John Laurinaitis Pushed For WWE To Sign Kenta Kobashi

Kenta Kobashi is regarded as one of the greatest pro-wrestlers of all time, and it seems that some in WWE wanted Kobashi to join the company at the peak of his powers.

One of the iconic Four Pillars of 1990s All Japan, and the ace of Pro Wrestling NOAH during the early 2000s, Kobashi was earmarked for a run in WWE by then-company executive John Laurinaitis, with Laurinaitis revealing the following during a virtual signing with Signed By Superstars:

“(Kenta) Kobashi […] That’s one I kept pushing for but, you know, it just didn’t work out.” said Laurinaitis when asked who he pushed for WWE to sign during his tenure, with Laurinaitis adding that Kobashi could’ve easily adapted to WWE’s style: “Oh, I think Kobashi could’ve adapted to the WWE and American style…I know that he could come in and be a very good heel. His work rate speaks for itself.”

Laurinaitis knew Kobashi well from his time in All Japan, with Laurinaitis having teamed with and against Kobashi on many occasions. WWE were alleged to have had an eye on bringing Kobashi in for some spots in 1998 whilst exploring a potential cross-promotional relationship with Giant Baba and AJPW, but these never materialised.

As for Laurinaitis thinking Kobashi could be a top heel in WWE, that’s up for debate, with Kobashi one of the purest babyfaces in Japanese puro history.

H/T: Fightful