So, you’re curious about Pro Wrestling NOAH, eh? You’ve heard whispers, seen a few clips, maybe even stumbled upon a full match online. But the question remains: is Pro Wrestling NOAH good? Well, you’ve come to the right place. I’ve spent countless hours watching NOAH, following its ups and downs, and I’m ready to give you the lowdown.
This isn’t just a surface-level review. We’ll delve into the history, the wrestling styles, the key performers, and the overall product. We’ll explore what makes NOAH unique, what it does well, and where it might fall short. We’ll also examine how it stacks up against other promotions, both in Japan and globally. Consider this your comprehensive guide to understanding if Pro Wrestling NOAH is worth your time.
Get ready to learn about a promotion steeped in tradition, known for its hard-hitting action and dedicated fanbase. Let’s get started!
A Brief History of Pro Wrestling Noah
To understand if Pro Wrestling NOAH is good, you need to know its origins. NOAH, or New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NOAH), was founded in 2000 by Mitsuharu Misawa, a legendary figure in Japanese wrestling. Misawa, along with many other wrestlers, left All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW) due to disputes with the promotion’s management. This exodus created a new wrestling promotion, immediately establishing itself as a major player in the Japanese wrestling scene.
Misawa’s vision for NOAH was to create a promotion focused on strong style wrestling, emphasizing believable strikes, hard-hitting moves, and a sense of realism. This approach quickly resonated with fans, and NOAH became known for its high-quality matches and dedicated fanbase.
The Early Years: Building a Legacy
The early years of NOAH were marked by incredible in-ring action and the establishment of its core values. The promotion quickly signed many talented wrestlers from AJPW, creating an immediate roster of top-tier talent. The early NOAH roster featured legends like Kenta Kobashi, Jun Akiyama, and Yoshinari Ogawa, who became synonymous with the promotion’s success. These wrestlers were instrumental in setting the standard for the company.
The company’s early success helped it gain traction with fans. NOAH quickly developed a distinct identity, built on the foundations of strong style wrestling. The promotion’s shows were known for their intensity and storytelling. The matches were long, filled with drama, and the wrestlers were presented as legitimate competitors.
The Tragic Loss and Rebuilding
The wrestling world was shaken in 2009 when Mitsuharu Misawa tragically passed away during a match. His death was a devastating blow for NOAH and the wrestling world. Misawa was not only the founder but also the heart and soul of the promotion. The company faced a difficult challenge in rebuilding itself after his loss.
The promotion had to navigate a period of uncertainty and transition. NOAH continued to produce shows, but it took time to find its footing again. The wrestlers and staff were forced to carry on the legacy of Misawa. It was a testament to the dedication of the remaining wrestlers and staff, that NOAH survived and continued to operate.
Eventually, the promotion started to regain momentum, but it would take years to fully recover. NOAH has had to deal with financial issues, roster changes, and a struggle to find its identity again. It was a difficult period for the promotion, but they persisted.
Modern Noah: A New Era
In recent years, NOAH has undergone significant changes. In 2020, the company was purchased by CyberFight, the parent company of DDT Pro-Wrestling. This acquisition brought new resources and a renewed focus on growth. The company has seen a resurgence in popularity and has become a more prominent presence in the wrestling world.
The CyberFight era has seen several key developments, including a greater emphasis on international partnerships, new talent acquisitions, and a stronger online presence. The promotion has also invested in improving its production values and presentation. NOAH’s shows are now more accessible than ever, with many matches available on streaming services.
The collaboration with DDT has opened new doors for talent exchange and cross-promotional events. NOAH has also been working to cultivate a new generation of stars while still honoring its legacy. This period has seen a mix of traditional strong style wrestling and modern approaches to the sport.
Wrestling Style and Philosophy
NOAH’s wrestling style is deeply rooted in strong style, a style of professional wrestling that emphasizes realistic strikes, hard-hitting moves, and a sense of believability. It’s a style that prioritizes the physical aspects of wrestling and the storytelling that arises from the action in the ring.
Strong Style Fundamentals
The core of strong style lies in its emphasis on believable combat. Wrestlers use a wide range of strikes, including chops, slaps, kicks, and forearms, to convey the impact of their attacks. The matches are often characterized by a sense of realism, with wrestlers selling their opponent’s moves and reacting to the impact of their attacks. (See Also: Is Sin Cara Still Wrestling )
Strong style wrestling differs from other styles by its focus on the physical aspect of the sport. Wrestlers spend more time selling their opponent’s moves. They tend to use a more limited number of moves, and the matches often have a longer duration.
