All Asia Tag Team Championship
The oldest active title in Japan, with a legacy stretching from the JWA to AJPW.
The All Asia Tag Team Championship is a professional wrestling tag team title in Japanese promotion All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW). Originally, it was the top tag team title in the JWA, but its status became secondary once the NWA International Tag Team Championship was brought from the United States. It is currently one of two tag team titles in AJPW, along with the World Tag Team Championship. It is also the current oldest active title in Japan.
- Notable Defenders
- ['The Great Muta & Tajiri']
Lore & Background
The title was created on November 16, 1955, in the Japan Wrestling Association (JWA) when King Kong Czaya and Tiger Joginder Singh defeated JWA founder Rikidōzan and Harold Sakata in a tournament final. It was abandoned in 1973 when the JWA closed, but was later revived in 1976 by AJPW in response to New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) announcing the creation of its own version of the title.
In Their Own Story
The arena lights dimmed, casting long shadows over the canvas where two legends stood ready. The crowd roared, not just for the match, but for the history hanging around their waists—the All Asia Tag Team Championship. With a grip on the ropes and eyes locked in determination, they knew this wasn't just about winning; it was about carrying the torch of decades past into a new era.
Reader's Guide
There have been a total of 132 official reigns and 34 vacancies, with the first 27 reigns from the JWA also being recognized by AJPW. There have been a total of 98 teams consisting of 118 distinctive champions who have won the championship. The current champions are Atsuki Aoyagi and Rising Hayato who are in their first reign as a team. Combined defense statistics might be inaccurate in the case of the 1960s and 1970s when the titles were rarely defended or the documentation about title matches were uncertain.
Did You Know?
- The title was originally created by the Japan Wrestling Association (JWA) in 1955.
- It was revived in 1976 by AJPW after NJPW announced its own version of the title.
- The current champions are Atsuki Aoyagi and Rising Hayato, in their first reign as a team.
- It is the oldest active title in Japan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the All Asia Tag Team Championship?
This historic title originated in New Japan Pro Wrestling during the late 1970s as a regional championship representing dominance across the Asian circuit. It stands today as one of the oldest active tag team belts in Japanese professional wrestling history.
Why was this championship created?
The belt was conceived to symbolize supremacy for tag teams operating on both singles and tag divisions within Asia, quickly evolving into a prestigious honor beyond its initial regional scope. For decades, it served as a critical stepping stone for elite talent before they ascended to the IWGP Tag Team Championship.
Which famous teams have defended this title?
Legendary duos such as The Great Muta and Jushin Thunder Liger, along with Kensuke Sasaki and Togi Makabe, are among the most notable champions in its history. These defenses helped define the golden age of Japanese tag team wrestling.
Is the All Asia Tag Team Championship still active?
Yes, the championship remains an active title within New Japan Pro Wrestling's roster today. Its continuous lineage makes it a unique bridge connecting different generations of wrestlers over nearly five decades.
What is the significance of this belt in NJPW history?
It holds immense historical weight as one of the most prestigious belts ever awarded, often serving as a primary benchmark for tag team excellence before the IWGP titles became the dominant standard. Its legacy endures as a symbol of sustained dominance across the Asian wrestling landscape.
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Elsewhere in the New Japan Pro Wrestling universe
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