Written by: Xanshin & LARMORE.
- What is Pro Wrestling NOAH?
Established in 2000, Pro Wrestling NOAH is considered to be one of the top professional wrestling promotions in Japan. Though generally regarded as #2, NOAH has outdrawn #1 promotion, New Japan Pro Wrestling, for the past couple of years in several key areas (most notably the Tokyo Dome). The wrestling showcased in Pro Wrestling NOAH is sometimes referred to as "Ark Style" or more commonly "Modified King's Road", stemming from the "King's Road" style promoted by All Japan Pro Wrestling. Currently, the top stars of Pro Wrestling NOAH include Kenta Kobashi, Mitsuharu Misawa, Takeshi Morishima, Jun Akiyama, Naomichi Marufuji & KENTA
- The First Book of Misawa, Commonly Called "Genesis":
The roots of Pro Wrestling NOAH connect to All Japan Pro Wrestling, as Mitsuharu Misawa (eventual founder of NOAH) worked for and lived in fellowship with All Japan's owner, the legendary Giant Baba. Misawa had first began with the promotion on August 21st 1981, and from 1984 to 1990, he wrestled as the 2nd Generation "Tiger Mask." Misawa eventually shed the mask and quickly became the company's top star. Following the death of Baba in early 1999, Misawa inherited the position of the President of All Japan Pro Wrestling. Following several disagreements with Mokoto Baba (Giant Baba's widow), Mitsuharu Misawa was removed from the board of executives in early 2000.
- The Second Book of Misawa, Commonly Called "Exodus":
Following the disputes with Mokoto Baba, Mitsuharu Misawa left All Japan Pro Wrestling in May 2000. Motoko Baba released a two-page written statement, which claimed that Misawa "took no responsibility and abandoned his duty." However, Misawa was not alone in leaving. Mitsuo Momota, Kenta Kobashi, Akira Taue, Kenichi Oyagi and Yoshihiro Momota resigned from their board positions. What followed was the biggest exodus from one company in the history of professional wrestling. With the exception of Toshiaki Kawada, Hiroshi Hase and Masanobu Fuchi, every single native decided to follow Misawa and leave the company. This was possible due to All Japan Pro Wrestling's annual contract renewal process, which meant that its wrestlers signed new contracts every April. Mitsuharu Misawa had virtually the entire All Japan Pro Wrestling talent pool on his side, and with the talent electing not to renew their contracts, he set his sights on starting up his own wrestling promotion.
- The Third Book of Misawa, Commonly Called "Departure":
The concept of "Pro Wrestling NOAH" alludes to the Biblical story of Noah, in which the people and animals in the ark survive the flood and make a new beginning in the world. This story was seen as a parallel to the departure of the wrestlers from All Japan Pro Wrestling. Pro Wrestling NOAH debuted with two back-to-back tapings in the Differ Ariake Arena in Tokyo on August 5th and 6th, 2000. The first two shows featured no less than 23 wrestlers who had been working for All Japan Pro Wrestling earlier in the year. The main event of the first show hosted a 2/3 Falls match, which saw Kenta Kobashi & Jun Akiyama beat Mitsuharu Misawa & Akira Taue with two straight falls in a little over 20 minutes.
- The Fourth Book of Misawa, Commonly Called "Numbers":
Since it's debut, Pro Wrestling NOAH has grown tremendously in strength. In 2004, the promotion debuted in the Tokyo Dome with the "Departure 2004" show, with NOAH claiming to have drawn in 58,000 fans. Harley Race to this day claims that the show featured the best card he's ever seen. NOAH would follow this show with a repeat performance in the Tokyo Dome the following year for "Destiny 2005", which NOAH claimed to have drawn 62,000 fans for the final Misawa vs. Kawada contest. The company launched a spin-off group in 2005 for the younger wrestlers, naming it Pro Wrestling SEM, which is a Biblical reference to Sem, the eldest son of Noah.
Pro Wrestling NOAH boasts a host of awards from the Wrestling Obsever, including the Match of the Year award for 2003 and 2004, the Promotion of the Year award for 2004 and 2005 and the Best Weekly Television Show award for 2003. The promotion has taken several steps in establishing a global market, securing television deals in Canada and the United Kingdom. In June 2008 the promotion is set to hold it's first televised event outside of Japan when Pro Wrestling NOAH presents "European Navigation 2008" from Coventry, England.
