New Japan Reportedly Turned Down IMPACT Relationship, Lead To AXS TV Split

It looks like Anthem tried to strong-arm New Japan.

It was announced back in September that Anthem Sports Entertainment, the parent company of IMPACT Wrestling, bought a majority stake in AXS TV. When that happened rumors started swirling as far as what that could mean for New Japan on AXS.

Then on December 27th, New Japan announced they had no future plans to air their product on American television and AXS TV reps confirmed this and that they were no longer on AXS TV going forward.

Now according to Dave Meltzer on the latest Wrestling Observer Radio, Meltzer stated that Anthem purchasing AXS is what lead to the split between AXS and New Japan Pro Wrestling. Meltzer stated that AXS basically came to New Japan trying to get them to start a working relationship with IMPACT. They were told you do this or we can not air your product anymore on our station and New Japan turned it down.

AXS TV started airing New Japan back in 2015. As far as issues between New Japan and IMPACT dates back to 2010-2011 when current Heayweight Champion Kazuchika Okada was working there and used poorly.

At this time there is no word on if and when New Japan will get back on American television.