Current WWE vs. Current New Japan Pro Wrestling

[MrElijah]

Over the last year or so which Promotion has been better? Which roster would you rather have? And how would you book a card between the two if you could?

[Amazing Kitsune]

Well, I need more information before I can make this important decision. I need you to name the major members of the New Japan roster and tell me their strengths and weaknesses.

[onetruemisfit]

Cena single handedly destroys the entire NJPW roster.

[Razor Gives It A 4/10]

I would rather have the NJPW roster, as I currently enjoy their product over the current WWE product and think they have been better overall as well.

Here's my little interpretation of NJPW today for those who don't know much about it.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Spoiler}NJPW has been much better than WWE this year. While they don't have as many "storylines" per say as WWE does, it is made up for with in ring ability. The top of the card has the best young wrestler in the world, in their Champion Kazuchika Okada, yes that Okada who was wasted in TNA, who is only 26, but is already a top star in Japan, and won the wrestler of the year in Japan. He has the best finisher in wrestling today in the Rainmaker, which, as far as I know, has never been kicked out of. Hiroshi Tanahashi is their John Cena, but unlike Cena, he is universally adored by all the fans, and is the most accomplished wrestler in NJPW history. Even for his age, he is still a fast, high flying wrestler, who is very difficult to put away, but once you do, you have made a name for yourself. Shinsuke Nakamura is pretty much their #2, and is their top heel, even though heels in Japan can and will be cheered over other guys. Nakamura is the walking definition of the word "Swag", but in the ring he shows a strong style, with knees and hard strikes.

They also have the best Junior division for a company that is not junior exclusive. Led by the Jr. Heavyweight Champion Prince Devitt, who is the leader of the top heel stable in the company, Bullet Club, which is a heel group of foreigners, and who are universally hated by most Japanese people, but it is legitimate heel heat and not go away heat. Devitt has wins over all the main eventers and will move up to the Heavyweight division once he drops the belt. Other juniors include Kota Ibushi, who is under a dual contract with DDT and NJPW, and is a very good and exciting wrestler, and Forever Hooligans, Rocky Romero and Alex Koslov (Peter Orlov in FCW) who is the best junior tag team. They also have legends like Jushin Liger, Tiger Mask IV, Gedo, Jado, and Taka Michinoku also helping the division out.

The tag team divison might be a little weak at the moment, but they have two established teams in Killer Elite Squad, Davey Boy Smith Jr (DH Smith), and Lance Archer (Lance Hoyt/Vance Archer), who are multi-time tag champs, and Satoshi Kojima and Hiroyoshi Tenzan, both multi-time tag and Heavyweight Champs. The current #1 contenders are Karl Anderson, their top American wrestler, who is very good in the ring and was the former tag partner of Tensai, and Doc Gallows (Luke Gallows/Festus) who is quickly adapting the puro big man style and is doing a very good job at it.

Even down to the upper midcard and midcard, including Tetsuya Naito, the #1 contender for the Heavyweight Title and winner of the G1 Climax, a table style tournament which is their Rumble, Minoru Suzuki, Togi Makabe, Yuji Nagata Toru Yano and more, I feel NJPW is a great alternative for those sick of WWE shenanigans and same old shit booking, or is just a fan of great in ring action.

For those scared with the language barrier, they mostly let the matches do the talking, and mostly anything said is translated by a couple people on twitter. NJPW is also realizing more Americans are turning to their product as they have been releasing more English things.

Here is some more information and footage on everyone in the company, as I can't fully describe everything to you guys: www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLpEnxHPkOk

As far as interest in the company, there is a thread in (w)Rest of Wrestling which has the card for their upcoming Tokyo Dome Show, their Wrestlemania, and we can help you out the best we can with any question you have.

As far as OP's question on a card between the two companies, I wouldn't mind seeing something like this for the marquee matches at least:
Hiroshi Tanahashi vs Daniel Bryan - These two have had a match before they hit their primes, but now with both guys among the best in the world, and given enough time, they can have a match for the ages.
Kazuchika Okada vs John Cena - Cena can go despite what people think, and Okada is still developing as a wrestler, but can also go. They both won wrestler of the year in their respective countries, Okada by fans and Cena by PWInsider. Seeing them together would lead to a great slug match, with an exciting ending, and would prove who is truly the top guy.
Shinsuke Nakamura vs CM Punk - Both are #2 guys in the company, and both have the same attitude towards things. A match between them could also tear the house down.

