Does New Japan Pro Wrestling Have a Women’s Division?

New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) is widely regarded as one of the premier professional wrestling promotions in the world. With its strong emphasis on hard-hitting action and technical prowess, NJPW has gained a massive following worldwide. However, when it comes to women’s wrestling, NJPW has taken a different approach compared to other promotions.

No Women’s Division:
Unlike many other major wrestling promotions, such as WWE or AEW, New Japan Pro Wrestling does not have a dedicated women’s division. NJPW primarily focuses on showcasing male wrestlers and their athletic abilities. This decision has been met with mixed reactions from fans and critics alike.

Some argue that NJPW’s decision to exclude women from their roster is due to cultural factors. In Japan, there is a long-standing tradition of gender-segregated sports, with men and women often competing separately. This cultural influence may have played a role in shaping NJPW’s approach to professional wrestling.

Women’s Involvement:
While there may not be a dedicated women’s division in NJPW, that doesn’t mean women have been completely absent from the promotion. In recent years, NJPW has featured intergender matches where male and female wrestlers compete against each other. These matches are seen as special attractions rather than a regular part of the shows.

One notable example of intergender wrestling in NJPW was when Japanese wrestler Mayu Iwatani faced off against male wrestler Michael Elgin in 2017. This match garnered significant attention and showcased the talent of both wrestlers.

Additionally, during major events like Wrestle Kingdom or Dominion, New Japan Pro Wrestling has sometimes featured exhibition matches involving female wrestlers from other promotions. These matches serve as an opportunity for cross-promotion and can bring fresh faces to the NJPW audience.

• Potential for Expansion:

While New Japan Pro Wrestling currently lacks a dedicated women’s division, there is still potential for future expansion. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in women’s wrestling worldwide, and NJPW may consider capitalizing on this trend.

If NJPW were to introduce a women’s division, it could bring in talented female wrestlers from around the world and provide a platform for them to showcase their skills. This would not only diversify the promotion but also attract a new audience who are fans of women’s wrestling.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, New Japan Pro Wrestling does not currently have a dedicated women’s division. However, the promotion has included women in various capacities, such as intergender matches and exhibition bouts during major events.

While NJPW’s decision may be influenced by cultural factors, there is still potential for expansion into women’s wrestling in the future. As fans eagerly await any developments, it remains to be seen whether NJPW will embrace the growing popularity of women’s wrestling or continue to focus solely on male competitors.