Atsushi Onita is preparing to introduce the wrestling world to a new chapter in the storied history of Frontier Martial-Arts Wrestling (FMW). The rebranding of the promotion as Frontier Martial-Arts Wrestling Explosion will shine the spotlight on exploding death matches, but this new direction will be a challenging course. After all, the COVID-19 has turned the wrestling industry upside down, and it is only starting to return to some semblance of normalcy.
Still, in an interview with Liam Wyatt of Inside The Ropes, Onita explained why it’s the perfect time to launch this venture, despite these obstacles, because he wants to reinvigorate the fans.
“These days, the world is suffering from a COVID-19 pandemic, so we tend to hesitate to start something new,” said Onita. “I think it is time to take a chance, even in a hard time. Consumers spend less, and the economy is bad for show business today [because of COVID-19]. So, I think starting from a negative would be the best way to succeed, because I should do my best, right?
“In Japan, the audience of people for events is still limited, and there are many restrictions such as not being able to make a loud voice (chant) in the venue. Even in everyday life, there is a lot of anxiety and stress, because we always take measures against infectious diseases. That’s why I wanted to show people something that could excite them.”
Naturally, some fans will make the connection between FMW:E’s emphasis on exploding barbed wire deathmatches and All Elite Wrestling’s decision to showcase the same stipulation at its Revolution pay-per-view. But Onita stated that even before AEW’s infamous main event between Kenny Omega and Jon Moxley, he knew he wanted to do right by the exploding barbed wire death match.
“Even before AEW held the show, I wanted to do an original exploding deathmatch show in the United States, said Onita. “I felt a responsibility, and I also felt a sense of mission, because of the terrible explosion deathmatch CZW did. I asked American friends to help me with the fire laws and finding the venue. With AEW’s show, FMW’s exploding deathmatch was recognized around the world.
“It’s ironic, isn’t it? After AEW’s show, many fans sent me messages. All of them said they want to watch my original explosion deathmatch, so I think it is the time to kick off the new promotion as FMW which I established long time ago.”
It’s important to note that FMW’s original run ended in 2002, and the wrestling world has changed a lot in the subsequent years. Onita expressed his awareness that the new FMW will have to change with the times, and he previewed his vision for the promotion’s rebirth.
“The old FMW I created had everything, with minis wrestling, women’s wrestling, hardcore style wrestling, and explosion deathmatches,” said Onita. “I had created a view of the world that looks like a circus. I don’t know if it will be accepted in the world today, but FMW:E also wants to try and innovative in professional wrestling, like flipping a toy box. Because of this era, I want to take on the challenge without being small.
“I saw Britt Baker’s match at AEW a while back. It was bloody and gutsy, and it was cool. When I entered CZW, there was a good hardcore woman wrestler, and a few years ago at WrestleMania, WWE also focused on women. If motivated women get together, I would like to do an explosion deathmatch for women wrestlers, and I would also like to train young hardcore wrestlers.”
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