New Japan Pro Wrestling Tickets

Introduction to New Japan Pro Wrestling

New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) is one of the most popular and respected professional wrestling organizations in the world. Established in 1972, NJPW has quickly become a major force in the industry with its unique style that blends high-flying aerial maneuvers and hard-hitting traditional wrestling. Over the years, NJPW has produced some of the greatest wrestlers ever to step into a ring, including Hiroshi Tanahashi, Kazuchika Okada and Kenny Omega. With its combination of thrilling action and colorful characters, it's no wonder NJPW has become one of the biggest names in professional wrestling.

History of New Japan Pro Wrestling

New Japan Pro Wrestling was founded by Antonio Inoki, who had previously been involved in various martial arts promotions throughout Asia. After forming NJPW in 1972, Inoki soon began featuring stars from all over Japan on his shows as well as inviting foreign wrestlers to compete against Japanese stars.

In 1982, Inoki sold NJPW to entertainment conglomerate TBS and the company went through a period of aggressive expansion. During this time, NJPW introduced new concepts such as pay-per-view specials and interpromotional tournaments to boost their popularity. This expansion also saw NJPW broaden its reach into North America with tours throughout Canada and the United States as well as further collaboration between American companies such as World Championship Wrestling (WCW).

NJPW continued to grow during the 1990s and 2000s with numerous superstars emerging from their ranks such as Keiji Mutoh (The Great Muta), Shinya Hashimoto and Masahiro Chono. During this time, NJPW also hosted some of its most iconic events such as Wrestle Kingdom at Tokyo Dome which became an annual tradition that still stands today.

In 2011, New Japan Pro Wrestling was acquired by Bushiroad Inc who remain its current owners today. Under their stewardship, NJPW has seen another surge in popularity thanks to popular international talent such as Kenny Omega and Hiroshi Tanahashi who have helped put it back on top of Japanese professional wrestling scene. 

The Greatest NJPW Wrestlers in History

With a history that dates back to 1972, NJPW has seen a plethora of great athletes from around the globe compete in its rings. From current superstars like Hiroshi Tanahashi and Kazuchika Okada to legendary figures such as Antonio Inoki and Riki Choshu, NJPW has played host to some of the greatest wrestlers ever to step foot inside a ring. Here are seven of the greatest wrestlers that have competed in NJPW:

Antonio Inoki

The founder and first president of New Japan Pro Wrestling, Antonio Inoki is also an iconic figure in Japanese wrestling culture. His career spanned over three decades, during which he won multiple titles including the IWGP Heavyweight Championship and Tokyo Sports Grand Prix Award for Most Outstanding Wrestler four times each. He was considered one of the strongest strikers in pro wrestling, and his matches are fondly remembered by fans today.

Riki Choshu

Often referred to as “Mr. NJPW,” Riki Choshu was one of the promotion’s top stars throughout the 80s and 90s. He held several heavyweight titles during his time with NJPW, including five reigns as IWGP Heavyweight Champion. He was known for his unique mix of technical ability and power moves, making him one of the most well-rounded wrestlers ever seen in NJPW history.

Hiroshi Tanahashi

Having just retired recently after an impressive 22-year career with NJPW, Hiroshi Tanahashi is nothing short of a legend when it comes to Japanese pro wrestling. During his time with New Japan Pro Wrestling, he won eight IWGP Heavyweight Championships while also becoming widely renowned for his high-flying offense and strong work ethic inside the ring.

Kenta Kobashi

Known as one of Japan’s “Four Pillars” alongside Kensuke Sasaki, Mitsuharu Misawa, and Toshiaki Kawada, Kenta Kobashi was an incredible wrestler who held several heavyweight titles throughout his tenure with NJPW from 1988–2002. With a spectacular array of power moves at his disposal and unmatched charisma on the mic, Kobashi quickly became an icon within New Japan Pro Wrestling circles around the world during those years.

Keiji Mutoh

Better known by his ring name "The Great Muta", Keiji Mutoh is another one of New Japan Pro Wrestling's biggest icons throughout its long history - having wrestled for over 30 years! He achieved success across different eras within both NJPJ as well as other promotions such as All Japan Prowrestling (AJP).

Signature moves such as The Moonsault Press allowed him to stand out in competition against heavyweights like Masahiro Chono or Shinya Hashimoto - making him a true multi-generational star within professional wrestling circles all over Asia! 

Jyushin Thunder Liger

One can hardly talk about New Japan Pro Wrestling without mentioning Naomichi Marufuji - better known by his stage name Jyushin Thunder Liger! Debuting way back in 1984 - Liger quickly rose up through ranks at NJPJ thanks to innovative techniques such as high flying aerial maneuvers & eye catching costume designs that made him instantly recognizable inside & outside Japanese wrestling circuit! Throughout his career Liger managed to become 8-time champion while holding various records within two major promotions: All Japan Pro Wrestling & New Japan Pro Fighting! 

