Things didn’t go the way Gabe Kidd expected in NJPW.
After a meteoric rise as part of the Bullet Club War Dogs, Gabe Kidd became one of the most popular stars in New Japan, and he was also one of the promotion’s biggest cheerleaders. However, in 2025, Kidd began making more appearances in AEW as part of Jon Moxley’s Death Riders, and on March 4th, Tony Khan announced the star had signed with the promotion alongside fellow War Dogs Clark Connors and David Finlay. Now known simply as The Dogs, the trio aims to take over AEW.
During an interview with Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful, Kidd was asked about his decision to become All Elite. He admitted that his love for NJPW died.
“Sometimes, love dies. You know what I’m saying? Sometimes things go a way you don’t expect them to go. I come here because we’re coming for the heads of every single name in this company. We’re taking their spots, straight up. We’re coming here collectively and we’re gonna bit everyone’s head off.”
Gabe Kidd Believes NJPW Should Have Given Him An IWGP Heavyweight Title Match
When it comes to people who were unhappy with Kidd for turning his back on New Japan, he explained that he felt he should have had an IWGP Heavyweight Title match after his classic bout with Kenny Omega at Wrestle Dynasty on January 5th, 2025. When the title shot didn’t materialise, he felt the company was becoming disrespectful.
“Of course. I’ll get successful, you get mad about it. Suck your mom for that one. It’s ridiculous. It doesn’t affect me in any way, imma roll with my dogs, bite man’s head off and end people and make a statement.
“Let’s be real here. New Japan, as soon as I had that Kenny match, they should’ve given me a New Japan title shot. Are you stupid? Why have I never had an IWGP heavyweight title match? It’s a fucking joke. Disrespect us, yeah, alright, see you in a bit. Matinee, dickhead.”
The Dogs are currently at war with The Conglomeration in AEW, and on the March 11th edition of Dynamite, Gabe Kidd and David Finlay scored a big win in the rivalry when they defeated Orange Cassidy and Darby Allin.
However, Cassidy and Allin got the last laugh when Roderick Strong feigned joining The Dogs in attacking them, only to join The Conglomeration in fighting off the trio.
H/T to Fightful for the above transcription.
