10 Smartest Decisions In Wrestling History
4. Defecting From (And Killing) The Japan Pro Wrestling Alliance
The Japan Pro Wrestling Alliance was the first wrestling promotion native to the country. Spearheaded by the Godfather of puroresu, Rikidōzan, the emerging industry was so popular, and so rousing, that it is partially credited for healing the psyche of the nation, post-World War II.
When the Godfather was killed in a yakuza attack, the promotion that drew eye-watering TV ratings - the biggest in wrestling history irrespective of country - the promotion, as most do, found itself susceptible to in-fighting fuelled by ego and money. Antonio Inoki, in the shadow of Shohei 'Giant' Baba, left to headline Tokyo Pro. The upstart promotion failed; Inoki wasn't taken seriously as a main event proposition, and the company lacked the foreign presence crucial to the wish fulfilment culture. Inoki returned to what was also known as the JWA with an evident reluctance. He deemed himself worth more than his subdued presentation, as did Baba, who was also convinced to leave amid the company's rising financial turmoil.
The great irony is that the modern puro industry, in which loyalty is valued so highly that even to this day, a figure like KENTA is the most despised heel for his entire lack of it, was formed through a dual transgression.
From the ashes of the JWA, NJPW (founded by Inoki) and AJPW (Baba) each formed in 1972, boasting two distinct pro wrestling philosophies. Both men became the second and third faces on puro's Mount Rushmore years after their JWA programme was nixed.
It was said to be too soon on the horizon, but it was too late, ultimately, for the JWA to survive.