Bushiroad President Takaaki Kidani Realized He Couldn’t Win Anymore When WWE Signed With Netflix
WWE signing with Netflix influenced Bushiroad’s decision to sell NJPW.
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 spoke about the timing of his decision and if it had anything to do with major stars like Kazuchika Okada and Tetsuya Naito leaving.
“On January 23, 2024, Netflix signed a huge distribution contract with WWE. This was the most shocking thing in 14 years. The distribution rights of the program alone are 740 billion yen (rate at the time of 24) in 10 years. There’s no way I can win anymore. I looked up to the sky literally.
“At that time, from now on, New Japan will have no choice but to team up with huge capital with strong media and distribution infrastructure. I realized that it was no longer a field where I could fight with Bushi Road alone.”
WWE Raw moved to Netflix in January 2025.
Fans can find Kidani’s statement from when he sold the company by clicking here.
