Jeremy Finestone and Steven Conway return to talk about New Japan's New Beginning tour, and how it has a more literal meaning than ever. The pair discussed a rough Nagoya show that didn't hit on any cylinders, followed by two Korakuen Hall shows that went much better. They talked about an excellent main event featuring Shota Umino and Ren Narita, the captivating United Empire - War Dogs rivalry, the tired-out Ingoberables - Just 5 Guys series, and how Tama Tonga left the company a hero in storyline. They also discussed the farewell tour of Kazuchika Okada, his emotional reaction to the New Japan fans and a moment that even made Tomohiro Ishii shed tears. They also previewed the upcoming New Beginning shows as New Japan works its way through one of the biggest adjustment periods it has faced in many years. Steven and Jeremy also discussed how the upcoming Windy City Riot show in Chicago is beating all expectations with Jon Moxley, Tetsuya Naito, Mustafa Ali and Hiromu Takahashi on top. Speaking of Strong Style is here to guide you through this fascinating time in New Japan history!
- Discussion of the factors at play, Japan's economic conditions and the state of American wrestling today.
- A look at why Okada should be a special case and not treated the way other Japanese talent has over the years.
- What's ahead for Okada's faction, CHAOS? Should they continue with a new leader, or disband altogether?
- Talk of the lack of strong leaders among New Japan factions. Who could step up, and who should form new ones?
- Will New Japan strap the rocket to one of their new stars such as Shota Umino, Ren Narita, Yota Tsuji or Yuya Uemura?
- Are there other stars from Japan that could make an impact by moving to New Japan?
This was recorded only an hour or two before the news of Kazuchika Okada leaving was posted on the New Japan site. We will have more reaction to that huge new soon.
In this episode, Jeremy and Steven talk Battle in the Valley! Jeremy attended the show in person, and saw an outstanding night of wrestling. They discuss Okada v Will Ospreay, Eddie Kingston v Gabe Kidd, Jon Moxley v Shingo Takagi, Shota Umino, Giulia and much more. The pair broke down each match on the card and why it was significant to New Japan storylines going forward. They also discussed possible leadership scenarios for United Empire, whether Matt Riddle will be able to stay in New Japan long, ideas on the NJPW Strong Women's title and how they think Jack Perry fits in the New Japan landscape. Jeremy and Steven also talked about why they think ticket sales for the upcoming Windy City Riot are selling so well. They covered the upcoming New Beginning tour, including Saturday's Tama Tonga-EVIL clash for the NEVER Openweight title and another Strong Tag Team title defense from El Phantasmo and Hikuleo, plus a wacky King of Pro Wrestling match. They also talk Fantasticamania and the big show coming in Osaka. It's all you need to know as a New Japan fan!Jeremy Finestone is joined by guest host Paul Fontaine of the Wrestling Observer and Fight Game Media to discuss the week that was in New Japan. Jeremy and Paul discussed the major news and notes out of Wrestle Kingdom and New Year Dash before previewing Battle in the Valley and the announced matches for New Beginnings.
Full video episode here: https://youtube.com/live/EuGBXoBudTU
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Steven Conway and Jeremy Finestone are working on short sleep, but they're happy to break down the wonderful WrestleKingdom 18 card. New Japan delivered an emotional, exciting event, with each match bringing something different to the table, along with some surprises. They break down all aspects of the show, from SANADA facing Tetsuya Naito in the main event, to a wild three-way featuring Will Ospreay, David Finlay and Jon Moxley, to the sublime rematch between Kazuchika Okada and Bryan Danielson. They also looked at an excellent Junior Heavyweight title match with Hiromu Takahashi facing El Desperado, a Tama Tonga-Shingo Takagi battle that almost stole the show, and a double tag team title match with a finish Jeremy hinted at with El Phantasmo and Hikuleo on this very show. All this and more as the guys do a deep dive into the biggest single show of the year! The video is available here: https://www.youtube.com/live/2rNMQ82-kRw?si=d_SJVFJGtshqFV-z
Chris Samsa joins Steven and Jeremy for part two of the WrestleKingdom Week preview! The trio looks at the year that was in New Japan, looking at key moments, big matches and important angles that made for an eventful year in NJ history. They also talk more about New Japan's new president, Hiroshi Tanahashi, and what we can expect from him in his new role. They also look closely at each WrestleKingom 18 match, discussing possible scenarios for New Japan's biggest event. You can find video of part one of the Speaking of Strong Style preview with Scott Edwards here: https://www.youtube.com/live/cpFKGl78lEA?si=Que4su28i9wItAaO and part two here: https://www.youtube.com/live/W9Uwp48ksOQ?si=UdDX0hzl6lGc1wz1
Scott Edwards from the "Five Star Joshi Show" and "Stardom Road" joins Steven and Jeremy for part one of a two-day preview of WrestleKingdom week. The trio discussed Hiroshi Tanahashi's appointment as the new president of New Japan, previewed STARDOM's Dream Queendom, NOAH's New Year show and of course, WrestleKingdom itself. They also talked about what Charlie Dempsey's Triple Crown title match could mean for Japanese wrestling and the WWE. Each match is discussed as we head toward the best week of the wrestling calendar!
