TNA News: Japanese great to appear at Lockdown, TNA stars heading to Japan

TNA issued the following press release to Prowrestling.net regarding its talent being featured on an upcoming Wrestle-1 event in Japan.

Building on the popularity of its programming internationally, TNA announced today it will send 11 of its Superstars to Japan for a special event with Wrestle-1, founded by the legendary Keiji Mutoh (The Great Muta), on March 2 at the Ryogoku Kokugikan Sumo Arena.  

The event will feature matches pitting members of the TNA roster against Wrestle-1 talent. Cameras will capture all the action and the footage is scheduled to broadcast as a One Night Only Pay-Per-View (PPV) event later this year.

"The Japanese have an incomparable respect and appreciation for professional wrestling," said TNA Executive Vice President John Gaburick. "As TNA continues our global expansion, we are honored to partner with Mutoh and Wrestle-1 to give our fans an exceptional night of unparalleled entertainment. We envision a long and successful relationship with Wrestle-1, as we partner to deliver innovative live events and programming for our fans across the U.S., in Japan and around the world."
The TNA Superstars scheduled to appear on March 2 include World Heavyweight Champion Magnus, Bobby Roode, Samoa Joe, Gail Kim, Austin Aries, Abyss, Kaz and Daniels, Madison Rayne and the recently signed The Wolves, Davey Richards and Eddie Edwards.

Additionally, Mutoh, along with Wrestle-1 star Seiya Sanada, will be in Miami March 8-9 for Lockdown, where they are scheduled to participate in Fan InterAction and the Pay-Per-View event.

Powell's POV: The coolest part of this for fans who don't follow the Japanese product closely is that The Great Muta will appear on the Lockdown pay-per-view. He made quite a name for himself with with WCW fans back in the day. Meanwhile, it looks like TNA is sending most of it's better workers to Japan for the Wrestle-1 event.