Tokyo Joshi Pro-Wrestling (東京女子プロレス, Tōkyō Joshi Puroresu, TJPW) is a Japanese joshi puroresu or women's professional wrestling promotion founded in 2012 as a sister promotion of DDT Pro-Wrestling. Initially running alongside other shows such as live music and other idol performances, it became its own standalone promotion starting on February 28, 2015.
 | |
| Acronym | TJPW |
|---|---|
| Founded | June 4, 2012[1][2][3] |
| Style | Joshi puroresu Queen's Road with Ark |
| Headquarters | Tokyo, Japan |
| Founder(s) |
|
| Parent | CyberFight (CyberAgent) |
| Sister | |
| Website | www |
As of 2024, TJPW is promoted under the CyberFight banner as a sister promotion to both DDT Pro-Wrestling and Pro Wrestling Noah.
History
editFormation (2012–2013)
editOn June 4, 2012, Tokyo Joshi Pro was announced by DDT Pro-Wrestling. Set to be run by former Ice Ribbon and NEO Japan Ladies Pro-Wrestling promoter and booker Tetsuya Koda and wrestler Nozomi, the promotion was established in late 2012 and thus a recruitment process began for wrestlers. Four of the first wrestlers recruited were Miyu Yamashita, Shoko Nakajima, Kanna and Chikage Kiba. The training of the wrestlers was mostly handled by Nozomi herself, with help from DDT wrestler Kyohei Mikami.[1][2][3] Nozomi left DDT on November 30, 2012, but on the same day the trainees were introduced to the public in a press conference and it was announced they would debut in 2013.
Early years (2013–2015)
editTokyo Joshi Pro Wrestling's debut show took place on January 30, 2013, at Akihabara Twin Box in Tokyo. The show featured just two matches, a sambo exhibition between trainee Chikage Kiba and DDT referee and former sambo competitor Daisuke Kiso, and a singles match between trainees Miyu Yamashita and Kanna. The show did not use a wrestling ring, and instead all matches took place on training mats, similar to the Ice Ribbon promotion in its early years.[4] Along with wrestling matches, the debut show featured live music from idol units. As TJP's roster was very small at the start, most of their early shows followed this same formula and only ran small venues. Entry to their first few shows was free as a way of introducing themselves to a bigger audience, and their first paid show was held on April 26.[5][6][7][8] As their roster of trainees expanded in 2014, TJPW began including more matches on their cards, and began using a ring. They also ran a show with an appearance from voice actress/wrestler Ai Shimizu in November 2014.[9][10][11] TJPW held its first full show without an idol performance on February 28, 2015 at Shinjuku Face. At the show, Ai Shimizu and Saki Akai confirmed they would be competing with the promotion regularly, and more trainees debuted at the show.[12]
Rise in popularity (2016–present)
editOn January 4, 2016, TJPW held its first ever show in Korakuen Hall, a famed wrestling venue in puroresu. Main evented by Miyu Yamashita defeating Shoko Nakajima to become the first ever Tokyo Princess of Princess Champion, it also featured the debut of Yuu and an appearance from American wrestler Candice LeRae.[13] In the spring of 2016, Ai Shimizu and Erin announced their departure from the promotion, however, the summer was a success for the promotion, and TJPW earned a broadcasting deal to be shown on idol-centric channel Pigoo.[14]
On January 4, 2017, TJPW held its second annual Korakuen show, main evented by Yuu retaining the Tokyo Princess of Princess title over Shoko Nakajima.[15] On May 29, an audition was held for four young wrestlers to form a wrestling/idol group to be known as the "Up-Up Girls". On July 20, four women were picked and began training to wrestle shortly after. On December 4, the Up-Up Girls debuted with an idol performance, but didn't appear in ring until January 4, 2018.
On January 4, 2018, TJP's third annual Korakuen show proved to be a success, drawing over 1000 fans for the first time ever. The show was also broadcast on AbemaTV for the first time, as well as DDT's streaming service DDT Universe. The show was main evented by TJPW ace Miyu Yamashita defeating Reika Saiki to win back the Tokyo Princess of Princess Championship.[16] On February 28, the TJPW show from Shinjuku Face was once again broadcast on AbemaTV, and it was announced Abema had picked up TJPW to broadcast it regularly. This also marked the end of TJPW being broadcast on Pigoo. On November 1, 2018, the three trainee rules were officially bought to an end, allowing wrestlers to drink, smoke and have relationships on their own accord.
