Eastern Lariat
Eastern Lariat is a bi-weekly podcast that delves into the Japanese professional wrestling scene, with a focus on New Japan Pro Wrestling and other promotions. Hosted by STRIGGA of Purolove.com and Cagematch.net, and Dylan Fox of MLW's Lucha Talk and Cagematch.net, the show offers analysis, reviews, and news. It aims to introduce listeners to various wrestling companies, their styles, business aspects, wrestlers, and major events.
Episodes
Episode 328: NJPW G1 Climax 36 Final + Rey de Parejas 2026
In a move neither of us expected when she agreed to do these Rey de Parejas shows, "The Fashionista" Amy Hay has been inexplicably promoted to Dylan's temporary co-host position, and she wasted no time diving into one of the busiest stretches on the puroresu calendar for the first Eastern Lariat after STRIGGA announced he was taking a step back. (And we still miss you!) But we move! And for now D&
Episode 327: Half Year Awards 2026
The Eastern Lariat returns with the big annual Half Year Awards show! For the 8th time now, we discuss YOUR and OUR choices in 12 different categories to track down the very best in japanese pro-wrestling in the fist half of 2026! Across all categories, STRIGGA and Dylan make arguments for and against wrestlers, create cases and while doing so also look at the grand scheme of the japanese pro-wres
Episode 326: DRAGONGATE Kobe World Review (w/Special Guest Amy Hay)
Episode 326: DRAGONGATE Kobe World 2026 Review (w/Special Guest Amy Hay) The biggest show of the year for DG is in the books and for it I decided to bring along one of my favorite people and also one of my favorite people to see/listen to opinions on wrestling about, the Writer of her world famous Gear of the Year list for 5 years running, Amy! We talk about DG's Kobe Pro Wrestling Festival and
Episode 325: Nihon Ichi Kakkoii
Who's gonna be nihon ichi kakkoii, the coolest guy in Japan, this summer? STRIGGA & Dylan first discuss New Japan Pro Wrestling's recent set of events going back to Dominion and the G1 Qualifier show in Korakuen Hall and then transition to early G1 predictions after going through both blocks. They rate the blocks, participants and the composition of the tournament itself as some of the entrants ra
Episode 324: Pro Wres Therapy Session
After a Best of the Super Juniors final that left STRIGGA & Dylan with plenty to say, the two review the tournament's conclusion that left a lot to be desired for their liking. They rate all the participants, discuss noteworthy matches and moments and from there on discuss the upcoming Dominion card that – much like the BOSJ – leaves a lot to be desired.More interesting than the in-ring itself is
Episode 323: Tournament Edition
STRIGGA & Dylan return for episode 323 of The Eastern Lariat to discuss the conclusion of AJPW's Champion Carnival, where Hideki Suzuki emerged victorious while Go Shiozaki suffered a heartbreaking defeat after coming so far. The show also covers the two opening nights of NJPW's Best of the Super Junior, as well as the latest developments in DDT and GLEAT and their King of DDT and G-CLASS tourname
Episode 322: Secret Sauce
STRIGGA & Dylan celebrate Dylan's 10th Anniversary show the only way they know and could: With a jam-packed episode covering current and upcoming events, stories and matches from seven japanese promotions. They kick things off with the joshi block on the show with Sendai Girls in Korakuen from 4/12, Stardom's All Star Grand Queendom card for 4/26, and Marvelous heading to Yokohama Buntai on May 5.
Episode 321: Easter Potpourri
Returning from a hiatus, The Eastern Lariat jumps right back into the mix of japanese pro wrestling starting with TJPW's Texas Tour and Grand Princess, where Yuki Arai stood tall above all. Then they shift to Sendai Girls with Chihiro Hashimoto continuing to be the measuring stick of joshi wrestling. Since the world of professional wrestling is ever evolving, STRIGGA & Dylan also discuss the depar
Episode 320: Osaka Pro, Shinjuku FACE Closing, Solo Catchup
Halfway through the show STRIGGA had an unexpected and unfortunate situation where is X (formerly known as Twitter) account @STRIGGA was hacked. Therefore Dylan went solo for the last half or so after the 42 minute mark. We apologize for the inconvenience and will make it up one day! On the return effort with Strig back from WxW we talk a bit about the state of the scene as well as an unexpected
Episode 319: A New Beginning?
