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New Japan Pro-Wrestling (新日本プロレスリング株式会社, Shin Nihon Puroresuringu Kabushiki-gaisha) (NJPW)[2] or simply New Japan is a Japanese professional-wrestling promotion founded on January 13, 1972, by Antonio Inoki, and based in Nakano, Tokyo. It is currently majority owned by card-game company Bushiroad, with TV Asahi and Amuse Inc. owning minority shares of the promotion.[2] Naoki Sugabayashi has served as the promotion's Chairman since September 2013,[6] while Hiroshi Tanahashi has served as the president of the promotion since December 2023.

Key Information

Owing to its TV program aired on TV Asahi, NJPW is the largest and longest-running professional wrestling promotion in Japan.[7] Their biggest event is the January 4 Tokyo Dome Show (currently promoted under the Wrestle Kingdom banner) held each year since 1992. In addition to promoting professional wrestling matches, NJPW has also showcased mixed martial arts fights on some of its live events.

The promotion was owned by Yuke's from 2005 until 2012.[8][9][10] It was then sold to Bushiroad in 2012, which parlayed its entry to the world of professional wrestling into a best-selling trading card game, King of Pro Wrestling, and appearances from NJPW stars in its various franchises.

NJPW was affiliated with the National Wrestling Alliance at various points in its history. NJPW also has and has had agreements with various MMA and professional wrestling promotions around the world; including WWE, World Championship Wrestling, All Elite Wrestling, American Wrestling Association, Total Nonstop Action Wrestling, World Class Championship Wrestling, WAR, Jersey All Pro Wrestling, UWFi, Ring of Honor, and Pride Fighting Championships.[11]

History

[edit]

Formation and early history (1972–2000)

[edit]
Part of a series on
Professional wrestling
History
Notable promotions
Notable men
Early 20th century (Before 1949)

Mid 20th century (1950−1969)

1970s

1980s

1990s

2000s

2010s−2020s

Notable women
Early and Mid 20th century (1900−1974)

Late 20th century (1975−1999)

2000s

2010s

2020s

Notable tag teams and stables
Mid 20th century − 1970s

1980s

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Related topics
The promotion's founder Antonio Inoki, seen here in 2012.

The promotion was founded by Antonio Inoki on January 13, 1972[12] after his departure from the Japan Pro Wrestling Alliance promotion.[13] The first NJPW event, titled Opening Series, took place on March 6, 1972, in the Ota Ward Gymnasium in Tokyo, to a crowd of 5,000.[14][15] The following year, NJPW signed a television deal with NET TV, now known as TV Asahi.[12] The company launched its own governing body, the International Wrestling Grand Prix (IWGP); and in 1983, Hulk Hogan became the first ever IWGP Heavyweight Champion by defeating Inoki.[16] However, this championship was later abandoned and the current version of the championship was established in 1987. Inoki would serve as the president of the promotion until 1989, when he was succeeded by Seiji Sakaguchi.[12]

On April 24, 1989, NJPW hosted Battle Satellite, its first show in the Tokyo Dome.[17] The promotion was a member of the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) from 1975 to 1985 and once more from 1992 to 1993. NJPW was briefly reaffiliated with the NWA in the late 2000s to the early 2010s as well. On January 4, 1992, NJPW partnered with World Championship Wrestling (WCW) to produce Super Warriors, the first ever January 4 Tokyo Dome Show,[18] an event that would become an annual tradition for NJPW and is considered their biggest event of the year and comparable to WWE's WrestleMania event. In April 1995, NJPW and WCW held the two-day Collision in Korea event at the Rungrado 1st of May Stadium in Pyongyang, North Korea. The event was the first professional wrestling event held in North Korea and holds the record for most attended wrestling event of all time, with 355,000 people packing the stadium over the two days.[19][20][21]

Decline and Inoki's departure (2000–2011)

[edit]

In the early 2000s, the burgeoning popularity of mixed martial arts (MMA) in Japan was noticed by Inoki, who wanted to integrate elements of shoot wrestling to make the company appear more realistic. The company would partner with martial arts organization K-1 and begin to insert wrestlers into MMA fights, with the goal of pushing NJPW in a more realistic direction and to make it appear as an actual sport.[22] The company's new management was criticized by critics and fans.[23] Inoki later departed NJPW in 2005 after selling his share of the company to Yuke's,[8][24] and began his own promotion, the Inoki Genome Federation (IGF), in 2007. After his departure, Inoki's son-in-law Simon took over the company, before Naoki Sugabayashi was appointed president in 2007 after Simon also left NJPW to join Antonio in IGF.[12] After the departure of the Inoki family, the company began to reintegrate its prior puroresu style of wrestling.[25]

Also in 2007, NJPW hosted its first ever pay-per-view (PPV) event Wrestle Kingdom I.[26]

The promotion debuted a new series called NEVER in August 2010, designed to be a series of events spotlighting younger up-and-coming New Japan talent and feature more outsider participation in the promotion. On January 4, 2011, New Japan officially announced the NJPW Invasion Tour 2011: Attack on East Coast, the promotion's first tour of the United States to be held in May 2011. The tour featured shows in Rahway, New Jersey on May 13, New York City on May 14 and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on May 15, as well as cross-promotion with American independent group Jersey All Pro Wrestling (JAPW). As part of the tour, NJPW introduced a new title, the IWGP Intercontinental Championship.[27]

Acquisition by Bushiroad and expansion (2012–2020)

[edit]

On January 31, 2012, Yuke's announced that it had sold all shares of New Japan Pro-Wrestling to card game company Bushiroad for ¥500 million ($6.5 million).[28]

New Japan aired its first internet pay-per-view, the fourth day of the 2012 G1 Climax, on August 5, 2012.[29] The October 8, 2012, King of Pro-Wrestling pay-per-view marked the first time viewers outside Japan were able to order a pay-per-view by the promotion through Ustream.[30][31] On October 5, 2012, New Japan announced the creation of the NEVER Openweight Championship, which would be contested for on the NEVER series. A two-day tournament to determine the inaugural champion was held between November 15 and 19, 2012.[32] The final NEVER event was held in November 2012.

In February 2014, New Japan announced a partnership with Ring of Honor (ROH), which saw the promotion return to North America the following May to present two supershows; Global Wars in Toronto and War of the Worlds in New York City.[33][34] During the tour, New Japan wrestlers also took part in an event held by Canadian promotion Border City Wrestling (BCW).[35] A year later, NJPW and ROH announced another tour together to produce four more supershows; War of the Worlds '15 on May 12 and 13 in Philadelphia and Global Wars '15 on May 15 and 16 in Toronto.[36]

In June 2014, New Japan announced a partnership with the new American Global Force Wrestling (GFW) organization helmed by Jeff Jarrett.[37] In November 2014, GFW announced that it would be broadcasting NJPW's Wrestle Kingdom 9 in Tokyo Dome on pay-per-view in the United States as a four-hour event.[38] Also in November 2014, the American AXS TV network announced it had acquired rights to rebroadcast a series of thirteen episodes of NJPW matches from TV Asahi. The series premiered on January 16, 2015, airing weekly on Fridays.[39] Averaging 200,000 viewers per episode, the show was considered a success, leading to AXS TV and TV Asahi signing a multi-year deal to continue airing the show.[40] In June 2016, the show was also acquired by the Canadian Fight Network.[41] On December 1, 2014, NJPW and TV Asahi announced NJPW World, a new worldwide streaming site for the promotion's events.[42]

On July 18, 2015, NJPW announced the "New IWGP Conception", a global expansion strategy centered on their international partnerships with Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL), GFW, ROH, Revolution Pro Wrestling (RPW), Westside Xtreme Wrestling (wXw), and the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) as well as holding more shows in Thailand, Singapore, and Taiwan. Also announced was the Lion's Gate Project, which would feature NJPW rookies as well as up-and-coming outsiders working trial matches in an effort to earn a spot in the promotion. Finally, it was announced that there were plans to take the company public with a listing on the stock market within three to five years.[43][44][45]

On December 21, 2015, NJPW announced the creation of its seventh active title and the first six-man tag team championship in the promotion's history, the NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Championship.[46] On January 5, 2016, NJPW announced a partnership with the Amuse talent agency with the goal of making the promotion's wrestlers internationally recognized stars in the vein of Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson.[47]

In March 2017, NJPW partnered with the New Zealand-based Fale Dojo, a pro wrestling training facility run by NJPW performer Bad Luck Fale.[48] NJPW will utilize the partnership as an opportunity to scout talent from Oceania.[48] The following month on April 24, 2017, it was announced that NJPW would co-present the Japanese qualifiers for the Pro Wrestling World Cup tournament hosted by the British What Culture Pro Wrestling (WCPW) promotion.[49]

On May 12, 2017, NJPW announced the creation of a new title: the IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship, with the inaugural champion to be crowned during the promotion's G1 Special in USA shows in Long Beach, California on July 1 and 2.[50][51] Four days later, NJPW held a press conference to announce plans to establish a subsidiary company, including a dojo, in the United States.[52] A Los Angeles office was scheduled to be opened before the end of 2017, with a dojo scheduled to be opened at the start of 2018.[53] NJPW's second American event, Strong Style Evolved, took place on March 25, 2018, also in Long Beach.[54] In November 2017, NJPW signed a television deal with Discovery Communications, which would see the company's programming brought to 70 million Indian homes through DSport.[55]

In January 2018, NJPW announced the four-show Fallout Down Under tour, the promotion's inaugural tour of Australia spanning from February 16–19.[56] In March 2018, New Japan opened the NJPW LA Dojo with Katsuyori Shibata serving as head trainer and ROH wrestler Scorpio Sky serving as assistant trainer.[57] On May 13, 2018, New Japan hired its first foreign president, Dutch businessman Harold Meij.[58]

In February 2019, NJPW re-established their partnership with the NWA and entered into a new partnership with The Crash Lucha Libre; both partnerships ended later in 2019.[59][60] On October 21, 2019, NJPW announced the formation of a new American subsidiary of the company, named New Japan Pro-Wrestling of America (NJoA).[4] In 2019, they had run a record 13 shows in the United States, with plans to run double that in 2020. It was reported at the same time that NJPW and ROH had no joint shows planned for the future.[61]

On October 31, 2019, Super7 announced the first line of NJPW action figures.[62][63]

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic (2020–2022)

[edit]
Further information: Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on sports and COVID-19 pandemic in Japan

