The promotion was founded by Shohei "Giant" Baba and the Momota brothers, sons of Rikidozan. Baba, a former pro baseball pitcher, joined the JWA in 1960. In October, 1972, he left the JWA and formed his own group, All Japan. His group continues to promote today, with a television show on Nippon Television until 2000. Their first card was on October 21, 1972 at Machida City Gym in Tokyo, Japan.