The 2019 January 4 show was once again a success, drawing 1,300 fans to Korakuen Hall.[17]
On July 16, 2019, TJPW announced, via their Twitter account, a new title called the International Princess Championship. They also announced that the Tokyo Princess of Princess Championship and the Tokyo Princess Tag Team Championship would be dropping "Tokyo" from their names.[18]
On March 31, 2023, TJPW held their first event in the United States in Los Angeles, California at the Globe Theater.[19] On December 15, TJPW was announced as one of the founding members of the United Japan Pro-Wrestling alliance, a joint effort to further develop professional wrestling in Japan through promotion and organization, with Seiji Sakaguchi being named as the chairman of the project.[20]
Roster
editWrestlers
edit
Alumni
edit| Ring name | Real name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Akane Miura | Unknown | Graduated on March 25, 2017 |
| Ayumi Takada | Ayumi Takada | Retired on March 19, 2014 |
| Azusa Takigawa | Unknown | Graduated on October 27, 2018 |
| Chikage Kiba | Unknown | Graduated on March 27, 2018 |
| Erin | Eri Kato | Retired on May 28, 2016 |
| Unagi Sayaka | Unknown | Contract expired September 30, 2020[49] |
| Kanna | Kanna Shinmei | Graduated on September 22, 2016 |
| Maho Kurone | Unknown | Graduated on July 30, 2018 |
| Marika Kobashi | Unknown | Graduated on April 17, 2022 |
| Mina Shirakawa | Unknown | Resigned on September 21, 2020[50] |
| Mirai Maiumi | Unknown | Resigned on August 31, 2021 |
| Mizuho | Unknown | Graduated on January 11, 2017 |
| Natsumi Maki | Natsumi Maki | Resigned on September 21, 2020[50] |
| Nodoka Tenma | Unknown | Retired on March 26, 2022 |
| Nonoko | Unknown | Graduated on February 3, 2018 |
| Nozomi | Nozomi Dai | Retired on November 30, 2012 |
| Pinano Pipipipi | Unknown | Up Up Girls (Pro-Wrestling), Graduated on April 5, 2019 |
| Reika Saiki | Reika Saiki | Resigned on June 22, 2019[51] |
| Saki Akai | Saki Akai | Retired on November 12, 2023 |
| Shiori Sena | Unknown | Graduated on April 24, 2021[52] |
| Yuka Sakazaki | Unknown | Graduated on December 6, 2023[53] |
| Yuu | Unknown | Resigned on December 1, 2018 |
Notable guests
editChampionships and accomplishments
editCurrent championships
edit| Championship | Current champion(s) | Reign | Date won | Days held |
Successful defenses |
Location | Notes | Ref. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Princess of Princess Championship | Miu Watanabe | 1 | March 31, 2024 | 269 | 5 | Tokyo, Japan | Defeated Miyu Yamashita at Grand Princess '24. | [54] | |
| International Princess Championship | Yuki Arai | 1 | January 4, 2024 | 356 | 5 | Tokyo, Japan | Defeated Max the Impaler at Tokyo Joshi Pro '24. | [55] | |
| Princess Tag Team Championship | 121000000 (Maki Itoh and Miyu Yamashita) |
2 (2, 2) |
September 22, 2024 | 94 | 1 | Chiba, Japan | Defeated Daisy Monkey (Arisu Endo and Suzume) at Wrestle Princess V. | [56] | |
Other accomplishments
edit| Tournament | Last winner(s) | Date won | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tokyo Princess Cup | Ryo Mizunami | August 25, 2024 | Single elimination tournament |
