The Puro Wrestling Academy

The WrestleCopia Network
  • 5.0 (7)
  • Wrestling
  • Updated Weekly

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 English speaking fans out there who have been dying to learn more about the world of "Puroresu"!

  1. 2d ago

    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 a hero’s welcome and providing a major boost to the rebuilding promotion. Meanwhile, Antonio Inoki heads overseas with big ambitions, as the development of the next generation becomes crucial to the JWA’s future. We spotlight the year’s record number of events and the new arrivals and future stars taking their earliest steps, including the debut of the man who will become the Great Kabuki. Major foreign attractions include Gene Kiniski, Nick Bockwinkel, Johnny Barend, Bull Curry, and the returning Destroyer, with the All Asia Tag Team title changes and Toyonobori’s WWA World Heavyweight Championship victory marking important shifts at the top. Join us for a year of uncertainty, rebuilding, and emerging stars, as Japanese wrestling begins discovering what it can become without the man who built it. If you're enjoying WrestleCopia and interested in helping us continue to grow, please consider Subscribing to our Patreon to help us cover some of our costs! https://www.patreon.com/wrestlecopiaYOU CAN ALSO GIFT SOMEONE A PATREON MEMBERSHIP (OR ASK THEM TO GIFT YOU ONE) AT https://www.patreon.com/WrestleCopia/giftIncludes the $5 “All Access” Tier $9 "VIP Superfan" Tier, and "The ULLLTIMATE Tier", featuring our various VIDEO-CAST Series, Early Show Releases, our insanely detailed show notes (for the Grenade, Monday Warfare, Regional Rasslin, Puro Academy, & Retro Re-View), monthly DIGITAL DOWNLOADS for your viewing and reading pleasure, & more! HELP SUPPORT THE SELF-FUNDED WRESTLECOPIA BRAND, CONSIDER DONATING TO OUR PAYPALWRESTLECOPIA MERCHANDISE - https://www.teepublic.com/user/wrestlecopiaVisit the WrestleCopia Podcast Network https://wrestlecopia.comFollow WrestleCopia on “X” (Formerly Twitter) @RasslinGrenadeFollow & LIKE our FACEBOOK PAGE – https://www.facebook.com/RasslinGrenadeSubscribe to the WrestleCopia Youtube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/RasslinGrenade ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

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

  2. Sep 28

    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 promotion. We pick up with the second half of the Summer Battle tour as Japan’s top stars collide with Sonny Myers, Don Jardine and Mr. Zero. From there, we follow the JWA through its long fall campaign and the return of The Destroyer for Rikidozan’s final series of matches. Behind the booming business and packed arenas, however, Rikidozan’s declining health and complicated ties to the Japanese underworld cast a growing shadow over the promotion. We then examine the disputed circumstances surrounding his stabbing at the New Latin Quarter, the medical decisions that followed and the many rumors that have clouded the truth for more than six decades. It is the dramatic conclusion to Rikidozan’s remarkable life, and the beginning of an uncertain new era for professional wrestling in Japan. Please consider joining us for a separate VIDEO version of the Puroresu Academy currently covering 1970s All Japan with 50+ episodes already available. Located at the VIP Tier of https://www.patreon.com/wrestlecopia Help keep WrestleCopia growing by joining us on Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/WrestleCopiaMembers receive premium VideoCast series, early podcast releases, extensively researched show notes, digital downloads, access to our large wrestling archive at select tiers, and much more. Give the gift of WrestleCopia: Patreon Gift MembershipMerchandise: WrestleCopia on TeePublicDirect Support: Donate Through Paypal Visit the WrestleCopia Podcast Network https://wrestlecopia.comFollow WrestleCopia on “X” (Formerly Twitter) @RasslinGrenadeFollow & LIKE our FACEBOOK PAGE – https://www.facebook.com/RasslinGrenadeSubscribe to the WrestleCopia Youtube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/RasslinGrenade ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    PURO #15: Puroresu Academy Returns! (1963 - Part 2, Rikidozan Killed!)

