Legendary Japanese Pro Wrestlers Stage First-Ever Show in Taiwan

TaiwanPlus News

A major Japanese women's professional wrestling promotion has put on a show in Taiwan for the first time. World Women's Pro-Wrestling Diana wowed fans from all over the country at an exhibition match outside the capital Taipei.

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00:00In an industrial space in northern Taiwan, pro-wrestling legends make history.

00:12They half-fight, half-perform with passion and emotion, bringing the spectacle to a climax

00:18with a massive double-drop kick.

00:23This is the first time World Women Pro-Wrestling Diana, a famous Japanese promotion, has performed

00:29in Taiwan.

00:30Over the weekend, some of its youngest stars and mythic senior talent climbed into the

00:36ring.

00:37Among them was 63-year-old Jaguar Yokota, widely celebrated as one of the greatest female

00:43wrestlers of all time.

00:45In the early 1980s, she was considered among the best in the world regardless of gender.

00:51Her debut in Taiwan marks a historic moment for the local scene.

00:56Although the audience, mostly men and boys, were starstruck, Jaguar found them easily

01:01relatable.

01:27Having these Japanese professional wrestlers perform in Taiwan marks a significant milestone

01:32for the sport in the country, which has a small but committed following.

01:56In contrast to Taiwan, professional wrestling enjoys widespread popularity in the U.S. and

02:05Japan, where it has its own distinctive traditions and styles.

02:10Promotions in the U.S. focus on grand story arcs that unfold over years and often feature

02:16big entrances with pyrotechnics and dramatic stunts.

02:21But Japanese wrestling promotions like Diana usually emphasize a more respectful atmosphere

02:26between athletes and audiences, focus on technical skills, and often feature elements of slapstick

02:32comedy.

02:33Nonetheless, both styles have a strong emphasis on storytelling.

02:38And more often than not, it's these evolving plots that keep the hardcore fans or the marks

02:44coming back.

02:46It's just the characters, the storytelling, the bumps and the hits inside the ring.

02:55It's beautiful.

02:56It's an art that you just need to pay attention to, to understand.

03:03That is what pro wrestling is to me.

03:05It's an art form for those who love storytelling, combat sports, and well, everything that is

03:14about sports.

03:15Though the event is held outside the capital in an alley in Taoyuan, it has attracted many

03:20of its loyal fans.

03:21And for them, to see these bigger-than-life characters up close is a rare opportunity

03:25and definitely worth the trip.

03:28Many in the audience have been wrestling superfans for years.

03:30After watching the entire event today, it was quite an exciting match.

03:35I saw two legends come to Taiwan, Jin Sang-jin and Mei Zhou-hu, Teng Tien.

03:42I've seen them since I was in elementary school, middle school, and I've seen them on TV.

03:50It's an interesting art form.

03:52It's a bit like a movie or a drama.

03:56It has a sense of virtual reality.

03:58Although it looks like it's being experienced through acting, it's actually very real.

04:03It's an exchange of emotions and energy.

04:06Though the event only lasted for a few hours, it has certainly left a lasting impact on

04:11its fans.

04:12The electrifying atmosphere and skills on display resonated with the audience.

04:17For the people here, having a chance to see legends from wrestling's past, while making

04:22history in Taiwan, is a sure sign that the sport's future in the country is bright.

04:28Rain Wu, Alex Chen, Brun Thomas, and Sanni Chee for Taiwan Plus.

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