Podcast · Sport

The Puro Wrestling Academy

by The WrestleCopia Network · English · Sport

Class is in session at the Puro Wrestling Academy! Join host Dan Ginnetty, as he travels back in time and discusses the ins and outs of the history of Pro Wrestling in Japan. Dan has spent decades studying the world of Japanese Wrestling and now he offers up his historian-level knowledge for the Eng

New episodes: Every two weeks
Typical length: 1 hr 45 min
Latest: 12 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

12 Oct 2026 · 1 hr 34 minNew

PURO #16: Puroresu Academy 1964 (Life After Rikidozan, Baba Returns, Inoki Departs)

Dan Ginnetty and Ray Russell are back as The Puroresu Academy enters 1964 and Japanese Pro Wrestling faces its greatest test yet: life after Rikidozan. We explore how the JWA’s four pillars of Toyonobori, Yoshinosato, Kokichi Endo, and Michiaki Yoshimura take responsibility for holding the promotion together and carrying their late leader’s vision forward. Toyonobori takes the main event slot, while Giant Baba’s growing push offers a glimpse of the superstar who will help define Japanese wrestling’s future. Baba’s homecoming brings out 20,000 fans in Sanjo, giving the hometown boy made good…

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Earlier episodes 16 most recent

E15 · 28 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 36 min
PURO #15: Puroresu Academy Returns! (1963 - Part 2, Rikidozan Killed!)
After a lengthy absence, the Puroresu Academy Podcast is finally back as "The Professor of Puroresu" Dan Ginnetty and Ray Russell resume the journey through the history of Japanese professional wrestling. We spend some time at the beginning of the program re-familiarizing the listeners with the Top 8 players in Japan as of 1963. Rikidozan remains the unquestioned king of the JWA, but Giant Baba is rapidly emerging, Antonio Inoki is still fighting his way up the native ranks, and trusted veterans Toyonobori, Michiaki Yoshimura, Kokichi Endo and Yoshinosato each occupy vital roles within the…
E14 · 3 Feb 2025 · 1 hr 50 min
PURO #14: JWA 1963, Part 1 (Gorillas, Haystacks, & Killers... OH MY!)
The Puro Wrestling Academy returns for the Season Finale episode, as Professor Dan Ginnetty & Ray Russell cover the first 8 months of 1963 in Japan. Giant Baba returns from his 2 -Year North American excursion, the 5th Annual World League is upon us, Rikidozan married for a 4th time, even in losing Antonio Inoki continues to generate much-needed experience, "Mammoth" Suzuki demoted to a "Gorilla", Toyonobori comes out of hiding due to gambling debts (again), a young Umanosuke Ueda appears, rules of a Japanese Battle Royal, Buddy Rogers' entourage, both Killer X and Mr. ZERO unmasked. Plus, a…
E13 · 24 Nov 2024 · 1 hr 55 min
PURO #13: (1962) Vampire Blassie Wreaks Havoc, Baba's U.S. Excursion
The Puro Wrestling Academy returns, as Professor Dan Ginnetty & Ray Russell talk 1962 in Puroresu History. Just some of the topics include, "Vampire" Fred Blassie wreaking havoc in his feud with Rikidozan, hear how Blassie's bloody style left some fans DEAD (literally)! Plus. we discuss World Title Changes, Tag Title Changes, the 4th Annual World League, Thesz vs. Rikidozan, Kanji Inoki renamed "Antonio", Kintaro Oki Updates, Giant Baba's success in North America, many familiar foreign talent compete such as Dick Hutton, Mike Sharpe, Luther Lindsay, Ricky Waldo, Buddy Austin, Skull Murphy,…
E12 · 2 Nov 2024 · 1 hr 46 min
PURO #12: (1961) Great Antonio Arrives, Bill Miller Unmasks, Inoki Ascends, More
It's time for another edition of the Puro Wrestling Academy, as Dan Ginnetty & Ray Russell talk the year of 1961 in Japan. We look at the Third World League Tournament, The Great Antonio’s rise (and fall), an epic Title vs. Mask showdown, Kintaro Oki’s breaking out, Antonio Inoki moving up the card, Giant Baba leaving for the U.S., Rikidozan attempts to promote boxing and forces his local talent to build him a new wrestling complex, there’s also multiple unmaskings including the Zebra Kid, Bill Miller,, Lord James Blears, & others! Plus, additional topics including The Ultimate Warrior,…
E11 · 11 Oct 2024 · 1 hr 41 min
PURO #11: (1960) INOKI & BABA DEBUT!
