New Japan Pro-Wrestling is excited to announce the
November launch of NJPW TAMASHII, a new brand that
will see the best of NJPW in Japan compete with the
cream of NJPW’s New Zealand Dojo, as well as
the best talents from Australasia.
Meaning ‘spirit’, or ‘soul’, TAMASHII
is the logical continuation of the philosophy behind
NJPW STRONG in the United States, which has seen established
names from NJPW compete with brand new prospects emerging
from NJPW’s LA Dojo, as well as the best from
the local scene.
The
first NJPW TAMASHII event will take place on November
11 in the Pioneer Recreation & Sport Center in
Christchurch New Zealand. Sunday November 13 will
see TAMASHII hit Liberty Hall in Sydney Australia.
Already
signed for the debut NJPW TAMASHII events are big
names from BULLET CLUB. KENTA, who wrestled on the
very first official match for NJPW STRONG in 2020,
is joined by IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion Taiji
Ishimori and the Rogue general Bad Luck Fale.
Fale
is the principal force behind NJPW’s New Zealand
Dojo, the rising prospects of which are set to be
highlighted and developed through TAMASHII events,
having already been focused on in the Lion’s
Roar docuseries on NJPW World.
‘This
was once the most popular professional wrestling territory
in the world,’ Fale commented. ‘Now with
so much talent in Australasia, it was logical to expand
the New Japan brand in the territory. We’re very
excited for what the future holds.’
Representative
Director for NJPW Takami Ohbari stated ‘New Zealand,
and Oceania at large is a rapidly growing professional
wrestling market rife with strong potential talent.
It’s for that reason that we established the
New Zealand Dojo, and why these events are so important
for NJPW’s ongoing global expansion. The last
time NJPW was involved in events in New Zealand specifically
was all the way back in 2016, so I thank our Kiwi
fans for their patience. Whether from the NZ Dojo,
or further afield, you’ll see the same fighting
spirit that is uniquely NJPW’s throughout these
events. I hope you come to experience them for yourself,
and know that TAMASHII is the place to find genuine
Strong Style action in Oceania.’
‘We
have been working hard to develop and refine our teaching
to provide the best possible training,’ remarked
NZ Dojo Head Coach Tony Kozina. ‘The Young Lions
that have earned a place on these debut events all
possess top notch work ethic and strive to go beyond
their best both in and out of the ring. On November
11 and 13 the world will see what we are capable of’.
Tickets
for both NJPW TAMASHII events will go on sale on September
9 at 12AM midnight from Eventfinda (NZ) and 10AM AET
from Moshtix (AU). We look forward to allowing fans
to experience the next stage in NJPW’s international
expansion and to be in on the ground floor of a new
era for professional wrestling in the Australasian
market.
NJPW TAMASHII 1
Friday
November 11 Doors: 7PM Bell 7:30 PM (Meet and greet
6PM with details TBA)
Pioneer
Recreation & Sports Centre, Christchurch, New
Zealand
KENTA,
Taiji Ishimori, and Bad Luck Fale have been announced
for the events set for Christchurch, New Zealand on
Friday, November 11, and Sydney, Australia on Sunday,
November 13. Tickets for the shows go on sale Friday,
September 9.
In
the release, NJPW likens the TAMASHII brand to the
NJPW Strong brand in the United States market, with
talent from the company's New Zealand dojo set to
be used the way the LA Dojo has been on Strong.
New
Japan Pro-Wrestling Co., Ltd., Shin Nihon Puroresuringu
Kabushiki-gaisha) (NJPW) is a Japanese professional
wrestling promotion based in Nakano, Tokyo. Founded
on January 13, 1972, by Antonio Inoki, the promotion
was sold to Yuke's, who later sold it to Bushiroad
in 2012. TV Asahi and Amuse, Inc. own minority shares
of the company. Naoki Sugabayashi has served as the
promotion's Chairman since September 2013, while Takami
Ohbari has served as the president of the promotion
since October 2020.
Owing
to its TV program aired on TV Asahi, NJPW is the largest
and longest-running professional wrestling promotion
in Japan ] It was affiliated with the National Wrestling
Alliance at various points in its history. NJPW has
had agreements with various MMA and professional wrestling
promotions around the world, including WWE, All Elite
Wrestling, World Championship Wrestling, American
Wrestling Association, World Class Championship Wrestling,
Impact Wrestling, WAR, UWFi, Ring of Honor, Pride
Fighting Championships, and Jersey All Pro Wrestling.
NJPW's biggest event is the January 4 Tokyo Dome Show,
held each year since 1992 and currently promoted under
the Wrestle Kingdom banner.
The
promotion is currently owned by Japanese card game
company Bushiroad, which parlayed its entry to the
world of professional wrestling into a best-selling
trading card game, King of Pro Wrestling, and appearances
from NJPW stars in its various franchises. (Wikipedia)