[Digital Witness]

I'd take New Japan at this point. Both rosters have incredible athletes but the booking in New Japan is much fresher and lacking in massive ego boosts and stale storylines with guys pushed down our throats that we could care less about.

[EyeofTyr]

While it's close, I'd take New Japan. Overall a more solid choice.

[AwamoriRock]

Razor broke it down better than I was willing to. I'd take NJPW. To be fair I've been to a few shows this year and have been able to follow it more closely, but I think it did a more solid job then WWE has this year. I felt like there were some good highs, but a lot of wasted time and misses for WWE. Bullet Club, Nakamura, Okada's progression, plus a great Wrestle Kingdom card give NJPW the win for me.

[khali]

Certainly NJPW, and it was best described above. They've overall been much more consistent in terms of quality. Rarely do you see them botch something majorly, and generally speaking they build everything up very well. And just a funny comparison: I was watching a show from their tag tournament where Okada and Tanahashi were on opposite teams. Now, much like Cena and Ortom, these two have wrestled a lot--I believe four singles matches this year alone. And yet, when both guys signaled that they wanted to face off to start the match, that alone got a big reaction from the crowd. Compare that to how well Cena and Orton have been received.

And also, when I buy an NJPW PPV, there is never any doubt I'll get my money's worth with the show. WWE had been such a miss lately, especially with cheap finishes, that I'd be hesitant to get anything. But with New Japan, there's never a worry that a big show won't deliver.

[Razor Gives It A 4/10]

Dec 12, 2013 2:01:06 GMT -5 khali said:

Certainly NJPW, and it was best described above. They've overall been much more consistent in terms of quality. Rarely do you see them botch something majorly, and generally speaking they build everything up very well. And just a funny comparison: I was watching a show from their tag tournament where Okada and Tanahashi were on opposite teams. Now, much like Cena and Ortom, these two have wrestled a lot--I believe four singles matches this year alone. And yet, when both guys signaled that they wanted to face off to start the match, that alone got a big reaction from the crowd. Compare that to how well Cena and Orton have been received.

And also, when I buy an NJPW PPV, there is never any doubt I'll get my money's worth with the show. WWE had been such a miss lately, especially with cheap finishes, that I'd be hesitant to get anything. But with New Japan, there's never a worry that a big show won't deliver.

Yeah the only thing they actually botched booking wise was the build of Naito for Wrestle Kingdom, which was proven by the fans putting Tanahashi/Nakamura in the main event. Other than that, it has been a very good product. Even if you can't buy every show, they are generally uploaded to Youtube within the next couple days.

Okada vs Tanahashi has been their top feud over the past year. It was recently concluded with Okada winning the series 3-2-1, with at least 3 of them in the 5 star range.

You guys want a good example of NJPW's in ring work. Here is a 2-Part compilation of the best of this year's G1 Climax. Watch this, then think about what the WWE has put out this year. NJPW's match quality, at least in my mind, is always good in every match, with a full card of action every show, while WWE likes to bank on one high profile match and fill in the blanks afterwards.

Part 1: www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zrloNXRca8
Part 2: www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVGxSdmRQkI

[onetruemisfit]

The contract for NJPW does say McMahon but...

[AwamoriRock]

Yeah, that Nakamura/Ibushi match was incredible. I put it against whatever you think WWE's best this year was and think it stacks up very well.

I definitely give the upper hand to WWE in terms of non-wrestling spectacle. This is a hard comparison, however. NJPW does a lot of storytelling in actual bouts, with promo time definitely not on the level of WWE (although a lot of taped promos/lead-ins help out). I think the volume in which WWE gives us those promos/recaps makes for some misses. The structure of the shows is different in that aspect. WWE is usually money when it comes to saying HEY GUYS THIS IS A BIG DEAL. NJPW is a little more subtle, so when those really magical moments come they feel amazing.

[khali]

Dec 12, 2013 2:56:34 GMT -5 AwamoriRock said:

Yeah, that Nakamura/Ibushi match was incredible. I put it against whatever you think WWE's best this year was and think it stacks up very well.

