Best Fujinami Podcasts (2024)

1
Episode #05: (1954/55) Rikidozan SHOOTS on Kimura, Mildred Burke Tour, Wrestling in a Pool! 1:50:58

44m ago1:50:58

1:50:58

Welcome back to The Puro Wrestling Academy w/Dan Ginnetty! This is a huge week in the history of Puroresu as we continue discussing 1954 and into 1955... This week we talk the infamous worked match turned SHOOT between Rikidozan vs. Masahiko Kimura, Mildred Burke and her ladies troupe, Wrestling in a Swimming Pool, Rikidozan slays the "3-Headed Sna…

1
Episode #04: (1954) JWA Tours, All Japan Launches, Kimura Jobs, Sharpes Dominate 1:45:24

8d ago1:45:24

1:45:24

This week, class is back in session with Dan Ginnetty as we look into 1954... We dive into TWO separate JWA Tours, Toshio Yamaguchi launches All Japan (Version 1), Kimura gets jobbed, The Sharpe Brothers reign supreme, Rikidozan thrives, Hans Schnabel & Lou Newman arrive as "Champions", more early TV wrestling results from Japan, matches taking pla…

1
Episode #03: (1953 - 1954) First Tour, First TV, The JWA Is Born! 1:39:18

15d ago1:39:18

1:39:18

The Puro Wrestling Academy & Dan Ginnetty are back to continue to tell the story of PURORESU! This week we finish up Rikidozan's first tour of the United States in early 1953, and talk the "3-headed snake" of Rikidozan, Masahiko Kimura, & Toshio Yamaguchi who all attempt to run their own promotions in 1953 Japan! From there, we discuss Rikidozan vs…

1
Episode #02: (1951 - 1952) Kimura Lock, Helio Gracie, More! 2:06:34

24d ago2:06:34

2:06:34

This week we pick up where we left off in 1951 and travel through the entire year of 1952. We introduce two new names to the fold in Toshio Yamaguchi & the legendary Masahiko Kimura. We discuss the first year in the wrestling business for Rikidozan and take a thorough look into his 1952 Record book. We do a deep dive into Rikidozan's opponents that…

1
Episode #01: The Beginnings Of Puroresu! (1880s - 1951) 1:44:41

22d ago1:44:41

1:44:41

The time has arrived, as we begin our journey through the history of Japanese Professional Wrestling (Puroresu)! Host Dan Ginnetty and I (Ray Russell) go all the way back to the beginnings in the early 1880s with Sumo's Sorakichi Matsuda and work our way forward to the very first full-fledged tour of Pro Wrestling in Japan, circa 1951. We discuss s…

1
Episode ZERO!!! Setting the Stage w/Dan Ginnetty! 45:35

1M ago45:35

45:35

Welcome to the launching pad of The Puro Wrestling Academy Podcast with the Professor of Puroresu himself, Dan Ginnetty! In this episode we set the stage for the things to come. We look into Dan's background in studying Japanese Wrestling history, and also his former TV show where Dan produced American commentary over legendary Japanese matches for…

1
Murakami vs. Nagata with Filthy Tom Lawlor 1:08:10

2y ago1:08:10

1:08:10

Phil is joined by pro wrestler and ex-UFC fighter Filthy Tom Lawlor to talk about Kazunari Murakami vs. Yuji Nagata from New Japan December 2002. We talk about the beauty of simplistic wrestling, who hit Tom the hardest in the ring, and overlaps between MMA and pro-wrestling.By Phil Schneider

1
Tenryu vs. Fujinami with David Bixenspan 1:21:51

2y ago1:21:51

1:21:51

Phil talks with writer and podcaster David Bixenspan about Genichiro Tenryu vs. Tatsumi Fujinami from the New Japan Dome show. We debate whether Tenryu was protecting Fujinami or abusing him, and how much a broke bloody nose hurtsBy Phil Schneider

1
2021 Year in Blood with Eric Ritz 1:25:14

2y ago1:25:14

1:25:14

Special Episode of Way of the Blade Pod as Eric and I look back on the best bloody matches of 2021, we talk about Mickie Knuckles and Tank's triumphant comeback, the greatness of CM Punk and Eddie Kingston and the all time iconic year of Black TerryBy Phil Schneider

