Speaking of Strong Style

Dontaku Preview, Moxley v Narita, Nemeth v Tanahashi, Shingo v Kidd

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, Jake Lee Attacks, Moxley defends, STARDOM All-Star Grand Queendom

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. 

Wrestling World, Road to Dontaku, Jon Moxley IWGP Champion

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.
 

Windy City Riot Breakdown with Josh from We Work Stiff

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.
 
 

Sakura Genesis, Windy City Riot, Akebono's Passing, Justin Knipper

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.
 
 

Sakura Genesis Preview and G1 Schedule

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.
 
 

Filthy Tom Lawlor Interview, LIJ v LIJ at Sakura Genesis

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. 

New Japan Cup Finals: Tsuji Makes His Mark, Goto Tugs Heartstrings

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?
 
 

New Japan Cup: House of Torture's Impact on the Tourney, Yoshie's Passing, Vaquer New Champ

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.
 
 

Special Guest Chris Samsa, New Japan Cup Begins, Jack Perry's NJPW Debut

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.