Takaaki Kidani spoke to Tokyo Sports recently about some goals he has for New Japan in the future. Kidani’s main goal is to completely sell out the Tokyo Dome. At Wrestle Kingdom 12, IWGP Heavyweight Champion Kazuchika Okada mentioned in his post match promo that he will do what he can to fill the Tokyo Dome eventually.
In Toyko Sports Takaaki Kidani said that in two years time he wants to fill the seats in the outfield of the Tokyo Dome and mobilize even more fans. Therefore he says New Japan needs young japanese stars, specifically a heavyweight star in his 20s.
— STRIGGA (@STRIGGA) January 5, 2018
Kidani believes it’s entirely possible, but that he’ll need the help of more younger stars. The owner stated that with the success of 2017 and Wrestle Kingdom 12, and with a quickly rising fan base, they’ll be able to bring more talent from across the globe to entice fans.
With rising numbers Kidani said NJPW will be able to pay more money to wrestlers and he wants to get more wrestlers with a relationship WWE involved in New Japan. He says he's going to do that until "the other side" says: "Let's get along."
— STRIGGA (@STRIGGA) January 5, 2018
The plan is to continue to bring in top stars who have a working relationship with the WWE, like Chris Jericho, in order to convince them to play ball. With the access the United States now has to New Japan, between AXS TV and their streaming service, NJPW is slowly building steam.
If Kidani’s goals are met, it’s possible that WWE and NJPW could have a global takeover of the business. The working deal between NJPW and Ring of Honor has already had quite an impact on both promotions. To add WWE to that deal, if possible, could change the business in a big way.
