Who owns New Japan Pro Wrestling now?

New Japan Pro Wrestling recently transitioned from Bushiroad ownership to the joint ownership of TV Asahi and CyberAgent. Under this new management, CyberAgent, which also owns DDT Pro-Wrestling and Pro Wrestling NOAH, aims to provide NJPW with the financial backing needed to keep top stars from leaving and revitalize the brand's domestic presence.

What did Hiroshi Tanahashi and Tony Khan discuss at Forbidden Door?

NJPW President Hiroshi Tanahashi and AEW founder Tony Khan discussed NJPW under its new TV Asahi and CyberAgent management, focusing on deeper collaboration between their promotions. Their plan includes AEW supporting NJPW's footprint in the United States, while NJPW supports AEW's future plans to run shows in Japan in a more reciprocating arrangement.

When and where does G1 Climax 36 start?

The G1 Climax 36 tournament kicks off on American soil for its first night on July 11, 2026. The opening night event will take place at the NOW Arena in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, representing a significant gamble by NJPW to establish its brand in the United States.

Who is in the G1 Climax 36 A Block?

The A Block for G1 Climax 36 is stacked with fresh talent and is considered the clear group of death for this tournament. The block matchups features Konosuke Takeshita, Yota Tsuji, Jake Lee, and Shota Umino, who is looking to prove himself as NJPW relies heavily on next-generation stars.

Why is NJPW collaborating with AEW under its new management?

Under CyberAgent and TV Asahi joint ownership, NJPW is collaborating with AEW to expand its footprint in the United States. In return, AEW gets access to NJPW's prestige to run shows in Japan, helping build a reciprocating relationship that aims to counter the historical dynamic where AEW signed away top NJPW talent.

Hiroshi Tanahashi reveals AEW alliance plans ahead of G1 Climax in Chicago

Hiroshi Tanahashi is pulling no punches as he attempts to redefine the relationship between New Japan Pro Wrestling and All Elite Wrestling. Speaking ahead of the upcoming G1 Climax 36 tournament, the NJPW President confirmed he held extensive talks with AEW founder Tony Khan at Forbidden Door. Details of their conversation, as reported in F4WOnline’s coverage of his interview, show both promotions are pushing for deeper collaboration.

A new corporate era for New Japan Pro Wrestling

The corporate structure of Japanese professional wrestling shifted under the feet of its fans this year. The transition from Bushiroad to the joint ownership of TV Asahi and CyberAgent has created both opportunities and massive logistical hurdles. CyberAgent already owns DDT Pro-Wrestling and Pro Wrestling NOAH, making this acquisition a potential consolidation of the Japanese scene.

Bushiroad’s tenure as owner saw NJPW reach historic heights under Kenny Omega and Kazuchika Okada, but the post-pandemic recovery was slow. The sale of NJPW to TV Asahi and CyberAgent represents a bid to revitalize a brand that had grown stagnant in its domestic market. CyberAgent's deep pockets could provide NJPW with the financial backing required to keep its remaining top stars from leaving.

During the Forbidden Door weekend in Chicago, Tanahashi and Tony Khan sat down to map out the future. NJPW needs AEW's footprint to establish its brand in the United States, while AEW needs NJPW's prestige and access to run shows in Japan. The relationship has often felt one-sided to fans, with AEW regularly signing top NJPW talent like Will Ospreay and Kazuchika Okada.

“Tony Khan and I sat down and had a very productive conversation,” Tanahashi said. “We discussed NJPW under the new management of TV Asahi, as well as how we will continue to cooperate: AEW supporting NJPW in the United States, and NJPW supporting AEW in its future plans in Japan.”

Whether this new management can protect NJPW from further talent raids is a major question. The alliance has historically benefited AEW far more than NJPW in terms of star power. Tanahashi’s comments suggest he is aware of the power dynamic and is actively pushing for a reciprocating arrangement.

