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Eric Bischoff Discusses Why NJPW Is Making Moves to Expand in the US and Why It’s Not Controversial

May 18, 2017 | Posted by Jeffrey Harris

– Eric Bischoff for his Bischoff on Wrestling recently discussed New Japan Pro Wrestling’s move to add the IWGP US title and promote events in the US. Below are some highlights.

Bischoff on NJPW looking at the US market: “I’m guessing New Japan might be looking at the US market. It’s a big market and Japan isn’t. There’s a lot of opportunity here. There’s a lot of fans here that love the New Japan presentation of the product and I’m one of them. I don’t watch it as much as I should but what I’ve seen is very impressive.”

Bischoff on saying NJPW’s move to promote shows in the US is not controversial: “I am going to plant my flag and say it’s not controversial. At least twenty years ago the Japanese in particular admired American culture. They are very protective of their own culture, one of the most protective of their cultures in the world in many respects. Historically if you look at Japan and the way they treat outsiders that aren’t of Japanese decent they are very protective of their culture, on the one hand. On the other hand, they want so badly to have the “cool vibe” of having the western culture be a part of their’s in their own way. By coming over to the United States and planting a flag, however big or small, New Japan is able to present themselves as a Japanese product inherently Japanese yet important to the United States and that elevates their status in Japan. It’s like when a Japanese baseball player leaves Japan and joins Major League Baseball. He’s a national hero for the same exact reason. It’s kind of like New York City where if you can make it here you can make it anywhere. New Japan will always stay a very Japanese product.”