The Pyongyang International Pro Wrestling Contest ended last Sunday, after plenty of international media attention.

But the question now, for many observers, is whether the event accomplished its stated goal: of encouraging diplomacy and understanding through sport. 

“Sports,” of course, is something of a misnomer when discussing pro wrestling, with its over-the-top storylines and staged conclusions. Still, the event was put together by Japanese Diet member Kanji “Antonio” Inoki – a retired pro wrestler himself, famous for once fighting Muhammad Ali to a draw in a prototypical mixed martial arts contest, as well as staging the largest-everpro wrestling event