WRITE THAT DOWN! A Professional Wrestling Podcast w/ Fumi Saito & Justin Knipper
Learn the REAL history of pro wrestling inside Japan and out with legendary writer and broadcast personality Fumi Saito and Pro Wrestling NOAH’s Justin Knipper!
Episodes
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...
This episode explores the careers and impact of Tiger Jeet Singh and Abdullah the Butcher in 1970s–80s Japan, their prime-time TV presence, and memorable rivalries with Antonio Inoki and Giant Baba.
It also examines contrasting booking styles between New Japan and All Japan, how foreign stars shaped later generations and the rise of hardcore wrestling, plus the legacy these outsiders left on Japanese pro wrestling.
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...
Join Justin Knipper and Fumi Saito in the fourth installment of their deep dive into the illustrious career of Antonio Inoki. This episode navigates the intricate events of the 1970s through the mid-1980s, shedding light on the business relationships Inoki forged with Vince McMahon Sr. and his rivalry with Bob Backlund. Delve into the layered interactions between New Japan Pro Wrestling and the WWF and uncover the undercurrents of ...
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 ...
Welcome to another thrilling episode of Write That Down, hosted by Justin Knipper and Japan's renowned pro wrestling expert, Fumi Saito. In this third part of our series, we explore the pivotal years of Antonio Inoki's career, spanning from the mid-70s to the early 80s. We delve into the intense rivalries and groundbreaking moments that elevated Inoki to international fame.
Join us as we discuss the historic matches that defined an...
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 ...
Join us as we dive into the fascinating early years of Antonio Inoki, one of wrestling's most iconic figures. In this first installment of a five-part profile series, discover Inoki's journey from being the youngest of 11 children in Yokohama, Japan, to embarking on a life-changing move to Sao Paulo, Brazil. Experience the hardships and adventures that shaped his path, including the tragic loss of his grandfather en route and the p...
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, an...
In this compelling episode, Justin and Fumi delve deep into the legendary journey of Giant Baba, marking part three of their comprehensive profile series. The discussion illuminates Baba's profound influence in wrestling, particularly through his relationship and eventual split with the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA). The conversation transitions through Baba's pivotal role in All Japan Pro Wrestling, highlighting his battles ag...
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...
This episode marks the beginning of an intriguing journey into the world of professional wrestling as they kick off the "Profile Legacy" series, focusing on none other than Shohei Baba, famously known as "Giant Baba." Dive into the initial stages of Baba's life—from his childhood in Niigata and his early onset of acromegaly, to pivotal moments of his baseball career with the Yomiuri Giants.
Explore the deep connections and relation...
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 thro...
Join Justin Knipper and Fumi Saito on a journey through the storied career of Seiji Sakaguchi, one of the pivotal figures in Japanese professional wrestling. In this episode, they explore how Sakaguchi, much like a Gorilla Monsoon figure in the US, served as both a backstage leader and a key wrestler, steering the ship for New Japan Pro-Wrestling.
Delve into Sakaguchi's early years, from his national judo successes to his decision ...
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.
This episode delves into Choshu's rookie years, his ventures abroad to Germany and Mont...
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 T...
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, ...
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 collaborative efforts between Japanese wrestling promotions and the McMahon family.
The episode ...
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...
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...
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