Are you ready to rumble? In the world of anime, wrestling brings a level of adrenaline-pumping action like no other. From the electrifying matches in the ring to the sweat and tears poured into training sessions behind the scenes, wrestling anime captures the perfect mix of action, drama, and heart.
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Whether you’re a loyal wrestling fan or just looking for some exhilarating entertainment, this list will count down the greatest wrestling anime series to have ever graced the screen. From vintage favorites to the latest releases, these shows showcase the pinnacle of thesport in animated form. Grab some snacks and prepare yourself for a front-row view of the action.
10Kick-Heart
This short anime film is a quirky addition to the wrestling anime genre, focusing on professional masked wrestling and eccentric characters. It boasts a short but engaging plot that is humorous and interesting within its 12-minute runtime. The animation quality and sound are well-executed, and the success of its crowdfunding campaign has opened doors for other creators in Japan to pursue original projects.
While Kick-Heart is a spectacle to behold and a must-watch for fans of Masaaki Yuasa’s distinct style, it needs greater depth and substance when compared to other wrestling anime with more developed plots and characters.
9Metal Fighter Miku
Metal Fighter Miku stands out among wrestling anime with its futuristic backdrop and attention to Neo Wrestling, a variant of the sport that permits enhancements such as armor. The story follows Miku and her friends as they form the tag team Pretty Four and compete against the current champions, Team Sapphire. The anime features intense matches and complex characters, including their burnt-out coach Eiichi Suo and unexpected challenges that arise in their day-to-day lives.
However, the anime was made in 1994, so its animation is dated compared to modern anime. This fact limits the show somewhat, as newer anime have more advanced animation techniques and can offer a more immersive viewing experience. Nonetheless, Metal Fighter Miku remains a classic and a must-watch for fans of the wrestling genre.
8Plastic Model Wrestling Sanshiro
Plastic Model Wrestling Sanshiro is an anime that combines the worlds of wrestling and plastic models. The series initially focuses on the titular robot wrestling battles in which Sanshiro competes, characterized by wrestling moves and techniques. With a focus on robot wrestling battles and distinct character designs, this anime offers a fun and quirky take on the wrestling anime genre.
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However, as the series progresses, it evolves into exploring the uses of PlaWrestling technology in medical implants, and the battle against those who would use it for military purposes. This shift adds a deeper layer of social relevance to the show’s concept and makes it stand out among other wrestling anime. However, its limited appeal and underdeveloped supporting characters may prevent it from ranking higher than other, more well-rounded entries.
7Rowdy Sumo Wrestler Matsutaro!!
This wrestling anime features the story of Matsutaro Sakaguchi, a lazy and quick-tempered person who is stuck in middle school. Despite his shortcomings, he possesses incredible strength that catches the attention of sumo stablemasters. Matsutaro’s journey in sumo wrestling is filled with unique challenges and opponents, and his carefree personality becomes both a strength and a weakness.
The anime’s distinct art style adds to its charm, and while Matsutaro’s character development is enjoyable, it cannot be higher on the list due to its slow pacing in the beginning episodes. Its ending, too, leaves much to be desired and feels unresolved, hinting at the need for a sequel. However, despite the potential for a follow-up, there have been no announcements of a continuation of the series.
6Kemono Michi: Rise Up
Kemono Michi: Rise Up stands out among wrestling anime due to its unusual premise. The show features Genzou Shibata, a professional wrestler, who gets transported to a fantasy world where he is supposed to kill monsters. However, being an animal lover, he refuses and instead starts befriending the monsters and capturing them to open a pet shop.
The series offers a good mix of wrestling action, fantasy elements, and comedy, making it a fun watch. However, the show falls short in character and plot development and lacks a major antagonist.
5Wanna Be the Strongest in the World
The emphasis on female professional wrestling sets Wanna Be the Strongest in the World apart from other anime in the wrestling genre. The show follows the journey of Sakura Hagiwara, who transitions from a pop idol to a pro wrestler after her friend and fellow idol is injured by a female wrestler.
The series explores Sakura’s struggles as she adjusts to the rigorous physical demands of the sport, and her dedication to improving her skills. The anime has a strong emphasis on character development, making it an engaging and entertaining watch for fans of sports anime. However, the anime also contains ecchi elements, which might not be suitable for viewers.
4Hinomaru Sumo
Hinomaru Sumo is a must-watch for fans of sports anime, especially those who enjoy underdog stories. The anime follows Hinomaru Ushio, a determined high school student who dreams of becoming a professional sumo wrestler. With the odds stacked against him, Ushio enrolls in Odachi High and builds a sumo club from scratch with the help of the one devout member, Shinya Ozeki.
The anime’s intense and dramatic fights are a highlight, and the characters, including the underdogs on Ushio’s team, are well-developed and easy to root for. However, the animation quality during the action scenes is not as high as in some other sports anime.
3Ultimate Muscle
If you’re looking for a wrestling anime that is bothentertaining and hilarious, look no further than Ultimate Muscle, which is a sequel to the popular show Kinnikuman. The anime follows the unlikely hero, Mantaro Kinniku, who resembles a cross between Homer Simpson and Goku.
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When the Earth is threatened by the powerful group dMP, Mantaro is tasked with taking up the mantle of his heroic father and saving the world. With the help of his father’s old trainer, Meat, Mantaro sets out to better himself and become a powerful fighter. This show specializes in exaggerated and intense fights, boasting action that is completely unique and unlike anything you have ever seen before.
2Baki the Grappler
Baki the Grappler is a classic anime that deserves a spot on any best wrestling anime list. It stars Baki Hanma, a young boy raised by his mother to become a mighty warrior like his father, Yujiro Hanma. The latter is known as the “Ogre” and considered the strongest being in the world. Baki sets out on a journey to surpass his father and becomes one of the most powerful fighters in history, facing off against various opponents with different martial arts styles.
Despite not having the most intricate plot, Baki is a series that exudes passion and heart. The characters are fervent and relish the art of combat, while the show delivers a diverse range of fighting styles and techniques that are consistently showcased. The Baki the Grappler manga has inspired various TV anime adaptations over the years, and it remains perhaps the most popular entry on this list. Only one last anime can really top it.
1Tiger Mask W
This show’s exciting storyline follows two young wrestlers seeking revenge on the organization that destroyed their dojo. Its blend of action, drama, and realism sets Tiger Mask W apart from other wrestling anime. The show features actual wrestlers from New Japan Pro Wrestling, which lends an air of authenticity to the series.
The upgraded animation and battle choreography are impressive, and the values ofthe powerhouse charactersreflect the original series while taking the story to new heights. Overall, Tiger Mask W is a must-watch for any anime or professional wrestling fan.
