Advertise on podcast: 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.

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 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.

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 Inoki’s matches that left their mark on wrestling history. Discover how media narratives were spun differently for Japanese and American audiences and explore the enduring legacy of Inoki's matches against iconic figures such as Stan Hansen and Hulk Hogan. Listen in to understand how these historical moments impacted both Japanese and international wrestling landscapes.

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.

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 era, including Inoki's fierce bouts against Strong Kobayashi, his strategic rivalry with Tiger Jeet Singh, and the unprecedented showdown with the legendary boxer, Muhammad Ali, heralded as the world's first MMA fight. We'll also touch on Inoki's global reach, from his partnership with the WWWF to his international presence in places like Madison Square Garden. Tune in for a detailed exploration of how television and media shaped the landscape of pro wrestling in Japan, and how Inoki's influence transcended borders, forever intertwining Japanese pro wrestling with global pop culture. Don't miss this exciting installment as we gear up for more insights on Inoki's collaboration with global icons like Hulk Hogan and Stan Hansen in the upcoming episodes.

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.

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 pivotal moment of being discovered by Rikidozan. This episode covers Inoki's return to Japan, his wrestling debut alongside Giant Baba, and the challenges of rising to fame in the world of professional wrestling. Learn about the formation of legendary tag teams, the emergence of Tokyo Pro Wrestling, and Inoki's relentless pursuit of excellence that eventually led to the founding of New Japan Pro Wrestling in 1972. A remarkable story of ambition and resilience, this episode sets the stage for the incredible legacy of Antonio Inoki. Strap in for an insightful journey into the roots of wrestling 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.

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 against contemporary rival Antonio Inoki and emphasizing the stark philosophical differences between All Japan and New Japan Pro Wrestling during the late 70s and 80s. The episode explores Baba's strategic decisions, such as the inception of the Triple Crown, and how these transformed the landscape of Japanese wrestling. This exploration also touches upon the dynamics of wrestling's "establishment versus anti-establishment" narrative, and how Baba's collaboration with international talents elevated All Japan on the global stage. As the series nears its conclusion, listeners are treated to insights on how Baba's legacy continues to influence generations, setting the stage for the rise of wrestling icons Misawa, Kobashi, Kawada, and others who defined the next era of All Japan.

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.

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 relationships that shaped Baba's wrestling career, including his marriage with Motoko Baba, who became instrumental in the rise of All Japan Pro Wrestling. Uncover fascinating tales from Baba's international wrestling circuit, where he became a prominent figure, facing legendary names like Buddy Rogers and Bruno Sammartino in iconic venues such as Madison Square Garden. This episode provides a comprehensive overview of a wrestling legend's journey from a small town in Japan to becoming a global icon. Subscribe for weekly insights into the enthralling world of wrestling history. (This was originally published in 2022 on Fight Game Media)

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 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 to transition into the world of pro wrestling. Discover how his unique role kept New Japan afloat during its nascent years, his life in the United States, and his intricate relationships with other wrestling legends like Antonio Inoki. This episode uncovers the overlooked legacy of Seiji Sakaguchi and his pivotal contributions to the wrestling industry, ensuring the survival and success of New Japan Pro-Wrestling while nurturing future stars. Don't miss this deep dive into the life of a wrestling stalwart, whose influence is still felt in the wrestling world today.

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.