Pacific Rim Pro Wrestling Podcast: Recent Episodes
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From Seatte to Tokyo and all points throughout history, Fumi Saito and Jim Valley are good friends who share a passion for pro wrestling and its history. Pacific Rim covers current events and puts them into historical and cultural context. We also answer your questions: #AskFumi on Twitter.
Fumi Saito has lived through or witnessed virtually every major wrestling show in the last 35 years. He is the color commentator on the Japanese live stream of WWE RAW and Smackdown Live! His interviews include an incredible variety of talent like Karl Gotch, Lou Thesz, Hulk Hogan, Bruiser Brody, Stan Hansen, Bret Hart, Tanahashi and AJ Styles. In addition, Fumi Saito has written over 20 books and had a very popular weekly magazine column.
Jim Valley is a national award-winning broadcaster and a wrestling fan. His other podcasts include Cauliflower Alley Club Radio, Portland Wrestlecast and Wayback Playback with Pat McNeil.
Pacific Rim Pro Wrestling Podcast. Jim Valley talks to Fumi Saito about attending both this year's Hana Kimura Memorial Show and the first-ever Marigold card, both held at Korakuren Hall. Fumi talks about the atmosphere, the presentation, Bozilla and Marigold's plans for the future. Plus, WWE running Japan, why Fumi thinks NXT Japan is an inevitability, Pro Wrestling NOAH, Stardom-Bushiroad and much more. Check it out.
Yes, the Pacific Rim Pro Wrestling Podcast still exists. Fumi Saito and Jim Valley are back. They discuss Fumi's trip to Philadelphia 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. From there we talk about Rossy Ogawa, Stardom and Rossy's new promotion Marigold. Plus, this year's Hana Kimura Memorial Show, Fumi's interview with Giulia, his appearance on "Dark Side of the Ring" and much more. A packed episode. Check it out.
It's the Pacific Rim Pro Wrestling Podcast. Fumi Saito sets the record straight about Stardom and the split with Rossy Ogawa. We talk about what happened, what brought it on and what to expect going forward. Fumi also clarifies the situations with Kairi Sane and Giulia's exits from the company. Plus details on Rossy's new company, titles and vision going forward. After that, we talk about John Laurinaitis, his career in Japan and answer your questions.
The Pacific Rim Pro Wrestling Podcast is back. Jim Valley gets Fumi Saito's thoughts on Kazuchika Okada leaving New Japan Pro Wrestling. Fumi offers insight on the dynamics and relationships behind the scenes in New Japan and speculates on the future of "The Rainmaker". After that, we remember Killer Khan, from his start in sumo, to how he got his name, breaking Andre the Giant's leg, his relatiionships with Hulk Hogan and Riki Choshu and much more. A great show. Check it out.
Fumi Saito and Jim Valley are back with another episode of The Pacific Rim Pro Wrestling Podcast. This week we discuss New Japan Pro Wrestling's new president Hiroshi Tanahashi, including what he'll do, his background and that he's actually the fourth wrestler to be president of NJPW. Plus, the success of All Japan and why Fumi is not concerned about AJPW's new partnership with WWE/NXT. We're coming up on Wrestle Kingdom. We run down a number of shows running in Tokyo the next several days. A packed show. Check it out.
Almost 90 minutes of the Pacific Rim Pro Wrestling Podcast! Fumi Saito and Jim Valley talk about the futures of Will Ospreay, Giulia and Okada. Fumi answers questions on Stardom's new president and possible changes we could see in 2024. We also discuss All Japan Pro Wrestling and the three people driving the resurgence and change backstage. Plus, Wrestle Kingdom, Bruiser Brody, Abdullah, The Von Erichs and more. Check it out.
The Pacific Rim Pro Wrestlng Podcast is back. Sukeban, the new Japanese women's promotion debuted in America. Fumi Saito and Jim Valley cover Sukeban in-depth including the roster, wrestler's history, the characters, the matches, the presentation, the announcers, the ring announcer and The Commissioner Bull Nakano. Given Fumi's deep knowledge of the history of Japanese women's wrestling you may be find his observations and opinions interesting. Plus Chris Jericho returns to Japan but this time for the DDT promotion. Always educational and informative. Check it out.
