International Wrestling Association of Japan
In August 1994, he returned to Japan for International Wrestling Association of Japan, again under the Freddy Krueger persona. Two months later, he revived the Dark Patriot persona in IWA Japan. In the USWA, he began teaming with Tommy Rich, with whom he held four USWA World Tag Team titles with within over a year, feuding with PG-13. In January 1996, Gilbert won a USWA battle royal to earn himself a spot in the World Wrestling Federation's 1996 Royal Rumble match later that month. He entered at #14, and was eliminated by Vader. He won the USWA battle royal under his Nightmare Freddy gimmick but due to trademark law had to enter the Rumble under his own name.