Essential Japanese Wrestling Discussion/News

[Saysumthinfunnymike]

Mercedes agreed on a contract extension and they make her drop the title, wow. Thought they would keep it on her with the extension signed.

Mayu is the Icon of Stardom. It was originally supposed to be her going over Kairi in a rematch. They are like the Tanahashi/Okada of the Joshis over there.

I get what you're saying but Mercedes is only agreeing to these per appearance deals so they need someone who is gonna be on all the shows.

 

[Cattle Mutilation]

Mercedes and showing the fukk out at 4AM (EST) - name a more iconic duo.

AZM and Mei Suruga!

 

[Saysumthinfunnymike]

The CEO. The Standard. The Conversation. The Draw.

 

[Cattle Mutilation]

I get what you're saying but Mercedes is only agreeing to these per appearance deals so they need someone who is gonna be on all the shows.

Valid point.

But the whole point of putting it on Kairi and Mercedes was to help grow the US audience since those are well known names for US wrestling fans. Not sure only running with it for like 4 months was going to do much for that.

 

[Saysumthinfunnymike]

Valid point.

But the whole point of putting it on Kairi and Mercedes was to help grow the US audience since those are well known names for US wrestling fans. Not sure only running with it for like 4 months was going to do much for that.

The original point to the IWGP championship was to grow women's wrestling in Japan. It used to be huge back in the 90s. They created this title to put it on co-promoted NJPW shows. Mayu and Kairi were supposed to hold it down.

When Mercedes signed that changed the plan. They put it on her for the worldwide star power. But again, if she's unwilling to sign a longterm contract what can they do.

 

[Cattle Mutilation]

Bushiroad busted out some of that New Japan money for the stage and ramp

 

[Cattle Mutilation]

GOing to need TK and ROwssy to work out a deal and get some Stardom on FOrbidden Door. Too much exceptional young talent in that company for them not to get that Forbidden Door rub

 

[Cattle Mutilation]

Damn they couldn't even give Himeka the win in her retirement match

 

[Cattle Mutilation]

Club Venus girls looked like they were dressed to hit the club right after Mina's match

 

[Cattle Mutilation]

AZM came out with the Mei Suruga cape Give them the tag belts Rossy!

ANd then tripped on it twirling around

 

[Jmare007]

Valid point.

But the whole point of putting it on Kairi and Mercedes was to help grow the US audience since those are well known names for US wrestling fans. Not sure only running with it for like 4 months was going to do much for that.

LMAO, what?

 

[Saysumthinfunnymike]

LMAO, what?

I would think if their #1 priority was the U.S. then they'd actually hook Stardom up to a U.S. streaming provider. They have Mercedes wearing a couple hats right now. She just helped Stardom to their biggest crowd ever. But they also have her on NJPW shows because of the crossover appeal. And then they also have her on the NJPW Strong shows because they are U.S. based.

 

[Cattle Mutilation]

 

[Cattle Mutilation]

 

[Jmare007]

I would think if their #1 priority was the U.S. then they'd actually hook Stardom up to a U.S. streaming provider. They have Mercedes wearing a couple hats right now. She just helped Stardom to their biggest crowd ever. But they also have her on NJPW shows because of the crossover appeal. And then they also have her on the NJPW Strong shows because they are U.S. based.

It boggles my mind how US centric fans are when it comes to puro/Joshi, even in 2023.

Japanese promotions have been pushing and giving titles to wrestlers that worked in the US since the dawn of time. Kairi getting a run and Mercedes following her is basically booking 101 when it comes to Japanese wrestling. It has nothing to do with appealing to a westerner audience.