Speaking of Strong Style

Steven Conway and Jeremy Finestone are back with Speaking of Strong Style! The pair discussed the recent Resurgence show, featuring an excellent match between Jon Moxley and Shota Umino, and how the match was done differently than most mentor-student battles. They also talked about the chaotic tag team situation, Jeff Cobb's terrific TV title match with Lance Archer, Shingo Takagi's beatdown of Yuya Uemura, and more. Jeremy and Steven looked at the current IWGP title situation with EVIL, and weather House of Torture is the right move for a title match on a huge show after a poll suggested fans might see things differently. They also covered the first week of the Best of the Super Junior tournament that saw Taiji Ishimori, Black Christian, Titan and KUSHIDA get off to hot starts while Hiromu Takahashi and TJP struggled. Will that form hold, or will there be changes to the standings in week two?

Jeremy Finestone is back with Steven Conway for Speaking of Strong Style! This week, the pair talked about the two nights of Dontaku in Fukuoka, including Jon Moxley's title defense against Ren Narita, Jeff Cobb's win over Zack Sabre Jr., plus Nic Nemeth's wild ride versus Hiroshi Tanahashi and David Finlay. They also discussed the All Together show and why Gabe Kidd may be terrorizing a merch stand near you. Steven and Jeremy also looked ahead to Best of the Super Juniors, giving their predictions for the tournament. They also previewed the Resurgence card, when Moxley defends against Shota Umino and Eddie Kingston puts the STRONG title on the line against Kidd (is there a title Gabe isn't chasing?) and they give their best guesses as to the IWGP World Title is headed.

This week, Steven talked about the recent shows in Kagoshima and Hiroshima and how Yuya Uemura's win could change what we see from the KOPW title. He also previewed Dontaku, featuring title matches such as Jon Moxley versus Ren Narita, Jeff Cobb versus Zack Sabre Jr., Shingo Takagi facing Gabe Kidd, and Nic Nemeth defending against Hiroshi Tanahashi. He also took a look at the All Together card, plus the Best of the Super Junior Blocks and matchups. He also took a look back at the history of the Dontaku event. 

Scott Edwards joins Steven this week to discuss Jon Moxley's IWGP title defense, TJP's big night uniting the Empire and a look ahead to two title matches in Hiroshima and two more at Satsuma no Kuni. They also discussed Jake Lee's surprise attack on Tetsuya Naito, plus looked at the state of STARDOM going into its big show, All-Star Grand Queendom, featuring a dream match between Mayu Iwatani and Sareee, and a potential nightmare match for Natsupoi and Tam Nakano. 

Jeremy Finestone and Steven Conway return with Speaking of Strong Style! This week, the pair looked at the Wrestling World show from Taiwan, and how Oleg Boltin exceeded any expectations for a Young Lion by winning a belt before his theoretical "graduation." They also looked at how Hiroshi Tanahashi and Satoshi Kojima were welcomed by the crowd and Bishamon's title defense against Yuya Uemura and SANADA. They also talked about Tama Tonga's big WWE push and the sad news that YOH has been forced to withdraw from the Best of the Super Junior tournament due to injury. They also looked at each New Japan title, discussing the next step for the champions and their challengers, including Jon Moxley, Shota Umino, Nic Nemeth, Gabe Kidd, Eddie Kingston, Stephanie Vaquer, Jeff Cobb, Zack Sabre Jr. and more. Speaking of Strong Style will have you ready for the busy season ahead.

Steven Conway and Jeremy Finestone are back with a special edition of Speaking of Strong Style covering Windy City Riot! The guys were joined by Josh from the We Work Stiff podcast just after end of the big event from Chicago. Josh gave his thoughtful perspective on New Japan's storylines and how they shape the upcoming year in NJPW. The trio discussed Jon Moxley's victory over Tetsuya Naito for the IWGP World Heavyweight title, and why this could be a unique opportunity for both New Japan and AEW to benefit from it. They also talked about Zack Sabre Jr. taking the TV title back from Matt Riddle, and why they're glad to see the bro go. Jeremy, Steven and Josh also covered TMKD winning the Strong Tag Team titles, Jack Perry's strong run in NJPW, why Stephanie Vaquer is making such an excellent NJPW Strong women's champion, and what the future might hold for Hiromu Takahashi, United Empire, Ren Narita, Shota Umino and much more.

