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Old 02-04-2021, 12:12 PM   #2809
Ozy_Flame

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It's interesting, with Harold Meij now gone from NJPW, we're seeing more movement on NJPW incursion into U.S. households - whether through broadcasting rights such as this, NJPW Gaijin talent showcasing (e.g. NJPW STRONG and social media coverage), or by crossover content with AEW (and likely some level of future crossover with Impact as their relationship improves).

I thought they were going to turn inwards again from international "forbidden door" activity but it looks like Takami Ohbari, who was the CEO of NJPW America, is just as focused on international growth as on the domestic Japanese market. You can see this with them also working with former WWE guys with name value recently, including Lio Rush, Darren Young, and PJ Black (Justin Gabriel). I believe Danny Limelight is also AEW-bound (NJPW STRONG).

The U.S. dojo has been making some seriously good gains too with their talent crop. Katsuyori Shibata has been a key player in getting a quality group of Young Lions on the scene.

If NJPW, AEW and Impact all work together for cross-promotional work, it could change the way fans approach promotions in the Western market. All three promotions could mutually benefit from cross-show storylines and matchups, as well as promoting dream matches (and the associated merchandising opportunities).

Curious to see where this goes.
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