Who Invented Deathmatch Wrestling?

Deathmatch wrestling has become a popular subgenre of professional wrestling, known for its extreme and hardcore nature. But who exactly can be credited with inventing this brutal style of wrestling? Let’s take a closer look.

The Origins of Deathmatch Wrestling

While the exact origins of deathmatch wrestling are difficult to pinpoint, it is widely believed that the concept originated in Japan in the 1990s. Promotions like Frontier Martial-Arts Wrestling (FMW) and Big Japan Pro Wrestling (BJW) played significant roles in popularizing this unique style.

Atsushi Onita: The Innovator

Atsushi Onita, a former professional wrestler turned promoter, is often credited as the innovator and driving force behind deathmatch wrestling. Onita founded FMW in 1989 and quickly gained attention for his groundbreaking approach to matches.

In FMW, Atsushi Onita introduced various elements that would become synonymous with deathmatch wrestling, such as:

Barbed wire ropes
Explosive devices
Glass panes and light tubes
Cactus-filled rings

This combination of high-risk stunts and intense violence captured the imagination of fans worldwide, leading to the rapid growth of deathmatch wrestling.

Influence on the Global Stage

The impact of Atsushi Onita’s innovative approach extended beyond Japan. His matches garnered international attention, inspiring wrestlers around the world to experiment with similar styles.

Mick Foley, known for his hardcore persona as “Cactus Jack,” was heavily influenced by Onita’s work. Foley’s participation in brutal matches, such as Hell in a Cell and the infamous King of the Deathmatch tournament, helped popularize deathmatch wrestling in North America.

Other notable wrestlers who embraced the deathmatch style include:

Terry Funk
Jun Kasai
Masashi Takeda
Nick Gage

The Evolution of Deathmatch Wrestling

As deathmatch wrestling gained popularity, it continued to evolve and incorporate new elements. Promotions like CZW (Combat Zone Wrestling) in the United States and Freedoms in Japan pushed the boundaries further with innovative match types and even more extreme stunts.

Light tubes, thumbtacks, fire, and barbed wire are now commonplace in deathmatch wrestling, creating a spectacle that both shocks and entertains audiences.

The Controversy Surrounding Deathmatch Wrestling

While deathmatch wrestling has its dedicated fan base, it also attracts controversy due to its violent nature. Critics argue that these matches pose unnecessary risks to the wrestlers’ safety and glorify violence.

Nevertheless, proponents of deathmatch wrestling point out that it provides a unique form of entertainment for those seeking an adrenaline-fueled spectacle.

In Conclusion

In summary, while the exact inventor of deathmatch wrestling is difficult to determine, Atsushi Onita is widely credited as the innovator who popularized this extreme style of professional wrestling. His contributions paved the way for a global phenomenon that continues to captivate audiences with its thrilling combination of violence and spectacle.