New Japan Pro-Wrestling is shutting down its American subsidiary, but that doesn’t mean NJPW is packing its bags and leaving North America. The company is changing how it handles business in the region, with a much bigger corporate machine set to back its North American operations going forward.
NJPW announced that New Japan Pro-Wrestling of America Inc. will officially be dissolved and liquidated. The company pointed to major changes in the business environment and said the decision was made as part of an effort to better manage its resources.
“We would like to inform you that we have decided to dissolve and liquidate our consolidated subsidiary, New Japan Pro-Wrestling of America Inc.”
NJPW of America was established to help the Japanese promotion expand its presence in the United States and operate more directly within the North American market. Now, that separate subsidiary is being taken out of the equation. NJPW explained that changing business conditions ultimately led to the decision. Rather than continuing to dedicate resources to the American subsidiary, the promotion is restructuring how its international business will operate.
“Due to the rapid changes in the business environment in recent years, we have decided to dissolve and liquidate the company in order to optimize our management resources.”
The important part for American fans is that NJPW isn’t abandoning North America. The company specifically confirmed that it plans to continue holding events there despite NJPW of America itself disappearing. There will also be some serious backing behind those efforts. NJPW said it intends to work with resources from the entire TV Asahi Group as it continues running North American events and looks for ways to grow its global business.
“Going forward, we will collaborate with the resources of the entire TV Asahi Group to promote our business, including the continued hosting of tournaments in North America, as well as the expansion of our global business.”
The real test will be what that restructuring actually looks like once NJPW starts rolling out its next wave of North American shows. The company is making it clear that America remains part of the plan — it’s simply changing who and what sits behind those events.
What do you think NJPW dissolving its American subsidiary will ultimately mean for its future events in North America? Let us know what you think in the comments.
