New Japan Pro Wrestling (1972)
Japan's premier professional wrestling promotion, delivering elite in-ring competition and iconic rivalries to global audiences since 1972.
New Japan Pro Wrestling - Series Information
- Original Title: New Japan Pro Wrestling
- First Air Year: 1972
- Last Air Year: 2026
- Created by: Kanji Inoki
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama
- Content Rating (US): TV-14
- Number of Seasons: 55
- Number of Episodes: 962
- Status: Returning Series
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: English, Japanese
- First Air Date: March 6, 1972 (United States - TV-14), March 6, 1972 (India - U)
- Networks: tv asahi, AXS TV, ABEMA, NJPW World
- Alternative Titles: NJPW (JP), NJPW on AXS TV (US)
- Production Companies: Bushiroad, New Japan Pro-Wrestling
- Production Countries: Japan, United States of America
New Japan Pro Wrestling - Plot
New Japan Pro Wrestling is a Japanese promotion founded by Antonio Inoki in 1972. Owing to its TV program aired on TV Asahi, it is the largest wrestling promotion in Japan and one of the largest in the world.
New Japan Pro Wrestling - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a taste of the hard-hitting action NJPW delivers.
Where to Watch New Japan Pro Wrestling
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New Japan Pro Wrestling - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Kanji Inoki
Main Cast
- Tevita Fifita
- Joseph Robinson
- Sho Tanaka
- Yohei Komatsu
- Tetsuya Naito
- John Raymond Rivera
- Kota Ibushi
- Tetsuya Shimizu
- William Ospreay
- Kazuchika Okada
New Japan Pro Wrestling - FAQs
Where can you watch New Japan Pro Wrestling online?
New Japan Pro Wrestling is available to stream on NJPW World, the promotion's dedicated streaming service, as well as on AXS TV and ABEMA. Fans in the United States can also catch select programming on AXS TV. Visit JustWatch to compare all available viewing options in your region.
Who founded New Japan Pro Wrestling?
New Japan Pro Wrestling was founded by Antonio Inoki, also known as Kanji Inoki, in 1972. Inoki was a legendary professional wrestler and promoter who built NJPW into the largest wrestling promotion in Japan and one of the most respected in the world.
Who are the biggest stars in NJPW history?
NJPW has produced numerous iconic wrestlers over its five-decade history. Among the most celebrated are Kazuchika Okada, widely regarded as one of the greatest of his generation, Tetsuya Naito, Kota Ibushi, and William Ospreay, all of whom have headlined major events like Wrestle Kingdom at the Tokyo Dome.
What is New Japan Pro Wrestling about?
New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) is a Japanese professional wrestling promotion that showcases elite in-ring competition, compelling rivalries, and major events such as Wrestle Kingdom and the G1 Climax tournament. Known for its strong-style wrestling philosophy, NJPW blends athleticism, storytelling, and spectacle for global audiences.
How many seasons and episodes does NJPW have?
New Japan Pro Wrestling has aired across 55 seasons since its debut in 1972, accumulating 962 episodes. The series remains in active production, with recent seasons consistently delivering over 100 episodes per year, reflecting the promotion's packed annual event schedule.
Is New Japan Pro Wrestling still ongoing in 2025?
Yes, New Japan Pro Wrestling is a returning series and is currently in active production. Season 54 (2025) features 126 episodes, and Season 55 (2026) is already underway with 16 episodes recorded, confirming the promotion's continued global activity and broadcast presence.
What is the content rating for New Japan Pro Wrestling?
New Japan Pro Wrestling carries a TV-14 content rating in the United States, indicating that the programming may contain material unsuitable for children under 14. This reflects the physical nature of professional wrestling, which can include intense action, strong language, and dramatic storylines.
What are shows similar to New Japan Pro Wrestling?
Fans of NJPW may also enjoy WWE NXT, WCW Monday Nitro, Lucha Underground, Saturday Night's Main Event, and WWE Heat. These series share a focus on professional wrestling competition and sports entertainment, offering a range of styles from high-flying lucha libre to classic American-style wrestling programming.
More About New Japan Pro Wrestling
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