From Beauty Pair to Bull Nakano: The Evolution of Joshi Pro Wrestling

Dive into the rich history of Joshi Pro Wrestling in Japan with hosts Justin Knipper and Fumi Saito. In part two of this mini-series, we explore the evolution of women's wrestling from the 1980s through the 1990s. Discover the impact of legendary figures like Mimi Hagiwara, Jaguar Yokota, and the iconic Crush Gals. Learn about the rise of JWP and the pivotal role of Bull Nakano in transforming the wrestling landscape.

We also delve into the inter-promotional rivalries of the early 90s, the innovative matches that captivated audiences, and the unforgettable moments from events like the 1993 Yokohama show. With insights on the introduction of international talent like Medusa and the influence of various wrestling styles, this episode provides a comprehensive look at how Joshi Pro Wrestling became a phenomenon.

Join us as we recount the stories, matches, and characters that defined an era and set the stage for future generations of female wrestlers. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the world of Joshi Pro Wrestling, this episode is packed with fascinating details and nostalgic highlights.

Join us on an eye-opening journey as we delve into the rich and often overlooked history of Joshi Pro Wrestling in Japan. In this episode, hosts Justin Knipper and Fumi Saito explore the roots and evolution of women's professional wrestling, tracing its origins from the 1950s to the early 1970s.

Discover how legends like Mildred Burke and Fabulous Moolah influenced the Japanese scene, and learn about the unique development of Joshi wrestling, separate from men's wrestling in Japan. We cover the rise of iconic figures such as Maha Fumiake and the Beauty Pair, and how their incredible popularity shaped the sport.

If you're a fan of wrestling history or just curious about the distinct world of Joshi Pro Wrestling, this episode is a must-listen.

For more insights and to join the conversation, follow Fumi Saito on Twitter at @Fumihikodayo and Justin Knipper at @JustinMKnipper.

30 Years of Extreme: The Legacy of ECW

In this episode, Fumi Saito & Justin Knipper delve deep into the history of Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) and its profound impact on the wrestling world. Join us as we explore the origins of ECW in the early 90s, Paul Heyman's takeover, and the creative revolution that followed.

They discuss Heyman's early career, from his teenage years as a wrestling photographer to his influential role at Studio 54. Learn about the transformation of Eastern Championship Wrestling into the hardcore haven known as ECW and the key figures who made it legendary, including Sabu, Terry Funk, and The Dudley Brothers.

Discover how ECW became a breeding ground for future stars like Chris Jericho, Eddie Guerrero, and Rey Mysterio, and how it influenced modern wrestling promotions. Fumi & Justin also reflect on the unique culture, creativity, and spirit of ECW that still resonates today.

Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the world of ECW, this episode offers a comprehensive look at the revolutionary promotion that changed wrestling forever. Tune in and relive the extreme legacy of ECW!

Join this episode as Fumi Saito chats with Justin Knipper about his recent chanko nabe lunch with shoot wrestling legend Shigeo "Yuko" Miyato. Delve into the fascinating discussion about the crossover between professional wrestling and mixed martial arts, and hear about the unique experiences of training sessions, the art of wrestling, and the camaraderie shared over traditional Chanko meals.

Fumi & Justin explore the rich history and influence of iconic figures like Billy Robinson, Carl Gotch, and the Gracie family. Discover the impact of key matches and events, such as the epic encounters between Nobuhiko Takada, Rickson Gracie, and Masakatsu Funaki, that shaped the landscape of MMA and pro wrestling.

Gain insights into the evolution of wrestling styles, the influence of international athletes, and the intertwining paths of wrestling and MMA. Reflect on the legacy of legends like Hiroshi Tanahashi and John Cena, and their roles in the ever-evolving world of sports entertainment.

Whether you're a fan of the technical aspects of wrestling or intrigued by the cultural and historical context of MMA, this episode offers a comprehensive look at the dynamic interplay between these two thrilling worlds.

(Recorded September 13th 2021)

In this captivating episode, we delve into the historic bout between boxing legend Muhammad Ali and Japanese wrestling superstar Antonio Inoki. Taking place on June 26, 1976, this match was not just a spectacle but a groundbreaking event that bridged the worlds of professional boxing and wrestling.

