Continuing the relationship between the two companies, NJPW has confirmed the addition of Stardom roster members to its North American brand.
New Japan Pro-Wrestling has held established working agreements with a variety of promotions throughout its illustrious history, ranging from WWE and WCW to IMPACT Wrestling and ROH. However, its relationship with World Wonder Ring Stardom offers something different to the company product.
The Antonio Inoki-founded organisation is infamous for being a strictly male-oriented promotion. It’s rare to find a women’s outing penned for a New Japan card but slowly over the past few years, Stardom workers have wowed NJPW fans with one or two encounters every 365 days.
This will continue moving forward. During their Business Strategy Presentation, New Japan President Takami Ohbari confirmed that Stardom roster members will be introduced on the NJPW of America brand. It wasn’t confirmed who or when, exactly, this will begin, but the news remains positive nonetheless.
In adapting NJPW to the global standard and audience expectations, we will be seeing women's wrestlers from #STARDOM in NJPW of America rings moving forward. #njpw#njpw50th
— NJPW Global (@njpwglobal) July 7, 2022
Bushiroad, New Japan’s parent company, purchased Stardom in 2019, with four of its best performers – Mayu Iwatani, Arisa Hoshiki, Giulia, and the late Hana Kimura – appearing on the following January’s Wrestle Kingdom card. Stardom-branded matches have since become a staple of the famed early January supercard.
Together, NJPW and Stardom are also scheduled to host a co-promoted card on 20 November. Ohbari and Hiroshi Tanahashi revealed during today’s Business Strategy Presentation that two mixed tag team matches will be held on the event.
Stardom was reportedly set to be represented during AEWxNJPW Forbidden Door on 26 June, though this ultimately never went through due to expired VISAs.