WRITE THAT DOWN! A Professional Wrestling Podcast w/ Fumi Saito & Justin Knipper

This episode is a special deep-dive into the life and influence of Hiro Matsuda, the wrestler, trainer, and promoter who bridged Japanese and American pro wrestling.We trace his journey from early days in Peru and Mexico to Texas and Florida, his legendary matches and role as a shareholder in Championship Wrestling from Florida, and his work founding IWE in Japan.Highlights include his training of megastars (Hulk Hogan, Lex Luger, Ron Simmons, Scott Hall and others), his landmark rivalries like those with Danny Hodge, and the lasting legacy he left on both sides of the Pacific.

Join us for the conclusion of our deep dive into the legacy of Antonio Inoki, a man who was not only a legendary pro wrestler but also a politician, businessman, and cultural icon. In the final chapter of this series, we explore Inoki's impact inside and outside the wrestling ring, his forays into the world of mixed martial arts, and his ambitious business ventures across the globe. Discover how Inoki navigated the turbulent waters of professional wrestling, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.We also touch upon Inoki's transition into politics, his notable rivalries, and the controversies that surrounded his career. As we wrap up Inoki's story, we look forward to our next series, focusing on another giant of Japanese pro wrestling, Shohei "Giant" Baba, offering a fresh perspective into the wrestling world from Baba's side. Subscribe to our podcast feed to continue this journey through the rich history of pro wrestling.

This episode explores the profound impact of Hana Kimura, a rising star in Japanese women's wrestling, and the legacy she left behind. From her vibrant beginnings to her tragic end, it delves into the intimate details of her life, including the influences of her mother, Kyoko Kimura, a former wrestler. The narrative weaves through Hana's experiences both in and out of the ring, highlighting the challenges she faced in a world that often blurred the lines between reality and performance. The account sheds light on the heartbreaking effects of cyberbullying, which played a crucial role in Hana's demise, juxtaposed against her rich, albeit short-lived, career that resonated within and beyond the pro-wrestling community. Through insights from notable figures in the wrestling community and moving tributes from friends and family, the episode paints a picture of Hana Kimura as a vivid symbol of both the promise and peril of fame, leaving an indelible mark on the world.

Embark on a captivating journey into the dynamic world of Antonio Inoki, one of wrestling's most iconic figures. In this episode, we delve into the fascinating era of Japanese wrestling that shaped the careers of legends like Inoki and Giant Baba. Discover the tumultuous events leading up to the formation of New Japan Pro Wrestling and All Japan Pro Wrestling, and the contrasting philosophies that defined these promotions. Explore the stories behind Inoki's legendary matches, including his partnership with Giant Baba, the establishment of the NWF, and his encounters with famed wrestlers such as Stan Hansen, Hulk Hogan, and Billy Robinson. We'll also touch on Inoki's ventures outside the ring, from mixed martial arts to his intricate role in politics and international relations. Join us as we unfold the layers of Inoki's multifaceted legacy, where wrestling tradition meets modern innovation, and witness how his influence extends beyond the squared circle into the realms of politics and cultural history.

In this final episode of the Legacy Showcase series, hosts Justin Knipper and Fumi Saito explore the life and legacy of Giant Baba, focusing on his role as a promoter for All Japan Pro Wrestling from the late 1980s through the 1990s. They delve into his promotional strategies, the use of sports media like Tokyo Sports, and his innovative booking style, which emphasized timing and recognizing talent like Genichiro Tenryu, Misawa, and Kobashi. The discussion also examines the evolution of the Triple Crown after the NWA split and highlights Baba's savvy in opening All Japan to international talent. Join them as they reflect on Baba's influence and his unique ability to merge tradition with change, making All Japan a bastion of Japanese wrestling excellence.

Welcome back to another episode of Write That Down with your host, Justin Knipper, alongside wrestling historian Fumi Saito. This week, we continue our deep dive into the legendary career of Giant Baba as we explore his monumental transition from a celebrated wrestler to a transformative promoter. This episode marks part two of our series on Giant Baba. We delve into the early days of All Japan Pro Wrestling, examining its founding in 1972, and how Baba's leadership established a vital connection with the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) in the United States. Discover why Japanese audiences revered the NWA as the pinnacle of professional wrestling at the time. In the upcoming episode, we'll further explore Baba's career in the early 1970s, including his strategic shift from in-ring star to behind-the-scenes influencer. This week, we reminisce about Baba's iconic status during Japan’s post-war economic boom, his influence on Japanese television, and the cultural imprint he left that shaped modern wrestling. Tune in to uncover how Baba’s friendships with American legends like Bruno Sammartino further cemented his legacy. Join us next week as we examine the role of Motoko Baba and their lasting impact on Japanese wrestling.

In this episode of "Write That Down," host Justin Knipper teams up with renowned Japanese wrestling historian and journalist Fumi Saito to explore the fascinating career of Riki Choshu post-New Japan. As they delve into Choshu's evolution from a legendary wrestler to a managerial and promotional figure, they discuss his ventures with World Japan Wrestling and his rise to fame as a Japanese celebrity. Join them as they navigate through Choshu's various projects and his impact on the wrestling landscape. From his time in Hustle to his prominent social media presence today, Choshu's journey is a testament to his adaptability and enduring influence in and beyond the wrestling world. This episode forms the concluding part of a three-part series dedicated to this iconic figure. Don't miss out on this comprehensive look at Ricky Choshu's life and career after his wrestling prime.

Join hosts Justin Knipper and Fumi Saito as they delve into the illustrious career of Riki Choshu in the second part of this insightful series on 'Write That Down'. This episode explores the pivotal moments in Choshu's wrestling journey from 1984, including his influential 'jump period' from New Japan to All Japan Pro Wrestling with his faction Ishingun. Listeners will hear about the iconic 60-minute draw between Choshu and Jumbo Tsuruta, Choshu's evolution into a creative genius during the late 80s as he took on a behind-the-scenes role. Hear about the Akira Maeda incident in 1987, and Choshu's inventive contribution to professional wrestling with the inception of the G1 Climax tournament. This episode is a treasure trove for wrestling aficionados, uncovering the era when major shifts in Japanese wrestling occurred. Learn about the dramatic shifts, legendary matches, and groundbreaking ideas that showcased Choshu’s innovative spirit and had lasting impacts on the wrestling world.

Join hosts Justin Knipper and Fumi Saito on the final episode of their mini-series exploring the rich history of Joshi Pro Wrestling, or women's wrestling, in Japan. In this episode, they delve into the legendary 1993 Dream Slam match between Akira Hokuto and Shinobu Kandori, a pivotal event that marked the peak of the women's wrestling boom in Japan. Discover the intense rivalries between iconic groups like All Japan Women, LLPW, and JWP during the early 90s. The episode also covers the return of wrestling legends Chigusa Nagayo and Lioness Asuka, and the launch of Gaia Japan, a new wrestling promotion that further enriched the women's wrestling scene. The discussion takes a deep dive into the eventual decline of All Japan Women and its transformation into several splinter groups, including Arsion, NEO Ladies, and Stardom. The hosts also address the challenges faced during the "dark ages" of Joshi Pro Wrestling and the subsequent revival leading into the modern era. Through this comprehensive exploration, listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the evolution of women's wrestling in Japan, its cultural impact, and the enduring legacy of its pioneering figures.

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.

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!

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.

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.