New Japan Pro-Wrestling debuts tonight on AXS TV at 9/8c.
In the opener of this series highlighting action from the Japanese wrestling promotion NJPW will feature Hiroshi Tanahashi battling his rival “Rainmaker” Kazuchika Okada in the Tokyo Dome in 2013.
Commentary will be by Mauro Ranallo and former UFC Heavweight Champion Josh Barnett.
Following big announcements that New Japan Pro Wrestling would be on American television (AXS TV) and pay-per-view, NJPW has now announced their own over-the-top distribution network similar to WWE Network. The service is called New Japan World and will cost $8.50 USD and will feature all the promotions live events beginning this month. Events featured will include Wrestle Kingdom 9 and the G1 Climax Tourney.
Wrestling Observer believes NJPW is getting closer to ending it’s relationship with their current television distributor Samurai! TV. At a press conference early Monday, NJPW announced that the Korakuen Hall shows, which previously aired Samurai! will now air on their own service (New Japan World).
NJPW owner Takaaki Kidani has expressed his desire to compete with WWE and said that currently NJPW is the number 2 company as it pertains to business, but number 1 in the ring. They plan to pass WWE and are making moves into American homes, NJPW hopes to earn 100,ooo subscribers for the first year for their service New Japan World. As of now the entire site is in Japanese with apparently no option for a translation. However, some American fans have already ordered the service.
Source: WrestlingINC.com
New Japan Pro Wrestling has reached a television deal with AXS TV ( formerly known as HDNet). The deal was announced in a highlight package previewing AXS TV’s 2015 lineup. NJPW is seen at the 1:34 mark in the video above. The show will debut on Friday, January 16, at 9 P.M. ET.
Reportedly the show will initially feature content from 2013. This will follow NJPW’s foray into American pay-per-view in January, as they’ll co-promote with Jeff Jarrett’s Global Force Wrestling. The first episode is said to feature the 2013 Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Kazuchika Okada match from the Tokyo Dome. They’re also set to run the 2013 G1 Climax Tournament.
Former UFC Heavyweight Champion Josh Barnett and Mauro Ranallo will handle the commentary. Barnett has performed as a pro wrestler for both IGF and NJPW in the past. Barnett and Ranallo will record audio for the series starting next week.
AXS TV is owned by a consortium consisting of Mark Cuban, Ryan Seacrest, Anschutz Entertainment Group, Creative Artist Agency and CBS Corporation ( this info came from Wikipedia).
Source: WrestlingINC.com, UPROXX.com
Jim Ross is featured in the latest promo for the New Japan Pro Wrestling January 4th pay-per-view Wrestle Kingdom 9 from the Tokyo Dome being presented by Global Force Wrestling. The video focuses on The Bullet Club and JR notes that they group is very good as a unit.
JR noted on Twitter that his GFW – NJPW announcing gig is for one night only.
Global Force Wrestling Founder & CEO Jeff Jarrett crashed New Japan Pro Wrestling press conference & says he is the Chairman of the Bullet Club.
Last night Hiroshi Tanahashi defeated AJ Styles for the IWGP championship. Tanahashi will defend his newly won title against Kazuchika Okada at the Wrestle Kingdom show on January 4th at the Tokyo Dome.
Source: WrestlingINC.com
Jeff Jarrett appeared last night during New Japan Pro Wrestling’s G1 Climax Tournament finals to sign a partnership deal between NJPW & Global Force Wrestling. Jarrett met with NJPW chairman Naoki Sugabayashi & posed for photos earlier in the night. Later that night, Jarrett joined NJPW top heel stable, The Bullet Club. After AJ Styles was defeated by Hiroshiro Tanahashi in a great match, The Bullet Club attacked Tanahashi untli Jarrett came out & cleared the ring. Scott D’Amore then opened Jarrett’s guitar case & pulled out Jarrett’s guitar, which had Bullet Club written on it. Jarrett then hit Tanahashi over the head with his guitar & then posed with the rest of The Bullet Club to a chorus of boos.
Source: Raj Giri from Wrestling Inc
AJ Styles is in talks with New Japan pro Wrestling. Those in NJPW are expecting a deal to be signed soon. Styles is expected to start working for NJPW as early as April.
Wrestling News Blog 