I definitely give the upper hand to WWE in terms of non-wrestling spectacle. This is a hard comparison, however. NJPW does a lot of storytelling in actual bouts, with promo time definitely not on the level of WWE (although a lot of taped promos/lead-ins help out). I think the volume in which WWE gives us those promos/recaps makes for some misses. The structure of the shows is different in that aspect. WWE is usually money when it comes to saying HEY GUYS THIS IS A BIG DEAL. NJPW is a little more subtle, so when those really magical moments come they feel amazing.

I do agree that NJPW does make the big moments really special. Take Naito beating Tanahashi in the G1 finals. I don't speak a word of Japanese, but the passion of the announcers calling the final moments of the match and yelling Naito's name over and over added to the significance of the moment. Even when you don't know what they're saying, it still added to the importance more than anything the WWE announcers have done all year.

[Totorob101]

New Japan by far. I think most dedicated pro wrestling fans will pick it over WWE 9 times out of 10, just a far better in ring product, far better workers and such there. Iv not enjoyed WWE for a long time and honestly, as an in ring prouduct it will never be as good as anything from Japan. Just my opinion though.

[airraidcrash]

2013 has been New Japan's beat year in the 21st century so far. They really were almost completely inessential for a decade until around 2012. They have built up some decent stars and have a product that people looking to get started with puro can enjoy. That being said, WWE is easily better.

So many matches in New Japan end up being your-turn-my-turn affairs that I just can't enjoy them at all. Heels tend to control matches better in WWE. Faces tend to make better comebacks in WWE. I'm not saying everybody in NJPW does nothing but MOVEZ matches or everybody in WWE is a master of psychology, but there's a general trend in both promotions and I prefer WWE's a lot more.

As for individual wrestlers, I really like Okada as a character and he's over but I don't think he's an elite worker at the moment. I will go ahead and say he's better than Orton right now, but not by much.

Tanahashi is a poor man's John Cena. He's had probably his best year in 2013 but Cena's still more charismatic, sells better, paces his matches better and his poses and fashion sense are significantly less shitty than his Japanese doppelganger's. I kind of don't want to hate on Tana because he's better than he used to be, but I just can't see how he's better than Cena.

Nakamura is really charismatic and has had some of my favorite New Japan matches this year, but I would place CM Punk ahead of him. When Nakamura is on then he's one of the best in the world, but almost half the time he's boring and has disappointing matches. Punk is more consistent and his Lesnar match was better than Nakamura/Sakaruba.

Daniel Bryan is leagues better than Tetsuya Naito. Both guys have recieved big babyface pushes and while Bryan is ridiculously over, New Japan crowds have all but turned on Naito. Bryans had several MOTYCs but Naito's output is more spotty.

Shield is so much better than Bullet Club that I feel silly for even making the comparison. Devitt went from a decent Dynamite Kiddish junior I was completely indifferent to to a western style heel act that is actually kind of fun. But he's still a standard double stomping kicking junior in the ring with not much depth. Rollins is much more fun to watch as an athletic heel. Karl Anderson is pretty dull compared to Ambrose and Fale is just alright but you can't fairly compare him to Reigns.

That's all the I can come up with at the moment, but I'll also say nobody in the NJPW midacrd is as good as Goldust and Cesaro and they don't have anbody you could compare to Big Show or Mark Henry.

[AwamoriRock]

Dec 12, 2013 7:14:05 GMT -5 airraidcrash said:

2013 has been New Japan's beat year in the 21st century so far. They really were almost completely inessential for a decade until around 2012. They have built up some decent stars and have a product that people looking to get started with puro can enjoy. That being said, WWE is easily better.

So many matches in New Japan end up being your-turn-my-turn affairs that I just can't enjoy them at all. Heels tend to control matches better in WWE. Faces tend to make better comebacks in WWE. I'm not saying everybody in NJPW does nothing but MOVEZ matches or everybody in WWE is a master of psychology, but there's a general trend in both promotions and I prefer WWE's a lot more.

As for individual wrestlers, I really like Okada as a character and he's over but I don't think he's an elite worker at the moment. I will go ahead and say he's better than Orton right now, but not by much.

