FITE TV's Mike Weber discusses NJPW's Southern Showdown events and AEW.
New Japan Pro-Wrestling is returning to Australia this weekend for two shows with the first emanating from Melbourne and the second taking place in Sydney. The Melbourne show kicks off on June 29th at 5 AM EST on FITE TV and despite the early start time, FITE TV C.O.O. Mike Weber is optimistic that the event will do well in regards to buyrates. Weber told The Wrap that he believes viewers, in general, do not care about the time of the show and his explained his stance on that viewpoint.
“We’re optimistic that it’s gonna be one of the best events we’ve done [buy-wise],” but acknowledged that they “don’t understand the buying habits of the Japanese the way we do Americans or Europeans. [Consumers] don’t really like buying a pay-per-view product,” Weber believes “Southern Showdown is a very strong card that the Japanese fans will like. I think viewers, in general, don’t really care about the time,” Weber said. “It’s a more 24/7 world than it ever has been. People don’t eat at noon and 5 — they’re not on that regimented schedule.”
FITE TV also streamed All Elite Wrestling's Double Or Nothing show internationally and when asked about the company, Weber stated that he doesn't think AEW has enough history to be the number two wrestling company in the world. Weber did add that AEW could be on the cusp of taking that spot although they have ran one show under the company banner but he has never seen anything as far as the demand for a product as such in nearly 30 years.
“AEW just doesn’t have enough history to take the title of No. 2 in the world,” Weber said. “You need a little more time to do it.”
All Elite Wrestling's weekly show will air on ITV in the United Kingdom and the ITV Wrestling YouTube channel recently uploaded a clip of Darby Allin's segment from Road To Fyter Fest which can be watched here.