NEW Puro Wrestling Academy w/Dan Ginnetty & Ray Russell is here! We talk the huge year of 1960 in Japan as business is BOMING! How Rikidozan finds Inoki AND Baba in an unbelievable story. Then, it's the DEBUT of Antonio Inoki, and the DEBUT of Shohei "Giant" Baba in the ring! Plus, the 2nd Annual World League Tournament. Toyonobori's Troubles. The Ricky Waldo story. Hombre Montana arrives in Japan, Yoshimura moves to Heavyweight, Yoshinosato vacates the Light weight title as he becomes Junior Champion, New Light Heavyweight Champion crowned, Midget Matches, King Curtis Iaukea, Tex McKenzie,…
E10 · 25 Sep 2024 · 1 hr 42 min
PURO #10: (1959) World League Tourney Debuts, Mr. Atomic Unmasked, More
It's time for another session of the Puro Wrestling Academy w/Dan Ginnetty & Ray Russell. This time out we look at the year of 1959 in Japanese Wrestling History. A ton of firsts as Rikidozan turns his misfortunes around... The first ever World League Tournament, the debut of "Mr. Atomic", the first ever unmasking in Japan, the first color TV broadcast of Japanese wrestling, the first ever TV Studio wrestling bout in Japan... and the first real blade job(?)! Plus, MR. ATOMIC DEBUTS, Yoshinosato & Kokichi Endo Return, Enrique Torres, King Kong Czaya, Lord James Blears, Mike Paidousis, Danny…
E9 · 11 Sep 2024 · 1 hr 35 min
PURO #09: (1958) Shady Business, Rikidozan Dethrones Thesz, Azumafuji Retires!
" The Professor of Puroresu" Dan Ginnetty and Ray Russell back with the latest edition of the Puro Wrestling Academy! This week we cover the year of 1958 in the world of Japanese wrestling history (and even dive into early 1959). Many of the topics discussed on this episode include... The JWA going from TWO weekly TV programs to having their shows CANCELED, leading to the company essentially fading to black for SIX LONG MONTHS! We question the reasoning and rumors as to why Rikidozan competed in only one match in Japan over the course of the first 8 months of the year. Stories of…
E8 · 17 Jul 2024 · 1 hr 41 min
PURO #08: (1957) NWA Champ Lou Thesz, Bobo Brazil, Hiro Matsuda, Weekly TV, More!
The Puro Wrestling Academy w/Dan Ginnetty & Ray Russell returns with a special "summer school" session of the program, covering 1957 in Japan! We talk Hiro Matsuda's disdain for Rikidozan and his drive to "make it" in the business, Weekly TV begins, and NWA World Champion Lou Thesz comes to Japan to defend against Rikidozan. Plus, Bobo Brazil, Adrian Baillargeon, the Junior Title changes hands, the mystery of "Black Jimmy" is solved, & so much more! Available everywhere your Podcast Streaming needs are met. Please Subscribe to our Patreon to help pay the bills,…
E7 · 19 Jun 2024 · 1 hr 50 min
PURO #07: (1956) World Tag Title Change! Two New Tours! Riki Travels Abroad!
This week on The Puro Wrestling Academy, Dan Ginnetty & Ray Russell school us on the entire year of 1956 in the world of Puroresu. Rikidozan & Kokichi Endo capture the NWA World Tag Team Titles from The Sharpe Brothers (Mike & Ben). Plans are made to bring in the soon to be (once again) NWA Champion Lou Thesz. Rikidozan travels to Southeast Asia to rekindle his rivalry with King Kong Czaya. The JWA presents two more full-length tours lasting more than 60 events! Plus, we catch up with Masahiko Kimura, Unified Champions are created, and we talk names like Tom Rice, Mike Mazurki, Surugaumi,…
E6 · 5 Jun 2024 · 1 hr 51 min
PURO #06: (1955) Champions Crowned, Primo Carnera vs. Rikidozan, & King Kong Arrives!
The Puro Wrestling Academy w/Dan Ginnetty & Ray Russell Returns! This week we finish covering the year of 1955 as Rikidozan & Azumafuji return from the States as the JWA presents two more tours in Japan. Includes Primo Carnera, Jess Ortega, King Kong Czaya, Bob Orton Sr., Bud Curtis, Dara Singh, Tiger Joginder, the first Japanese Wrestling Champions are crowned, some Magazine talk, Booking 101 is the same everywhere, Wrestling explodes on Japanese TV, and Kids... don't try this at home! Available everywhere your Podcast Streaming needs are met. Please Subscribe to our Patreon to help pay the…
E5 · 21 May 2024 · 1 hr 51 min
PURO #05: (1954/55) Rikidozan SHOOTS on Kimura, Mildred Burke Tour, Wrestling in a Pool!
