The promotion was a member of the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) from 1975 to 1985 and once more from 1992 to 1993. On April 24, 1989, NJPW hosted Battle Satellite, its first show in the Tokyo Dome. Inoki would serve as the president of the promotion until 1989, when he was succeeded by Seiji Sakaguchi. However, this championship was later abandoned and the current version of the championship was established in 1987. The company launched its own governing body, the International Wrestling Grand Prix (IWGP) and in 1983, Hulk Hogan became the first ever IWGP Heavyweight Champion by defeating Inoki. The following year, NJPW signed a television deal with NET TV, now known as TV Asahi. The first NJPW event, titled Opening Series, took place on March 6, 1972, in the Ota Ward Gymnasium in Tokyo, to a crowd of 5,000. The promotion was founded by Antonio Inoki on Janu after his departure from the Japan Pro Wrestling Alliance promotion. History Formation and early history (1972–2000)

1.4 Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic (2020–present).

The promotion is currently owned by Japanese card game company Bushiroad, which parlayed its entry to the world of professional wrestling into a best-selling trading card game, King of Pro Wrestling, and appearances from NJPW stars in its various franchises. NJPW's biggest event is the January 4 Tokyo Dome Show, held each year since 1992 and currently promoted under the Wrestle Kingdom banner. NJPW has had agreements with various MMA and professional wrestling promotions around the world, including WWE, All Elite Wrestling, World Championship Wrestling, American Wrestling Association, World Class Championship Wrestling, Impact Wrestling, WAR, UWFi, Ring of Honor, Pride Fighting Championships, and Jersey All Pro Wrestling. It was affiliated with the National Wrestling Alliance at various points in its history. Owing to its TV program aired on TV Asahi, NJPW is the largest and longest-running professional wrestling promotion in Japan. Naoki Sugabayashi has served as the promotion's Chairman since September 2013, while Takami Ohbari has served as the President of the promotion since October 2020. Founded on Januby Antonio Inoki, the promotion was sold to Yuke's, who later sold it to Bushiroad in 2012. ( 新日本プロレスリング株式会社, Shin Nihon Puroresuringu Kabushiki-gaisha) ( NJPW) is a Japanese professional wrestling promotion based in Nakano, Tokyo.

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