Over the past decade, New Japan Pro Wrestling went from a company struggling to find its place in the global professional wrestling landscape, to become the number two wrestling promotion in the world. They’ve done so through the intense physical style of their performers. Another factor is the promotion taking big and bold chances. On July 1st at 8pm EST, they seek to take another big chance. New Japan Pro Wrestling will air its first ever G1 Special in the USA. The event will take place at the Long Beach Convention Center in California.
TV Asahi brokered a partnership with AXS TV to air New Japan in the U.S. back in 2014. The American audience for Japanese wrestling grew, slowly but surely. Being able to see recent matches by talent like Hiroshi Tanahashi, Kazuchika Okada, Tetsuya Naito and Kenny Omega was just the tip of the iceberg. AJ Styles, Shinsuke Nakamura, the Bullet Club, all performed at a rate that rivaled anything here on TV in the States. New Japan made an interesting gamble back in January. They decided to air their biggest show of the year, Wrestle Kingdom 11, a week after on AXS TV. The gamble worked and New Japan was able to get even more eyes on its product. This show from Long Beach would be an even bigger gamble for NJPW.
WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross and former MMA mega star Josh Barnett will provide commentary. The duo calls the action on the weekly New Japan English broadcast. When he spoke with the Miami Herald, Ross had this to say:
“This is going to be one of the most eagerly anticipated events that I have broadcast in my 40+ year career. Restaurant-quality slobberknockers will be abundant on this historic weekend of pro wrestling excellence.”
AXS TV plans to capitalize on the hype surrounding this G1 Special. In what they’ve dubbed the “Summer of Strong Style”, they will air the biggest New Japan shows from the past year. Wrestle Kingdom, the New Japan Cup, Sakura Genesis and Dominion 2017 will be but a handful of the shows they’ll be airing over the next several weeks.
I for one am elated to be able to see this G1 Special, live. This really could be what elevates the profile of Bullet Club leader, Kenny Omega, into the stratosphere. Jim Ross calling the action is icing on the cake. WWE, you may have some legit competition pretty soon.