We are thrilled to welcome NJPW Strong Tag Team Champions El Phantasmo and Hikuleo to the show! The champs talked to Steven and Jeremy about their title versus title match with Bishamon at WrestleKingdom 18, their journeys to New Japan Pro Wrestling, the past year that saw them on the front lines of a major NJPW feud, and how their persistence helped them overcome injuries to get to the biggest match of their lives. After the interview, Steven and Jeremy break down a great Road to WrestleKindom show from Korakuen Hall, featuring a brilliant NEVER Openweight Six-Man title match and a unique KOPW match, plus angles galore up and down the card. It's New Japan's most exciting season! Video can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/live/lMI-k_Xy22E?si=qqoEV_CtTD5W3Gvn
Jeremy Finestone and Steven Conway looked at the 2023 World Tag League Finals and discussed New Japan's decision to make Bishamon into a Superteam. They discussed how Hirooki Goto and YOSHI-HASHI's win over El Phantasmo and Hikuleo is a signal the company wants to build the tag team division around its most consistent team and make it a Mount Everest for the rest of the teams to climb. They broke down the semifinals and finals shows, covering angles involving Ren Narita, Shota Umino, Minoru Suzuki, Yuji Nagata, Yuya Uemura, Yota Tsuji and more. The also kicked around ideas on what they could do with these angles as WrestleKingdom draws near. Jeremy and Steven also looked ahead to the Road to WrestleKingdom shows and looked back on the career of Osamu Kido and Tetsuya Naito's critical match with Kazuchika Okada at WrestleKingdom 8, and why it was so important to both his and New Japan's history. See the video version of this show each Thursday, live at 5:30 EST: Fight Game Media - YouTube
This week, Steven Conway and Jeremy Finestone discussed Ren Narita's turn on Shota Umino, both the timing and execution of it, plus what it could mean for each, and the House of Torture, moving forward. They also talked about Kazuchika Okada and WWE's interest in New Japan's top star. Steven and Jeremy also broke down the final week of World Tag League, how Gabe Kidd and Alex Coughlin surged past Mikey Nicholls and Shane Haste at the finish line, the comeback stories of the two championship teams, Hikuleo and El Phantasmo as well as Bishamon, and how Minoru Suzuki and Yugi Nagata gave us the feel-good moment of the tournament. They also discussed Tetsuya Naito's Wrestle Kingdom history, looking back at his match with Keiji Muto at WrestleKingdom 6. Jeremy and Steven also brainstormed ideas for other Wrestle Kingdom matches.
Steven Conway and Jeremy Finestone are back talking about World Tag League. The guys break down each team in the tournament and their journeys to this point. The teams of Lance Archer and Alex Zayne, as well as Ren Narita and Shota Umino are looking strong, but TMDK, Taichi and Yuya Umeura look strong also. They also look ahead to the final week and who is likely to be involved in the semifinals and finals. Plus, they talk about the Yuji Nagata - Minoru Suzuki dynamic, and why a winless team might be the most interesting one in the tournament. They also look at the two new Young Lions who debuted on the first two shows of the tour.
