What Does Joshi Mean in Wrestling?

When it comes to the world of professional wrestling, there are many terms and jargon that can be confusing for fans, especially for those who are new to the sport. One term that you may have come across is “Joshi.” In this article, we will dive into what Joshi means in wrestling and its significance in the industry.

What is Joshi Wrestling?

Joshi is a term used to refer to women’s professional wrestling in Japan. The word “Joshi” translates to “girl” or “young woman” in Japanese and has become synonymous with women’s wrestling in Japan over the years.

Joshi wrestling has a rich history that dates back to the 1950s when female wrestlers first started making their mark in Japan. It gained popularity in the 1980s and 1990s when promotions like All Japan Women’s Pro-Wrestling (AJW) and later on, Gaea Japan and JDStar emerged as major players in the industry.

Characteristics of Joshi Wrestling

Joshi wrestling has its own unique style and characteristics that set it apart from other forms of professional wrestling. Here are some key features of Joshi wrestling:

Technical Skill:

Joshi wrestlers are known for their technical prowess inside the ring. They often incorporate a blend of strong style, high-flying moves, and intricate submission holds into their matches.

Storytelling:

Like any form of professional wrestling, storytelling plays a crucial role in Joshi matches. Wrestlers use their athleticism and in-ring skills to tell compelling stories that captivate the audience.

Diversity:

Joshi wrestling showcases a diverse range of characters and personas. From fierce fighters to colorful and charismatic personalities, Joshi promotions offer a wide variety of characters that cater to different tastes.

Women’s Empowerment:

Joshi wrestling has been at the forefront of women’s empowerment in the world of professional wrestling. It has provided a platform for female wrestlers to showcase their talents and prove that they can deliver high-quality matches on par with their male counterparts.

Impact and Influence

Joshi wrestling has had a significant impact on the global professional wrestling scene. Many Joshi wrestlers have gained international recognition for their skills and have gone on to compete in major promotions around the world.

The influence of Joshi wrestling can be seen in various aspects of the industry, including the rise of female-focused promotions such as World Wonder Ring Stardom and Tokyo Joshi Pro Wrestling. These promotions have drawn inspiration from the rich history and legacy of Joshi wrestling to create their own unique brand of women’s professional wrestling.

In addition, many current female wrestlers in mainstream promotions like WWE and AEW have cited Joshi wrestlers as inspirations for their careers. The technical prowess, storytelling abilities, and strong characters showcased in Joshi wrestling continue to inspire a new generation of wrestlers worldwide.

In Conclusion

Joshi wrestling is a term used to describe women’s professional wrestling in Japan. It has its own unique style characterized by technical skill, storytelling, diversity, and women’s empowerment. With its rich history and continued influence on the industry, Joshi wrestling remains an integral part of professional wrestling worldwide.