Amidst from the Japanese onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, in accordance with recommendations from the Japanese Ministry of Health, NJPW decided to cancel all scheduled shows from March 1 through March 15.[64] On March 10, NJPW announced that they were cancelling all shows through March 22, which meant that they cancelled the 2020 New Japan Cup as well.[65] World Wonder Ring Stardom is owned by Bushiroad, also made adjustments to their schedule, cancelling shows from February 18 to March 14. Their March 8 show in Korakuen Hall was held without any spectators in attendance, instead streaming live on their YouTube channel.[66] On March 23, NJPW would later cancel the 2020 Sakura Genesis event that was originally scheduled to take place in on March 31.[67][68]

On April 8, NJPW would cancel more events from April 11 through May 4, which mean both nights of 2020 Wrestling Dontaku were cancelled as well.[69] On May 6, NJPW cancelled their annual Best of the Super Juniors tournament.[70] The next day, NJPW postponed their Wrestle Dynasty event to 2021, which was to take place in Madison Square Garden in New York.[71] On June 9, NJPW announced their return with special show with mystery match card called Together Special on June 15 and the return of the New Japan Cup would now be held from June 16 until July 11, with the final being held at Osaka-jō Hall in Osaka alongside Dominion in Osaka-jo Hall being rescheduled to July 12.[72][73]

NJPW 50th Anniversary logo, introduced in late 2021 to celebrate the milestone

On September 29, NJPW announced that Meij would no longer be appointed president of the promotion and was replaced by Takami Ohbari on October 23, who is the current CEO of New Japan Pro-Wrestling of America.[74]

In 2020, NJPW partnered with Game Changer Wrestling (GCW) and Major League Wrestling (MLW), with both promotions sending wrestlers to the Super J-Cup tournament.[75] On July 31, NJPW announced a new weekly series titled NJPW Strong, with its initial episodes to feature matches from the inaugural New Japan Cup USA tournament. As part of NJPW's expansion into the United States, the series would be produced by NJoA.[76] In February 2021, it was reported that NJPW had entered into partnerships with All Elite Wrestling (AEW)[77] and Impact Wrestling.[78] On November 19, 2021, NJPW would re-establish a relationship with Pro Wrestling Noah with Noah wrestlers being involved at the third night of NJPW's Wrestle Kingdom 16 event.[79]

During Wrestle Kingdom 16 in January 2022, it was announced that NJPW programming, including new programs and reruns of past English broadcasts, would return to AXS TV and Fight Network in the United States and Canada. Reruns will begin airing on AXS starting January 20, with all new content to premiere on March 3.[80] On the April 20, 2022 episode of AEW Dynamite, it was announced that New Japan and AEW would co-promote a supershow called AEW x NJPW: Forbidden Door. The event would take place on June 26, 2022, at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois.[81]

During September 2022, NJPW announced NJPW Tamashii, an Oceania-based brand that would stage events throughout the region.[82]

Post-COVID and new partnerships (2022–present)

[edit]

On October 1, 2022, NJPW's founder Antonio Inoki died from systemic transthyretin amyloidosis at age 79.[83][84][85] On January 4, 2023, NJPW held their Wrestle Kingdom 17 event in Inoki's honor.[86]

In October 2023, NJPW and sister promotion World Wonder Ring Stardom established the Asia Pacific Pro-Wrestling Alliance, an interpromotional governing body that seeks to connect wrestling promotions across Asia.[87] On January 5, 2024, the alliance was renamed the Asia-Pacific Federation of Wrestling (APFW).[88] The inaugural event sanctioned by APFW, NJPW's Wrestling World in Taiwan, took place on April 14 in Taipei.[88]

In early December 2023, NJPW was announced as a founding member of the United Japan Pro-Wrestling (UJPW) alliance.[89] The inaugural UJPW event took place on May 6, 2024, in the Nippon Budokan arena.[89] On December 23, NJPW announced that Takami Ohbari had stepped down as the promotion's president, with Hiroshi Tanahashi replacing him as NJPW president and representative director.[90]

On April 23, 2024, NJPW announced that it would fully acquire sister promotion World Wonder Ring Stardom on June 28.[5] The acquisition was completed on June 28, with Stardom Co., Ltd. becoming a subsidiary of NJPW.

Contracts

[edit]
Main article: List of New Japan Pro-Wrestling personnel

Up until the 1980s, NJPW signed its workers to multi-year contracts,[91] before changing to a system where the promotion signed its wrestlers to one-year deals that expired at the end of every January.[92] Following the departures of A.J. Styles and Shinsuke Nakamura, NJPW chairman Takaaki Kidani announced in February 2016 that the promotion was returning to the multi-year contract system.[91] The contracts forbid negotiations with other promotions.[93] After All Elite Wrestling (AEW) was launched by wrestlers working for NJPW, they started signing foreigners to guaranteed deals as well.[94] Any side contracts or agreements offered to wrestlers under NJPW contracts, need the promotion's approval before being signed.[95] NJPW currently has partnerships with several promotions across the world, for which NJPW wrestlers can also perform for.

NJPW partnerships
Promotion Country
All Elite Wrestling (AEW)[77] United States
All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW)[96] Japan
Big Japan Pro Wrestling (BJW)[89] Japan
Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL)[97][98] Mexico
Costa Rica Wrestling Embassy (CWE)[99] Costa Rica
DDT Pro-Wrestling (DDT)[89] Japan
Dragongate Japan Pro-Wrestling (Dragongate)[89] Japan
Dragon Fighting Wrestling (DFW)[87] China
Ganbare☆Pro-Wrestling (GanPro)[89] Japan
Grapplemax Pro Wrestling Studios (Grapplemax)[87] Singapore
Kyushu Pro-Wrestling (KPW) Japan
Major League Wrestling (MLW)[100] United States
Pro-Wrestling Dradition (Dradition) Japan
Pro Wrestling Freedoms (Freedoms) Japan
Pro Wrestling Noah (Noah)[101] Japan
Pro Wrestling Wave (Wave) Japan
Puzzle[87] Taiwan
Revolution Pro Wrestling (RPW)[102] United Kingdom
Ring of Honor (ROH)[103] United States
Setup Thailand Pro Wrestling (Setup)[87] Thailand
Tokyo Joshi Pro-Wrestling (TJPW)[89] Japan
World Woman Pro-Wrestling Diana (Diana) Japan
World Wonder Ring Stardom (Stardom)[104] Japan

Championships and accomplishments

[edit]

The promotion has its own fictional governing body, the International Wrestling Grand Prix, shortened as IWGP.

At the top of NJPW's championship hierarchy for male wrestlers is the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship. Secondary titles include the IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship, the NEVER Openweight Championship, the NJPW World Television Championship, and for wrestlers in New Japan's United States based NJPW Strong brand, there is the Strong Openweight Championship

For tag teams, there are three traditional championship for two-man teams (the IWGP Tag Team Championship, the Strong Openweight Tag Team Championship, and the Tamashii Tag Team Championship, which is exclusively defended on NJPW Tamashii shows) and one for three-man teams (the NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Championship).

There are two championships in NJPW for junior heavyweight wrestlers - a singles title (the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship) and one for tag teams (the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship).

There are two championships for female wrestlers in NJPW, the IWGP Women's Championship and the Strong Women's Championship (the latter for wrestlers in NJPW Strong).

Current championships

[edit]
Main article: List of current champions in New Japan Pro-Wrestling

As of November 6, 2025.

Men's division

[edit]

Singles

[edit]
Championship Current champion(s) Reign Date won Days
held 		Successful
defenses 		Location Notes Ref.
IWGP World Heavyweight Championship Konosuke Takeshita 1 October 13, 2025 24 1 Tokyo, Japan Defeated Zack Sabre Jr. at King of Pro-Wrestling. [105]
IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship Yota Tsuji 2 October 13, 2025 24 1 Tokyo, Japan Defeated Gabe Kidd at King of Pro-Wrestling. [105]
IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship Douki 2 October 6, 2025 31 0 Tokyo, Japan Defeated El Desperado at Road to King of Pro Wrestling: Night 2. [106]
NEVER Openweight Championship Evil 4 October 13, 2025 24 0 Tokyo, Japan Defeated Boltin Oleg at King of Pro-Wrestling. [105]
Strong Openweight Championship Tomohiro Ishii 1 April 11, 2025 209 1 Chicago, Illinois Defeated Gabe Kidd in a 30-minute iron man match, which Ishii won 2–1 in sudden death overtime at Windy City Riot. [107]
NJPW World Television Championship El Phantasmo 2 April 29, 2025 191 3 Saga, Japan Defeated Great-O-Khan at Wrestling Hizen no Kuni. [108]

Tag team

[edit]
Championship Current champion(s) Reign Date won Days
held 		Successful
defenses 		Location Notes Ref.
IWGP Tag Team Championship Knock Out Brothers
(Oskar (pictured) and Yuto-Ice) 		1
(1, 1) 		September 28, 2025 39 1 Kobe, Japan Defeated Taichi and Tomohiro Ishii at Destruction in Kobe. [109]
IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship
House of Torture
(Sho and Douki) 		1
(6, 1) 		June 15, 2025 144 0 Osaka, Japan Defeated Master Wato and Yoh at Dominion 6.15 in Osaka-jo Hall. [110]
Strong Openweight Tag Team Championship
United Empire
(TJP and Templario) 		1
(1, 1) 		May 9, 2025 181 1 Ontario, California Defeated World Class Wrecking Crew (Royce Isaacs and Jorel Nelson) at Resurgence. [111]
NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Championship

Master Wato, Toru Yano and Yoh 1
(1, 7, 2) 		July 4, 2025 125 1 Tokyo, Japan Defeated House of Torture (Ren Narita, Sho and Yujiro Takahashi) at New Japan Soul 2025: Night 8. [112]
NJPW TAMASHII Tag Team Championship
The Pretty Boys
(Magic Mark and Pretty Richie) 		1
(1, 1) 		July 4, 2025 125 0 Auckland, New Zealand Defeated Young Blood (Oskar Leube and Yuto Nakashima) in a tournament final at Tamashii: Cold War to become the inaugural champions. [113]

Women's division

[edit]
Championship Current champion(s) Reign Date won Days
held 		Successful
defenses 		Location Notes Ref.
IWGP Women's Championship Syuri 2 October 13, 2025 24 0 Tokyo, Japan Defeated Sareee at King of Pro-Wrestling. [114]
Strong Women's Championship Saya Kamitani 1 September 27, 2025 40 1 Tokyo, Japan Defeated AZM in a Winner Takes All match, where Kamitani's World of Stardom Championship was on the line, at Stardom In Korakuen. [115]