Steven Conway and Jeremy Finestone talked about Kevin Kelly's departure, recapped Lonestar Shootout from Garland, TX (Steven was in attendance), and previewed World Tag League. Lonestar featured Eddie Kingston, Jon Moxley, Shingo Takagai and Mayu Iwantani, and included one of the best matches in New Japan all year, in Zack Sabre Jr. versus Mike Bailey. World Tag League has a slew of fresh teams, making it feel like a fresh, exciting event. They also talked about two Young Lions debuting this weeken, plus a King of Pro Wrestling title match.
Jeremy and Steven discussed the new matches announced for Wrestle Kingdom, including Bryan Danielson versus Kazuchika Okada in the dream rematch, Jon Moxley facing Will Ospreay and David Finley for a new title, Hiromu Takahashi taking on El Desperado and Clark Connors and Drilla Moloney defending their titles against Catch 2/2. They also previewed the Lone Star Shootout in Texas, featuring Shingo Takagi, Mayu Iwatani, Eddie Kingston, Mike Bailey, Zack Sabre Jr, Mistico, Atlantis, Rocky Romero, and many others. Jeremy and Steven also interacted with the live chat in discussing the best in-ring years in wrestling history, and what people hope to see at Wrestle Kingdom for favorites such as Hiroshi Tanahashi, Tomohiro Ishii, Claudio Castagnoli and others. It was a packed show with lots of fun discussion regarding NJPW's future.
Steven Conway and Jeremy Finestone are back with a special episode breaking down the Nov. 4 Power Struggle show from Osaka. They talked about the classic main event with Will Ospreay and Shota Umino, what it could mean to Umino's career and how the match led to a big angle for Wrestle Kingdom. The match-by-match analysis included discussion of Bryan Danielson, Jon Moxley, El Desperado, Kazuchika Okada, Hiroshi Tanahashi, Zack Sabre Jr. and more. Other matches analyzed included Hiromu Takahashi v Taiji Ishimori, the Super Jr. Tag League Finals with Catch 2/2 facing SHO and Yoshinobu Kanemaru, and Great O-Khan v Moxley. It was a great show with an enthusiastic crowd, and the guys were fired up to talk about it.
Steven Conway and Jeremy Finestone bring you a packed show, talking about Kazuchika Okada's appearance on AEW Dynamite, Will Ospreay bringing in a high-powered agent for his upcoming contract talks, Zack Sabre Jr. winning a tournament in Australia and Hiromu winning a title with a lineage that includes stuffed animals and grade school children (really). They also looked at the first week of action in Super Jr. Tag League. They covered a strong first week from Clark Connors and Drilla Maloney, Kevin Knight's highlight reel work and Kosei Fujita's progress. They also talked about why they feel it will be a big week for the teams of Desperado and Master Wato, and Titan and BUSHI. Plus, the pair previewed Saturday's Fighting Spirit Unleashed show from Las Vegas, and discussed why NJPW's current promotional system hurts its own ticket sales.
Steven Conway and Jeremy Finestone covered the Royal Quest III event from London, including two very special matches with Zack Sabre Jr. challenging Will Ospreay for the US (UK) title and Shingo Takagi taking on Tomohiro Ishii. They discussed what made these matches special and dissected the post-match angles, which involved NEVER Openweight Champion Tama Tonga, Shota Umino, Gabriel Kidd and even Jon Moxley. They also talked about what Ospreay might have planned for Wrestle Kingdom. Steven and Jeremy also previewed the first week of action in the Super Jr. Tag League, including the announcement of MUSASHI as YOH's mystery partner. Plus, they looked at upcoming events such as Fighting Spirit Unleashed and Power Struggle.
Steven and Jeremy celebrated the announcement of Historic X-Over 2, while lamenting the fact that we have no idea when it will happen. They also previewed Royal Quest 3 in London, with the fascinating main event of Will Ospreay versus Zack Sabre Jr. for the US (UK) Title. They also broke down the rest of the card, featuring Tomohiro Ishii versus Shingo Takagi, Taiji Ishimori's return to the ring against Robbie X, plus Yota Tsuji, El Desperado and Trent Seven in action, and the oddball team of Shota Umino and Ren Narita. Jeremy and Steven also looked at the Super Junior Tag League lineup, featuring another X teaming with YOH, Desperado and Master Wato as a team, and their theories on who will be in contention on the final night. They also ran down the new matches announced for Las Vegas, Dallas and Osaka. The pair also went over the key takeaways from this week's business presentation, including an alliance that may bring New Japan into more markets.