This week, the Eastern Lariat dives into a possibly defining show for New Japan Pro Wrestling on 2/11: Tsuji remains champ, Jake Lee looked goofy and Tsuji called out Bushiroad – a lot to unwind for STRIGGA & Dylan! They also discuss the big question: where exactly do you go with Olympic gold medalist Aaron Wolf from here? Who's stepping up after Finlay and Hiromu being added to the list of depart
Episode 318: New Year Potpourri
Welcome to the 2026 edition of the New Year Potpourri! After Wrestle Kingdom and the Year End Awards, this show looks back how the first month of the year went for some of the top companies in Japan. Of course STRIGGA & Dylan start off by breaking down EVIL leaving NJPW and reflecting his legacy with the company. Was he a true top guy? From there on, the Eastern Lariat talks about the identity of
Episode 317: Year End Awards 2025
It's this time of the year again! This episode is all about celebrating the very best of the year 2025 in japanese Pro-Wrestling as STRIGGA & Dylan unveil the Eastern Lariat Year End Awards that you, the listeners, voted for! Across 12 categories, both hosts break down the winners, debate cases and tight races, spotlight moments, matches, and performers that defined the year. From MVP, Best Wrestl
Episode 316: Ace Gone
The beginning of the new year is the endpoint of a career at the same time. It's not the endpoint of a regular career, but the endpoint of Hiroshi Tanahashi's career that shaped japanese pro wrestling over the past 26 years and helped change the balance of power in the business. So it's no exaggeration to say that fans witnessed the closing of the book of one of the most important careers not just
Eastern Lariat Special: 2026 Predictions for Japan
It's the yearly tradition back again. 2025 is in the books and now we go over the predictions from the fans. We got a ton and Dylan goes through every single one, determining if things are more likely or unlikely to happen and my thoughts on the possibility of them happening. Finally he throws out a few predictions of his own that he foresees for 2026. It's a new year! What will the future hold fo
Episode 315: 25 under 25
For the final show of the year 2025, STRIGGA & Dylan Fox dive into their 25 under 25 list of the very best Japanese pro wrestling talent under the age of 25. From already main eventing standouts to promising prospects with seemingly limitless ceilings, they talk strengths, trajectories, and who's in line to define the next coming years of their respective promotion or maybe the entire scene. Join
Super J-Cup 2000
Merry Christmas from the Eastern Lariat! As a special gift to you, STRIGGA & Dylan go 25 years back in time and present their review of the Super J-Cup 3rd Stage hosted by Michinoku Pro Wrestling on the 1st & 9th of April 2000! This tournament featured a colorful cast of characters from New Japan's Jushin Thunder Liger over Michinoki Pro's Great Sasuke and WCW's Kaz Hayashi to Big Japan's M
Episode 314: From The Other Side
This week on the Eastern Lariat, STRIGGA & Dylan kick things off by talking about one of their japanese pro-wrestling soft spots in ZERO1. As the company is "reborn", they took it to Korakuen Hall where the "reborn" Hayabusa faced Kaito Kiyomiya. Kiyomiya also recently faced "Mr. Smack Daddy" Yoshiki Inamura in the main event, so Pro Wrestling NOAH and their upcoming Budokan card is the next topic
Eastern Lariat Special: 2025 Wrestling Observer Hall of Fame Inductees (w/Gerard di Trolio)
With the smoke clearing on the 2025 WON Hall of Fame ballots, we have a whopping 8 new inductees to discuss. With all 7 voted in being candidates voted on by returning guest from the Emerald Flowshow, Gerard di Trolio. We go over the inductees, near misses, surprising totals and the future of the ballots with new and returning candidates being announced, finally with picks suggested by us to big D
Episode 313: Favorite Lucha Dumpling
For the firs time in a long time STRIGGA & Dylan invest a lot of time into DRAGONGATE and analyze the current stable landscape of the promotion guiding you through the different camps and what their aspirations and goals are. In doing so, they also discuss the most recent Gate of Destiny and King of Gate events. From there, they take it to New Japan Pro Wrestling in November and on their road to t
Eastern Lariat Special: 2025 Wrestling Observer Hall of Fame Discussion (w/Gerard di Trolio of the Emerald Flowshow)
It's time for the Hall of Fame! Dylan is joined by the Emerald Flowshow and WON Hall of Fame voter Gerard di Trolio to discuss this year's ballot, with particular spotlight on the new candidates on this year. Every single region is covered as he reveals his ballot, with perhaps one Dylan swaying him on somewhat? Buckle up and check out our look at a wrestling history perspective for over 3 hours,
