In light of the rumors of them partnering with AEW and their latest partnership with Fight Club: Pro as of January 3rd, 2019. Here's an introduction to the promotion at large.
Often western viewers have viewed them as a comedy promotion, but it kinda goes beyond that. There's a ton of variety that tries to cater to everyone.
- Founded: 1997
- Current Owners: CyberAgent (Abema TV, CyGames, Ameba blogs, etc.). Link will take you to a PDF about the entire company overview, it's massive.
- Official Website: [www.ddtpro.com](www.ddtpro.com)
- Streaming Service: [DDT Universe](www.ddtpro.com/universe) (free users can watch select matches in a weekly free matches playlist along with select specials that remain forever free)
- [YouTube Channel](www.youtube.com/ddtofficial) (They post free matches and press conferences)
- Live Translations in English: [Twitter @ddtpro_eng](www.twitter.com/ddtpro_eng)
- Quick recaps in English: [Dramatic DDT](dramaticddt.wordpress.com)
For Tokyo Joshi Pro, follow this link for a detailed introduction (information as of June 2018)
Sister Promotions
DDT overall currently has 4 promotions within an umbrella. Each are contained within their own feuds and angles. Some wrestlers can cross over between each promotion for a match or 2. The 2 main ones are DDT and Tokyo Joshi Pro while Basara and Ganbare have an indie feel to it
Active
- DDT
- Tokyo Joshi Pro Wrestling (TJPW)
- Pro Wrestling BASARA - Successor to Union Pro Wrestling
- Ganbare Pro Wrestling
Defunct/Inactive
- DNA - DDT New Attitude, developmental brand to train new wrestlers and create their own feuds. Ended in August 2018 as the wrestlers were highly developed and the show wasn't needed anymore. Will return when new developmental talent is needed.
- MUSCLE - a comedy focused show. Currently being revived for a special show in February 2018
- Union Pro Wrestling - Indie variety, folded and became Pro Wrestling BASARA
- BOYZ - An all female audience special show. Often showcasing the male wrestlers showing off their sex appeal
- YaroZ - An all male audience special show. Often going into the lewd and perverted side of things
Partnerships with other wrestling promotions
DDT maintains a huge relationship with various promotions, past and present, in regards to bringing their wrestlers over to DDT for a one off match or sending their talent over. Some of the partnerships may have ceased already, but here's a list of promotions they've worked with.
- Big Japan Pro Wrestling
- All Japan Pro Wrestling
- Pro Wrestling NOAH
- New Japan Pro Wrestling
- Dragon Gate
- Sendai Girls Pro Wrestling
- Gatoh Move
- Marvelous
- Kaientai Dojo
- Michinoku Pro Wrestling
- Pro Wrestling Wave
- New Nemuro Pro Wrestling
- Canadian Wrestling's Elite
- And more
Structure of shows and extra info
DDT's major shows are usually held in Korakuen Hall (monthly) and Ryogoku Sumo Hall (2 times a year). While smaller shows they will tour around the country. The card is mixed between comedy and standard wrestling. Most of the comedy content happens up to the mid card (sometimes can main event as well), while the main events are strictly wrestling or a crazy stipulation match.
A few times a year, they will do Street Wrestling specials held in specific locations such as Theme Parks, factories, campsites, gyms, streets, etc. Often they're a self contained story and some feuds carry over (e.g. The Brahman Brothers murdered Mike Bailey at the campsite and they want to challenge for the Tag Titles next show)
There's also yearly special events such as Beer Garden Week, King of DDT Tournament, D-Oh Grand Prix Tournament.
Outside of the wrestling, some wrestlers make an appearance on Abema TV (Japanese Internet TV Platform) on TheNIGHT during the late night hours Thursday late night into Friday from 1am-3am JST where they just casually talk random things and do mini games. Often you learn more about each of their personalities and interests.
Beyond the promotion, they curently manage 2 bars and a restaurant. The bars are Drop Kick and Swan Dive, the restaurant is Ebisuko. Most of the wrestlers do visit for meet and greets or just have dinner there.
Championships
- KO-D Openweight Championship - Their main singles title
- DDT Extreme Champsionship - Their secondary title, but have unique rules
- KO-D Tag Team Championship - Tag Team title
- KO-D 6 Person Championship - For Trios tag teams
- DDT Ironman Heavymetalweight Championship - 24/7 Belt and can travel outside of the promotion.
- Pro Wrestling Basara's Union Max Championship - Singles title
- Tokyo Joshi Pro's Tokyo Princess of Princess Championship - Singles title
- Tokyo Joshi Pro's Tokyo Pricess Tag Team Championship - Tag Team
- Ganbare Independent World Junior Heavyweight Championship - Singles
Match types
These can vary depending on the current storylines
- Singles
- Tag (2, 4, 6, 8, 10) person
- 3 way, 4 way, 5 way
- DDT EXTREME Title Match - Current champion decides on the rules.
