HeelByNature.com is reader-supported. When you click on links or make purchases through our site, we or our affiliated partners may earn a commission. Additionally, our site features Sponsored Content, which helps us maintain and operate the website.
New Japan Pro Wrestling parent company Bushiroad announced the purchase of the all-women Japanese promotion Stardom.
Following the announcement, Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer noted that WWE had made an offer to purchase Stardom, but no deal was reached. Earlier this week it was noted that WWE also attempted to purchase Pro Wrestling NOAH, but the offer was denied.
WWE is attempting to secure a Japanese promotion in order to shift talent under the NXT Japan banner. The company is serious about getting into the Japanese market, and is in negotiations with multiple major names to join as trainers.
According to Fumi Saito, who is a friend of Stardom founder Rossy Ogawa, WWE offered Rossy a spot in the WWE Hall Of Fame during negotiations WWE had with Stardom to purchase the company. Negotiations between Stardom and WWE were held between July and August.
Bushiroad’s purchase of Stardom will allow talent to have full-time contracts, as well as a television deal. The rebrand of the promotion will begin in January 2020, with programming airing on BS NTV every Thursday, and a follow up program airing on TOKYO MX.
Stardom will be managed by Bushiroad subsidiary Kix Road Inc, which will be renamed to Bushiroad Fight Co, Ltd.