The G1 Climax 36 kicks off in Chicago

The G1 Climax is NJPW’s premier tournament, and starting it on American soil is a significant gamble. Night one will take place at the NOW Arena in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, on July 11, 2026. Tanahashi believes this tour will act as a launchpad for the next generation of NJPW talent, who are desperately fighting for recognition.

“This year’s G1 is truly excellent,” Tanahashi said. “Any of the 20 wrestlers has a chance to win, and that’s very exciting.”

The block matchups show how much NJPW is relying on fresh blood to carry the tournament. The A Block is particularly stacked with Konosuke Takeshita, Yota Tsuji, and Jake Lee, making it the clear group of death this year. Shota Umino has a massive opportunity to prove his main-event status in the B Block, but his path to the finals is blocked by established gatekeepers like Zack Sabre Jr.

Despite Tanahashi’s optimism, the Chicago card has already hit a massive roadblock due to travel issues. Gabe Kidd, one of the most compelling heels in the company, will miss the show due to visa complications. His War Dogs partner Drilla Moloney is also off the card, leaving a sour taste for fans who bought tickets expecting the full roster.

The tournament features 20 wrestlers competing in two blocks, with the opening night in Chicago hosting nine matches. The card is loaded with cross-promotional intrigue and fresh matchups. Fans will see AEW’s Konosuke Takeshita battle Yota Tsuji in a highly anticipated A Block clash.

A Block: Konosuke Takeshita vs. Yota Tsuji
A Block: Hirooki Goto vs. SANADA
A Block: Shingo Takagi vs. Jake Lee
A Block: Yuto-Ice vs. Great-O-Khan
A Block: Oleg Boltin vs. El Phantasmo or Ryohei Oiwa
B Block: Shota Umino vs. Zack Sabre Jr.
B Block: Yuya Uemura vs. Callum Newman
B Block: Aaron Wolf vs. HENARE
B Block: Ren Narita vs. OSKAR or Yujiro Takahashi

The card offers a mix of established veterans and rising stars, but the absence of Gabe Kidd is a major blow to the tournament's momentum. Shota Umino facing Zack Sabre Jr. is a guaranteed technical masterclass that should anchor the B Block action. However, matches like Yuto-Ice versus Great-O-Khan feel like filler for a show of this magnitude.

Tracking the tournament in the digital age

Consuming a complex tournament like the G1 Climax has changed dramatically for international fans. With matches spread across weeks and blocks constantly shifting, keeping track of the standings is a challenge. Modern fans are increasingly turning to specialized applications to follow the action in real-time.

As Kendall Jenkins of PWInsider reported, sports apps are evolving from simple betting platforms into all-in-one data hubs. These apps allow users to track live updates, standings, and sudden card changes during a long night of events. The integration of live statistics and match outcomes helps fans stay connected to the product even when shows air at odd hours.

Traditional sportsbooks have historically ignored professional wrestling due to its pre-determined nature, but the G1 Climax is a different beast. The grueling tournament structure and complex booking logic make it highly appealing for micro-betting on individual match durations and block point totals. As fans follow the grueling tour, these digital hubs serve as a lifeline for viewers outside Japan who cannot watch every show live.

Wrestling betting has also seen a surge in popularity, with fans placing wagers on tournament block winners and match outcomes. The unpredictability of the G1 Climax makes it a prime target for betting enthusiasts. Having access to live data and betting odds in a single application keeps fans engaged throughout the entire tournament.

A critical look at NJPW's international strategy

While Tanahashi’s vision for NJPW’s international expansion is ambitious, the execution remains flawed. The visa issues preventing Gabe Kidd from entering the United States are not an isolated incident. NJPW has repeatedly struggled with the logistics of running shows outside of Japan, resulting in bait-and-switch cards.

Furthermore, the reliance on AEW to support NJPW's US shows can be a double-edged sword. While it provides NJPW with access to larger venues, it also risks overshadowing the NJPW roster. The upcoming Chicago show will be a major test of whether NJPW can stand on its own feet in America.