We explore the technological marvel of closed-circuit television that allowed fans across the United States to witness the event live from Tokyo, Japan. Discover the behind-the-scenes negotiations, the cultural impact, and the intricate rules that shaped this unique encounter.

Join us as we revisit the atmosphere of 1976, the anticipation, and the aftermath of a match that left a lasting legacy in both sports and entertainment. From the $6 million challenge to the strategic maneuvers in the ring, this episode offers a comprehensive look at a pivotal moment in combat sports history.

Join us this week as we dive deep into the illustrious career of Kenta Kobashi, one of pro wrestling's greatest babyfaces. Hosted by Japan’s leading pro wrestling author, Fumi Saito, we explore Kobashi's journey from a

00:00:00 Introduction

00:01:56 Early Struggles and Beginnings

00:21:25 Tradition and Discipline

00:24:47 Neon Orange Tights Origins

00:26:26 Transition and Evolution

00:28:39 Resilience and Determination

00:29:02 Changing Dynamics

00:31:19 "Ganbaru Spirit"

00:32:22 Main Event Spotlight

00:34:34 Tag Team Dynamics

00:34:46 Dominance in Tag Team Wrestling

00:38:15 Formation of Faction G.E.T.

00:40:33 Triple Crown Champion Legacy

00:45:13 Pro Wrestling NOAH Formation

00:48:13 Dream Matches and Cross-Promotion

00:49:24 Decade-Long Rivalry with Misawa

00:53:42 Emotional Return Post-Cancer

00:55:27 Battling Through Injuries

00:58:24 Transition to New Era in Wrestling

01:01:03 Legacy and Influence Post-Retirement

In this special episode of Write That Down, hosts Justin Nipper and Fumi Saito delve into the storied career of Japanese wrestling legend Jumbo Tsuruta. While originally scheduled to release the third part of their Rikki Choshi series, they instead present an extensive two-hour supercut focusing on Tsuruta's impressive journey.

Listeners will explore Tsuruta's transition from an Olympic wrestler to a revered figure in All Japan Pro Wrestling. The episode covers his early days training in Amarillo, Texas, his immediate impact upon returning to Japan, and his memorable matches against wrestling giants like Dory Funk Jr., Jack Briscoe, and Harley Race. Additionally, the hosts discuss Tsuruta's evolution from a golden rookie to a seasoned veteran, highlighting his pivotal role in shaping the careers of future wrestling stars.

As the episode unfolds, fans will gain insight into Tsuruta's wrestling style, his relationship with contemporaries, and his legacy within the sport. This comprehensive profile is a must-listen for anyone interested in the history and development of Japanese professional wrestling.

Don't forget to subscribe to the Fight Game Media Network podcast on Spotify, Apple, or your preferred platform, and check out Justin Knipper book on Amazon for a detailed guide to New Japan Strong matches.

In this riveting episode of Write That Down! join Fumi Saito & Justin Knipper for an enlightening conversation with Madusa Micelli, the trailblazing professional female wrestler. From her humble beginnings to her journey to Tokyo, Madusa unfolds an inspiring story marked by resilience, adaptability, and a lifelong passion for wrestling. Discover how she transitioned from nursing to wrestling, built an exceptional career, and broke the glass ceiling in this male-dominated sport.

Relive her struggles and triumphs in the vibrant world of Japanese wrestling. Get a firsthand account of her intense training sessions, dramatic showdowns in the ring, and the cultural shocks she experienced. Listen to how she forged relationships with legends of the Japanese wrestling scene, and how these experiences shaped her personally and professionally.

Delve into the evolution of women's wrestling through Madusa's insightful perspective. Engage in a thought-provoking discussion on the drastic changes and potential future of female wrestling. Gain a diverse understanding of the wrestling world, from its adrenaline rushes to the roadblocks faced on the path to glory. Also, explore the prospects of universal wrestling broadcasting for an immersive global audience experience.

Finally, get an exclusive teaser of Madusa's upcoming book 'The Woman Who Would Be King', and her latest movie 'Champion'. Through this episode, listeners receive a rare glimpse into the life of an iconic and resilient personality whose experiences span a thrilling career in wrestling and beyond.