1
Slaughter vs. Sheik with Owen Ellickson 1:15:47

2y ago1:15:47

1:15:47

Phil is joined by TV Writer(The Office, Superstore) and DVDVR veteran Owen Ellickson to talk bombastic 80s wrestling, NBA conspiracy theories and much moreBy Phil Schneider

1
Kawada vs. Taue with Alan Counihan 1:23:28

2+ y ago1:23:28

1:23:28

Phil talks with Alan Counihan of the Pro-Wrestling torch about the nasty fist fight between Toshiaki Kawada and Akira Taue. We talk about the 4 Pillars era of All Japan, the weird Kawada US and Canadian excursion and much moreBy Phil Schneider

1
Savage/Adonis vs. Santana/Bruno with Lee Benaka 58:16

2+ y ago58:16

58:16

Phil talks with wrestling historian and member of the board of the Pro Wrestling Studies Association about the cage match with Tito Santana and Bruno Sammartino against Randy Savage and Adrian Adonis. We discusses the academic study of pro-wrestling and a long aside on the career of Evad SullivanBy Phil Schneider

1
Fenix vs. Mil Muertes with Mike Dikk 1:09:58

2+ y ago1:09:58

1:09:58

Phil is joined by podcaster Mike Dikk to talk about the wild Lucha Underground casket match between Fenix and Mil Muertes, we talk about the Lucha Underground experiment, where we diverge in our wrestling opinions and much moreBy Phil Schneider

1
Gringos VIP vs. Chico Che/Dr. Cerebro/Black Terry with Gringo Loco 1:04:00

2+ y ago1:04:00

1:04:00

We talk with Gringo Loco about his wild brawls in IWRG, coming to Mexico as a teenager to wrestle, working with a pacemaker, and much moreBy Phil Schneider

1
Jimmy Jacobs vs. BJ Whitmer with Jimmy Jacobs 58:49

2+ y ago58:49

58:49

Phil is joined by indy wrestling legend Jimmy Jacobs to discuss his gory I Quit match with BJ Whitmer from IWA-MS. We discusses the Jimmy loves Lacey storyline, starting wrestling at 15, and his first and bloodiest blade jobsBy Phil Schneider

1
Necro Butcher vs. Samoa Joe with Necro Butcher 56:09

2+ y ago56:09

56:09

Phil is joined by indy wrestling icon the Necro Butcher to discusses his all time war with Samoa Joe, we talk about his tape trading past, the origin of the barfight spot and much moreBy Phil Schneider

1
CZW vs. ROH with Matt Whittle 1:23:57

2+ y ago1:23:57

1:23:57

Phil talks with Matt Whittle the lead singer of the indy rock band Seagulls about ROH vs. CZW in the Cage of Death. We discuss being a wrestling fan in Philly during this era, which guys in this match might have voted for Trump and much moreBy Phil Schneider

1
Marlin vs. Gilbert with Eric Ritz 1:15:55

2+ y ago1:15:55

1:15:55

Phil talks with fellow Segunda Caida writer Eric Ritz about the Cowboy Boot Match between Eddie Marlin and Tommy Gilbert. They talk about the greatness of old man fist fights, minimalist wrestling and one of the greatest highspots in wrestling history.By Phil Schneider

1
Pirata vs. Faron with JR Goldberg 1:11:15

2+ y ago1:11:15

1:11:15

Phil welcomes back writer JR Goldberg to talk about the gruesome hair vs. hair match between Pirata Morgan and El Faron. We talk about how the structure of this match is similar to biblical literary criticism, discusses the biggest gaps between wrestling brothers and much moreBy Phil Schneider

1
Hokuto vs. Kandori with Daniel Makabe 1:12:12

2+ y ago1:12:12

1:12:12

The wrestling genius Daniel Makabe returns to talk about the epic war between Akira Hokuto and Shinobu Kandori from AJW Dreamslam 4/2/93. We talk about the variety of styles in Joshi wrestling, the beauty of big emotive wrestling and fantasy book a Daniel Makabe version of this match.By Phil Schneider

