How a single split nearly destroyed a Japanese wrestling dynasty
In short: Founded in 1972 by Shohei "Giant" Baba, All Japan Pro Wrestling became a global standard for excellence. Yet, a massive exodus in 2000 saw almost every native star depart, leaving the promotion to fight for survival in a landscape forever changed by the birth of Pro Wrestling Noah.
All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW) rose to prominence through the 'Ōdō' or 'King's Road' style, a philosophy of wrestling that emphasized high-stakes, physical storytelling. Under the leadership of founder Shohei "Giant" Baba, the promotion became a powerhouse, particularly in the 1990s. This era saw the rise of the 'Four Heavenly Kings'—Mitsuharu Misawa, Kenta Kobashi, Toshiaki Kawada, and Akira Taue—whose matches earned international acclaim and five-star ratings from critics like Dave Meltzer.
The promotion's stability was shattered by two major internal fractures. The first occurred in 1990, when Genichiro Tenryu led a group of wrestlers to form Super World of Sports. This departure actually paved the way for the next generation of stars to ascend. However, the second exodus was far more devastating. Following the death of Giant Baba on January 31, 1999, the company entered a period of intense leadership conflict.
In 2000, a massive rift occurred when Mitsuharu Misawa, who had been named president, was removed by a board vote. This triggered a mass departure: 24 of the 26 contracted native wrestlers left to form Pro Wrestling Noah. Only Masanobu Fuchi and Toshiaki Kawada remained to carry out the founder's legacy. This exodus cost All Japan its television deal and forced the company into a period of hardship, eventually leading to a successful cross-promotion agreement with rival New Japan Pro-Wrestling in 2001.
Despite these existential threats, All Japan has maintained a continuous presence since its founding on October 21, 1972, making it one of Japan's longest-running wrestling organizations.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: All Japan Pro Wrestling
- Also: Wikidata — All Japan Pro Wrestling · CC0
- Also: Wikidata — All Japan Pro Wrestling · CC0
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