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New Japan USA: The Global Expansion


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Originally posted on wrestlingobserver.com and njpw1972.com...

 

New Japan Expands, New Japan USA Announced

 

Earlier in the fall, New Japan President Harold Meij announced plans for a permanent American expansion. After citing recent ventures into the US and the growing popularity over the past several years, Meij announced the formation of New Japan Pro Wrestling of America.

 

Meij went on in detail about the new territory, stating that it would be based out of the Southern California territory, no doubt thanks to the New Japan LA Dojo. Southern California has slowly been gaining steam as a go-to destination, with Pro Wrestling Guerilla seen as the forerunner in the area. Other companies such as Championship Wrestling From Hollywood, Ground Zero (based in San Diego rather than the LA area), Millennium Pro Wrestling, and Santino Bros. will no doubt benefit from NJUSA being close, both in terms of fans as well as being able to showcase their talent to NJUSA personnel. Already this seems to be the case, as Eli Everfly (known from his GCW performances) and Douglas James (recently seen on MLW) signing on to the dojo. They join Karl Fredericks, Alex Coughlin, and Clark Connors in representing the LA Dojo.

 

Meij was quick to point out that while New Japan and NJUSA would share certain talent, not all talent would be on both shows. Top names such as Kazuchika Okada, Tetsuya Naito, EVIL, SANADA, Tomohiro Ishii, and more would be used sparingly, as the company looked to establish themselves and their roster. However, names such as KENTA, Jay White, Will Ospreay, and more were officially announced as part of the roster, providing fans with New Japan talent.

 

Events will be streamed live on New Japan World, which will be half off for three months as part of a special deal. Meij announced that NJUSA's first event, American Invasion, would be available on New Japan World live as well as on demand. American Invasion would take place on October 19, which led to several questions regarding the US Title and Jon Moxley. Meij acknowledged that there were some uncertainties with Moxley, especially after he was unable to participate at the G1 Special in Dallas, but assured everyone that Moxley was cleared to compete at the event. He would defend the title against Number One Contender Juice Robinson in a No Disqualification Match, as per both their requests.

 

In a shock move, Meij announced that several women from the World Wonder Ring Stardom would be part of the NJUSA roster. Meij would cite wanting to give NJUSA a distinct feel as part of the reason for this move, which was met with approval from many. With Bushiroad purchasing Stardom not too long ago, this feels like a good investment, as getting more eyes on performers should encourage fans to look into Stardom.

 

Finally, Meij introduced Takaaki Kidani as the NJUSA President before announcing Rocky Romero as the "talent liason" between New Japan and NJUSA. One has to wonder if Romero is also the booker of NJUSA, as no other staff was announced. Romero is a trainer at the New Japan LA Dojo (alongside Katsuyori Shibata), and has a strong reputation among fans. Whether he can do as good a job as Gedo has in New Japan remains to be seen.

 

American Invasion takes place on Saturday, October 19th live on New Japan World. Tickets will go on sale October 3rd at 12:00 pacific time.

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<blockquote style="border: 2px solid #EB0F0A;">

NJPW American Invasion Card

 

US Title - Jon Moxley © vs. Juice Robinson

 

Jay White vs. Dragon Lee

 

NEVER Openweight Title - KENTA © vs Mikey Nicholls

 

Guerillas of Destiny vs. Birds of Prey

 

Marty Scurll, Brody King, Tyler Bateman, & Flip Gordon vs. Timothy Thatcher, Jonathan Gresham, Mark Davis, & Kyle Fletcher

 

The Rascalz (Zachary Wentz, Trey Miguel) & Alex Shelley vs. Suzuki-Gun (El Desperado, Eddie Kingston, Low-Ki)

 

Oedo Tai (Kagetsu, HZK, Natsu Sumire) vs. Tokyo Cyber Squad (Hana Kimura, Konami, Zoe Lucas)

 

CHAOS (SHO, YOH, Rocky Romero) vs. Bullet Club (Chase Owens, El Phantasmo, Hikuleo)

 

Airstrike (Melissa Flash, Jordynne Grace, Ashley Vox, Kelly Klein) vs. STARS (Saki Kashimi, Tam Nakano, Solo Darling, Delilah Doom)

 

</blockquote>

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NJPW American Invasion Card

 

US Title - Jon Moxley © vs. Juice Robinson

 

Jay White vs. Dragon Lee

 

NEVER Openweight Title - KENTA © vs Mikey Nicholls

 

Guerillas of Destiny vs. Birds of Prey

 

Marty Scurll, Brody King, Tyler Bateman, & Flip Gordon vs. Timothy Thatcher, Jonathan Gresham, Mark Davis, & Kyle Fletcher

 

The Rascalz (Zachary Wentz, Trey Miguel) & Alex Shelley vs. Suzuki-Gun (El Desperado, Eddie Kingston, Low-Ki)

 

Oedo Tai (Kagetsu, HZK, Natsu Sumire) vs. Tokyo Cyber Squad (Hana Kimura, Konami, Zoe Lucas)

