Fumi Saito & Justin Knipper return with a special feature on the legendary Hiro Matsuda, one of the most influential figures in modern pro wrestling history. From his early career in Japan to his trek into the Americas to establish himself as an important mover & shaker during the territorial days of pro wrestling in the US. Matsuda left a significant imprint on the industry not just as an in-ring talent, but maybe even more so as a trainer, having trained the likes of wrestling megastars like Hulk Hogan, Ron Simmons, Lex Luger, Scott Hall, & Hercules Hernandez, among others. In addition to being Japan’s first true freelancer, he also became the first Japanese native to invest in a foreign territory when he became shareholder of Championship Wrestling from Florida.

Hiro Matsuda’s early days and his eventual trips through Peru, Mexico, and later Texas working for Morris Siegel

Where did the name ‘Hiro Matsuda’ come from?

Matsuda’s rivalry with Danny Hodge

Beating Hodge for the NWA World Jr Heavy title

90-minute draws around the country

Before Antonio Inoki, Hiro Matsuda was the first Japanese wrestler to use the German Suplex

Matsuda & IWE: “American style” wrestling

Matsuda as shareholder of Championship Wrestling from Florida

Matsuda training big guys in Florida into the ’80s (Hogan, Paul Orndorf, Ron Simmons, Lex Luger, Scott Hall)

In 1977, Matsuda jumps ship from AJPW to NJPW

Matsuda “invades” NJPW w/ his guys in 1978

Matsuda takes Fumi to see Hogan on Thunder in Paradise set

Last match was in 1990 vs. Osamu Kido

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