Earlier today NJPW issued a statement about COVID-19 cancellations. Like most other wrestling promotions, it has been forced to cancel its upcoming events due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Two of its biggest shows and tours were canceled. The most recent was the New Japan Cup shows and the Sakura Genesis PPV. Furthermore, all NJPW events until May 4th, including live and non-televised events, were also canceled.
NJPW President Harold Meij released the following open letter to the company’s fans:
“As I’m sure you’re aware, last week we announced the cancellation of the remainder of the events on the Road to Dontaku tour. Our latest 12 cancellations from April 19th in Korakuen to May 4 in Fukuoka join other events already canceled from March 1 onward.
I know how much of a disappointment this is to fans who were looking forward to attending these events. Ticket holders are all being refunded, however, and as we closely monitor the situation with regards to events after May 4, ticket sales will have been suspended or deleted accordingly to make the process as easy as possible for fans.
NJPW has been taking the ongoing global situation very seriously from an early stage. Currently, over 90% of our employees are working from home as we continue to do our civic duty as a company to prevent the spread of COVID-19. We, like you, are disappointed and frustrated at not being able to present the best professional wrestling on the planet on a live basis at the current moment in time.
As a result, we want you to join us in preventing the spread of this disease. Please wash your hands and gargle regularly. If you’re in essential work, we sincerely appreciate you and ask that you take precautions to stay safe and healthy; otherwise, please stay home and watch the wealth of content available as part of the NJPW World Together Project, from archived matches with English commentary for the first time to the fantastic My Dad Is A Heel Wrestler Movie. Together we can make a powerful tag team that can kicks out of this, or any other crisis.
We are always proud of the greatest fan base in the world. Particularly in this uncertain environment, we are especially grateful to fans that have shown their support for New Japan Pro-Wrestling. Even without being able to see live events. Every Tokon Shop customer and NJPW World subscriber has our deepest gratitude. The appreciation of every single NJPW staff member and wrestler.
Make no mistake, we will get through this together. I firmly believe that the fighting spirit of New Japan Pro-Wrestling is one that can overcome any opposition. I look forward to the day the greatest wrestlers in the world can show that spirit in the ring once more.”
So even though there is no live wrestling available at this time for NJPW fans. The company is still doing what it can as you can see from the NJPW issued statement. Fans can still watch content via New Japan World. They can also continue to support their favorite wrestlers in other ways. Hopefully, things will return to normal soon and all of us can enjoy live wrestling content once again.