Episode 312: 10 Years out of the Blue Corner
The guys kick things off with a look at the bad blood between Go Shiozaki and Pro Wrestling NOAH over the ZERO1 Title – a messy situation that All Japan Pro Wrestling could benefit from a lot. From there, it's over to All Japan, where STRIGGA brings up the point of production values in contrast to NOAH or NJPW. They'll also talk about HAVOC being over with the crowd and how Shiozaki fits into the
Episode 311: Un-affiliated
Eastern Lariat Special: GAEA Girls 25th Anniversary Review (w/Nello de Angelis)
Eastern Lariat Special: GAEA Girls 25 years after it's release, Dylan is joined by his Wrestle Update co-host and film major, game designer, director Nello de Angelis to give his insights from a directorial standpoint. Hear the two break down the film as well as the content of it as well which focuses on the GAEA Dojo led by legendary Joshi wrestler Chigusa Nagayo which at times devolves into ps
Episode 310: Glue Guys
STRIGGA & Dyaln are back and cover a lot of ground from late August to mid September! First off, they dive deep into All Japan's Oudou Tournament and Pro Wrestling NOAH's N-1 Victory, both of which are shaping the fall landscape in a big way. Over in Marigold, the Dream Star GP ended with two wrestlers gaining a lot from it alongside the surprising news of MIRAI's departure. Might she go back to S
Episode 309: 2025 NOAH N1 Victory Preview (w/Dr. Jonathan Foye)
On today's Eastern Lariat, it's an extremely special episode as Dylan is joined by the esteemed Pro Wrestling Author Dr. Jonathan Foye. The Ganbaru Author and regular Japanese wrestling live show attendee joins Fox in giving looks at all the competitors in the tournament, their histories, who they are as wrestlers and also we come through at the end with predictions for the finals of the tournamen
Eastern Lariat Special: Stardom 5 Star GP FULL Recap/Review (w/Sondre Bjørn)
Special Edition: 5 Star Grand Prix Full Review and Recap We talked about it on the EL but it just wasn't enough for Dylan as he brings in the Dramatic Dream Dragons' Sondre Bjørn into the fold and we go over the entire tournament, with talk about not just the final, but EVERY SINGLE WRESTLER and rank them on a 1/10 scale. We talk about the future and where things could go with Momo as the winner
Episode 308: Natsu no Potpourri
Welcome to episode 308 of the Eastern Lariat! STRIGGA & Dylan are back to dish out another potpourri of the Japanese wrestling landscape. This week they dive into New Japan's freshly updated cards for the Destruction tour before they look back at Stardom's highly successful 5★Star Grand Prix that elevated numerous wrestlers to greater heights. Another joshi tournament is in the focus following tha
Episode 307: G1 Climax 35 Megashow
STRIGGA & Dylan return with their coverage the final days of NJPW's G1 Climax 35 – the biggest tournament of the Summer. With the final and the road leading to it being pretty controversial, did the tournament hold up the high G1 standards? What does the crowd reactions during Konosuke Takeshita vs. EVIL tell us about the individual performers and the state of the company? From booking choices and
Episode 306: Wrestling the Gathering
In the spirit of the season, The Eastern Lariat returns with deep dive into the big summer gatherings of pro wrestling in japan – the major tournaments. The show starts out with Dylan's rundown of Stardom's 5Star Grand Prix up until Day 4 and then turns to New Japan Pro Wrestling's G1 Climax 35 that crossed the half way point this past weekend. The big question here is: What's in the cards for whi
Episode 305: Tournament Season 2025
On this episode of the Eastern Lariat podcast, STRIGGA & Dylan dive into a packed puroresu lineup. They kick things off with Pro Wrestling NOAH, where KENTA has taken center stage in a major way for the first time since 2014. Then it's over to All Japan Pro Wrestling for a deep look at the Zennichi Junior Tournament and what it means for the promotion's junior division – is this the best its ever
Episode 304: Half Year Awards 2025
The Eastern Lariat is back with the much-anticipated Half Year Awards show for 2025! Join in as STRIGGA & Dylan break down YOUR votes and THEIR picks across 12 categories, celebrating the very best of Japanese pro-wrestling in the first six months. From clear-cut winners in some categories, the discussions intensifies on who truly deserves other trophies such like wrestler of the half year, best f
