Backstage Update – The ROH/NJPW Relationship – Issues Brewing?

Source: The Wrestling Observer Newsletter

ROH is having a huge week with the traditional ROH/NJPW tour selling well. The War of the World PPV did a sellout of 1,500 fans, the Dearborn, MI show the next night did 1,000 fans, the Toronto tapings did 1,700 fans and Saturday’s show in New York sold out with 1,100 fans. Merchandise sales in the new markets are said to also be up.

Internally there have been several questions regarding ROH relying on NJPW too much. The relationship with NJPW has helped raise the profile of ROH, with general attendance rising ever since the two sides started working together. But now there is a feeling that with the NJPW talents in so often, that the appearances are feeling not as special.

There is also concern that ROH booking is being controlled too much by New Japan. There is give and take, but New Japan owns and controls Bullet Club, which are now positioned as the top act in ROH. New Japan’s booking philosophy relies on the importance of wins and losses. Where the top guys only lose when it’s necessary for storytelling. This means that a lot of top guys will not be losing in ROH when they are brought in for these ROH shows.

It was New Japan’s decision to have Adam Cole and Adam Page join The Bullet Club. Gedo pushed for Adam Page to be added to Bullet Club, and is said to be very high on him. The Young Bucks pushed for Adam Cole to be added to the unit. Cole is under an ROH contract through April of 2017. Both will start working Japan regularly as part of Bullet Club this summer.

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