The recent sale of New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) to TV Asahi and CyberAgent marks a significant shift in the pro wrestling landscape. This deal comes on the heels of a surprising development in the industry: the massive streaming deal between WWE and Netflix. Takaaki Kidani, the founder of Bushiroad and the former owner of NJPW, reflects on the pivotal moment that led to this sale.
Kidani reveals that the realization of NJPW's limitations in global expansion came with the launch of All Elite Wrestling (AEW) in the US in 2019. AEW's emergence as a powerful rival promotion caused Kidani to question Bushiroad's ability to compete in the global market. He states, 'I began to wonder if Bushiroad was no longer capable of handling global expansion.' This realization was further solidified when WWE secured a billion-dollar deal with Netflix for streaming rights, an amount Kidani deemed insurmountable for NJPW.
The COVID-19 pandemic played a role in delaying the sale, as Kidani was determined to keep NJPW afloat during those challenging times. However, the Netflix deal with WWE served as a wake-up call, prompting Kidani to conclude that NJPW needed to partner with a giant capital firm with media and streaming infrastructure. He states, 'At that moment, I keenly realized, ‘From now on, New Japan has no choice but to partner with a giant capital firm that possesses powerful media and streaming infrastructure.’'
This sale has broader implications for the pro wrestling industry. While some changes may be difficult to predict, the sale of NJPW to TV Asahi and CyberAgent signifies a significant shift in the power dynamics of the industry. It raises questions about the future of independent promotions and the role of traditional media partners in the digital age. As the industry continues to evolve, the impact of these deals will likely be felt for years to come, shaping the global reach and success of pro wrestling organizations.
