Dive into the fascinating world of Japanese professional wrestling as hosts Justin Knipper and Fumi Saito explore the storied career of Riki Choshu. Known as one of Japan's most influential wrestling figures, Choshu's journey from his early life as a young Korean-Japanese athlete to his rise as a wrestling icon in Japan is meticulously examined. Th…

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 Ish…

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 Jap…

In this special episode of "Write That Down," hosts Justin Knipper and Fumi Saito delve into the intricate history of Vince McMahon and his family's enduring ties with the Japanese wrestling scene. This connection, which spans over five decades, highlights pivotal moments such as Giant Baba's iconic trip to Madison Square Garden and the collaborati…

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, Jagua…

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 …

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 ea…

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 cama…

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-circ…

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…

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 explo…

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 ho…

Welcome to a special episode featuring a heartfelt reunion with wrestling legend Sean Waltman (aka X-Pac aka 123 Kid aka Syxx) and co-host Mr. Fumi Saito, all the way from Tokyo. Join us as we delve into the rich tapestry of Sean's wrestling career, from his early days training under Malenko in Florida to his transformative experiences in Minnesota…

In an engrossing episode, wrestler Debbie Malenko takes us through her extraordinary wrestling journey. From her debut at the Malenko Wrestling School to exploring the world of Japanese women's wrestling, Debbie shares her challenges, lessons, and triumphs. Discover how a young American wrestler navigates the intricate and demanding world of profes…

Jump into the riveting world of celebrities stepping into the pro wrestling thrilling arena in this illuminating episode of Write That Down! Hosted by Wrestling Historians, Justin Knipper and Mr. Fumi Saito, we dive deep into the transformative impact of celebrities' involvement in professional wrestling. From Bad Bunny to Mike Tyson, discover how …

We give you a rare inside-look at the world of wrestling from the eyes of a seasoned journalist who has been tracking and shaping the industry for over four decades. We delve into insightful discussions about the influence of Japanese wrestling, debunking numerous baseless rumors floating on social media and readjusting unfair narratives from the l…

Welcome to this intriguing episode of "Write That Down" with Fumi Saito, where we delve deep into the profound influence of Lucha Libre on Japanese Pro Wrestling. From the 1930s till now, this episode provides an in-depth look at the fascinating history, traditions, and techniques adopted from Mexican wrestling. Hear captivating stories about pione…

Dive into a fascinating exploration of the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) Championship’s rich history and significance in Japan in this riveting podcast episode. Revisit an epic timeline that stretches from the late 1950s to the early 2000s, featuring legendary wrestling icons like Lou Thesz, Ric Flair, Dory Funk Jr., Harley Race, and Jack Brisc…

This episode offers a comprehensive analysis of Rossy Ogawa's newly announced wrestling company called MARIGOLD. Gain first-hand information about the company, its wrestlers, and upcoming events, while also exploring various speculations and rumors in this fascinating discourse on the current state of the wrestling industry. Discover the nuances of…

Revisit the fascinating career of pro wrestling legend, Haku, in today's scintillating discussion. Tracing his origins from the tranquil island of Tonga to his presence in the sports entertainment industry, delve deep into Haku's incredible evolution as a fighter and a wrestler.This episode shines a spotlight on his early wrestling days in the Worl…

In this illuminating episode, we embark on a deep dive into the sensational journey of Bull Nakano, the first female Japanese wrestler inducted into the prestigious WWE Hall of Fame. Well known for marking an undeniable imprint on women's wrestling globally, we explore Nakano's rise to stardom and her substantial contribution in shifting perception…

This week Fumi Saito & Justin Knipper offer up a thorough review of the film, 'Iron Claw - The Von Erich Family Story.' They highlight the movie's retelling of tragic tales plus the vital historical moments that may have been left out of the film, and the challenges of recreating events from wrestling history. Discover how the film captures signifi…

Fumi Saito & Justin Knipper took an in-depth look into the life and career of Rossy Ogawa, a prominent figure in the world of Japanese professional wrestling, and his journey in Stardom. Delving into Rossy Ogawa's rich history from the '70s to today, they celebrated his prolific contribution to shaping budding talents into widely acclaimed wrestlin…