 

CHAOS (SHO, YOH, Rocky Romero) vs. Bullet Club (Chase Owens, El Phantasmo, Hikuleo)

Airstrike (Melissa Flash, Jordynne Grace, Ashley Vox, Kelly Klein) vs. STARS (Saki Kashimi, Tam Nakano, Solo Darling, Delilah Doom)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

NJPW American Invasion Card

 

US Title - Jon Moxley © vs. Juice Robinson

 

Jay White vs. Dragon Lee

 

NEVER Openweight Title - KENTA © vs Mikey Nicholls

 

Guerillas of Destiny vs. Birds of Prey

 

Marty Scurll, Brody King, Tyler Bateman, & Flip Gordon vs. Timothy Thatcher, Jonathan Gresham, Mark Davis, & Kyle Fletcher

 

The Rascalz (Zachary Wentz, Trey Miguel) & Alex Shelley vs. Suzuki-Gun (El Desperado, Eddie Kingston, Low-Ki)

 

Oedo Tai (Kagetsu, HZK, Natsu Sumire) vs. Tokyo Cyber Squad (Hana Kimura, Konami, Zoe Lucas)

 

CHAOS (SHO, YOH, Rocky Romero) vs. Bullet Club (Chase Owens, El Phantasmo, Hikuleo)

 

Airstrike (Melissa Flash, Jordynne Grace, Ashley Vox, Kelly Klein) vs. STARS (Saki Kashimi, Tam Nakano, Solo Darling, Delilah Doom)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

NJPW American Invasion Card

 

US Title - Jon Moxley © vs. Juice Robinson

 

Jay White vs. Dragon Lee

 

NEVER Openweight Title - KENTA © vs Mikey Nicholls

 

Guerillas of Destiny vs. Birds of Prey

 

Marty Scurll, Brody King, Tyler Bateman, & Flip Gordon vs. Timothy Thatcher, Jonathan Gresham, Mark Davis, & Kyle Fletcher

 

The Rascalz (Zachary Wentz, Trey Miguel) & Alex Shelley vs. Suzuki-Gun (El Desperado, Eddie Kingston, Low-Ki)

 

Oedo Tai (Kagetsu, HZK, Natsu Sumire) vs. Tokyo Cyber Squad (Hana Kimura, Konami, Zoe Lucas)

 

CHAOS (SHO, YOH, Rocky Romero) vs. Bullet Club (Chase Owens, El Phantasmo, Hikuleo)

 

Airstrike (Melissa Flash, Jordynne Grace, Ashley Vox, Kelly Klein) vs. STARS (Saki Kashimi, Tam Nakano, Solo Darling, Delilah Doom)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

NJPW American Invasion Card

 

US Title - Jon Moxley © vs. Juice Robinson

 

Jay White vs. Dragon Lee

 

NEVER Openweight Title - KENTA © vs Mikey Nicholls

 

Guerillas of Destiny vs. Birds of Prey

 

Marty Scurll, Brody King, Tyler Bateman, & Flip Gordon vs. Timothy Thatcher, Jonathan Gresham, Mark Davis, & Kyle Fletcher

 

The Rascalz (Zachary Wentz, Trey Miguel) & Alex Shelley vs. Suzuki-Gun (El Desperado, Eddie Kingston, Low-Ki)

 

Oedo Tai (Kagetsu, HZK, Natsu Sumire) vs. Tokyo Cyber Squad (Hana Kimura, Konami, Zoe Lucas)

 

CHAOS (SHO, YOH, Rocky Romero) vs. Bullet Club (Chase Owens, El Phantasmo, Hikuleo)

 

Airstrike (Melissa Flash, Jordynne Grace, Ashley Vox, Kelly Klein) vs. STARS (Saki Kashimi, Tam Nakano, Solo Darling, Delilah Doom)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

NJPW American Invasion Card

 

US Title - Jon Moxley © vs. Juice Robinson

 

Jay White vs. Dragon Lee

 

NEVER Openweight Title - KENTA © vs Mikey Nicholls

 

Guerillas of Destiny vs. Birds of Prey

 

Marty Scurll, Brody King, Tyler Bateman, & Flip Gordon vs. Timothy Thatcher, Jonathan Gresham, Mark Davis, & Kyle Fletcher

 

The Rascalz (Zachary Wentz, Trey Miguel) & Alex Shelley vs. Suzuki-Gun (El Desperado, Eddie Kingston, Low-Ki)

 

Oedo Tai (Kagetsu, HZK, Natsu Sumire) vs. Tokyo Cyber Squad (Hana Kimura, Konami, Zoe Lucas)

 

CHAOS (SHO, YOH, Rocky Romero) vs. Bullet Club (Chase Owens, El Phantasmo, Hikuleo)

 

Airstrike (Melissa Flash, Jordynne Grace, Ashley Vox, Kelly Klein) vs. STARS (Saki Kashimi, Tam Nakano, Solo Darling, Delilah Doom)

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