Various: AJ Styles WWE Contract Update, Jim Cornette MLW Update, New Japan Cup

AJ Styles WWE Contract Status Update

As noted before, AJ Styles’ current contract with WWE expires at the end of this April.

Dave Meltzer reported in this week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter that Styles has yet to sign a new contract with the company but the current expectations are that he will sign one very shortly. Meltzer also reported that Styles has recently told his friends of his intentions to remain in WWE for the foreseeable future.

It was also reported that those within AEW had not been expecting Styles to leave WWE but would obviously want him in the company if the opportunity was available.

Jim Cornette MLW Status Update

As noted before, Jim Cornette made his official debut for Major League Wrestling at last Saturday’s Intimidation Games event in Cicero, Illinois. PWInsider reported that Cornette’s appearance for the company was not a one-time deal and he will be working more events for MLW during this month.

In a recent episode of the Jim Cornette Experience podcast, Cornette stated that he has not signed an official contract with the company. He is currently committed to MLW up to their Battle Riot II event in Queens, New York on April 5th but is interested in possibly working more dates afterwards.

Cornette also clarified reports of his status within the company and stated that he is not a backstage agent but did provide help to talent who needed assistance. He said that his primary role in the company was a commentator.

NJPW New Japan Cup 2019 Tournament Night 1 Results & Night 2 Card

NJPW New Japan Cup 2019 tournament Night 1 quick match results:

• New Japan Cup 2019 First Round match – YOSHI-HASHI defeated Manabu Nakanishi via submission (12:26).
• New Japan Cup 2019 First Round match – Taichi defeated Tomoaki Honma via submission (17:55).
• New Japan Cup 2019 First Round match – Chase Owens defeated Juice Robinson via pinfall (24:38).
• New Japan Cup 2019 First Round match – Tomohiro Ishii defeated Yuji Nagata via pinfall (21:35).

Here is the partial card for Night 2 of NJPW’s New Japan Cup 2019 tournament, which takes place this Saturday at the Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium in Aichi, Japan. Night 2 will air live on New Japan World starting at 4:00AM ET.

• New Japan Cup 2019 First Round match – Mikey Nicholls vs. HIKULEO
• New Japan Cup 2019 First Round match – Kazuchika Okada vs. Michael Elgin
• New Japan Cup 2019 First Round match – Will Ospreay vs. Bad Luck Fale
• New Japan Cup 2019 First Round match – Toa Henare vs. Lance Archer