Now that we’ve all slept on it, and all the AEW/SCjerk people are gone, what are the opinions coming from actual NJPW fans? We now know that Mox will be taking a break from AEW to be at New Japan shows, so is it really that bad?
I still believe this is a massive misstep from a booking perspective. NJPW has obviously changed alot recently, with Hiroshi Tanahashi becoming president, and the departure of Ospreay and Okada. We all knew that we would see massive changes in the product, but this new direction is not in the best interest of the existing fans. NJPW has recently put their championships on Mox, Nemeth, and Riddle. If any of these talents were signed to NJPW I would be happy to see their reigns, but with all of them being most prominent in other company’s it makes New Japan look desperate for western attention. Someone who is not signed to New Japan, just beat New Japan’s biggest star, in a match with no build, on a B show, for New Japan’s main title. I like Mox, I don’t love him, but I like him, and I liked his matches with the North American title, But Mox winning the title in this fashion makes the title look weak, and in extension it makes the company look washed. I think it may take years for New Japan to fix the damage that they’ve caused with this match. Now will it mean anything when Tsuji finally wins it, after we’ve seen how easily the title can change hands?
I love New Japan, Its been the only wrestling media ive watched since 2017 and ive been following it for even longer. During 2020 when I wasn’t even watching wrestling at the time, I still kept my world subscription because I wanted to support the company. The only reason I care about this title is all the great work that has been done around it for years. Im not even going to pretend like I know anything business wise, and I know the pandemic really hurt New Japan, But i really hate to see the product go in this direction. This is probably the least optimistic ive felt toward New Japan since I have started watching.
I think I will be taking a break from NJPW and will probably return for WK, also does anyone know how the Japanese fans feel about this?
by Real-Xi-Jinping
