Backstage Update On HUGE Demand For NJPW Roster Spots

A "logjam" of talent reportedly wants to work for NJPW right now.

by Andy H Murray
Jon Moxley NJPW IWGP US Champion
NJPW

It sounds like New Japan Pro Wrestling is currently the most in-demand place that wrestlers want to work at the moment.

A new report from Fightful Select states that there is currently a "logjam" of United States-based wrestlers who want to work for the puroresu market leaders. This story comes in the wake of international travel restrictions easing off in recent months, with entering Japan now simpler than at any other point during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Many of these wrestlers have been waiting for work for NJPW for a while, including multiple AEW competitors who have never fought for New Japan in the past. Travelling became complicated the minute the pandemic hit Japan, with NJPW instructing wrestlers to "hang tight" after effectively closing itself off to the majority of US-based wrestlers over the past few years. Additionally, several free agents have wanted to work with NJPW since COVID-19 struck, only to find the Lion Mark wasn't in a position to be able to bring them in.

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Now, after being instructed to bide their time, those wrestlers could be set to benefit from an international pro wrestling market that is gradually returning to normal.

NJPW currently has a number of first-timers in Japan for its ongoing Best of the Super Jr. 29 tournament, including AEW's Wheeler Yuta and IMPACT Wrestling standout Ace Austin.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. 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.