Big Egg Podcasting Universe: Episode 12 Show Notes
Where to watch
Combat Toyoda vs Yumiko Hotta
Akira Hokuto vs Eagle Sawai
Megumi Kudo and Combat Toyoda vs Bull Nakano and Akira Hokuto (19/9/1992)
One of the early milestones of the interpromotional era, this tag team match brought two of AJW’s leading lights to the FMW ring to take on the stars of that company’s women’s division. A lot of violence is packed into less than 15 minutes here – a taster of what was to come over the next couple of years.
The card for AJW Dream Slam 1 (2/4/1993)
As line-ups go, the first of the major interpromotional events AJW put together is one of the most impressive. An eye-watering list of legends including Devil Masami, Chigusa Nagayo, Kaoru Ito, Aja Kong, Bull Nakano and the infamous match between Akira Hokuto and Shinobu Kandori – but the main event? Combat Toyoda and Megumi Kudo tagging against Manami Toyota and Toshiyo Yamada.
Yumiko Hotta Goes Back to MMA
When Shinobu Kandori (in her 50s, in her second career as a working politician) dropped out of her planned MMA fight against Gabi Garcia in 2017, 49-year-old Yumiko Hotta willingly agreed to be the last-minute replacement. Shockingly, it did not go well for her. The fight ended after 47 seconds, though at least Garcia said she was afraid of Hotta’s strategy. How do you react to your opponent running the ropes, anyway?
Marshmallow Bomb / Flupke’s Month in Wrestling
George mentions that the good friend of the podcast and insightful joshi commentator Luke @flupkediflupke shares our philosophy that mistakes in the ring can enhance a match.
Since we recorded this episode his Flupke’s Month in Wrestling newsletter has expanded and morphed into Marshmallow Bomb, with guest writers exploring everything from the latest Marvelous show to the wrestling references in Salman Rushdie’s novels (yep, that last one was George). His insightful analysis in his own monthly roundup is, thankfully, still part of the mix.
Hisako Uno breaks her neck
In 1987, Hisako Uno and her partner Yumiko Hotta were planned to defend their tag team titles against Yumi Ogura and Kazue Nagahori in a 2 out of 3 falls match. When the first fall ends with a piledriver from the second rope, Uno’s neck is broken. She finishes the match: a story that births the legend of the future Akira Hokuto.
We’re not embedding this match on the page because, well, you know, but you can watch it on Youtube if you’re so inclined.
Plugs
Women Love Wrestling
Writing by and about women who love wrestling, with proceeds going to RAINN in the US and Women’s Aid in the UK. My essay is first in the book but don’t let that put you off – you can get it on Amazon – and there’s lots more to find on the new Women Love Wrestling website.
Must See Matches
Kieran Lefort and Mark Buckledee are reviewing more than 100 matches that fans on Twitter nominated as ‘Must See’. I’ve appeared a few times to talk about classic joshi matches such as Chigusa Nagayo vs Dump Matsumoto from Budokan Hall in 1985, and there’s even an episode on John Cena vs Umaga. A fascinating listen; not just when I’m on it.
Follow Must See Matches on Twitter or listen on Spotify
Draw, Lose or Draw
David’s podcast about the ups, downs and rewards of being a fan of Partick Thistle.
Jags for Good
Partick Thistle fans seem to be lovely. Jags for Good supports social justice initiatives including food banks, free tickets for refugees and asylum seekers, and energy meter top-ups for people in the local area.
Donate to Jags for Good or follow on Twitter
Football Makes Glasgow: The Glasgow Football Tour Podcast
The Glasgow Football Tour does exactly what it says on the tin. Its podcast brings in guests every week to hear about their own experiences in the city’s footballing communities, in exchange for a contribution to their Patreon for as little as £1 a month.
The Rise and Fall of Rikidozan: A Novel in Seventeen Matches
George’s novel about a young man discovering the murky world of early puro and totally legitimate businessmen. Available in paperbook and ebook.
George’s Twitch Stream
George plays mahjong now. And when he needs a break from mahjong he plays Pokemon, or Inscryption, or anything that takes his fancy. Watch Lord Tenpai run the gauntlet every Thursday at 8pm.
Socials
David’s Instagram: @villanoxiv
The Puro Pourri Podcast on Twitter: @PuroPodcast
Sarah’s Twitter: @SarahParkin1