With the passing of Terry Funk, we hurriedly put together this very special edition of the Pacific Rim Pro Wrestling Podcast. Terry Funk made over 100 trips to Japan and Fumi Saito was there for many of them. Fumi knew Terry and even visited the Double Cross Ranch. Fumi covers Terry from the beginning at West Texas State, as NWA Champion, booking foreign talent for Baba, his first retirement, comebacks, FMW and some personal stories as well. RIP Terry Funk
Pacific Rim Pro Wrestling Podcast is back. Jim Valley gets Fumi Saito's thoughts on the G1, the format, Naito as winner, Kiyomiya's performance and who he thought stood out. It's interesting to get a Japanese perspective and explanation. Fumi also explains what he thinks Asuka's posts about Stardom and the Japanese wrestling scene mean. Plus, Toshiyo Yamada, Koichi Yoshizawa and more. Check it out.
The Pacific Rim Pro Wrestling Podcast is back. This time Fumi Saito talks about his friend Adrian Adonis, how they met, Adrian's success in Japan and the last trip where Adonis was getting back into shape for a comeback before his tragic death. Plus, how the Pacific Rim Podcast helped Adrian's oldest daughter learn about her father. Also, Shinya Hashimoto, Kiyoko Kimura and the new Japanese wrestling promotions coming to the US. Check it out.
The Pacific Rim Pro Wrestling Podcast is back. It's a show that's been years in the making, AEW President & CEO Tony Khan joins Fumi Saito and Jim Valley. With Forbidden Door coming up, it seemed like a good time to talk about Tony's puroresu fandom growing up in the 90s and early 2000s. How Tony discovered Japanese wrestling, tape trading, the early days of the internet, his favorite wrestlers, matches and how it influences what you see on AEW today. A side of Tony Khan you don't see on TV: Tony Khan wrestling fan. Check it out.
Pacific Rim Pro Wrestling Podcast is back! Fumi Saito was at the Yokohama Arena in person to witness Stardom All-Star Grand Queendom, the biggest show in Stardom history. Fumi and Jim Valley run down the matches, the outcomes and some of the factors that lead to those outcomes. Was Rossy Ogawa happy with the show? Plus, what might the future hold for Stardom and Mercedes Mone. You might be surprised at Fumi's answer. Lots of insight that you won't get anywhere else. Check it out.
The Pacific Rim Pro Wrestling Podcast has an in-person review of Keiji Muto's Grand Final Pro Wrestling "Last Love" card from The Tokyo Dome. Fumi Saito was among the over 30,000 people on hand to witness a truly historic night of pro wrestling. Not just the winners and losers, but the themes of the night, the backstories and subtext that you may have missed or didn't know about. Fumi has covered Muto's career from the beginning and he talks about what it was like to witness the poetic ending. A great show. Check it out.
Pacific Rim Pro Wrestling Podcast looks at the career of Keiji Muto. Fumi Saito and Jim Valley talk about Muto's entire career from his debut in 1984, American excursions, rise to stardom in New Japan, The Three Musketeers, All Japan, Wrestle 1, Hustle, NOAH and more. Fumi has known Muto since 1984, so this is insight you won't hear anywhere else, including what inspired a young Muto to become one of the biggest stars of all time. A show packed with details and insight. Check it out.
Pacific Rim Pro Wrestling Podcast is back with Fumi Saito and Jim Valley. Fumi was at Yokohama Arena for the Great Muta Final BYE BYE. He's got his thoughts on Muta, Sting, Darby, Hakushi and the crowd that night. The Keiji Muto Grand Final Card has been announced. Tetsuya Naito will be Muto's final opponent. Naito is actually Muto's second choice. You won't believe who Muto talked with to be his last opponent. A very newsworthy show. Pacific Rim Pro Wrestling Podcast. Hear it yourself. Don't read about it later.
The Pacific Rim Pro Wrestling Podcast is back. Fumi Saito and Jim Valley catch up on the year end of 2022, the beginning of 2023 and the year to come. Wrestle Kingdom 17, Mercedes Moné, Stardom, Kenny Omega, Will Ospreay, The Great Muta's last matches, what he has meant to Pro Wrestling NOAH and the mystery surrounding Mutoh's (not Muta's) last opponent. Plus, Fumi remembers Johnny Powers and his very important connection to Antonio Inoki and New Japan Pro Wrestling.
Pacific Rim Pro Wrestling Podcast with Fumi Saito and Jim Valley. Everyone is talking about the potential for Sasha Banks to appear at Wrestle Kingdom, but how big of a star is she in Japan? Also, big plans for Keiji Muto's retirement, Wrestle Kingdom, Jake Lee, Naito & Ibushi in the Wrestling Observer Hall of Fame, your questions and more. A packed show with all kinds of history and informmation, so check it out.