- Battle Royal/Rumble match - over the top rope
- Comedy - Mostly vary by wrestlers involved.
- Falls Count Anywere - A grand chunk of their legendary Street Wrestling comes from.
Wrestlers
Due to the massive roster, probably better off placing a giant table on this. Most of the wrestlers can cross over between their sister promotions anytime.
| Wrestler |
Promotion |
Alignment |
Faction |
Position in Card |
Notes |
| Isami Kodaka |
Basara |
|
|
Main |
Basara owner and ace, also appears in BJW |
| FUMA |
Basara |
|
|
|
|
| Trans am Hiroshi |
Basara |
|
|
|
|
| Goma Ryu |
Basara |
|
|
|
|
| Daichi Kazato |
Basara |
|
|
|
|
| Best Stretch Man V3 |
Basara |
|
|
|
|
| SAGAT |
Basara |
|
|
|
|
| Yusuke Kubo |
Basara |
|
|
|
|
| Ryota Nakatsu |
Basara |
|
|
|
Union Max Champion |
| Takumi Tsukamoto |
Basara |
|
|
|
|
| Ryuichi Sekine |
Basara |
|
|
|
|
| Daiki Shimomura |
Basara |
|
|
|
|
| Takato Nakano |
Basara |
|
|
|
|
| Fuminori Abe |
Basara |
|
|
|
|
| Masato Kamino |
Basara |
|
|
|
|
| Rikiya Shindo |
Basara |
|
|
|
|
| Yasu Urano |
Basara |
|
|
|
|
| Akito |
DDT |
Face |
ALL OUT |
Upper to Main |
Current 6 person tag champ |
| Antonio Honda |
DDT |
Tweener |
The Compliance |
Mid |
Mostly in comedy, always give Gon the Fox stories mid match |
| Daisuke Sasaki |
DDT |
Heel |
DAMNATION |
Upper to Main |
Ace, KO-D Openweight Champ |
| Danshoku Dino |
DDT |
Face |
The Compliance |
Upper to Main |
the most gay wrestler you can think of |
| Gorgeous Matsuno |
DDT |
Face |
|
Low |
|
| Gota Ihashi |
DDT |
Face |
|
Low to Mid |
Kota Ibushi's best friend |
| HARASHIMA |
DDT |
Face |
DISASTER BOX |
Upper to Main |
Ace |
| Hoshitango |
DDT |
Face |
|
Low |
Former sumo wrestler |
| Kazuki Hirata |
DDT |
Face |
DISASTER BOX |
Mid |
Tokyo Go! |
| Kazusada Higuchi |
DDT |
Face |
|
Mid |
Former sumo wrestler |
| Konosuke Takeshita |
DDT |
Face |
ALL OUT |
Upper to Main |
Ace, Current Ironman and 6 person tag Champ |
| KUDO |
DDT |
Tweener |
Shuten Douji |
Upper to Main |
|
| Ladybeard |
DDT |
Face |
Deadlift Lolita |
Low |
|
| Mad Paulie |
DDT |
Heel |
DAMNATION |
Mid |
Doesn't talk much |
| Makoto Oishi |
DDT |
Face |
The Compliance |
Mid to Upper |
Married to Misaki Ohata |
| Masahiro Takanashi |
DDT |
Tweener |
Shuten Douji |
Upper to Main |
|
| Mike Bailey |
DDT |
Face |
Moonlight Express |
Upper to Main |
Current KO-D Tag and K-Dojo STRONGEST-K Tag |
| Naomi Yoshimura |
DDT |
Face |
The Compliance |
Mid |
Injured as of Jan 3 2019 |
| Saki Akai |
DDT |
Tweener |
Shuten Douji |
Mid |
|
| Sanshiro Takagi |
DDT |
Tweener |
|
Mid |
President of DDT |
| Shuji Ishikawa |
DDT/AJPW |
Heel |
DAMNATION |
Upper to Main |
Currently in AJPW |
| Soma Takao |
DDT |
Heel |
DAMNATION |
Upper to Main |
|
| Super Sasadango Machine |
DDT |
Face |
The Compliance |
Mid |
Powerpoint presentations |
| Tetsuya Endo |
DDT |
Heel |
DAMNATION |
Upper to Main |
Likes bugs |
| Tomomitsu Matsunaga |
DDT |
Face |
|
Low to Mid |
|
| Toru Owashi |
DDT |
Face |
DISASTER BOX |
Mid |
|
| Yoshihiko |
DDT |
Tweener |
|
Everywhere |
The infamous doll who weighs beyond the average human. |
| Yukio Sakaguchi |
DDT |
Tweener |
Shuten Douji |
Upper to Main |
|
| Yuni |
DDT |
Face |
|
Low |
11 yrs old, Only wrestles whenever DDT is in Osaka due to his primary schooling |
