The biggest names in Japanese professional wrestling officially join forces. On January 20, New Japanese professional wrestling led a press conference announcing the formation of United Japanese Pro Wrestling (UJPW)-a new incorporated association aimed at strengthening the industry and showcasing the power of wrestling worldwide.
The group is chaired by Sanshiro Takagi and includes major promotions like All Japan Pro-Wrestling, Big Japan Pro-Wrestling, DDT Pro-Wrestling, DRAGONGATE, Ganbare Pro-Wrestling, Kyushu Pro Wrestling, NJPW, NOAH, STARDOMAnd Tokyo Joshi Pro Wrestling. Takagi made it clear that it wasn’t just about business: it was about building a stronger, more unified wrestling industry in Japan.
“The mission is to support the Japanese people through professional wrestling.” Takagi said, explaining that the idea for UJPW was inspired by the struggles the industry faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. He stressed the importance of having a “unified point of delivery” for the industry in times of crisis while improving communication between promotions.
The UJPW will not be a for-profit organization: it is a non-profit organization focused on governance, transparency and industry growth. New promotions may apply to join, but there are strict requirements. Promotions must be active in Japan, legally recognized, have at least one wrestler under contract, generate an annual income of 50 million yenand follow company compliance guidelines.
Takagi defined four major goals for the UJPW:
- Introduce more people to professional wrestling And raise your status in society.
- Expand charitable efforts, including continued support for Survivors of the Noto earthquake.
- Bringing more international attention to Japanese wrestling culture to stimulate tourism.
- Double the size of Japanese wrestling industry over the next decade.
The immediate objective of the UJPW will be work with the Japanese government on wrestler health and safety policies, as well as strengthening cooperation between promotions. Takagi promised more updates soon, including additional promotional opportunities to join as supporting members.
With the collaboration of Japan’s biggest wrestling companies, UJPW could reshape the industry for years to come.
Will United Professional Wrestling of Japan will it make Japanese wrestling stronger, or will the differences between the promotions make it an uneasy alliance? Let us know what you think in the comments!
