Wrestling Omakase

Wrestling Omakase
  • 3.8 (33)
  • Wrestling
  • Biweekly

Omakase means, literally, "I'll leave it up to you". It's a term primarily used in modern Japanese in sushi restaurants, where you allow the chef to prepare their own personal favorites, leaving your meal completely in their hands. Wrestling Omakase, therefore, is a show where we place each episode into the hands of one or two passionate fans, from all across the wrestling spectrum. Our regular host John Carroll has over 20 years of diverse wrestling fandom to draw upon, and they will be joined by a revolving door of guests who will share their knowledge and passion for particular promotions or time periods. While our primary focus will be on modern Japanese wrestling, we will also at least touch on wrestling from all over the world, in addition to the occasional episode covering historical periods of various promotions. This is a journey with wrestling fans around the world, bringing you the promotions they know and love the best, and we hope you will join us! This podcast is a member of the Voices of Wrestling Podcast Network. Learn more about the Voices of Wrestling Podcast Network at voicesofwrestling.com.

  1. 2d ago

    Wrestling Omakase #319: WON HOF 2026, Marigold 10/24 & NOAH 10/25 Sumo Hall, AJPW 10/22 Korakuen, OZ 10/25 Yokohama Budokan & Sendai Girls 10/24 w/ Paul

    John is once again joined by Paul from the Emerald FlowShow as they start things out with quite a lot of Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame talk for this year! They strictly cover the only two regions John votes in which are Modern US & Japan, breaking down who they voted for, who they consider real contenders and which names on the ballot really don't have much of a case at all in a detailed discussion. Once that's out of the way they then turn to a loaded lineup of shows, beginning with a pair from Ryogoku. First, it's Marigold's 10/24 event which featured not a lot of fans, some very talented young wrestlers showing out as always, and some truly, truly horrendous booking. Then it's over to NOAH for their own event the next day, a much better effort than they put on in the same building back in the spring, but with a bit of a controversial main event! Afterward they head back to All Japan for their latest Korakuen show, which also set in motion some major directions to their own biggest show of the year on 12/31! Speaking of biggest shows of the year, they make a rare touchdown in the very wild world of OZ Academy to talk about a truly insane show from Yokohama Budokan, featuring a 10 woman tag iron man match with VERY SIMPLE rules, Suwama on the three person side of a 3 on 2 match, Evil!Saori Anou does some things to Natsupoi that it seems like she possibly could have charged her for, and more! Finally, they wrap things up with a staid little show from Sendai Girls at ShinKiba 1st Ring, because why not I guess! Omakase 2026 Year in Review/WK Preview Extravaganza Sign-Up Form: https://forms.gle/iJgWpPpmjGEJCRzm6 Check out the Emerald FlowShow: https://redcircle.com/shows/the-emerald-flowshow Follow Wrestling Omakase's Twitter account: http://www.twitter.com/wrestleomakase Follow John on Bluesky: http://bsky.app/profile/justoneenby.bsky.social Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

  2. Oct 21

    Wrestling Omakase #318: STARDOM Path of Thunder & 10/20 Korakuen, NOAH 10/15 & DDT 10/18 Korakuens w/ Velkej

    John and Velkej are back for another episode of Omakase which starts out with SPARROW DRAMA. Yes. Then they get into a wide-ranging discussion on the World Wonder Ring, as they discuss how everyone seems pretty down on STARDOM right now (and how this seems to happen this time of year every year now), discuss some of the reasons why and which ones they do and don't agree with, before heading into reviews of two recent shows. First it's Path of Thunder from Utsunomiya featuring a divisive main event, a great semi-main, and a pretty good undercard. Then they break down the 10/20 Korakuen that finally saw the return of Sayaka Kurara (thank god), and some strange new announced teams for the upcoming tag league. Next up is the first Pro Wrestling NOAH talk on Omakase in a very long time, as John & Velkej review a surprisingly-not-that-bad 10/15 Korakuen. They also preview the upcoming Wrestle Odyssey II show from Ryogoku next week. Finally, they wrap things up with a very underwhelming DDT Korakuen from 10/18 as they discuss a not particularly great show that did at least have some newsworthy aspects to it, before previewing their own upcoming big show from Ryogoku, 11/3's Ultimate Party. Omakase 2026 Year in Review/WK Preview Extravaganza Sign-Up Form: https://forms.gle/iJgWpPpmjGEJCRzm6 Velkej's Uncultured & Illiterate podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@UnculturedandIlliterate Follow Wrestling Omakase on Twitter: http://twitter.com/wrestleomakase Follow John on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/justoneenby.bsky.social Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

