Speaking of Strong Style

This week, Steven and Jeremy previewed Dominion, looking at every match on the card. They mused on who might be the new X in House of Torture, whether Okada v Omega can live up to the past, Takeshita's role in New Japan, and a recap of the gonzo spectacle that was Yano v Super Sasadango Machine.   

This week, Steven and Jeremy had a free-flowing conversation covering the passing of a former IWGP Champion, Sumo's connections to pro wrestling with the promotion of Onosato to Yokozuna, and why Taichi has a strong run left in him. Steven unboxed a prize from the NJPW fan club, plus they broke down each match from the Best of the Super Juniors Finals.   

This week, Steven and Jeremy discussed the last block matches from the Best of the Super Junior tournament. They also talked about MAO bringing DDT-style wrestling to New Japan, if Kevin Knight's dual contract situation hurts his push, plus a finals preview.   

Steven was back with Jeremy after two weeks in Japan. He talked about seeing All Japan and STARDOM, the Tuduokan shop, going Ribera steakhouse, sponsors in wrestling and meeting Master Wato. Plus, NJPW and WWE's production, why Resurgence should be the Rocky V of New Japan and they looked at each wrestler in the BOSJ tournament.  

Jeremy Finestone is back solo with another episode of Speaking of Strong Style! With Steven Conway away in Japan, Jeremy reviewed NJPW Resurgence from Ontario, CA, as well as the first four nights of the Best of the Super Juniors 32! In addition, Jeremy fielded questions from the audience and discussed why Gabe Kidd on AEW Dynamite was a negative for him. Check out the show every Thursday at 5:30 pm eastern!

Jeremy Finestone is back with episode 163 of Speaking of Strong Style. Jeremy was joined by Scott E Wrestling later on in the show as a guest host and the pair discussed the latest with Naito, why David Finlay and EVIL is a good thing, and Tokyo Dome roles for Goto, Takeshita, Tsuji and Tanahashi. Also: Wrestling Dontaku match reviews; Resurgence Preview; and booking out the finals of BOSJ 32! 

Steven and Jeremy covered an excellent Redzone in Hiroshima show, featuring Tetsuya Naito's farewell to his second home. They also  previewed the two-night Wrestling Dontaku event and why they smell a rat when it comes to the Dog Pound match. Plus, they looked at the Super Junior blocks, Tanahashi's strong run, Takeshita v ELP times two, All-Star Grand Queendom and more.   

This week, Steven and Jeremy discussed some unprofessional behavior within and around New Japan's roster and how it doesn't help build matches. Steven looked back at the life of Hisashi Shimma and Jeremy talked about his WrestleMania weekend in Las Vegas. Plus, the guys looked at the current wrestling landscape with WWE's purchase of AAA, what it might mean for Japan and did a preview of this week's action.  

This week, Steven and Jeremy discussed the stunning announcement this week that Tetsuya Naito, BUSHI and Jeff Cobb were all leaving New Japan. They discussed what might be next for each other them, their impact on New Japan over the years and what's left of LIJ. Plus, Windy City Riot and why Konnosuke Takeshita is on a different level, Dontaku news, Resurgence lineup and more.  

Chris Samsa joined Steven and Jeremy as they discussed Sakura Genesis and Jr. Genesis, including Hirooki Goto's successful IWGP title defense against David Finlay, a divisive Hardcore match with El Desperado facing Clark Connors and SANADA turning on Bullet Club to join...another part of Bullet Club, why Konosuke Takeshita is perfect for New Japan, the future for Tetsuya Naito and Shota Umino, and more. Plus, a Windy City Riot preview.    

This week, Steven and Jeremy previewed the Sakura Genesis and Sakura Jr. Genesis cards, and whether it's time for David Finlay to end Hirooki Goto's run atop New Japan. They previewed each match from the two shows, with El Desperado and Clark Connors headlining Jr. Genesis in a hardcore match. They also talked about AEW signing Kevin Knight and where Oscar Leube and Yuto Nakashima might fit in upon their possible return from excursion.      

