It was rumored for weeks that this summer we would see New Japan Pro Wrestling return to the iconic arena of Madison Square Garden. They were able to sell it out last year, with the help of Ring Of Honor and the crowds that come with Wrestlemania weekend. This year however, they will be going solo and will prove once and for all if New Japan will be able to break through into the United States.
This show was officially announced as part of the New Beginning In Osaka event, along with confirmation that the first two nights of G1 Climax action will air from Osaka Jo Hall. Also announced was that NJPW would be going to prime time TV again in Japan, airing on TV Asahi at 8PM on Friday, the same time slot as NJPW used to hold in the days of Antonio Inoki.
New Japan Pro Wrestling Will Have To Go All Out On This Event
Their showings in the United States haven’t been the greatest in terms of attendance figures, and while they are able to pull in very excited crowds, the numbers haven’t been what they would have wanted. Their recent New Beginning Tour drew an average of 800 fans to each show, and suffered from top star Kota Ibushi catching influenza. It wasn’t ideal for the official launch of New Japan Pro Wrestling Of America, but they will not be giving up. The biggest card NJPW has done without help in the USA was NJPW Fighting Spirit Unleashed in 2018 which drew in 3000 fans with the main event of The Golden Lovers (Kenny Omega & Kota Ibushi) facing Kazuchika Okada and Tomohiro Ishii in an instant classic.
They have proven they are capable of bringing in crowds, especially with the right card. We can expect NJPW Wrestle Dynasty to have a card equal to that of a Wrestle Kingdom event, with all major championships on the line. It helps that this will be the last major event before the G1 Climax kicks off in early September, so they can use it as a conclusion of stories built up throughout the spring & summer.
Do you think New Japan can sell out Madison Square Garden without the help of a promotion like Ring of Honor? Let us know in the comments down below.
SUBSCRIBE NOW: Get TheOvertimer’s Hottest Stories, Breaking News and Special Features in your email, CLICK HERE!