1
Sangre Chicana vs. MS1 with Tom Karro-Gassner 1:02:30

2+ y ago1:02:30

1:02:30

Phil is joined by fellow Segunda Caida founder and Death Valley Driver alum Tom Karro-Gassner to discusses the greatest match in wrestling history MS1 vs. Sangre ChicanaBy Phil Schneider

1
Terry Funk vs. Ric Flair with David Shoemaker 1:08:55

2+ y ago1:08:55

1:08:55

Phil talks with the Ringer's Masked Man David Shoemaker about Flair vs. Funk from the 1989 Great American Bash. We talk about the difference between Funk in a bar fight and Gary Hart in a bar fight, the elite level of 1989 NWA and much more.By Phil Schneider

1
Cody vs. Dustin Rhodes with Dustin Rhodes 1:07:00

2+ y ago1:07:00

1:07:00

Phil is joined by the iconic Dustin Rhodes to talk about his match against his brother Cody at AEW Double or Nothing 5/25/19. We talk about emotion in professional wrestling, Dustin's early career and the Rhodes family tradition.By Phil Schneider

1
Homicide vs. Steve Corino with Julius Smokes 44:00

2+ y ago44:00

44:00

Phil talks to Big Apple legend The Devil's Son in Law Julius Smokes about Homicide vs. Steve Corino from 9/16/03. We talk about the art of being a hype man, the early days of the Doghouse and being part of the Corino vs. Homicide feudBy Phil Schneider

1
Nick Bockwinkle vs. Curt Hennig with Matt DiCarlo 1:00:07

2+ y ago1:00:07

1:00:07

Phil welcomes his fellow Segunda Caida writer Matt DiCarlo to discusses Nick Bockwinkly vs. Curt Hennig from New Years Eve 1986. We talk about how to craft a great long match, the mastery of Bockwinkle and much moreBy Phil Schneider

1
El Hijo Del Santo vs. Espanto Jr. with K. Thor Jensen 1:07:04

2+ y ago1:07:04

1:07:04

Phil talks with writer, cartoonist and famous Twitter person K. Thor Jensen about El Hijo Del Santo vs. Espanto Jr. mascara contra mascara from 8/31/86. We talk about the greatness of Santo's emoting, Espanto having a career match, Disney kid's career arcs much moreBy Phil Schneider

1
Bret Hart vs. Steve Austin with John Pozarowski 1:07:36

2+ y ago1:07:36

1:07:36

Phil is joined by podcaster John Pozarowski @twomanpowertrip to discuss Bret Hart vs. Steve Austin from Wrestlemania 13. We talk about Hart's incredible heel run, the birth of the Attitude era and check in on the current version of the wrestling war.By Phil Schneider

1
Tarzan Goto/Atsushi Onita vs. Dragonmaster/Masanobu Kurisu with Bucky Barnett 1:27:27

2+ y ago1:27:27

1:27:27

Phil is joined by podcaster Bucky Barnett as we discusses the wild FMW Texas Street Fight from 4/1/90. We talk about the wild and weird careers of Kendo Nagasaki and Kurisu and head off onto some amusing digressions.By Phil Schneider

1
Buzz Sawyer vs. Hacksaw Jim Duggan with Will Helmick 1:06:02

2+ y ago1:06:02

1:06:02

Phil talks with legendary comp maker Goodhelmet Will Helmick about Hacksaw Jim Duggan vs. Buzz Sawyer in a Dog Collar match from Mid-South 12/27/85. We talk about bar fight wrestling, actual bar fights and more.By Phil Schneider

1
Headhunter A vs. Headhunter B with Phil Rippa 59:01

2+ y ago59:01

59:01

I talk with DVDVR alum Phil Rippa about the fever dream of A vs. B from IWA Japan. We go through the Headhunters odd career and discuss the old school message board daysBy Phil Schneider

