Takaaki Kidani Says Decisive Moment In Selling NJPW Was Comments Made By Yota Tsuji

In May, it was announced that Bushiroad was transferring all shares in New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) to CyberAgent and TV Asahi. Bushiroad acquired NJPW in 2012.

Speaking to Playboy Weekly, Bushiroad President Takaaki Kidani revealed that the decisive moment in the decision to sell NJPW was when Yota Tsuji criticized Bushiroad, saying that wrestlers are not cards for a card game, they are giving their lives in the ring.

“To tell you the truth, I couldn’t sleep until morning that day. I’ve been so passionate about professional wrestling, why do I have to be told that way. Not only Tsuji’s statement itself, but also the reaction of some fans who agree with it made me think deeply. Of course, it was at the stage when I was looking for the time to let go.

“Bushiroad is a company that started with a card game with 4 people per room of 30 tsubo. My life itself. Just as I have the pride of risking my life in the field, I also have absolute pride in my ancestral work. If they show such rejection and determination, they shouldn’t continue to hold on any longer. It is true that it has become the last break that we should respect the pride of both sides and leave it to the next stage of Tele Morning and Cyber.”

Elsewhere during the interview, Kidani discussed WWE signing with Netflix, and how that influenced his decision. You can find his full comments here.