The Great Muta Spotted in Pittsburgh Ahead of WWE Payback and AEW All Out

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Amid the anticipation of this weekend's Payback premium live event, WWE enthusiasts are buzzing with speculation about a potential surprise guest. Reports have emerged that a distinguished member of the 2023 Hall of Fame class, Keiji Muto, famously known as "The Great Muta," has made his way to Pittsburgh in the lead-up to the event.

As the PPG Paints Arena prepares to host a six-match extravaganza, alongside a special edition of "The Grayson Waller Effect," the rumor mill is in full swing with news of Muto's presence after his journey from Japan. Sources, including a report from PWInsider Elite that requires a subscription, indicate that the 60-year-old legendary figure arrived in Pittsburgh on Friday.

While no concrete plans have been unveiled for Muto's visit, the timing of his arrival is raising eyebrows, given that both major wrestling promotions in the United States—WWE and AEW—are staging significant shows over the weekend.

Observers have noted the intriguing coincidence, though it remains uncertain whether Muto will grace the stage at either the Payback event on Saturday or the highly anticipated All Out spectacle in Chicago, Illinois, on Sunday.

Notably, Chicago and Pittsburgh are separated by a distance of over 400 miles.

Legendary Induction and Illustrious Career

Worthy of mention is the fact that Muto, despite never having competed within the WWE ring, was honored with induction into this year's Hall of Fame class.

The prestigious induction was conducted by none other than the iconic Ric Flair. Muto's illustrious career spans an impressive 40 years, during which he secured championship triumphs across notable wrestling promotions such as NJPW, AJPW, and WCW.

Hanging up his boots following a storied journey, Muto concluded his in-ring tenure with a farewell event on February 21, organized by Pro Wrestling NOAH. In a fitting conclusion to his remarkable career, Muto engaged in his final two matches against respected opponents Tetsuya Naito and his long-standing rival, Masahiro Chono.

As wrestling aficionados eagerly await the unfolding events of the weekend, the presence of The Great Muta in Pittsburgh has added an extra layer of intrigue to the already electrifying atmosphere. The question on everyone's minds remains: Will this legendary figure make an appearance on either of the grand stages set by WWE or AEW? The suspense continues to build as anticipation reaches a fever pitch.