April 16, 2007 Observer Newsletter: History of Pride & MMA in Japan, UFC 69 review
On October 11, 1997, an event was held at the Tokyo Dome that would lead to major changes in both the pro wrestling and MMA industries. At the time, it was barely known in the U.S., although it was a big deal in Japan as far as a one-time even. Still, it was hardly believed to be the start of one of the great promotional dynasties that would change both sports forever in Japan. In reality, on that date, there was only one sport–pro wrestling.
Mixed martial arts was a term used by Antonio Inoki for his pro wrestling matches against stars from other sports. Pancrase, which by that time was running all real matches, and RINGS, which was running some, were considered by all as pro wrestling. UFC existed, and was even planning a show in Japan at that time, but it was just some American show coming to Japan.
At that time, U.S. pro wrestling was just days removed from the death of Brian Pillman. A few weeks later would be the infamous Survivor Series in Montreal.
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Dave Meltzer is the founder and lead writer on the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, the weekly constant when it comes to news and reviews in pro wrestling and mixed martial arts for more than 40 years. Dave also co-hosts Wrestling Observer Radio with Bryan Alvarez and had had bylines for The National, Yahoo Sports, MMA Fighting and others.