Another Filsinger Games edition of KoPW is here and what better time than GalactiCon season! It's a different con this year in light of the pandemic, but it might just be the best chance for lots of fans to attend in the virtual space. I'm joined by Todd and Mike to discuss the con, the newest game editions, and so much more! Plus stay tuned at the end for a brief update on the King's Road project.

King of Pro Wrestling Podcast

Filsinger Games - GalactiCon 2020, Origins 2136, & More

It's finally here. Any longtime followers of KOPW are aware of my love of 90s AJPW and my desire to chart the decade in podcast form. I have finally taken the plunge and present to you the first part of a series diving deep into the King's Road. In this episode we journey through the beginnings of puroresu, the major players at the genesis of AJPW, and the lead up to the pivotal matches that set the table for the 1990s in All Japan. Names like Rikidozan, Lou Thesz, the Destroyer, Giant Baba, Stan Hansen, and, of course, Jumbo Tsuruta and Genichiro Tenryu. In addition to the prologue we also take a look at three matches: Tsuruta v Hansen 4/18/89 “The Triple Crown” Tsuruta v Tenryu 4/20/89 "First Defense" Tsuruta v Tenryu 6/5/89 "The Blueprint" I hope you will join me for this ride through one of the finest decades in the history of professional wrestling. Missing Pieces - I want to take a moment to discuss some of the pieces left out of the episode. Toyonobori is a name that western audiences may not recognize as much as Rikidozan, but he was a star in the early days of puro - second only to Rikidozan. His team with the JWA founder and battles against him propelled him to the number 2 spot in Japan. After Rikidozan's death, he would lead the promotion as it's top star until a schism that saw him depart to form Tokyo Pro Wrestling. He took along with him one of the hottest young talents of the promotion and promised to make him a star - Antonio Inoki. Within a few years TPW failed and they left for IPW only for Inoki to find his way back to the JWA before forming NJPW. Jumbo Tsuruta was an amateur wrestling talent and even competed in the 1972 Olympics in Greco-Roman wrestling. He did not amass any wins during the Olympic Games. Genichiro Tenryu's sumo background included wrestling for the same stable that Rikidozan had belonged to. He reached the top division of sumo, similar again to Rikidozan, but after friction with his new stablemaster, he left the sport at the relatively young age of 26. Stan Hansen began wrestling in Japan for NJPW in 1977 and became a huge star immediately. His reputation from breaking Bruno's neck preceded him and he was an immediate threat to NJPWs top talent. He abruptly jumped ship to AJPW and it was a jump that had lasting effects on the power dynamics of puroresu. He is considered to be among the most, if not THE most, legendary gaijin of puroresu. Thank so much for taking the time to listen. I don't claim to be perfect or know everything and appreciate any and all comments, criticisms, and dialogue about this fantastic era of pro-wrestling. Thank you to Matt Charlton (@shiningwizardds) & Eddie Kingston (@madking1981) for their inspiration and support on this project - even if they don't know it. Hit me up on Twitter @kopw72 Chapters - 00:00 - Genesis 04:47 - What Is Past... 17:53 - ...Is Prologue 30:24 - The Belts 35:54 - The Triple Crown 43:37 - First Defense 52:46 - The Blueprint 1:01:46 - What's Next?

King's Road: A 90s AJPW Retrospective Part 1

My immediate thoughts on AEW's Double or Nothing pay-per-view! What's my reaction to Stadium Stampede? What were my favorite matches? Did the PPV provide much needed enjoyment in a time that had been marked by darkness and tragedy in the wrestling community? (Spoiler alert: YES!) Check it out and hit me up with your feedback over on the Twitter @kopw72 Thanks for listening!

AEW Double Or Nothing 2020 Reaction

No intro music, no flash, no script, ho hot takes - just some time spent thinking about Hana Kimura, fatherhood, loss, grief, love, compassion, and community. No anger or hate in here either. Take care and be well. Reach out for help if you need it. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255

Hana Kimura, Shad Gaspard, & Owen Hart

It's time to dive into some of the DVDs I've been watching during quarantine. First up - "Harley Race: The Greatest Wrestler on God's Green Earth" and the superb "Championship Wrestling from Florida: The Story of Wrestling in the Sunshine State". Ellbow Productions and Highspots.com have done an excellent job on these docs and I give my thoughts on each. What's good? What's not so good? What's great? And should you give them a watch (spoiler: yes!)

CWF & Harley Race Documentary Reviews - 4:30:20, 12.01 PM

I had the pleasure of speaking to Matt Charlton again for this episode. We chat about his new - and first - book, "J-Crowned: An Illustrated Guide to the Champions of Japanese Wrestling" - the genesis of the project, favorite bits of art, decisions on the flow of the book, favorite matches, and so much more. It's always a joy to chat with Matt and this was no exception. We spent a bit of time at the front of the interview talking about the current lockdowns and circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic and while I feel it was a positive and interesting discussion, I know it might not be for everyone - that said, discussion about his book beings around the 19 minute mark. You can order your copy of "J-Crowned" in either electronic or print format at Amazon today! And don't forget to visit Matt on Twitter @shiningwizardds or instagram @shiningwizarddesigns for a commission or to check out his fantastic artwork. And be sure to check out Hybrid Shoot at @hybridshoot on Twitter or hybridshoot.com for more great titles coming soon!

Matt Charlton & "J-Crowned"

A quick update on the state of KoPW and what you can expect in the future!

