Update On NJPW's US Expansion Plans In 2018
Major progress is on the horizon.
New Japan Pro Wrestling's first foray onto American soil was a complete success this year, with July's G1 Special In USA generating immense buzz for the sport's second biggest promotion.
This was but the first step of their expansion plans. NJPW are looking to cast an even wider net in 2018, and have already announced plans to return to Long Beach, California on March 25th. Now, AXS TV's Mark Cuban claims they're looking to diversify their distribution methods, with increasing the number of live broadcasts a key priority.
Cuban's network screen NJPW shows on a delay, but he feels they can attract a bigger audience with more live shows, noting that AXS are "talking to [New Japan] about special events."
AXS will broadcast the top three title matches from NJPW's upcoming Wrestle Kingdom 12 PPV (including Kenny Omega vs. Chris Jericho) on January 6th, two days after the event takes place. Cuban notes that while expensive, working with NJPW pays dividends, as "while other TV ratings are declining, ours are going up."
Is WWE's Vince McMahon worried about New Japan's progress? Not according to Cuban. "He thinks we’re just little s***,” he "we’re not a threat because of the language." Still, their progress is impressive.