NJPWs English commentator Chris Charlton has been placed on indefinite hiatus following controversial remarks he made during the 2025 Wrestle Dynasty pay-per-view.
According to Dave Meltzer of F4WOnline.com, Charlton referred to AEW President Tony Khan as a money mark and criticized AEWs use of former top NJPW talents such as Jay White, Kazuchika Okada, and Kenny Omega.
During Wrestling Observer Radio, Meltzer and Bryan Alvarez shed light on the situation and the fallout from Charltons comments. Meltzer noted, I heard from someone in Japan who is very close to everything and basically said, theres stuff going on there and theyre 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 added further context, explaining that the incident stemmed from an ongoing storyline involving Gabe Kidd. Yes, there was an angle here with Gabe Kidd coming out with the New Japan trunks on, and theyre trying to do a story here. But the issue people had was theres 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.
Chris Charltons comments have stirred up major drama in the wrestling world, leaving fans divided on whether he crossed the line or simply did his job of selling the story. With NJPW pulling him from his role indefinitely, its clear the company is taking this situation seriously. Only time will tell if Charlton makes his way back to the commentary tableor if this marks the end of his run with NJPW.
What do you think about Chris Charltons remarks about Tony Khan and the consequences hes facing? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.