Episode 303: Doubling Down on Dominion
STRIGGA & Dylan return with a deep dive into New Japan Pro Wrestling's Dominion, breaking down the key moments from NJPW's annual big summer event in Osaka. The main focus in this show is on questionable booking decisions, but also on character development and how very little of this development ever matters. With the results of the show and the actual good match quality in mind, they analyze what
Episode 302: A Wrestle Universe Podcast
Wrestle Universe takes center stage in this episode of The Eastern Lariat as STRIGGA & Dylan go though all eight promotions that are on the most comprehensive streaming service for japanese pro wrestling. There's a digest on the current situation and upcoming cards for these promotions as well as viewing recommendations from DDT and NOAH over Sendai Girls to Michinoku Pro. From there, the focus sh
Episode 301: Golden Week 2025
This week, STRIGGA & Dylan start the show talking about the new Hayabusa and from there discuss mask gimmicks in modern japanese pro wrestling including Tiger Mask and Mentai Kid. The biggest point of discussion on the show follows with Wrestling Dontaku, Resurgence and Best Of The Super Junior leaving their marks on New Japan Pro Wrestling in May leading up to Dominion in June. Hirooki Goto still
Episode 300: Stardom All Star Grand Queendom, Meiko Satomura Retires, NJPW Update
The big 300! Strig and Dylan start the show off reminiscing over where we've come as a Japanese wrestling fan society in the time of these 300 episodes and talk about some of our favorite episodes and moments. From there Strigga bounces back to give his take on the Tetsuya Naito situation in NJPW and where they can go from here. After that we move over to talking about Stardom's All Star Grand Que
Eastern Lariat Special: Jeff Cobb, BUSHI & Tetsuya Naito OUT of NJPW
Just a day after our last show it was announced Jeff Cobb was leaving the company and the tag titles were vacated. Then one of the biggest stunners of the year was announced: Tetsuya Naito (and BUSHI) are out of NJPW. After an alleged mutual agreement Dylan rides solo to go through the history of the 3 men, what they meant to NJPW (including a spicy take or two about Naito's usage through the year
Episode 299: Authenticity
Two continents, two shows and the search for uthentic top guys continues for New Japan Pro Wrestling. The Eastern Lariat looks back at Sakura Genesis and Windy City Riot including an incredible Tanahashi vs. Takeshita match, more discussions regarding Shota Umino and the question who could be headlining Dominion and who the G1 winner might be. After that, STRIGGA & Dylan turn to All Japan Pro Wres
Episode 298: Hanami Potpourri
With Cherry Blossom japanese pro-wrestling usually gets into second gear after more moderate months. So STRIGGA & Dylan fully dive into the scene, covering everything from New Japan over Marigold to Michinoku Pro. This episode begins with AJPW's latest big show and the upcoming Champion Carnival and then turns to DRAGONGATE's Rey de Parejas final and their road to Dead or Alive. This is followed b
Episode 297: Show, don't Tell
The Eastern Lariat returns right before the final stage of the 2025 New Japan Cup with a look back at the tournaments' early rounds, an assessment of the overall tournament quality and where the roads might lead for some of the main players such as David Finlay and Shota Umino and for some up and coming talent like Drilla Moloney and Callum Newman. Besides the New Japan Cup, STRIGGA & Dylan also c
Episode 296: 2nd Eastern Lariat Hall of Fame Class
The Eastern Lariat presents the second class of The Eastern Larait Hall of Fame, a pantheon that doesn't celebrate the most successful or necessarily the best wrestlers in japan, but those who matter most to this specific podcast and STRIGGA & Dylan. Some of them might be both the best and those who matter the most – a lot seems possible with this Hall of Fame. In the second half of the show STRIG
Episode 295: Nuthin' but a Goto Thang
Join the Eastern Lariat in celebrating the impropable coronation of one of New Japan's most loyal and hardest working wrestlers as Hirooki Goto, despite all the setbacks, despite all the losses and despite all the nay sayers finally won the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship on a very good show with lots of developments up and down the card. STRIGGA & Dylan discuss how long Goto's reign might be
Episode 294: Year End Awards 2024
Episode 293: STRIGGA in Japan