Key Elements of a Noah Match
A typical NOAH match features several key elements:
- Hard-Hitting Strikes: Strikes are a cornerstone of NOAH matches, used to build intensity and convey the impact of each move.
- Technical Wrestling: Wrestling techniques are used to control the pace of the match and wear down the opponent.
- Dramatic Storytelling: NOAH matches often tell compelling stories through the in-ring action.
- Selling: The ability to sell the impact of moves is crucial. Wrestlers must make their opponent’s moves look devastating.
- Long Matches: Matches often have a longer duration, building up to a dramatic climax.
The Importance of Selling
Selling is an essential part of strong style. It is the art of making your opponent’s moves look devastating. Wrestlers must react to the impact of the moves, and this makes the match more realistic and believable. Selling enhances the drama and makes the audience invest more in the match.
In NOAH, wrestlers take their selling seriously. They often take a long time to recover after a big move, which helps to build the suspense. The ability to sell and make your opponent look good is a key part of what makes NOAH matches so compelling.
Key Wrestlers and Their Impact
NOAH has been home to many incredibly talented wrestlers over the years. These wrestlers have shaped the promotion’s identity and contributed to its success.
Mitsuharu Misawa: The Founder
Mitsuharu Misawa was the heart and soul of NOAH. He was a legendary wrestler known for his incredible matches and contributions to the sport. He was the most important figure in the promotion’s history.
Misawa was known for his innovative moves, including his Tiger Driver ’91 and Emerald Flowsion. He was a master of psychology and storytelling, and his matches were always filled with drama and intensity.
Kenta Kobashi: The Ace
Kenta Kobashi is one of the most beloved wrestlers in NOAH history. Known for his incredible resilience and never-say-die attitude, Kobashi was the promotion’s ace for many years.
Kobashi was known for his legendary matches against Misawa, Akiyama, and others. He was a master of the chop, and his matches were always filled with drama and emotion.
Jun Akiyama: The Veteran
Jun Akiyama is a veteran wrestler who has been a mainstay in NOAH for many years. Known for his technical skills and strong in-ring presence, Akiyama has been a key figure in the promotion’s success.
Akiyama has won numerous championships, including the GHC Heavyweight Championship. He is still an active wrestler and continues to be a key part of the NOAH roster.
Go Shiozaki: The Current Ace
Go Shiozaki is the current ace of NOAH. Known for his powerful offense and charismatic presence, Shiozaki has become one of the promotion’s most popular wrestlers.
Shiozaki has held the GHC Heavyweight Championship multiple times and has had many memorable matches. He is a key figure in the company.
Other Notable Wrestlers
NOAH has also featured a wealth of other talented wrestlers, including: (See Also: Is Tickling Illegal In Wrestling )
- Yoshinari Ogawa: A technical wizard and one of the promotion’s most consistent performers.
- Naomichi Marufuji: A high-flying innovator known for his unique offense.
- Kaito Kiyomiya: A rising star known for his athleticism and potential.
- Kenoh: A brutal striker and one of the promotion’s most intense performers.
These wrestlers, along with many others, have contributed to NOAH’s legacy and helped to establish it as a premier wrestling promotion.
Championships and Titles
NOAH has a variety of championships and titles that represent the pinnacle of achievement in the promotion. These titles are highly sought after and represent the best wrestlers in their respective divisions.
Ghc Heavyweight Championship
The GHC Heavyweight Championship is the most prestigious title in NOAH. It represents the best wrestler in the promotion and is the goal for every competitor. The championship has been held by many legendary wrestlers, including Misawa, Kobashi, and Shiozaki.
Ghc Tag Team Championship
The GHC Tag Team Championship is awarded to the best tag team in NOAH. The title has been held by many of the promotion’s top teams, and matches for the title are always exciting.
Ghc Junior Heavyweight Championship
The GHC Junior Heavyweight Championship is for wrestlers under a certain weight limit. It is a showcase for some of the best high-flying and technical wrestlers in the promotion. The title has been held by many of the promotion’s most exciting performers.
Ghc Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship
The GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship is for junior heavyweight tag teams. The title is contested by exciting and fast-paced matches.
Other Championships
In addition to the main championships, NOAH also has other titles, including the GHC National Championship. These titles provide opportunities for wrestlers to showcase their skills and compete for championships.
Production and Presentation
The production quality and presentation of a wrestling promotion are important factors in its overall appeal. NOAH has made significant strides in this area, particularly in recent years.
