NJPW Releases Statement On Being Unable To Obtain Visas For USA Shows

New Japan Pro Wrestling released the full lineups for the New Beginning in USA shows to be held next week. Fans might notice a lack of Japanese stars appearing on the shows. This is due to the promotion being unable to obtain Visas for their talent.

NJPW applied for Visas for several of their wrestlers back in November but have been unable to obtain them due to the ongoing government shutdown in the country.

NJPW released the following statement on the matter:

“It is with great disappointment that we must announce that due to the ongoing 2018–19 United States federal government shutdown, we were unable to obtain visas for our Japanese talent who were looking forward to seeing our US fans at the New Beginning in USA,” the statement reads.

Hirooki Goto vs Jeff Cobb looked to be a match the company was building to on the tour. Yuji Nagata and Tomohiro Ishii were also expected to wrestle each other. Jushin Liger, Satoshi Kojima, and others were expected to make the trip.

“We are excited to still be able to share a great line-up with our US fans, regardless of visa issues. The IWGP US Champion, Juice Robinson, is defending his title against Barretta and The Great O-Kharn, who is flying in from England, will be debuting in New Japan! What’s more, this show will highlight the talent and potential of our Young Lions, who have been working hard in the NJPW LA dojo. We are looking forward to being able to celebrate the abilities of the exciting new generation of young NJPW wrestlers.”

NJPW New Beginning In USA Lineups:

January 30th – LA’s Globe Theatre

• Alex Coughlin vs Clark Connors
• Jonathan Gresham vs Tyler Bateman
• Colt Cabana vs Shane Taylor
• Brody King and Marty Scurll (Villain Enterprises) vs Davey Boy Smith Jr. and Lance Archer (KES) (Suzuki-Gun)
• Jeff Cobb vs Karl Fredericks
• David Finlay vs Chuckie T (CHAOS)
• Tracy Williams & Juice Robinson (Lifeblood) vs Rocky Romero & Beretta (CHAOS)

February 1st, Charlotte – Grady Cole Center

• Karl Fredericks vs Clark Connors
• John Skyler & Colt Cabana vs Shane Taylor & Lance Archer
• Tracer X vs Great-O-Kharn
• Jonathan Gresham & Jeff Cobb vs Marty Scurll & Brody King
• Alex Coughlin vs Davey Boy Smith Jr.
• Tracy Williams & David Finlay vs Rocky Romero & Chuckie T
• IWGP United States Championship
• Juice Robinson (c) vs Beretta

February 2nd, Nashville War Memorial Arena

• Karl Frederick vs Alex Coughlin
• Jonathan Gresham & Colt Cabana vs Shane Taylor & Lance Archer (Suzuki-Gun)
• Harlem Bravado vs Great-O-Kharn
• Clark Connors vs Marty Scurll (Villain Enterprises)
• Jeff Cobb vs Brody King (Villain Enterprises)
• Elimination Match
• Tracy Williams, David Finlay, & Juice Robinson (Lifeblood) vs Rocky Romero, Chuckie T, & Beretta (CHAOS)