Defunct championships

[edit]
Championship Last champion(s) Reign Date retired Notes
IWGP Heavyweight Championship Kota Ibushi 1 March 4, 2021 Unified with the IWGP Intercontinental Championship to create the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship.
IWGP Intercontinental Championship Kota Ibushi 2 March 4, 2021 Unified with the IWGP Heavyweight Championship to create the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship.
IWGP Third Belt Championship Shinsuke Nakamura 1 February 17, 2008 Unified with the IWGP Heavyweight Championship after Nakamura defeated the previous champion Kurt Angle.
IWGP U-30 Openweight Championship Hiroshi Tanahashi 2 June 7, 2006 The championship could only be won by wrestlers under the age of 30.
Vacated by Tanahashi at the age of 29 and soon after deactivated.
IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship Will Ospreay 2 December 11, 2023 The championship was deactivated and replaced by IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship.
KOPW Great-O-Khan 1 December 22, 2024 The championship was retired and deactivated by official 2024 champion Great-O-Khan.
NWF Heavyweight Championship Shinsuke Nakamura 1 January 4, 2004 Unified with the IWGP Heavyweight Championship after Nakamura defeated the previous champion Yoshihiro Takayama.
J-Crown Octuple Unified Championship Shinjiro Otani 1 November 5, 1997 The championship resulted from the unification of eight lower-weight class titles from several different wrestling promotions.
The championship was retired at the request of the WWF, who was introducing their own version of the WWF Light Heavyweight Championship (which was one of the component championships of the J-Crown).
Greatest 18 Club Championship The Great Muta 1 August 16, 1992 Muta retired championship, in order to focus on his IWGP Heavyweight Championship title defenses.
WWF World Martial Arts Heavyweight Championship Antonio Inoki 2 December 31, 1989 The championship was contested in matches billed as shoot wrestling fights.
Abandoned for undocumented reasons.
IWGP Heavyweight Championship
(original version) 		Antonio Inoki 2 May 11, 1987 The championship was deactivated and replaced by the new IWGP Heavyweight Championship, which was first awarded to the winner of the 1987 IWGP League.[16]
WWF International Heavyweight Championship Tatsumi Fujinami 3 October 31, 1985 Abandoned after the NJPW and the WWF ended their working relationship.
WWF International Tag Team Championship Kengo Kimura and Tatsumi Fujinami 1
(1, 1) 		October 31, 1985 Abandoned after the NJPW and the WWF ended their working relationship.
WWF Junior Heavyweight Championship The Cobra 2 October 31, 1985 Abandoned after the NJPW and the WWF ended their working relationship.
Asia Heavyweight Championship Tiger Jeet Singh 1 April 23, 1981 Championship retired after announcement of the IWGP, a new governing body, which would promote their own-branded championships.
Asia Tag Team Championship Tiger Jeet Singh and Umanosuke Ueda 1 April 23, 1981 Championship retired after announcement of the IWGP, a new governing body, which would promote their own-branded championships.
NWF Heavyweight Championship
(original version) 		Antonio Inoki 1 April 23, 1981 Championship retired after announcement of the IWGP, a new governing body, which would promote their own-branded championships.
NWF North American Championship Tiger Jeet Singh 1 April 23, 1981 Championship retired after announcement of the IWGP, a new governing body, which would promote their own-branded championships.
NWA North American Tag Team Championship
(Los Angeles/Japan version) 		Riki Choshu and Seiji Sakaguchi 1
(1, 5) 		April 23, 1981 Championship retired after announcement of the IWGP, a new governing body, which would promote their own-branded championships.
WWF North American Heavyweight Championship Seiji Sakaguchi 1 April 23, 1981 Championship retired after announcement of the IWGP, a new governing body, which would promote their own-branded championships.
Real World Championship Karl Gotch 2 1972 Abandoned for undocumented reasons.

Events

[edit]

Marquee events

[edit]
See also: List of major NJPW events

International events

[edit]

Collaborated events

[edit]

Tournaments

[edit]
See also: List of New Japan Pro-Wrestling tournaments

Active

[edit]
Tournament Latest winner(s) Date won Location Notes
G1 Climax Konosuke Takeshita August 17, 2025 Tokyo Defeated Evil in the tournament final.
World Tag League Los Ingobernables de Japón
(Tetsuya Naito and Hiromu Takahashi) 		December 8, 2024 Kumamoto Defeated Bullet Club War Dogs (Sanada and Gabe Kidd) in the tournament final.
New Japan Cup David Finlay March 20, 2025 Nagaoka Defeated Shota Umino in the tournament final.
Best of the Super Juniors Kosei Fujita June 1, 2025 Ota, Tokyo Defeated Yoh in the tournament final.
Super Junior Tag League[Note 1] House of Torture
(Douki and SHO) 		November 2, 2025 Gifu Defeated Bullet Club War Dogs (Taiji Ishimori and Robbie X) in the tournament final.
Oceania Cup Jack Bonza November 15, 2024 Auckland Defeated PunchDrunk Istria in the last block match.
NJPW Academy Cup Allan Breeze March 21, 2025 Carson, California Defeated Raymond Bright in the Finals match.

Inactive

[edit]
Tournament Last winner(s) Last held Type Created Notes
New Japan Cup USA Tom Lawlor 2021 Openweight 2020 A spin-off of the New Japan Cup tournament, held in 2020 and 2021.
Super J-Cup El Phantasmo 2020 Junior heavyweight 1994 A tournament for junior heavyweight wrestlers.
Lion's Break Crown Clark Connors 2020 Openweight 2020 A single-elimination singles tournament, held in 2020.
Young Lion Cup[Note 2] Karl Fredericks 2019 Openweight 1985 A tournament for younger wrestlers.
J Sports Crown Openweight 6-Man Tag Tournament Apollo 555
(Hirooki Goto, Prince Devitt and Ryusuke Taguchi) 		2011 Openweight six-man tag team 2010 A single-elimination six-man tag team tournament, held in 2010 and 2011.
G2 U-30 Climax Hiroshi Tanahashi 2005 Openweight 2003 A tournament for wrestlers under the age of 30, held in 2003 and 2005.

Halls of Fame

[edit]

Greatest 18 Club

[edit]
See also: Greatest 18 Club Championship

The Greatest 18 Club was New Japan's first hall of fame, being established in September 30 during Antonio Inoki's career 30th anniversary in 1990. Additionally, Lou Thesz also debuted a new Greatest 18 Club Championship, awarding it to Riki Choshu.

Inductees

[edit]
Ring name
(Birth name) 		Accolades
Lou Thesz
(Aloysius Thesz) 		Considered to be one of the greatest wrestlers of all time. He was a three-time NWA World Heavyweight Champion, three-time NWA World Heavyweight Champion and a two-time World Heavyweight Wrestling Champion. In Japan, he helped train young Japanese talents.
Karl Gotch
(Charles Istaz) 		Inaugural and two-time Real World Champion. Wrestled Antonio Inoki in the main event of the very first show in NJPW. Helped training young Japanese talents.
André the Giant
(André Roussimoff) 		Winner of the 1981 MSG Tag League, 1982 MSG Series and 1985 IWGP League and the Sagawa Express Cup.
Dusty Rhodes[Note 3]
(Virgil Runnels Jr.) 		Three-time NWA World Heavyweight Champion and one-time NWF World Tag Team Champion. Participated in several NJPW tournaments.
Stan Hansen
(John Hansen) 		One-time NWF Heavyweight Championship.
Wim Ruska
(Willem Ruska) 		Professional wrestler and a judoka, only athlete to win two gold medals in Judo in one Olympics.
Billy Robinson
(William Robinson) 		Two-time IWA World Heavyweight Champion, one-time NWA United National Championship and PWF World Heavyweight Champion. Helped training young Japanese talents.
Hiro Matsuda
(Yasuhiro Kojima) 		Two-time NWA World Junior Heavyweight Champion and one-time NWA North American Tag Team Champion.
Bob Backlund
(Robert Blacklund) 		Two-time WWWF Heavyweight Champion, and one-time WWF Tag Team Champion.
Verne Gagne
(Laverne Gagne) 		Ten-time AWA World Heavyweight Champion, four-time AWA World Tag Team Champion and one-time IWA World Heavyweight Champion.
Strong Kobayashi
(Shozo Kobayashi) 		Two-time NWA North American Tag Team Champion.
Hulk Hogan
(Terry Bollea) 		First original IWGP Heavyweight Champion, winner of 1982 and 1983 MSG Tag Leagues and 1983 IWGP Leagues. In America he was also six-time WWF Heavyweight/WWE Undisputed Champion and six-time WCW World Heavyweight Champion.
Muhammad Ali
(Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr.) 		Considered to be one of the greatest professional boxers of all time. Three-time heavyweight lineal champion. Fought Antonio Inoki in a wrestler vs. boxer match.
Seiji Sakaguchi Four-time NWA North American Tag Team Champion, one-time NWF North American Heavyweight Champion and WWF North American Heavyweight Champion.
Nick Bockwinkel
(Nicholas Warren Francis Bockwinkel) 		Four-time AWA World Heavyweight Champion, three-time AWA World Tag Team Champion and one-time AWA Southern Heavyweight Champion.
Johnny Powers (Dennis Waters) One-time NWF Heavyweight Champion, one-time NWF North American Heavyweight Champion and one-time NWA North American Tag Team Champion (Los Angeles-Japan Version).
Johnny Valentine
(John Theodore Wisniski) 		Five-time WWWF United States Television Champion, four-time WWWF United States Tag Team Champion, one-time NWA United States Heavyweight Champion, three-time NWA Mid-Atlantic Heavyweight Champion, one-time NWA World Tag Team Champion (Minneapolis Version), one time NWA International Tag Team Champion and one-time NWA United National Champion.
Antonio Inoki
(Kanji Inoki) 		NJPW founder and first IWGP Heavyweight Champion. Also won many top titles, including the WWF World Martial Arts Heavyweight Championship, NWA United National Championship and NWF Heavyweight Championship.