This week, Steven and Jeremy looked at each New Japan faction and its members. They also talked about "Queen of the Ring," Vince McMahon rumors, TNA's role in the wrestling world, New Japan Cup history, SANADA's saga, Sumo Wrestling and more. It was a wide-ranging discussion with fun listener interaction.      

Steven's audio issues are fixed during the show. Steven and Jeremy discussed the New Japan Cup, who had strong showings, how the members of War Dogs are perceived and the growth of Hontai. Plus, can Steven balance his drive to see wrestling in Japan and preserve his relationship?      

New Japan Cup is up and running! Steven and Jeremy discussed the twists and turns of the first two rounds, including David Finlay, Gabe Kidd and the War Dogs versus House of Torture, SANADA's loyalties, Shota Umino's new look and Uemura's momentum. Plus, the future of Jeff Cobb, Shinsuke Nakamura, broken rings and the end of CHAOS and GHB.    

This week, Steven and Jeremy reviewed the New Japan 53rd Anniversary show, headlined by Hirooki Goto and Hiroshi Tanahashi. They also discussed New Japan's current surge in attendance with Goto on top, and the lack of effort in the midcard. Plus, the week ahead with NJ Cup bracketology, Fantasticamania, the career of Osamu Nishimura and more.        

This week, Steven and Jeremy looked at the Fantasticamania 2025 show from Korakuen Hall and looked ahead to the Anniversary Show next week headlined by Hirooki Goto versus Hiroshi Tanahashi. They also talked about the current Bullet Club intrigue, previewed the New Japan Cup and looked at the Best of the Super Juniors schedule. Plus, Jeremy tried to talk Steven into attending All In.       

This week, Steven and Jeremy looked at the brackets for the New Japan Cup, and how the bracket teases some intriguing matches, Plus, they looked ahead to FantasticaMania 2025 and back at Gran Hamada, a pioneer of Lucha Libre in Japan. Jeremy also gave his thoughts on the NJPW documentary on Wrestle Kingdom.      

New Beginning had turns, returns, title changes and drama. Steven and Jeremy looked at each match on the show, including Zack Sabre Jr. versus Hirooki Goto in an emotional title match. Plus, Yota Tsuji versus Gabe Kidd, and how the War Dogs' direction changed. Shota Umino starts over, Naito and Hiromu v Young Bucks and Yuya Uemura returns.   

This week, Steven and Jeremy looked at the pair of Korakuen Hall shows leading up to the big New Beginning in Osaka card. Jeff Cobb's future, why Desperado and Fujita is such a great matchup and Taichi's revenge. Plus, a New Beginning preview. Goto v Sabre, is this finally Goto's time? Young Bucks versus Naito and Hiromu, Kidd v Tsuji and more!       

This week, Steven and Jeremy reviewed the recent Road to New Beginning show in Sendai, then looked ahead to El Phantasmo versus Jeff Cobb for the TV title and El Desperado versus Kosei Fujita in a Junior Heavyweight title clash. They revisited Hiroshi Tanahashi's ten-point plan, plus ideas for EVIL and Narita's futures. Also, a look at the history of the New Beginning show.       

This week, Steven and Jeremy looked at the three house shows, and how Hiroshi Tanahashi's Final Road goes through the Young Lions first. Plus, Zack Sabre's role as champion, Goto's chances of capturing the prize, United Pro Wrestling and its press conference, Tom Pestock's comments and how difficult life is for bookers.      

This week, Steven and Jeremy discussed the excellent Battle in the Valley show, which had a little bit of everything. It had an great brawl with Gabe Kidd and Tomohiro Ishii, a technical classic with Zack Sabre Jr. v Hechisero, an emotional roller coaster in Sumie Sakai's retirement match and more. They also looked ahead to Blue Justice XV, talked about upcoming main events, and looked at Steven's souvenir haul from Tokyo.      

