NJPW Chairman Naoki Sugabayashi confirmed today during the G1 Climax 31 Press Conference that more matches will be added to all future NJPW shows. This is a big deal for NJPW as matches unfortunately had to be cut due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic with cases in Japan rising rapidly and stricter policies were being enforced. Sugabayashi said,
“Over the last year or so, under NJPW’s COVID protocols, there has been a reduction in the number of matches on each New Japan Pro-Wrestling event. As a result of the current infection levels in Japan, as well as the vaccination of staff and wrestlers, from the forthcoming tour we will be increasing the number of matches on each card, while maintaining our other COVID rules and protocols. From now on, fans can expect to see more of their favourite wrestlers competing on each live event. Once again, we appreciate your understanding and support throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Your patience through this period has been very important, and in several ways moving forward, we will be looking to bring back the New Japan Pro-Wrestling of pre-COVID times.“