State of the Podcast - April 2020

Back with another episode of Filsinger Games Goodness! I'm joined by Todd Joerchel and Mike Melesky to discuss all the first quarter releases including the Best of Mexico set with names like Rey Horus, Laredo Kid, Flamita, and Mil Muertes! We also chat about the Legends Ladies 2 set with the Fabulous Moolah, Mildred Bukre, and more! Of course, that's not even close to being the end, because Mike goes deep into Future Shock: CWF 2116! He answers just about every question put to him and offers some big hints for what's in store in 2117 and beyond! Tune in and check out all of this plus a state of Filsinger Games overview for 2020, Galacticon 2020 notes, Promoter Prime cards, and more! Make sure to visit the message boards for all the latest: https://filsingergames.proboards.com

Filsinger Games - CWF 2116, Legends Ladies 2, Best of Mexico, and more!

Todd Joerchel and Mike Melesky join Sam again for another slice of Filsinger Games goodness! We're talking about the new Legends V Expansion set that features none other than Big Van Vader and Davey Boy Smith as Headliners! We also cover the Reimagined 2089 set as managers make their first appearance in the CotG universe and the new artwork for the cards. But that's not all! We also welcome Zeke Gould to the show and talk about his numerous signings for the indy side of the game. Who are his favorite signings? How far has he gone to sign talent? What are some funny stories from signings? Zeke is an institution in the Filsinger Games community and we were excited to get a peek behind all the hard work he's put into making sure we have the top talent in the game. Names like Kenny Omega are in the game because of Zeke! It's a packed episode and we're only getting started. Stay tuned for more in the New Year! Now, before Santa Wolf devours all your cookies, download and listen to this episode!

Filsinger Games - Holiday Releases! New Legends, 2089 Reimagined, & more!

Sam is joined again by Todd & Mike from Filsinger Games to wrap-up the annual Galacticon event from last month. Todd also brings a very special interview with the Filsinger Games Legends crew, Chad Olson, Cory Olson, and Tim Dalton, as they report from Waterloo, Iowa (not only the birthplace of your host) site of the George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame! Hear all about their entry into the world of CotG, the genesis of the Legends line, and some of their favorite stories from GCons past and wrestler signings. Plus we shine a spotlight on one of the most legendary Champions of the Galaxy wrestlers, Spike!

Filsinger Games - Legends Team Interview, GCon Wrap-up, & more!

Sam returns with a special episode and new format spotlighting Filsinger Games' Champions of the Galaxy line! Joined by Director of Ops, Todd Joerchel and author of Future Shock - CWF 2115, Mike Melesky, we talk about all the current Filsinger Games news and go behind the scenes of the latest edition of sci-fi/comic book inspired wrestling action. We chat a bit about the Legends of Wrestling line and upcoming expansion set. Plus, we cover the upcoming Galacticon, a celebration of all things Filsinger Games! This is the first of much more covering the worlds of the universe's most fantastic wrestling card game(s) including Champions of the Galaxy, Legends of Wrestling, and the Indy Wrestling lines as well.

Filsinger Games - Future Shock, Galacticon, & more!

We're back to talk about our namesake show: King of Pro Wrestling! Plus tons of discussion about all the rumors swirling around the backstage situation and contract negotiations. We also devote some time to discussing WWE's Crown Jewel and the controversy stemming from it. It's good to be back and we've got more on the way soon! Hit us up on Twitter @KoPW72 and don't foret to hit that subscribe button and leave us a review! Special thanks as always to The Hails for our intro and outro music!

KOPW Returns: KoPW Coverage, Contract News & Rumors, Crown Jewel - Episode 25

We are back to talk about the Destruction tour! Plus we've got some interesting news and notes, previews, and the much anticipated return of our Classic Match segment is announced with a match for next episode! All this and more! Special thanks to the Hails for our theme music. Huge shout out to Betsy Frymire for the incredible and much loved logo! And, of course, don't be shy, come find us on Twitter @kopw72, subcribe on iTunes and leave us that review.

Destruction & Catching Up - Episode 24

In this episode we have a fun interview direct from Podcast Row at Starrcast with the 2018 PWG BOLA winner, Jeff Cobb. We talk about his work in NJPW, the transition to working the style, what he likes about it, selling, telling stories, Matt Riddle, and what's next! You won't want to miss a fun, honest, and open interview with a passionate performer like the King of Hawaiian Strong Style, Jeff Cobb. Then we move on to an in depth and wide ranging interview with Matt Charlton, the illustrator of Eggshells: Pro Wrestling in the Tokyo Dome by brother Chris Charlton. We talk about his art, his love and passion for pro wrestling, NJPW, Pro Wrestling NOAH, Joshi wrestling, and so much more! Make sure to his that subscribe button so you won't miss any of our upcoming Destruction coverage! As always, a big thanks to the Hails for their awesome music!

Jeff Cobb & Matt Charlton Interviews (Episode 23)

Here it is: our special All In coverage! We kick off with thoughts recorded at Starrcast, less than 24 hours removed from attending the historic show live. We then move into our thoughts a week later after letting the show sink in a bit. We also tease our NJPW Destruction coverage for next week! And keep your eyes peeled as we'll be delivering special bonus content like interviews and NJPW discussion recorded live from Podcast Row at Starrcast in the coming weeks! Plus we'll have our special interview with Matt Charlton (@ShiningWizardDs) up soon as well! Make sure you hit subscribe, leave us that 5-star review you've been meaning to, & follow us @kopw72 on Twitter to come along for the exciting ride we're on as we endeavour to be THE New Japan Pro Wrestling podcast!

Episode 22 - ALL IN

A weekly podcast from two fans of professional wrestling focusing on New Japan Pro Wrestling, but taking time talk about WWE, ROH, and Independent Wrestling as well.

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King of Pro Wrestling Podcast

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