Speaking of Strong Style

EVIL is Vanquished: Destruction in Ryogoku Special

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. 

The Mystery of the Fifth Guy, WrestleDream and More

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.

Why, Uncle Nobu, Why? Destruction in Kobe: Great Main Event, Big Angle

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? 

SANADA Made Jeremy Sad: Why New Japan’s Main Event Angle Isn’t Working.

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.

Road to Destruction Goes Literal: Injuries Strike the Roster and NJPW Stars Around the World

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.

Road to Destruction: A Tour Begins, Kevin Kelly Announces His Coming Departure

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.

NJPW Wrestlers Around the World, Why Keeping Foreign Talent is a Challenge

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. 

NJPW in Philly, Terry Funk’s passing.

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.

Multiverse United 2 and ASJF: Two Cards of Chaos

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!

G1Climax Final Special Edition: Two Naito Classics in One Weekend, Big Angles and More

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.