New Japan Pro Wrestling has announced that visa issues caused by the government shutdown will prevent Japanese wrestlers from participating in the upcoming United States tour.
This is the reason why it took so long for them to announce the line-ups. NJPW has a policy not to announce matches if they feel like they will not be able to deliver some of the advertised names.
They will be running shows on 1/30 in Los Angeles at the Globe Theater, 2/1 in Charlotte at the Grady Cole Center, and 2/2 in Nashville’s War Memorial.
NJPW issued the following statement:
Regarding THE NEW BEGINNING in USA
It is with great disappointment that we must announce that due to the ongoing 2018–19 United States federal government shutdown, we were unable to obtain visas for our Japanese talent who were looking forward to seeing our US fans at the New Beginning in USA.
We are excited to still be able to share a great line-up with our US fans, regardless of visa issues. The IWGP US Champion, Juice Robinson, is defending his title against Barretta and The Great O-Kharn, who is flying in from England, will be debuting in New Japan!
What’s more, this show will highlight the talent and potential of our Young Lions, who have been working hard in the NJPW LA dojo. We are looking forward to being able to celebrate the abilities of the exciting new generation of young NJPW wrestlers.
