Tag: pacific rim

Pacific Rim is back with a ton of news and events to cover.

Fumi Saito and Jim Valley talk about the Jumping Bomb Angels reuniting for a special interview and a look at their history in WWE and AJW. Then, we have an in-depth conversation on Stardom: the chances of Io Shirai and Kairi Sane returning after their WWE careers, the expectation of a women’s match at Wrestle Kingdom, and Stardom running another show during WrestleMania weekend.

Fumi has a lot of thoughts and a strong opinion on the story of Kenny Omega, his visa issues, and any possible interference from New Japan. We also preview the NJPW World Tag League, the potential of EVIL as a breakout singles star, Jericho vs. Tanahashi at the Tokyo Dome, comparing Stardom to All Japan Women, Kento Miyahara’s future, and much more. A packed show, including a tease to a special episode that’s coming soon. 

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Image: Stardom

On this very special episode of Pacific Rim, Fumi Saito, Dave Meltzer, and I explain how the purchase of Stardom, a small Japanese company, could end up being a very influential move in the wrestling business.

You don’t need to be a hardcore joshi fan to get something out of this show. There’s a lot of information here. We spell out what makes Stardom important and why both Bushiroad and WWE wanted to buy it.

Fumi has known Stardom’s founder Rossy Ogawa for decades. He explains the WWE offer Ogawa had on the table, how close he came to selling to WWE, and why, in the end, he chose Bushiroad.

The other part of the story is NXT Japan and how WWE seemingly doesn’t have a plan in place to set it up. I think this show answers every possible question and also explains the history of Japanese women’s wrestling and forces in place that could eventually make this a very historical move. 

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Another packed episode of Pacific Rim. We talk about the reemergence of Kishin Liger, his history, and if Fumi thinks will lead to a Suzuki-Liger match at Wrestle Kingdom in the Tokyo Dome.

With Ren Narita and Shota Umino heading out of Japan, we discuss the history of excursions for Young Lions in puroresu, what happens when they leave, what they must do, and how they come back.

Hana Kimura is having an amazing year. She has proven to be a difference maker when it comes to attendance and selling merchandise in Stardom. Fumi talks about her history growing up around the business and her future plans.

Dan Severn and Rick Steiner returned to Japan this past week. Fumi hosted fan events for both of them. He believes The Steiners were bigger stars in Japan than the U.S. and outlines their history in Japan. All this and much more in this episode of Pacific Rim. 

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You saw the video of Minoru Suzuki ripping the mask off of Jushin Thunder Liger. On this episode of Pacific Rim, Fumi Saito tells the story of their history, their parallels in wrestling, and what their upcoming match means for both men.

In addition, we run down this year’s Japan ballot for the Wrestling Observer Hall of Fame, including Jun Akiyama, who is in danger of falling off of the ballot. We also talk about The Rock ‘n’ Roll Express wrestling for New Japan and the return of Ultimo Dragon to Dragon Gate.

Plus, your #AskFumi questions on Atsushi Onita, FMW, Onita Pro Wrestling, the legacy of Gran Hamada, whether Tenryu leaving All Japan Pro Wrestling in hindsight was the best thing for Giant Baba’s company, the latest on Tenryu’s health, and the legacy of Gran Hamada in both All Japan and New Japan Pro Wrestling.   

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On this episode of the Pacific Rim Pro Wrestling Podcast, Fumi Saito looks at Chris Jericho’s early career from 1991 to 1997 in Japan. We take you from his first two tours with the IWA to Tenryu’s WAR promotion to his debut for NJPW as Super Liger.

Fumi met Chris in the early 90s. Hear Fumi talk about why he knew Chris was destined for superstardom. We discuss notable cards he was on, the wrestlers he worked with, and what habits he had that made him successful.

Fumi also brings up key moments in the United States that brought Chris to WWE. Fumi talks about Chris learning Japanese, being a liaison for foreign talent coming into Japan, and how much confidence a young Jericho had in himself.

In addition, we answer your #AskFumi questions from Twitter about the learning curve for foreign talent in Japan and just how big of stars are Okada and Tanahashi.

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Fumi Saito went to two shows this week in Tokyo. The first was Jun Kasai’s Freedoms, a deathmatch-style show in Shinkiba which featured Joey Janela tagging with an invisible partner against Kikutaro and an invisible partner.

Fumi also went to a standing-room-only Korakuen Hall for the second Takayamamania, a fundraiser for the legendary Yoshihiro Takayama who suffered a spinal injury in 2017 that left him paralyzed. Wrestlers who worked the show for free include: Nagata, Ohtani, Minoru Suzuki, Marufuji, Masato Tanaka, and Akira Maeda & Keiji Muto in a “Special Talk Battle.”

Anthony Carelli, aka Santino Marella, was in Japan for a judo tournament and worked a DDT show.

In addition, we talk about the 25th anniversary of the IWA promotion in Japan and answer your #AskFumi Twitter questions on the 30th anniversary of the classic Jumbo Tsuruta/Genichiro Tenryu Triple Crown match, Samurai TV, Red Shoes, Young Lions, and much more. 

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AEW roster member and joshi star Riho announced this week that she has joined Stardom. There’s also a report from Dave Meltzer about WWE officials meeting with Stardom officials.

With this news, Fumi Saito and I talk about the likelihood of possible working agreements between Stardom, AEW, and NJPW. In addition, we talk about AEW’s television deal, Jon Moxley’s contract, and his NJPW commitments.

The G1 is going strong — and so is KENTA. Fumi gives his thoughts on KENTA’s booking and if he still thinks Moxley will win it all. We answer your #AskFumi questions on Hulk Hogan vs. Yoshiaki Yatsu, if AJPW was more family-friendly than NJPW during the glory days, the infamous Stardom shoot incident, and tape trading in Japan.

I have made my travel arrangements, so Fumi and I will be together in January during Wrestle Kingdom week for podcasts and hopefully other events. Stay tuned.

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Perro Aguayo Sr. made many tours of Japan and even won the WWF Light Heavyweight Championship there. On this episode of Pacific Rim, Fumi Saito and I talk about Aguayo’s history in Japan.

After that, we segue into the long relationship between Japan and Mexico: from the many young wrestlers sent on excursions to those who left Japan on their own to train in Mexico like Ultimo Dragon. We also talk about Jun Akiyama stepping down as president of All Japan and what it may mean, quick reactions to the G1 Climax in Dallas, and the future of Lance Archer.

We also answer your #AskFumi questions about the best TV and ring announcers, Koji Kanemoto, Strong Style vs.King’s Road Style, Wrestle 1, and more. Plus, you’ll want to stay until the end for a spirited conversation about the potential and viability of WWE establishing NXT Japan.

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Fumi Saito and Jim Valley talk about Raw and compare Monday night’s AJ Styles to his time in New Japan. Fumi was at Sumo Hall for both nights of the WWE Tokyo tour. Hear his thoughts on Triple H, Shinsuke Nakamura, The Kabuki Warriors, the fans in attendance, and the wrestling they saw.

Plus, an in-depth preview of this year’s G1 Climax complete with predictions, the history of the tournament, and why it’s so important. We also talk about the retirement of Riki Choshu, his history and where he ranks among Japan’s all-time greats.

Yoshiaki Yatsu had a foot amputated due to complications from diabetes. Fumi talks about his history in Japan, MSG, Texas, and has some interesting trivia on Yatsu’s career and Olympians who went into pro wrestling. Plus, Inoki, KENTA, Stardom, and much more. An absolutely packed show.

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