NJPW Business Booms After Chris Jericho's Debut

Overseas fans subscribing in their droves.

chris jericho
NJPW

Subscribers to New Japan Pro-Wrestling's online streaming service increased by some 40% in the run-up to Wrestle Kingdom 12 (via Yahoo Japan).

The most impressive part of the announcement, made today by broadcaster TV Asahi, is the unprecedented gains made in the international market. In addition to a strong domestic performance, the promotion has presided over an 80% rise in overseas membership.

Business has been particularly strong in the United States, where subscriber numbers have shot up by 60%. This is despite WWE's ongoing stranglehold over the wrestling market in the English-speaking world.

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For the most part, the spike has been attributed to the drawing power of Chris Jericho, a household name in North America. The ex-WCW star made his debut at WK 12 last month, fighting Kenny Omega in one of the most widely-anticipated wrestling matches in recent memory.

But NJPW has also talked up the importance of recruiting new fans directly. The company says it experienced a 15% increase in membership off the back of holding shows in Los Angeles last year, something it intends to do again in 2018 with Strong Style Evolved.

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