Walker Stewart, a 21-year-old broadcast commentator, has been hired as the new lead English commentator for NJPW, as Kevin Kelly will depart after New Year’s Dash in January 2024.
Walker confirmed the news on Facebook and announced that he will debut at NJPW Fighting Spirit Unleashed on October 28. He wrote,
“I am beyond honored, blessed, and excited to announce that I have officially signed with New Japan Pro-Wrestling to serve as the Lead English Broadcast Commentator across all NJPW events.
Many who enter the world of professional wrestling do so with the intention of working in front of sold-out arenas all across the world, meeting incredible fans who share the same passion for the sport, and supporting a family and a lifestyle doing the thing they love to do the most. This is the same goal I entered with as well, and tonight I can announce that this dream has become a reality.
It took 26 months. 802 days. 19,230 hours. 15 states. 63 promotions. 212 events. Producing. Commentating. Announcing. Setting up rings. Popping popcorn. Driving states away just for an opportunity to showcase what I can do.
All of it to become the youngest signed international broadcast commentator in professional wrestling at 21 years old.
I feel a profound sense of honor, an overwhelming wave of emotion, and an immense gratitude that words can hardly convey. So many people have played pivotal roles in shaping my path, recognizing my unwavering dedication, and propelling me forward in ways I could never have imagined, let alone asked for. To those tagged in this post, both within and beyond the wrestling world, you have been my guiding light and mentors, and I am deeply grateful for your unwavering support. A special thank you goes out to Kevin Kelly and Bob Evans, whose guidance has been invaluable on this journey.
I’ve never failed to express my love for professional wrestling and those who are in it, and it’s a very kind feeling to find that professional wrestling can and will love you back.
On July 24, 2021, the journey began. On October 28, 2023, the journey evolves as I make my NJPW broadcast debut in Las Vegas, Nevada for New Japan Pro Wrestling: Fighting Spirit Unleashed, airing LIVE on FITE TV.
Let it be known that this journey is far from over; it’s a path that stretches on indefinitely. The goalposts have shifted, and my vision is clearer than ever before. This achievement stands as a testament to the undeniable truth that hard work pays off. I am living proof of that.
I’ve never been more ready for uncharted territory. NJPW and the independent wrestling world at large will continue to get the best of me every single night, and I’m motivated to serve the NJPW audience well. Thank you.”
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Walker Stewart, a 21-year-old broadcast commentator, has been announced as the new lead English commentator for New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW). This news comes as Kevin Kelly, the current lead commentator, will be departing after New Year’s Dash in January 2024.
Walker took to Facebook to confirm the news and revealed that he will make his debut at NJPW Fighting Spirit Unleashed on October 28. In his announcement, Walker expressed his excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to work with NJPW.
Walker’s journey to becoming the youngest signed international broadcast commentator in professional wrestling has been a long and dedicated one. He shared that it took him 26 months, 802 days, and 19,230 hours of hard work, traveling to 15 states and working with 63 promotions, to reach this milestone. Walker has experience in various roles within the wrestling industry, including producing, commentating, announcing, and even setting up rings and popping popcorn.
The young commentator expressed his profound sense of honor and gratitude towards those who have supported him throughout his journey. He acknowledged the guidance and mentorship he received from individuals like Kevin Kelly and Bob Evans, whose influence has been invaluable to him.
Walker’s love for professional wrestling and his dedication to the sport have been reciprocated by the industry. He feels incredibly fortunate to have found a career that he is passionate about and that loves him back.
While Walker’s journey has reached a significant milestone with his signing with NJPW, he acknowledges that it is far from over. He sees this achievement as a testament to the fact that hard work pays off and is motivated to continue giving his best every night for the NJPW audience.
Fans can catch Walker Stewart’s NJPW broadcast debut on October 28, 2023, during New Japan Pro Wrestling: Fighting Spirit Unleashed in Las Vegas, Nevada. The event will be aired live on FITE TV.
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Walker Stewart’s appointment as the new lead English commentator for NJPW marks an exciting chapter in his career and offers fans a fresh perspective on the promotion’s events.