Speaking of Strong Style - An NJPW podcast

Fobidden Door 2 Preview with Kevin Ely, Road to Strong, Is New Japan Losing its English Voice?

Steven Conway and Jeremy Finestone are joined by Kevin Ely from The BOOM program to talk all things Forbidden Door! The trio discussed the matches announced and did some supposing on what other matches might come up in the coming days leading up to the Pay-Per-View. They talked about possible scenarios for Kenny Omega versus Will Ospreay, why Bryan Danielson versus Kazuchika Okada is the dream match of dream matches, why SANADA versus Jungle Boy Jack Perry could be a career-changer, and what Hiroshi Tanahashi and MJF means to the wrestlers involved. They also talked about the recent Road to Strong shows, setting up two very interesting cards at Korakuen Hall, in early July, Jun Kasai bringing his brand of mayhem to an NJPW ring, plus an ageless Yuji Nagata main event in Chiba. They also talked about how Hiromu Takahashi guilted Shingo Takagi into being in his corner. Jeremy, Steven and Kevin also shared their thoughts on this era of promotional cooperation, and why it's healthy for everyone. It's a great discussion for any New Japan fan!
 
 

All Together Again Recap, G1 Blocks Revealed, Forbidden Door2 Duscussion

Jeremy Finestone and Steven Conway return with a new edition of Speaking of Strong Style! The pair looked at the All Together Again show, which featured New Japan, Pro Wrestling NOAH and All Japan talent, who shined and who took it easy. They also talked about Kosei Fujita's announcement he's no longer a young lion, and compared his class of trainees to some of the great classes of the past, which included talks of Shota Umino, Ren Narita, Great O-Khan, Master Wato and Yota Tsuji. Steven and Jeremy took an early look at the G1 blocks, made their early guesses on who may advance to the knockout stages, and wondered why Gedo does this to himself. Plus, they talked about the upcoming NJPW Strong shows in Tokyo, which will feature deathmatch star Jun Kasai, Jon Moxley and El Desperado. Speaking of Strong Style is your best source for news and analysis of New Japan Pro Wrestling!
 
 

Dominion Breakdown, All Together Again Preview with Justin Knipper, Dream Matches coming

Steven Conway and Jeremy Finestone are back with a super-sized episode of Speaking of Strong Style! Jeremy and Steven broke down the Dominion card, which featured some great matches, including SANADA's title defense against new star Yota Tsuji, and why the company pumped the brakes on the youth movement for a night, They also discussed the fantastic six-man tag team match with Okada, Tomohiro Ishii and Hiroshi Tanahashi going up against the Blackpool Combat Club's Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli and Umino, and how it will lead to one of the great dream matches of our time, Okada versus Bryan Danielson. They were also joined by Japanese wrestling expert and historian Justin Knipper, who helped the pair preview the All Together Again show, which has All Japan and NOAH talent joining the New Japan crew for some fascinating matchups. They also talked about the G1 lineup, how Eddie Kingston will check one off his bucket list by participating, and why Kaito Kiyomiya will be a factor in the tourney. With all that plus more Bullet Club turns to talk about, this episode is a must for New Japan fans!
 
 

Best of Super Juniors 30 Finals, Dominion Preview, Blackpool Combat Club NJPW Debut

Jeremy Finestone and Steven Conway return with a new episode of Speaking of Strong Style! Steven and Jeremy discussed the end of the Best of the Super Juniors 30, going over the semifinals and final matches including Mike Bailey, Master Wato, El Desperado and Titan. They talked about how Wato has stepped up his game, why Titan is different than luchadores seen in the past, and if New Japan is telling a story about El Desperado struggling to win the "big one." They also went over injury news regarding Taiji Ishimori, Dan Moloney and Mark Davis of Aussie Open. The pair also previewed the big Dominion card this weekend, including why Steven thinks Yota Tsuji will win the IWGP title from SANADA. They looked at each match from the card, including Hiromu Takahashi versus Wato, David Finlay versus El Phantasmo, and the fascinating six-man tag team match featuring Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli and Shota Umino facing Kazuchika Okada, Hiroshi Tanahashi and Tomohiro Ishii. It's a loaded show with all you need to know going into one of New Japan's biggest nights of the year!
 

New Japan Injury News, BOSJ 30, Resurgence Reviewed

Steven Conway and Jeremy Finestone are back with another episode of Speaking of Strong Style! After a busy week, the pair talked about the recent rash on injuries to Mercedes Mone, Will Ospreay, Taiji Ishimori and Mark Davis, as well as how those injuries may affect plans going forward. They also discussed how Tony Khan should go with this whole Willow Nightengale thing, since everyone seems to love her, and for good reason. They also covered the Resurgence card, including a fun women's tournament (until the injury, anyway), a terrific six-man tag team match featuring CHAOS and Blackpool Combat Club, a really good street fight and a title change that will make for a better title match going forward. Jeremy also made a bold prediction that we'll be seeing Jon Moxley versus Kazuchika Okada before the end of summer. The pair also covered Best of the Super Juniors, their favorite matches involving stars such as Hiromu Takahashi, Mike Bailey, Lio Rush, El Desperado, Francesco Akira and even Ryuske Taguchi. They also made their predictions on who will come away with the trophy in 2023. It's all here for fans of New Japan Pro Wrestling!
 