Television and Streaming
NOAH’s shows are available on a variety of platforms, making them accessible to wrestling fans worldwide. The promotion has its own streaming service, NOAH.tv, which provides access to live events and a vast library of past matches. Shows are also available on other streaming services like Wrestle Universe.
The availability of NOAH’s shows on multiple platforms has increased its visibility and helped to grow its fanbase. The company’s production values have improved, enhancing the viewing experience.
Commentary and Analysis
NOAH’s commentary team provides valuable insight and analysis during matches. The commentators often explain the nuances of the wrestling style and the stories being told in the ring.
The commentary helps to enhance the viewing experience. The commentators often provide information about the wrestlers and the matches. They add to the overall enjoyment of the events.
Production Values
NOAH has invested in improving its production values, including the use of high-definition cameras, improved lighting, and a more professional presentation. The company has also made improvements to its stage design and entrance music.
The improved production values make NOAH’s shows more visually appealing and help to create a more professional atmosphere. This has also contributed to the promotion’s growing popularity. (See Also: Are People Interested In Wrestling )
Comparing Noah to Other Promotions
To determine if Pro Wrestling NOAH is good, it is important to compare it to other promotions in the wrestling world.
Noah vs. New Japan Pro-Wrestling (njpw)
NJPW is one of the most popular wrestling promotions in the world. It is known for its high-quality matches, talented roster, and international appeal. NJPW often features a more modern style of wrestling and has a strong focus on building stars. Many fans like the combination of strong style and modern wrestling.
NOAH differs from NJPW in several ways. NOAH has a stronger emphasis on strong style wrestling and a more traditional approach to storytelling. NJPW has a larger roster and a broader international reach. The match quality in both promotions is usually very high.
| Feature | NOAH | NJPW |
|---|---|---|
| Wrestling Style | Strong Style | Combination of Strong Style and Modern |
| Storytelling | Traditional | Modern |
| International Reach | Growing | Extensive |
| Roster Size | Smaller | Larger |
Noah vs. All Elite Wrestling (aew)
AEW is a relatively new promotion that has quickly become a major player in the wrestling world. It is known for its exciting matches, talented roster, and innovative approach to storytelling. AEW often features a more fast-paced style of wrestling and has a strong focus on fan engagement. AEW is popular with a younger audience.
NOAH differs from AEW in several ways. NOAH has a stronger emphasis on strong style wrestling and a more traditional approach to storytelling. AEW has a larger roster and a more modern approach to wrestling. The match quality in both promotions is usually very high.
| Feature | NOAH | AEW |
|---|---|---|
| Wrestling Style | Strong Style | Fast-Paced, Modern |
| Storytelling | Traditional | Modern |
| Fan Engagement | Growing | High |
| Roster Size | Smaller | Larger |
Noah vs. Other Japanese Promotions
NOAH competes with other Japanese promotions, such as Dragon Gate and Pro Wrestling ZERO1. NOAH has a strong identity and a dedicated fanbase. The promotion’s focus on strong style wrestling sets it apart from other promotions.
Each promotion has its own unique strengths and weaknesses. NOAH’s focus on strong style wrestling makes it a compelling option for wrestling fans. The promotion’s dedication to its style has allowed it to stand out from other promotions.
Is Pro Wrestling Noah Good? Final Thoughts
So, is Pro Wrestling NOAH good? The answer is a resounding yes, with a few caveats. If you appreciate strong style wrestling, compelling storytelling, and a roster of dedicated performers, then NOAH is definitely worth checking out. The promotion has a rich history, a unique identity, and a commitment to producing high-quality matches.
NOAH may not be for everyone. The strong style approach can be a bit slow-paced for some fans, and the promotion’s focus on tradition may not appeal to those who prefer more modern styles. However, if you are open to experiencing a different style of wrestling, you will be rewarded with some of the best matches in the world.
The promotion is growing and evolving, and it is an exciting time to be a fan of NOAH. The company has a bright future ahead, and it is a promotion that is well worth watching.
Final Thoughts
Pro Wrestling NOAH offers a compelling alternative to more mainstream wrestling promotions. It is a promotion built on a strong foundation of strong style wrestling, which focuses on realism and physical storytelling.
While it might not be for everyone, NOAH provides a unique and rewarding experience for those who appreciate the art of professional wrestling. The company’s commitment to its style, history, and the quality of its matches makes it a worthwhile promotion to follow.
If you’re looking for something different, something with a rich history and a dedication to the craft, then give Pro Wrestling NOAH a try. You might just find your new favorite wrestling promotion.
