New Japan Pro Wrestling and AXS TV appear to be done.
The Japanese promotion revealed that they do not have any plans to air any of their 2020 events on American television, including next weekend’s Wrestle Kingdom 14.
Since 2015, AXS TV has been the way some American fans could catch-up and watch events such as Wrestle Kingdom or the G1 Climax tournament matches in New Japan Pro Wrestling. It was first believed that the promotion had a deal with the network through 2021, though that doesn’t seem to be the case.
AXS TV was sold to Anthem Sports on September 9. After the sale, Ryan Swift, who was an Executive Producer of the NJPW program and also played a large role in AXS acquiring NJPW programming, was let go by Anthem Sports.
It’s no secret that the relationship between New Japan and Impact isn’t on good terms. This stems from the way Impact treated Okada during his time with the company back in 2010-2011.
There’s no confirmation that the relationship between the two companies is the reason why New Japan won’t be playing on the network. At the moment, fans will have to check out events such as Wrestle Kingdom 14 through New Japan World, which is only $9.99 per month.
There’s no word on whether New Japan is searching for a new channel to air their programming.