Nine Japanese groups forming United Japan Pro Wrestling, will stage event on May 6

Originally published at Nine Japanese groups forming United Japan Pro Wrestling

Nine promotions in Japan will come together to form United Japan Pro Wrestling representing the wrestling industry in the country.

The collective of Japanese promotions will include New Japan Pro Wrestling, All Japan Pro Wrestling, Pro Wrestling NOAH, DDT, Ganbare, Big Japan, Dragon Gate, Stardom, and Tokyo Joshi Pro Wrestling with the potential of others being added.

From the press release:

Without an industry wide group for professional wrestling in Japan, the unprecedented crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic made it all the more clear that there was a need to consolidate and express accurate information and best operating practices between promotions, as well as to communicate effectively with national and municipal governments. In a bid to better anticipate and adapt to societal changes in the future, nine Japanese promotions at the forefront of pro-wrestling in the country will be be part of a collective industry group (henceforth ‘the Group’).

The mission statement of United Pro Wrestling is as follows:

To further the presence of pro-wrestling and its cultural merit in Japanese society at large, allow professional wrestling to contribute further to cultural and sporting sectors, and work toward continued health and prosperity of the industry.

The promotions will work together to stage an event at Nippon Budokan on Monday, May 6, 2024.

CORRECTION: We originally stated there were eight promotions involved in the group, it is nine promotions involved. 

Interesting. I have to imagine that if this group gets any type of significant TV deal, the New Japan/AEW working relationship is done. I can’t see AEW wanting their talent on a competitors TV in the US. I’m very curious to see how this plays out.

UJPW to WBD confirmed

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