1
Last Battle of Atlanta with Kris Zellner 59:20

2+ y ago59:20

59:20

Phil is joined by podcaster and historian Kris Zellner to talk about Tommy Rich vs. Buzz Sawyer from 10/23/83 in Georgia. We talk about Georgia wrestling history, some of the great matches Kris has seen live and much moreBy Phil Schneider

1
Chene vs. Cholak with Lee Casebolt 45:10

2+ y ago45:10

45:10

Fun talk with wrestling historian Lee Casebolt @fallwrestling about the golden age classic Larry Chene vs. Moose Cholak from IWA 5/15/63. We talk about great wrestlers lost in time, the footage explosion over the last decade and much moreBy Phil Schneider

1
Ishikawa/Tenryu vs. Choshu/Hashimoto with Dean Rassmussen 1:22:54

2+ y ago1:22:54

1:22:54

Phil talks with the godfather of internet wrestling criticism DEAN~! about Takashi Ishikawa and Genichiro Tenryu vs. Riki Choshu and Shinya Hashimoto from WAR 4/2/93. We talk about the greatness of minimalist wrestling, our evolution as fans and much moreBy Phil Schneider

1
Moondogs vs. Fabulous Ones with Steve Keirn 1:21:29

2+ y ago1:21:29

1:21:29

Phil is joined by the legendary Fabulous One Steve Keirn to talk about the Fabs vs. The Moondogs from June 13th 1983. Steve tells some incredible stories including shooting on the Road Warriors, riots in Guatamala, his feud with Bob Roop and nearly dying in the ring.By Phil Schneider

1
Fujinami vs. Maeda with Ian Douglass 1:19:39

2+ y ago1:19:39

1:19:39

Phil is joined by wrestling author Ian Douglass as we discuss Tatsumi Fujinami vs. Akira Maeda from New Japan 6/12/86. We discusses the history of Japanese wrestling, the greatness of the UWF vs. NJ feud and Ian's upcoming book on Bahamian wrestling.By Phil Schneider

1
Fujiwara vs. Yamazaki with Childs Walker 1:20:46

2+ y ago1:20:46

1:20:46

Phil talks with Baltimore Sun sports writer Childs Walker about Yoshiaki Fujiwara vs. Kazuo Yamazaki from UWF Reborn 7/24/89. We talk a lot about the sublime Yoshiaki Fujiwara and whether this match is his masterpiece and even talk a bit about 2021 major league wrestling!By Phil Schneider

1
Gangstas vs. Thugs with Oliver Bateman 1:08:35

3y ago1:08:35

1:08:35

Phil is joined by Oliver Bateman from the Ringer and Men's Health to talk about the wild SMW brawl between the Gangstas and the Thugs from 5/20/95. We talk about Oliver's New Jack and Tracey Smothers obits, 80s Steroid bodies, the button pushing promos of New Jack and more!By Phil Schneider

1
Funaki vs. Nakano with Jonathan Snowden 1:20:43

3y ago1:20:43

1:20:43

Phil is joined by author, MMA historian and Hybrid Shoot publisher Jon Snowden to talk about Matsakatsu Funaki vs. Testuo Nakano from UWF Reborn 7/24/89. We talk about publishing a book, the history of shoot-style wrestling and MMA, how much of MMA is fixed and why Funaki tried to shoot on Bob Backlund Buy the Book! https://www.amazon.com/dp/173494…

1
Morton vs. Flair with Lars Frederiksen 1:21:20

3y ago1:21:20

1:21:20

Phil talks with punk rock legend Lars Frederiksen from Rancid about Ric Flair vs. Ricky Morton from The Great American Bash on July 5th 1986. We talk about NWA wrestling, what made Flair and Morton special, how pro-wrestling and making a set list are similar and Lars's history in punk and as a wrestling fan. Book is available at https://www.amazon.…

1
Callihan vs. Havoc with JR Goldberg 1:11:18

3y ago1:11:18

1:11:18

Phil talks to Fanfyte and Segunda Caida writer JR Goldberg about the Cage of Death match between Sami Callihan and Danny Havoc. We talked about that era of indy wrestling and background on both guys.By Phil Schneider

