10 Signs Wrestling Is Heading Towards A New Golden Age
3. NJPW's Rise
New Japan Pro Wrestling's stature has grown immensely over the past few years, particularly among western fans. They can't compete with WWE in terms of business, but they've got the world's most critically acclaimed in-ring product, and are quietly en route to having their most successful financial year, even surpassing the days when they were able to draw 64,000 fans to the Tokyo Dome several times a year.
NJPW have become the world's number two promotion, and they've done it by offering a true alternative to WWE. Their in-ring style mixes classic puroresu elements with slow-building dramatic escalation that makes almost every big match a 'must see,' and scratches an itch that WWE's more restrictive product just can't reach. There are no tiresome soap opera tropes with NJPW: only cutting edge in-ring action, layered storylines that reward long-term investment, and some of the best wrestlers on the planet.
Everyone should be rooting for NJPW's continued success, regardless of whether they like the product or not. Alternatives are essential for the business' long-term health, and while New Japan aren't likely to threaten WWE anytime soon, their continued success should pressurise the sport's top promotion to stop taking their position (and audience) for granted.