New Japan Pro Wrestling were recently featured in Japan’s largest English language newspaper publication. The Japan Times ran an article looking at the ongoing of New Japan in recent years. Several stars of the promotion were interviewed including Hiroshi Tanahashi.

Tanahashi discussed several on point topics, most notably the recent ‘defections’ to the West and WWE. The article mentions that New Japan are the ‘number 2’ promotion in the world. The article also states that NJPW “often struggles to retain its top stars. With defections to World Wrestling Entertainment an appealing option for up-and-coming wrestlers.” Tanahashi mentioned when asked about the recent moves that “If a wrestler or two leaves, there’s tons of others that are looking to fill the spots available. It’s been this way from the beginning, so there’s little point worrying about it.”

Cody Rhodes, The Young Bucks, Hangman Page soon likely leaving the independent scene. There are huge opportunities for up and coming talent. New Japan has seen the recent rise of the likes of Juice Robinson, Jay White and the newer young lions like Shota Umino and Toa Henare. We have posted several reports this year on the success of New Japan’s move into more western territories. There are also recent reports that New Japan are looking to bring back some formerly featured stars such as Shinsuke Nakamura, Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows.