s not making the trip alone—fellow NXT talent Harlem Lewis will join him for the show, which is set to feature the finals of a major tournament and promises to draw international attention.
This isn’t Dempsey’s first foray into Japanese wrestling. Last year, he competed for All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW), but this marks his debut with NOAH, a promotion known for its hard-hitting style and storied legacy.
WWE and NOAH: A Growing Partnership
Dempsey’s temporary move is part of a broader trend: WWE and Pro Wrestling NOAH have been strengthening ties, exchanging talent and creating buzz on both sides of the Pacific. In recent years, WWE stars like Shinsuke Nakamura, AJ Styles, and Omos have worked matches for NOAH, while Japanese talent such as Yoshiki Inamura has appeared on NXT programming.
This cross-promotion benefits both companies, giving WWE’s younger stars international exposure and offering NOAH’s roster fresh matchups and global visibility.
Who Is Charlie Dempsey?
For those less familiar, Charlie Dempsey (real name Bailey Matthews) is the son of British wrestling legend William Regal. Known for his technical prowess and old-school grappling style, Dempsey leads the No Quarter Catch Crew faction in NXT and has been involved in several high-stakes storylines, including recent feuds over the NXT Heritage Cup.
His reputation as a “wrestler’s wrestler” makes him a natural fit for NOAH’s audience, which appreciates technical mastery and in-ring storytelling.
What’s Next for Dempsey and WWE?
Dempsey announced at NXT Homecoming that he’d be “going away for a month” to Japan, fueling speculation about his future direction and potential new rivalries upon his return. The move is seen as a chance for Dempsey to sharpen his skills, build his international profile, and possibly set up future crossover storylines between WWE and NOAH.
Fans are eager to see how Dempsey’s Japanese experience will influence his NXT persona and whether this marks the beginning of more frequent talent exchanges between the two promotions.
Why This Matters
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International exposure: Dempsey’s stint in NOAH could elevate his status in WWE and introduce him to a new fanbase.
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Cross-promotional storytelling: WWE and NOAH’s partnership is creating fresh narratives and matchups, breaking the mold of traditional wrestling silos.
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Spotlight on technical wrestling: Dempsey’s style is a throwback to classic grappling, and his matches in Japan are likely to be a showcase for purists.
The Takeaway
Charlie Dempsey’s journey to Japan is more than just a temporary assignment—it’s a sign of the evolving landscape of professional wrestling, where borders are blurring and talent is more mobile than ever. As Dempsey steps into the NOAH ring, fans on both sides of the globe will be watching closely to see what happens next.
Sources
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2. Tavion Heights takes on Charlie Dempsey in high-stakes matchup
3. Charlie Dempsey, Harlem Lewis Set For Pro Wrestling NOAH Show
4. Charlie Dempsey challenges Lexis King to an NXT Heritage Cup ...
5. WWE NXT's Charlie Dempsey & Harlem Lewis To Attend Pro ...
6. The Rascalz reunited in NXT, start wrecking shop next week
7. Pro Wrestling NOAH Announces Schedule For WWE NXT Stars
8. Wrestling Inc. | Pro Wrestling News, WWE & AEW Results, Superstar ...
9. Two WWE NXT Stars Announced for Pro Wrestling NOAH Show in ...
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