Explain New Japan Please

Hey Scott.

I’ve never watched New Japan before, so I was hoping you and the blog could help me out. These questions are based on what I’ve read from various sites.

1. From what I gather, New Japan is very similar to the UFC in that matches occur on PPVs? There’s basically no weekly show?

​Correct. It’s a series of spot shows building to a more-or-less monthly big show that airs on Japanese TV and now New Japan World. A lot of times tournaments are involved, so for instance right now it’s the Super Juniors tourney ongoing, building towards a big show with the finals. ​

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2. If this schedule is true, do you see talent a lot less (compared to WWE)?
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​Absolutely. ​Guys work a different style as well, going all out on the big shows but mostly taking it easy in multi-man tag matches outside of that.

3. Everyone talks about it being treated like a sport but do they do any WWE like versions of storylines (authority figures, higher powers, etc)?

​Just the Bullet Club. Japanese fans have been conditioned since the 80s not to put up with Americanized bullcrap. Personally, I enjoy a good batch of bullcrap in my wrestling, but Japan has a very different philosophy to their fanbase. ​

And of course –

4. Any matches you/the blog suggests or should I just try to jump in and see if I like it?

​I can recommend a zillion matches, but the easiest way is to watch the New Japan show on AXS TV, which features English commentary with Jim Ross at the moment and Mauro before that. They do an awesome job of explaining what you’re seeing and why. ​