PWI Weekly for April 28, 2025
The State Of The Industry: Part Two
FOLLOWING UP ON last week’s look at the states of the top wrestling promotions in the United States in 2025, we now turn our attention to other nations. There are numerous healthy and thriving promotions around the globe. But, in this edition of the PWI Weekly, we are singling out some of the top ones from Japan and Mexico.
NJPW
Perhaps no major promotion has had to adapt to losing top talent more than New Japan Pro-Wrestling. In recent years it has had to say goodbye (at least on a full-time basis) to Kazuchika Okada, Will Ospreay, and Jay White—all former IWGP World champions at one time or another. Replacing such talented wrestlers has not been easy, but credit to NJPW for trying. Fresh faces like Shota Umino, Ren Narita, and Yota Tsuji have all been presented as future stars, while a veteran in Hirooki Goto has been elevated to main-event status. Although the departures of former talent have been challenging, these situations have provided opportunities. With the recent news that Tetsuya Naito, Bushi, and Jeff Cobb’s departures, more opportunities will be coming.
NJPW’s strategic international expansion—particularly in the U.S.—continues to be a key focus, as does its relationship with AEW. The talent exchange the two companies have in place has allowed Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks to return to their former homes, which is a win for all involved. Elsewhere, the NJPW STRONG brand continues to keep the New Japan name, well … strong stateside.
NOAH
The promotion founded by Mitsuhara Misawa has had its share of highs and lows over the years but now seems firmly entrenched as Japan’s #2 promotion. Pro Wrestling NOAH’s focus on intense, realistic matches and technical prowess continues to draw loyal audiences. Something else it’s been able to draw is the attention of WWE, which has been happy to send its contracted talent to appear on NOAH shows. The promotion’s digital platform, WRESTLE UNIVERSE, remains crucial in delivering its content to a global audience, ensuring that fans worldwide can experience the mainstay company’s unique brand of wrestling. While its international footprint may be smaller than NJPW’s, NOAH maintains a strong, dedicated following.
In the ring, NOAH continues to mix things up with a variety of veterans and younger grapplers. The brash and cocky OZAWA is the latest to have been given the green torch to carry; and he has done well so far. Elsewhere, NOAH pulled off a bit of a coup when it convinced KENTA to return to the promotion that made him famous.
STARDOM
World Wonder Ring Stardom continues to reign as the premier women’s professional promotion, not just in Japan, but globally. Its unique blend of high-caliber in-ring action, captivating storylines, and distinct aesthetic has kept Stardom incredibly popular, even as the promotion has gone through management changes.
Weathering the storm of losing company founder Rossy Ogawa and top star Giulia, Stardom has pressed on with the likes of Saya Kamitani, Starlight Kid, and Tam Nakano more than admirably stepping up. Another positive to come from the departure of the controversial Ogawa: the deeper relationship that has been forged with All Elite Wrestling, which has allowed talent such as Mina Shirakawa and Momo Watanabe to gain more exposure in the U.S.
Stardom’s real success however, comes in nurturing and developing young talent … which it continues to do with aplomb.
CMLL
The oldest active promotion in the world has been experiencing a boom in Mexico. Its biggest competitor having some creative struggles has coincided with CMLL upping its own game—all while continually capitalizing on the tourism scene in Mexico City.
The roster boasts a blend of legendary figures and up-and-coming stars. Veterans like Ultimo Guerrero and Volador Jr. continue to wow crowds in Arena Mexico while the newer generation of luchadores nip at their heels. Templario and Hechicero are just two grapplers catching the eyes of wrestling fans around the world. Add in the resurgence of Mistico—one of the most popular luchadores ever—and you begin to see why CMLL is particularly hot right now. Generational rivalries and traditional trios matches continue to be the order of the day in CMLL, as does respect for the sacred masks. Oftentimes, these things all collide. So, if you are eager to check out some quality lucha, look no further than Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre. A trip to Arena Mexico should be on the bucket list of every self-respecting wrestling fan.
AAA
After several years of what could be considered a down period from a business and creative perspective, Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide still has much to offer. So much so that WWE decided it worth acquiring the influential promotion. The news might have seemed shocking but in truth, it’s not surprising. In recent years, AAA has swapped roles with its bitter rival, CMLL. Where CMLL once was the land of the veterans and AAA had the young blood, now it’s the other way. 1990s era stars Konnan, Vampiro, and Latin Lover are at the forefront of the promotion these days—but, thankfully, not in the ring all that often. Carrying the action is a diverse cast that includes Alberto El Patron, Laredo Kid, and the painted and popular jesters, Pagano and Psycho Clown. And In Hijo Del Vikingo, AAA has one of the best luchadores on the planet.
Like CMLL, AAA isn’t afraid to share talent and has a solid relationship with TNA Wrestling. And, like CMLL, following AAA on TV or streaming can be challenging at times for international fans. Still, it maintains a popular YouTube channel that showcases most big events on delay. And, of course, you can always count on PWI to keep you updated as we wait to see what WWE’s plans are for the lucha brand.