10 Things You Learn Converting From WWE To New Japan Pro Wrestling
2. The Rise And Fall Of Inoki-ism
Experiencing the joy of New Japan Pro Wrestling's current flourish is enhanced tremendously by reflecting on how it almost never came to pass - and all thanks to the catastrophic booking decisions of its founder.
Antonio Inoki held talismanic control of NJPW from 1972 until his forced 2005 departure. He'd earned worldwide notoriety thanks to a 1976 contest with Muhammad Ali that devolved into lunacy; keen not to be embarrassed by a wrestler once it became clear it wasn't a show-fight, a set of arcane rules were devised which saw Inoki spend the entire match on his back like an upturned turtle, all the while kicking out at Ali's shins.
One of many instances of pro wrestling and mixed martial arts failing to fuse, Inoki failed to heed the lesson when he almost tanked his organisation with the same philosophy nearly three decades later.
Attempting to piggy-back MMA's popularity in Japan, he sacrificed past, present and future stars Jushin Liger, Katsuyori Shibata, Yuji Nagata and Shinsuke Nakamura to the likes of shoot-fight sh*tkickers Mirko Cro Cop, Fedor Emilianenko. K-1/PRIDE fighter Bob Sapp even lifted the prestigious IWGP Heavyweight Title amidst his huge run as charismatic-but-limited Japanese celebrity.
Revenues and attendances plummeted until video games company Yukes purchased 51.5% of the company from him just to rescue the sinking ship.