The 90’s was an interesting period for pro-wrestling in general, we gad the ups and downs of WWE in the New Generation era and their eventual transition into the Attitude Era. WCW also had a slow run in the 90’s but once they were cooking, they were hot; we also cannot forget ECW and what Paul Heyman was doing there and he changed the game. While this was happening, on another part of the world, there was something even better happening.
While the US had it’s cold and hot periods during the 90’s, Japan from start to finish had a strong decade in the 90’s and I would dare say it was way better than what was happening in the U.S. and that’s the topic we are tackling here.
No promotion was at its hottest than AJPW in the 90’s. Giant Baba, booker and promoter of AJPW, was at that time one of the most successful bookers and promoters in the world. AJPW with their king’s road booking and their 4 pillars of heaven (Kawada, Misawa, Kobashi & Taue) were having some of the best matches of all time, and while also doing great numbers business wise. AJPW was on another level.
While AJPW had for many the best wrestling during the 90’s, a case could be made for AJW. AJW had some of the best wrestling on its period but it also served as the template for what the modern style has become today for all wrestling. Wrestlers like Manami Toyota, Akira Hokuto, Jaguar Yokota, Aja Kong and others changed their game created some of the best wrestling you’ll ever see and showed the gap between Japan and the US in terms of women’s wrestling.
Talking about 90`s pro-wrestling, we can’t forget about NJPW. If AJPW had the 4 pillars of heaven, then NJPW had their three musketeers (Mutoh, Hashimoto and Chono). NJPW at this time was also doing some fantastic stuff regarding their jr. heavyweights’ division with Jushin Thunder Liger as the ace of it.
FMW was also a key part of how exciting pro-wrestling was in the 90’s with hardcore style that was different to what NJPW and AJPW were offering during this period of time. Exploding barbwire to other crazy matches, FMW was truly a crazy promotion led by Onita.
Pro-wrestling in Japan during the 90’s was diverse and had something for every type of fan. The Japanese scene overall was also way healthier than in the US outside of the Big three (WWE, WCW & ECW). If you haven’t seen wrestling during this period, you must do it now, it’s something you won’t regret.
