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Update On NJPW US Dates, Plans

Added 2025-10-02 18:19:20 +0000 UTC

New Japan Pro Wrestling hasn’t been running nearly as much in the United States, and we’ve heard more why.

NJPW made a major play into the United States years ago, one that they had long planned with the explosion of notable foreign talent that they had on their roster. Even after a mass exodus happened after AEW’s formation, the company still had big plans to expand into the United States.

When COVID happened, they had their hand forced, as they had signed a lot of talent that lived in the United States. They had no way to send them back and forth in a timely manner, and the STRONG brand was established in order to utilize them. That brand extension ended a couple of years ago, but the titles remained, and New Japan continued to run shows in the United States.

However, in 2025, New Japan has run significantly less United States shows. Through August, they only had three trips to America, six last year not including co-promoted shows, and eight in 2023. We’re told that declining attendance, and some NJPW roster members not wanting to make the trip for the shows is what led to their sudden decline.