Write That Down! The Life & Times of Hiro Matsuda

Fumi Saito & Justin Knipper return with a special feature on the legendary Hiro Matsuda, one of the most influential figures in modern pro wrestling history. From his early career in Japan to his trek into the Americas to establish himself as an important mover & shaker during the territorial days of pro wrestling in the US. Matsuda left a significant imprint on the industry not just as an in-ring talent, but maybe even more so as a trainer, having trained the likes of wrestling megastars like Hulk Hogan, Ron Simmons, Lex Luger, Scott Hall, & Hercules Hernandez, among others. In addition to being Japan’s first true freelancer, he also became the first Japanese native to invest in a foreign territory when he became shareholder of Championship Wrestling from Florida.Hiro Matsuda’s early days and his eventual trips through Peru, Mexico, and later Texas working for Morris SiegelWhere did the name ‘Hiro Matsuda’ come from?Matsuda’s rivalry with Danny HodgeBeating Hodge for the NWA World Jr Heavy title90-minute draws around the countryBefore Antonio Inoki, Hiro Matsuda was the first Japanese wrestler to use the German SuplexMatsuda & IWE: “American style” wrestlingMatsuda as shareholder of Championship Wrestling from FloridaMatsuda training big guys in Florida into the ’80s (Hogan, Paul Orndorf, Ron Simmons, Lex Luger, Scott Hall)In 1977, Matsuda jumps ship from AJPW to NJPWMatsuda “invades” NJPW w/ his guys in 1978Matsuda takes Fumi to see Hogan on Thunder in Paradise setLast match was in 1990 vs. Osamu KidoLearn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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