Simultaneously, as the global industry continues to evolve, we see promotions like Women Of Wrestling (WOW) continuously rising in prominence. What's unknown to many is how deeply intertwined WOW and the Japanese pro-wrestling scene are. As someone who analyzes the business and cultural differences of wrestling, I've connected with independent foreign wrestlers who have pursued their dreams in Japan. Furthermore, a closer look at the WOW roster reveals a number of Superheroes who have significant, often unacknowledged, experience in Japanese promotions. This post will explore both areas, shedding light on the independent "Gaijin Dream" and revealing the Japanese experiences that enrich WOW's talent pool.
The journey of an independent foreign wrestler in Japan is often one of, along with dedication, cultural adaptation and never-ending hard work. They immerse themselves in the local scene, learning the customs and the unique wrestling styles. I have helped some of them share their stories.
Thunder Melendez: Originally known as Thunder Summers at the time that he began wrestling in Japan, Thunder Melendez has a unique journey as a "gaijin" wrestler in Japan, stemming from his extensive training in both the United States and Japan. Melendez has wrestled in Michinoku Pro many times, where he impressed veterans and integrated his hybrid wrestling style, appreciating the blend of American and Japanese pro-wrestling. Melendez has also appeared in BJW.
Sidney Shota Stephens: Making his debut in 2017, Sidney Shota Stephens is an American who was raised and wrestles in Japan, where he utilizes a brawler/semi-powerhouse style. Stephens trained at MMA gym Mouri Dojo under former Japanese Tag Team Champion Michiko Omukai and MMA gym T. K. Esperanza under Tsuyoshi Okada, who has made appearances in DDT. In addition to wrestling in independent promotions, Stephens has also appeared in AJPW.
Jack Kennedy: As a wrestler who born & raised in America, trained to wrestle in Japan, Jack Kennedy uniquely received his training directly in Japan at Yanagase Pro Wrestling (YPW). He debuted in December 2021 after training under notable figures like Team Japan Olympic wrestler Akinobu Takeuchi and former WWE Superstar/former AJPW World Tag Team Champion Yoshitatsu, and aims for an international pro-wrestling career while appreciating both American and Japanese wrestling styles. With YPW being Kennedy's home promotion, he has also wrestled in other promotions, including AJPW, DDT, BJW, and ZERO1. In addition, Kennedy has experience with Japan's acting world.
These men represent the many independent wrestlers who contribute to the Japanese professional wrestling industry. It's a noteworthy career accomplishment and an important step in their development as performers.
Women Of Wrestling (WOW) has built a loyal following by utilizing the late-1980s/early-1990s style of having a big focus on characters, while empowering female athletes and telling their stories in a unique way. Meanwhile, an interesting layer of their talent's development often goes unmentioned: their experience in the tough and respected world of Japanese professional wrestling. For those looking to truly understand the depth of the WOW roster, recognizing these Japanese experiences provides invaluable insight.
Here are some prominent WOW Superheroes who have honed their craft in Japan:
Santana Garrett: The third-longest-reigning WOW Champion in history, Santana Garrett has also wrestled in Stardom (2015 to 2016), where she became the seventh Wonder Of Stardom Champion in history. Garrett's experience in Japan contributed to her technical skills and ability to connect with diverse audiences.
Chantilly Chella (as Ray Lyn): Known in WOW for her fluid and energetic in-ring style, Chantilly Chella wrestles outside of the promotion as Ray Lyn and had a tenure in Japan (2019), where she wrestled in Sendai Girls, Marvelous, and World Woman Pro-Wrestling Diana. This gave her the opportunity to experience adapting her style to one very different from her own, with the Japanese pro-wrestling scene having a more intense environment.
Holidead: Her aggressive and mysterious persona makes Holidead a WOW standout. Her experience wrestling in Stardom (2015 to 2016) allowed her to hone her technical wrestling ability and develop a deeper understanding of wrestling psychology that transcends cultural boundaries, and that she can utilize if the need arises.
Island Girl Kalaki (as Tracy Taylor): With a powerful presence, Island Girl Kalaki is recognized in WOW for her in-ring resilience. Her time in Japan (2007) wrestling as Tracy Taylor in ZERO1 and other Japanese promotions early in her career exposed her to a more physical style, contributing to her demeanor.
Selina Majors (as Bambi): A top member of the WOW roster during the promotion's beginnings and currently a trainer and mentor in WOW, Selina Majors is a veteran of the wrestling world and a key figure in the company. She also has a historical connection to Japan, wrestling as Bambi in FMW (1994). Her experience added another dimension to her career. With FMW having a distinctive and intense style, due to its hardcore elements, its fans were passionate and had specific expectations. Performing for them exposed her to a new audience and added valuable international experience to her resume, which ultimately enriched her legacy as a versatile and experienced performer.
These women's journeys through Japan highlight the global nature of talent development in professional wrestling. Their time in Japanese promotions, known for their demanding training and emphasis on a stiffer style, has contributed to their performances in WOW.
The stories of independent male gaijin and the Japan-influenced WOW Superheroes present a powerful truth about professional wrestling: it is a worldwide ecosystem. The "Gaijin Dream" isn't only about individual ambition; it's about a continuous exchange of talent, styles, and ideas that supplements the entire industry.
For promotions, understanding these interconnected pathways is crucial. It highlights the depth of experience within a roster, the different influences that shape a wrestler's style, and the potential for cross-promotional collaboration. For fans, recognizing these journeys adds another layer of appreciation for the athletes they watch, knowing the commitment and global experience that often lies beneath the surface. This international talent pipeline is vital for the wrestling industry's continued innovation and growth.
The future of professional wrestling is global, driven by both wrestlers seeking new horizons and the strategic vision of promotions building diverse rosters. From the independent gaijin forging their paths in Japan to the WOW Superheroes who carry the lessons learned in Japanese rings, these stories are central to understanding the industry's evolution.
As the wrestling world continues to expand its reach, the ability to analyze these global trends, understand talent development across different cultures, and identify strategic opportunities will become increasingly vital.
Keep visting Harold-Williams.com for more in-depth analysis on the business side of professional wrestling, global market trends, and talent spotlights. And if you are a promoter looking for assistance with writing, content creation, public relations, talent recruitment, and securing TV opportunities, by someone with extensive global experience in the wrestling industry, contact me via info@harold-williams.com
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