Josh Barnett Says He Hasn’t Spoken To NJPW About Announcing Or Wrestling
Josh Barnett may have wrestled for Impact earlier this year, but the New Japan Pro Wrestling broadcaster said he has had no discussions with the company to wrestle for NJPW.
Barnett spoke on a conference call to talk promote the upcoming G1 Special in Long Beach, California. Fightful’s Sean Ross Sapp asked Barnett about Barnett and any discussions he may have had with NJPW and Barnett said he hasn’t talked with the promotion about an in-ring return. Barnett wrestled for New Japan Pro Wrestling in the mid-2000s and still wrestles on occasion and willing to wrestle again, even for NJPW.
“I have had zero [discussions with NJPW to wrestle there],” Barnett said. “I’m still a capable and willing wrestler, but I have not had any discussions about getting back in the ring.”
Barnett also addressed the possibility of him expanding his current broadcasting duties to NJPW’s internet streaming service, New Japan World. Barnett said he would be willing to commit to doing commentary there, but doubts that Kevin Kelly and Don Callis will give up that job for Barnett.
“That could be worked out, I suppose so,” Barnett said. “To my knowledge they already have two guys in that place, so I don’t think anybody there is looking to relinquish their job to me.”
Barnett, alongside Jim Ross, will call the G1 Special for AXS TV and the event will take place on July 1 and 2. The conference call can be seen in the video above. Fightful will have full coverage of this weekend's G1 Special.
