10 Live Observations From NJPW’s FIRST EVER UK Tour

10. HEAT!

New Japan Pro Wrestling has reported a 40% increase in subscribers to their 'World' streaming service since January 2018. The increase has been driven by a number of key moments this year that have fed into a slow and steady global expansion, with Wrestle Kingdom and Dominion delivering everything everything required as the mammoth supercards they're designed to be.

Steering away from WWE's brand-first model, the company hasn't been afraid to allow its wrestlers to flourish, and this couldn't have been made clearer by the loyalists that filed in to the second night of New Japan's first ever official sojourn to the United Kingdom.

Before the first bell, the stands were awash with shirts for every single performer on the card and several that weren't. The apparel isn't just merch money to a company like NJPW or the star it promotes. It represents a heartfelt and financial investment from the fans - the most important connective tissue required for the project to succeed longterm.

That the show will soon appear on New Japan World and ultimately fed directly into ongoing storylines will only heighten relations between the group and those that attended. And those that may wish to try it themselves next time.