Steven Conway and Jeremy Finestone are joined by Lyric Swinton! This week, Lyric shared her thoughts on Wrestle Kingdom, Wrestle Dynasty and the fallout from the big shows. The trio also discussed how New Japan is doing with their women's titles, Mayu Iwatani's future, the Chris Charlton controversy and how Zack Sabre Jr. can be the champion to transition the company from the past generation to the new one, Plus, the shared experience of attending a Wrestle Kingdom weekend in person and a Battle in the Valley preview.   

Jeremy Finestone and Steven Conway are back with a Wrestle Dynasty edition! It's episode 145 of Speaking of Strong Style, and the pair discussed each match from the Jan. 5 event. Kenny Omega and Gabe Kidd put together a match for the ages, and the pair talked about the deep psychology in the match, and how its story impacted the crowd. They also looked at a thrilling Tomohiro Ishii-Konosuke Takeshita match, and the good news we'll be seeing more of Takeshita to come. Plus, rehab wins for David Finlay over Brody King and Shota Umino over Claudio Castagnoli, a “grappling” match with no grappling between Hiroshi Tanahashi and Katsuyori Shibata, Mercedes Mone versus Mina Shirakawa and more. A fun show so check it out!

Steven Conway and Jeremy Finestone recap Wrestle Kingdom 19 in Episode 144! Steven gave his live-in-Tokyo perspective of a tremendous card headlined by Zack Sabre Jr. v Shota Umino. They broke down the entire card, discussing the ramifications of each match. They talked of the inner turmoil on display in the main event, the heavy psychology of the Tetsuya Naito v Hiromu Takahashi battle, why David Finlay and Yota Tsuji both stepped up big, the feel-good El Phantasmo and Hirooki Goto stories, the heartbreak of DOUKI's injury and why Mayu Iwatani and AZM should have gotten more time, and the reasons they didn't. It's the best recap of New Japan's biggest night!

Jeremy Finestone and Steven Conway are joined by Chris Samsa for episode 143 of Speaking of Strong Style! This week, Steven joined from his Tokyo hotel room. The trio previewed the Wrestle Kingdom and Wrestle Dynasties cards match by match. They discussed the possible winners of key matches such as Shota Umino v Zack Sabre Jr. and Yota Tsuji v David Finlay. They also talked about the futures of Tetsuya Naito and Konosuke Takeshita, and what they expect from Kenny Omega's return. Every match gets some time in this preview of New Japan's biggest weekend!

Sam from Powerbombshells joined the pair as they discussed news from the recent Korakuen Hall shows, including El Phatasmo's happy return, Hiroshi Tanahashi's unwanted haircut, and a ladders, chairs and...desk match? They looked at the order of the cards and where the women's matches might end up. They also gave their predictions on a few key matchups and championships going forward. It's a special Fight Game Media crossover episode!      

Steven and Jeremy discussed Strong Style Evolved, and how Mercedes Mone and Hazuki tore the house down. The Young Bucks, Jack Perry, Konosuke Takeshita and other AEW stars were also a part of the show, but does AEW respect New Japan? Is this partnership worthwhile? They also looked forward to the last two Korakuen Hall shows of the year, featuring a strange KOPW title match with Taichi and Great O-Khan.      

World Tag League ended with a twist, as a three-way match determined the finalists. Steven and Jeremy talked about how Hiromu Takahashi carried a wounded Tetsuya Naito through the tournament and into an important Wrestle Kingdom 19 match. They also discussed Naito's surgery and Zack Sabre Jr.'s historic MVP award from Tokyo Sports.  Plus a Strong Style Evolved preview, including the a main event of Mercedes Mone versus HAZUKI. 

After a week off, the guys discussed World Tag League and its consequences, which may be severe after HENARE and Callum Newman seem to have been injured. They talked about SANADA's heel development and his team with Gabe Kidd, why it's sad to see Jado and Hiroshi Tanahashi, why Bishamon are so crucial to New Japan's tag team division and whether we've seen the peak of Mikey Nicholls and Shane Haste. Plus, does Shota Umino need to win at Wrestle Kingdom?      

Steven Conway brings you this "Best of" episode with his career history of Hiroshi Tanahashi. Over the course of several episodes, Steven discussed the 20-plus year career of the Ace. Now, for the first time, that history is all in one place. A great show for historians!