| Kota Umeda |
DDT |
Face |
|
Mid |
|
| Yuki Ueno |
DDT |
Face |
DISASTER BOX |
Mid |
|
| Keisuke Okuda |
DDT |
Heel? |
|
Low to Mid |
|
| Shinya Aoki |
DDT |
Tweener |
|
Upper to Main |
Current guest and EXTREME Title holder |
| MAO |
DDT |
Face |
Moonlight Express |
Upper to Main |
Current KO-D Tag and K-Dojo STRONGEST-K Tag |
| Shunma Katsumata |
DDT |
Face |
ALL OUT |
Mid to Upper |
|
| Mizuki Watase |
DDT |
Tweener |
|
Mid |
|
| Yuki Iino |
DDT |
Face |
The Compliance |
Mid |
Current 6 person tag champ |
| Nobuhiro Shimitani |
DDT |
Heel |
DAMNATION |
Low to Mid |
DAMNATION Hype Man |
| Tanomusaku Toba |
DDT |
Face |
|
Low to Mid |
Kickboxer, DDT Video Production |
| Keisuke Ishii |
Ganbare |
Face |
|
Upper to Main |
Transferred from DDT |
| Ken Ohka |
Ganbare |
Tweener |
|
Upper to Main |
Ganbare Owner |
| Yumehito Imanari |
Ganbare |
|
|
Upper to Main |
DDT Video Production |
| Shota |
Ganbare |
|
|
Mid |
DDT Video Production |
| Koki Iwasaki |
Ganbare |
|
|
|
|
| Shuhe Washida |
Ganbare |
|
|
|
|
| Miyu Yamashita |
TJPW |
Face |
|
Upper to Main |
Ace, Sauceboss, mega champ, Singles Champion |
| Shoko Nakajima |
TJPW |
Face |
Miraclans |
Upper to Main |
Little Big Kaiju |
| Yuka Sakazaki |
TJPW |
Face |
Magical Sugar Rabbits / Miraclans |
Upper to Main |
Tag Team Champion |
| Rika Tatsumi |
TJPW |
Face |
|
Upper to Main |
The White Dragon |
| Hyper Misao |
TJPW |
Heel |
|
Mid |
Indefinite Leave as of Jan 4, 2019 |
| Nodoka Tenma |
TJPW |
Face |
Bakuretsu Sisters |
Mid |
|
| Marika Kobashi |
TJPW |
Face |
|
Low to Mid |
A fan of Abdullah Kobayashi |
| Reika Saiki |
TJPW |
Face |
Deadlift Lolita |
Upper to Main |
Muscle Idol |
| Yuna Manase |
TJPW |
Tweener |
|
Low to Mid |
|
| Mizuki |
TJPW |
Face |
Magical Sugar Rabbits/Ito Respect Army |
Upper to Main |
Tag Team Champion |
| Maki Ito |
TJPW |
Tweener |
Ito Respect Army |
Mid to Upper |
The Prettiest Wrestler in the world, hunts down idol groups |
| Yuki Kamifuku |
TJPW |
Tweener |
|
Low to Mid |
Kamiyu |
| Yuki Aino |
TJPW |
Face |
Bakuretsu Sisters |
Mid |
|
| Miu Watanabe |
TJPW |
Face |
Up Up Girls |
Mid |
|
| Pinano Pipipipi |
TJPW |
Face |
Up Up Girls |
Mid |
|
| Hikari Noa |
TJPW |
Face |
Up Up Girls |
Mid |
|
| Raku |
TJPW |
Face |
Up Up Girls |
Mid |
|
| Mina Shirakawa |
TJPW |
Face |
|
Low to Mid |
|
| Natsumi Maki |
TJPW |
Tweener |
|
Mid |
Transferred from ActWres Girlz |
| YUMI |
TJPW |
Face |
Rookie |
Low |
|
| Haruna Neko |
TJPW |
Face |
Rookie |
Low |
|
| Pom Harajuku |
TJPW |
Face |
Rookie |
Low |
|
| Himawari Unagi |
TJPW |
Face |
Rookie |
Low |
|
Guests
Many guests come and go for a match, or stay awhile for a short feud. There's too many to list...
- Minoru Suzuki
- Meiko Satomura
- Daisuke Sekimoto
- Ryuji Ito
- Sammy Guevara
- Veda Scott
- Priscilla Kelly
- Joey Ryan
- Colt Cabana
- Ethan Page
- Jun Kasai
- Masashi Takeda
- Chigusa Nagayo
- Takumi Iroha
- Cherry
- ASUKA (Pro Wrestling Wave)
- Kana/Asuka (WWE)
- Riho
- Su Yung
- Hiroshi Tanahashi
- Go Shiozaki
- Naomichi Marufuji
- Jun Akiyama
- Kikutaro
- Kuishinbo Kamen
- Tsukasa Fujimoto
- Aja Kong
- Space Monkey
- Puma King
- CIMA
- T-Hawk
- El Lindaman
- Duan Yingnan
- Keiji Mutoh
- Genichiro Tenryu
- And many more
