New Japan Pro Wrestling is currently undergoing massive changes to start the year. The company has seen featured stars on their roster leave for All Elite Wrestling in the past year. Recently, NJPW could not re-sign fan favorites Kazuchika Okada, Will Ospreay, and Mercedes Monè. In the wake of talent leaving, fans have questioned who can fill the void left.
NJPW President Hiroshi Tanahashi knows the company’s condition and aims to create new stars. In an interview with Inside The Ropes’ Liam Wyatt, Tanahashi spoke openly about NJPW needing star power and its importance in the wrestling business.
Inside The Ropes‘ Alex Hunt transcribed the following quote.
“This is a star-driven business, and we need to make new stars. That goes beyond success in the ring as well- mainstream awareness and name value is the key to success. I want more of our wrestlers becoming household names,” said Tanahashi
In the past year, NJPW has tried to feature some of the talent the company views highly. Shota Umino, Ren Narita, and Yota Tsuji were named the Reiwa Three Musketeers. This is an honor to recognize talent they believe will lead the company for this generation. However, NJPW has made questionable decisions, like not having Okada or Ospreay take a loss against any of the younger talent.
The most notable decision was not to have Umino defeat Ospreay to win the IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship at NJPW Power Struggle on November 4, 2023. Ospreay would sign with AEW a few weeks later at AEW Full Gear.
Although the company has a star power issue, talent leaving puts NJPW in a position to be motivated to focus on its future.
What’s The Next Big Events In NJPW?
NJPW has a chance to showcase their roster on the next big event, NJPW The New Beginning In Sapporo, on February 23 and 24. The two-day show will have Okada compete in his final matches in NJPW and represent a new start for the company.
One of NJPW’s younger stars, Umino, will be in a featured match against NEVER Openweight Champion EVIL for the title. The ‘Roughneck’ will attempt to win his first championship with the company and potentially end his rivalry with the NJPW veteran.
The upcoming two-day event presents Tanahashi with an opportunity to start creating new stars that can lead the way in a new era for NJPW.
