Japanese pro wrestlers. This list may not reflect recent changes.
Japanese pro wrestlers. Sep 5, 2018 · A brief history of New Japan Pro-Wrestling Originally founded in 1972 by retired professional wrestler and martial artist, now politician and wrestling promoter Antonio Inoki, New Japan Pro-Wrestling, Shin Nihon Puroresu (新日本プロレス) in Japanese, has been around for a while now. Jun Kasai (葛西 純, Kasai Jun) (born September 9, 1974) is a Japanese professional wrestler, primarily competing for Pro Wrestling Freedoms. This list may not reflect recent changes. 4 days ago · This includes the list of all current NJPW Wrestlers from Heavyweight, Junior Heavyweight, Young Lions, STRONG and TAMASHII, division between Men and Women Rosters, active Tag Teams & Stables, the current reigning Champions, as well as Managers, Announcers, Authority figures, Producers and other personalities in New Japan Pro Wrestling. 5 days ago · This includes the list of all current AJPW Wrestlers, active Tag Teams & Stables, as well as Managers, Announcers, Authority figures, Producers and other personalities in All Japan Pro Wrestling. New Japan Pro-Wrestling's official English YouTube channel is the best place to keep up to date with the blistering action from NJPW! Featuring in-depth and thought-provoking documentary series At EDION Arena Osaka in Tokyo, Japan, the most fearless Japanese female wrestlers compete in the most brutal of battles in Joshi Pro-Wrestling. Puroresu is the predominant style of professional wrestling that has developed in Japan. Many other wrestlers from JWA joined him, and he even had a contract with Nippon TV upon having their first event. Nov 17, 2023 · In my article, ‘The Life and Times of Antonio Inoki’ I referenced his approach to Japanese pro wrestling, Strong Style. But if you’re Official account of "New Japan Pro-Wrestling World"!! Official account of "New Japan Pro-Wrestling World"!! njpwworld. Professional wrestling style See main article: Puroresu. Sep 21, 2024 · The New Japan Pro Wrestling promotion is based in Nakano, Tokyo. Sep 25, 2024 · Want to bond with Japanese people over professional wrestling? Here's an overview of styles, stars, and how to be a wrestling fan in Japan! Aug 21, 2024 · Big Japan Pro Wrestling was the brainchild of Shinya Kojika and Kendo Nagasaki, both of whom were professional wrestlers who excelled at the hardcore style of wrestling and had a combined fifty-six years of in-ring experience when BJW was formed. She is a former grand slam champion and royal rumble winner. Dubbed the Crazy Monkey (クレイジーモンキー, Kureijī Monkī) for his violent and often self-harmful style of hardcore wrestling, Kasai is considered a breakthrough talent in Japanese wrestling, able to work both hardcore and technical styles Information on All Japan Women's Pro-Wrestling. They also are half-American and speak English which could be helpful for All Japan’s on-and-off attempts to cultivate their international fanbase. New Japan Pro-Wrestling Co. As the leader of nWo Japan, Team 2000 and Black New Japan, he was the promotion's top heel for much of his career, beginning in 1994 when he adopted a yakuza inspired gimmick. Jan 16, 2025 · An esteemed panel of pro wrestling experts collaborated to create the FSM 50 2024, a list of the world's top 50 wrestlers for 2024. This includes the list of all AJPW Wrestlers, division between Men and Women Rosters, active Tag Teams & Stables, the current reigning Champions, as well as Managers, Announcers, Authority figures, Producers and other personalities in All Japan Pro Wrestling. Yuka Sakazaki (坂崎 ユカ, Sakazaki Yuka; born December 27, 1992) is a Japanese professional wrestler. It operated from 1953 to 1973. new japan pro wrestling official site,hot news,roster,tickets,merchandise,results new japan pro wrestling official site,hot news,roster,tickets,merchandise,results Oct 21, 2019 · Japanese wrestlers often stay in their homeland, but there are some who worked for WWE and became the best in company history. This list celebrates the most influential Japanese pro wrestlers of all time, each of whom has left an indelible mark on the sport through their groundbreaking work inside and outside the ring. This list details wrestlers who currently work for New Japan Pro Wrestling. He also performs for Michinoku Pro as a wrestler, serving as the sole Jun 2, 2025 · NJPW