Is It Time for NJPW to Move On from Gedo?
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Ever since 2020, following the end of their last golden age, NJPW has struggled to return to the level seen between 2012 and 2019. Every time it seems Japan’s biggest promotion is taking a step forward, it ends up taking two steps back.
There are multiple reasons for this, ranging from internal issues to external pressures, such as the rise of AEW. But one name frequently comes up in these discussions: Gedo.
Gedo will go down in pro-wrestling history as one of the greatest bookers of the modern era, and arguably of all time. His success during NJPW’s golden age is undeniable. However, pro-wrestling, even as a pseudo-sport, operates much like a traditional sport.
When a team struggles, the first thing most organizations do is change the coach, bringing new energy and strategies to the table. Perhaps NJPW now faces a similar moment.
All bookers go through ups and downs, and even the best have faced periods of struggle. But with NJPW and Gedo repeatedly making the same mistakes over the past few years, it raises the question, does the promotion need a fresh voice in the booker’s chair?
The Need for New Vision Behind the Curtain
The so-called free agency of bookers does not exist, and NJPW has not built up anyone as a future successor for Gedo, at least that we know of. This is something Hiroshi Tanahashi, President of NJPW, needs to start considering.
It is hard to argue with those who still have faith in Gedo. His track record is there, and as mentioned before, it cannot be ignored. Maybe Gedo has one last great run in him. But, the pieces on the chessboard do not suggest that kind of positive outcome.
External factors have also contributed to the issues plaguing NJPW. Since 2019, AEW has effectively taken the spotlight NJPW once held and maintained it to this day, particularly by signing many of NJPW’s major stars.
While these external pressures cannot be overlooked, there comes a point when they cannot be cited as the sole reason for NJPW’s current struggles.
At the end of the day, NJPW, and especially Hiroshi Tanahashi, are in a conundrum regarding this situation. It’s unclear whether NJPW has even considered Gedo stepping down as booker, and his track record remains difficult to dispute.
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