Prior to competing at Forbidden Door on PPV, Will Ospreay opened up to The Takedown on SI regarding just how important New Japan Pro Wrestling was to his career.

Despite its name, New Japan Pro Wrestling is the country’s longest-running and largest professional wrestling franchise, offering fans year-round opportunities to catch live events.

New Japan Pro Wrestling maintains an active touring schedule, with upcoming events listed on its website – www.njpw1972.com – up to six months in advance.

At the age of 19, he applied to wrestle for New Japan Pro-Wrestling Co. but was rejected because of his “low height” of 170 centimeters. After begging a company executive, Asai was allowed to ...