Shinsuke Nakamura

Last but not least we have Shinsuke Nakamura – winner of four IWGP Heavyweight Championship title reigns & two IWGP Intercontinental Championship title reigns since joining NJPJ back in 2002! Known for his charisma & ground breaking face promos Nakamura has been labeled "the man" all across Asia & United States thanks to stints at WWE NXT & main roster! He's also gone down into history books due to impressive list win/loss record against legends such as Hiroshi Tanahashi &Kazuchika Okada!

The 5 Greatest Moments in NJPW History

Wrestle Kingdom 9

The Dawn of a New Era (2015): One of the greatest moments in NJPW history was at Wrestle Kingdom 9, when Kazuchika Okada defeated Hiroshi Tanahashi to become the new IWGP Heavyweight Champion. This match marked the beginning of the “Rainmaker” era, which saw Okada go on to become one of the most successful and decorated champions in NJPW’s history.

In a back-and-forth bout that went over forty minutes, Okada eventually won with his signature Rainmaker move. It was a fitting and emotional end to one of NJPW’s greatest rivalries and signaled a changing of the guard.

Shinsuke Nakamura vs Kota Ibushi (2015)

At Wrestle Kingdom 9, two of NJPW’s brightest stars collided in an instant classic match for the Intercontinental Championship. Shinsuke Nakamura put his title on the line against Kota Ibushi, who only had his brash attitude as a weapon against Nakamura's technical experience and famous “King of Strong Style” move.

After a thrilling battle that displayed both men’s athletic prowess and showmanship, Ibushi emerged victorious by hitting Nakamura with his signature Burning Hammer move to win his first championship in NJPW.

Hiroshi Tanahashi vs Minoru Suzuki (2013)

Before there was Okada vs Tanahashi at Wrestle Kingdom 9, there was Hiroshi Tanahashi defending his IWGP Heavyweight Championship against Minoru Suzuki at Invasion Attack 2013.

The match was widely praised for its technical precision, storytelling excellence and sheer intensity as two veterans told an amazing story inside the ring without resorting to any high spots or flashy maneuvers. In the end, after nearly thirty minutes of nonstop action, Tanahshi managed to pin Suzuki with a bridging German suplex for the win and retain his title.

Tetsuya Naito vs Kenny Omega (2016)

At Dominion 2016, Tetsuya Naito captured all three major singles titles in NJPW when he defeated Kenny Omega for the IWGP Intercontinental Championship in what many consider one of New Japan's best matches ever. The two men engaged in an epic battle that showcased their respective styles perfectly; it featured fast-paced action combined with incredible psychology and story telling throughout its nearly 40-minute run time before finally ending when Naito managed to surprise Omega with a small package pinfall out of nowhere for the win.

Jay White vs Kazuchika Okada (2018)

At Dominion 2018, Jay White pulled off what many thought impossible when he defeated Kazuchika Okada—the longest reigning IWGP Heavyweight Champion ever—in one-on-one competition for the coveted title belt. Their match featured some intense sequences that showed just how much skill each man possessed in order to make this fight believable until White eventually landed his finishing maneuver—Blade Runner—to secure victory over Okada and write himself in history as one of New Japan Pro Wrestling's most shocking champions ever crowned.

The Most Popular New Japan Pro Wrestling Events

New Japan Pro Wrestling has a long and storied history and continues to produce some of the most exciting and entertaining events in professional wrestling today. From its annual G1 Climax tournament and Wrestle Kingdom extravaganza to its highly anticipated Super J Cup tournaments, New Japan Pro Wrestling consistently offers fans an incredible amount of action-packed entertainment.

Every year, NJPW produces several major cards that capture the attention of both hardcore and casual fans alike. The biggest event by far is Wrestle Kingdom, which takes place at the Tokyo Dome on January 4th every year and features some of the best wrestling matches from all around the world. This two-day event usually consists of 11 matches and has featured some of the biggest names from both NJPW and other promotions throughout its history, including AJ Styles, Chris Jericho, Kenny Omega, Hiroshi Tanahashi, Kazuchika Okada, and more.

The G1 Climax is another one of NJPW's marquee events that takes place annually in July or August. This event consists of 20 wrestlers competing over 19 days for a chance to win the prestigious G1 trophy. Aside from each wrestler's bragging rights for winning this tournament, it also determines who will challenge for either IWGP Heavyweight or Intercontinental championship at Wrestle Kingdom 12.

The Super J Cup is another popular tournament held by New Japan Pro Wrestling every two years or so. Like Wrestle Kingdom and G1 Climax, this event attracts wrestlers from all around the world in order to compete for a chance to win prestigious honors within NJPW's rankings system.

The Super J Cup typically involves 16 wrestlers competing for two days until there is a winner who ultimately receives a contract with New Japan Pro Wrestling along with other prizes like money or merchandise.

Finally, NJPW produces several additional shows throughout their calendar year which feature various stars from different promotions such as CMLL (Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre) or NOAH (Pro Wrestling NOAH).

These shows are often times extremely fast-paced with high levels of excitement as they feature many different types of matches such as ladder matches or steel cage battles along with single elimination tournaments like King of Gate or Best Of The Super Junior series where young stars can make their name known within New Japan Pro Wrestling’s circles around the globe.