7 Things You Need To Know About NJPW's American Expansion

Major international expansion is a huge part of WWE's strategy this year. It started with the UK Championship, continues through their attempts at breaking India with Jinder Mahal's push, and with Vince McMahon continually stressing the importance of creating "local content" in foreign markets, we can expect it to progress 2017.

WWE aren't the only company intent on making major waves in 2017, however. New Japan Pro Wrestling will put on their first solo North American shows this summer, and if all goes well, they intend to make serious inroads into the market. Using "the best in-ring wrestling in the world" as a selling point, company President Takaaki Kidani hopes to eventually secure an American television deal, and put a serious dent into WWE's imposing market share.

Genuinely competing with WWE seems a far-fetched goal, but NJPW come armed with an original product, a glittering history, and plenty of buzz. At worst, failure means they lose some money, and are forced to abandon the project. Success, however, would be a net positive for all involved, particularly those yearning for a US-based alternative to WWE's increasingly repetitive programming.

With new details emerging every week, here's what we know so far...

While NJPW might be the internet's most buzz-worthy promotion these days, their business pales in comparison to WWE's. Where WWE brought in $729.2 million last year, New Japan's latest set of financials reveals revenue of just $27.3 million, and a profit of $2.9 million. NJPW are selling their product to a much smaller market, but the difference is staggering.

Their reach is comparatively tiny, too. While WWE recently announced that their Network subscription count hit 1.95 million at the time of WrestleMania 33, NJPW World has just 50,000 current subscribers, with 10,000 of those coming from outside Japan, though much of that is a cultural disconnect. Streaming services are far more popular in the west.

Television-wise, the company's weekly AXS TV show regularly draws approximately 200,000 viewers in the States, but they lack primetime coverage at home.

NJPW's current relationship with Ring Of Honor has helped them establish a firm foothold in the US independent scene over the past few years. The two companies wrapped their latest 'War Of The Worlds' tour last week, but there's no word on whether such shows will continue in the future.

They've certainly helped NJPW establish an American presence, but the numbers show he has a lot of catching-up to do if president Takaaki Kidani is as hell-bent on competing with WWE as he says.