By James Caldwell, PWTorch assistant editor

There are rumors of WWE and All-Japan Pro Wrestling forming an alliance/talent exchange, according to newspaper reports in Japan, specifically Tokyo Sports.

What has been confirmed is WWE producer/former VP of Talent John Laurinaitis recently met with All-Japan Pro Wrestling officials; the meeting is rumored to have occurred last month during WWE's annual tour of Japan, which Laurinaitis was a part of.

Laurinaitis's pro wrestling background competing for All-Japan is believed to be a contributor to the rumored alliance. Competing against the rumor is Laurinaitis no longer has front-office power in WWE, but this could be his final big project before settling into a behind-the-scenes agent role.

If the rumor holds true, it could lead to WWE talent being allowed to work for All-Japan and talent from All-Japan working for WWE, although WWE has historically balked at partnering with other promotions for talent exchange. It would be a break from their typical policy of not acknowledging other promotions, although Japanese wrestling has been mentioned on WWE TV this year when Laurinaitis's wrestling background came into play during his heel run.

The benefit of the rumored alliance for All-Japan is access to top-name U.S. stars. Notably, former WWE TV star Kevin Nash will be appearing at an All-Japan this weekend teaming with Great Muta, who likes bringing in U.S. stars to the promotion.

The potential benefit to WWE is finding a new international star or simply stocking up talent in Developmental who could eventually break out. If the rumor holds true, it remains to be seen how this plays out in the months ahead.

Link: Charles Schaeffer of PuroresuSpirit.com contributed to this report. Read his blog on this story at KeepingtheSpiritAlive.Tumblr.com - http://bit.ly/QCduM3 .

[Torch art credit Travis Beaven (c) PWTorch.com]

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