Bankruptcy! FMW

by Shoichi Arai, Emu Eaglestone (Translator)

First published April 30, 2002

Reviews

[Juxhin Deliu · Rating 3 out of 5]

A harrowing account of a way too gentle and submissive Japanese salaryman who went on to casually become the CEO of a revolutionary pro wrestling company during the '90s, then known to have birthed the "indie" movement which challenged the duopoly of NJPW and AJPW, and to have popularised new styles, gimmicks, and affirming many workers coming outside the traditional dojos. Despite a miraculous success, conducting such a company instantly revealed its ugly face, and its "anti-establishment" attitude was then suffocated by commodification and ego struggle (especially if coming by a controversial legend like Onita who overshadowed his own creature), starting a crisis that the inexperienced management could not handle until tragedies also struck. Other than the spicy puroresu anecdotes, it is also an interesting read on how yakuza operated during the beginning of Japan's financial crisis (still ongoing), and about the contradictions of a seemingly well-operating and diligent society.

Sadly, this book even had the likes of a will since Arai took his own life three months after publishing it, trying to repay his debt, making it even more distressing.

[Optimus · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a wrestling fan, this is a must read.
If you are not a wrestling fan, this is a must read.
Mr. Shoichi Arai gives a fascinating first person account about running a wrestling company,types of wrestling events, loan sharks and loan banks. This book delves deep in the personal and business life of Mr. Shoichi Arai. If you want to know a tragedy of what deep love and passion for a business could do to a good family man then read this. May you Rest in Peace Mr. Arai, i am sorry you can't see this but i hope that somehow you'll know that you've earned respect and adoration from an unimportant college kid from Croatia and that in my book is what success in life is all about.