Tanahashi is a poor man's John Cena. He's had probably his best year in 2013 but Cena's still more charismatic, sells better, paces his matches better and his poses and fashion sense are significantly less shitty than his Japanese doppelganger's. I kind of don't want to hate on Tana because he's better than he used to be, but I just can't see how he's better than Cena.

Nakamura is really charismatic and has had some of my favorite New Japan matches this year, but I would place CM Punk ahead of him. When Nakamura is on then he's one of the best in the world, but almost half the time he's boring and has disappointing matches. Punk is more consistent and his Lesnar match was better than Nakamura/Sakaruba.

Daniel Bryan is leagues better than Tetsuya Naito. Both guys have recieved big babyface pushes and while Bryan is ridiculously over, New Japan crowds have all but turned on Naito. Bryans had several MOTYCs but Naito's output is more spotty.

Shield is so much better than Bullet Club that I feel silly for even making the comparison. Devitt went from a decent Dynamite Kiddish junior I was completely indifferent to to a western style heel act that is actually kind of fun. But he's still a standard double stomping kicking junior in the ring with not much depth. Rollins is much more fun to watch as an athletic heel. Karl Anderson is pretty dull compared to Ambrose and Fale is just alright but you can't fairly compare him to Reigns.

That's all the I can come up with at the moment, but I'll also say nobody in the NJPW midacrd is as good as Goldust and Cesaro and they don't have anbody you could compare to Big Show or Mark Henry.

I liked your post because even though I disagree with your ultimate point (about which promotion has been better recently), I think you broke it down in a pretty respectable matter (although you could rearrange the matchups to get different favorable comparisons). I'd give Nakamura more credit than you seem to (I actually think it's hard to tell how bored he is since his character always has that weird smugness to it). As for Shield/Bullet Club--while it may seem like comparing two different leagues, I think they are at two different stages of booking and while the Shield seems to be ready for a shakeup, I think they've had more than a few moments of just "being there".

Also, I'm not sure how many others know Japanese, but while Okada has made a lot of progress on the mic, he's always going to lose points for "Hey dude, talk for me." as his way to get out of a promo.

[Medicinal Thunder Liger]

bryan/tanahashi
orton/okada
punk/nakamura
del rio/naito
bullet club (devitt, anderson, fale) vs shield
liger/undertaker

and then take all of my money/personal belongings.

[N E O G E O B O Y S]

Dec 12, 2013 1:09:01 GMT -5 Razor Gives It A 4/10 said:

I would rather have the NJPW roster, as I currently enjoy their product over the current WWE product and think they have been better overall as well.

Here's my little interpretation of NJPW today for those who don't know much about it.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Spoiler}NJPW has been much better than WWE this year. While they don't have as many "storylines" per say as WWE does, it is made up for with in ring ability. The top of the card has the best young wrestler in the world, in their Champion Kazuchika Okada, yes that Okada who was wasted in TNA, who is only 26, but is already a top star in Japan, and won the wrestler of the year in Japan. He has the best finisher in wrestling today in the Rainmaker, which, as far as I know, has never been kicked out of. Hiroshi Tanahashi is their John Cena, but unlike Cena, he is universally adored by all the fans, and is the most accomplished wrestler in NJPW history. Even for his age, he is still a fast, high flying wrestler, who is very difficult to put away, but once you do, you have made a name for yourself. Shinsuke Nakamura is pretty much their #2, and is their top heel, even though heels in Japan can and will be cheered over other guys. Nakamura is the walking definition of the word "Swag", but in the ring he shows a strong style, with knees and hard strikes.

They also have the best Junior division for a company that is not junior exclusive. Led by the Jr. Heavyweight Champion Prince Devitt, who is the leader of the top heel stable in the company, Bullet Club, which is a heel group of foreigners, and who are universally hated by most Japanese people, but it is legitimate heel heat and not go away heat. Devitt has wins over all the main eventers and will move up to the Heavyweight division once he drops the belt. Other juniors include Kota Ibushi, who is under a dual contract with DDT and NJPW, and is a very good and exciting wrestler, and Forever Hooligans, Rocky Romero and Alex Koslov (Peter Orlov in FCW) who is the best junior tag team. They also have legends like Jushin Liger, Tiger Mask IV, Gedo, Jado, and Taka Michinoku also helping the division out.

