Unpacking NJPW is the new episode by Marie Shadows. Welcome to a deep dive of NJPW product. Here are the key concepts and ideas talked about in this episode on the Squared Circle Podcast!
The Championship Conundrum
NJPW boasts a rich array of championships, each with its own history and prestige. However, the sheer number of titles can sometimes dilute their significance. In this episode, we discuss which titles are essential and which ones might need to be retired or reimagined.
IWGP Championships like Heavyweight, Super Jrs, World & Global should all stay and have short and long term vision and stories and valuable contenders.
King of Pro Wrestling Championship + IWGP Women’s Championship + NJPW Strong Women’s Championship should go unless the women championships get that same vision for short and long term storytelling and be consistent rather than a revolving door of challengers that aren’t part of the brand.
The IWGP Women’s Championships to be featured on NJPW programming because Twitter got loud about NJPW not having a women’s division. NJPW borrows from Stardom at rare times, but Japan sticks with dividing men and women sports. It was until the Historic Crossover of NJPWxStardom that did wonderful and looked promising happened, and I’m still waiting for a part two.
The King of Pro Wrestling Championship is a joke and I give more details.
Decoding the NEVER Championship titles. NEVER stands for: New Blood, Evolution, Valiantly, Eternal, Radical. The original idea for this series of championships was to elevate the younger wrestlers in 2012 when the championships debuted.
Factions: Time to Split?
Factions play a crucial role in NJPW, adding layers of storytelling and rivalry. However, some factions may have run their course and could benefit from a shake-up.
Factions of NJPW:
Hontai
Chaos
House of Torture (hear me out)
TMDK (The Mighty Don’t Kneel)
Bullet Club
Guerillas of Destiny (new - El Phantasmo + Hikuleo)
United Empire
LIJ (Los Ingobernables De Japon)
Just 5 Guys
Suzuki-gun (now disbanded)
Tournaments: A Time for Change?
NJPW is renowned for its tournaments, such as the G1 Climax and Best of the Super Juniors. However, there's always room for improvement. We discuss potential rule changes and adjustments to tournament formats to keep them fresh and exciting.
The Importance of Advertising
Advertising is crucial for NJPW's growth, especially if their partnership with AEW changes. We explore strategies for boosting NJPW's visibility and appeal worldwide.
Conclusion
NJPW is a fascinating blend of tradition, innovation, and athleticism. By rethinking championships, factions, and tournaments, and by embracing new advertising strategies, NJPW can continue to captivate fans around the world. Join us as we unpack the future of NJPW and explore how this iconic promotion can evolve while staying true to its roots.
Listen to the full episode to hear our detailed analysis and insights on these topics. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a comment, and share your thoughts on what changes you’d like to see in NJPW!
NJPW Unpacked: From Titles to Tournaments to Factions