Probably a dumb question: Is wrestling bigger in the US, or Japan?

**The Naitch** · 11-09-2005, 03:30 AM

Overall

**Hired Hitman** · 11-09-2005, 03:35 AM

I am guessing Japan, they go crazy about Wrestling in Japan and have heaps of federations (at least they did a few years ago).

**Destor** · 11-09-2005, 03:37 AM

Wrestling in Japan is almost as big as Baseball in Japan. And that says a lot.

**What Would Kevin Do?** · 11-09-2005, 04:47 AM

I'm going to guess it's bigger in Japan, but marketed more over here.

**Funky Fly** · 11-09-2005, 05:39 AM

Wrestling is damn near a legitimate sport in Japan.

Hell, some of their wrestler crossover into shoot fighting.

**What Would Kevin Do?** · 11-09-2005, 06:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Funky Fly

Wrestling is damn near a legitimate sport in Japan.

Hell, some of their wrestler crossover into shoot fighting.

Not always very well though. If I recall correctly, Sean O'Haire got his ass handed to him in MMA.

Also, MMA is not crossing over into wrestling, where shooters are wrestling... Also, it looks like Akebono is wrestling a lot in Japan now.

Ironically, I just read something on puroresupower.com that says a MMA comittee is saying they'll strip a fighter of his license if he competes in "shoot fights" on a wrestling show... I forget what district it was though.

**Dave Youell** · 11-09-2005, 07:01 AM

As far as I know there are still a few big fed in Japan compared to the US 1 fed, which would indicate in a percentage audience that it's bigger in comparison.

I think the (big) feds in Japan that are still active are:

New Japan
Zero one max
Noah

**What Would Kevin Do?** · 11-09-2005, 07:12 AM

New Japan Pro-Wrestling
All-Japan Pro-Wrestling
Pro-Wrestling NOAH
Hustle (Dream Stage)
Dragon Gate Pro-Wrestling
Osaka Pro-Wrestling
ZERO-ONE MAX Wrestling
Michinoku Pro-Wrestling (Website is down, or they're fucked, who knows)

DDT Pro-Wrestling (HOME OF DINO MOTHERFUCKING DANSHOKU BITCHES!!! He's the one where it says "I'm a champion, and he has his pants down with a thong on....)

As far as I know, those are the biggest active companies in Japan.... Some are out there though... Ala DDT is more entertainment/comedy... And I think Osaka may be more Lucha style, but I could be wrong.

**What Would Kevin Do?** · 11-09-2005, 07:17 AM

Also, Hustle has the one and only.... RAZOR RAMONE HG!!!

HG stands for Hard Gay btw.

**The Naitch** · 11-09-2005, 08:37 AM

The UPW school has ties with Zero One I think that's the one. Jesus was there for a bit

I want to go to Japan someday to see those squared watermelons

**hb2k** · 11-09-2005, 08:57 AM

Wrestling's popularity in Japan has been falling for a while now, largely due to Inoki's stupidity leading to New Japan's big-time fall from grace due to the shot their credibility took during all the shootfights Inoki did with MMA guys vs wrestlers, All Japan being on life support, and all the smaller groups doing worse attendance figures than ever. Only NOAH is doing well finanically at this point - a far cry from the glory days when wrestling actually was a really big deal.

**mrslackalack** · 11-09-2005, 01:40 PM

I'd say currently Japan.

**Dave Youell** · 11-09-2005, 02:27 PM

What about Mexico?

**Sadistic** · 11-09-2005, 03:05 PM

I think it is a bigger business in america. However it respected a lot more in Japan.

**Mr. Aristocrat** · 11-09-2005, 03:48 PM

It would be almost impossible to compare the two. There are so many factors involved. In Japan, Pro Wrestling is Pro Wrestling. In America we have Sport Entertainment. Japan is were you see some of the greatest matches ever. I would say this is kind of the Sport Entertainment or Pro Wrestling discussion. In Japan wrestling is HUGE. People love and respect the art that goes on inside of the squared circle. However in America Sport Entertainment over shadows any actual wrestling. I think most WWE fans would be just as happy to see a bunch of promos and Titty Contests then actual wrestling. So when you consider that, you can't truly respect wrestling for wrestling when your watching just for the next promo. In Japan if they tried to do a Diva Search there would be a fucking riot.

In terms of where is the most money to be made, I would still say Japan based soley on how large of a sell out arena they can have. Plus there really isn't anyone over there getting a "Hogan" salery. However you don't see people in Japan gushing over merch.

Like I said, it would be so hard to compare the two since the two cultures take away very different things from the product.

**Sadistic** · 11-09-2005, 04:09 PM

You wouldn't hear a "you fucked up!" japanese chant from a Japan crowd.

