Karl Anderson reveals death threats following WWE signing

Professional wrestler Karl Anderson has revealed that he received death threats following his decision to sign with WWE in 2022 while still serving as the NJPW NEVER Openweight Champion.

Speaking with LNG Productions, Anderson described the intense backlash that occurred when he transitioned back to the Stamford-based promotion. The situation created significant scheduling conflicts; while he was slated to defend his title against Hikuleo at NJPW’s Battle Autumn on November 5, WWE had him booked for the Crown Jewel event in Saudi Arabia on the same date.

Anderson, who returned to WWE alongside Luke Gallows as part of The O.C. with AJ Styles, eventually lost the NEVER Openweight Championship to Tama Tonga at Wrestle Kingdom 17 in January 2023. Following his release from WWE in February 2025, Anderson and Gallows returned to Japan to compete for NJPW.