Steven Conway and Jeremy Finestone bring you a special Episode of their New Japan Pro Wrestling podcast, Speaking of Strong Style! The pair break down the Destruction in Ryogoku event match-by-match, including the IWGP World Heavyweight Title match between SANADA and EVIL, the main roster debut of Yuya Uemura, back from excursion, and the return of Taiji Ishimori from injury. It was a fun and newsworthy show, and the guys are here to tell you all you need to know about it.
Steven and Jeremy discussed AEW's WrestleDream event, including the instant classic that was Brian Danielson versus Zack Sabre Jr. They also talked about the other New Japan stars appearing, including Will Ospreay, NJPW Strong Champion Eddie Kingston, TMDK, Josh Barnett and Satoshi Kojima. They also reviewed the two newsworthy Korakuen Hall shows over the weekend. Who will be the new fifth member of SANADA'S crew? Will it be Yuya Uemura? Katsuhiko Nakajima? Or could it be a returning Taiji Ishimori? They also preview the title matches, such as Lio Rush and Mike Bailey challenging Hiromu Takahashi in a three-way match, a Lumberjack match between SANADA and EVIL for the IWGP World Heavyweight title, David Finlay versus Tama Tonga for the NEVER Openweight belt, plus two tag team title matches. They also looked at the matches announced for Oct. 28 in Las Vegas, which will feature Walker Stewart's debut on English commentary.
Steven and Jeremy discussed the Destruction in Kobe show, an event that was just what a New Japan fan needed. Great matches, a big angle and an enthusiastic crowd. They talked about Will Ospreay's historic run of classic matches, Yota Tsuji's bright future, and asked the burning question, why Uncle Nobu? Why? Will there be a fifth guy in Just 5 Guys? If so, will it be an intriguing name from NOAH, or perhaps a former Young Lion returning from excursion?
This week, Steven and Jeremy discussed a possible new English voice for New Japan, possible plans for New Japan and STARDOM to work together again and why SANADA makes Jeremy sad (it has to do with a belt and his backbone). They also talked of Sunday's show in Fukuoka, and what it told them about upcoming tag team tournaments and title matches. Steven and Jeremy discussed the stipulations for the SHO versus Taichi King of Pro Wrestling title match, and why they could lead to a lumberjack stipulation for EVIL and SANADA. They also previewed the Destruction in Kobe card coming up this Sunday, with Will Ospreay versus Yota Tsuji in the main event. Plus, there was a match on a bullet train to talk about. And one on a swingset. Seriously.
There were piles of news and notes this week, and Steven and Jeremy discussed Eddie Kingston's busy schedule defending the NJPW Strong title, upcoming positive changes to NJPW World, newly announced matches for several NJPW shows, plus Taichi and SHO's wacky King of Pro Wrestling title stipulations. Jeremy and Steven also talked about New Japan wrestlers appearing around the world, including Rocky Romero in a major match at CMLL's Anniversary show, Will Ospreay facing Naomichi Marufuji in NOAH and Kosei Fujita teaming with Robbie Eagles in a main event in Australia. They also looked at the past weekend's Korakuen Hall and Kobe shows, the injuries to Boltin Oleg and Yoshinobu Kanemaru, and how the booking has made SANADA look even weaker than he already seemed.
Jeremy Finestone and Steven Conway talked about Kevin Kelly's imminent departure from the New Japan broadcast booth, and discuss how New Japan and WWE want different things from their announcers. They also previewed the upcoming Road to Destructions shows, including a Zack Sabre Jr. title defense, the New Japan debut of Callum Newman, and a NEVER Openweight Six-Man title defense by Kazuchika Okada, Hiroshi Tanahashi and Tomohiro Ishii against the team of...Tiger Mask, Togi Makabe and Hiroyoshi Tenzan. Seriously. Steven and Jeremy also talked upcoming events and title matches, Satoshi Kojima's Triple Crown title match and a short history of how Toru Yano went from a Most Violent Player to the Crown Prince of New Japan.