  3. 02/03/2025

    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 loaded ensemble of foreign talent arrive including The Destroyer's debut in Japan, Haystacks Calhoun, Killer Kowalski, Gino Marella (Gorilla Monsoon), Pat O'Connor, Fred Atkins, Bob Ellis, Sandor Szabo, Hard Boiled Haggerty, Don Jardine, Bull Ortega, Tony Marino, & much more! Please consider joining us for a separate VIDEO version of the Puroresu Academy currently covering 1970s All Japan with 50+ episodes already available. Located at the VIP Tier of https://www.patreon.com/wrestlecopia Help keep WrestleCopia growing by joining us on Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/WrestleCopiaMembers receive premium VideoCast series, early podcast releases, extensively researched show notes, digital downloads, access to our large wrestling archive at select tiers, and much more. Give the gift of WrestleCopia: Patreon Gift MembershipMerchandise: WrestleCopia on TeePublicDirect Support: Donate Through Paypal Visit the WrestleCopia Podcast Network https://wrestlecopia.comFollow WrestleCopia on “X” (Formerly Twitter) @RasslinGrenadeFollow & LIKE our FACEBOOK PAGE – https://www.facebook.com/RasslinGrenadeSubscribe to the WrestleCopia Youtube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/RasslinGrenade ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    PURO #14: JWA 1963, Part 1 (Gorillas, Haystacks, & Killers... OH MY!)

  4. 11/24/2024

    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, Gorilla Marconi, big Moose Cholak, Bull Ortega, & so much more! Please Subscribe to our Patreon to help pay the bills, https://www.patreon.com/wrestlecopiaIncludes the $5 “All Access” Tier & $9 "VIP Superfan" Tier featuring our VIDEO CASTS, Patreon Watch-Along Series, our insanely detailed show notes (for the Grenade, Monday Warfare, Regional Rasslin, Puro Academy, & Retro Re-View), Early Show Releases, REMASTERED editions of the early Grenade episodes including NEW content! PLUS, monthly DIGITAL DOWNLOADS for your viewing and reading pleasure! Visit the WrestleCopia Podcast Network https://wrestlecopia.comFollow WrestleCopia on “X” (Formerly Twitter) @RasslinGrenadeFollow & LIKE our FACEBOOK PAGE – https://www.facebook.com/RasslinGrenadeSubscribe to the WrestleCopia Youtube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/RasslinGrenade ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    PURO #13: (1962) Vampire Blassie Wreaks Havoc, Baba's U.S. Excursion

  5. 11/02/2024

    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, Candlepin Bowling, & more! How Rikidozan finds Inoki AND Baba in an unbelievable story. Then, it's the DEBUT of Antonio Inoki! The DEBUT of Shohei "Giant" Baba! The 2nd Annual World League Tournament. Toyonobori's Troubles. The Ricky Waldo story. Hombre Montana arrives in Japan, Yoshimura moves to Heavyweight, Yoshinosato moves up to Junior Champion, New Light Heavyweight Champion crowned, Midget Matches, King Curtis Iaukea, Tex McKenzie, & much more! Please Subscribe to our Patreon to help pay the bills, https://www.patreon.com/wrestlecopiaIncludes the $5 “All Access” Tier & $9 "VIP Superfan" Tier featuring our VIDEO CASTS, Patreon Watch-Along Series, our insanely detailed show notes (for the Grenade, Monday Warfare, Regional Rasslin, Puro Academy, & Retro Re-View), Early Show Releases, REMASTERED editions of the early Grenade episodes including NEW content! PLUS, monthly DIGITAL DOWNLOADS for your viewing and reading pleasure! Visit the WrestleCopia Podcast Network https://wrestlecopia.comFollow WrestleCopia on “X” (Formerly Twitter) @RasslinGrenadeFollow & LIKE our FACEBOOK PAGE – https://www.facebook.com/RasslinGrenadeSubscribe to the WrestleCopia Youtube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/RasslinGrenade ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    PURO #12: (1961) Great Antonio Arrives, Bill Miller Unmasks, Inoki Ascends, More

  6. 10/11/2024

    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, & much more! Please Subscribe to our Patreon to help pay the bills, https://www.patreon.com/wrestlecopiaIncludes the $5 “All Access” Tier & $9 "VIP Superfan" Tier featuring our VIDEO CASTS, Patreon Watch-Along Series, our insanely detailed show notes (for the Grenade, Monday Warfare, Regional Rasslin, Puro Academy, & Retro Re-View), Early Show Releases, REMASTERED editions of the early Grenade episodes including NEW content! PLUS, monthly DIGITAL DOWNLOADS for your viewing and reading pleasure! Visit the WrestleCopia Podcast Network https://wrestlecopia.comFollow WrestleCopia on “X” (Formerly Twitter) @RasslinGrenadeFollow & LIKE our FACEBOOK PAGE – https://www.facebook.com/RasslinGrenadeSubscribe to the WrestleCopia Youtube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/RasslinGrenade ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    PURO #11: (1960) INOKI & BABA DEBUT!