Steven and Jeremy were joined once again by Scott Edwards to review Historic X-Over II, which included one of the best matches of the year, Mayu Iwatani versus Momo Watanabe. The discuss the show match-by-match and whether it was worth the PPV price. They also talked about why a Wrestle Kingdom match means so much to the champ. They also looked at the first two nights of World Tag League and went over the latest Wrestle Dynasty news. 

This week, Scott Edwards from the Five Star Joshi Show and STARDOM Road joined Steven and Jeremy to talk about Fighting Spirit Unleashed and preview Historic X-Over. Will the surprise appearances by Merecedes Mone and Jack Perry help the big January shows? They also discussed the special meaning behind the Mayu Iwantani-Momo Watanabe match, and why the main event should be a lot of fun. Does New Japan have something special planned to boost ticket sales for Wrestle Kingdom and Wrestle Dynasty? Plus, a World Tag League preview. 

This week, Steven and Jeremy broke down a long, but excellent and eventful Power Struggle card. Zack Sabre Jr. and Shingo Takagi delivered, with Ricochet and Shota Umino putting themselves in the IWGP title picture. Are these the right moves to draw crowds for the Tokyo Dome? Plus, they covered David Finlay versus Taichi and SANADA's great betrayal, a title change and a tournament final. Did New Japan botch the post-match angle? They also previewed Fighting Spirit Unleashed and more. 

This week, Steven and Jeremy discussed Kenny Omega's upcoming Power Struggle appearance and what it might entail, the health of El Phantasmo and Chris Bey, and newly-announced matches for Historic X-Over. Super Jr. Tag League is close to wrapping up, and the guys talked about the logjam in the B Block, with all six teams tied going into the final match of block play, and how it contrasts with the haves and have-nots in the A Block. Plus, a Power Struggle preview.      

Steven Conway and Jeremy Finestone are back with Episode 133 of Speaking of Strong Style. This week, the pair discussed Zack Sabre Jr. and his TMDK faction's victory lap at Royal Quest IV, and looked at the first night of block action in the Super Junior Tag League tournament. They also talked about Shota Umino's future, David Finlay's possible path to Wrestle Kingdom and whether Sabre and the IWGP title will or should headline the big show in January. They also talked about Historic X-Over, Power Struggle and the first singles match of Hiroshi Tanahashi's retirement tour, along with the last installment of Tanahashi's career history. Check out the show every Thursday at 5:30 pm eastern on the Fight Game Media Youtube  channel.

Jeremy Finestone and guest host Scott E. Wrestling return with Episode 132 of Speaking of Strong Style. With King of Pro Wrestling over, the pair review the card headlined by Zack Sabre Jr. versus Tetsuya Naito for the IWGP World Heavyweight title. They also discuss David Finlay's Global title match against Hirooki Goto, Shingo Takagi's NEVER Openweight title defense against Ryohei Oiwa, Hiromu Takahashi's match against Mistico, the TV Title three-way match featuring Yota Tsuji, Jeff Cobb and Ren Narita.  They'll also talk the staggering announcement by Hiroshi Tanahashi at his 25th anniversary match.   Scott and Jeremy also discussed the future of New Japan Pro Wrestling, who could be headlining the Tokyo Dome in January, and the pace in which they elevate the younger talent.   #queenofvillains #njdash #wrestledynasty #hiromutakahashi #naito #zacksabrejr #zsj #njpw #g1final #g1climax34 #mercedesmone #gabekidd #njpwstrong #ryoheioiwa #shingotakagi #shotaumino #legendkiller #WK19 #shingotakagi #ryoheioiwa #davidfinlay #switchbladejaywhite #jaywhite #bulletclub #bulletclubwardogs #WRESTLEKINGDOM  #netflix    Check out the show every Thursday at 5:30 pm eastern

With King of Pro Wrestling coming, Steven and Jeremy previewed the card headlined by Zack Sabre Jr. versus Tetsuya Naito for the IWGP World Heavyweight title. They also discuss scenarios involving David Finlay's Global title match against Hirooki Goto, Shingo Takagi's NEVER Openweight title defense against Ryohei Oiwa, and more. Plus, Steven tells us about another chapter in the career of Hiroshi Tanahashi, who just celebrated his silver anniversary in the ring.    

