WRESTLING

Puroresu analysis for the thinking fan.
No hot takes. No clickbait. Just serious writing about Japanese wrestling.

Sections

Essay Archive Long-form writing on wrestlers, matches, and promotions Match Ratings Comprehensive star ratings with notes
Featured Match
KENTA vs. Kenoh
NOAH Great Voyage 2024 | February 4, 2024
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Two of NOAH's hardest hitters going blow for blow. This is puroresu at its finest - stiff strikes, genuine animosity, and a crowd that understands what they're witnessing.

Latest Essays

NOAH

The Evolution of KENTA: From Junior to Heavyweight

15 FEB 2024 | Character Study

Tracing the career of one of puroresu's most influential strikers, from his revolutionary junior heavyweight days alongside Naomichi Marufuji to his current run back in NOAH...

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Tape Trader's Corner

Open to Trades

I collect puroresu shows from the 90s and 2000s. Currently looking for:

  • NOAH Navigation tours (2000-2005)
  • AJPW Triple Crown defenses (1998-2002)
  • NJPW G1 Climax (any year)
  • Indie promotions: Toryumon, Osaka Pro, Michinoku Pro

Contact via guestbook or check links for other tape trading resources.

About Star Ratings

I use the traditional 5-star scale with some personal criteria:

Rating Meaning
★★★★★ Must-see. A match that defines what wrestling can be.
★★★★☆ Excellent. Highly recommended viewing.
★★★☆☆ Good solid match. Worth your time.
★★☆☆☆ Average. Some redeeming qualities.
★☆☆☆☆ Below average. Skip unless completist.

Quarter-stars (¾, ½, ¼) used for nuance. DUD means not worth rating.