[2] In 2018, Connors entered the New Japan Pro-Wrestling LA Dojo, as the first class along with Karl Fredericks and Alex Coughlin, training under Katsuyori Shibata.

Connors visited Japan for the first time as a representative of the LA Dojo at the Young Lion Cup held in September 2019 and came third in the tournament along with Coughlin with 8 points.

[7] On January 4, 2020, at Wrestle Kingdom 14, Connors, Fredericks, Coughlin and Toa Henare defeated Tencozy (Satoshi Kojima and Hiroyoshi Tenzan), Yota Tsuji and Yuya Uemura in an eight-man tag-team match.

This led to a match at Windy City Riot, in which Connors, Fredericks and Yuya Uemura, lost to The Factory's Aaron Solo, Nick Comoroto and Q. T.

[19][20] On the day of the finals, Connors teamed with Titán, Yoh and Robbie Eagles in a losing effort to Wheeler Yuta, El Lindaman, Ace Austin and Alex Zayne.

[21] Connors was announced to be in the NJPW qualifying bracket for a chance to advance to Forbidden Door to be a part of a four-way match to crown the inaugural AEW All-Atlantic Champion.

[22] However, it was later revealed that Ishii had suffered a left knee injury, therefore Connors took his place at the PPV, facing Pac, Malakai Black and Miro for the All-Atlantic championship in a losing effort.

[27] On February 18 at Battle in the Valley, Connors faced Zack Sabre Jr. for the NJPW World Television Championship, but was defeated.

[31] On April 15 at Capital Collision, Connors teamed with Chaos' Chuck Taylor, Lio Rush and Rocky Romero and LA Dojo teammate The DKC in a ten-man tag-team match, losing to Kevin Knight, Kushida, Gabriel Kidd, Mike Bailey and Volador Jr. After the match, Connors attacked The DKC, thus turning heel for the first time in NJPW.

[38] The duo made another successful title defence at Destruction in Ryōgoku on October 9, defeating Intergactic Jet Setters (Kushida and Kevin Knight).

[39] 5 days later, the duo made another successful defence against Leon Slater and Cameron Khai, at Royal Quest III.

[44] At the event, Akira and TJP defeated Connors and Moloney, ending the duo's reign at 184 days,[45] Connors attempted to rebound from his loss at Wrestle Kingdom, teaming with Alex Coughlin on January 13 to challenge Guerrillas of Destiny (Hikuleo and El Phantasmo) for the Strong Openweight Tag Team Championships, but they were defeated.

[46] On February 4, Connors and Moloney defeated Catch 2/2 to regain the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships.