In the world of professional wrestling, a recent statement by AJ Styles has sparked intriguing conversations. Styles, a retired wrestler turned talent developer, has expressed a desire for WWE to venture into the Japanese wrestling scene, a move that could potentially 'revive' Japanese wrestling.
The Japanese Wrestling Scene
Japanese wrestling has a rich history, but attendance figures have been on a downward trend. Styles, who found inspiration during a stint in Japan after leaving TNA, believes that WWE's involvement could breathe new life into this struggling industry.
WWE's Potential Role
Styles envisions WWE acquiring an existing Japanese promotion, similar to their acquisition of AAA, the Mexican lucha libre promotion. The idea is to bring WWE's unique style to Japanese wrestling without altering its core culture. This approach has already shown promise with AAA, as The Undertaker, the head booker, has successfully integrated WWE's style into Mexican wrestling.
Cultural Barriers and Challenges
However, there are significant challenges to consider. The Japanese have a reputation for being skeptical of and resistant to foreign influences, which could pose a barrier to WWE's entry into the market. Additionally, finding a suitable Japanese promotion to partner with might be difficult, as WWE's previous attempts to establish NXT Japan reportedly failed due to a lack of interest from potential partners.
Success Stories and Talent Exchange
Styles highlights success stories like Shinsuke Nakamura and IYO SKY, who made the transition from Japan to WWE. He envisions a talent exchange program between WWE's US brand and its potential Japanese brand, similar to the arrangement between New Japan and their lucha partner, CMLL. This could provide an opportunity for Japanese wrestlers to gain exposure and experience in the WWE system.
Reviving Japanese Wrestling
Styles' ultimate goal is to see Japanese wrestling return to its former glory, with sell-out shows at the Tokyo Dome, reminiscent of the early 90s. While WWE undoubtedly has the resources to put on successful shows in Japan, the challenge lies in consistently drawing large crowds and creating a sustainable business model without relying on big-name attractions like Roman Reigns or The Rock.
The Bigger Picture
The potential WWE expansion into Japan raises important questions about the future of wrestling. Would this move benefit the Japanese wrestling industry, or would it simply be a WWE-centric venture? Could WWE's involvement help revive Japanese wrestling, or would it further dilute the unique culture and traditions of this wrestling scene?
Final Thoughts
As an observer of the wrestling world, I find this discussion fascinating. It's a delicate balance between respecting the rich history and culture of Japanese wrestling and the potential benefits that WWE's involvement could bring. The success of AAA under WWE's guidance offers a glimmer of hope, but the challenges of cultural barriers and finding the right partner cannot be overlooked. It's a complex situation, and I'm eager to hear the thoughts and opinions of fellow wrestling enthusiasts on this matter.
