NJPW Wrestlers Receiving Full Salary & Benefits During Lockdown
The real babyface promotion emerges through these trying times.
New Japan Pro Wrestling has pledged to pay all staff members (wrestlers included) their full salary and benefits during the ongoing global health crisis.
This comes to us from a writeup in this week's edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, with Dave Meltzer writing that even though NJPW is feeling the pinch a lot more than WWE, AEW, and the UFC, they have seemingly committed to looking after their people financially.
What's particularly notable about this is that roughly half of NJPW's revenue comes from live events. This is far higher percentage than WWE, AEW, or the MMA organisations, who get the vast majority of their money from television rights deals. They're almost certainly hurting more than anyone else yet here they are, ensuring their staff are taken care of.
NJPW's last event was held on 26 February. They have cancelled all shows up to 4 May though this could well be extended, given the situation.
President Harold Meij said the following in a letter sent to NJPW fans:-
"NJPW have been taking the ongoing global situation very seriously from an early stage. Currently over 90% of our employees are working from home as we continue to do our civic duty as a company to prevent the spread."
"Make no mistake: we will get through this together. I firmly believe that the fighting spirit of New Japan Pro-Wrestling is one that can overcome any opposition. I look forward to the day the greatest wrestlers in the world can show that spirit in the ring once more."
And so, the 'King of Sports' emerges as the pro-wrestling organisation with its head held highest through all of this.