Have you heard the latest buzz around Lance Anoaʻi? The former WWE-talent who comes from the famed Anoaʻi wrestling family and is cousin to Roman Reigns just revealed his plans to hit the ring again in a big way. After parting ways with WWE, Anoaʻi posted on his X account: “Goal for 2026! Go back to Japan.”
In simple terms: He’s not done yet. He’s just changing the scenery.
Where It All Began and How He Ended Up Here
Lance Anoaʻi’s story isn’t your typical “rise-and-fall” narrative. He signed a contract with WWE in 2024 but never appeared on the main programming due to injury setbacks. Prior to that, he had some strong showings internationally he competed in Japan’s N‑1 Victory tournament in 2023 and secured eight points during the B-block rounds.
It’s like a car that had wheels but the engine kept sputtering. Now he’s refueling.
What’s the Return Plan? Japan, MLW or Something Else?
Here’s a snapshot of what we know and what’s possible:
| Stage | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Japan tour | Announced for 2026 | Anoaʻi posted “Goal for 2026! Go back to Japan.” |
| MLW return | Possible but unclear | He had past issues with MLW in early 2023. |
| WWE re-entry | Unlikely at this moment | His WWE time ended, and a fresh start seems more probable. |
So yes Japan is the most concrete thing on his horizon. Whether it’s MLW or other promotions later? We’ll watch.
Why This Matters (And Why You Should Care)
Why do wrestling fans in India or anywhere should lean in? Because Anoaʻi’s return signals something bigger: a shift in the wrestling landscape. Here’s what’s going on:
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Legacy + Reinvention: Being part of the Anoaʻi dynasty gives him heritage. But choosing to reinvent in Japan shows guts.
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Global Movement: Wrestlers don’t just stay in WWE anymore. They cross continents. Anoaʻi’s move highlights that.
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Opportunity for Fresh Storylines: In Japan, the crowd, style, and expectations differ. A performer like Anoaʻi gets to reshape himself.
If you’re a fan, this is like watching a favorite actor step away from Hollywood and choose indie films you wonder what the new vibe will be.
Conclusion
Lance Anoaʻi’s journey is far from over. Injuries and timing may have delayed him, but his ambition hasn’t slowed. He’s aiming for Japan in 2026 a bold move that signals a fresh chapter. This isn’t just a wrestler showing up; it’s a performer re-crafting his narrative. For fans, it’s a reminder that the ring has many doors and some of the most interesting ones lie abroad.