This week, Steven and Jeremy previewed the Blue Justice card, Yuji Nagata's annual show in Chiba with some intriguing preview matches. They also looked ahead to King of Pro Wrestling, headlined by Tetsuya Naito versus Zack Sabre Jr., and discussed recently-announced matches for Royal Quest. They also covered Clark Connors' appearance in STARDOM, Hiroshi Tanahashi's meeting with Kenny Omega and looked back at more of Tanahashi's history. Steven tells he was a kay player in the evolution of both the CHAOS and Bullet Club factions.  

Steven and Jeremy are back with a special episode reviewing Destruction in Kobe 2024, featuring Tetsuya Naito's IWGP title defense against the Great O-Khan, David Finlay v YOSHI-HASHI for the Global title, DOUKI v Yoshinobu Kanemaru for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship, and HENARE v Shingo Takagi for the NEVER Openweight title. Plus, we got a new member of TMDK. 

 With Destruction in Kobe coming up in a few days, Steven and Jeremy looked at each match, previewing the big card headlined by Tetsuya Naito v Great O-Khan. They also speculated who might win the Global title match between David Finlay and YOSHI-HASHI, and how Hirooki Goto's battle with Gabe Kidd earlier in the night might tip us off as to the winner. Plus, who's the new member of TMDK? Wrestling content on Netflix, Tanahashi's career and meetup with Kenny Omega and more.         

This week, Steven and Jeremy discussed the recent show in Hokkaido, how Toru Yano was the man of the hour, and how a full house of excited fans made what might have been a pedestrian night of wrestling into a fun show. They also talked about some of their early shows as kids, kicked around ideas for Ryohei Oiwa, considered a Shota Umino heel turn, and spoke on why sometimes a multi-man tag can be a lot of fun for people who don't see wrestling live so often. They also looked ahead to the Destruction in Kobe show and looked more at the history of Hiroshi Tanahashi.    

This week, Steven and Jeremy talked about four shows this past week, each of which provided an excellent main event. They discussed Shingo Takagi's 20th Anniversary Show, Jeff Cobb's TV title defense against Yota Tsuji, HENARE's NEVER Openweight title match with Hiromu Takahashi, and Taiji Ishimori's challenge of DOUKI for the Junior Heavyweight title. They also debated rematches, who might be the next challengers, and fretted about injuries to Jake Lee and Ren Narita. Finally, they looked back at the life of Kuniaki Kobayashi, a man who was part of a critical time in pro wrestling and had a long-term job behind the scenes making him a positive influence on the careers of many top stars of today.    

This week, Steven and Jeremy discussed news regarding Yuya Uemura's injury, Jake Lee's contract status and Ryohei Oiwa wrapping up his NOAH run. What would be the best fit for Oiwa's return to New Japan? Should he slide back into a faction or create something brand new? They also talked about Shingo Takagi's 20th Anniversary show and previewed this week's title matches, including DOUKI versus Taiji Ishimori and Jeff Cobb versus Yota Tsuji. Jeremy and Steven looked at each match and its implications, and whether Hiromu Takahashi should take the NEVER Openweight title from HENARE. Should there be big changes in LIJ? And should two members of the company's top faction square off at Wrestle Kingdom? Steven also went back in time to examine Hiroshi Tanahashi's first NJ Cup win, his first G1 victory and his first IWGP title run.    

Jeremy Finestone and Steven Conway are back with a special edition of Speaking of Strong Style, covering the Capital Collision event from Washington DC. The pair discussed each match on the card and picked the best and worst matches. They discussed how the crowd reacted to stars such as Zack Sabre Jr., Mercedes Mone, Lio Rush, Mustafa Ali, Tetsuya Naito and Hiromu Takahashi. They also wondered why NJPW Strong still has poor production values and talked about whether these shows truly deserve PPV status.    

