10 Things To Know About The NJPW, AJPW, And Pro Wrestling NOAH Crossover Show

For super-fans of Japanese professional wrestling, the motherload of wrestling matches is about to go down. The nation's top three pro wrestling organizations, Japan Pro Wrestling, All Japan Pro Wrestling, and Pro Wrestling NOAH will come together in 2019 to create the ultimate wrestling showdown.

The big hitters will come together to form a smorgasbord of piledrivers, neckbreakers, and chokeslams. The news of the big event broke a few days ago, and fans are already losing their minds over this. While we have very little information about which wrestlers will make the card, wrestling gurus everywhere have their favorites and are praying to the wrestling gods above that they get to witness some hella-good match-ups.

10 10. It Marks Two Anniversaries

This monumental showdown will mark two very distinct anniversaries in Japanese wrestling. First, the match signifies the sixty-year birthdate of Tokyo Sports, which also happens to be the sponsor of the event. Second, it marks the 20th anniversary of Giant Baba's passing. Baba passed away on January 31, 1999, and was the founder of All Japan Pro Wrestling. He and the founder of New Japan Pro Wrestling, Antonio Inoki, had their last tag team match together at the first Tokyo Sports-sponsored all-star show, “Pro Wrestling Dream All Star Battle,” back in 1979. The fan favorites faced off against Tiger Jeet Singh and Abdullah the Butcher. This upcoming event is loaded with significance for those who are embedded in the sport's culture.

9 9. It Will Go Down At Sumo Hall

This trifecta of wrestling matches is slated to take place at Ryōgoku Kokugikan (両国国技館 Ryōgoku Kokugikan), also known as Ryōgoku Sumo Hall. The venue is located in the Yokoami neighborhood and has a capacity of 11,098 people. The venue is primarily used for Sumo matches as well as boxing events and concerts. In recent years it has housed the finals of New Japan Pro Wrestling's annual G1 Climax tournament, as well as other popular pro wrestling events such as the WWE's The Beast in the East event in 2015. (Catchy title there!)

8 8. The Matches Will Be Tag Team Or Singles Based

Die-hard fans of the sport are begging for some of the biggest names in the game to face off in the ring. Could it happen? Sure. In this sport, anything is fair play. Viewers might be more likely to see tag team action, however. While mega matches where the best in the land pummel one another into the ground are what fans are salivating over, everyone will have to wait with bated breath to see who makes it onto the ticket and what setups are organized. Stay tuned. You can check out the early buzz regarding match ups HERE on Reddit.

7 7. It Will Not Air On New Japan World

via wrestlingexaminer.com

According to recent reports, the big matchup will not air on New Japan World. Pro Wrestling NOAH tweeted to fans who inquired about where the big event could be viewed, saying they would not expect it to air on New World Japan, but instead might be shown on G+ or Samurai. However, this has yet to be officially confirmed.

6 6. Fans Probably Won't See New Japan vs. NOAH

While many fans are dying to see New Japan take on NOAH, it is highly unlikely those two clubs will give the public what they crave. The politics between the two organizations has created some bad blood, and the two wrestling clubs stay far away from one another. While all the big names are expected to be at the showdown, they will likely face off within their organization, not crossing into enemy territory so to speak. Of the NOAH-New Japan face off possibility, Hisame had this to say, "The names will be there as this will be for Baba and Tokyo Sports, BUT, don't expect there to be a dream match which is Noah vs. New Japan. If anything Noah will stick to themselves, All Japan or anyone else involved and not New Japan."

5 5. It's Planned For February 2019

As far as we know, the showdown is set to take place on February 19th, 2019. That is right around the corner (we're only three months away), so mark your calendars now and start saving up your yen. Tickets should sell out at warp speed... although they aren't selling quite yet. This huge event would be incredible to watch live, of course, but it may be a little more realistic to settle in and watch from home.

4 4. The Last Time A Multi Promotion Show Happened Was At All Together

This won't be the first time the New Japan Pro Wrestling Club, All Japan, and Pro Wrestling NOAH have all come together in the ring to take each other on. The last time the three organizations united to create a wrestling extravaganza was in 2011 and 2012 for the All Together match. This meet up was established in the name of charity and was geared towards earthquake and tsunami relief. (You can catch the All Together events on Youtube.)

3 3. Matches Have Yet To Be Announced

While anything is possible at this point, historically these showdowns have been tag team centric. If we look back at the All Together matchup of 2011 and 2012 as a precedent for the upcoming 2019 event, tag teams will likely be the format. The All Together event showcased two on two matches, up to ten person smackdowns, as well as a Battle Royale, but this new event is unique so expect a curveball or two. Some are even calling for the inclusion of Joshi competition, such as Stardom vs. Sendai Girls.

2 2. Don't Expect The Show To Be G-Rated

If anyone is planning to bring the kiddos to the ring, they might want to pack some earplugs because these showdowns aren't always G-rated. These matches (the New Japan Pro Wrestling ones, in particular) are notorious for smack talk and future show promotions that often come across as a sweary, sweaty press conference.

1 1. It's Going To Be Epic

It's going to be big. It's going to be loud, lively, and exciting and it's bound to be epic as all get out. Fans of the sport might want to consider putting two tickets to Japan on this year's Christmas list. This is definitely an event that wrestling lovers won't want to miss. You are bound to hear some colorful language when these guys get worked up, though, so while it's fun to watch, you might consider not bringing your grandmother or your young children.