It looks like Japanese wrestling legend Yoshihiro Tajiri is headed back to WWE in early 2017, according to a very rough translation from his official Twitter account.
Earlier this year Tajiri allowed his contract with Wrestle-1 to expire and returned to the U.S. to work matches for the WWE Cruiserweight Classic tournament, where he was eventually eliminated by Gran Metalik. This weekend he made a surprise appearance during an NXT live event in Osaka, Japan teaming with Akira Tozawa to take on NXT Tag Team Champions Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa.
Tajiri met with NXT general manager William Regal, as reported, and likely other WWE officials and finalized a deal to make his return to the company. While we don’t have all the details at this time, he will be finishing up his obligations in Japan on 12/27 and will likely be working with the NXT brand and/or 205 Live show going forward. Of course there’s always the potential he may turn up on the main roster at some point as well.
昨日のNXT大阪公演でリーガルGMから「明日から公表してもいいですよ」とのOKを頂きましたので公表させていただきます。来春年明け早々よりWWEに戻ります。12/27金村引退興行を日本での最後の試合とし、鍼灸活動も日本では今月で終わります。皆さま、10年間ありがとうございました!!
— TAJIRI (@TajiriBuzzsaw) December 4, 2016