**The One** · 11-09-2005, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joey J

It would be almost impossible to compare the two. There are so many factors involved. In Japan, Pro Wrestling is Pro Wrestling. In America we have Sport Entertainment. Japan is were you see some of the greatest matches ever. I would say this is kind of the Sport Entertainment or Pro Wrestling discussion. In Japan wrestling is HUGE. People love and respect the art that goes on inside of the squared circle. However in America Sport Entertainment over shadows any actual wrestling. I think most WWE fans would be just as happy to see a bunch of promos and Titty Contests then actual wrestling. So when you consider that, you can't truly respect wrestling for wrestling when your watching just for the next promo. In Japan if they tried to do a Diva Search there would be a fucking riot.

In terms of where is the most money to be made, I would still say Japan based soley on how large of a sell out arena they can have. Plus there really isn't anyone over there getting a "Hogan" salery. However you don't see people in Japan gushing over merch.

Like I said, it would be so hard to compare the two since the two cultures take away very different things from the product.

Go rep this boy.

**Destor** · 11-09-2005, 05:18 PM

I repped him before you told me too.

**Bixente** · 11-09-2005, 08:30 PM

Man, I'd love to see Japanese wrestling, even if it's going downhill. Anyone here sees Japanese wrestling often? What's it like?

**hb2k** · 11-09-2005, 08:31 PM

Thing is, Joey J, that it isn't necessarily that way anymore. Wrestling in Japan has suffered a huge fall in popularity as MMA has become popular, and like I said, only NOAH remains profitable. The days of New Japan being able to sell out the Tokyo Dome with a hot main event are long gone - the show when Lesnar won the title in the Dome did terrible attendance, the lowest in NJPW history. Wrestling's position as part of Japanese culture has been a fixture for a long time, but that has started to eradicate. NOAH can draw well in the Dome with a really packed show, but other than that, nothing.

The culture difference is a factor, as you say, because wrestling in America has always been a fad-ish industry in nature, whereas Pro-Wrestling in Japan, for a long time, has been seen in a different light, but that has changed massively now. It's tough to gauge, but it's very open-ended.

As for no-one in Japan getting a massive salary, the highest paid wrestler of 2004 was Japanese, not American (Naoya Ogawa is who I believe it was, but don't hold me to that), so there's another little bit to add to the debate.

Mexico was on it's ass for a good while as well, before the industry began heating up earlier this year when Mistico really caught fire as a big draw, and AAA and CMLL became embroiled in a WWF/WCW like talent stealing war. Mexican wrestling has more sense of tradition than America, it is similar in it's fadish nature. Again, culture is a big factor. So, ultimately, the answer to where wrestling is bigger is - it's hard to tell.

**Innovator** · 11-09-2005, 09:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sadistic

You wouldn't hear a "you fucked up!" japanese chant from a Japan crowd.

you'd get a lot more golf claps

**Fignuts** · 11-10-2005, 03:37 PM

hb2k nailed it right on the head. No japanese company could fill any of the larger size arenas that WWE uses. However with Choshu back in the booker seat in New Japan, things have looked better than they have in years, and maybe attendance will pick up soon.

**hb2k** · 11-10-2005, 04:54 PM

Well, NOAH did just do very well in the Dome for the Destiny show, but other than that, Japan doesn't look too hot right now.

11-09-2005, 03:30 AM	#1
The Naitch RAPTURE READY. Posts: 31,936	Probably a dumb question: Is wrestling bigger in the US, or Japan? Overall

11-09-2005, 03:35 AM	#2
Hired Hitman The Next Great One н� Posts: 18,684	I am guessing Japan, they go crazy about Wrestling in Japan and have heaps of federations (at least they did a few years ago).

11-09-2005, 03:37 AM	#3
Destor I am the cheese Posts: 51,437	Wrestling in Japan is almost as big as Baseball in Japan. And that says a lot.

11-09-2005, 04:47 AM	#4
What Would Kevin Do? Ninja Mod, Esquire Posts: 12,676	I'm going to guess it's bigger in Japan, but marketed more over here.

11-09-2005, 05:39 AM	#5
Funky Fly The Satanic Mechanic Posts: 52,521	Wrestling is damn near a legitimate sport in Japan. Hell, some of their wrestler crossover into shoot fighting.

11-09-2005, 07:01 AM	#7
Dave Youell 1/2 Optimist 1/2 Amazing Posts: 12,427	As far as I know there are still a few big fed in Japan compared to the US 1 fed, which would indicate in a percentage audience that it's bigger in comparison. I think the (big) feds in Japan that are still active are: New Japan Zero one max Noah

11-09-2005, 07:12 AM	#8
What Would Kevin Do? Ninja Mod, Esquire Posts: 12,676	New Japan Pro-Wrestling All-Japan Pro-Wrestling Pro-Wrestling NOAH Hustle (Dream Stage) Dragon Gate Pro-Wrestling Osaka Pro-Wrestling ZERO-ONE MAX Wrestling Michinoku Pro-Wrestling (Website is down, or they're fucked, who knows) DDT Pro-Wrestling (HOME OF DINO MOTHERFUCKING DANSHOKU BITCHES!!! He's the one where it says "I'm a champion, and he has his pants down with a thong on....) As far as I know, those are the biggest active companies in Japan.... Some are out there though... Ala DDT is more entertainment/comedy... And I think Osaka may be more Lucha style, but I could be wrong.

