With Madusa!
Original airdate: 2/2/23
The Return of Debbie Malenko (10/30/20)
DESCRIPTION:
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 the speculated Giulia-Rossy link and learn about the possible appearances of renowned WWE superstars in MARIGOLD. Understand the economic implications of the company's launch on the wrestling industry and compare it with the American and Japanese wrestling landscapes. Find out how renowned wrestling talents internationally are joining MARIGOLD and the excitement this move has generated among fans.
Get insights into the surprising collaborations MARIGOLD is engaging in, like the debut of ActWres Girls, who have finally found their place in the wrestling world. Meet renowned wrestlers joining the ranks of MARIGOLD, like Utami Hayashishita, MIRAI, and Mai Sakurai. This, and much more, in this riveting episode packed full of wrestling knowledge and interesting encounters.
Also, uncover the intriguing journey of Rossy Ogawa in the wrestling business, get to know his visionary ideas for MARIGOLD, and track major milestones in his career like the foundation and sale of Stardom. Learn about the player dynamics, understand the vision Rossy holds for MARIGOLD, and also uncover the calculated steps Rossy is taking to etch a mark on the global women's wrestling landscape.
Don't be left out of the loop! Join us as we take you right into the heart of the wrestling industry, shedding light on the exciting happenings taking place within MARIGOLD.
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 perceptions of the sport.
We journey back to the '80s and '90s, chronicling the growth and evolution of women's wrestling in Japan while highlighting the tremendous achievements of the Crush Gals. In this spotlight, we focus on Nakano's pivotal role in attracting male audiences to the sport, "changing the narrative," as the kids say.
Our episode puts Nakano's glorious career front and center, starting with her impressive first wrestling match which made a transformative impact on the sport. We delve into the intricate details of her wrestling career, including ground-breaking matches, winning the Red Belt WWWA Champion title at an early age, and leading new wrestling factions.
Apart from her extraordinary wrestling prowess, Nakano's talents weren't limited to the ring. Her charisma and unique style maintained a long-lasting imprint on the wrestling scene in both Japan and the United States. From being the face of several promotions to headlining over 300 shows annually, Nakano's era in wrestling was undeniably phenomenal.
The episode sets the stage for exploring Nakano's journey from All Japan Women's Wrestling to WWE. We delve into Nakano's riveting rivalries, significant retirements, memorable wins, and world tours that shaped the sport. The episode also touches on Nakano's surprising shift to pursue professional golfing and her exciting comeback to the wrestling scene.
We round off the episode with an exciting discussion about Nakano's long-deserved induction into the WWE Hall of Fame and her enduring legacy as a pioneer in the wrestling industry. Packed with fascinating behind-the-scenes stories and insights, this episode is a must-listen for wrestling enthusiasts and those intrigued by the fascinating world of women's pro wrestling.
This week’s episode kicks off the beginning of our profile series on Stan Hansen. In part one, we went over Hansen vs. Bruno Sammartino at Shea Stadium & MSG before diving into his early years as a pro wrestler in 1973, when Hansen debuted in El Paso, Texas, and then his first tour of Japan in 1975 for Giant Baba’s AJPW.
Additionally, we discussed Hansen’s time playing football at West Texas State University (now West Texas A&M) and later hooking up with the Funks in Amarillo before diving deep into the background of his relationship and training days with Jumbo Tsuruta in Texas.
The latter half of today’s episode centers on Hansen’s longtime friendship with Bruiser Brody and the ensuing turf war between AJPW and NJPW, where both became centerpieces in the mid-’80s promotional battle. Hansen spent 1977–1981 with NJPW before jumping back to AJPW and forming.
Other topics we hit in part one:
The beginnings of Hansen and Brody’s philosophy towards pro wrestling based on poor treatment from Bill Watts in Mid-South; Hansen & Baba’s unique and long-lasting friendship; Hansen vs. Riki Choshu; Stan’s love of Japanese toilets; Hansen holding the same status as John Wayne in Japan, plus details on how Baba and AJPW orchestrated the AWA title change for Hansen in 1985.On our next episode, we’ll cover Hansen’s later years in AJPW, from the late ’80s and into the ’90s.
Leave any questions or comments here, or contact us via twitter:
Fumi Saito: @fumihikodayo
Justin Knipper: @justinmknipper
(Originally published on April 6, 2021)
Justin Knipper and Fumi Saito discuss Fumi's contributions to the legendary SUPER FIRE PRO WRESTLING III: FINAL BOUT video game. (Dec. 2021)
Have you ever played this game? Leave a comment below!
WHAT IS PRO-WRESTLING?
「Super-Serious Wrestling Theory」
Wrestling is a sport for the senses.
It is also a spectator sport.
Unlike other sports, it is not something people can play for casual recreation.
Only select athletes are allowed to enter the ring.
And the ”spectators” are also selected; witnesses who have dared to choose to follow professional wrestling over professional sports.
Wrestling is a spectacle sport that can only be realized when both sides, the "doer" and the "spectator," are actively involved.
Wrestlers and spectators share their senses with each other and work together to create an environment of excitement and emotion.
Pro wrestling is a very serious sport in which you take you time and search for the answer within yourself.
However, there’s no need to think about it too hard.
When you have the feeling of liking something, it has already begun.
Keep the memory of the ”excitement.”
Let's keep the energy of excitement forever.
*****
~Fumi Saito, ”Pro-Wrestling Guide Book: The Complete Pro Wrestling Encyclopedia,” 1993
(Translation: Justin Knipper)
Last week, Fumi Saito was joined by Tarzan Yamamoto, Jimmy Suzuki and surprise guest Rossy Ogawa for a panel talk at Toudoukan in Sunamo, Tokyo.
L to R: Tarzan Yamamoto; Rossy Ogawa; Jimmy Suzuki; Fumi Saito
Feb. 19th is Pro Wrestling Day in Japan! A celebration of Japan's first international match was held at the old Kuramae Kokugikan in Tokyo in 1954. Rikidozan & Masahiko Kimura vs. The Sharpe Bros. The bout was simultaneously broadcast on NTV and NHK that night, with a crowd of 20,000 people crowded around the street TV at Shimbashi Station to witness history 🔥 🌟 #プロレスの日
Learn the REAL pro wrestling history with Fumi Saito & Justin Knipper!
Full Audio Archive: writethatdownwrestling.podbean.com/