グレート-O-カーンが話す新日本プロレス “観客数”の現状！？

You can understand the current audience numbers for New Japan Pro-Wrestling by reading the “Imperial Public Relations Report” on the official smartphone app, and also from the comments of Great-O-Khan backstage.

While there might be fluctuations depending on the event, there’s a noticeable decline in audience numbers not only in regional areas but also at the wrestling mecca, the Korakuen Hall.

Despite the availability of NJPW WORLD and PPV, blaming the decrease in live attendance solely on video streaming wouldn’t be fair, as events with significant matchups still draw crowds.

I’m actively engaging in various initiatives such as collaborations with anime and pop culture and promoting regional revitalization through events like the “KOPW Championship.

” President Tanahashi aims to increase title matches in regional areas, but the success of this initiative remains uncertain.

In the over 50-year history of New Japan Pro-Wrestling, it seems that there are currently more titles than ever before.

However, this abundance of titles has led to some issues. With so many titles, some wrestlers aren’t involved in title matches or storylines, and even when they are, the matches may not garner much attention.

There’s also a lack of focus on the tag team division despite a deep roster of talent.

Personalities like Okada and Naito supporting Hiroshima Carp activities, and talents like Taichi and Hiromu engaging on YouTube, along with Shingo Takagi’s tourist spot visits, are commendable efforts.

Ultimately, the most crucial aspects are the quality of matches and the match card.

In the past, All Japan Pro-Wrestling saw a surge in popularity due to intense matches and rivalries.

Similarly, New Japan Pro-Wrestling’s feuds with factions like the Anti-Wrestler Alliance and nWo JAPAN created memorable moments.

However, the reluctance to disband stagnant units makes it challenging to create fresh storylines.

While the actions of Uemura were questionable, perhaps he got hyped up watching my matches. He’s been talking about “reviving a strong New Japan,” so maybe he wants to defeat me to achieve that. If he thinks he can, he’s welcome to try.

I also hope for the success of Heat Storm Yujiro Uemura’s efforts to revive a strong New Japan Pro-Wrestling.

Bringing in former WWE superstars may not have a significant impact as Japanese fans might not be heavily invested in WWE.

If there’s considerable response, it could indicate WWE’s growing influence, which might pose a crisis. Personally, I believe WWE superstars like Randy Orton, John Cena, and CM Punk could resonate well with Japanese fans.

With a decrease in circuit numbers since the Showa and Heisei eras, but with a larger pool of talent, New Japan Pro-Wrestling should focus on creating diverse matchups and assembling cards that fans want to see.