Pacific Rim: Wrestling Queendom 1995 Victory in Yokohama

Thirty years ago, All Japan Women’s Wrestling was on a roll.

Today’s new episode of Pacific Rim features Fumi Saito and I talking about the significance of the show and AJW’s run in the mid-90s.

On March 26, 1995, 9000 fans at the Yokohama Arena witnessed history at AJW Wrestling Queendom 1995 Victory as Manami Toyota defeated Aja Kong for the WWWA World Title. Also on the card were stars like Bull Nakano, Kyoko Inoue, Lioness Asuka, Toshiyo Yamada, Reggie Bennett, and Mima Shimota.

Plus, we talk John Cena, WrestleMania 41, Shota Umino, Mina Shirakawa, and more.

Check it out.

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Bull Nakano recalls Randy Savage friendship: He was very kind to me

Bull Nakano is thankful for the friendship she got to have with “Macho Man” Randy Savage.

In an interview with Sports Illustrated that was published on Thursday, the legendary Nakano discussed her new role as the commissioner of Sukeban. She also reflected on her time wrestling in the United States in the 1990s. Nakano has fond memories of the main event stars of that time period, especially Savage.

“All of the top stars were also excellent human beings, especially the ‘Macho Man,’ who was very kind to me,” Nakano said. “Randy made me laugh with his gestures when I could not understand English. I want to make sure to thank him.”

Savage and Nakano are both WWE Hall of Famers. Last month marked the 13th anniversary of Savage’s passing.

The 56-year-old Nakano joined the WWE Hall of Fame earlier this year. She was inducted by her former in-ring rival Madusa.

In 2023, Sukeban launched with events in New York City and Miami. The company then made its Los Angeles debut last week. The United States-based joshi promotion is attempting to blend fashion, anime, and music to “break down the walls between the worlds of art and wrestling.”

The name Sukeban translates to “delinquent girls.”

“I was appointed Commissioner of Sukeban in 2023. The thing that excites me most about Sukeban is that I get to see the past, present, and future of the unique Japanese culture all in the ring. I like the acknowledgment of the Sukeban lifestyle from decades ago, and the veteran wrestlers and young wrestlers coming together to put on the best show,” Nakano told Sports Illustrated.

“I am so proud of all of the athletes who are active now, and I try to support them. My favorite wrestlers, the ones I care about most, are all the Sukeban wrestlers. I consider them like my children.”

Pacific Rim: Fumi’s trip to WrestleMania, more Rossy Ogawa & Marigold thoughts

Yes, the Pacific Rim Pro Wrestling Podcast still exists.

Longtime wrestling journalist Fumi Saito and I discuss his trip to Philadelphia last month to see Bull Nakano inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. He talks about how it happened, his thoughts on the ceremony, and WrestleMania 40 itself. (You might recognize him and a famous wrestler in the picture above).

From there, we talk about Rossy Ogawa, Stardom and Rossy’s new Marigold situation.

Other topics include this year’s Hana Kimura Memorial Show, Fumi’s interview with Giulia, his appearance on the John Tenta episode of Dark Side of the Ring, and much more.

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Bull Nakano to be inducted into WWE Hall of Fame

An all-time great joshi wrestler is set to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.

It was announced via ESPN on Wednesday that Bull Nakano will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame over WrestleMania week in Philadelphia. She’s the second member that’s been confirmed for the class, joining Paul Heyman.

“During my active years, I was able to get championship belts in Japan, America and Mexico,” Nakano told ESPN. “But just one thing was missing — I didn’t get inducted into the Hall of Fame. I wanted this. Finally, in 2024 in WrestleMania week, I am able to get this.”

Nakano started her career in All Japan Women’s Wrestling and went on to make her mark in the ring globally. In the 1990s, Nakano and Alundra Blayze/Madusa’s rivalry helped revive the WWF women’s division for a period of time. Their feud included a match at SummerSlam 1994.

Nakano held the WWF Women’s Championship once. She later competed for WCW as well.

“WWE Hall of Fame!! My wish has come true and I have decided to receive the award in 2024,” Nakano wrote on social media. “I am honored to be the first Japanese female wrestler to do so. thank you.”

With Vince McMahon gone from WWE, this is the first Hall of Fame class that Paul “Triple H” Levesque has been fully in charge of. Levesque tweeted about Nakano’s induction:

An unbelievable talent with an unforgettable look, and a mean streak a mile long.

Bull Nakano isn’t just one of the best Women’s wrestlers of all time – she’s one of the best of all time, period. #WWEHOF

Nakano was inducted into the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame in 2001.

The 2024 WWE Hall of Fame ceremony is taking place after SmackDown from the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on Friday, April 5.