Category: NOAH

As its name indicates, NOAH began in 2000 the journey to become the "ark" of the world of professional wrestling, respecting the luchistic tradition of Japan.

Pro Wrestling NOAH is a professional wrestling organization founded on August 5, 2000. Mitsuharu Misawa, the founder of the company, became independent from AJPW with many fighters and administrative staff.

More about NOAH

NOAH made its debut with two completely sold out events on August 5 and 6, 2000 at Tokyo Differ Ariake, their base of operations. With almost all the fighters of AJPW, supported by Nippon TV and various officials, NOAH practically assumed the position of AJPW to the liking of fans. In addition to the usual quality of AJPW fights, Misawa added some innovations that were not made possible by the decisions of Motoko baba: A junior division was created that quickly positioned itself among the best in the world. Decorative elements were also implemented giving the functions, light effects, sound and smoke more attractiveness.

Between 2004 and 2005, NOAH achieved its consolidation and was designated as the most modern company in Japan.

2009 was a year that marked NOAH, with the death of Misawa in June, after an accident in the ring. Then came the most difficult time for the company, putting its continuity at risk. NOAH lost its weekly television slot on Nippon TV; Mitsuo momota (son of rikidozan) resigned from his position on the board of directors and this caused a dispute between two sides. One of them proposed a wage cut and contract termination for the fighters; the other side, commanded by Kenta kobashiHe proposed loyalty to NOAH and keep working until he got ahead. In January 2010 some fighters like Tamon honda and Tsuyoshi Kikuchi, did not have a contract extension. Others, like Junji Izumida, Kishin Kawabata, Makoto Hashi, and referee Mighty Inoue were fired.

Subsequently, Akira taue assumed the position of president. Naomichi marufuji supported him as vice president. Takashi Sugiura was nominated as a representative of the fighters union, and Takeshi morishima He was part of the board of directors together with the aforementioned.

NOAH faced major financial problems from 2009 to 2012, but thanks to a savings plan, a shorter tour schedule, and consolidation of experience stars, it seemed like the company was rebounding.

In January 2012 it became known that some NOAH fighters were sponsored by a person close to the yakuza and that this person was involved in financial deals with Misawa's widow. The crisis erupted fueled by the release of a book on junji izumida. In addition to the above, at the end of that difficult year there were rumors that Kenta Kobashi's contract would end because it was not possible to pay him, according to his star status. Kobashi was injured, and that decision left him at a clear disadvantage. After a series of meetings, President Taue and Kobashi agreed that Kobashi would voluntarily retire. But the damage was done: Jun Akiyama, Go shiozaki, Kotaro Suzuki, Atsushi Aoki and Yoshinobu Kanemaru, angered by the way the managers proceeded, announced that they would not extend their contracts, which expired in December 2012, and left the company to go to AJPW.

In April 2015, star Takeshi Morishima was forced to retire due to health problems. At the end of that year, he joined the company Katsuhiko Nakajima.

Shiozaki returned in 2016 and Kanemaru did so as an independent. In that year, NOAH achieved a close collaboration with NJPW, which included an extensive exchange of talents (Minoru Suzuki, Toru Yano, Lance Archer, Davey Boy Smith Jr., Shelton Benjamin, Takashi Iizuka and Taichi) and having Jado (from NJPW) as a NOAH booker.

November 2016, NOAH was sold to the technology development company Estbee, Co, Ltd. and former AJPW president Masayuki Uchida was named the new president. In December of that year, NOAH moved from Differ Ariake to the Kanda-Misakicho district. The company closed the year with the conclusion of the employment relationship with NJPW, which reduced attendance at their events.

In February 2017, NOAH started an alliance with TNA which lasted until July when it was replaced with a partnership with Global Force Wrestling (GFW).

On February 1, 2019, NOAH was acquired by LIDET Entertainmentconsequently, NOAH suffered the change from its traditional logo and replaced emerald green with white. By July of that year, a work agreement was consolidated with MLW and in November an exchange agreement with the Mexican IWGR.

NOAH kicked off 2020 with the news that it was acquired by CyberAgent, parent company of DDT Pro Wrestling. Sanshiro takagi, was named president and Naomichi Marufuji, continued in the vice presidency. In addition, company events began to be broadcast on the DDT stream service, Wrestle Universe.

Viewing NOAH Features

NOAH offers the streaming service Wrestle universe, with most of the events live. Some of them are streamed live and for free from their YouTube channel and are available for a week before they join the stream service.

The subscription cost is 900 Yen per month.

Important events:

Great Voyage, Departure, N-1 Victory, Global Jr. League, Global Tag League, Global Jr. Tag League

NOAH Official Links