Japanese promotion Wrestle-1 became the talk of wrestling when it was announced that the almost seven-year-old promotion would be going on an indefinite hiatus following their April 1st event at Korakuen Hall. The news was announced at a Press Conference being held by Keiji Mutoh (The Great Muta) and Kaz Hayashi.
They also announced that they will terminate all W-1 contracts the day before the show meaning the entire roster are now free agents and are eligible to be signed elsewhere. Talents like Shotaro Ashino, Daiki Inaba and Reika Saiki are sure to be snapped up by other promotions.
The reason cited for the hiatus is that Wrestle-1 has never gotten “out of the red” meaning it has failed to become profitable. The promotion in its early days was bringing in big crowds and had young stars like Seiya Sanada as well as a working agreement with IMPACT! Wrestling, which led to Bound For Glory taking place in Japan. Along the way, talents like Sanada left and Wrestle-1 fell further and further away from drawing the crowds they were capable of in its early days.
Wrestle-1’s hiatus could have a knock-on effect for the oncoming NXT Japan. WWE loses out on another potential partner but gains a bigger potential talent pool to choose from now that the W-1 roster is free agents. Whether we see NXT Japan make use of the W-1 name and trademarks remains to be seen but it shouldn’t be something to rule out.
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