On the latest episode, Fumi & Justin casted light on the much talked-about and rather controversial match between Kota Ibushi and Naomichi Marufuji at Pro Wrestling NOAH last month. In their discussion, Fumi & Justin discussed the pushing boundaries of the wrestling narrative. They debunked criticisms and emphasized the emotional & human aspects of…

Join our final and rather captivating discussion about Keiji Muto's phenomenal legacy in the world of professional wrestling. This episode dives into Muto's multifaceted career, dissecting the various aspects of his work, comparable to a saga like Star Wars or Lord of the Rings. We discuss Muto's significant gimmick match with Atsushi Onita, giving…

In this episode of 'Write That Down,' we trace the transformative journey of legendary wrestler Keiji Muto and his profound influence in shaping the landscape of professional wrestling. Joined by industry experts Justin Knipper and Fumi Saito, we explore significant events and eras of wrestling in Japan, moving from the 'Dark Age' in the new millen…

Part Two of our series on all-things Keiji Muto is here. On today’s episode, we picked up from part one and covered: New Japan, the NWA title & WCW 1991–1996: -The Fujinami vs. Flair NWA title changes in Japan & USA -The Great Muta vs. Masahiro Chono for the NWA title, Jan. 4 1993 -Muta vs. Antonio Inoki during Inoki’s retirement tour, Wrestling Do…

This episode of Write That Down! is about all-things Keiji Muto. The 58-year-old legend captured Pro Wrestling NOAH’s GHC title at their Destination iPPV held in Tokyo Budokan in February '21. In part one, Fumi and Justin discussed: -Pro Wrestling NOAH: Destination 2021: Muto wins GHC -Muto's NJPW debut in ’84 vs Masahiro Chono -His first excursion…

Today, the two took a closer look at the origins of All Japan Pro Wrestling's Triple Crown, which has a somewhat complex history compared with other Japanese pro wrestling titles throughout history. Listen to Fumi & Justin talk about the history of how the International, PWF & UN championships came to be, and later on how they became joined togethe…

Fumi & Justin return to complete their Championship Origin series, wrapping it with a talk on the origin of NOAH's GHC Heavyweight title. From the ashes of All Japan came the Ark and the GHC Heavyweight Championship, and Fumi & Justin went over what led to the GHC title coming to fruition and how it relates to the AJPW Triple Crown championship. (A…

Sean Waltman joined Fumi & Justin for the latest edition the show. Waltman talks about the upcoming autobiography he’s working on, plus his memories of UWA Japan, early ’90s Minnesota times with Fumi, the Monday Night Wars, his relationship with HHH, his time in WWE & WCW and tons more! (Airdate 2/9/23)…

From working in AJW Japan early on in her career to her legendary matches vs. Bull Nakano in the WWF to her current position as producer at NWA, Madusa joins Fumi Saito and Justin Knipper to talk a variety of topics ahead of Madusa’s upcoming book release this spring. (Airdate 2/2/23)Justin Knipper による

This is a special classic edition of Write That Down! With an original airdate of April 6, 2021, Fumi & Justin went over Stan Hansen’s storied career in this special archive edition of Write That Down! The two went over Hansen vs. Bruno Sammartino at Shea Stadium & MSG before diving into his early years as a pro wrestler in 1973, when Hansen debute…

This is a special classic edition of Write That Down! With an original airdate of April 6, 2021, Fumi & Justin went over Stan Hansen’s storied career in this special archive edition of Write That Down! The two went over Hansen vs. Bruno Sammartino at Shea Stadium & MSG before diving into his early years as a pro wrestler in 1973, when Hansen debute…

On this week’s episode, Fumi & Justin talked about pro wrestling and its relationship to print media both in Japan and in the English-speaking West over the years. (Airdate: 11/10/22) 今週のエピソードでは、フミとジャスティンが、長年にわたる日本と英語圏の欧米におけるプロレスと活字メディアとの関係について語りました。Justin Knipper による

Fumi and Justin began their profile series on “Mr. Puroresu” himself, Genichiro Tenryu. In Part One, they went over Tenryu starting sumo at 14, then transitioning to Giant Baba’s AJPW a decade later. They also detailed Tenryu’s early career in the US, teaming with Billy Robinson and Jumbo Tsuruta, Tenryu’s legendary rivalry with Riki Choshu and the…