has featured some of the biggest and best giants from pro wrestling's past and present. Mitsuhiro Momota[a] (born Kim Sin-rak[b]; November 14, 1924 [nb 1] – December 15, 1963), better known by the ring name Rikidōzan (力道山), was a Korean-Japanese professional wrestler and sumo wrestler (rikishi). Brief history, result archive, etc. To be considered a Young Lion one must have trained through the NJPW system. [4] The inaugural champion was Kairi. Wrestlers that were born in Japan. In 2005, Inoki sold the promotion to Yuke's, who later sold it to Bushiroad in 2012 Masahiro Chono (蝶野正洋, Chōno Masahiro; born September 17, 1963) is an American-born Japanese retired professional wrestler and actor best known for his 26-year stint with New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW). Veny (stylized in all caps, born October 27, 1998) is the ring-name of a Japanese professional wrestler currently working as a freelancer. Inoki founded New Japan Pro Wrestling, which focused on what came to be called Strong Style. What’s interesting is Hase was doing double duty as a professional wrestler and politician. com Inoki was a twelve-time professional wrestling world champion, notably being the inaugural IWGP Heavyweight Champion and the first Asian WWF Heavyweight Champion, a reign not officially recognized by WWE. What actually is strong style? Today that is a question that is harder and harder to define, as professional wrestling has developed and cross pollinated significantly in the last 20 years. Watch as icons Sep 2, 2020 · Every wondered who are the greatest Japanese wrestlers of all time? Here is our pick of the top five. (新日本プロレス株式会社 Shin Nihon Puroresu Kabushiki-Kaisha), operating as New Japan Pro-Wrestling (新日本プロレス Shin Nihon Puroresu) and sometimes referred to as NJPW or simply New Japan, is a major promotion founded in January 13, 1972 by Antonio Inoki. Jan 21, 2025 · In professional wrestling, he had a lengthy career from the mid 80’s to mid 2000’s. Our complete Pro Wrestlers Database allows you to travel through time and see the AJPW Roster by Year or any specific Date in history. She is best known for her work as Kana in Japan and Asuka in WWE. Oct 21, 2022 · Welcome to All Japan 50 for 50: one key match from each year of All Japan Pro Wrestling's history that you should take the time to watch. new japan pro wrestling official site,hot news,roster,tickets,merchandise,results Mar 17, 2022 · This month fifty years ago NJPW held it's first ever event at the Ota Ward Gymnasium with Karl Gotch facing Antonio Inoki in the main event and in the 50 years since, some of the greatest have gone through one of Japan and the world's greatest wrestling promotions competing in some of wrestling's greatest ever matches. Shop merch HERE Antonio Inoki (アントニオ猪木, Antonio Inoki) (born Kanji Inoki (Japanese: 猪木寛至, Hepburn: Inoki Kanji); 20 February 1943 – 1 October 2022) was a Japanese professional wrestler, professional wrestling trainer, martial artist, politician, and promoter of professional wrestling and mixed martial arts (MMA). The term became popular among English-speaking fans due to Hisaharu Tanabe's activities in the online Usenet community. Information on All Japan Women's Pro-Wrestling. The title is defended on shows promoted by NJPW in Japan, with talent from NJPW's sister promotion World Wonder Ring Stardom featuring as its primary contenders. He was known as the father of professional wrestling in Japan, nicknamed The Father of Puroresu (日本プロレス界の父), and is considered one of the most influential All Japan Women's Pro-Wrestling was a joshi puroresu (women's professional wrestling) promotion established in 1968 by Takashi Matsunaga and his brothers. "IWGP" is the acronym of NJPW's governing body, the International Wrestling Grand Prix (インターナショナル・レスリング・グラン・プリ, intānashonaru resuringu Kensuke Shinzaki (新崎 健介 Shinzaki Kensuke, born December 2, 1966) is a Japanese professional wrestler and professional wrestling executive, better known by his ring name, Jinsei Shinzaki (新崎 人生 Shinzaki Jinsei). He is best known as the founder and 33-year owner of New Japan Pro 2 days ago · Gifu, Japan – A highly emotional night is anticipated at New Japan Pro-Wrestling’s (NJPW) Final Homecoming event, headlined by two meaningful championship contests. She is known for her tenure with Tokyo Joshi Pro Wrestling, where