 

Best of the Super Juniors30 Begins, New Japan Resurgence Preview

It's the one-year anniversary of Speaking of Strong Style! Jeremy Finestone and Steven Conway are celebrating by breaking down one of the busiest weeks of the year! The pair talked Best of the Super Juniors 30 tournament, how Mike Bailey made a great early impression, how Francesco Akira, Kevin Knight, Douki, Taiji Ishimori and Robbie Eagles are having great tournaments, and how favorites such as El Desperado and Hiromu Takahashi have been put in a little jeopardy early. They also discussed Clark Connors' dangerous attitude, TJP's smoothness, YOH's new edge and how Yoshinobu Kanemaru's veteran presence have all helped make this a wonderful tournament thus far. Steven and Jeremy also previewed the Resurgence card and how an upcoming STARDOM title match might give some hints on what will happen with the Strong Women's Title tournament. They also covered some Yota Tsuji news, and Jeremy offered up a theory that Kazuchika Okada could become involved in AEW and Kenny Omega's major storyline. For a year now, Speaking of Strong Style has delivered all you need to know about New Japan!
 
 

Dontaku Review, BOSJ Preview, Blackpool Combat Club is Coming to Resurgence and Dominion

Steven Conway and Jeremy Finestone break down an eventful Wrestling Dontaku card and more in the latest edition of Speaking of Strong Style. Jeremy and Steven went through the Dontaku card match by match, talking about the results and angles. They discussed their belief that Yota Tsuji is a special talent, and why they think New Japan is onto something by pushing him right into the Dominion main event against IWGP World Heavyweight Champion SANADA. They also talked about the other major matches, why David Finlay needed to look vicious against Tama Tonga, why El Phantasmo made good strides toward being a babyface, and where all this Jon Moxley-Shota Umino-Kazuchika Okada rivalry could be going (if Jeremy is right, it's something big). They covered Hikuleo's win over KENTA, why Zack Sabre Jr. and Jeff Cobb needed to work a 15-minute draw, and why Aussie Open's challenge for a three-way match at Dominion improved the card. The pair also previewed a busy first week in the Best of Super Juniors tournament and picked their favorites to be in contention for the semifinals. It's another packed show that will bring you all you need to know about New Japan!

Moxley and Mercedes Return, Road to Dontaku Title Matches Reviewed, Dontaku Preivew

Jeremy Finestone and Steven Conway are back with another episide of Speaking of Strong Style. Steven and Jeremy talked about the recent title matches in NJPW, how Kevin Knight was launched with KUSHIDA to junior heavyweight tag team gold, how Shane Haste and Mikey Nicholls passed the torch to Aussie Open, how Hiromu Takahashi sold like a champ for a dramatic match against Yoshinobu Kanemaru, and how Taichi and Shingo Takagi put on a clinic in building drama in their KOPW match. Jeremy and Steven also talked Kazuchika Okada, and the rough waters ahead for the former champion. Will he turn on his partners at Dontaku? Or will one of them walk out on him? The pair looked at those possibilities in their preview of Dontaku, which included the big IWGP title match between SANADA and Hiromu, whether Davied Finlay should win the NEVER Openweight title, Zack Sabre Jr. versus Jeff Cobb for the TV title. They also looked ahead to Resurgence, and how Jon Moxley has been added to a show that already had Will Ospreay and Hiroshi Tanahashi on the marquee, plus a tournament to establish yet another title. They also discussed why Willow Nightingale might be a better pick than Mercedes Mone for this belt. It's all you need to know about New Japan in one show!

What’s Next for Mercedes Mone? Wrestling Dontaku Preview

Steven Conway and Jeremy Finestone are back with Speaking of Strong Style! The pair talked Mercedes Mone, including her excellent title match loss to Mayu Iwatani at All-Star Dream Queendom, her run of matches in a red-hot women's promotion, and her new deal with New Japan and STARDOM. They also kicked around possibilities for Mone at the Resurgence card in May and other matchups for Mone in the future. Jeremy and Steven also talked about the Road to Dontaku, including the new stipulation for the Shingo Takagi-Taichi King of Pro Wrestling title match, the mystery of Kazuchika Okada's tag team partners, and what the future holds for Boltin Oleg. They discussed Tetsuya Naito and BUSHI's upcoming All Japan appearance and some possiblities for more crossovers. They also previewed some upcoming title matches. All this, plus a look at Hirooki Goto's career on the 20th anniversary of his debut. Speaking of Strong Style is your best resource for being up to date on all things New Japan!

Aussie Open win at Capital Collision, Clark Connors Joins Bullet Club, Cheering Crowds, Road to Dontaku Preview

Jeremy Finestone and Steven Conway return with a new edition of Speaking of Strong Style! This week, they broke down the news and angles from two shows New Japan ran in the US, including Aussie Open adding Strong Tag Team gold to go with their IWGP titles, KENTA, Zack Sabre Jr. and Orange Cassidy making title defenses, and Clark Connors announced as the newest member of Bullet Club. The pair discussed how David Finlay is putting his own stamp and attitude on one of the most famous factions in wrestling, and why Juice Robinson's weekend plans had to be changed to fit them. Steven and Jeremy also discussed changes to the mask, capacity and cheering policies on New Japan shows. They also previewed upcoming events, including Hirooki Goto's Anniversary show, Mercedes Mone's IWGP Women's title defense against Mayu Iwantani at the biggest women's wrestling show in ages, and the upcoming Dontaku show. They even worked in a little Sakura Genesis history and shared some information on ticket prices, and New Japan is a downright reasonably-priced hobby. It's all here in one place for New Japan fans!