Steven Conway is joined by special guest Scott Edwards for the latest episode of Speaking of Strong Style! With Jeremy off this week, Steven and Scott talked of what looks like the impending departure of Will Ospreay from NJPW, and why the current situation in Japan makes it more difficult for companies to keep top foreign talent. They also discussed the worldwide travels of New Japan wrestlers, including SANADA's return to IMPACT, Hiromu Takahashi's week in CMLL and Satoshi Kojima's tournament victory with All Japan. Steven and Scott also looked at each title in New Japan and what could be next for champions such as David Finlay, Bishamon, Eddie Kingston, Giulia, Taichi, Zack Sabre Jr. and more.
Jeremy Finestone and Steven Conway return with a new edition of Speaking of Strong Style. It was a difficult week, as the wrestling world lost Terry Funk at age 79. Steven talked about Funk and his influence on pro wrestling, including his NJPW ties and why his All-Japan career was important to Inoki's promotion as well. Jeremy and Steven also got a shock when they learned of Bray Wyatt's passing live on the air. They also divided and conquered last weekend's shows, with Jeremy giving his thoughts on Multiverse United 2 and Steven covering All-Star Junior Festival. Jeremy definitely got the better end of that deal. Plus, they covered some newly announced title matches coming up in the next couple of months, and talked of how AEW is rolling the dice on making Will Ospreay a heel in the UK. It's an emotional episode of Speaking of Strong Style, bringing you up to date on all things New Japan.
Steven Conway and Jeremy Finestone are back with Speaking of Strong Style! The pair discussed their final thoughts on G1 Climax 33, naming their MVPs and biggest surprises from the tournament, plus their thoughts on what the future holds for Shota Umino, Ren Narita and Yota Tsuji, the Reiwa Three Musketeers. They also talked about the buildup to SANADA-Tetsuya Naito, and where some of the bigger matches of the fall will take place. They also previewed Multiverse United 2 and All-Star Junior Festival 2023. The ASJF has a wild list of matches that had Steven wondering if Hiromu Takahashi had been into the sherry. They also discussed Jeremy's idea to put the IMPACT title on Hiroshi Tanahashi. It's everything you need to know to be ready for the weekend's shows!
Steven Conway and Jeremy Finestone are back with a special edition of Speaking of Strong Style. The pair discuss the semifnals and finals of the G1 Climax 33 tournament, breaking down the Tetsuya Naito-Will Ospreay semifinal, along with Kazuchika Okada's matchup with EVIL. Then they talk about Finals night, a show loaded with angles involving Eddie Kingston, HENARE, The War Dogs, Bishamon, Yota Tsuji and many more. Jeremy and Steven talk about all of these and what it means for key matches in New Japan heading into the fall, and into Wrestle Kingdom.
Jeremy Finestone and Steven Conway return with Speaking of Strong Style! The pair talked about the Block Finals of the G1 Climax tournament, plus the quarterfinals of the knockout round. They also discussed Eddie Kingston's best day ever, in which he got to meet his hero, Toshiaki Kawada. Steven and Jeremy also talked about the semifinals of the G1, examining the chances for Kazuchika Okada, Tetsuya Naito, EVIL and Will Ospreay to bring home the trophy, and what that means for SANADA.
- Full coverage of this week's G1 action
- Trends in the tournament: Who is cooling off after a hot star? Who is rallying toward the knockout stage?
- A block-by-block analysis of who will advance after next week's final cards of round robin matches.
- More news on the All-Star Junior Festival.
- A look at what could be Giulia's first defense of the NJPW Strong Women's title.
Steven Conway and Jeremy Finestone are back to talk about week two of G1 competition. They go over the latest tournament matches and discuss possible reasons for crowds growing both smaller and quieter. They also discuss why returning to Tokyo for a few shows is just the morale boost they company needs. They also cover more tournament history, going back to the MSG League and how New Japan used its association with the WWWF to bolster its lineups. All this, plus All Star Jr. Festival news and more!
Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter joins Steven and Jeremy for a conversation about the G1 Climax tournament, thoughts on SANADA's run as the IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, and the state of New Japan business-wise. The three also discuss possible G1 scenarios and who may be this year's G1 breakout star. It's a fun talk with the foremost authority on pro wrestling!
Steven Conway and Jeremy Finestone are back with a preview of pro wrestling's greatest tournament, the G1 Climax. The pair look at each of the four blocks, giving their impressions of the participants, a summary of their spot on the cards today and predictions on who will move on the knockout rounds. They also talk about the newly-announced Resurgence show in the US, plus some tournament history talk. It's all you need to know going into the G1's opening weekend!
Speaking of Strong Style returns with Jeremy and Steven's review of Independence Day Nights 1 and 2 from Korakuen Hall. The pair discussed how NJPW's Strong brand reset itself with several title changes, getting itself back on course for more U.S. shows with this set of events in Japan. The belts, the blood and the newcomers are analyzed. Plus, Steven and Jeremy go over FantasticaMania from Mexico, and Yuji Nagata's loss of the All Japan Triple Crown. It's all here for NJPW fans!
Steven Conway and Jeremy Finestone break down an eventful Wrestling Dontaku card and more in the latest edition of Speaking of Strong Style. Jeremy and Steven went through the Dontaku card match by match, talking about the results and angles. They discussed their belief that Yota Tsuji is a special talent, and why they think New Japan is onto something by pushing him right into the Dominion main event against IWGP World Heavyweight Champion SANADA. They also talked about the other major matches, why David Finlay needed to look vicious against Tama Tonga, why El Phantasmo made good strides toward being a babyface, and where all this Jon Moxley-Shota Umino-Kazuchika Okada rivalry could be going (if Jeremy is right, it's something big). They covered Hikuleo's win over KENTA, why Zack Sabre Jr. and Jeff Cobb needed to work a 15-minute draw, and why Aussie Open's challenge for a three-way match at Dominion improved the card. The pair also previewed a busy first week in the Best of Super Juniors tournament and picked their favorites to be in contention for the semifinals. It's another packed show that will bring you all you need to know about New Japan!
Jeremy Finestone and Steven Conway are back with another episide of Speaking of Strong Style. Steven and Jeremy talked about the recent title matches in NJPW, how Kevin Knight was launched with KUSHIDA to junior heavyweight tag team gold, how Shane Haste and Mikey Nicholls passed the torch to Aussie Open, how Hiromu Takahashi sold like a champ for a dramatic match against Yoshinobu Kanemaru, and how Taichi and Shingo Takagi put on a clinic in building drama in their KOPW match. Jeremy and Steven also talked Kazuchika Okada, and the rough waters ahead for the former champion. Will he turn on his partners at Dontaku? Or will one of them walk out on him? The pair looked at those possibilities in their preview of Dontaku, which included the big IWGP title match between SANADA and Hiromu, whether Davied Finlay should win the NEVER Openweight title, Zack Sabre Jr. versus Jeff Cobb for the TV title. They also looked ahead to Resurgence, and how Jon Moxley has been added to a show that already had Will Ospreay and Hiroshi Tanahashi on the marquee, plus a tournament to establish yet another title. They also discussed why Willow Nightingale might be a better pick than Mercedes Mone for this belt. It's all you need to know about New Japan in one show!
Steven Conway and Jeremy Finestone are back with Speaking of Strong Style! The pair talked Mercedes Mone, including her excellent title match loss to Mayu Iwatani at All-Star Dream Queendom, her run of matches in a red-hot women's promotion, and her new deal with New Japan and STARDOM. They also kicked around possibilities for Mone at the Resurgence card in May and other matchups for Mone in the future. Jeremy and Steven also talked about the Road to Dontaku, including the new stipulation for the Shingo Takagi-Taichi King of Pro Wrestling title match, the mystery of Kazuchika Okada's tag team partners, and what the future holds for Boltin Oleg. They discussed Tetsuya Naito and BUSHI's upcoming All Japan appearance and some possiblities for more crossovers. They also previewed some upcoming title matches. All this, plus a look at Hirooki Goto's career on the 20th anniversary of his debut. Speaking of Strong Style is your best resource for being up to date on all things New Japan!
