Promotions built around a 90s star like NOAH or Z-1 just have an expiry date to them, IMO. I'm cheering NOAH on too to make a comeback (if only because its more places to work for Japanese guys), but I feel like they need that hard cut like AJPW had to reinvent themselves otherwise they're just gonna be like W-1.

The Misawa era guys can still go, but in some ways they're also limiting the company. Shiozaki, Marufuji, Taniguchi and Yone would be better served elsewhere (for themselves and for NOAH). Pop Marufuji into AJPW, Shiozaki into BJW and Taniguchi/Yone into Z-1, while seeing Saito and Storm off into the sunset, and then just start slowing rebuilding the heavy division on a skinnier roster.

But yeah, AJPW's quick pace is great. I really appreciate a promotion that doesn't really see the need to go over half an hour once a show because it can really stagnate if you don't have the right guys in the ring. I think their Growing Up show had the longest match they've done in a while and it was six-man so that made sense.