  3. Oct 14

    Wrestling Omakase #317: NJPW King of Pro Wrestling, STARDOM 10/11 & Marigold 10/10 Korakuens, Sendai Girls 10/10 & AJPW 10/11 Sendai w/ Arametha

    Arametha is back with John for the second straight week as they discuss an enormous week in Japanese wrestling! After touching on a notable and highly recommended match from Dragongate (for a change lately!), they dive right into the biggest story: NJPW King of Pro Wrestling from Ryogoku, and the apparent decision to go with an NJPW vs. AEW theme for the upcoming Wrestle Kingdom. Both give their takes on the pluses and minuses of that vision, whether or not they're excited for the specific choices, and of course review what ended up being a quite great show with another incredible main event. This takes up a huge portion of our overall runtime this week, so if you're looking for some King of Sports discussion you've definitely come to the right place! Then it's back to the world of joshi as they first discuss STARDOM's most recent Korakuen Hall show, talking about a pretty good show that also left them with some questions about the overall booking direction of the promotion (as usual lately). After that they check in with the turbulent world of Marigold as they review their own latest Korakuen and discuss a frankly baffling main event choice of a very poorly booked and promoted upcoming Sumo Hall show. Finally, they discuss another Sendai Girls Big Show in Sendai where both of them disagreed quite a bit on the overall quality. After that it's time to go back to men's wrestling, as they break down AJPW's latest event, also from Sendai this past weekend. They discuss two very long tag title matches, one of which hit for them and one of which very much didn't, as well as look ahead to what's coming up next in the world of Zen Nihon. Follow Wrestling Omakase on Twitter: http://twitter.com/wrestleomakase Follow John on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/justoneenby.bsky.social Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

  4. Oct 6

    Wrestling Omakase #316: TJPW Wrestle Princess VII, DG 10/2 & STARDOM 9/29 Korakuens, Shinjuku FACE Final & Ice Ribbon 10/3 Kamata w/ Arametha

    John is back on the air on their own podcast feed, joined by returning guest Arametha! They start things out with a wide-ranging first hour that covered a ton of random wrestling and non-wrestling topics alike (honestly more than I can even remember trying to write this at the end now....) before getting to the actual show reviews of the episode, beginning with TJPW Wrestle Princess VII from Ota! They discuss a bit of a mixed bag of an attendance number, another fantastic show from TJPW in a long series of them this year, and a lot of discussion on just why their wrestling style stands out so much in the current landscape. Then it's over to Dragongate to discuss their very newsworthy 10/2 Korakuen show, which featured an enormous title change and the first actually funny Jiro Shinbashi match in ages. Still in Korakuen, they also discuss a bit of a meh event from STARDOM from last week, with a lot of talk about the big unit movement that caused all sorts of controversy on social media. After that it's time to discuss the final show that will ever be held at (the original at least) Shinjuku FACE, an interpromotional affair from 9/30 that was emotional and hilarious. Finally, they wrap things up with another check in on Ice Ribbon as they review their 10/3 show from Kamata. Follow Wrestling Omakase on Twitter: http://twitter.com/wrestleomakase Follow John on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/justoneenby.bsky.social Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

  5. Sep 29

    Wrestling Omakase #315: AJPW Oudou Finals, NJPW Destruction in Kobe, DDT 9/27, Sareee-ism Chapter XII, Sendai Girls 9/23 & TJPW 9/27 Shinjuku FACE, Ice Ribbon 9/22 Yokohama w/ John Bivins

