How All Japan Pro Wrestling Survived the Year 2000 Roster Split: A Tale of Resilience and Adaptation

The year 2000 was a tumultuous one for the professional wrestling world. In the United States, the Monday Night Wars between World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) were reaching their peak, with both companies spending lavishly to acquire top talent. In Japan, All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW),one of the country's most prestigious wrestling promotions, was facing its own crisis.

AJPW had been struggling financially for several years, and the promotion was heavily reliant on its top stars, such as Mitsuharu Misawa, Toshiaki Kawada, and Jun Akiyama. However, in 2000, Misawa, Kawada, and Akiyama, along with several other top wrestlers, left AJPW to form their own promotion, Pro Wrestling Noah. This mass exodus left AJPW reeling, and many observers believed that the promotion would be unable to survive.

Ganbaru : How All Japan Pro Wrestling Survived the Year 2000 Roster Split

by Meredith Russo

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1894 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	145 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

However, AJPW refused to give up. The promotion's management team, led by president Keiji Mutoh**, who is also a wrestler himself**, quickly made a number of changes to the company's operations. They cut costs, reduced the size of the roster, and began to focus on developing new talent. They also made a concerted effort to improve the quality of their shows, and they began to book more innovative and exciting matches.

These changes paid off. AJPW slowly began to regain its footing, and the promotion was able to weather the storm caused by the roster split. In the years since, AJPW has continued to thrive, and it is now one of the most successful wrestling promotions in Japan.

The AJPW roster split of 2000 is a fascinating case study in how a wrestling promotion can survive and even thrive after losing its top stars. AJPW's management team made a number of smart decisions, and they were able to guide the promotion through a difficult time. The promotion's wrestlers also deserve credit for their hard work and dedication. They were able to step up and fill the void left by the departing stars, and they helped to make AJPW a success once again.

Here are some of the key factors that helped AJPW survive the roster split:

1. Strong leadership: AJPW's management team, led by Keiji Mutoh, made a number of smart decisions that helped the promotion to weather the storm. They cut costs, reduced the size of the roster, and began to focus on developing new talent.
2. A loyal fan base: AJPW has a loyal fan base that stuck with the promotion even after the roster split. This fan base helped to keep the promotion afloat during a difficult time.
3. Talented wrestlers: AJPW has always had a deep roster of talented wrestlers, and this was especially true after the roster split. The promotion's wrestlers were able to step up and fill the void left by the departing stars, and they helped to make AJPW a success once again.
4. Innovative booking: AJPW began to book more innovative and exciting matches after the roster split. This helped to attract new fans and keep existing fans engaged.

The AJPW roster split of 2000 is a reminder that even the most successful wrestling promotions can face challenges. However, with strong leadership, a loyal fan base, talented wrestlers, and innovative booking, it is possible to overcome these challenges and continue to succeed.

:

AJPW wrestlers celebrating a victory after the roster split of 2000

Ganbaru : How All Japan Pro Wrestling Survived the Year 2000 Roster Split

by Meredith Russo

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1894 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	145 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE