What Is Japanese Pro Wrestling Called?By Coder| August 31, 2023 Wrestling Japanese professional wrestling, commonly known as “Puroresu,” is a unique and highly popular form of entertainment in Japan. Puroresu combines elements of traditional wrestling with a strong emphasis on storytelling and athleticism. This article will delve into the world of Japanese pro wrestling, exploring its history, key promotions, and notable wrestlers. The Origins of Puroresu Puroresu traces its roots back to the early 20th century when American-style professional wrestling was introduced to Japan. However, it wasn’t until the 1950s that Puroresu started to develop its distinct style and identity. Promotions like Japan Pro Wrestling Alliance (JWA) and International Wrestling Enterprise (IWE) played pivotal roles in popularizing Japanese pro wrestling. Key Promotions Today, there are several prominent promotions within the Puroresu scene. Some of the most notable ones include: New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) NJPW is widely regarded as the premier Puroresu promotion in Japan. It was founded in 1972 and has since become internationally recognized for its high-quality matches and talented roster. NJPW showcases a mixture of hard-hitting strong style wrestling and high-flying junior heavyweight action. All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW) AJPW was established in 1972 after a split from JWA. Known for its more traditional approach to pro wrestling, AJPW has produced legendary performers such as Mitsuharu Misawa and Kenta Kobashi. AJPW emphasizes hard-hitting strikes, technical grappling, and epic storytelling. Pro Wrestling NOAH Pro Wrestling NOAH was created in 2000 by former AJPW star Mitsuharu Misawa. It quickly gained popularity and has carved its own niche in the Puroresu world. NOAH places a strong emphasis on a more realistic, sporting approach to wrestling, blending Japanese and international talent. Notable Wrestlers Puroresu boasts a rich history of legendary wrestlers who have captivated audiences with their incredible skills and charisma. Some of the most influential names in Japanese pro wrestling include: Antonio Inoki: A pioneer of Puroresu and founder of NJPW. Riki Choshu: A legendary figure known for his intense rivalry with Antonio Inoki. The Four Pillars: Mitsuharu Misawa, Kenta Kobashi, Akira Taue, and Toshiaki Kawada, who revolutionized Puroresu in the 1990s. Jushin Thunder Liger: A masked wrestler who popularized junior heavyweight wrestling. In Conclusion Japanese pro wrestling, or Puroresu, is a captivating form of entertainment that combines athleticism with compelling storytelling. With its rich history, diverse promotions, and legendary wrestlers, Puroresu has left an indelible mark on the world of professional wrestling.
