You might not have guessed, but there is a thread connecting anime to one very surprising realm of entertainment. The anime industry is filled with all sorts of niche markets, but one sporty sub-genre seems to be growing by the day. And, for professional wrestling fans, the phenomenon is something to cheer about.
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That’s right. If you haven’t heard about wrestling anime, then it is time you learned about the trend.
While these titles don’t necessarily shine a light on wrestling in the way that the WWE does, anime gives props to traditional wrestling forms and champions the sport’s dramatic action. In fact, popular titles like Dragon Ball Z and Attack on Titan have drawn direct inspiration from fighters in the WWE. And, now, ComicBook is giving you a go-to guide on which wrestling anime series you should tackle.
Kinnikuman
For those of you who want a WWE superhero, you don’t have to rely on The Rock or John Cena. No, Kinnikuman is more than capable of doing the job. Created in 1983, the titular anime follows a wrestler named Kinnikuman who was born into the royal family of Kinniku. However, the wrestler-turned-hero finds the pleasure of Earth far more comfortable. When Kinnikuman is asked to return home to fight in a quasi-wrestling tournament to defend his home planet, Kinnikuman does so to prove he is capable of taking over the thrones. And, oh yeah – to show off his rippling physique. admin
Wanna Be The Strongest In The World
If you are a fan of the Total Divas or the Bella Twins, then you might want to give this title a try. Wanna Be The Strongest In The World combines the best of wrestling and barely-there clothing. The story follows two women who lead their idol wrestling group, Sweet Diva. When one of the girls gets attacked by a pro-wrestler, the pair flounder when Rio Kazama then defeats the other in a non-title match. Ashamed at the loss, the two leaders go on a training binge to grow stronger and bring down the cocky wrestler who threatened their titles.
Tiger Mask
Created back in October 1969, Tiger Mask is known as one of Japan’s most popular and iconic wrestling titles. The anime follows a boy named Naoto Date who fought under the name Tiger Mask. Having started wrestling in the U.S. in the minor leagues, Tiger Mask became famous for his villainous storylines, but his rivals back in Japan frowned upon his fame. When Tiger Mask came back home to challenge a rival of his, the wrestler discovers how his fighting style abroad has made it difficult for him to find love at home. But, as always, Tiger Mask is up for the challenge.
