October 5, 2020 Observer Newsletter: NJPW shakeup, WWE talent and 3rd party deals, more

Harold George Meij, the unlikely President and CEO of New Japan Pro Wrestling, who had gotten rave reports for his handling of the COVID-19 situation and headed a period of record revenues and profits, was replaced suddenly during the G-1 Climax tournament after a meeting on 9/29 by the Bushiroad Board of Directors.

Technically, Meij will remain in his position until 10/23, when Takami Ohbari, who was the CEO of the New Japan of America division will take over the position.

Meij, 56, was born in Holland, grew up in Japan as a big fan of pro wrestling from the Giant Baba & Antonio Inoki tag team era in the late 60s, to the boom period of New Japan in the early 80s built around Inoki, Tatsumi Fujinami, the first Tiger Mask, Dynamite Kid, Riki Choshu, Hulk Hogan, Andre the Giant and Abdullah the Butcher. From there, he went to college at Bucknell University and New York University.

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