Fred Rosser recently spoke with NJPW about STRONG LIVE and STRONG On Demand replacing the current taping system. 2023 is a big year for NJPW due to the changes the company is currently making to its programming schedule.
Rosser also expressed his excitement for Mercedes Mone’s upcoming NJPW in-ring debut against KAIRI at Battle In The Valley.
You can check out some highlights from the interview below:
On the changes in format to STRONG: “Well, we want to put more eyes on NJPW STRONG, and I think this is the way to do that. STRONG is my baby- getting this opportunity during the pandemic was intimidating at first, and I’m not afraid to say that I wasn’t sure I could cut it in New Japan, but when the red light’s on, like Kevin Kelly said ‘very few can keep up with this engine’. I’ve amazed myself with some of what I’ve achieved and that we’ve achieved so far, and I think we can keep amazing everyone. I’m not afraid no more (laughs).”
On Mercedes Mone competing at Battle in the Valley: “I’m so excited, especially for Mercedes (Moné), that’s my girl, and I know this has been a dream of hers for a long, long time.”
On what separates the NJPW Academy from a full time LA Dojo training regimen: “Well, it’s a 12 week program, two sessions a week. That doesn’t give you all that the full time LA Dojo offers, but whether your goal is NXT, WWE, New Japan, or even if it’s just doing this for a hobby, we’re going to give you the tools to get there and then it’s up to you.”
In other news, IMPACT x NJPW Multiverse United: Only The Strong Survive takes place on March 30th in Los Angeles, CA at the Globe Theater as part of WrestleCon.
Tickets for the event are now on sale at WrestleCon.com. Here’s the updated lineup for the show:
* Will Ospreay vs. Mike Bailey
* Josh Alexander vs. KUSHIDA
* Jeff Cobb vs. Moose