As promised, it's a second Pacific Rim Pro Wrestling Podcast this week. Fumi Saito reviews New Japan Stardom Historic X-Over, a truly historic showcase of men and women from Japan's two largest pro wrestling companies on the same card. Fumi runs down the card, the results and gives his thoughts on the performances and the wrestlers. We talk about the new IWGP Women's Champion and the surprise of Kenny Omega challenging Will Ospreay for the IWGP US Title at Wrestle Kingdom January 4th at Tokyo Dome. Check it out.
It's the Pacific Rim Pro Wrestling Podcast. This week Fumi Saito and Jim Valley preview the Stardom-New Japan Historic X-Over Show. Not only is it a rare mix of male and female talent in Japan, the women - KAIRI and Mayu for the IWGP Women's title - will go on last. Plus, it's tag tournament time in Japan and Fumi talks about the career of Jun Akiyama. If you are watching AEW Rampage, you'll want to check this show out.
Pacific Rim Pro Wrestling Podcast is back. When he was a teenager, Fumi Saito was an exchange student in Minnesota. He covered and photographed the AWA for a Japanese magazine. Fumi was close friends with Adrian Adonis, Road Warrior Hawk, Jumbo Tsuruta, Masa Saito and more. He's got a unique perspective on the AWA episode of Tales from the territories. He even visited Mr. Saito while he was incarcerated for his role in the Ken Patera/McDonald's incident. An interesting show. Check it out.
Fumi Saito, the man who literally wrote the book on Antonio Inoki, gives his thoughts and memories of Inoki on this very special episode of Pacific Rim.
Fumi talks to Jim Valley about Inoki's history and legacy: his creativity, his greatest matches and opponents, his place in history, the story of his WWE title win, why Inoki's wrestling was seen as the "real wrestling" in the 70s and 80s, the time Fumi had dinner with Inoki, Stu Hart & Gene Kiniski in Vancouver, and would have the reconciliation with NJPW happened had Inoki lived longer? Did anyone actually know the real Kanji Inoki? That and much more. You'll want to download this very informative episode of Pacific Rim.
Fumi Saito, the man who literally wrote the book on Antonio Inoki, gives his thoughts and memories of Inoki on this very special episode of Pacific Rim. Fumi talks to Jim Valley about Inoki's history and legacy: his creativity, his greatest matches and opponents, his place in history, the story of his his now official WWE title win, why in the 70s and 80s Inoki's wrestling was seen as the "real wrestling", the time Fumi had dinner with Inoki, Stu Hart and Gene Kiniski in Vancouver BC, and would have the reconciliation with NJPW happened had Inoki lived longer? Did anyone actually know the real Kanji Inoki? That and much more. You'll want to download this very informative episode of Pacific Rim.
Fumi Saito, the man who literally wrote the book on Antonio Inoki, gives his thoughts and memories of Inoki on this very special episode of Pacific Rim. Fumi talks to Jim Valley about Inoki's history and legacy: his creativity, his greatest matches and opponents, his place in history and would have the reconciliation with NJPW happened had Inoki lived longer. That and much more. You'll want to download this episode of Pacific Rim
The Pacific Rim Pro Wrestling Podcast is back. Fumi Saito talks about the late "Judo" Gene LeBell, a legend in combat sports, who also was the referee for the famous Ali/Inoki match in Japan. We go in-depth on the IWGP Women's Championship. Who's idea is it? Who might be a good first champion? Plus, it's tournament time in Japan: The G1, N1, King's Road, the 5-Start GP and more. Another packed episode. Check it out.
Pacific Rim is back. Fumi Saito gives his thoughts on AEW-NJPW Forbidden Door, plus the reaction to the show in Japan and where it could lead in the future. Also, Fumi and Jim Valley talk about Stardom Fight at the Top and the new PPV business model that seems to be springing up in Japan. TAJIRI has a new book out, "What Pro-Wrestlers Are Showing The Audience". Available on Amazon, Fumi translated it to English. We talk about Tajiri's career and philosophies in the book. That and more in this episode of Pacific Rim
Pacific Rim Pro Wrestling is back. Fumi Saito talks about the Hana Kimura memorial show and the meaning behind the matches. Plus, The Stardom 5 Star Gran Prix, Best of the Super Jrs., why he doesn't think All Japan's foray into women's wrestling will work, Muto, older wrestlers in Japan and the infamous Fire Pro Wrestling storyline.
