Other meanings of New Japan Pro-Wrestling
Professional wrestling
New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) is a Japanese professional wrestling promotion founded in 1972 by Antonio Inoki. It is widely regarded as the largest and most influential wrestling promotion in Japan, known for its strong style, high-quality matches, and the annual Wrestle Kingdom event at the Tokyo Dome.
New Japan Pro-Wrestling was founded on January 13, 1972, by Antonio Inoki, a former professional wrestler and mixed martial arts pioneer. Inoki sought to create a promotion that blended traditional Japanese martial arts with professional wrestling, emphasizing realism and athleticism. The promotion's early years were marked by a rivalry with All Japan Pro Wrestling, which led to a competitive landscape that pushed both companies to innovate.
In 1973, NJPW held its first major event at the Nippon Budokan, and by the late 1970s, it had established a strong following. The promotion's international reach expanded through partnerships with American promotions like the WWF and NWA, bringing foreign stars to Japan and exporting Japanese talent abroad.
NJPW is renowned for its 'strong style' — a hard-hitting, realistic approach that emphasizes strikes, suplexes, and submission holds. This philosophy was shaped by Inoki's background in martial arts and his belief that wrestling should be a legitimate sport. The style has influenced generations of wrestlers worldwide, including those in the UFC and other MMA promotions.
Key figures in developing strong style include Tatsumi Fujinami, who introduced a more technical and shoot-oriented approach, and later stars like Keiji Muto and Shinya Hashimoto, who brought a blend of power and agility. The style remains a defining characteristic of NJPW, distinguishing it from the more theatrical presentations of American promotions.
NJPW's flagship event is Wrestle Kingdom, held annually on January 4 at the Tokyo Dome. First held in 1992, it has become the promotion's biggest show, often drawing over 40,000 fans and featuring top matches that are critically acclaimed. Other notable events include the G1 Climax, a round-robin tournament held each summer, and the Dominion show in Osaka.
The promotion's championships include the IWGP Heavyweight Championship, the top title, as well as the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship, the NEVER Openweight Championship, and tag team titles. The IWGP titles are recognized worldwide and have been defended in multiple countries, reflecting NJPW's global expansion.
In the 2010s, NJPW expanded internationally, launching NJPW World, a streaming service, and holding events in the United States, United Kingdom, and other countries. The promotion formed partnerships with American companies like Ring of Honor (ROH) and later All Elite Wrestling (AEW), leading to cross-promotional matches and talent exchanges.
This global push was spearheaded by stars like Kazuchika Okada, Kenny Omega, and Hiroshi Tanahashi, whose matches gained international acclaim. NJPW's influence is evident in the rise of 'bullet club' merchandise and the adoption of Japanese wrestling tropes by Western promotions.
Beyond the mainstream, NJPW has a rich history of lesser-known contributions. The promotion pioneered the use of MMA-style fights in the 1970s, with Inoki's 1976 match against Muhammad Ali being a precursor to modern MMA. NJPW also introduced the 'fighting spirit' concept, where wrestlers show resilience by kicking out of finishers, which has become a staple in wrestling worldwide.
NJPW's junior heavyweight division has been a breeding ground for innovative high-flying styles, with wrestlers like Jushin Liger and Tiger Mask influencing luchadores and cruiserweights globally. The promotion also runs a developmental system, the NJPW Dojo, which has produced talents like Shinsuke Nakamura and AJ Styles, who later found success in WWE.
This article focuses on the professional wrestling promotion founded in 1972, not the video game or other uses of the name.
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