On this week’s episode, Fumi & Justin talked about Tokyo’s mini-Madison Square Garden, the Mecca of puroresu, Korakuen Hall. Fumi shares his first experiences watching wrestling in the building before going over the history of the venue, what kinds of events have taken place in it over the years and its overall importance to both pro wrestling and …

Mitsuharu Misawa. Toshiaki Kawada. Kenta Kobashi. Akira Taue. These were All Japan’s “Big Four” during of the 1990s, the four most influential players of the decade. English-speaking fans in 2021 have more and more often been referring to these four wrestlers as AJPW’s “Four Pillars of Heaven,” and recently, the term “four pillars” has turned into …

Fumi and Justin are back again to remember former NWF Heavyweight Champion, Johnny Powers, who passed at the end of last year. Powers was from the Northeast but ended up a bigger name in Japan because of his connection to the late Antonio Inoki. Learn where “the eagle belt” came from and more in this week’s special episode, “Remembering Johnny Powe…

On this week’s episode, Fumi & Justin talked about “Captain Redneck” Dick Murdoch. With strong ties to the Funk family early on, Murdoch, the man who popularized the Brainbuster and Calf-Branding, made a name for himself all throughout the US before establishing solid footing in Japan, the country that he’d actually spent the majority of his career…

On this week’s episode, Fumi & Justin focused on the one & only MASAHIRO CHONO. After debuting after dozens of wrestlers left NJPW for Japan Pro Wrestling and the first incarnation of UWF, Chono, alongside fellow Three Musketeers Keiji Muto & Shinya Hashimoto, rose to the zenith of his popularity during his time as active in-ring performer during t…

On this week’s episode, Fumi & Justin talked about the “God of Pro Wrestling” Karl Gotch. They hit topics like Gotch at the 1948 London Olympics, his relationship with Antonio Inoki, his time in the WWWF, his time in Japan with JWA, IWE and later NJPW, and his overall influence on the world of Japanese pro wrestling and MMA. 今週のエピソードでは、フミとジャスティンが "…

Fumi and Justin are back again to talk about the distinct, impactful career of Jinsei Shinzaki, also known as Haksuhi. From his time as a stuntman to UWA Japan and later Michinoku Pro, they go over Hakushi’s early career before moving on to his time spent in WWF in 1994–1996, his famous match with Great Muta in 1996 at the Tokyo Dome, as well as hi…

On this week’s episode, Fumi & Justin talked about the very special, very talented Adrian Adonis and his time with NJPW as well as his work in territories over the years, like in Portland, Amarillo, AWA in MN with the East-West Connection, before his stint as “Adorable” Adrian in the WWF. 今週のエピソードでは、フミとジャスティンが、非常に特別で、非常に才能のあるエイドリアン・アドニスについて、そして彼のNJ…

(This episode was originally released in September of 2021.) On this week’s episode of Write That Down!, Fumi Saito & Justin Knipper talked about the Three Musketeers of NJPW: Keiji Muto, Masahiro Chono, and Shinya Hashimoto. Each musketeer had their own distinct style and personality in the ring, and outside of the ring, each would end up leading …

Fumi Saito & Justin Knipper went over the storied career of “The Dragon” Tatsumi Fujinami, who celebrated his 50th year in pro wrestling at an anniversary show last week, where he took on Hiroshi Tanahashi in the main event—at the age of 68! (Airdate: 12/22/22) フミ斎藤＆ジャスティン・ニッパーが、この収録の週に行われた記念興行でプロレス生活50周年を迎え、68歳にしてメインイベントで棚橋弘至と対戦した "ザ・ドラゴン "藤波辰爾の輝か…

Fumi Saito & Justin Knipper again focused on Rikidozan, the father of Japanese pro wrestling. Part two examines his final match against Lou Thesz in 1958, his matches with Fred Blassie and the Destroyer, and the circumstances surrounding his death 60 years ago.Justin Knipper による

Fumi Saito & Justin Knipper focused on the father of Japanese pro wrestling, Rikidozan. This episode covers up until 1958 in his career and on his deep impact on Japanese pro wrestling and post-war society in general.Justin Knipper による