More than distance distinguishes the wrestling scene in Japan from its America counterpart.
Stateside, WWE and All Elite Wrestling are still performing amid the pandemic. Conversely, New Japan Pro Wrestling has shut down all live shows but is continuing to pay its talent and staff. Tama Tonga, a founding member of Bullet Club and one of New Japan Pro Wrestling’s top stars, expanded upon the difference in culture apparent in New Japan’s approach during the coronavirus compared to that of WWE and AEW.
“There is a different sense of unity in Japan,” explained Tonga, who grew up in America and is a veteran of the United States Air Force, but has spent the majority of his pro wrestling career in Japan.