    John & John reunite for the first time in months, and unfortunately the first topic they have to discuss is something no one wanted to be talking about: the incredibly tragic and sudden news of PAC passing away. That's right at the start so wanted to make sure I noted it for anyone listening who isn't ready to hear that sort of thing- it does come up a few more times in the episode as well. RIP to an incredible professional wrestler and, by all accounts, an even more incredible man. They then have to make an awkward transition over to discussing the imminent closing of an iconic Japanese wrestling venue, Shinjuku FACE, as John takes you through some of their own personal history with the venue and talks about how much they're going to miss banging their head on the bathroom ceiling, ahead of discussing a bunch of final FACE shows later in the episode. But first they head over to the thankfully not closing Korakuen Hall to discuss the finals of an eventful AJPW Oudou Tournament, discussing the first of two bonafide MOTYCs, a homegrown wrestler finally winning the big one, and more. They also look ahead to an upcoming AJPW tour that really spreads the wealth around a bunch of different shows, so to speak. Then it's over to the King of Sports to discuss a somewhat underwhelming Destruction in Kobe show, at least until a fantastic main event saved it somewhat. There's lots of speculation about where things might be headed into Wrestle Kingdom season too, as they look ahead first to the upcoming King of Pro Wrestling show (and two Korakuen title matches as well). And then they finally get to the whole load of final shows for each promotion at iconic venues, starting with DDT (maybe the promotion most synonymous with the venue of all!). They discuss a final title challenge, Daisuke Sasaki's incredibly high memorabilia valuation, and more! Afterward it's time to finally leave the men's wrestling behind and shift into joshi, first with Sareee-ism Chapter XII, a fantastic show with another bonafide MOTYC in the main event. Then they discuss the final Sendai Girls show from FACE which featured a big debut and John Bivins describing how much he loves Spike Nishimura. John (Original) then goes it alone for two more show reviews, first the final TJPW show from FACE that also serves as their go home show for the big Wrestle Princess VII event next week (which they also dutifully preview). Finally, they wrap things up with another Ice Ribbon review, this time the second half of a doubleheader from Yokohama. A packed episode!! John Bivins' Instagram Follow Wrestling Omakase on Twitter Follow John on Bluesky Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

  6. Sep 22

    Wrestling Omakase #314: Marigold Dream Star GP Night 8 & Finals, Ice Ribbon 8/30 & 9/6, AJPW Oudou Tournament Nights 3 & 4, DDT 9/21 Korakuen w/ Eric

    Wrestling Omakase is back on the airwaves and thankfully for John they're not solo this time, as Eric from Joshi'ing Around once again joins them! And boy do they joshi around to start this episode, with around 90 minutes (!) of Marigold talk! They break down a very exciting final two nights from Korakuen Hall for the Dream Star GP in detail, reviewing all the tournament matches, talking about who really stepped up from their younger generation, and a whole lot more. Plus, rankings of every block by their performances and favorite matches from each block! Then it's over to Ice Ribbon to discuss a pair of shows from a little while back now, their 8/30 show from Yokohama and their 9/6 from SKIP City. There was a match that may have been one of the most surprising bangers of the year, so be sure to listen to find out which one! Once the women's coverage is finally over it's time to talk some men's wrestling, beginning with All Japan, as our ongoing coverage of the Oudou Tournament continues! They discuss four second round/quarterfinal matches, all from Shin Kiba. Finally, they wrap things up by reviewing a DDT Korakuen for the first time in eons, as they break down a MAO title defense, some surprising cash-ins, and a very underrated wrestler getting some flowers! Joshi-ing Around podcast: https://redcircle.com/shows/1309343e-3781-4750-9209-4efbc9976ab6 Social Suplex newsletter: https://www.socialsuplex.com/newsletter/ Follow Wrestling Omakase on Twitter: http://twitter.com/wrestleomakase Follow John on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/justoneenby.bsky.social Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

  7. Sep 16

    Wrestling Omakase #313: STARDOM to the World, DG 9/12 Ota, AJPW Oudou Tournament Nights 1-3 & Marigold Dream Star GP Nights 4-7

    John is flying solo this week on Wrestling Omakase due to being at another anime convention, although this one came with an indoor waterpark! Wow! In theory they were doing this episode on the road, although in practice most of it ended up being recorded at home anyway. They start things out with STARDOM's latest PPV event from Yokohama Arena from this past Saturday (9/12), discussing a couple really good matches, some kinda meh booking, and an, uh, interesting debut for a new English announcer! Then it's over to Dragongate for their own major show from 9/12, which had all the meh booking of the STARDOM show but none of the high end match quality to make up for it. Of course the big booking decision everyone's talking about came in the Brave Gate match, and John breaks down both sides of that debate in detail! Then it's back to the tournaments, starting out with the entire first round of AJPW's Oudou Tournament broken down over three nights! John discusses some really awesome stuff as AJPW continues having a big year. Then they head over to Marigold to discuss the middle nights of their own tournament (nights 5-8), a real mixed bag that had a bunch they could recommend and a bunch more they weren't that into. Follow Wrestling Omakase's Twitter account: http://www.twitter.com/wrestleomakase Follow John on Bluesky: http://bsky.app/profile/justoneenby.bsky.social Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

  8. Sep 8

    Wrestling Omakase #312: STARDOM 9/6 Korakuen Review & 9/12 Yokohama Preview, TJPW 9/5 Yokohama, Marigold Dream Star GP Night 3 & DG 9/3 Korakuen w/ Paul

    Omakase is back for another episode, as John is joined by returning guest Paul Volsch, co-host of the Emerald Flow Show on this very network! They start out a week of talking about mostly smaller shows building to bigger ones with STARDOM's 9/6 Korakuen Hall event, a show that featured some good build to their upcoming Yokohama Budokan show and also a truly horrendous High Speed Title match. They then give a full preview of said Yokohama Budokan show on 9/12 including how likely they think all the major titles are to change hands. Then it's back to the world of Tokyo Joshi to cover their 9/5 Yokohama Radiant Hall event, featuring a great three-way tag match to determine the Princess Tag challengers on their major Ota show early next month. They also give a quick look ahead at what's coming up for TJPW, including an early look at said Ota card and how tickets are moving for it so far. They then continue their ongoing coverage of Marigold's Dream Star GP with a look at the day/night doubleheader from Osaka, including some stuff that really worked for them and a couple things that really, really didn't. (NOTE: This was recorded before Nao Ishikawa withdrew from the rest of her Dream Star GP matches- just noting this since at one point we speculate about whether or not she's out for the rest of the tournament, and now we obviously know she is!) Finally, they wrap things up with a quite passionate review of Dragongate's 9/3 Korakuen show, a truly baffling event on multiple levels. Allegedly this was to build their own major show, also on 9/12 from Ota, but unless you count Jiro Shimbashi it's hard to figure out how exactly this show was supposed to even do that. They rant quite a bit about DG booking in 2026 in general as they also preview said Ota show with an absolutely absurd name (seriously, what was wrong with Dangerous Gate guys??). Also some other odds & ends including Paul attending All In in London, the Wrestle Kingdom 21 ticket prices & on sale dates finally being revealed, and more! Check out the Emerald FlowShow: https://redcircle.com/shows/the-emerald-flowshow Follow Wrestling Omakase's Twitter account: http://www.twitter.com/wrestleomakase Follow John on Bluesky: http://bsky.app/profile/justoneenby.bsky.social Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

See All (285)

3.8
out of 5
33 Ratings

About

Omakase means, literally, "I'll leave it up to you". It's a term primarily used in modern Japanese in sushi restaurants, where you allow the chef to prepare their own personal favorites, leaving your meal completely in their hands. Wrestling Omakase, therefore, is a show where we place each episode into the hands of one or two passionate fans, from all across the wrestling spectrum. Our regular host John Carroll has over 20 years of diverse wrestling fandom to draw upon, and they will be joined by a revolving door of guests who will share their knowledge and passion for particular promotions or time periods. While our primary focus will be on modern Japanese wrestling, we will also at least touch on wrestling from all over the world, in addition to the occasional episode covering historical periods of various promotions. This is a journey with wrestling fans around the world, bringing you the promotions they know and love the best, and we hope you will join us! This podcast is a member of the Voices of Wrestling Podcast Network. Learn more about the Voices of Wrestling Podcast Network at voicesofwrestling.com.

Information

  • Creator
    Wrestling Omakase
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2026
  • Episodes
    285
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Wrestling Omakase

You Might Also Like