16 Ups & 9 Downs For NJPW In 2018

13. Europe, Here We Come...

Kazuchika Okada Zack Sabre Jr
Twitter.com/@RevProUK

In a recent edition of his Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer wrote that New Japan will aggressively target European markets going forward, suggesting that the promotion are now actively seeking TV deals across the continent. It's a logical step, and one built on a successful 2018 incursion into the United Kingdom.

Built on their fruitful working relationship with Revolution Pro Wrestling, June/July's two-night Strong Style Evolved UK tour was a triumph. The second evening was particularly successful. A night-long angle saw the marauding Suzuki-gun effectively conquer the UK territory, and with Zack Sabre Jr. scoring a huge win over Kazuchika Okada and the Minoru Suzuki/Tomohiro Ishii war yielding wild, uncontrollable violence, it delivered in terms of star ratings as well.

Sabre will now challenge for Ishii's British Heavyweight Championship in a featured Wrestle Kingdom bout. This highlights NJPW's commitment to the European market, and a return to those shores can't be far away either. Let's hope that they're able to at least put a dent in WWE's aggressive incursions.

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Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.