11-09-2005, 07:17 AM	#9
What Would Kevin Do? Ninja Mod, Esquire Posts: 12,676	Also, Hustle has the one and only.... RAZOR RAMONE HG!!! HG stands for Hard Gay btw.

11-09-2005, 08:37 AM	#10
The Naitch RAPTURE READY. Posts: 31,936	The UPW school has ties with Zero One I think that's the one. Jesus was there for a bit I want to go to Japan someday to see those squared watermelons

11-09-2005, 08:57 AM	#11
hb2k Do Unto Others... Posts: 2,086	Wrestling's popularity in Japan has been falling for a while now, largely due to Inoki's stupidity leading to New Japan's big-time fall from grace due to the shot their credibility took during all the shootfights Inoki did with MMA guys vs wrestlers, All Japan being on life support, and all the smaller groups doing worse attendance figures than ever. Only NOAH is doing well finanically at this point - a far cry from the glory days when wrestling actually was a really big deal.

11-09-2005, 01:40 PM	#12
mrslackalack Mr. Slack A Lack Jack! Posts: 4,390	I'd say currently Japan.

11-09-2005, 02:27 PM	#13
Dave Youell 1/2 Optimist 1/2 Amazing Posts: 12,427	What about Mexico?

11-09-2005, 03:05 PM	#14
Sadistic Posts: 1,079	I think it is a bigger business in america. However it respected a lot more in Japan.

11-09-2005, 03:48 PM	#15
Mr. Aristocrat Is Bad News! Posts: 959	It would be almost impossible to compare the two. There are so many factors involved. In Japan, Pro Wrestling is Pro Wrestling. In America we have Sport Entertainment. Japan is were you see some of the greatest matches ever. I would say this is kind of the Sport Entertainment or Pro Wrestling discussion. In Japan wrestling is HUGE. People love and respect the art that goes on inside of the squared circle. However in America Sport Entertainment over shadows any actual wrestling. I think most WWE fans would be just as happy to see a bunch of promos and Titty Contests then actual wrestling. So when you consider that, you can't truly respect wrestling for wrestling when your watching just for the next promo. In Japan if they tried to do a Diva Search there would be a fucking riot. In terms of where is the most money to be made, I would still say Japan based soley on how large of a sell out arena they can have. Plus there really isn't anyone over there getting a "Hogan" salery. However you don't see people in Japan gushing over merch. Like I said, it would be so hard to compare the two since the two cultures take away very different things from the product.

11-09-2005, 04:09 PM	#16
Sadistic Posts: 1,079	You wouldn't hear a "you fucked up!" japanese chant from a Japan crowd.

11-09-2005, 05:18 PM	#18
Destor I am the cheese Posts: 51,437	I repped him before you told me too.

11-09-2005, 08:30 PM	#19
Bixente Posts: 68	Man, I'd love to see Japanese wrestling, even if it's going downhill. Anyone here sees Japanese wrestling often? What's it like?

11-09-2005, 08:31 PM	#20
hb2k Do Unto Others... Posts: 2,086	Thing is, Joey J, that it isn't necessarily that way anymore. Wrestling in Japan has suffered a huge fall in popularity as MMA has become popular, and like I said, only NOAH remains profitable. The days of New Japan being able to sell out the Tokyo Dome with a hot main event are long gone - the show when Lesnar won the title in the Dome did terrible attendance, the lowest in NJPW history. Wrestling's position as part of Japanese culture has been a fixture for a long time, but that has started to eradicate. NOAH can draw well in the Dome with a really packed show, but other than that, nothing. The culture difference is a factor, as you say, because wrestling in America has always been a fad-ish industry in nature, whereas Pro-Wrestling in Japan, for a long time, has been seen in a different light, but that has changed massively now. It's tough to gauge, but it's very open-ended. As for no-one in Japan getting a massive salary, the highest paid wrestler of 2004 was Japanese, not American (Naoya Ogawa is who I believe it was, but don't hold me to that), so there's another little bit to add to the debate. Mexico was on it's ass for a good while as well, before the industry began heating up earlier this year when Mistico really caught fire as a big draw, and AAA and CMLL became embroiled in a WWF/WCW like talent stealing war. Mexican wrestling has more sense of tradition than America, it is similar in it's fadish nature. Again, culture is a big factor. So, ultimately, the answer to where wrestling is bigger is - it's hard to tell.

11-10-2005, 03:37 PM	#22
Fignuts Hey Mister! Posts: 54,952	hb2k nailed it right on the head. No japanese company could fill any of the larger size arenas that WWE uses. However with Choshu back in the booker seat in New Japan, things have looked better than they have in years, and maybe attendance will pick up soon.

11-10-2005, 04:54 PM	#23
hb2k Do Unto Others... Posts: 2,086	Well, NOAH did just do very well in the Dome for the Destiny show, but other than that, Japan doesn't look too hot right now.