The reasoning behind AXS TV pulling New Japan Pro Wrestling has been revealed.
Last month, the Japanese promotion revealed that they had no television events planned for the United States in 2020, which was odd considering that the company’s contract with AXS TV reportedly ended in 2021, and the network has previously showcased big events in the past.
According to Dave Meltzer, that reasoning comes down to the relationship between NJPW and Impact Wrestling. Once again, New Japan turned down a working relationship with Impact, which lead to their deal with AXS TV falling apart.
The heat between both companies is no secret at this point. New Japan Pro Wrestling refuses to work with Impact due to the way officials treated Okada during his brief run back in 2010-2011. Despite different personnel working for Impact right now, the Japanese promotion is still sour over the way the IWGP Heavyweight Champion was handled.
Impact Wrestling’s parent company Anthem purchased a majority stake in AXS TV back in September 2019. Anthem later approached New Japan about a possible working relationship with Impact but were turned down. This led to New Japan programming being pulled from AXS TV going forward.
Of course, you’ll still be able to catch Wrestle Kingdom 14 and other shows in NJPW on New Japan World for $9.99.