Jeremy Finestone and Steven Conway are celebrating their 100th episode! This week, the pair were joined by Justin Knipper, an expert on the Japanese wrestling scene and the co-host of "Write This Down" with Fumi Saito. Justin has also been on the NOAH English commentary team, so he was the perfect guest to bring on to discuss two NOAH wrestlers participating in the 2024 Best of the Super Juniors, Ryohei Oiwa, Giulia and other names associated with NOAH and New Japan. Steven and Jeremy also broke down the Sakura Genesis card and the angles coming from it, including big wins for Tetsuya Naito, Jon Moxley, Shingo Takagi, Bishamon, the War Dogs and more. They also previewed the Windy City Riot show, featuring another IWGP World Heavyweight title match between Naito and Moxley, Hiromu Takahashi facing Mustafa Ali, Eddie Kingston and company versus Gabe Kidd and company, and title matches featuring Stephanie Vaquer, El Phantasmo and Hikuleo. They also looked at the Jack Perry-Shota Umino special singles match. They also looked back at the career of the late, great Akebono, who made a major impact in Sumo history and was a special attraction in pro wrestling.

This week, Steven and Jeremy previewed the Sakura Genesis card, headlined by the IWGP World Heavyweight title match between Tetsuya Naito and Yota Tsuji. They looked at possibilities for the rest of the matches, including SHO versus YOH for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight title, a three-way match for the junior heavyweight tag team titles, Bishamon challenging Bullet Club for the heavyweight tag titles, plus Jon Moxley teaming with Shota Umino versus Jack Perry and Ren Narita. Jeremy and Steven gave their predictions regarding the show and why they think Moxley may have more involvement than just his scheduled match. They also looked at the recently-released schedule for the 2024 G1 Climax tournament and what it tells them about the format. All this, plus listener/viewer questions.

This week, Jeremy and Steven were joined by "Filthy" Tom Lawlor who discussed his time with New Japan Pro Wrestling as the first NJPW Strong Champion, his time as an entrant in the G1, favorite memories working with STARDOM talent, and goals for his career moving forward. After, Steven and Jeremy discussed All Together, the cooperative between NJPW, NOAH, Dragon's Gate, Stardom and other promotions in Japan. Finally, the pair took listener questions about the tag division and 6-man titles, before discussing upcoming matches for New Japan fans. 

This week, Steven and Jeremy talked about the finale of the New Japan Cup, and how the story of Yota Tsuji and Hirooki Goto gave the company a strong finish to a weak tournament. They also looked at how far Goto was going to go, and whether David Finlay's illness changed the company's plans for the tournament. They also discussed some upcoming matchups, including Jon Moxley teaming with Shota Umino, and if we'll be calling Moxley the IWGP World Heavyweight Champion soon. They also talked about the futures of the War Dogs, United Empire, Shingo Takagi, SHO and YOH, and a lot more. Also, will Hiromu Takahashi and Mustafa Ali be wrestling for a TNA title at Windy City Riot?

Jeremy Finestone and Steven Conway return with Speaking of Strong Style! The pair discussed the past week's New Japan Cup action, with EVIL, Ren Narita, Jack Perry and the rest of House of Torture making a big impact on the bracket. They also talked about who is more likely to win among contenders such as David Finlay, Shingo Takagi, SANADA and Zack Sabre Jr. They also look at the efforts of Chase Owens, Hikuleo, Yota Tsuji and Gabe Kidd. Steven and Jeremy also covered Stephanie Vaquer's NJPW Strong Women's title win over Giulia and why it's a good thing for the title. They also covered news about the upcoming New Japan and STARDOM shows in Taiwan, Ryohei Oiwa's tag team tournament win in NOAH, and the sad passing of Yutaka Yoshie.