Greatest Wrestlers

[edit]

The Greatest Wrestlers is New Japan's hall of fame, established in 2007 to honor wrestlers who have wrestled for the promotion. From 2007 to 2011, the inductions begin on March 6, the anniversary of the promotion's founding.[116]

Inductees

[edit]
Year Ring name
(Birth name) 		Accolades
2007 Antonio Inoki
(Kanji Inoki) 		NJPW founder and first IWGP Heavyweight Champion. Also won many top titles, including the WWF World Martial Arts Heavyweight Championship, NWA United National Championship and NWF Heavyweight Championship.
Seiji Sakaguchi Three-time NWA North American Tag Team Champion and one-time NWF North American Heavyweight and WWF North American Heavyweight Champion.
Kantaro Hoshino
(Tatsuo Hoshino) 		One-time IWA World Tag Team Champion with Kotetsu Yamamoto as the Yamaha Brothers. Also known as a promoter and manager.
Kotetsu Yamamoto
(Masaru Yamamoto) 		One-time IWA World Tag Team Champion with Kantaro Hoshino as the Yamaha Brothers.
Shoji Kai
(Motoyuki Kitazawa) 		Winner of the 1976 Karl Gotch Cup. Famous as the debut opponent of many legends, including Kotetsu Yamamoto, Rusher Kimura, Masa Saito, Tatsumi Fujinami, Osamu Kido, Mitsuo Momota, Satoru Sayama (the original Tiger Mask) and Hiro Saito.
2009 Kuniaki Kobayashi One of NJPW's top junior heavyweights of the 1980s and of a few to win the junior heavyweight titles in both New Japan and All Japan Pro Wrestling.
Akira Maeda
(Go Il-myeong) 		Two-time IWGP Tag Team Champion. Founder of the Universal Wrestling Federation and Fighting Network Rings.
Black Cat
(Víctor Manuel Mar) 		One-time Mexican National Junior Heavyweight Champion and Naucalpan Tag Team Champion.
2010 Animal Hamaguchi
(Heigo Hamaguchi) 		Trainer and two-time All Asia Tag Team Champion. Also four-time IWA World Tag Team Champion.
Shinya Hashimoto One of the Three Musketeers. Three-time IWGP Heavyweight and IWGP Tag Team Champion. Founder of Pro Wrestling Zero1.
2011 Don Arakawa
(Makoto Arakawa) 		One-time WWC Caribbean Tag Team Champion. Best known as an underdog and comedy wrestler.

Broadcasters

[edit]

Domestic:

  • TV Asahi (1973–present, currently broadcasting weekly highlights show World Pro-Wrestling and live specials)
  • Fighting TV Samurai (1996–present, currently broadcasting live specials, retrospective shows and magazine show NJPW Battle DX)
  • Abema (2014–present, online linear television service, live-streaming episodes of World Pro-Wrestling)

International (former):

  • AXS TV (2014–19, 2022–24, United States, Canada, broadcast World Pro-Wrestling and major shows, dubbed with English commentary)
  • Eurosport (mid '90s–2007, Europe, dubbed episodes of World Pro-Wrestling and major shows for various continental markets)
  • The Wrestling Channel (2002–2005, UK & Ireland, dubbed and undubbed broadcasts of major shows)
  • 1Sports (2020, Indian Subcontinent, broadcast the AXS version of World Pro-Wrestling)
  • DSport/Eurosport (2017–2020, 2021, Indian Subcontinent, broadcast the AXS TV version of World Pro-Wrestling, Season 3–5)
  • J-One (May 2018 – 2020, France, dubbed with French commentary)
  • FX (2019–2020, South Korea, broadcasting the AXS TV version of World Pro-Wrestling)

International (current):

  • The Roku Channel (2021–present, United States, United Kingdom and Canada broadcast World Pro-Wrestling and major shows, dubbed with English commentary)
  • Fight Network (2016–2019, 2022–present, Canada, broadcasting the AXS version of World Pro-Wrestling)
  • Extreme Sports Channel (2023–present, Europe, broadcast World Pro-Wrestling and major shows for various continental markets)

Worldwide:

Notes

[edit]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

New Japan Pro-Wrestling

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from Grokipedia
New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) is a Japanese professional wrestling promotion founded on January 13, 1972, by , with its inaugural event held on March 6, 1972, at the Ota Ward Gymnasium in . Renowned for pioneering strong style wrestling—a hybrid of and that emphasizes stiff strikes, submissions, and realistic athleticism—NJPW has become one of the world's leading promotions, producing iconic talents and annual marquee events like at the . Since its establishment, NJPW has emphasized innovation and international appeal, beginning with early television broadcasts on NET TV in 1973 and the creation of the in 1987, of which Inoki was the inaugural holder. The promotion's signature tournament, first held in 1991 and won by , has since become a cornerstone of its calendar, showcasing round-robin competition among top heavyweights. Under majority ownership by Inc. since January 2012, NJPW has expanded globally, debuting in the United States with the 2017 G1 Special in Long Beach and forging partnerships with promotions like (AEW) for co-produced events such as Forbidden Door. NJPW's growth has been marked by record-breaking attendance, including multi-night Tokyo Dome shows like Wrestle Kingdom 14 in 2020, and a roster featuring legends such as and , the latter serving as company president since 2023. As of June 2025, the company employs 81 staff members and maintains its headquarters in Tokyo's Nakano Ward, continuing to influence the global wrestling landscape through streaming service NJPW World and ongoing international tours.

History

Formation and early development (1972–1989)

New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) was founded on January 13, 1972, by following his dismissal from the (JWA) in late 1971 due to an attempted takeover of the promotion. Inoki, who had risen to prominence as a top star in the JWA under Rikidozan, sought to create a new wrestling entity that blended with elements, establishing the "strong style" approach characterized by stiff strikes, realistic submissions, and an emphasis on athletic legitimacy to differentiate it from more theatrical styles. This philosophy, influenced by Inoki's training under pioneer , aimed to position NJPW as a hybrid of sports and entertainment, attracting fans interested in the blurred lines between scripted bouts and genuine combat. The promotion's inaugural event, titled Opening Series, occurred on March 6, 1972, at the Ota Ward Gymnasium in , drawing an attendance of approximately 5,000 spectators. The card featured international talent to showcase NJPW's global ambitions, with the main event pitting Inoki against his mentor in a hard-fought singles match that Gotch won via submission, embodying the intense, shoot-like quality of strong style from the outset. Early shows like this helped build NJPW's identity, as Inoki personally headlined many bouts against foreign opponents to draw crowds and establish the promotion's reputation for competitive realism. In the mid-1970s, NJPW expanded territorially through partnerships with North American promotions, including alliances with the (NWF) and later the World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF), which facilitated tours featuring American stars like and . A pivotal came on June 26, 1976, when Inoki faced boxing legend in an exhibition bout at in , promoted by NJPW and drawing approximately 14,500 attendees plus international broadcast attention; though ending in a 15-round draw amid controversy over rules and strategy, the event significantly elevated NJPW's global profile and Inoki's status as a crossover icon. These expansions, combined with Inoki's charismatic leadership, fueled steady growth in the Japanese fanbase during the late 1970s. By the 1980s, NJPW solidified key traditions that laid the groundwork for its championship system, including the debut of the Tag League in 1986, a highlighting international and domestic tag teams, won that year by Inoki and . The promotion's most significant milestone came in 1987 with the IWGP League, a 21-man tournament culminating on June 12 at Sumo Hall, where Inoki defeated in the finals to become the inaugural IWGP Heavyweight Champion, marking NJPW's formal entry into title-based competition under the International Wrestling Grand Prix banner. Concurrently, the establishment of the New Japan Dojo in 1972 enabled the recruitment and rigorous training of young talent, producing early stars like and fostering a pipeline of homegrown wrestlers that amplified Inoki's star power in sustaining audience loyalty through authentic, high-impact performances.

Rivalries and peak era (1990–1999)

During the 1990s, New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) engaged in fierce rivalries with All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW) and the Universal Wrestling Federation (UWF), characterized by talent raids and dramatic cross-promotional "invasion" storylines that heightened competition in Japanese professional wrestling. NJPW aggressively pursued top talent from AJPW, exemplified by the signing of Keiji Mutoh in 1989, which strained relations and contributed to a broader talent war amid the collapse of promotions like Super World of Sports (SWS) in 1992, where wrestlers from both companies jumped ship. The rivalry with UWF, rebranded as UWFI in 1991, culminated in the 1995 "All Out War" invasion angle, a series of high-stakes matches that portrayed UWFI as invaders challenging NJPW's dominance; this storyline continued into 1996, peaking at the January 4, 1996, Tokyo Dome event (Wrestling World), where UWFI's Nobuhiko Takada defeated Shinya Hashimoto for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship, drawing a sellout crowd and temporarily shifting momentum. The era was defined by the rise of —, Keiji Mutoh, and —who emerged from NJPW's 1984 dojo class and dominated the promotion through their intense, athletic style and multiple reigns. captured the title three times (1990, 1994, 1999), Mutoh twice (1992, 1997), and once (1992), with their rivalries—such as 's victory over in the 1992 final—showcasing hard-hitting matches that blended strong style with international flair and solidified NJPW's heavyweight division as a cornerstone of . These wrestlers not only elevated NJPW's in-ring quality but also bridged generational shifts, with Antonio Inoki's influence from the 1970s-1980s providing a foundational emphasis on martial arts-inspired realism that they expanded upon. Although introduced in 1986 with as the inaugural IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion, the title gained prominence in the as NJPW emphasized its junior division to counter the heavyweight focus of rivals like AJPW, fostering fast-paced, high-flying matches that diversified event cards. Key bouts included Jushin Thunder Liger's defenses against challengers like Naoki Sano and Ultimo Dragon, with Liger's 1990-1996 reigns highlighting technical innovation and drawing international attention through crossovers. The division's growth paralleled heavyweight stars, as seen in undercard showcases at major events that balanced athleticism with storytelling. NJPW reached its commercial peak in the , consistently drawing over 50,000 fans to events and expanding formats to include dedicated junior heavyweight tournaments like the (introduced in 1992), which boosted overall attendance and appeal. Landmark shows, such as the 1990 Super Fight (63,900 attendees) and the 1992 WCW/NJPW Supershow II (60,000 fans), underscored this success, with the Dome becoming NJPW's signature venue for annual spectacles that outpaced competitors. Internally, NJPW innovated with stable formations, most notably nWo Japan in 1997, led by and inspired by WCW's nWo crossover, which incorporated Japanese stars like Keiji Mutoh and to create chaotic, faction-based angles that mirrored global trends while adapting to narratives. By 1998, nWo Japan dominated storylines, challenging for titles like the —such as Mutoh's failed bid against on January 4—and adding layers of betrayal and power struggles that extended the stable's influence through the decade's end.

