NJPW
Here's what we found in NJPW. Every family is different — get a report that reflects yours.
Screen for YOUR familyParent's Guide to NJPW
NJPW (New Japan Pro-Wrestling) in 1972 represents the foundational year of the prominent Japanese professional wrestling promotion. The content primarily consists of professional wrestling matches, featuring athletes like Antonio Inoki and Karl Gotch, competing in events such as the "Opening Series" and "New Diamond Series". As a form of sports entertainment, it showcases athletic performances and staged rivalries within a competitive environment. The media is generally appropriate for audiences who understand the nature of professional wrestling, focusing on physical competition and narrative-driven contests.
Things to Consider
Violence
NJPW (1972) features simulated physical combat characteristic of professional wrestling, including punches, kicks, body slams, and submissions. While the violence is theatrical and choreographed, it depicts physical altercations and competitive struggles. There is no indication of graphic blood, gore, or lethal weapon use from the sources discussing the 1972 events.
Scary & Intense Content
The intensity of NJPW (1972) stems from the theatricalized physical confrontations and competitive nature of professional wrestling. While matches can be suspenseful and feature characters portraying aggression, there are no reported elements of graphic horror, jump scares, or overtly disturbing imagery.
Disrespect & Rebellion
Professional wrestling often features 'heel' (villainous) characters who exhibit disrespectful or rebellious attitudes as part of their persona to generate audience reaction. While this is part of the entertainment, it is typically within the context of the performance and not overtly promoted as a positive behavior outside of the theatrical narrative.
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
There is no evidence from the available sources indicating the presence of LGBTQ+ characters or themes within NJPW programming from 1972. The general nature of professional wrestling in that era did not typically include such representations in storylines or character portrayals.
Romance and Sexual Content
There is no evidence of explicit romance or sexual content within NJPW (1972). Professional wrestling of this era primarily focused on in-ring competition and character rivalries, with no reported suggestive themes or graphic depictions.
Profanity
No specific information regarding profanity in NJPW (1972) broadcasts was found. Given the era of television broadcasting in 1972, especially for a sports entertainment program, it is highly unlikely that explicit or frequent profanity would have been present.
Witchcraft & Occult
There is no evidence to suggest the presence of witchcraft, occult themes, or supernatural elements within NJPW (1972) programming. Professional wrestling in this period was typically grounded in athletic competition and character personas, not mystical elements.
Substance Use
No evidence was found regarding the depiction or promotion of substance use, including alcohol, tobacco, or illegal drugs, within NJPW (1972) content. The broadcasts from this era typically avoided such explicit portrayals.
Anti-Christian Themes
There is no evidence of anti-Christian themes, mockery, or criticism of Christian beliefs within NJPW (1972). As a Japanese professional wrestling promotion, its content would typically not feature religious themes, particularly those targeting Christianity.
NJPW (1972), as early professional wrestling, primarily showcases themes of competition, physical strength, and determination. From a Christian worldview, the pursuit of excellence and diligent training in a physical discipline can align with biblical principles of stewardship of one's body and gifts (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). However, the theatrical nature of professional wrestling often exaggerates pride, vanity, and sometimes overt aggression through 'heel' characters. These portrayals, while for entertainment, can contradict biblical calls for humility and self-control (Proverbs 16:18, Galatians 5:22-23). The staged nature means that vices are often rewarded or celebrated within the storyline for their entertainment value, without explicit moral accountability within the fictional world beyond winning or losing matches. The worldview presented is largely materialistic and focused on physical prowess and entertainment. There are no overt transcendent views of life, nor are there explicit redemption themes of sacrifice, forgiveness, or grace, as the focus remains on the immediate competition and showmanship. Family values are not a central theme in the early NJPW content; relationships depicted are typically rivalries or partnerships between wrestlers. Faith representation is absent, and therefore neither respectfully nor negatively portrayed. Christian parents might use this media as an opportunity to discuss the difference between performance and reality, the nature of competition, and how even in entertainment, character traits like humility and respect can be valued over arrogance and aggression.
Additional Context
Best For Ages
Ages 8+ due to theatricalized combat. The content from 1972 NJPW features simulated physical altercations inherent to professional wrestling, which, while staged, can be intense. There are no indications of explicit graphic violence, sexual content, or strong profanity typically found in more mature programming of the era. Therefore, it is suitable for children who can differentiate between staged performance and real combat.
Good to Know
Parents should be aware that professional wrestling, even from the 1970s, involves simulated fighting and theatrical aggression. While not genuinely violent, younger or more sensitive viewers may find the staged confrontations intense or perceive the character behaviors as real. Discussion with children about the entertainment aspect of professional wrestling can be beneficial.
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