  7. 09/25/2024

    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 Plechas, Bull Ortega, and so much more!Please Subscribe to our Patreon to help pay the bills, https://www.patreon.com/wrestlecopiaIncludes the $5 “All Access” Tier & $9 "VIP Superfan" Tier featuring our VIDEO CASTS, Patreon Watch-Along Series, our insanely detailed show notes (for the Grenade, Monday Warfare, Regional Rasslin, Puro Academy, & Retro Re-View), Early Show Releases, REMASTERED editions of the early Grenade episodes including NEW content! PLUS, monthly DIGITAL DOWNLOADS for your viewing and reading pleasure! Visit the WrestleCopia Podcast Network https://wrestlecopia.comFollow WrestleCopia on “X” (Formerly Twitter) @RasslinGrenadeFollow & LIKE our FACEBOOK PAGE – https://www.facebook.com/RasslinGrenadeSubscribe to the WrestleCopia Youtube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/RasslinGrenade ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    PURO #10: (1959) World League Tourney Debuts, Mr. Atomic Unmasked, More

  8. 09/11/2024

    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 misappropriation of funds, “Black Market” money to pay the Gaijin, local talent not being paid at all, & more titillating stories involving Rikidozan! With the JWA dormant for much of the Spring & Summer months, the local talent are left without work and many still waiting for back-pay, threatening to go on Strike! We look into Gimmick Matches being used for TV, Battle Royals and multi-man tag matches (including the first ever 8-Man Tag in Japan!). Rkidozan refutes to wrestle, but acts as a Special Referee for many contests early in the year, before making another trip to the United States where Riki will capture the International Title from LOU THESZ in Los Angeles! Foreign talent discussed on this episode include Don Leo Jonathan, “Handsome” Johnny Barend, Ski Hi Lee, Tiny Mills & “Big K” Stan Kowalski! Plus, it’s AZUMAFUJI to the rescue! Hear what Azumafuji does to pacify and help the JWA talent while Dozan is abroad. Then upon Riki’s return to Japan, Wrestling returns as well. NEW TOURS for the JWA in September 58 through January 59. Toyonobori returns after a year in Hawaii, and captures the Hawaii Tag Titles along with Rikidozan. It’s near the end of 1958 that Azumafuji announces his RETIREMENT FROM PRO WRESTLING after having been fed up with Rikidozan’s practices. Plus, we talk Rikidozan’s excursion to Brazil, did Don Leo Jonathan break kayfabe(?), exciting news for our listeners regarding our Patreon, & so much more! Please Subscribe to our Patreon to help pay the bills, https://www.patreon.com/wrestlecopiaIncludes the $5 “All Access” Tier & $9 "VIP Superfan" Tier featuring our VIDEO CASTS, Patreon Watch-Along Series, our insanely detailed show notes (for the Grenade, Monday Warfare, Regional Rasslin, Puro Academy, & Retro Re-View), Early Show Releases, REMASTERED editions of the early Grenade episodes including NEW content! PLUS, monthly DIGITAL DOWNLOADS for your viewing and reading pleasure! Visit the WrestleCopia Podcast Network https://wrestlecopia.comFollow WrestleCopia on “X” (Formerly Twitter) @RasslinGrenadeFollow & LIKE our FACEBOOK PAGE – https://www.facebook.com/RasslinGrenadeSubscribe to the WrestleCopia Youtube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/RasslinGrenade ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    PURO #09: (1958) Shady Business, Rikidozan Dethrones Thesz, Azumafuji Retires!
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

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 English speaking fans out there who have been dying to learn more about the world of "Puroresu"!

Information

  • Creator
    The WrestleCopia Network
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    17
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    WrestleCopia · © Copyright 2026 · All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    The Puro Wrestling Academy

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