NJPW Reportedly Considering Empty Arena Shows

:njpw:

Having been forced to cancel several events due to the coronavirus pandemic, New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) is now reportedly considering running empty arena shows.

According to Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio, New Japan was reluctant to cancel further shows. This extended to the postponement of their highly-anticipated Madison Square Garden show Wrestle Dynasty.

The feeling in NJPW was that Wrestle Dynasty would have been its number two event of the year. The only show ahead of Wrestle Dynasty would be its annual Wrestle Kingdom show.

It was noted that they would have to wait until the Japanese government eases off their lockdown before NJPW could consider or implement any plans. Japan is operating under a state of emergency until at least May 31.

NJPW recently officially announced that Wrestle Dynasty was postponed to 2021.

In a statement, the promotion explained:

“In response to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, and its continued effect on social gatherings all over the world, NJPW has arrived at the decision to postpone Wrestle Dynasty, which was scheduled to take place on August 22 2020, to a date in 2021 to be announced.”

As well as postponing Wrestle Dynasty, NJPW recently announced that their annual Best of Super Juniors Tournament would also not be taking place.

That would be interesting just because the govt cancelled the May tournament for Pro Sumo after previously doing an empty arena tournament. Guess it heavily hinges on where they run it...