| "Futari wa Princess" Max Heart Tournament | Daisy Monkey (Suzume and Arisu Endo) |
February 10, 2024 | Single elimination tournament |
Notable events
edit| # | Event | Date | City | Venue | Attendance | Main event | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wrestle Princess I | November 7, 2020 | Tokyo, Japan | Tokyo Dome City Hall | N/A | Yuka Sakazaki (c) vs. Mizuki for the Princess of Princess Championship | [57] |
| 2 | Wrestle Princess II | October 9, 2021 | Ota City General Gymnasium | 914 | Miyu Yamashita (c) vs. Maki Itoh for the Princess of Princess Championship | [58] | |
| 3 | Wrestle Princess III | October 9, 2022 | Tokyo Dome City Hall | 1,007 | Shoko Nakajima (c) vs. Yuka Sakazaki for the Princess of Princess Championship | [59] | |
| 4 | Wrestle Princess IV | October 9, 2023 | Tama Mirai Messe | 868 | Mizuki (c) vs. Miyu Yamashita for the Princess of Princess Championship | [60] | |
| 5 | Wrestle Princess V | September 22, 2024 | Chiba, Japan | Makuhari Messe Hall | 756 | Miu Watanabe (c) vs. Ryo Mizunami for the Princess of Princess Championship | [61] |
Grand Slam champions
editIn TJPW, the Grand Slam consists of all the available titles promoted by the company. They are the Princess of Princess Championship, the Princess Tag Team Championship, and the International Princess Championship. On March 18, 2023, during the Grand Princess event, Rika Tatsumi became the first Grand Slam champion in TJPW's history.[62]
| Text | |
|---|---|
| Dates in bold | The date the wrestler completed the Grand Slam |
| Champion | Primary championship | Secondary championship | Tag team championship |
|---|---|---|---|
| Princess of Princess Championship | International Princess Championship | Princess Tag Team Championship | |
| Rika Tatsumi[62] | January 4, 2021 | March 18, 2023 | November 3, 2019 (with Miu Watanabe) |
| Miu Watanabe | March 31, 2024 | October 9, 2022 | November 3, 2019 (with Rika Tatsumi) |
References
edit- ^ a b "【会見】DDT内事業部に東京女子プロレス設立。代表は甲田氏". Retrieved 2012-06-04.
- ^ a b "【6・17リポート②】東女・NOZOMI始動、花月に完敗". Retrieved 2012-06-17.
- ^ a b "ｱｲｽﾘﾎﾞﾝ398 18時00分開始". Retrieved 2012-06-28.
- ^ "TJP The First Meeting « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database". www.cagematch.net. Retrieved 17 January 2019.
- ^ "2012年11月30日（金） 【会見】東京女子プロレスが1月からプレデビューイベント開催". 株式会社DDTプロレスリング. Archived from the original on 2019-01-17. Retrieved 2012-11-30.
- ^ "2012年12月26日（水） 【会見】東京女子プロレスが1・30秋葉原でプレイベント開催". 株式会社DDTプロレスリング. Retrieved 2012-12-26.
- ^ "2013年01月30日（水） 【1・30リポート】東京女子プレイベントは大盛況!!". 株式会社DDTプロレスリング. Retrieved 2013-01-31.
- ^ "2013年07月11日（木） 【東女7・11リポート②】東女4選手の両国デビュー決定". 株式会社DDTプロレスリング. Retrieved 2013-07-12.
- ^ "TJP Ai Shimizu Appearance « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database". www.cagematch.net. Retrieved 17 January 2019.
- ^ "◆東京女子プロレス初のシングルトーナメント『東京プリンセスカップ』開催、6月4日(水)渋谷で組み合わせ抽選(2014.5.30)" (Press release). 2014-05-30.
- ^ "◆「東京プリンセスカップ」に清水愛が参戦、1回戦の組み合わせが決定(2014.6.4)" (Press release). 2014-06-04.
- ^ "【新宿リポート】メインで山下がのの子を下してエース復権へ。赤井＆清水が共闘して東京女子勢に「低い美意識を叩き直す」と宣戦布告、毎回参戦へ。週プロ記者を「薄汚いタワシ！」と罵倒／中島と坂崎は関係修復／えーりんがミウラにようやく勝利／MIZUHOとハイパーミサヲがデビュー". 株式会社DDTプロレスリング. Retrieved 2015-02-28.
