NJPW Expands Presence in the U.S. with New Beginnings Event
New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW), one of the leading pro wrestling organizations globally, is making moves to enhance its presence in the United States, particularly with this week’s event.
New Beginnings is set for this Friday at the Cure Insurance Arena in Trenton, New Jersey, promising fans an exciting lineup packed with strong-style wrestling.
Rocky Romero, a seasoned NJPW wrestler and AEW ambassador, expressed that central New Jersey, being conveniently located between New York City and Philadelphia, is an ideal spot for this show. He thinks it’s a strategic location to draw fans from both major cities. “Being back on the East Coast for NJPW is really unique,” he remarked. “The experience of Japanese pro wrestling on American soil is unmatched.”
The event features several prominent matches. Notable matchups include David Finlay clashing with Fred Rosser, Ricochet defending his All Elite Wrestling (AEW) National Championship against Taiji Ishimori, and the NJPW World TV Champion El Phantasmo facing off against Kosuke Takeshita. Additionally, Shuri, the International Wrestling Grand Prix (IWGP) Women’s Champion, will defend her title against Athena, the Ring of Honor (ROH) Women’s World Champion, along with Andrade El Idolo competing for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship.
This match marks NJPW’s first show in the United States since July, as the company aims to tap into the growing interest from American wrestling fans, an ambition they’ve held since the mid-2010s.
Romero shared, “Growing internationally has been a focus for NJPW since about 2017. They’re the leading wrestling promotion in Japan, making expansion into America a natural step.” He noted that access to NJPW content has improved significantly over the years, allowing fans to easily follow the action from anywhere, thanks to platforms like NJPWworld.com.
“Our mission is to broaden our reach globally, not just in the U.S. but also in places like China, Australia, the UK, and potentially Germany. I’m really excited about the possibilities,” he remarked.
Romero highlighted that streaming services are crucial in making NJPW’s product more accessible. He also pointed out the significance of their partnerships with AEW and Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL), which he views as essential for growth.
With pro wrestling fans having a wider variety of shows available, Romero acknowledged that while that’s true, NJPW offers something distinct. “What NJPW brings to the table is different,” he said. “There’s an essence to it, reminiscent of a heavyweight boxing match. Our athletes showcase unparalleled physicality and emotional investment.”
He added that the atmosphere often captivates first-time viewers, particularly those familiar with North American wrestling. “Many fans fall in love with the energy of NJPW,” he stated.
Romero has a deep connection with NJPW, having joined the organization in 2010 after stints with CMLL, Ring of Honor, and Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide. He reminisced about his debut match at the Tokyo Dome where he performed in front of 50,000 spectators. “I was just a kid, and the experience was surreal,” he recalled, citing it as one of his most cherished memories.
Over the years, Romero has become a vital link between NJPW and the North American wrestling scene. Currently, he competes in AEW, where he collaborates with Trent Beretta as part of the Don Callis Family faction.
Commenting on his role, Romero said, “AEW, particularly Tony Khan, has immense respect for NJPW. This partnership is key, especially when competing with major players like WWE.” He noted that the synergy among NJPW, AEW, and CMLL facilitates engaging storylines and the incorporation of talents from each organization.
Romero concluded by emphasizing the fans’ excitement for the unique matchups that have emerged from these partnerships. “At the end of the day, it’s the fans who win—getting to see these dream matches unfold,” he shared.
