10 Things You Learn Converting From WWE To New Japan Pro Wrestling

5. Multiple Finisher Psychology

Kazuchika Okada Dinosaur1
NJPWWorld.com

A formula robbed and bastardised by WWE, the repeated use of finishers in major NJPW matches carries far worthier heft than John Cena yet again hitting three Attitude Adjustments for the win or Roman Reigns attempting his seventh Superman Punch.

Portraying their survival instincts and incredible fighting spirit, top stars will summon unthinkable fortitude to shockingly rebound instantaneously from a finisher, only to suffer the after-effects seconds removed from the astonishing adrenaline rush.

It's a unique and exhilarating trick - massive moves will always pop crowds, but the double-down that follows allows both the audience and the wrestlers to take a breather before battle recommences. Crucially missing from the WWE's theft of the idea is that delayed sell - the drama, triumph and tragedy wrapped in a split second comeback is given ample space by the subsequent exhaustion.

Inevitably, the big hits keep coming. At this point, the contests then have their rhythms adjusted by a performer unleashing their most dangerous weapon repetitiously as a means to save the result for themselves as much as put an opponent away.

Contributor
Contributor

Michael is a writer, editor, podcaster and presenter for WhatCulture Wrestling, and has been with the organisation nearly 8 years. He primarily produces written, audio and video content on WWE and AEW, but also provides knowledge and insights on all aspects of the wrestling industry thanks to a passion for it dating back over 35 years. As one third of "The Dadley Boyz" Michael has contributed to the huge rise in popularity of the WhatCulture Wrestling Podcast and its accompanying YouTube channel, earning it top spot in the UK's wrestling podcast charts with well over 62,000,000 total downloads. He has been featured as a wrestling analyst for the Tampa Bay Times, GRAPPL, GCP, Poisonrana and Sports Guys Talking Wrestling, and has covered milestone events in New York, Dallas, Las Vegas, Philadelphia, London and Cardiff. Michael's background in media stretches beyond wrestling coverage, with a degree in Journalism from the University Of Sunderland (2:1) and a series of published articles in sports, music and culture magazines The Crack, A Love Supreme and Pilot. When not offering his voice up for daily wrestling podcasts, he can be found losing it singing far too loud watching his favourite bands play live. Follow him on X/Twitter - @MichaelHamflett