Mark Cuban Has Big Plans For NJPW on AXS TV, Says They Aren’t a Threat to Vince McMahon

– Dallas Mavericks & AXS TV Owner Mark Cuban recently spoke with Sports Illustrated about the future of NJPW on AXS TV and more. Here are the highlights…

On AXS TV’s future plans for New Japan Pro Wrestling: “We’re looking to expand it on Friday nights. We want to do more live, as opposed to the delay, and we’re talking to them about special events.”

On if he thinks Vince McMahon views NJPW and AXS TV as a threat: “No, he thinks we’re just little sh—,” said Cuban. “We’re not a threat because of the language. That’s the biggest challenge, the language. But if you’re a purist for wrestling, and you like the action, it’s the best promotion by far. People here aren’t going to connect as directly, but if you really love wrestling, then it’s a no-brainer.”

On Cuban paying top dollar to air NJPW’s top three Wrestle Kingdom 12 matches (Including Jericho v Omega) on AXS TV two days after they air: “We’re getting to know them better,” said Cuban. “We went from a delay to a short delay to live, so we’re going to get smarter about it. The numbers keep on going up. Other TVs are declining, and ours are going up. That’s a good sign. There are some nights when it beats MMA, it’s doing that well.”