Decline and leadership changes (2000–2011)

The early 2000s ushered in a challenging era for New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), characterized by financial instability, creative stagnation, and leadership turmoil under founder . Inoki's push toward "Inoki-ism"—an ideology blending with (MMA) through "different style fights"—prioritized legitimacy over entertainment, resulting in stiff, injury-prone matches that alienated traditional fans. Attendance at flagship events, such as shows, halved from peaks of 50,000–55,000 in the to around 25,000–30,000 by the mid-2000s, while television ratings declined sharply, forcing broadcasts to less desirable late-night time slots amid rising competition from MMA promotions like Pride FC and WWE's growing international appeal in . A botched storyline known as the Invasion angle exemplified these struggles, culminating in the January 4, 2000, main event where judoka defeated established star in a controversial worked shoot match intended to elevate MMA crossovers but instead humiliating Hashimoto and eroding NJPW's storytelling credibility. This incident triggered a significant talent exodus, with Hashimoto departing later that year to co-found Pro Wrestling Zero-One, and top draws like Keiji Mutoh leaving in September 2000 to become president of rival All Japan Pro-Wrestling (AJPW), followed by . Inoki's personal scandals, including embezzlement allegations and failed business ventures, fueled persistent bankruptcy rumors; in a desperate move, he attempted to sell NJPW's video tape library to in 2002 to alleviate debts exceeding ¥1 billion. As 1990s icons transitioned out, NJPW struggled to cultivate new stars amid the void. By 2005, NJPW pursued a brief, unsuccessful collaborative effort with AJPW under Inoki's direction, aiming to consolidate talent and stabilize operations, but internal dissent and mismatched visions led to its quick dissolution. That year also saw the "Doomsday" incident—a backstage revolt by wrestlers against Inoki's MMA-heavy booking, which further tarnished the promotion's reputation and contributed to plummeting attendance at events like Wrestle Galaxy. Overwhelmed by mounting losses, Inoki sold his controlling 51.5% stake to video game developer in July 2005, effectively ending his direct ownership after 33 years, though his meddling persisted. He subsequently formed short-lived ventures, including the MMA-focused (IGF) in 2007, which drew limited crowds and folded key aspects by 2011. Inoki's influence was finally severed from NJPW in 2011 following boardroom conflicts with executives, allowing for tentative restructuring. Amid the chaos, the tournament—debuted in 1991 as an annual round-robin showcase—emerged as a vital anchor for fan retention, drawing consistent interest by highlighting athletic rivalries and scouting future aces like , even as overall product quality waned. WWE's expansion into Japan, bolstered by stars like and high-profile tours, intensified the pressure by capturing younger audiences with polished production during NJPW's low point. Revival initiatives under veteran booker , who assumed greater executive control in the late 2000s, focused on streamlining the roster and innovating titles; a key milestone was the May 2011 introduction of the , with inaugural champion MVP crowned during the Invasion Tour in the United States, designed to bridge heavyweight and junior divisions while providing fresh storylines for talents like .

Bushiroad acquisition and revival (2012–2019)

In January 2012, Bushiroad Inc. acquired New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) from ., making it a wholly owned in a deal valued at ¥500 million. This purchase came amid NJPW's financial struggles following years of instability, providing fresh capital and strategic direction from the multimedia entertainment company. In April 2012, Naoki Sugabayashi was appointed as NJPW's president, ushering in a period of corporate restructuring focused on integrating wrestling with Bushiroad's core businesses in games and content distribution. A key initiative was the October 2012 launch of "King of Pro-Wrestling," a hybrid game featuring NJPW wrestlers, which aimed to cross-promote the promotion's talent and events with interactive media. The post-acquisition era saw the rise of the "Rainmaker" period, anchored by Kazuchika Okada's emergence as NJPW's top star. Returning from TNA Wrestling in early 2012 with a repackaged "Rainmaker" persona, Okada captured the from at Wrestle Kingdom 6 on January 4, 2012, beginning a dominant run that included reigns from 2012–2013, 2014–2015, and 2016–2018. His high-profile matches, particularly the annual clashes with Tanahashi, revitalized storytelling and drew record crowds, with events like in 2016 and in 2018 selling out at over 34,000 attendees each. Complementing this, the 2013 formation of the stable—led by Prince Devitt (now ) alongside , , and —introduced dynamic heel dynamics and invasion angles that enriched NJPW's narrative landscape, influencing global wrestling factions for years. Global expansion accelerated with the December 1, 2014, launch of the New Japan World streaming service in partnership with , offering live events, archives, and exclusive content to international audiences for a subscription fee. This digital platform marked NJPW's pivot toward worldwide accessibility, paving the way for its first standalone U.S. events in 2017 via the G1 Special tour. The junior heavyweight division also experienced a renaissance during this time, bolstered by international talents like , who debuted for NJPW in 2016 and won the tournament that year, injecting athletic innovation and drawing younger fans. These strategies drove substantial financial growth, with NJPW's revenue rising from approximately ¥1.3 billion in 2012 to over ¥5 billion by 2019, fueled by surging event attendance and streaming subscriptions. Major milestones included on January 4, 2019, which attracted a then-record 38,162 paid attendees at the and featured defending the against .

COVID-19 impact and adaptation (2020–2022)

In March 2020, New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) suspended all live events in response to the escalating , initially canceling shows from March 1 through March 15, followed by an extension through May 4 amid nationwide measures. This halt included major tournaments like the and the 48th Anniversary event, marking the promotion's first prolonged break since its founding in 1972. To mitigate financial strain, NJPW's parent company reported operating losses in its sports division, with the promotion achieving near break-even status by fiscal year 2021 despite canceled tours and reduced revenue streams. NJPW resumed operations on June 15, 2020, with empty-arena shows held exclusively at Korakuen Hall in , prioritizing wrestler and staff safety through rigorous testing protocols and limited on-site personnel. These closed-door events, streamed live on the New Japan World platform, featured virtual fan engagement elements such as online commentary and interactive polls to maintain audience connection during the lockdown. The format supported key storylines, including the rescheduled tournament, and helped sustain viewership on the subscription service, which saw increased global subscriptions amid the absence of live crowds. Adaptations extended to NJPW's flagship in January 2021, split across two nights at the to accommodate pandemic restrictions, with attendance capped at approximately 20,000 per night—far below pre-COVID levels—enforced by and masking requirements. The event emphasized streaming accessibility via New Japan World, incorporating fan cheers and virtual attendance features to simulate crowd energy. Amid these changes, NJPW streamlined its talent pool by focusing on full-time contracted wrestlers, releasing or sidelining several non-contracted young lions and freelancers to conserve resources, while delaying all international excursions until safer conditions allowed. By mid-2021, NJPW initiated key recovery efforts, launching the series in the United States, with initial tapings held across multiple nights starting March 24, 2021, in , marking the promotion's cautious return to North American soil without live audiences initially. This initiative featured a mix of local and Japanese talent, streamed on NJPW World and , and laid groundwork for future cross-promotions. Concurrently, NJPW forged a partnership with (AEW), enabling talent exchanges such as Kenny Omega's dual-role appearances and joint storytelling arcs, which boosted visibility and revenue through shared media exposure. Signs of stabilization emerged in 2022 as eased restrictions, allowing on January 4 and 5 at the to host expanded crowds of over 12,000 on night one and nearly 6,400 on night two, a step toward fuller capacities despite ongoing limitations. On October 1, 2022, NJPW founder passed away at age 79 from systemic , leading to widespread tributes and underscoring his lasting influence on the promotion. Overall attendance across NJPW events rebounded to approximately 260,000 for the year, representing a significant uptick from 2021's pandemic lows and approaching 63% of 2019 pre-COVID figures, driven by resumed domestic touring and hybrid fan experiences.

Global expansion and recent innovations (2023–present)

Following the recovery from the , New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) resumed full-scale international tours in 2023, marking a significant step in its global expansion strategy. A key highlight was the co-promoted event Forbidden Door on June 25, 2023, in partnership with (AEW) and Mexico's (CMLL), which drew an attendance of 14,826 at in , . This event not only showcased cross-promotional matches but also solidified NJPW's presence in North American markets by integrating international talent into high-profile storylines. The NJPW Strong brand, originally launched as a U.S.-based division during the , evolved in 2024 into a more robust global feeder system to nurture international talent and expand event footprints. Notable developments included the re-signing of rising star Gabe Kidd to a multi-year contract in March 2024, positioning him as a key figure in the STRONG Openweight Championship division with successful defenses at events like Strong Style Evolved in December 2024. This evolution extended to new markets, with NJPW hosting Royal Quest IV on October 20, 2024, at London's Crystal Palace National Sports Centre, drawing local crowds and featuring British talent integration to build European interest. In 2025, NJPW introduced several innovations to its flagship tournaments and tours, enhancing fan engagement through expanded formats and digital accessibility. The New Japan Cup brackets were announced on February 12, 2025, featuring a 24-man single-elimination tournament from March 7 to 20, with notable first-round matchups like Yota Tsuji vs. EVIL and Gabe Kidd vs. Ren Narita, culminating in a final that advanced storylines toward Sakura Genesis. The King of Pro-Wrestling event on October 13, 2025, at Ryogoku Sumo Hall innovated by emphasizing crossover appeal, including title changes such as Konosuke Takeshita defeating Zack Sabre Jr. for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship, while incorporating global narratives from prior international tours. The Destruction tour, highlighted by Destruction in Kobe on September 28, 2025, enhanced its hybrid model with live streaming on NJPW World, allowing simultaneous global access and boosting viewership through English and Japanese commentary options. Corporate initiatives under parent company further supported NJPW's growth, particularly in the women's division through deeper integration with . In 2023, invested in joint programming like Historic X-Over 2 on October 29, generating revenues of approximately 5.3 billion yen (about $35.6 million USD) for NJPW overall, with contributing to cross-promotional success that expanded women's matches into NJPW events. Technological upgrades included enhancements to the NJPW World streaming platform in September 2023, such as improved video quality and multi-language support, which facilitated broader international reach without venturing into VR experiences at that time. Despite these advances, NJPW faced challenges in 2025 related to talent retention and revenue diversification amid an aging core roster. High-profile departures, such as Kazuchika Okada's move to AEW in March 2024 following the expiration of his NJPW contract, highlighted the need to transition to younger stars like Kidd and Tsuji to sustain drawing power. Bushiroad's fiscal reports for the year ending June 2025 showed combined NJPW and revenues at around 6.3 billion yen (approximately $43 million USD), a slight decline from the prior year, prompting efforts to diversify beyond live events through streaming subscriptions and merchandise to stabilize finances.

Organization

Roster and divisions

New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) organizes its male roster primarily into two weight-based divisions: the division, featuring wrestlers typically over 100 kg, and the Junior Heavyweight division, for those under 100 kg. These divisions structure matches and championships, with competing in high-impact, power-oriented bouts and Juniors emphasizing speed and aerial maneuvers. The women's division is emerging through partnerships with promotions like and (AEW), allowing integrated storylines and cross-promotional appearances without a fully contracted NJPW women's roster. As of November 2025, the Heavyweight division includes prominent talents such as , a veteran ace known for his athletic prowess. Other key figures include David Finlay, who heads the War Dogs stable with international flair, and the Guerrillas of Destiny, consisting of and Tonga Loa, renowned for their hard-hitting style. The Junior Heavyweight division highlights wrestlers like El Desperado, an unaffiliated high-flyer, and , a staple of (LIJ). NJPW maintains approximately 60 contracted talents, supplemented by freelancers from partner promotions and a developmental system of Young Lions—unmasked trainees who build experience through excursion matches without individual gimmicks. Young Lions such as Boltin Oleg, Ryohei Oiwa, and Katsuya Murashima represent the pipeline for future stars, often competing in undercard bouts to hone fundamentals. The stable system remains central to NJPW's narrative-driven booking, with factions like (led by international recruits), House of Torture (focusing on heel tactics and interference), and TMDK (emphasizing technical wrestling) creating ongoing feuds and alliances that enhance storyline depth. These groups, alongside unaffiliated wrestlers, foster rivalries that span divisions and events. The departure of key figures like and Bushi from in May 2025 has led to a reduced stable membership, with remaining LIJ members maintaining loose alliances. Diversity initiatives in NJPW emphasize international inclusion, with wrestlers like David Finlay (of British descent) and American talents such as integrating into leadership roles within stables like War Dogs. Gender balance efforts continue through collaborative women's bookings, such as those involving Mercedes Moné in title defenses, promoting broader representation via global partnerships.

