WWE recently launched their latest 16-man tournament to crown the inaugural WWE United Kingdom Champion. Various sources such as PWInsider, are now claiming that WWE could soon develop a series out of it, which could result in them purchasing the Japan-based New Japan Pro Wrestling.
Takaaki Kidani, the president of Bushiroad ( New Japan Pro Wrestling’s parent company), recently took on Twitter to address the dominance of WWE in the wrestling industry.
Here is a translated version of Kidani’s tweet:
Kidani explained over a series of tweets how the billion Yen transaction could actually take place.
Kidani noted that WWE would have to raise 2 billion Yen to start off with, which should not be a problem for the company if they choose to go after the Japanese promotion. The WWE network is currently shoring, owing to the rise of cable cutters and prevalence of streaming, leading to a decline in TV ratings. Kidani predicts that WWE’s entire cable structure would collapse within the next 3-5 years if they chose to go ahead with the deal.
On the other hand, it would help WWE cut cost in sending talent for foreign tours by establishing local territories. WWE can carry forward their success in U.S., U.K., and Canada, which are all profitable. Their network spreads across major countries of the world, even though they have not established local territories there. WWE can benefit from these areas as they would actually be able to create products with an awareness of cultural differences and the characteristics of all the markets.
WWE has always had a tough time creating Superstars and the deal would supplement their cause, as a local territory can help them establish network stars. While the takeover special is theoretically possible, the concerned parties might sway away from the idea as the apparent takeover wouldn’t necessarily benefit either party at the given moment. NJPW are doing well and would not entertain a deal, while WWE is not at a juncture, where they can gamble with a massive investment.
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