Two Pacific Rim Podcasts in a week! Fumi Saito and Jim Valley are back with another episode. Fumi offers his thoughts on the Kota Ibushi-NJPW social media situation. Fumi also has a brand new best-selling book out on Inoki and Baba that chronicles their relationship and parallels. Plus, the Hana Kimura Memorial Show, the Forbidden Door and more so check it out.
Debbie Malenko is back wrestling after an injury ended her career nearly 30 years ago. Fumi Saito was one of the key people who helped Debbie as the then-19-year-old started with All Japan Women. She couldn't even speak a word of Japanese. Listen to two old friends Debbie and Fumi talk about the matches, her opponents, her injury and why she's back and wrestling Saturday May 28th at 12pm on PODER CUATRO in Las Vegas
It's a Pacific Rim tradition: Fumi and Dave get together and give their overall thoughts on Wrestle Kingdom 16, specifically the main events and the Tanahashi-KENTA match. Is NJPW relying too much on Americanized tricks and short cuts? Is that what the audience wants from New Japan? We also talk about NOAH, Stardom, Strong Kobayashi and more.
Fumi Saito and Jim Valley review Night One of Wrestle Kingdom 16. While it isn't the best WK card of all time, it did have its moments from a great main event to the inspirational return of Shibata. Fumi talks about some of the subtle, cultural references you may have missed, in addition to a preview of night two.
In this episode of Pacific Rim, Fumi Saito gives his firsthand account of Stardom Dream Queendom 2021, the key matches, stories, plans for the future and if Rossy Ogawa should be a candidate for the WON HOF. Fumi also remembers his close friend Mike Kirschner, you may know him as Cpl Kirschner or Super Leather, but Fumi knew him as someone who was misunderstood. This and more on the latest episode of Pacific Rim.
Pacific Rim is back. Fumi Saito and Jim Valley talk about New Japan's plan for Tokyo Dome, The Golden Series and its 50th Anniversary next year. Is NJPW going to announce a collaboration with other Japanese wrestling companies? With more wrestling talent on the open market, who might be a good fit for Japan? All that and much more.
Pacific Rim Pro Wrestling Podcast is back! Fumi Saito and Jim Valley talk about Fumi's memories of FMW and Onita history that wasn't mentioned in Dark Side of the Ring. Plus we answer your questions on masked wrestlers in Japan, Tokyo Dome construction, the health of NJPW as a company and more.
Pacific Rim is back! Fumi Saito gives Jim Valley his firsthand account of NJPW Wrestle Grand Slam in Tokyo Dome and what non-COVID-related situation could affect the upcoming Wrestle Kingdom event in 2022. In addition, Shingo Takagi as NJPW world champion, Jake Lee as Triple Crown Champion, Lance Archer, Debbie Malenko and more.
Pacific Rim is back as Fumi Saito talks to Jim Valley about being in attendance for the Hana Kimura Memorial Matane card at Korakuen Hall. He talks about the participants, how it came together and if could become an annual event. We also talk about the Will Ospreay situation with NJPW, Yuji Nagata, Young Lions and much more.
On a new Pacific Rim Pro Wrestling Podcast, Jim Valley and Fumi Saito discuss this year's two WWE Hall of Fame classes.
On a new Pacific Rim, Jim Valley and Fumi Saito talk about Stardom, the false rumors about Antonio Inoki's death, and more.
We're back! Jim Valley, Dave Meltzer and Fumi Saito reunite to discuss Wrestle Kingdom nights one and two, New Year's Dash, and tons more! An awesome show as always so check it out~!
Pacific Rim Podcast as Fumi Saito talks with Jim Valley about his memories of Hana Kimura and his experiences since her tragic passing. Fumi also recently interviewed Tanahashi who told him about an American wrestler who played a key role in his career development. We also talk about the New Japan Cup, Io Shirai, Asuka, your #AskFumi questions and much more.
Pacific Rim with Fumi Saito and Jim Valley starts off with Fumi's reaction to the latest Dark Side of the Ring episode on The Road Warriors. Fumi and Hawk were good friends. Fumi talks about how they met, The Warriors debut in Japan and The Hell Raisers. Plus your #AskFumi questions on the beginning of All Japan and New Japan, pro wrestling excursions, sumo influence on pro wrestling, David Schultz, Adrian Adonis and much more.
