Looking Back On The WCW / NJPW Event In North Korea: 25 Years Later
Yes, WCW Really Went To The Hermit Kingdom.
This April will marked 25 years since WCW and New Japan Pro Wrestling held a joint event in North Korea. It was the first (and only) time a major American wrestling promotion ventured into the so called "Hermit Kingdom". This event would be officially named the "Pyongyang International Sports and Culture Festival for Peace" although WCW marketed it as "Collision In Korea".
Now days the idea of holding a pro-wrestling event in North Korea seems absolutely insane, but believe me it really did happen. The likes of Ric Flair, Scott Norton, Chris Benoit and the Steiner Brothers all made the trip to the country. Naturally given the nature of this event there are many stories that go with it.
From record breaking attendances, wrestlers being interrogated by North Korean officials to Muhammad Ali coming along for the ride, it's safe to say this was a crazy event to be involved with.