We are in a golden age of wrestling. Not since the Monday Night Wars have things been so hot. Need more proof? A wrestling company just sold out the infamous Madison Square Garden and it wasn’t the WWE. For the first time since 1960, a wrestling promotion other than the one owned by a McMahon will run a show in the World’s Most Famous Arena. Ring of Honor and New Japan Pro Wrestling’s “G1 Supercard” is officially sold out. The event takes place Saturday, April 6th, 2019 during WrestleMania weekend. The show will go up directly against NXT Takeover Brooklyn V, which emanates from the Barclays Center one borough over from MSG.
Both Ring of Honor and NJPW have made huge strides in wrestling over the last few years. ROH, fueled by the cash of billion-dollar Sinclair Broadcasting, has been putting on bigger and bigger shows across the world. NJPW, already the biggest name in Japanese wrestling, has held a few soldout shows in America already, but this is by far their most ambitious attempt. Combined with the sold out ‘independent’ event ALL IN, non-WWE wrestling is the biggest its ever been in the US since the collapse of WCW.
The card for the G1 Supercard has yet to be announced, but expect ROH/NJPW to feature mega-match-ups and a star-studded card.
How will WWE react? They’re not one to back down from a challenge. Expect Triple H and Vince to open up the pocketbook and creative book to make the competing NXT show one of the best ever.
This is Great For Wrestling
Wrestling, as with anything, thrives and improves with healthy competition. And while I am sure Vince isn’t sweating it too much (he did just sign a $2 billion TV deal), he hates losing anything. With the G1 SuperShow taking place the same night as NXT, expect some big matches and big signings from the Worldwide Leader In Sports Entertainment. The rumors are that WWE is planning to offer ROH and NJPW stalwarts Kenny Omega, The Young Bucks, and Cody Rhodes. WWE is also interested in indie megastars Pentagon Jr, Fenix, and New Japan ace Kazuchika Okada.
Both shows will be sold out, packed, and fun. We have a Saturday Night War on our hands.
Now a few things to keep in mind, if this wasn’t happening WrestleMania weekend, ROH would have trouble selling the show out. WWE is and will remain the far and away the leader in wrestling. That’s fine. But its also fine that they feel competition nipping on their heels. This is going to force WWE to get more creative and book an especially crazy NXT show.
Don’t be surprised if WWE signs more of your indie favorites. And don’t get too upset over it. If you want competition and for WWE to feel a sweat, then this is what has to happen. Of course, a lot of fans who want ‘competition’ want WWE to just roll over and die. That is silly and isn’t going to happen. Be happy for what wrestling has become. Enjoy the ride and the shows!