WWE Speed: The WWE Program Perfect for Japanese Wrestling Fans

In a previous blog post, I compared Japanese and American wrestling, looking at the differences between the two. Since that time, WWE has now created a show that has similarities to the Japanese wrestling style. The show is named "WWE Speed", a program that will focus on fast-paced, exciting, and unpredictable action, streamed exclusively via X (Twitter) on Wednesdays at noon ET/9 a.m. PT.

WWE Speed features an innovative format- its matches have a three-minute limit, promising nonstop action. Matches that don't have pauses of action are something that people who follow Japanese wrestling are familiar with. From promotions with a lucha libre-inspired style like Michinoku Pro to the aggressiveness of the wrestlers in Ladius (the ladies' division of the Gifu-based Yanagase Pro Wrestling), the Japanese wrestling scene is the breeding ground for exciting and energetic matches with an emphasis on athleticism.

Like Japanese wrestling, WWE Speed strives to spotlight high-flying maneuvers and impressive counters, and being that all WWE Speed matches are short, the pace will always be relentless, surely keeping fans on the edge of their seats. And while there is usually a major focus on feuds and promos in American wrestling, WWE Speed is all about action. Also, the condensed format of WWE Speed increases the chances that there will be many matches that will have unexpected outcomes.

WWE Speed includes wrestlers who had championship success in Japan, such as Ricochet, who is a former Open The Dream Gate Champion, and Dragon Lee, who is a former IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion. They both have experience providing fast-paced action and high-flying moves that appeal to many fans of Japanese wrestling. This could lead to a more globalized wrestling audience for WWE.

WWE SPEED IS HERE!@KingRicochet battles @dragonlee95 in an intense match in the series premiere of #WWESpeed! https://t.co/y9M9UIxrQv

— WWE (@WWE) April 3, 2024

WWE Speed offers a unique and action-packed viewing experience that complements the promos, comedy, and showmanship WWE provides for its audience, which would increase the growth of the WWE Universe. Not only fans of Japanese wrestling, but wrestling fans in general who enjoy the fast-paced style of wrestling.

Beyond the WWE Universe, WWE Speed's spotlighting fast-paced matches with limited downtime has the potential to revitalize the professional wrestling industry as a whole, with a renewed emphasis on in-ring action and athleticism. Also, the shorter format might provide new opportunities for wrestlers who excel in high-flying maneuvers or fast-paced action to shine, creating new stars who would further influence the overall wrestling style. And this new format might also inspire innovative spots by wrestlers in and outside of WWE.

It will be interesting to see how WWE promotes WWE Speed in the coming weeks and months, and what impact it will have on the pro-wrestling landscape. I believe that WWE Speed has the potential to be successful.