Training facilities and talent development

New Japan Pro-Wrestling's primary training facility, the NJPW located in , serves as the cornerstone of its talent development system, emphasizing the promotion's signature strong style through intensive mat work, conditioning exercises, and fundamental wrestling techniques. Established as part of NJPW's foundational approach to nurturing wrestlers since the 1970s, the dojo operates under a strict where , known as Young Lions, undergo an ascetic regimen including squats, pushups, neck bridges, rope running, and heavy to build resilience and technical proficiency. Trainers such as and oversee sessions that prioritize basics like bumps, bodyslams, and positioning, with trainees often shaving their heads and wearing plain black trunks as symbols of humility and uniformity. Recruitment into the Young Lions program occurs through annual auditions and applications targeting males aged 18-23 who meet height and physical criteria, with international scouting expanding opportunities via the NJPW LA Dojo, established in 2018 in Los Angeles to blend Japanese techniques with global styles. Rookies typically complete an initial period of foundational training focused on core skills before progressing to in-ring experience, often culminating in 2-3 year excursions to partner promotions abroad, such as masked tours in Mexico's lucha libre scene or matches in the United States to develop unique personas and adaptability. For instance, Young Lions like Kyosuke Mikami adopted the masked El Desperado identity during a Mexican excursion, returning with enhanced high-flying abilities that enriched NJPW's junior heavyweight division. Notable graduates of the system include , who debuted as a Young Lion in 2017, returned from in late 2022, and by 2023 had established himself as a key figure in the heavyweight division through high-profile matches like his appearance. The 2025 Young Lions class, featuring talents such as Daiki Nagai and Masatora Yasuda who debuted in mid-, has already contributed to junior division depth by participating in tournaments like the , showcasing improved agility and teamwork honed in the . Post-2020, NJPW's talent development has evolved with the integration of women's training camps through collaborations with —acquired by parent company in 2019—allowing female prospects access to NJPW Academy programs that emphasize cross-promotional skill-sharing and global exposure.

Contracts and talent relations

New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) operates a dual contract that distinguishes between full-time exclusive deals for its core roster and per-appearance agreements for freelancers, allowing flexibility in talent utilization. Top stars such as hold full-time contracts that ensure regular participation in NJPW events and storylines, providing stability for the promotion's flagship performers. In contrast, freelancers enable wrestlers to negotiate terms independently while contributing to major shows without long-term commitments. Following Kazuchika Okada's departure in January 2024, NJPW intensified efforts in 2025 to prioritize contract stability, aiming to secure multi-year extensions for key talents amid roster uncertainties, including the exits of figures like in May 2025. NJPW fosters partnerships with external promotions through talent-sharing arrangements, including dual contracts and exchanges that enhance cross-promotional opportunities. With All Elite Wrestling (AEW), NJPW has implemented dual contracts for select wrestlers, exemplified by Kevin Knight's 2025 agreement allowing him to compete in both promotions simultaneously. Similarly, NJPW's longstanding alliance with Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL), renewed in 2021, facilitates talent exchanges for lucha libre-style crossovers, such as Mexican wrestlers appearing in NJPW's Fantastica Mania series. These collaborations, further expanded via a 2023 strategic alliance with Major League Wrestling (MLW) involving CMLL, promote a steady flow of international competitors without disrupting primary rosters. Under Bushiroad's ownership since 2012, NJPW has focused on comprehensive talent management, including retention strategies to counter poaching by larger promotions like . In response to high-profile exits such as Okada's in 2024 and Naito's in 2025, the company has emphasized developing homegrown talent through its system as an entry point for contracts, while offering competitive incentives to maintain roster depth. Annual contract seasons, particularly in early 2025, highlighted negotiations with young developmental wrestlers, resolving potential disputes through performance-based extensions that reward tournament success and match outcomes. For international recruits, commonly referred to as , NJPW provides visa support to facilitate their integration into Japanese tours, a process streamlined as restrictions eased post-2022. In 2025, the promotion expanded contract offerings for U.S. and wrestlers, aligning with increased international events like to attract and retain global talent on hybrid full-time and excursion-based deals.

Championships

Active men's championships

New Japan Pro-Wrestling promotes several active men's championships that represent different weight classes, team divisions, and regional focuses within its roster. These titles, defended primarily in singles and matches under standard rules such as 60-minute time limits, emphasize athleticism, storytelling, and international appeal. Defenses occur regularly on major events like and the , with annual title-versus-title bouts at 20 scheduled for January 4, 2026, highlighting inter-promotional rivalries without recent unifications or vacancies as of November 2025. The IWGP World Heavyweight Championship serves as NJPW's premier title, symbolizing the pinnacle of heavyweight competition and the status of the top star. Established on March 1, 2021, through the unification of the original (introduced June 12, 1987) and the , it carries a storied lineage with 14 recognized reigns to date. is the current 14th champion, having defeated on October 13, 2025, at King of Pro-Wrestling to begin his first reign, which he defended successfully against on November 2, 2025, at Tanahashi Final Homecoming. The belt's prestige stems from its history of crowning legends like as inaugural heavyweight champion in 1987 and its role in high-stakes defenses that often exceed 30 minutes, reinforcing NJPW's strong-style tradition. The IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship highlights agile, high-flying competitors in the under-100 kg division, with strict weight enforcement to maintain its cruiserweight identity. Originating on February 6, 1986, when became the first champion, it has seen 99 reigns and is deeply intertwined with the tournament, where winners often earn title shots. DOUKI holds the title as the 99th champion, capturing it from El Desperado on October 6, 2025, in his second singles reign while continuing to represent the junior division's technical prowess. Defenses emphasize speed and innovation, typically limited to 30-60 minutes, and have elevated stars like Jushin Thunder Liger through 11 reigns. NJPW's tag team titles foster teamwork and powerhouse dynamics across weight classes. The IWGP Tag Team Championship, introduced on December 12, 1985, with Kengo Kimura and as inaugural holders, is the heavyweight tag division's cornerstone, boasting over 110 team reigns and defenses that showcase brawling and aerial combinations. The current champions, the Brothers (OSKAR and Yuto-Ice) as the 111th team, won the belts from Taichi and on September 28, 2025, marking their first joint reign and positioning them as frontrunners in the 2025 World Tag League. Complementing this, the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship, established August 8, 1998, via a tournament won by and Tatsuhito Takaiwa, limits teams to under 200 kg combined and has produced 79 team reigns focused on fast-paced synergy. House of Torture (DOUKI and SHO) are the reigning 79th champions, securing the titles on June 15, 2025, at 6.15 and recently winning the 2025 on November 2, 2025. The NEVER Openweight Championship functions as a versatile midcard hybrid title, open to wrestlers of any weight without restrictions, blending heavyweight power with junior agility since its creation on November 19, 2012, when Masato Tanaka defeated Karl Anderson in the inaugural match. EVIL is the current champion in his fourth reign, defeating Boltin Oleg on October 13, 2025, at King of Pro-Wrestling, with a scheduled defense against Aaron Wolf at Wrestle Kingdom 20. Its prestige lies in promoting undercard talent through hardcore and multi-man defenses, often 20-60 minutes long. Introduced to spotlight international talent, the debuted on December 11, 2023, replacing the and emphasizing global defenses without geographic limits. holds it as co-record-tying second-time champion (sixth overall reign), defeating Gabe Kidd on October 13, 2025, at King of Pro-Wrestling and retaining against on November 2, 2025. With only six reigns to date, it has quickly gained traction for cross-promotional bouts. The , established on February 19, 2023, serves as a midcard title with a focus on 15-20 minute defenses to showcase technical wrestling and endurance. is the current champion in his first reign, winning from Callum Newman on May 4, 2025, at Wrestling Don't Panic and holding it as of November 2025 with over 200 days. Finally, the Strong Openweight Championship anchors NJPW's American expansion, established on April 2, 2021, with as the first winner in a USA tournament final. is the current eighth champion, defeating Gabe Kidd on April 11, 2025, at Windy City Riot in his first reign, which has spanned over 220 days as of November 2025 and featured defenses on U.S. soil to blend Japanese and international styles.
ChampionshipEstablishedCurrent Holder(s)Reign NumberDate WonNotable Rules/Prestige
IWGP World HeavyweightMarch 1, 2021 (unification; heavyweight lineage from 1987)14thOctober 13, 202560-min defenses; top heavyweight prestige
IWGP Junior HeavyweightFebruary 6, 1986DOUKI99thOctober 6, 2025Under 100 kg; BOSJ tie-ins for agility focus
IWGP Tag TeamDecember 12, 1985OSKAR & Yuto-Ice (Knockout Brothers)111th teamSeptember 28, 2025Heavyweight tag power; World Tag League contention
IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag TeamAugust 8, 1998DOUKI & SHO (House of Torture)79th teamJune 15, 2025Under 200 kg combined; Super Jr. Tag League emphasis
NEVER OpenweightNovember 19, 20124thOctober 13, 2025Weight-open hybrid; midcard versatility
IWGP Global HeavyweightDecember 11, 20236th (2nd personal)October 13, 2025Global/international defenses; post-US title evolution
Strong OpenweightApril 2, 20218thApril 11, 2025U.S.-focused; strong-style integration
NJPW World TelevisionFebruary 19, 20231stMay 4, 202515-20 min defenses; technical showcase

