News

NJPW commentator reportedly on an “indefinite hiatus” after making negative comments about Tony Khan and AEW

Aaron Rift

According to Dave Meltzer of F4WOnline.com, NJPW English commentator Chris Charlton is on an indefinite hiatus from his role due to anti-AEW comments that were made during the 2025 Wrestle Dynasty PPV event. Charlton referred to AEW President Tony Khan as a “money mark” and made negative comments about AEW using several former top NJPW talents.

During Wrestling Observer Radio, Meltzer and Bryan Alvarez explained the situation…

Meltzer: “I heard from someone in Japan who is very close to everything and basically said, there’s stuff going on there and they’re very unhappy about that. But he was watching the Japanese version so had no idea what it was. Obviously, the guys trying to sell an angle.”

Alvarez: “Yes, there was an angle here with Gabe Kidd coming out with the New Japan trunks on and they’re trying to do a story here. But the issue people had was there’s a way to build up the rivalry without saying that Tony Khan is a money mark who stole Jay White and Okada and Kenny Omega and has done nothing with them since.” (quotes courtesy of TJRWrestling.net)

According to Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful.com, Charlton’s absence is actually a two-month suspension.