What's Happening?
Takaaki Kidani, CEO and President of Bushiroad, revealed that the company considered selling New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) in 2019 following the launch of All Elite Wrestling (AEW). AEW, founded in January 2019, quickly positioned itself as a major competitor
to WWE, attracting several NJPW stars to the U.S., including Kenny Omega and Will Ospreay. Kidani noted that AEW's emergence as a strong rival led to concerns about shifting fan demand, prompting Bushiroad to contemplate selling NJPW. Despite these initial fears, AEW and NJPW eventually partnered in 2021, co-producing the annual Forbidden Door pay-per-view starting in 2022.
Why It's Important?
The potential sale of NJPW highlights the significant impact AEW's formation had on the global wrestling landscape. AEW's rapid rise challenged existing promotions, prompting strategic reassessments. The partnership between AEW and NJPW signifies a shift towards collaboration in the wrestling industry, potentially benefiting both companies by expanding their reach and fan base. This development underscores the evolving dynamics in professional wrestling, where alliances can enhance competitiveness against dominant players like WWE.
