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

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.

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.

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 wrestling, separate from men's wrestling in Japan. We cover the rise of iconic figures such as Maha Fumiake and the Beauty Pair, and how their incredible popularity shaped the sport.

If you're a fan of wrestling history or just curious about the distinct world of Joshi Pro Wrestling, this episode is a must-listen. 

For more insights and to join the conversation, follow Fumi Saito on Twitter at @Fumihikodayo and Justin Knipper at @JustinMKnipper.