The tag team divison might be a little weak at the moment, but they have two established teams in Killer Elite Squad, Davey Boy Smith Jr (DH Smith), and Lance Archer (Lance Hoyt/Vance Archer), who are multi-time tag champs, and Satoshi Kojima and Hiroyoshi Tenzan, both multi-time tag and Heavyweight Champs. The current #1 contenders are Karl Anderson, their top American wrestler, who is very good in the ring and was the former tag partner of Tensai, and Doc Gallows (Luke Gallows/Festus) who is quickly adapting the puro big man style and is doing a very good job at it.

Even down to the upper midcard and midcard, including Tetsuya Naito, the #1 contender for the Heavyweight Title and winner of the G1 Climax, a table style tournament which is their Rumble, Minoru Suzuki, Togi Makabe, Yuji Nagata Toru Yano and more, I feel NJPW is a great alternative for those sick of WWE shenanigans and same old shit booking, or is just a fan of great in ring action.

For those scared with the language barrier, they mostly let the matches do the talking, and mostly anything said is translated by a couple people on twitter. NJPW is also realizing more Americans are turning to their product as they have been releasing more English things.

Here is some more information and footage on everyone in the company, as I can't fully describe everything to you guys: www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLpEnxHPkOk

As far as interest in the company, there is a thread in (w)Rest of Wrestling which has the card for their upcoming Tokyo Dome Show, their Wrestlemania, and we can help you out the best we can with any question you have.

As far as OP's question on a card between the two companies, I wouldn't mind seeing something like this for the marquee matches at least:
Hiroshi Tanahashi vs Daniel Bryan - These two have had a match before they hit their primes, but now with both guys among the best in the world, and given enough time, they can have a match for the ages.
Kazuchika Okada vs John Cena - Cena can go despite what people think, and Okada is still developing as a wrestler, but can also go. They both won wrestler of the year in their respective countries, Okada by fans and Cena by PWInsider. Seeing them together would lead to a great slug match, with an exciting ending, and would prove who is truly the top guy.
Shinsuke Nakamura vs CM Punk - Both are #2 guys in the company, and both have the same attitude towards things. A match between them could also tear the house down.

How could I watch NJPW? Even though I'm more of a fan of the "entertainment" side of wrestling, I had been curious for japan wrestling for a while, I love some of their strong matches and the WWE in ring doesn't excite me that much

At least this is a good post on why NJPW is the better alternative, yesterday I read a guy who said that KENTA was a bigger legend than CM PUNK just because he wrestled in japan

[________ has left the building]

I got to go against the grain and vote for WWE. I regularly watch New Japan, know all of the major players, and is always entertained by the shows. But I like variety with my wrestling. WWE provides that for me. Are they perfect? No, but I wouldn't have it any other way. Truthfully I'm more of a fan of DDT and Big Japan than New Japan because they offer more variety on their shows.

[shaker]

WWE, just because I can manage to get into it more. If NJPW was on TV every week? Might be a closer fight. Although I'd love to replace Cole, JBL, and Lawler with Japanese announcers.

"OOOOOOHHH FIVE-U KNUCKLE SHUFFLE-U!!!!!"

"AHHHH IS MIGHTY STRONG RED MEAT RYBACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

"THE BIGGGU SHOW!!!!!!!!!!!!! KNOCKOUT PUNCHUUUUU!!!!"

["Gentleman" AJ Powell]

Dec 12, 2013 10:26:22 GMT -5 shaker said:

WWE, just because I can manage to get into it more. If NJPW was on TV every week? Might be a closer fight. Although I'd love to replace Cole, JBL, and Lawler with Japanese announcers.

"OOOOOOHHH FIVE-U KNUCKLE SHUFFLE-U!!!!!"

"AHHHH IS MIGHTY STRONG RED MEAT RYBACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

"THE BIGGGU SHOW!!!!!!!!!!!!! KNOCKOUT PUNCHUUUUU!!!!"

This would be awesome.

"DA UNDUTAKUUUUUUU! TOMBUSTONE PILEDRAVAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!"