she is a three-time Princess of Princess Champion, and a record-tying four-time Princess Tag Team Champion. All Japan Pro Wrestling was formed on October 21st, 1972 when Giant Baba split away from the Japanese Wrestling Association and created his own promotion. With so many different legends to look at, here are just a few names that make sense as the most influential wrestlers to work and come from the world of Japanese Professional Wrestling. He is signed to the Michinoku Pro Wrestling promotion where he is the promotion's president. It is the main streaming, media and broadcasting company in the whole of Japan and was founded in 1972. It will be in conjunction with Boat Race Shimonoseki. Oct 21, 2023 · New Japan Pro-Wrestling has featured many amazing wrestlers inside their ring over the many decades that the promotion has existed. He and Antonio Inoki were the two protégés of Rikidôzan. Jul 31, 2017 · NJPW: 10 Greatest Wrestlers of All Time. Today, numerous professional wrestlers participate in local and international games. Pages in category "Japanese male professional wrestlers" The following 200 pages are in this category, out of approximately 590 total. The word puroresu was made popular by Hisaharu Tanabe among the English speaking fans in the early 1990s through Usenet and online services. The term Puroresu (プロレス, Puro-resu) is a Japanese term referring to professional wrestling in Japan and abroad. Aside The list "Japanese female professional wrestlers" has been viewed 2,517 times. Please read the Introduction & Greeting if you are visiting the site for the first time. Sep 11, 2024 · As Professional Wrestling continues to strive in Japan, many more generations of talent look up to the ones that came before them for either inspiration or learning. Young Lions Upon graduation, Young Lions often compete primarily in the shows and excursions. Introducing the great sport of PURORESU, the pro-wrestling in Japan. RELATED: 10 Crazy Japanese Wrestling Masks American Fans Have To See Japanese wrestlers tend to look different from American wrestlers. Due to its scope, it should contain only subcategories. She was formerly known as Asuka (朱崇花). The name is a reference to the NJPW logo which features the fearsome beast. It is a Japanese loanword that stems from the pronunciation of "professional wrestling" (プロフェッショナル・レスリング, purofesshonaru resuringu), which is abbreviated in Japanese to puro (プロ - "pro") and resu (レス - an abbreviation of "wrestling"). Here are some of the most prominent wrestlers who are out and proud. The current roster consists of the Home Unit (those under exclusive contract), freelancers, gaikokujin and several stables. 11 hours ago · The full lineup was unveiled for New Japan Pro-Wrestling's November 16th event. Jul 14, 2019 · UPROXX highlights eight great women wrestlers working in Japan right now who you may not have heard of before. New Japan Pro-Wrestling (新日本プロレスリング株式会社, Shin Nihon Puroresuringu Kabushiki-gaisha) (NJPW) [2] or simply New Japan is a Japanese professional-wrestling promotion founded on January 13, 1972, by Antonio Inoki, and based in Nakano, Tokyo. Throughout the years it’s teamed up with a number of other international leagues. , Ltd. [5][6] Growing out of . Nov 20, 2016 · Japanese wrestling offers an alternative to not only the WWE, but North American wrestling in general. Community content is available under CC-BY-SA unless otherwise noted. Mar 1, 2022 · The history of New Japan Pro-Wrestling includes only a sporadic overlap with the world of women in wrestling. Jan 3, 2025 · Here are our picks for the greatest Japanese pro wrestlers in the history of WWE, including Shinsuke Nakamura, Antonio Inoki, Asuka and more. Jan 9, 2023 · Many of today's most popular wrestlers, both in major feds and on the indies, are LGBTQ+. Kanako Urai is a Japanese professional wrestler signed with WWE. Nov 21, 2024 · Discover 27 fascinating facts about Japanese wrestling, from its rich history to iconic wrestlers and unique traditions. Japan loves to add its own original flair to just about everything, and when it comes to pro wrestling, these women sure know how to put on a show! Japanese Women’s Pro Wrestling Pro wrestling, with its theatrical flair and flamboyance, first grew to popularity in […] Masahiro Chono (蝶野正洋, Chōno Masahiro; born September 17, 1963) is an American-born Japanese retired professional wrestler and actor best known for his 26-year stint with New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW). 