Steven Conway and Jeremy Finestone are joined by Chris Samsa for the latest edition of Speaking of Strong Style! The trio looked at the first two nights of action from the New Japan Cup, one of which was the 52nd Anniversary show. They discussed Tetsuya Naito's drawing power after a strong crowd showed up for the heavyweight champion's match against junior heavyweight champion, SHO. They also discussed tournament matches such as TJP versus David Finlay, Jack Perry's NJPW debut against Shota Umino, Tomohiro Ishii versus Chase Owens, and how matches like YOSHI-HASHI versus KENTA can be used to set up title matches in the future. Chris also shared some of his data and unique statistical analysis regarding the tournament, and who fans feel will go deep into the Cup tournament. They also discussed the overall feeling in the air regarding fans and the state of New Japan. Do they have real cause for concern, and what's the reason for the recent feelings of near-existential dread for the company? Jeremy, Steven and Chris also looked at the schedule for Best of the Super Juniors and what it tells us about the direction of that division. The trio shared their feelings and kicked around ideas for the future.

The New Japan Cup is approaching, and Jeremy and Steven discussed their thoughts on the bracket and who might advance to the final. Jeremy had some interesting thoughts on TJP versus David Finlay, while Steven just hoped for Tomohiro Ishii versus Hirooki Goto in the second round. They also talked about the Shota Umino-Jack Perry first round matchup, plus the prospects for stars such as Yota Tsuji, EVIL, Shingo Takagi, Yuya Uemura, Gabe Kidd, Zack Sabre Jr. and others. Other topics include: Anniversary show preview, with Tetsuya Naito facing SHO in the main event. NJPW-related title matches in MLW (Matt Riddle), AEW (Eddie Kingston) and STARDOM (Giulia against Stephanie Vaquer). News on Bushiroad business. More names announced for Windy City Riot in Chicago. How CMLL's visa issues could affect NJPW. With the anniversary approaching, a look back at the very first show in NJPW history. Speaking of Strong Style brings you up to date on all you need to know going into the New Japan Cup!

Steven Conway and Jeremy Finestone are back with Speaking of Strong Style! The pair review the two New Beginning in Sapporo shows from New Japan Pro Wrestling, featuring a mixed bag of matches. STARDOM stole the show on the first night with a title defense by Mayu Iwatani. A pair of former WWE wrestlers, Nic Nemeth and Matt Riddle, made their debut in Japan while Kazuchika Okada and Tama Tonga made their farewells. On the second night, we saw five singles matches between Los Ingobernables and Just 5 Guys, culminating in an IWGP match between Tetsuya Naito and SANADA. Steven and Jeremy break down the chaos, try to rationalize some decisions (which ain't easy), and debate the direction of the promotion moving forward! A fun 80 minutes so check it out!

This week, Steven and Jeremy looked to two major shows in the next couple of days, as New Beginning in Sapporo approaches. These shows could point toward a new course for the company, and they previewed the shows match-by-match. That preview included a slew of title matches featuring Tetsuya Naito, SANADA, Nic Nemeth and David Finaly in main events. They also speculated on the future of the CHAOS and United Empire factions as Kazuchika Okada has his final matches with the company. Plus, they previewed the big Hair versus Hair match between Yota Tsuji and Yuya Uemura, a crossroads NEVER Openweight title match between EVIL and Shota Umino, Matt Riddle challenging Hiroshi Tanahashi for the TV title, El Desperado versus SHO with a potentially interesting stipulation that could take SHO out of House of Torture, and Mayu Iwantani defending her IWGP Women's title against Mina Shirakawa.They also looked back at Fantasticamania and some of their favorite matches from the tour. They talked about the RevPro show and how New Japan talents such as Zack Sabre Jr., Shingo Takagi and former New Japan star Will Ospreay fared. Plus, they celebrated the excursion debut of Oskar Leube and Yuto Nakashima. They also discussed STARDOM and New Japan, their business relationship and how parent company BUSHIROAD can optimize the way the promotions work together.

