Much to the disappointment of many fans, New Japan Pro-Wrestling decided not to follow the likes of WWE and AEW's lead by holding empty arena shows, and several major events were cancelled/postponed in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Now, NJPW President & CEO Harold Meij has shared a video which provides a roadmap for how the company plans to eventually resume live shows.
Meij says that the first step will be to hold events without audiences in attendance, but these shows will only go ahead when Japan lifts its country-wide state of emergency, the number of new infections decline, and matches can take place in disinfected and safe settings. Fans would eventually be welcomed back, but only with added measures. These include extensive health checks on wrestlers and staff, thermographic temperature upon entry, and compulsory masks.
Meij concluded by promising that NJPW won’t be beaten by the disease, and urging every pro wrestling fan to come together and overcome this challenge.
Check out the video message in full below, and keep an eye on The Ring Report for updates.