2 days ago · Gifu, Japan – A highly emotional night is anticipated at New Japan Pro-Wrestling’s (NJPW) Final Homecoming event, headlined by two meaningful championship contests. From its modest origins to its rise as a worldwide sensation, the growth of pro wrestling in Japan highlights its lasting appeal and cultural impact. Konosuke Takeshita (竹下 幸之介, Takeshita Kōnosuke; born May 29, 1995) is a Japanese professional wrestler. Hase has wrestled for multiple promotions but is known for his time in New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) and All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW). Debuted in 1986 against Noriyo Toyoda. Likewise, while the WWE, Ring of Honor, TNA, and other companies like to give their wrestlers a complicated reason to feud, in New Japan Pro Shinsuke Nakamura dedicated a majority of his life and career for New Japan Pro Wrestling, him and Tanahashi persevered through bad booking, poor attendance, and mistreatment of traditional pro wrestlers and see the company finally blossom once more into being the number one wrestling promotion in the entire country. The term Feb 13, 2022 · Strong Style is the most common type of professional wrestling. Nov 4, 2023 · Flashy costumes, devastating takedowns, and plenty of smack talk. Oct 27, 2017 · If you are interested in wrestling, you have to check out this article! Here you'll learn all about the appeal of New Japan Pro Wrestling, how to watch it, how to access Korakuen Hall (their main venue in Tokyo), how to buy the tickets, and more! The IWGP World Heavyweight Championship (IWGP世界ヘビー級王座, IWGP Sekai hebī-kyū ōza) is a professional wrestling world heavyweight championship owned by the New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) promotion. The Japan Pro Wrestling Alliance (日本プロレス協会, Nihon Puroresu Kyōkai), also known as the Japan Pro Wrestling Association and the Japanese Wrestling Association (JWA), was the first professional wrestling promotion to be based in Japan. com and 5 more links The latest news, information, interviews and columns about New Japan Pro-Wrestling! Dec 3, 2014 · Starting in the 1950s, professional wrestling, or puroresu, enjoyed popularity on a par with Japan’s other top sports of baseball and sumō. The term comes from the Japanese pronunciation of "professional wrestling", which is shortened to puroresu. He is signed to the American promotion All Elite Wrestling (AEW), where he is a member of The Don Callis Family, while also being a former one-time AEW International Champion. Whereas American, Canadian, and even Mexican companies emphasize out-of-ring storytelling, storytelling in Japan pretty much occurs only in the ring. Dec 21, 2022 · The talent coming from Japan’s modern scene is becoming increasingly sought-after in promotions stateside – from All Elite Wrestling (AEW) to Deadlock Pro Wrestling (DPW) on the East Coast, PRESTIGE on the West Coast, and everywhere in between. This category lists Japanese professional wrestlers. Ranging from former faction leaders to the best Junior Heavyweight wrestlers of all time, here are just a few of the absolute best in-ring wrestlers that have ever graced a New Japan Pro-Wrestling ring. Apr 21, 2024 · Pro wrestling in Japan boasts a long and storied history, marked by exciting matches, legendary rivalries, and unforgettable characters. Puroresu (プロレス, Puro-resu) is a Japanese term referring to professional wrestling in Japan and abroad. New Japan Pro-Wrestling's official English YouTube channel is the best place to keep up to date with the blistering action from NJPW! Featuring in-depth and thought-provoking documentary series Sep 6, 2020 · Here are eight of the most memorable Asian WWE superstars in the long and storied history of America's premiere wrestling promotion. Apr 4, 2024 · Wrestling is a combat sport that poses many risks, especially if practiced without proper protective gear. Aug 26, 2021 · At 34, they are pretty old to be debuting in pro wrestling, but their size and Sumo pedigree are going to be alluring to a Japanese pro wrestling company. Inoki began his promoting career in 1972, when he founded New Japan Pro-Wrestling. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the famous wrestlers who died while performing in the ring. Unfortunately, some wrestlers have lost their lives in the ring. This is a container category. On this page you find the full AJW Roster & Alumni across the All-Time History of the company. She is best known for being with other wrestling promotions such as Pro Wrestling Wave and Seadlinnng. Premature deaths are not uncommon in A Japanese female pro-wrestling league. Japanese-American professional wrestler best known for her work in All Japan Women's Pro Wrestling and ARSION during the 1980s and 1990s. The event promises a blend of experience and emerging talent as wrestling icon Hiroshi Tanahashi prepares for what could be his final championship prospect before retirement. This includes the list of all AJW Wrestlers, division between Men and Women Rosters, active Tag Teams & Stables, as well as Managers, Announcers, Authority figures, Producers and other personalities in All Japan Women's Pro-Wrestling. Fans would gather around televisions to watch bouts This includes the list of all NJPW Wrestlers from Heavyweight, Junior Heavyweight, Young Lions, STRONG and TAMASHII, division between Men and Women Rosters, active Tag Teams & Stables, the current reigning Champions, as well as Managers, Announcers, Authority figures, Producers and other personalities in New Japan Pro Wrestling. A comprehensive deep dive and analysis of the greatest in-ring stars in the history of NJPW. See full list on thesportster. It came from a disagreement in approach between the wrestlers Antonio Inoki and Shohei Baba. The Have you ever wondered why Japanese All-Female Pro-Wrestling—known as Joshi Pro-resu in Japanese, or just “Joshi” to fans around the world—has thrived in Japan like nowhere else? Apr 11, 2016 · Japanese pro wrestling Thomas Peter/REUTERS American pro wrestler Kris Hernandez, who competes as Kris Wolf, (C) meets fans Eiichi Nakazato (R) and Eishi Matsumoto in a restaurant in Tokyo, March Oct 24, 2023 · If you know anything about pro wrestling in Japan, you’ll probably know that it requires a higher level of mental fortitude and toughness due to its physical demands. Oct 25, 2009 · Japanese Female Pro Wrestling featuring Bull Nakano, Manami Toyota, Takako Inoue, Devil Masami, Aja Kong and Akira Hokuto. Wikimedia Commons has media related to Japanese professional wrestlers. Rookie wrestlers of the New Japan Pro Wrestling promotion are referred to as Young Lions. She is signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW). New website under construction. new japan pro wrestling official site,hot news,roster,tickets,merchandise,results Oct 21, 2019 · Japanese wrestlers often stay in their homeland, but there are some who worked for WWE and became the best in company history. [3] She is the first known transgender wrestler from Japan, having made her debut in 2015. Baba founded All Japan Pro Wrestling with its focus on what came to be called King’s Road. trueMy top 25 favorite Japanese pro-wrestlers of all time (I have a separate list for joshi) and in no particular order This is a list of professional wrestlers who currently wrestle for All Japan Pro Wrestling, as well as a list of notable alumni. (previous page) (next page) Sep 10, 2025 · Japanese professional wrestling, known as puroresu, has long been a vibrant and influential part of the global wrestling landscape. Dive into the world of puroresu! Deceased Japanese professional wrestler and promoter as Giant Baba who was best known for his long career as the top star for his own All Japan Pro Wrestling. So in our first Historic Top Ten in a few months (darn you writer's block Jan 18, 2015 · This article will cover the 12 most popular and influential Japanese wrestlers of all time, from the sports founding father and first great practitioners, to those wrestlers still growing, yet who The IWGP Women's Championship (Japanese: IWGP女子王座, Hepburn: IWGP Joshi Ōza) is a women's professional wrestling world championship owned by the New Japan Pro-Wrestling promotion. He is also signed to Japanese promotions DDT Pro-Wrestling and New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), where in Professional wrestling in Japan is commonly referred to as puroresu in Japanese, short for "professional wrestling" (" puro fesshonaru resu ringu"). x8myb2glfvr1aqkf1mduleasqc54pvqtba4jhiljpw