Sukeban (professional wrestling)
Sukeban refers to a specific style and subgenre within Japanese women's professional wrestling (joshi puroresu), heavily influenced by the sukeban subculture of delinquent schoolgirls. This subculture, prominent in Japan from the 1970s onward, involved girls engaging in rebellious behavior, often forming gangs and adopting a tough, rebellious image characterized by modified school uniforms, aggressive attitudes, and a disregard for authority.
In the context of professional wrestling, sukeban translates to a character archetype and aesthetic. Wrestlers adopting this persona often portray themselves as leaders or members of a fictional schoolgirl gang. Their wrestling style typically incorporates elements of street fighting and brawling, emphasizing aggression and attitude. Storylines may involve conflicts between different "gangs" or individuals vying for dominance.
Key elements of the sukeban style in professional wrestling include:
- Character Persona: Wrestlers adopt a rebellious and defiant personality, often acting tough and disrespectful.
- Ring Attire: The ring attire often resembles a stylized version of a modified Japanese school uniform (sailor fuku), possibly with added embellishments like chains, spikes, or ripped fabric to emphasize the delinquent aesthetic. Hair styling is often deliberately unkempt and aggressive.
- Wrestling Style: Matches tend to be more aggressive and brawling-oriented than traditional wrestling matches, featuring elements of street fighting.
- Storylines: Feuds often involve conflict between rival factions or individuals vying for leadership within the "gang" hierarchy.
The sukeban style experienced peaks of popularity in certain eras of joshi puroresu, significantly contributing to its unique cultural identity and showcasing a distinct form of female empowerment and rebellion within the sport. While not always a constant presence, the influence of sukeban continues to resonate in modern joshi puroresu through character design and storyline development.