New Japan Pro Wrestling released the following video of company President Harold Meij explaining his decision not to push forward with empty arena events during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Meij begins by admitting what a financial toll the promotion has taken due to the viral outbreak, but assures us that their decision not to run shows comes out of respecting the safety of NJPW’s staff and wrestlers.
Meij specifically mentions these three points:
-To protect the health and safety of our wrestlers and staff.
-Our ability to use venues.
-NJPW’s Corporate Social Responsibility
“It behooves New Japan to act to the highest possible ethical standards,” states Meij, who goes on to say that NJPW will not tarnish their reputation for financial gain even in these tough times.
Meij does promise fans that NJPW will eventually run empty arena shows, but only when the state of emergency is lifted in Japan, and when the number of COVID-19 cases drops significantly.
You can watch the full address below.