Fight Network Signs Global TV Deal to Air New Japan Pro Wrestling Weekly Series
Toronto – Fight Network, the world’s premier 24/7 multi-platform channel dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports, today announced a programming deal to broadcast the weekly New Japan Pro Wrestling English-language series in Canada and globally in over 30 countries across Europe, Africa and the Middle East.
Originally broadcast on AXS TV in the U.S. and premiering on Fight Network on July 7, new episodes of New Japan Pro Wrestling will debut every Thursday at 9 p.m. ET in Canada. Check listings for additional airings throughout the week.
Fight Network is already the home of TNA Wrestling content, including its two-hour flagship weekly program IMPACT WRESTLING, as well as Ring of Honor Wrestling, both airing on Tuesday nights. Fight Network’s international wrestling block on Thursdays already features CMLL Wrestling and AAA: Lucha Libre Worldwide from Mexico, Insane Championship Wrestling and British Wrestling Weekly from the U.K., and will now feature New Japan Pro Wrestling, widely regarded by pundits as one of the hottest professional wrestling properties on television.
Founded by Antonio Inoki in 1972, NJPW is the largest promotion in Japan. It has formed global partnerships with other organizations, including Ring of Honor Wrestling, while establishing the puroresu and strong style as one of the most exciting in the world. The renowned roster features the likes of Hiroshi Tanahashi, Kazuchika Okada, Tetsuya Naito, Kushida, Jyushin Thunder Liger, Michael Elgin and many more, as well as mixed martial arts crossover stars such as Kazushi Sakuraba, Minoru Suzuki and Katsuyori Shibata. NJPW content is available digitally on the SVOD service NJPW World. The first season of the weekly series is hosted by former UFC heavyweight champion Josh Barnett and well-travelled combat sports play-by-play announcer Mauro Ranallo. Later episodes are hosted by Barnett and Jim Ross, formerly the voice of WWE.
“Fight Network continues to expand its offering of professional wrestling content with one of our most exciting additions to date,” said Chad Midgley, VP of Fight Network. “Our subscribers have demanded this series since day one, so we’re delighted to announce it has finally arrived on Fight Network. As far as diversity, in-ring quality and production value, this is one of the best products on the market. The weekly series will complement our existing assortment of promotions from around the world, further establishing Fight Network as a global destination for pro wrestling fans.”
The NJPW episodes are produced by and acquired from TV Asahi Corporation.
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About Fight Network:
Fight Network (www.fightnetwork.com) is the world’s premier combat sports network dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports, including fights, fighters, fight news and fight lifestyle. The channel is available on Cablevision’s Optimum TV, Suddenlink Communications, Grande Communications and Armstrong Cable in the U.S., all major carriers in Canada, Roku and Apple TV devices across North America, over 30 countries across Europe, Africa and the Middle East and on TSN Radio in Canada via its program “Live Audio Wrestling.” Fight Network is a subsidiary of Anthem Sports & Entertainment Corp. (www.anthemse.com), which also launched FNTSY Sports Network across North America in March 2014 and holds a significant ownership interest in Pursuit Channel.