1
Gordy vs. Khan with Rob Naylor 1:10:11

3y ago1:10:11

1:10:11

Phil welcomes his old friend and ex-NXT staffer Rob Naylor to talk about Killer Khan vs. Terry Gordy from World Class Nov 11th 1982. We talk about the greatness of both guys, hidden Omni matches, 2000s Indy wrestling and much moreBy Phil Schneider

1
Commando Negro vs. El Pollo with Chris Bryan 59:33

3y ago59:33

59:33

Phil is joined by the super talented artist of the Way of the Blade Chris Bryan to talk about Commando Negro vs. El Pollo Mascara contra Mascara from IWRG 12/26/10. We talk about visual style in wrestling, Chris's illustrious Australian Indy wrestling career and how a project like this book comes together…

1
Funks vs. Abdullah the Butcher and The Sheik with Brian Solomon 50:01

3y ago50:01

50:01

I bring on Brian Solomon the author of the upcoming Sheik biography Blood and Fire to talk about the incredible All Japan tag match with Terry and Dory Funk taking on Sheik and Abdullah, we talk about the history of all four guys, the role of the NWA Champion and stories from his bookBy Phil Schneider

1
Bishop vs. Garrini with Joshua Bishop 51:57

3y ago51:57

51:57

Phil is joined by AIW Double Champion Joshua Bishop to discuss his Mania weekend banger against Dominic Garrini. We talk about getting psyched up to wrestle a death match, Bishop's insane ideas for the match and much more. Match below https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1lBWmU90jcBy Phil Schneider

1
Pirata vs. Dandy with Eduardo Martinez 43:31

3y ago43:31

43:31

We discuss El Dandy vs. Pirata Morgan from EMLL 9/23/88 with Journalist, Activist and Pirata Super fan Eduardo Martinez. We talk about the cosmic target placed on Pirata's eye, the struggle to find footage of this match, and more. This was taped in the height of the pandemic so there is some charming doom and gloom…

1
Ric Flair vs. Ted DiBiase with Tony Khan 1:40:48

3y ago1:40:48

1:40:48

We are joined by AEW President, Promoter and Booker Tony Khan to discusses Ric Flair vs. Ted DiBiase from Mid-South wrestling. We talk about arguably the greatest hour of wrestling television ever, the challenges of producing AEW in a pandemic, his vision for booking World Titles and a lot moreBy Phil Schneider

1
Devil's Rejects vs. NWA Elite with Rev. Dan Wilson and Jeff G. Bailey 1:11:59

3y ago1:11:59

1:11:59

A three man pod with legendary managers Jeff G. Bailey and Rev. Dan Wilson discussing the evil vs. evil 2007 NWA Anarchy War Games match between the Devil's Rejects and the NWA Elite. We hear the real story about Dominus vs. Abomination and lots of stories of this legendary feud. Watch the match https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=isr0k2ek6ek Buy the B…

1
Devil's Rejects vs. Team Anarchy with Rev. Dan Wilson 1:03:00

3y ago1:03:00

1:03:00

In part 1 of our 2 part Anarchy War Games retrospective. Phil is joined by @revdanwilson to discusses the epic War Games from July 22, 2006 match where Rev. Dan led his Devil's Rejects into the cage to face off with a team representing NWA Anarchy. We talk about the history of the Devil's Rejects and all of the lead up to this all timer of a match …

1
Ikeda vs. Ishikawa with Daniel Makabe 1:02:06

3y ago1:02:06

1:02:06

Technical Wrestling master Daniel Makabe @danielmakabe joins the pod to discusses Daisuke Ikeda vs. Yuki Ishikawa from FU-TEN 4/24/05. We talk about their endless violent dance and Dan discusses what it is like to be in the ring with Ikeda and Ishikawa, wrestling Negro Navarro and his oddball career https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxRLkhX_yMs&t=3s…

1
Kox vs. Murdoch with Eric Ritz 46:33

3y ago46:33

46:33

Phil is joined by his fellow Segunda Caida compatriot Eric Ritz @segundacaida to discuss Killer Karl Kox vs. Dick Murdoch from All Japan Wrestling Dec 9th 1976 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUE_dw4aTd8By Phil Schneider

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