Has New Japan Pro Wrestling Denied WWE’s Request to Air NJPW Footage on the WWE Network?

October 21, 2015

It appears WWE’s request might have been denied by NJPW, according to a new statement issued on the New Japan Pro Wrestling website.

Bushiroad President Takaaki Kidani issued the statement on the site, which you can check out at this link. The statement is in Japanese, and E. Key Oide has posted the following statement translation on Twitter:

So Kidani’s latest BushiRoad column seems to be gaining focus. Here’s the passage I found most interesting. pic.twitter.com/gYjLBrrAkS

— E. Key Oide (@e_key_oide) October 21, 2015

Additionally, a Google translation of another key part of the Kidani statement indicates that New Japan intends to compete with companies such as WWE, instead of reaching deals with them:

How confront the strongest rival such as “MTG” or WWE? Presentation of the view of the world and the future, such as the fight table also, is one of such strategy.

We should create an environment in which entertainment themselves offer is accepted. If not care just movement of large rival looming, it will lose by turning to iron.

Business is war. Bushiroad is still a small challenger. For a new project from the beginning of the year, we will talk with recital of November 17. Please expect all means.

Nick was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, and lived there until the age of 18, when he decided to pack his flack jacket and move to New York City.

Nick attended New York University and graduated in 2001 with a degree in Drama.

Nick first entered the internet wrestling community back in 2004 when he became the co-host of The Voice of Wrestling Radio Show. From there, Nick made the transition from radio personality to editor when he began working with WrestleZone in 2008.

Nick is a member of two Off-Broadway theatre companies, Another Urban Riff, and the Drama Desk Award winning Godlight Theatre Company. Nick has appeared in over a dozen Off-Broadway plays since he moved to New York City, and has shot several short and feature length films. In 2010, he completed principle photography on a film titled "How to Score Your Life," which also features TNA Knockout ODB.

Inspiration in his life has come from many people including his family, Woody Allen, Steven Spielberg, Jack Nicholson, The Beatles, and of course, Lassie.