Active women's championships

New Japan Pro-Wrestling's active women's championships are primarily managed through its parent company Bushiroad's ownership of , acquired in late 2019 and fully integrated by 2020, allowing for shared talent and cross-promotional defenses. This affiliation has elevated within NJPW events, particularly since the 2023 launch of co-promoted shows like , where titles have been defended alongside NJPW belts. As of November 2025, the key active titles include the as the premier singles belt, the Women's Championship for international focus, and 's core championships emphasizing technical and tag team divisions. Additional active titles such as the (trios, currently held by H.A.T.E. - , Rina, and Fukigen Death since September 2025) and the High Speed Championship (currently held by ) are also defended on integrated events, broadening the women's division offerings. The is NJPW's flagship women's title, often defended by talent in high-profile matches across promotions. is the current champion, defeating on October 13, 2025, at King of Pro-Wrestling in her second reign as of November 2025. The , 's top singles title, became part of the NJPW ecosystem following 's 2020 buyout, with defenses increasingly featured on NJPW cards since the 2023 integration of women's divisions. Current champion Saya Kamitani won the title on December 29, 2024, and has held it for over 320 days as of November 2025, defending it in high-profile matches that highlight 's athletic style. This belt, established in 2011, represents the pinnacle of wrestling prestige within the family. The serves as a midcard singles title, often contested in technical, fast-paced matches that showcase grappling and submissions, with crossover defenses at NJPW's Forbidden Door events since 2023 to bridge audiences. As of November 2025, holds the title after defeating on November 3, 2025, in , marking her first singles reign and emphasizing Oedo Tai's aggressive faction dynamics. Introduced in , it has been a proving ground for rising stars, with rules requiring defenses at least every 30 days to maintain activity. The Goddesses of Championship is the premier women's title, focusing on partnership synergy and faction warfare, particularly among groups like , with defenses integrated into NJPW's joint programming to amplify storyline rivalries. The current champions, and Ruaka of the HATE stable (affiliated with ), captured the belts on July 24, 2025, by defeating Hanan and Saya Iida at Korakuen Hall, holding them for over 140 days as of November 2025 amid ongoing tag league tournaments. Established in , the title requires teams to defend as units, fostering narratives around loyalty and betrayal in 's roster. NJPW's , launched on April 27, 2023, as part of the brand's U.S. expansion, targets global appeal by featuring international talent and defenses on American soil, distinct from STARDOM's domestic focus while allowing crossovers. Saya Kamitani became the sixth champion on September 27, 2025, defeating AZM at Korakuen Hall and becoming a double champion alongside her ongoing reign. was the inaugural holder, and the belt's rules mandate quarterly defenses to promote accessibility for non-Japanese wrestlers. Ongoing integration efforts in 2025 include joint tournaments like the and increased appearances on NJPW cards, such as at Wrestle Dynasty and Forbidden Door, to deepen the women's division's visibility and talent exchange. This has resulted in more unified booking under , with wrestlers regularly competing for NJPW titles and vice versa, addressing prior separations between promotions.
ChampionshipCurrent Champion(s)Date WonReign Duration (as of Nov. 17, 2025)Notes
SyuriOctober 13, 2025~35 daysNJPW's flagship women's title, defended across promotions.
World of STARDOM ChampionshipSaya KamitaniDecember 29, 2024~323 daysSTARDOM's world title, integrated into NJPW events.
KonamiNovember 3, 2025~14 daysMidcard technical focus with crossover defenses.
Goddesses of STARDOM Championship & Ruaka (HATE)July 24, 2025~116 daysTag team belt emphasizing faction rivalries.
NJPW Strong Women's ChampionshipSaya KamitaniSeptember 27, 2025~51 daysU.S.-oriented for global expansion.

Defunct championships

New Japan Pro-Wrestling has retired numerous championships throughout its history to refine its divisional structure, particularly following Bushiroad's 2012 acquisition, which emphasized simplification and focus on flagship titles by consolidating redundant or underutilized belts. The IWGP U-30 Championship, established on April 23, 2003, served as a showcase for wrestlers under the age of 30, promoting emerging talent through openweight matches without restrictions. It was deactivated on September 7, 2013, after Hiroshi Tanahashi's second reign exceeded the age limit, as enforcement became impractical for long-term champions, leading NJPW to retire the title rather than vacate it amid a lack of suitable younger contenders. Tanahashi's first reign of 622 days remains the longest, highlighting the belt's role in elevating stars like himself and during its decade-long run. Another early global-oriented title, the IWGP International Heavyweight Championship, was introduced in 1997 to symbolize NJPW's international ambitions, with inaugural champion defending it in high-profile matches against foreign competitors. It was short-lived, lasting until 1998 when it was unified into the due to overlapping prestige and limited defenses, marking an early effort to consolidate heavyweight divisions. In more recent years, the promotion's 2021 title unifications under Bushiroad's direction deactivated two major heavyweight belts to create a singular top prize. The , NJPW's premier title since its inception on June 12, 1987, was retired after Kota Ibushi's victory over at , unifying it with the to form the . The , created on June 19, 2011, as a midcard belt for versatile international storylines, was similarly deactivated in the same match, with Ibushi as the final holder; this merger addressed fan and management concerns over dual world titles diluting focus. NJPW officials cited the need for a streamlined to enhance prestige, a strategy continued into 2025 with the retirement of the KOPW Championship following the December 22, 2024, event after its experimental customizable match format proved unsustainable post-pandemic. Prior to 2015, the G1 Tag League tournament occasionally featured provisional midcard belts for lower blocks, but these were phased out to emphasize the main event focus without dedicated hardware. Similarly, short-term provisional titles like the 2004 IWGP Pure Championship experiment were quickly abandoned to avoid fragmenting the junior heavyweight division. By 2025, these retirements have allowed NJPW to prioritize core active championships, evolving historical belts into unified modern equivalents.

Events

Signature pay-per-view events

New Japan Pro-Wrestling's signature pay-per-view events serve as cornerstone spectacles that anchor the promotion's annual calendar, emphasizing high-stakes championship defenses and marquee storytelling culminations. These events, held throughout the year, draw substantial live audiences and global viewership, reinforcing NJPW's position as Japan's premier wrestling organization. Wrestle Kingdom stands as NJPW's flagship event, held annually on January 4 at the Tokyo Dome since 1990, marking the promotion's traditional New Year's kickoff with a focus on title matches and career-defining rivalries. The event originated as the January 4 Tokyo Dome Show, evolving into a multi-night format starting with Wrestle Kingdom 14 in 2020 to accommodate expanded card depth and international crossovers, though the 2025 edition, Wrestle Kingdom 19, returned to a single night on January 4 at the Tokyo Dome. Featuring prominent bouts such as Zack Sabre Jr. defending the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship against Shota Umino in the main event, the show drew an attendance of 24,107 fans. Other highlights included El Phantasmo capturing the NJPW World Television Championship in a fatal four-way and Hiroshi Tanahashi's lumberjack match victory over EVIL. King of Pro-Wrestling, established in 2012 as an October staple at Ryogoku Kokugikan, emphasizes championship defenses and transitional storylines leading into year-end tournaments. The event has consistently showcased defenses of major titles, with its 2025 iteration on October 13 highlighting four title changes, including Konosuke Takeshita defeating Zack Sabre Jr. for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship in the main event. Junior heavyweight action featured prominently in undercard matches, such as BULLET CLUB War Dogs' trios victory over Hiromu Takahashi, Shingo Takagi, and Titan, underscoring the division's role in building momentum for subsequent events. Dominion, a mid-year pay-per-view since 2013, is traditionally hosted at Osaka Castle Hall and serves as a key buildup to the tournament, often featuring title defenses and faction warfare. The 2025 edition on June 15 at Osaka-jo Hall saw multiple championship shifts, with Gabe Kidd defeating for the and retaining the against in the main event. Complementing this, Power Struggle has been an annual November event since 2011, positioned as the final major show before , typically at venues like to resolve fall storylines and integrate junior tag league finals. In 2025, it aligned with the conclusion, maintaining its role in escalating tensions toward the . These events have evolved with the launch of the New Japan World streaming service in , providing global access to live broadcasts and on-demand replays, which expanded their reach beyond . By 2025, enhancements included hybrid live-streaming options with English commentary and interactive features on the platform, enabling simultaneous viewing for international audiences during events like Wrestle Kingdom 19. Often dubbed the "Japanese WrestleMania," in particular plays a pivotal cultural role, symbolizing NJPW's prestige and driving significant revenue through ticket sales, merchandise, and streaming subscriptions, contributing substantially to the promotion's annual figures of approximately $43 million (combined with ) in fiscal year 2025. These signature pay-per-views collectively account for a major portion of NJPW's commercial success, bolstering its legacy in .

Annual tournaments

New Japan Pro-Wrestling's annual tournaments serve as cornerstone events, showcasing top talent through competitive formats that build rivalries and determine championship challengers. These round-robin and elimination-style competitions, held throughout the year, emphasize athletic prowess and , with winners frequently earning title opportunities that shape major arcs leading to events like . The , NJPW's flagship heavyweight tournament, debuted in 1991 as an eight-man round-robin but evolved into its modern 20-man format divided into two blocks of 10 wrestlers each, running primarily in August. Participants earn points for victories (two points per win, one for a draw), with block winners advancing to semifinals and a final to crown the overall victor, who receives an match at . The 2025 edition, G1 Climax 35, featured intense block competition and concluded with defeating in the final on August 17 at in , marking Takeshita's first G1 victory as a crossover star from AEW and . Complementing the G1, the highlights NJPW's junior heavyweight division, originating in 1988 under the name Top of the Super Jr. before adopting its current title; it follows a similar round-robin structure with two blocks of 10 wrestlers, emphasizing high-flying and technical matches over a May-June schedule. The winner secures an opportunity, often propelling undercard stars into main-event contention. In 2025, the 32nd iteration saw emerge victorious on June 1 in , defeating YOH in the final and becoming the youngest winner in tournament history at age 22, underscoring NJPW's focus on emerging talent. The provides a spring counterpoint as a single-elimination heavyweight tournament launched in 2005, typically involving 16 to 32 entrants in March-April brackets that include both NJPW regulars and occasional international competitors. Advancing through quarterfinals, semifinals, and a final, the champion earns a high-profile title shot, frequently at , injecting fresh dynamics into heavyweight divisions. The 2025 event featured a 24-man field with global representation and culminated on March 20 in Niigata, where David Finlay defeated in the final to claim his first victory. Rounding out the annual cycle, the World Tag League is a November tag team round-robin tournament dating back to 1980, initially as the MSG Tag League, now featuring two blocks of eight teams each where points determine block leaders advancing to a final for IWGP Tag Team Championship contention. It spotlights partnerships and faction dynamics, often culminating pay-per-view events. The 2025 edition, announced on November 5, includes 16 teams with emphasis on emerging units like TMDK (The Most Devious Kind) alongside veterans, running from November 20 to December 15 and incorporating crossover elements to broaden appeal. Collectively, these tournaments play a pivotal role in NJPW's narrative structure, with winners historically accounting for a substantial share of major title transitions—such as G1 victors challenging at —while 2025 iterations introduced more crossover participants to enhance global storylines and contender pipelines.

