15 Biggest Differences Between WWE And Japanese Wrestling

2. Japan Treats Pro Wrestling Like A Legitimate Sport

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=67hrSXt2zHQ In his recent interview on Steve Austin€™s podcast, Vince McMahon adamantly referred to his product as €˜sports entertainment€™, much to Austin€™s disappointment. Presentation of pro wrestling in Japan is very different: it€™s treated like a legitimate sport, an athletic contest. A wrestler€™s technical skill and their determination are the core characteristics needed to be a big star. These traits, combined with the aforementioned stiff strikes, martial arts aspects, and in some cases dangerous maneuvers, make Japanese wrestling all about the physical action. With very few exceptions, without these core elements, one is not likely to be a big star in Japanese wrestling. This is why, for example, Johnny €˜Ace€™ Laurinaitis, considered one of the least-charismatic people in WWE, as a relatively successful star in Japan: they cared more about what he could in the ring than his promo skills. So if you€™re one of those who is tired of seeing overly-dramatized storylines on a weekly basis and want to see a true athletic contest, Japanese wrestling might be the answer you€™re looking for.