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 pivotal moment in the industry: WWE's massive streaming deal with Netflix. Takaaki Kidani, the founder of Bushiroad and NJPW's previous owner, reflects on the decision, attributing it to the realization that NJPW couldn't compete with WWE's global reach and resources. The turning point for Kidani was the Netflix-WWE deal, which he describes as a "biggest shock of those 14 years." This deal, worth 740 billion yen over 10 years, highlighted the immense financial and media power WWE possesses. Kidani's realization was that NJPW needed to partner with a giant capital firm to compete in the global market, a realization that led to the sale. The AEW launch in the US also played a role in Kidani's decision, as it challenged NJPW's position as an 'anti-WWE' alternative. The sale to TV Asahi and CyberAgent represents a strategic move for NJPW, allowing it to leverage the partners' media and streaming infrastructure. This partnership is crucial for NJPW's future success in a rapidly evolving industry, where the ability to reach a global audience through streaming platforms is paramount. The deal also underscores the changing dynamics in the pro wrestling business, where the traditional power dynamics between promotions and their owners are being redefined. As the industry continues to evolve, NJPW's new owners will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the company and the entire pro wrestling landscape.