After the emotional and sometimes brutal New Beginning in Osaka, New Japan took a lighter-hearted turn this week with Fantasticamania, when the stars of CMLL come to Japan for a brief tour filled with their brand of exciting lucha libre. It's also a time for some New Japan stars to loosen up, with Taiji Ishimori, Hiromu Takahashi, El Desperado, Hiroshi Tanahashi and others getting in on the act. Steven and Jeremy discussed seeing CMLL's Mistico, Mascara Dorada, Atlantis Jr., ,Volador Jr., Titan, Ultimo Guerrero, Soberano Jr. and others. They also looked at the first night of the tour from Osaka, and how Volador and Rocky Romero set things up for a class later in the week. They looked at key matchups ahead, including a women's match featuring Starlight Kid and Ruaka from STARDOM. Plus, they talked about how others who have made news in New Japan, such as Bryan Danielson, Jon Moxley and more will have a huge match in Arena Mexico later this month as part of these major promotions working with one another.

Jeremy Finestone and Steven Conway are back with a special edition of the pod to break down the New Beginning in Osaka card! Topics covered include: Will Ospreay's farewell as a New Japan-contracted wrestler with a main event that set new standards for violence in today's NJPW, but was it a good match? How Ospreay and Francesco Akira and TJP worked hard to put over David Finlay's War Dogs crew, including Alex Coughlin, Gabe Kidd, Clark Connors and Drilla Moloney. A look at how almost no one escaped the cage unscathed, from HENARE'S scary cut to Jeff Cobb's injury. A technical masterpiece from Bryan Danielson and Zack Sabre Jr. that left both men feeling the high that comes from reaching the peak performance. More tears as Kazuchika Okada and Hiroshi Tanahashi face one another one last time in a singles match, and how the Edion Arena plays into their historic rivalry. Angles from early matches, including the Jr. Heavyweight title being put on the line versus SHO's faction allegiance and Shota Umino being spray painted. A discussion of what's next for the IWGP Tag Team champions after a surprise finish. New Beginning was a show that brought out some very real, raw emotions from the New Japan crew, some spectacular performances, and a divisive main event. Speaking of Strong Style looks at this historic show from every angle.

Jeremy and Steven were joined by Scott Edwards, one of the top experts on the Japanese women's wrestling scene to discuss STARDOM's firing of Rossy Ogawa and how it may impact New Japan. They discussed the issues Ogawa had with Bushiroad (the same conglomerate that owns New Japan), and the dilemma STARDOM wrestlers face between staying with the country's top joshi promotion and joining Ogawa's upcoming new company.  They also discussed what stars such as Tam Nakano, Maika and others have said about their futures, and what we know about the NJPW titleholders, Giulia and Mayu Iwatani. Steven and Jeremy previewed Sunday's big show in Osaka, featuring Kazuchika Okada versus Hiroshi Tanahashi, Zack Sabre Jr. versus Bryan Danielson, and a special War Games-style cage match with David Finaly's War Dogs meeting Will Ospreay's United Empire in Ospreay's final match as a New Japan wrestler.  They also talked about injuries to Jeff Cobb and Drilla Moloney, plus some Fantasticamania chat with Mistico, Volador Jr., Atlantis Jr., Soberano Jr. and more coming to New Japan.

Steven and Jeremy discussed some recent New Japan results and previewed the upcoming Korakuen Hall shows, featuring the United Empire squaring off with the War Dogs in a series of matches, plus a special gauntlet match with Tetsuya Naito's Los Ingoberable faction facing SANADA's Just 5 Guys. They also discussed why they don't think we'll be seeing Brock Lesnar back in New Japan (thank goodness). They also looked at the NJPW women's titles. With Giulia on her way out of STARDOM, what should the exit strategy be regarding the NJPW STRONG women's title? They also looked ahead to the rest of the New Beginnings tour, including Will Ospreay and Kazuchika Okada's final New Japan appearances for now, Bryan Danielson versus Zack Sabre Jr., and Nic Nemeth challenging David Finlay for the Global title. Other topics included ideas for Kosei Fujita and Oleg Boltin's excursions, and if they should even have one. Plus, the pair looked back on what was happening in New Japan at this time five years ago and in 2011, the last February in New Japan we had without Okada.

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!