Wanna Be the Strongest in the World!

Wanna Be the Strongest in the World! is a captivating Japanese anime series developed by Arms Corporation and produced by FUNimation. This potent series was aired between 2013 and 2014, leaving a lasting impression on the minds of spectators due to its unique take on the professional wrestling scene.

Born from a manga of the same title, Wanna Be the Strongest in the World! immerses audiences in the world of pop music and professional wrestling, seamlessly merging the two domains through the journey of its passionate and decisive protagonist, Sakura Hagiwara.

The central focus of the narrative lies on Sakura, a vivacious, talented, and much-admired member of the popular idol group, Sweet Diva. Sakura's life takes a dramatic turn when she steps into the ring of professional wrestling, not by choice, but to safeguard her group's reputation. She discovers a grittier, tougher world contrasted with the glitz of her singing career.

Sakura's vow to protect her cohort’s image leads her into an intense face-off with a pro-wrestler, Rio Kazama. Though Sakura loses, she's inspired rather than defeated, and she resolves to enter the wrestling world and rise through the ranks. Transforming from a beloved pop star to a resilient wrestler, Sakura's journey leaves the audience with an intriguing ‘fish-out-of-water’ storyline that carries through the entirety of the series.

Wanna Be the Strongest in the World! strongly emphasizes the harsh realities and the emotional as well as the physical toll of wrestling. This is not a storyline that lightly skates over the world of wrestling but rather portrays it authentically. It throws focus on the grueling and intense training regimes, the showing of grit and resolve in the face of constant failure, and the struggle to balance an entirely new career with the existing one.

Moreover, the series also keeps the viewers engaged through its exploration of characters. While the narrative revolves around Sakura, it doesn't neglect the other characters, ensuring they have their distinct arcs and development. From Elena Miyazawa, Sakura's fellow band member who also takes an interesting turn into wrestling, to Misaki Toyoda, a professional wrestler who becomes Sakura's mentor, every character offers new dimensions to the storyline, showcasing their strengths and vulnerabilities in equal measure.

Wanna Be the Strongest in the World! also carries the voice of female empowerment through its all-women wrestling scenes. The show aptly reflects the oft-overlooked female presence in professional wrestling and provides a new perspective to the viewers on the strength and resilience of female wrestlers. The series brings forth this theme by portraying its women characters as strong, talented, and goal-driven individuals who stand as each other's competition and support in the ring.

Undeniably, the animated series oozes suspense and intense emotional undertones; however, it never fails to infuse humor and lighthearted moments, striking a perfect balance of entertainment and engagement for audience across varying tastes. All the while, the vibrant animation, intricate artwork, and compelling soundtrack further elevate the viewing experience, keeping viewers thoroughly entertained throughout.

In conclusion, Wanna Be the Strongest in the World! is a unique blend of music, wrestling, drama, and comedy that promises an extraordinary journey. Will Sakura find the enduring spirit within her to rise to the top of a world far removed from her glamorous pop-star life? The series takes the audience through Sakura's awe-inspiring transformation, packed with moments of courage, determination, rivalry, and camaraderie, creating a truly riveting watch for anime and wrestling enthusiasts alike.