Sukeban, Japanese Female Pro-Wrestling Brand, Strikes NTT Docomo Studio & Live Deal
If you don’t know Sukeban yet, just ask members of its growing fanbase why they love the Japanese female pro-wrestling brand that blends wrestling with anime, which has been booming, manga, fashion, and beauty to attract new, younger audiences.
Now, Sukeban, which operates in the U.S. and Japan, is looking to get even more eyes on its girl gang characters and create new ones via a strategic partnership with NTT Docomo Studio & Live (NDSL), a joint venture between Japanese telecom giant NTT Docomo and talent agency Yoshimoto dedicated to developing, producing and exporting Japanese-focused content to international audiences. The partners clearly feel that audiences around the world are ready to cheer Sukeban creations at a time when Japanese culture and content, including anime and manga, are in demand.
Sukeban’s tag team partner, NDSL, which has produced series for the likes of Netflix and Prime Video, brings experience across talent development, content distribution, and the use of intellectual property to the ring.
Under the deal, unveiled on Thursday, Sukeban will look to “bring its talent, live experience and multi-platform content to new audiences around the world” and “expand its programming offers for fans by developing new IP and content formats across multiple platforms.”
You Might Also Like
NDSL said it was “truly excited” to partner with Sukeban “to deliver innovative content driven by bold, distinctive storytelling to audiences around the world.” It added: “Sukeban is a treasure trove of pop culture, bringing together manga, anime, fashion, music, and beauty — all through the powerful lens of women’s professional wrestling.”
Sukeban lauded NDSL as “the perfect partner,” vowing: “Together we will bring fans closer than ever to Sukeban’s wrestlers, the live action, and the drama and storylines wherever they may unfold. NDSL is steeped in experience when it comes to producing award-winning content, developing talent, and leveraging its resources for growth, all while preserving the uniqueness of what makes a brand special.”
Japan has long been an epicenter of women’s wrestling, “with its stars catapulting from the ring to become celebrities, movie icons, and pop idols,” Sukeban highlighted. “Legendary wrestlers like Bull Nakano, the Crush Gals, the Beauty Pair, and Dump Matsumoto have inspired everything from fashion and toys to anime and music.”
Sukeban has established a league and brand around wrestlers from Japan. They are split into rival gangs with distinct identities and subcultures and compete for the Sukeban World Championship. Bull Nakano presides over the league as commissioner.
The news of the strategic partnership comes just days after Sukeban unveiled that it will host its next Championship Title Fight on July 5 in L.A. at Anime Expo 2025 in an immersive fan experience in partnership with TikTok. Under the pact, TikTok will be a presenting partner for a five-match card, headlined by reigning World Champion Sareee Bomb defending her title against challenger Maya Mamushi. The event will also feature special musical performances and surprise appearances.
