NJPW’s Chris Charlton Suspended After Anti-AEW Commentary
:njpw:
NJPW announcer Chris Charlton is on indefinite leave due to his anti-AEW commentary at NJPW x AEW Wrestle Dynasty.
Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer reported the news after Charlton was absent from NJPW New Year Dash!! on January 6th.
Charlton sparked some controversy with his comments during NJPW x AEW Wrestle Dynasty, as he referred to AEW’s Tony Khan as a money mark during the match between Kenny Omega and Gabe Kidd. He also somewhat criticized what former NJPW stars Will Ospreay, Jay White, and Kazuchika Okada have done since they joined AEW. Furthermore, he was critical of AEW’s Continental Classic tournament.
Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful (via Fightful Select) then reported an update, as he wrote that Charlton was actually suspended for two months. Per Sapp, some backstage praised Charlton, but others thought that he was out of line. Per Sapp, NJPW claimed that AEW and Tony Khan did not have an input on the suspension, but sources said that AEW was not happy about the comments.
Since Charlton deleted a tweet about his commentary, he has yet to comment on the situation.
NJPW and AEW have built up a working relationship over the past few years. They have held the Forbidden Door event every year since 2022, and they frequently allow talent to appear on the other’s shows. Omega, Claudio Castagnoli, Brody Kidd, and Konosuke Takeshita all competed at Wrestle Dynasty.
