NJPW’s DMCA Takedowns Over Wrestle Kingdom 19 Raise Eyebrows Among Fans and Content Creators

New Japan Pro Wrestling delivered an unforgettable spectacle with Wrestle Kingdom 19, but the excitement surrounding the event has been overshadowed by controversy. Fans and content creators alike are expressing frustration as NJPW reportedly issued a wave of DMCA takedowns targeting photos, articles, and updates related to the event.

Ringside News was among those affected, sharing on Twitter that NJPW flagged one of their posts featuring live coverage photos from Wrestle Kingdom 19. To make matters worse, even articles discussing the event were targeted, leaving many questioning NJPW’s approach.

The issue isn’t isolated to Ringside News. Numerous Twitter users and other accounts reported similar takedowns for posting photos or sharing event updates. The heavy-handed enforcement has sparked backlash from fans, who see the restrictions as stifling engagement with NJPW’s content rather than protecting its intellectual property.

Fans and creators have called out NJPW for what they perceive as a counterproductive strategy. Wrestle Kingdom 19 was generating significant online momentum, and many argue that encouraging fan-driven coverage would have amplified the event’s reach. Instead, these takedowns risk alienating the audience and shrinking the broader conversation around one of NJPW’s biggest shows of the year.

While protecting content is understandable, the move raises questions about whether NJPW is hindering its own ability to capitalize on fan enthusiasm and exposure.

What’s your take on NJPW’s aggressive approach to DMCA takedowns? Should companies prioritize engagement over strict enforcement? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!