- ^ "TJP Tokyo Joshi Pro '16 « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database". www.cagematch.net. Retrieved 17 January 2019.
- ^ "DDT ProWrestling". DDT ProWrestling. Retrieved 17 January 2019.
- ^ "TJP Tokyo Joshi Pro '17 « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database". www.cagematch.net. Retrieved 17 January 2019.
- ^ "TJP Tokyo Joshi Pro '18 « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database". www.cagematch.net. Retrieved 17 January 2019.
- ^ "TJP Tokyo Joshi Pro '19 « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database". www.cagematch.net. Retrieved 17 January 2019.
- ^ "東京女子プロレス". Tokyo Joshi Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). July 16, 2019. Retrieved July 16, 2019.
- ^ Lambert, Jeremy (January 3, 2023). "Tokyo Joshi Pro Wrestling Announces Los Angeles Event For March 31". Fightful. Retrieved January 4, 2023.
- ^ 新日、全日、ノアら９団体が「日本プロレスリング連盟」設立 来年５月には設立記念興行も [Nine organizations, including NJPW, AJPW, and Noah, establish "United Japan Pro-wrestling"; launching event to be held next May]. Nikkan Sports (in Japanese). December 15, 2023. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
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- ^ "DDT ProWrestling" 鳥喰かや. www.ddtpro.com (in Japanese).
- ^ "DDT ProWrestling" キラ・サマー. www.ddtpro.com (in Japanese).
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- ^ "DDT ProWrestling" 山下実優. www.ddtpro.com (in Japanese).
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- ^ "Himawari Unagi Leaving Tokyo Joshi Pro Wrestling". 30 September 2020.
- ^ a b Richards, Alex (September 11, 2020). "Natsumi Maki & Mina Shirakawa Set To Leave TJPW". Last Word on Pro Wrestling. Retrieved December 11, 2020.
- ^ 才木玲佳選手に関するお知らせ. DDT Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). June 3, 2019. Retrieved December 11, 2020.
- ^ 汐凛セナ卒業に関するお知らせ. DDT Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). April 19, 2021. Retrieved April 19, 2021.
- ^ 12月6日北沢タウンホール『東京女子プロレス誕生10周年記念興行～坂崎ユカ卒業スペシャル～』開催決定！. DDT Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). October 15, 2023. Retrieved January 5, 2024.
- ^ Kreikenbohm, Philip (March 31, 2024). "TJPW Grand Princess '24". cagematch.net. Retrieved March 31, 2024.
- ^ Kreikenbohm, Philip (January 4, 2024). "TJPW Tokyo Joshi Pro '24". cagematch.net. Retrieved January 4, 2024.
- ^ Gonzalez, Troy (September 22, 2024). "TJPW Wrestle Princess V Results (9/22): Miu Watanabe, Ryo Mizunami, And More". wrestlezone.com. Retrieved September 22, 2024.
- ^ "TJPW Wrestle Princess I (11/7/2020) / Review". fivestarnetwork.co. Five Star Network. March 16, 2023. Retrieved October 22, 2023.
- ^ Buckledee, Mark (October 9, 2021). "Tokyo Joshi Pro Wrestling's Wrestle Princess II: Miyu Yamashita vs. Maki Itoh". postwrestling.com. Retrieved October 21, 2023.
- ^ Voices of Wrestling Staff (October 10, 2022). "TJPW WRESTLE PRINCESS III (OCTOBER 9) RESULTS & REVIEW". voicesofwrestling.com. Retrieved October 20, 2023.
- ^ Black, Ethan (October 9, 2023). "TJPW Wrestle Princess 4 Results – October 9, 2023". pwmania.com. Retrieved October 20, 2023.
- ^ "WRESTLE PRINCESS V". wrestle-universe.com. Wrestle Universe. Retrieved September 20, 2024.
- ^ a b Peps (March 20, 2023). "Mizuki Finally Wins the POP Title, Rika is Grand Slam Champion, TJPW Grand Princess '23 Review | Weekly Joshi Guide". WrestlePurists. Archived from the original on March 31, 2023. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
External links
edit- TJPW official site in Japanese