Jeremy Finestone and Steven Conway return with a new edition of Speaking of Strong Style! This week, they broke down the news and angles from two shows New Japan ran in the US, including Aussie Open adding Strong Tag Team gold to go with their IWGP titles, KENTA, Zack Sabre Jr. and Orange Cassidy making title defenses, and Clark Connors announced as the newest member of Bullet Club. The pair discussed how David Finlay is putting his own stamp and attitude on one of the most famous factions in wrestling, and why Juice Robinson's weekend plans had to be changed to fit them. Steven and Jeremy also discussed changes to the mask, capacity and cheering policies on New Japan shows. They also previewed upcoming events, including Hirooki Goto's Anniversary show, Mercedes Mone's IWGP Women's title defense against Mayu Iwantani at the biggest women's wrestling show in ages, and the upcoming Dontaku show. They even worked in a little Sakura Genesis history and shared some information on ticket prices, and New Japan is a downright reasonably-priced hobby. It's all here in one place for New Japan fans!
Steven Conway and Jeremy Finestone are back with the latest episode of Speaking of Strong Style! This week, they discussed the newsorthy Sakura Genesis show, including SANADA's win over Kazuchika Okada to capture the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship, Aussie Open's victory over Bishamon to ascend to the top of the IWGP tag team scene, Zack Sabre Jr.'s win over Shota Umino, Hiromu Takahashi's Jr. Heavyweight title defense against Robbie Eagles and more. The pair talked about what the future holds for the various titleholders, as each came away from Sakura Genesis with new challengers. They also discussed what's next for Okada. Could it be a run at Strong Style's NEVER Openweight Six-Man titles, and possibly even a full-fledged heel turn? Jeremy and Steven looked at El Phantasmo's ejection from bullet club via shillelagh, and how David Finlay took aim at Tama Tonga's NEVER Openweight title while KENTA targeted Hikuleo. The pair also looked ahead to a wide variety of shows, including two events in the US this week, one of the biggest women's shows in decades featuring Mercedes Mone versus Mayu Iwatani, and the road to Dontaku 2023. It's a one-stop shop for all you need to be a top-level New Japan fan!
Jeremy Finestone & Steven Conway return for a new episode of Speaking of Strong Style. This week, "Brace for Impact" host Mike Gilbert joined the show to talk about the upcoming New Japan - Impatct Multiverse show. Mike gives his impressions of Hiroshi Tanahashi coming in to repace Will Ospreay against Speedball Mike Bailey, KUSHIDA facing Josh Alexander for the IMPACT title, plus KENTA defending his NJPW Strong title against Minoru Suzuki. The trio broke down the entire card, including a four-way tag team match, a light heavyweight scramble and more featuring New Japan talent. Steven and Jeremy also dissected the end of the New Japan Cup tournament, which featured SANADA capturing the trophy and a shot at IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Kazuchika Okada. They also talked about what David Finlay, Aaron Henare and Shota Umino got from the tournament in terms of title shots against Tama Tonga, Shingo Takagi and Jack Sabre Jr., respectively. Plus, what are El Phantasmo and Chase Owens' intentions toward Bullet Club? It was a tournament filled with faction shakeups and great matches, and this episode will tell you all you need to know about New Japan Pro Wrestling!
Steven Conway and Jeremy Finestone are back with the latest edition of Speaking of Strong Style! This week, they talked about the New Japan Cup shows, covering all the key angles, including the possible power struggle at the top of Bullet Club. Is El Phantasmo on the verge of turning on David Finlay? Or is this an Usos angle done New Japan-style? The pair discussed Aaron Henare's strong tour and how he has grown as a performer. Jeremy and Steven also talked of the Present versus Future match pitting the team of Kazuchika Okada and Hiroshi Tanahashi against Ren Narita and Shota Umino, and how the match delivered a key message. They also ran down the upcoming Multiverse card coming up in conjunction with IMPACT wrestling, plus who members of the Fight Game Media team want to see get IWGP World Heavyweight title shots in 2023. They also covered all the key New Japan Cup matches, which included stars such as Tetsuya Naito, Will Ospreay, SANADA, Jeff Cobb, KENTA, Narita, Kyle Fletcher, Mark Davis, Toru Yano, Tama Tonga, Hirooki Goto and YOSHI-HASHI. They also discussed if someone should have food delivered to the Great O-Khan since he's still handcuffed to a rail in Ehime. It's everything you need to be up to date on a busy week in New Japan Pro Wrestling!