International and collaborative events

New Japan Pro-Wrestling has expanded its global footprint through a series of U.S.-based events under the banner, which began with tapings in 2021 to showcase its roster to North American audiences. These events, held in venues across and , featured matches taped for the NJPW Strong television program and included cross-promotional appearances from partners like . By 2025, NJPW scaled back its standalone U.S. shows to three events due to declining attendance and roster travel preferences, with tapings primarily concentrated in for efficiency. A landmark collaborative effort came with Wrestle Dynasty on January 5, 2025, at Tokyo Dome, co-produced by NJPW alongside All Elite Wrestling (AEW), Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL), Ring of Honor (ROH), and World Wonder Ring Stardom. The event served as a co-headliner to NJPW's Wrestle Kingdom 19, featuring high-profile matches such as Kenny Omega versus Gabe Kidd and Zack Sabre Jr. defending the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship against Ricochet, drawing 16,300 attendees and emphasizing NJPW's role in multi-promotion spectacles. The annual Forbidden Door pay-per-view, launched in 2022 as a joint venture between NJPW and AEW, has become a cornerstone of their partnership, integrating talents from both promotions and occasionally CMLL and ROH. The 2025 edition, held on August 24 at The O2 Arena in London, England, featured multi-promotion title defenses, including the AEW World Championship and IWGP World Heavyweight Championship, with an attendance of 18,992 and pay-per-view buys surpassing previous years to underscore NJPW's growing international appeal. In Europe, NJPW has strengthened ties with Revolution Pro Wrestling (RevPro) through co-promoted tours, including the 2024 and 2025 editions of Global Wars UK, which integrated NJPW stars into RevPro's lineup for events in London. The 2025 Global Wars UK on August 22 at Crystal Palace National Sports Centre highlighted crossovers with CMLL and ROH, featuring matches like Leon Slater versus Francesco Akira and drawing crowds eager for NJPW's strong style in the UK market. NJPW's longstanding collaboration with CMLL has focused on lucha libre-infused events in , with the series extending to a 2025 Mexico tour in June, co-presented as CMLL Presenta NJPW México. This edition included NJPW wrestlers like alongside CMLL's top luchadores in , fostering cultural exchange and exposing NJPW to Latin American audiences through traditional mask matches and high-flying spectacles. Further global outreach in 2025 included Asia expansions, building on prior tours in Taiwan and building toward potential shows in markets like Singapore, though specific events emphasized NJPW's APFW (Asia Pacific Fighting Wrestling) initiative to localize content and partner with regional promotions. Overall, these international efforts contributed to NJPW's revenue diversification, with Bushiroad reporting combined NJPW and Stardom earnings of approximately $43 million for fiscal year 2025, reflecting steady global growth despite domestic attendance plateaus.

Legacy and honors

Halls of Fame

New Japan Pro-Wrestling maintains two primary halls of fame to recognize the contributions of legendary wrestlers to the promotion's history and the development of strong style wrestling. The Greatest 18 Club, NJPW's inaugural hall of fame, was established on September 30, 1990, during a ceremony celebrating founder 's 30th anniversary in . This exclusive group honors 18 pioneers and influential figures who shaped NJPW's early years and global connections, with criteria focused on significant achievements, title reigns, and overall impact on the industry. Representative inductees include , the promotion's founder and inaugural IWGP Heavyweight Champion; , a expert who trained many Japanese wrestlers; , known for his iconic matches in NJPW; and Lou Thesz, a multi-time world champion who bridged American and Japanese styles. The induction was tied to the creation of the Greatest 18 Club Championship, a short-lived title awarded to top members to symbolize their elite status. In 2007, NJPW launched the Greatest Wrestlers Hall of Fame to further commemorate wrestlers who competed for the promotion and advanced its legacy. Inductions occurred annually from 2007 to 2011, resulting in 11 total members selected for their pioneering roles in strong style and long-term contributions. Ceremonies took place at Tokyo's Korakuen Hall, typically on March 6, featuring speeches and tributes without associated matches. Notable inductees encompass Seiji Sakaguchi, a foundational figure and former president; , a multi-time champion who popularized the Revolution stable; , renowned for Dragon Suplex innovation; and , an influential trainer. Some overlap exists with the Greatest 18 Club, such as Inoki, emphasizing NJPW's commitment to honoring repeated icons. These halls of fame serve to preserve NJPW's historical narrative amid roster changes and international expansion, spotlighting strong style pioneers who defined the promotion's identity. By 2011, the combined efforts had inducted over 25 unique figures, with no further additions reported as of 2025.

Notable achievements and cultural impact

New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) has significantly influenced global through its "strong style" approach, characterized by intense, hard-hitting matches blending and submission techniques, which gained prominence in the . This style impacted WWE's NXT brand, as wrestlers like and , who honed their skills in NJPW, brought elements of athleticism and realism to American audiences, contributing to NXT's evolution into a more competitive product. Additionally, NJPW has staged ladder matches since its first in 2007, featuring , , and others, and introduced the stipulation to the for the first time at 19 in 2025, enhancing the global appeal of high-stakes, multi-man contests. In media, NJPW has achieved milestones through video game adaptations, notably the Toukon Retsuden series developed by , starting with the 1995 PlayStation title that simulated NJPW's roster and match dynamics, allowing fans to experience strong style gameplay. Under parent company since 2012, NJPW expanded into multimedia via card games like sponsorships of events and mobile titles such as NJPW Strong Spirits, fostering cross-promotions at events like . These efforts integrated wrestling into broader entertainment ecosystems, though no dedicated NJPW series has been produced. Culturally, NJPW holds a prominent place in Japanese pop culture, with established as a national spectacle akin to the , drawing over 40,000 attendees annually to the and symbolizing perseverance and athletic excellence in line with societal values. Internationally, NJPW's fandom surged in the through streaming on platforms like and New Japan World, amplified by viral memes surrounding factions like and dedicated podcasts such as Voices of Wrestling, which analyzed storylines and matches for global audiences. NJPW's achievements include dominance in industry awards, such as Pro Wrestling Illustrated's 2017 Match of the Year for versus at 6.11, highlighting the promotion's storytelling and in-ring quality during a streak of acclaimed bouts. While specific 2025 Cauliflower Alley Club honors for NJPW are not recorded, the promotion's wrestlers have received lifetime achievement recognitions in prior years, underscoring its legacy. On social impact, NJPW participated in the 2011 All Together charity supershow with and at , raising funds for victims of the Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami through ticket proceeds donated to the Japanese Red Cross. In the 2020s, NJPW advanced diversity by introducing the in 2022 and the Strong Women's Championship in 2021, expanding opportunities for female wrestlers and integrating them into major events like .

Broadcasting and media

Domestic broadcasting

New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) has maintained a longstanding partnership with TV Asahi, beginning in 1973 when the promotion signed a television deal with NET TV, the predecessor to the current network. This collaboration has provided consistent domestic exposure through weekly programming, including the highlights show World Pro-Wrestling (60 minutes) and the extended World Pro-Wrestling Returns (30 minutes), which air on TV Asahi and its satellite channels. These broadcasts feature match recaps, wrestler interviews, and event previews, helping to sustain NJPW's visibility in Japan's linear television landscape. Notably, Wrestle Kingdom 20 in 2026 marked the first Tokyo Dome event broadcast on TV Asahi since 2004. TV Asahi also holds a minority ownership stake in NJPW alongside Amuse, Inc., reinforcing the network's investment in the promotion's growth. In parallel, NJPW has expanded its digital presence within through streaming platforms. The promotion's proprietary service, NJPW World, launched in 2014 as a with , offers live and on-demand access to events, including pay-per-views like . This platform has seen significant peaks, such as the record 92,409 unique worldwide users tuning in live for in 2023, with a substantial portion from domestic audiences. Additionally, select events have been streamed on AbemaTV, including the 2024 All Together charity show, providing broader accessibility via internet-based options. These efforts address the shift toward digital consumption amid declining traditional TV viewership in . Under Bushiroad's ownership since 2012, NJPW benefits from synergies across the company's media and entertainment portfolio, including integrations with trading card games and multimedia content. For instance, Bushiroad's has sponsored NJPW events, blending wrestling narratives with gaming promotions to engage younger fans. This extends to Bushiroad's arm, which supports NJPW through event programs and related merchandise, enhancing overall cohesion without relying solely on standalone wrestling media. Domestic broadcasting faces challenges from the broader decline in linear TV audiences, prompting NJPW to prioritize streaming growth. NJPW World underwent a major renewal in late 2023 to improve and content delivery, contributing to sustained engagement as sports viewership increasingly incorporates digital platforms. While exact metrics for 2025 remain evolving, the promotion's focus on hybrid models—combining TV highlights with online live streams—has helped offset traditional declines by appealing to on-demand viewers.

International distribution and partnerships

New Japan Pro-Wrestling's international distribution relies heavily on digital platforms to reach global audiences beyond its domestic base in . The flagship service, New Japan World, launched on December 1, 2014, provides subscription-based access to live events, archives, and original content for viewers worldwide. Priced at $9.99 USD monthly outside , it features English commentary for major shows alongside Japanese audio tracks, supporting bilingual viewing options. The platform peaked at over 100,000 subscribers, with a reported high of 116,000 in January 2021. A 2023 renewal enhanced its interface and mobile app integration, improving accessibility for international users. To broaden free access, NJPW maintains official YouTube channels, offering highlights, full matches from select events, and promotional content to non-subscribers. These channels, including the English-focused NJPW Global account, deliver cinematic recaps and road-to-event clips, helping to grow international engagement without requiring payment. This strategy complements New Japan World's premium model by funneling casual viewers toward subscriptions. Key partnerships have amplified NJPW's global footprint, particularly through collaborations with American promotions. Since 2021, NJPW has co-produced the annual Forbidden Door with (AEW), featuring integrated rosters and cross-promotional storylines; the 2025 edition, held at London's on August 24, drew sold-out crowds and highlighted wrestlers from both companies alongside partners like CMLL and . This alliance has boosted U.S. visibility via AEW's TBS broadcasts and streaming on platforms like , while exposing NJPW talent to broader English-speaking markets. For pay-per-view distribution, NJPW events are streamed via TrillerTV, which handles international sales in regions including North America, Europe, and Asia. Notable 2025 broadcasts on TrillerTV included Wrestle Dynasty, Battle in the Valley, and the Forbidden Door co-event, ensuring simultaneous global availability. In June 2025, NJPW further expanded digital streaming partnerships in North America and Asia, enhancing content delivery and contributing to post-pandemic recovery in international viewership. These efforts, built on Japan's strong event infrastructure, have solidified NJPW's position as a key player in worldwide professional wrestling media.

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