7.3. What is NJPW? Is it different from IWGP?
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This article is from the Pro-Wrestling FAQ, by macika@emunix.emich.edu (Dominic Macika) with numerous contributions by others.
7.3. What is NJPW? Is it different from IWGP?
Kanji Inoki, a japanese emigrant to Brazil, was scouted by
Rikidozan in 1960, and brought to Japan to join the JWA. He later
changed his name to Antonio Inoki. In 1966, Inoki made his first
attempt at breaking away from the JWA and forming his own group,
Tokyo Pro-Wrestling. In 1967, Inoki suddenly rejoined the JWA and
Tokyo Pro folded. In 1971, Inoki was expelled from the JWA when
it as discovered that he was planning a coup to take over the
promotion. Inoki subsequently formed his second group, New Japan
Pro Wrestling and ran his first card in March, 1972. The group
has now grown to be the largest and most popular wrestling group
in Japan. It currently has a show on TV Asahi.
In 1983, New Japan created the International Wrestling Grand Prix
titles, which are now the main titles of the group: the IWGP
Heavyweight title, the IWGP Junior Heavyweight title and the IWGP
Tag Team titles.
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