All Japan Pro Wrestling

All Japan Pro Wrestling was founded on October 21, 1972, by Shohei “Giant” Baba after he left the Japan Pro Wrestling Alliance (JWA). He wanted to create a promotion built around leading Japanese wrestlers, with established foreign talent brought in for regular headline matches.

From the start, AJPW focused on presenting wrestling as a sport, showcasing competitive matches that drew from both American and Japanese styles. International partnerships brought in big names from around the world, giving the promotion an immediate sense of prestige.

The Baba Era

As both promoter and top star, Giant Baba became the face of AJPW throughout the 1970s and 1980s. He developed long-term storylines and loyal fan followings for homegrown stars like Jumbo Tsuruta and Genichiro Tenryu. It developed a reputation for its “King’s Road” style, a methodical and hard-hitting approach to matches that built drama over time and rewarded consistent storytelling in the ring.

Golden Age and the Four Pillars (1990s)

After Baba’s death in 1999, his chosen successor, Mitsuharu Misawa, took over. But the true peak of AJPW’s in-ring reputation came in the 1990s, when Misawa, Kenta Kobashi, Toshiaki Kawada, and Akira Taue, known as the “Four Pillars of Heaven”, produced some of the most lauded matches in wrestling history. Their battles combined high physical intensity with long-form storytelling, influencing wrestling promotions worldwide.

Major Changes and Challenges (2000s)

In 2000, a major split occurred when Misawa and most of AJPW’s roster left to form Pro Wrestling NOAH. This left AJPW in a rebuilding phase. Keiji Mutoh, who had joined from New Japan-Pro Wrestling (NJPW), eventually became president and helped bring stability. The promotion shifted toward a more entertainment-focused style while still honoring its traditional roots.

Modern Era

Today, AJPW continues to operate with a mix of veteran stars and rising talent. While it no longer holds the same dominance it enjoyed in the 1990s, it remains respected for its history and the prestige of its Triple Crown Heavyweight Championship. Annual events such as the Champion Carnival still attract attention from devoted fans in Japan and abroad.

AJPW’s influence stretches well beyond Japan. Its storytelling style, match structure, and dedication to athletic competition have inspired countless wrestlers and promotions. The matches from its golden age remain benchmarks for professional wrestling excellence, and its legacy continues to shape how wrestling is presented worldwide.