Japanese “Pro Wrestling,” also known as puroresu, has played a significant role in shaping the global entertainment landscape, transcending the boundaries of sports and becoming an integral part of the broader entertainment industry. Its influence on wrestling, sports entertainment, and even popular culture is profound, and its distinct style and unique approach to storytelling have made a lasting impact on audiences worldwide. From the early days of its inception to its global expansion, puroresu has left an indelible mark on the wrestling industry, influencing everything from the way wrestling is presented to the athletes’ portrayal, and it continues to shape the entertainment world to this day.
Origins and Evolution of Japanese Pro Wrestling
The roots of Japanese pro wrestling can be traced back to the early 20th century. It was heavily influenced by traditional forms of Japanese theater, martial arts, and Western wrestling. The story of puroresu began in the 1920s when legendary Japanese wrestler Rikidozan introduced the concept of professional wrestling to Japan. Rikidozan, often referred to as the “father” of Japanese pro wrestling, gained immense popularity and helped establish wrestling as a major form of entertainment in the country.
Rikidozan’s early matches, particularly his rivalry with American wrestler The Destroyer, were instrumental in attracting widespread attention to pro wrestling. Over the years, the sport evolved in Japan, combining elements of competitive wrestling with theatrical storytelling and choreography. This blend of athleticism and entertainment became a defining characteristic of Japanese pro wrestling and set it apart from other wrestling traditions, particularly in the United States.
The Rise of Strong Style Wrestling
One of the most significant contributions of Japanese pro wrestling to the global entertainment scene is the development of the “strong style” wrestling philosophy. Strong style emphasizes hard-hitting, physical, and realistic matches where wrestlers engage in brutal strikes, submission holds, and highly intense in-ring action. Unlike the more theatrical and scripted matches of American wrestling, Japanese strong style is rooted in real combat, with a focus on athleticism, grit, and toughness.
This approach to wrestling became highly influential in the 1980s and 1990s, with promotions like New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) and All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW) at the forefront. Iconic wrestlers such as Antonio Inoki, Masahiro Chono, and Kenta Kobashi helped shape this style and became global icons. The strong style philosophy not only influenced wrestlers in Japan but also left a mark on Western wrestling organizations, with many American wrestlers adopting elements of strong style in their own matches.
The impact of strong style wrestling extends beyond traditional wrestling rings and into other forms of entertainment. The raw intensity and athleticism of Japanese pro wrestling matches have inspired action sequences in movies, TV shows, and video games. Hollywood action stars, directors, and choreographers have cited Japanese pro wrestling as a major influence in crafting fight scenes that emphasize realism and physicality. As such, the impact of strong style wrestling is felt far beyond the confines of the squared circle.
Influence on WWE and the Globalization of Wrestling
The influence of Japanese pro wrestling on global entertainment is perhaps most evident in its impact on World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), the largest and most recognized wrestling promotion in the world. Over the years, WWE has drawn inspiration from Japan’s puroresu style, incorporating elements of Japanese wrestling into its programming.
One of the most notable examples of this influence is the WWE’s use of “hard-hitting” matches and more realistic portrayals of in-ring combat. The WWE product has evolved over the years, blending elements of puroresu with its own distinct brand of sports entertainment. Wrestlers like Chris Jericho, Daniel Bryan, Shinsuke Nakamura, and Asuka have brought aspects of Japanese wrestling into WWE, especially the more hard-hitting and physically intense style of combat. These wrestlers have introduced moves, storytelling techniques, and match structures that closely mirror the strong style of puroresu, making WWE’s programming more appealing to global audiences.
The rise of mixed martial arts (MMA) also played a role in the crossover influence of Japanese wrestling. MMA promotions such as the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) were heavily influenced by the combat-oriented style of Japanese wrestling. Wrestlers like Antonio Inoki, who transitioned from pro wrestling to MMA, paved the way for the acceptance of MMA as a mainstream sport. The lines between pro wrestling and MMA blurred over time, with many WWE stars, including Brock Lesnar, transitioning to MMA and vice versa. This cross-pollination between wrestling and combat sports has contributed to the global appeal of both forms of entertainment.
Cultural Exchange and Cross-Promotional Collaborations
The exchange between Japanese and Western wrestling promotions has fostered a unique cultural collaboration. Throughout the years, there have been numerous cross-promotional events where wrestlers from Japanese promotions faced off against wrestlers from American or European companies. The “Invasion” storyline between NJPW and WWE is just one example of how the two cultures have influenced each other.
These cultural exchanges have allowed fans from different parts of the world to experience the best of both worlds. For instance, events like the “NJPW vs. WWE” matches helped to popularize Japanese wrestling’s hard-hitting style among American audiences. Furthermore, international wrestling talent has frequently crossed borders, with many top wrestlers like Kazuchika Okada, Hiroshi Tanahashi, and Tetsuya Naito finding fame outside of Japan while maintaining their ties to puroresu.
On the flip side, Japanese wrestling promotions have welcomed wrestlers from around the world, creating a melting pot of styles and personalities. This blending of cultures has added to the global appeal of puroresu, demonstrating that wrestling is not confined to one region but is a universal form of entertainment.
Puroresu’s Impact on Modern Entertainment Media
The influence of Japanese pro wrestling is not confined to the ring but extends into broader entertainment media, including film, television, and video games. The theatrical nature of wrestling, combined with the spectacle and larger-than-life personalities, has made it a perfect source of inspiration for creators in other entertainment industries.
One of the most prominent examples of Japanese pro wrestling’s impact is its role in the creation of fight choreography in modern cinema. Directors like Quentin Tarantino, who is known for his intense and stylized action sequences, have drawn inspiration from the hard-hitting matches in Japanese pro wrestling. The dynamic, fast-paced fight scenes seen in many action movies owe a great deal to the influence of puroresu, where the action is often intense and unrelenting.
In the world of video games, several wrestling games, including the famous “Smackdown!” and “No Mercy” series, have incorporated the fast-paced, highly physical elements of Japanese wrestling. Games like “Fire Pro Wrestling” have also been popular among fans for their attempt to replicate the realistic combat and strategic elements of puroresu matches. These games have reached audiences far and wide, exposing new generations of fans to the intense world of Japanese wrestling.
Conclusion
Japanese pro wrestling, or puroresu, has left an undeniable legacy on global entertainment. Its blend of athleticism, storytelling, and physicality has influenced not only the wrestling industry but also a wide array of entertainment sectors, including film, television, and video games. Through the development of strong style wrestling, cultural exchanges between promotions, and its lasting impact on companies like WWE, Japanese wrestling has shaped the evolution of modern entertainment in ways that continue to be felt today.
As wrestling continues to evolve, the influence of Japanese pro wrestling will undoubtedly remain an essential part of the broader entertainment world. Whether through action-packed matches, larger-than-life characters, or its innovative approach to storytelling, puroresu’s global reach and impact will continue to inspire and shape the entertainment landscape for years to come.