This week, Steven and Jeremy were joined by special guest Larry Sternshein, host of the "Reel Early" podcast, who attended the G1 Semifinals and Finals in person. Larry shared his thoughts about seeing New Japan live, who got the best reactions and some highlights from his trip to Tokyo. He also told us about a former death match wrestler whose restaurant makes great food. Jeremy and Steven also previewed Capital Collision, including Mercedes Mone versus Momo Watanabe, TMDK versus Hechisero and Virus, TJP versus Tetsuya Naito and Hiromu Takahashi versus Mustafa Ali. They also looked at the early years of Hiroshi Tanahashi and his ascension to the main event level.

This week, Steven and Jeremy cover the semifinals and finals of the G1 Climax tournament. Zack Sabre Jr. got his well-deserved victory, and the pair discussed how New Japan used its own booking style against us to make us feel Zack was in jeopardy, what the future holds for finalist Yota Tsuji and how David Finlay has risen in the eyes of fans with his strong performances. They also talked about Shingo Takagi's sublime selling, why Jake Lee and Gabe Kidd make an intriguing tag team and why they are thrilled Hiromu Takahashi is chasing HENARE's NEVER Openweight title. They also looked ahead to future title matches, talked some Hiroshi Tanhashi history and discussed why Zack's decision to challenge at King of Pro Wrestling makes the autumn more interesting than usual.    

Steven Conway and Jeremy Finestone return with Speaking of Strong Style! Episode 121 looked back at the end of block action in the G1 Climax 34 tournament, along with the first round of playoffs. New Japan is down to its final four! Jeremy and Steven discussed the journeys of Zack Sabre Jr., Shingo Takagi, Yota Tsuji and David Finlay as they prepare for the semifinals. They also looked at why Konnosuke Takeshita should be in New Japan full time, where El Phantasmo could be headed and how Yuya Uemura's injury interrupted a fine run. They also discussed Capital Collision and took viewer questions.    

This week's episode reviewed a busy week of G1 Climax action. Zack Sabre Jr. punched his ticket to the playoffs, but he's the only one thus far. Steven and Jeremy also talked about the chances of other contenders in A Block, such as Shingo Takagi, EVIL, Great O-Khan. Will Shota Umino make an impact despite being eliminated? Can O-Khan take his comeback story all the way to the knockout rounds? They also looked at B Block, and how Jeff Cobb and Yuya Uemura have gone in opposite directions. They wondered if there was any way New Japan could just keep Konnosuke Takeshita, and they looked at the chances of B Block contenders such as David Finlay, Yota Tsuji, Ren Narita and this year's tournament Cinderella, Hirooki Goto.  

This week, Steven and Jeremy discussed the G1 Climax tournament as it moves just past its halfway point. EVIL leads the field in the A Block, but the guys are skeptical that will continue. They discussed each participant in the tournament and their chances of advancing to the playoffs. They also wondered if Jake Lee will stay with the War Dogs, if Gabe Kidd will be turning babyface, and if Shota Umino is due for a late surge to take him to the knockout round with Zack Sabre Jr. They also looked at the logjam in B Block, and how matches involving David Finlay, Jeff Cobb, Konosuke Takeshita, Yota Tsuji and HENARE make for a fascinating home stretch for the tournament. They also wondered about Hirooki Goto's role as the "old guard" representative, and what the future holds for El Phantasmo.    

Jeremy and Steven discussed the first four nights of the G1 Climax tournament. They looked at each participant and how their individual stories unfolded into an intriguing tournament. They worried that things are going a little too well for Zack Sabre Jr., marveled at Konosuke Takeshita's early run, and spoke of how Yuya Uemura has been the surprise breakout star. They also looked at IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Tetsuya Naito and how his health has been woven into his storyline, why Gabe Kidd is so fascinating, and the outstanding matches piled up by David Finlay, Yota Tsuji, Shingo Takagi, HENARE and others. They also speculated on Hirooki Goto's future in the tournament and why he's so valuable this year, plus why Jake Lee has been an in-ring disappointment thus far.