Promotion of professional wrestling in Asia and the Pacific
The Asia-Pacific Federation of Wrestling (Japanese: アジア太平洋プロレス連盟, Hepburn: Ajia Taiheiyō Puroresu Renmei, APFW) is an association of several professional wrestling promotions in the Asia–Pacific, acting as a governing body and industry group with the goal of promoting professional wrestling across Asia.
History
The association establishment was announced during a New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) and Stardom joint business strategy presentation held in Tokyo at the Hikosen Theater.[1] The name of the organization was initially translated in English as "Asian Pacific Pro-Wrestling Alliance".[2] The purpose of the association, as stated by Bushiroad owner Takaaki Kidani, was to "further promote professional wrestling in the Asia–Pacific region through cooperative relationships with each organization".[3]
On January 5, 2024, representatives from all member promotions attended a press conference. During the event, the translated name was changed to Asia-Pacific Federation of Wrestling (APFW), a logo was revealed, and it was announced that NJPW would hold an event in Taipei in April, with the event being the first sanctioned by the APFW.[4] NJPW's Wrestling World 2024 in Taiwan, the first event sanctioned by the APFW, was held on April 14.[5] On December 14, 2024, the Antonio Inoki Memorial Show was organized in Shanghai, China by various APFW promotions.[6]
The inaugural APFW event, titled "Weicker presents Wrestling World 2024 in Taiwan", took place on April 14, 2024 at Zepp New Taipei in Taipei, Taiwan. The event, organized by APFW member New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), included a four-team tournament to determine the 27th NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Champions, following the title's vacating due to Kazuchika Okada's departure from NJPW.[5]
An APFW event, titled "Antonio Inoki Memorial Show ~ Immortal Fighting Spirit", took place on December 14, 2024 at Modern Sky Lab in Shanghai, China. The event, held in tribute to Antonio Inoki, was organized by APFW members NJPW and Dragon Fighting Wrestling and featured the participation of other promotions from the Asia–Pacific, like the Inoki Genome Federation, Infin Pro-Wrestling, and the Hong Kong Pro Wrestling Federation.[6]
^【会見】新日本プロレス＆スターダムが合同戦略発表会を実施！“アジア進出”を目指し『アジア太平洋プロレス連盟』の発足や『Historic X-over』第2回大会の開催など重大発表目白押し [New Japan Pro-Wrestling and Stardom held a joint strategy presentation! The event was packed with major announcements, including the launch of the "Asian Pacific Pro-Wrestling Alliance" for "expansion into Asia" and the second "Historic X-Over" event]. battle-news.com (in Japanese). October 11, 2023. Retrieved January 6, 2024.
^新日本プロレスとスターダムが加盟するアジア太平洋プロレス連盟（ＡＰＦＷ）が発足 [The Asia-Pacific Federation of Wrestling (APFW) has been launched with the inclusion of New Japan Pro-Wrestling and Stardom]. Tokyo Sports (in Japanese). January 5, 2024. Retrieved January 6, 2024.
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