The company NJPW has reduced its U.S. schedule in 2025, with attendance and travel to blame.
After a surge in popularity for several of its foreign stars, New Japan Pro Wrestling ramped up efforts to establish itself in the United States, continuing to run shows even after the mass talent exodus brought on by AEW’s formation. In 2025, however, the promotion has notably scaled back its American schedule, and now we know more about why.
According to Fightful Select, the cutback stems from declining attendance and reluctance among talent to travel to the U.S. for shows.
“We’re told that declining attendance, and some NJPW roster members not wanting to make the trip for the shows is what led to their sudden decline.”
-Fightful Select
The COVID-19 pandemic led to the creation of the STRONG brand, born out of necessity due to a large number of NJPW’s roster being U.S.-based. Although the brand officially ended on January 28, 2023, most American shows have since continued under the STRONG banner, with its championships still active.
Tomohiro Ishii currently holds the NJPW STRONG Openweight Championship, whilst STARDOM’s Saya Kamitani recently defeated AZM to capture the NJPW STRONG Women’s Championship.
NJPW’s latest U.S. show was Resurgence on May 9 in Ontario, California, their third Stateside event of 2025, down from six by August last year and eight in 2023, excluding co-promoted events.
As always, we’ll aim to provide any further updates on NJPW scaling back their U.S. presence as soon as we hear more.