Jeremy Finestone and Steven Conway return with another edition of Speaking of Strong Style! They broke down NJPW's 51st anniversary show, the wonderful tag team title match pitting Kazuchika Okada and Hiroshi Tanahashi against Hirooki Goto and YOSHI-HASHI, and why it's an important match for tag team wrestling in New Japan. They also discussed the early New Japan Cup matches, including Shota Umino versus Yujiro Takahashi, SANADA versus Taichi, Tetsuya Naito versus El Pantasmo and Tomohiro Ishii versus David Finlay. The pair also talked about whose bracket got busted and who will the other members of Bullet Club align with now that there seems to be an all-new leader of this key faction. Steven and Jeremy also went over a couple of preview matches that saw two of the quickest man in the business, Lio Rush and Hiromu Takahashi, face off against one another. All that, plus Ring of Honor talk and more Keiji Muto history. It's everything you need to know as a New Japan fan!
Jeremy Finestone and Steven Conway return with the newest episode of Speaking of Strong Style! Steven and Jeremy broke down the New Beginning in Sapporo cards, talking about the Tetsuya Naito versus Shota Umino main event, a fantastic Jr. Heavyweight Title match pitting TJP and Francesco Akira against Douki and Yoshinobu Kanemaru and a Will Ospreay-Taichi match the paid tribute to Toshiaki Kawada versus Mitsuharu Misawa, one of the great rivalries in wrestling history. They also talked about Zack Sabre Jr.'s first TV title defense against Tomohiro Ishii, Hiromu Takahashi's excellent title match with YOH, and the IWGP Tag Team Championship match, with Hirooki Goto and Yoshi Hashi facing off against Shane Haste and Mikey Nicholls. The pair also talked of the new alliance between Minoru Suzuki and Ren Narita, and what it means going into New Beginning in Osaka. They previewed the Osaka card, including the Shingo Takagi-Kazuchika Okada main event, the Loser Leaves Japan match between Hikuleo and Jay White and who they think is leaving, plus predictions for Tama Tonga versus El Phantasmo. Steven and Jeremy also touched on Kota Ibushi's future outside New Japan, the New Japan Strong School of Wrestling, and Fantasticamania, including the saga of Mistico. It's all here, everything you need to know about New Japan Pro Wrestling!
Justin Knipper joins Jeremy Finestone to bring us up to date on Pro Wrestling NOAH and the stars we'll see facing off with New Japan's roster at Wrestle Kingdom Night Two in Yokohama. Justin and Jeremy discuss the interpromotional matchups and give us background on the wrestlers and storylines we'll see play out at the show.
Steven Conway and Jeremy Finestone are back with another edition of Speaking of Strong Style! Jeremy and Steven talked about Jay White, Hikuleo, their "Loser Leaves Japan" match and how WWE and AEW rumors make it a very intriguing stipulation for all involved. They also discussed the upcoming Kenny Omega-Jeff Cobb showdown for the U.S. Title and when that match should take place. The pair also broke down a very eventful New Year Dash 2023 card that involved the shocking team-up of Kazuchika Okada and Kenny Omega, angles including Minoru Suzuki, Ren Narita, Will Ospreay, Taichi, Jack Sabre Jr., Kosei Fujita, Shingto Takagi and more. Jeremy also breaks down the latest on NJPW Strong and the upcoming match between KENTA and Fred Rosser. Plus, Steven gives us a quick history of the Dragon, Tatsumi Fujinami. It's a packed show as always bringing you everything you need to know about New Japan Pro Wrestling! Check us out on Youtube at Jay White Leaving? | New Year Dash! | The Omega Powers unite in NJPW | Speaking of Strong Style - YouTube