10 Upcoming Events That Can Benefit From ALL IN's Success

7. NJPW Fighting Spirit Unleashed

While New Japan Pro Wrestling’s recent forays into the United States have been undeniably successful, a contingent of fans have criticized the two previous California shows for not feeling important enough. Both G1 Specials -- one in Long Beach last year and another in San Francisco only two months ago -- had a definite focus on the company’s American talent, featuring only a handful of big name Japanese stars in high-profile matches.

Particularly, the San Francisco event felt like a bit of a step backward for the company's American expansion as it failed in selling out the Cow Palace -- though over six thousand fans in attendance was still an achievement. Outside of the Junior Heavyweight division and Tetsuya Naito's Los Ingobernables de Japon stable being represented, the show was heavy on typically mid-card American talent, making it feel like New Japan lite.

Now, it's been announced that the Walter Pyramid will see Tomohiro Ishii and former IWGP Champions Kazuchika Okada and Hiroshi Tanahashi in matches. Fighting Spirit Unleashed represents an opportunity to follow ALL IN’s success with a triumph of New Japan's own, as well as a chance to further cement their footing in America.

Contributor

Douglas Scarpa is a freelance writer, independent filmmaker, art school graduate, and pro wrestling aficionado -- all of which mean he is in financial ruin. He has no backup plan to speak of, yet maintains his abnormally high spirits. If he had only listened to the scorn of his childhood teachers, he wouldn't be in this situation.