Welcome back to The Puro Wrestling Academy w/Dan Ginnetty & Ray Russell! This is a huge week in the history of Puroresu as we continue discussing 1954 and into 1955... This week we talk the infamous worked match turned SHOOT between Rikidozan vs. Masahiko Kimura, Mildred Burke and her ladies troupe, Wrestling in a Swimming Pool, Rikidozan slays the "3-Headed Snake" by defeating Yamaguchi, then Riki returns to the States for another tour, plus the debuts of Toyonobori & Azumafuji, & so much more! Available everywhere your Podcast Streaming needs are met. Please Subscribe to our Patreon to…
E4 · 13 May 2024 · 1 hr 45 min
PURO #04: (1954) JWA Tours, All Japan Launches, Kimura Jobs, Sharpes Dominate
This week, class is back in session with Dan Ginnetty & Ray Russell as we look into 1954... We dive into TWO separate JWA Tours, Toshio Yamaguchi launches All Japan (Version 1), Kimura gets jobbed, The Sharpe Brothers reign supreme, Rikidozan thrives, Hans Schnabel & Lou Newman arrive as "Champions", more early TV wrestling results from Japan, matches taking place in the water(?!), Yoshinosato debuts, plus we talk Bobby Bruns, Kokichi Endo, Mitsuo Surugaumi, and so much more! Please Subscribe to our Patreon to help pay the bills, https://www.patreon.com/wrestlecopia Includes the $5 “All…
E3 · 6 May 2024 · 1 hr 39 min
PURO #03: (1953 - 1954) First Tour, First TV, The JWA Is Born!
Dan Ginnetty & Ray Russell are back to continue to tell the story of PURORESU! This week we finish up Rikidozan's first tour of the United States in early 1953, and talk the "3-headed snake" of Rikidozan, Masahiko Kimura, & Toshio Yamaguchi who all attempt to run their own promotions in 1953 Japan! From there, we discuss Rikidozan vs. NWA World Champion Lou Thesz, the first ever Wrestling Events to be aired on Japanese TV, and the birth of the JWA. Other topics include "Juken" Matches, Kokichi Endo, The Rikidozan Dojo, Hawaii Promoter Al Karasick, Bobby Bruns, San Francisco Promoter Joe…
E2 · 22 Apr 2024 · 2 hr 7 min
PURO #02: (1951 - 1952) Kimura Lock, Helio Gracie, More!
This week Dan Ginnetty & Ray Russell pick up where we left off in 1951 and travel through the entire year of 1952. We introduce two new names to the fold in Toshio Yamaguchi & the legendary Masahiko Kimura. We discuss the first year in the wrestling business for Rikidozan and take a thorough look into his 1952 Record book. We do a deep dive into Rikidozan's opponents that helped contribute to building the star. We talk the legendary battle between the Godfater of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu - Helio Gracie vs. the man the Kimura Lock is named after, Masahiko Kimura. Listen in as we continue to show…
E1 · 15 Apr 2024 · 1 hr 45 min
PURO #01: The Beginnings Of Puroresu! (1880s - 1951)
The time has arrived, as we begin our journey through the history of Japanese Professional Wrestling (Puroresu)! Host Dan Ginnetty and I (Ray Russell) go all the way back to the beginnings in the early 1880s with Sumo's Sorakichi Matsuda and work our way forward to the very first full-fledged tour of Pro Wrestling in Japan, circa 1951. We discuss several failed attempts at wrestlers attempting to bring Pro Wrestling to Japan in the late 1800's and early 1900s. We discuss names like William Muldoon, Ad Santel, Boxing Legend Joe Louis, Harold "Oddjob" Sakata, Bobby Bruns, Promoter Al Karasick,…
8 Apr 2024 · 46 min
PURO ZERO!!! Setting the Stage w/Dan Ginnetty!
Welcome to the launching pad of The Puro Wrestling Academy Podcast with the Professor of Puroresu himself, Dan Ginnetty & Ray Russell! In this episode we set the stage for the things to come. We look into Dan's background in studying Japanese Wrestling history, and also his former TV show where Dan produced American commentary over legendary Japanese matches for the better part of six years! Tune in for 45 minutes of fun, get to know Dan before we REALLY begin the ride on the next episode! Available everywhere your Podcast Streaming needs are met. Please Subscribe to our Patreon to help pay…

About The Puro Wrestling Academy

The Puro Wrestling Academy is a English sport podcast from The WrestleCopia Network. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: The WrestleCopia Network
Language: English
Category: Sport
New episodes: Every two weeks
Typical length: 1 hr 45 min
Latest episode: 12 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1729897281

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