1) Basically playing his hype man/manager. Basically what Lio Rush was doing for Lashley... but far more entertaining
https://i.imgur.com/kUgu51B.gifv
2) It really could be that reasoning. Though apparently Fox weren't pleased with him.
3) Could be just coincidence and unrelated... could be a slew of things from New Japan stuff on the new tier'd Network to a combined one-time SuperShow to them helping with NXT Japan to them beginning a full partnership like NJPW's had with ROH (that's up, isn't it?). That last one would open door for the others, I guess.
I mean, the Viking Raiders had no problem mentioning that they were former IWGP Tag Champs in their post-win Promo last night and apparently there was some other New Japan-type mention somewhere... so who knows.