Post by LankyLefty17 on Apr 5, 2021 16:14:40 GMT -8
Formed in 2003 and based in Osaka, Japan, Dragon Fire Japan was founded by Shintaro Ito when he broke off from Japan All Around Pro-Wrestling (JAAWP) after an illustrious 20 year career in the company. The backbone in the early days of Dragon Fire Japan revolved around Ito and Dragon Mask II feuds that, while not as technically impressive as their matches in JAAW, still drew large audiences. The promotion enjoyed a ton of early success but a reliance on aging stars made most shows top heavy, with little interest in a poorly pushed under-card. As the careers of both Ito and Dragon Mask wound down, Ito doubled down on past their prime outsiders, even bringing in Tank McDaniel for a championship run. The company struggled to create new stars from its inception, and with little other talent on the roster, as well as retirements from both Ito and Dragon Mask, the company fell on dark times. By 2010 the company performed in front of a few hundred people as rumors swirled that they would be purchased by ZIP Japan.
In 2012, Ito finally pivoted the company towards younger stars- making deals with American companies for the rights to up and comers such as John Logan, Gears of War, and Pantero Negro Jr as well as investing heavily in their own dojo. By 2015, the company dropped all its traditional belts and replaced them with single night tournament shows, showcasing both singles and tag team wrestling. The the influx of young global up and comers combined with a host of promising home grown talent started to pay dividends, Dragon Fire became one of the hottest promotions in the country. Now with the backing of a wealthy board of directors, Shintaro Ito has his promotion poised to be a major player in the Japanese wrestling landscape.
In 2012, Ito finally pivoted the company towards younger stars- making deals with American companies for the rights to up and comers such as John Logan, Gears of War, and Pantero Negro Jr as well as investing heavily in their own dojo. By 2015, the company dropped all its traditional belts and replaced them with single night tournament shows, showcasing both singles and tag team wrestling. The the influx of young global up and comers combined with a host of promising home grown talent started to pay dividends, Dragon Fire became one of the hottest promotions in the country. Now with the backing of a wealthy board of directors, Shintaro Ito has his promotion poised to be a major player in the Japanese wrestling landscape.