Pacific Rim is back with Fumi Saito and Jim Valley. The entire 1995 Bridge of Dreams card at The Tokyo Dome has just been uploaded to YouTube. Fumi was working at Weekly Pro Wrestling Magazine when it produced the show. He talks about what lead to the card, troubles booking it and the major political fallout afterwards. Plus, he talks about chances a major multi-company show might happen whenever Japan emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Pacific Rim Pro Wrestling Podcast with Fumi Saito and Jim Valley. It was 30 years ago The Pro Wrestling Summit took place in Tokyo Dome. Fumi Saito tells the story of how WWE, NJPW and AJPW came together for one historical show, plus behind the scenes stories and Fumi's personal experience at the official party that took place the night before the show.
The Pacific Rim Pro Wrestling Podcast. Fumi Saito and Jim Valley talk about all the wrestling Fumi's been watching while social distancing. Fumi offers interesting thoughts on the Shiozaki-Fujita match and its 30-minute stare down, the long-term effects COVID-19 might have on the wrestling business in Japan, a preview of Wrestlemania, a look back at the famous Antonio Inoki-Masa Saito "Island Death Match" and much more.
FREE SHOW. A very special episode of Pacific Rim as Fumi Saito recalls the life and career of Kazuo Sakurada, also known as Japanese wrestler Kendo Nagasaki who passed away over the weekend.
Happy 2020 from Tokyo. Pacific Rim counts down to the New Year and Fumi Saito's January 1st birthday. We start the night at Killer Khan's restaurant, go to Hanazono Shrine for New Year's prayer and end the night in Shinjuku. There's a very special and completely unplanned surprise in this show, a look back at the decade, plus hear plans to finally see Fumi's famous cat Kiki.
With a week to go before Wrestle Kingdom, the Pacific Rim Pro Wrestling Podcast team of Jim Valley and Fumi Saito discuss the Stardom match added to the big show, retirements, a surprising prediction, and plenty more.
A special episode of Pacific Rim: Less than a month away from Wrestle Kingdom 14, Fumi Saito and Dave Meltzer get together to preview the top matches including what to expect from a Texas Death Match in Japan. In addition, Fumi and Dave's reaction to the 2019 Tokyo Sports Awards, looking back 25 years ago to All Japan Women in the Tokyo Dome, Higuchi and Hattori for the WON HOF and a lot more.
A special episode of Pacific Rim: Less than a month away from Wrestle Kingdom 14, Fumi Saito and Dave Meltzer get together to preview the top matches including what to expect from a Texas Death Match in Japan. In addition, Fumi and Dave's reaction to the 2019 Tokyo Sports Awards, looking back 25 years ago to All Japan Women in the Tokyo Dome, Higuchi and Hattori for the WON HOF and a lot more.
Wrestle Kingdom 14 is one month away. Pacific Rim with Fumi Saito and Jim Valley spotlight some of the must-see wrestling cards, locations, stores, restaurants and attractions for Wrestling Week in Tokyo. Fumi also gives his thoughts on potential changes and challenges ahead for Stardom. Muta, Aldis and much more.
FREE SHOW. Less of an interview and more like a conversation between two long-time friends. Pacific Rim with Chris Jericho and Fumi Saito. Some rare stories about their early days as friends in the 90s and key moments of Jericho's career. Plus, Jericho talks about how last week's AEW Dynamite segment with MJF came together and the priorities driving some of the outcomes you've seen so far in AEW. Fumi Saito is Japan's leading pro wrestling authority. Along with Jim Valley, Pacific Rim provides context for Wrestling Observer subscribers on Japanese wrestling news and history. A great companion show for both the new and longtime fan.
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, Stardom and the chance we'll see the return of Io and Kairi, Kenny Omega's visa issues, Chris Jericho at the Tokyo Dome, NJPW Tag League, Kento Miyahara and much more.
Stardom is a small Japanese company that also happens to be the most successful and influential women's promotion in the world. In this episode of Pacific Rim, Fumi Saito and Dave Meltzer explain why it was acquired by Bushiroad and not WWE, Bushiroad"s plans for the future, WWE's strategy in Japan, the history of Japanese women's wrestling and why this acquisition could end up being a very significant move in the history wrestling business.
With fans in Sacramento upset about the finish to WWE Hell in a Cell, we look back at the history of riots at wrestling cards in Japan. We also discuss unfounded rumors about Harold Meij and Minoru Suzuki, Kabuki Warriors, our thoughts on HIAC, the significance of October 9th and much more.
THIS IS A RESEND. Do you know the significance of September 30th in Japanese wrestling? You will if you listen to the latest episode of Pacific Rim. Fumi Saito talks about the significance of the date, plus the career of the late Rick Bogner, NJPW East Coast Tour, New Year's Dash, your #AskFumi questions and much more.