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

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.

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 Montreal, and the significant events that shaped his illustrious career. Learn about his unique wrestling style and his signature moves, alongside intriguing anecdotes, such as his memorable encounter while waiting for KISS concert tickets. Listeners will gain insight into the cultural and social challenges Choshu faced as a wrestler of Korean descent in Japan, and how he overcame these obstacles to create an enduring legacy. From intense rivalries to groundbreaking matches, this episode gives wrestling enthusiasts a deep dive into the life and impact of Riki Choshu, concluding with a teaser for more discussions on his later career developments.

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.

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 offers an in-depth discussion on the early days of this relationship, including Vince McMahon Sr.'s contributions to Japanese wrestling and Antonio Inoki's groundbreaking matches against top WWF stars like Bob Backlund. Discover how these interactions shaped the wrestling landscape, leading to landmark events such as the 1990 Wrestling Summit at the Tokyo Dome, featuring legends like Hulk Hogan and Stan Hansen. As the conversation unfolds, Knipper and Saito also reflect on cultural perceptions and the evolution of wrestling's global influence, providing a comprehensive overview of how the McMahon legacy has intertwined with Japanese wrestling history. Tune in to explore the fascinating narrative of wrestling's East-West connection and its impact on the industry's growth.

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.