Since the debut of Rikidōzan in 1951, Japanese professional wrestling has created a legion of grappling superstars, taking a distinctly Western art form and making it something uniquely their own. It began with a simple story—a valiant Japanese star taking on enormous American invaders, the narrative a reflection of Anti-American sentiment that remained strong after … Continue reading J-Crowned Released on Amazon!
Shamrock: The World’s Most Dangerous Man now available for pre-order
Our new book, Shamrock: The World's Most Dangerous Man, is now available for pre-order! Paperback Amazon Kindle Barnes and Noble Ebook If you were an Indiegogo supporter, a link to download the ebook should already be in your email. The physical books are coming soon (barring further COVID-19 delays) and will be delivered as soon … Continue reading Shamrock: The World’s Most Dangerous Man now available for pre-order
Shamrock: The World’s Most Dangerous Man now available for pre-order
Our new book, Shamrock: The World's Most Dangerous Man, is now available for pre-order! Paperback Amazon Kindle Barnes and Noble Ebook If you were an Indiegogo supporter, a link to download the ebook should already be in your email. The physical books are coming soon (barring further COVID-19 delays) and will be delivered as soon … Continue reading Shamrock: The World’s Most Dangerous Man now available for pre-order
UWF: Purple Haze Days (9/11/1984)
At 47, he didn't look like much. Every movement was stiff, his body performing like an old man's, labored and awkward. His hairline was even slightly receding, as if to confirm this decline was no illusion. His wrestling moveset was the final straw, a remnant of the previous decade. Without context he appeared to be … Continue reading UWF: Purple Haze Days (9/11/1984)
UWF: Tiger Mask Cometh (July, 1984)
Satoru Sayama wasn't the first wrestler to wear a mask and commit acts of flagrant derring do in a wrestling ring. By the late 1970's, that was de rigueur in the world of Mexican lucha libre and slowly making its way around the globe. Although not completely unique, there was something special about Sayama, who … Continue reading UWF: Tiger Mask Cometh (July, 1984)
UWF: Akira Maeda vs. Yoshiaki Fujiwara (4/17/84)
Yoshiaki Fujiwara made his UWF debut against his protege Akira Maeda as the shootstyle revolution continued in Sumo Hall.
Shootstyle Wrestling: Why Does it Matter?
Jonathan Snowden explains why shootstyle still matters and what we are all doing here.
The Rise and Fall of the UWF
A brief history of the UWF excerpted from Jonathan Snowden’s book Shooters: The Toughest Men in Professional Wrestling.
UWF Starting Over (April 11, 1984)
The first UWF show was highlighted by a...brutal lucha libre bout? The gang explores the unexpected origin story of the revolutionary UWF.
Pancrase 2: Yes, We Are Hybrid Wrestlers 2 (10/14/93)
The first Pancrase show dropped like an atom bomb on Tokyo's hardcore wrestling scene. Every other shoot style group, after years of calling out their traditional wrestling rivals and masquerading as the real deal, was suddenly exposed as little more than a collection of charlatans. Funaki, Suzuki and the rest were tired of waiting their … Continue reading Pancrase 2: Yes, We Are Hybrid Wrestlers 2 (10/14/93)