After returning from Japan, STRIGGA share some of the stories he's expierenced during his vaction that fell into one of the most busiest times in japanese pro-wrestling. Given that, Dylan not only asks him about all the venues he went to, which food and drinks were on the menu, but they also discuss most of the events from late December until early January which includes DDT & Stardom in Sumo Hall
Episode 292: 2025 Japanese Wrestling Predictions Special
The end of the year upon us means time for looking back, and time for looking ahead. This episode we do both! First Dylan gives a preview of the year end awards and talks about last year's winners and how things may play out this year. Then after that we get to predictions dropped on us by YOU. We got a lot from the fans and it's time to talk about all of them, before ending the show with STRIGGA
2024 Eastern Lariat Christmas Fantasy Booking Special (w/Yannik)
A first in Eastern Lariat history, Dylan welcomes on Yannik from the Dramatic Dream Dragons for a fantasy booking special. An idea from the Swiss Icon that takes our draft concepts to a new level, introducing a full fantasy booking exercise. The first half of the show is the draft portion of the show where they select from every Japanese company as well as gain a couple of wild card wrestlers from
Episode 291: Back in the Zone
STRIGGA & Dylan are back in the ZONE and dive into the latest action from Japan including DRAGONGATE's King of Gate tournament that saw Dragon Dia come out on top which offers an interesting main event for Final Gate. Less interesting and somewhat head-scratching is the build for NOAH's big show on January 1st with Kiyomiya vs. OZAWA for the GHC Title. Since the end of the year is always all about
Episode 290: However Many Guys
It took a while for the Eastern Lariat crew to catch up with the events that took place on Bunka no Hi, the Day of Culture in Japan this past Monday – and it was a lot. STRIGGA & Dylan first discuss New Japan's Power Struggle including the big title matches, SANADA's turn, Umino's challenge and the reaction to it and the Tokyo Dome double shot in January taking shape. Moving on, All Japan's Hokkai
Episode 289: Age of the Fools
Join STRIGGA & Dylan Fox for episode 289 of the Eastern Lariat podcast as they dive into the latest developments in japanese pro wrestling. First, they discuss NJPW's recent Royal Quest and the difference between the live experience and watching on stream. From there on, they touch on the ongoing Super Junior Tag League, Power Struggle and specifically Shota Umino's role in the lead up to Wrestle
Eastern Lariat 2024 Wrestling Observer Hall of Fame Special (w/Gerard di Trolio)
Against all odds (it was definitely happening all along) The Emerald FlowShow's own esteemed Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame voter Gerard di Trolio (@EmeraldFlowShow on SocMed) returns once again to argue with Dylan about who should be voted in to the Hall of Fame. We discuss every region and every candidate eligible for voting with Japan of course getting the main focus as we break dow
Episode 288: A New Frontman
The Eastern Lariat is back bring you the latest from the world of japanese pro-wrestling. STRIGGA & Dylan kick things off by diving into NJPW's King of Pro-Wrestling that saw the coronation of Zack Sabre Jr. and many more developments! While New Japan has more and more positves to discuss, NOAH's big news of the week was the reveal of TEAM2000X. The Eastern Lariat crew breaks down this key moments
Episode 287: Just unleash, man!
On this episode STRIGGA & Dylan take a deep dive into most recent events in All Japan Pro Wrestling, first and foremost the Oudou Tournament, by analyzing standout matches, the booking of the tournament and its impact on AJPW's future. The discussion then shifts to a spotlight on the best wrestlers in Japan under 30 in Japan and which company has the edge in this category. Lastly, Eastern Lariat c
Episode 286: There's at least hope
After a very poorly received final of Pro Wrestling NOAH's N-1 Victory The Eastern Lariat looks at what went wrong during the tournament and what bright spots are visible on the horizon for NOAH's Ark. More well received, but not in any way spectacular was All Japan's Summer Action Wars event from Fukuoka. That doesn't stop STRIGGA & Dylan from being excited for the immediate future of the entire
Episode 285: G1 Climax 34 Megashow
The Eastern Lariat returns to action after almost one month for its annual post-tournament edition, as STRIGGA and Dylan Fox dive deep into the just concluded G1 Climax 34. Recorded on the very day the tournament wrapped up, this episode provides the teams' unfiltered reactions and speculations to one of the most grueling and prestigious tours japanese pro-wrestling has to offer. STRIGGA and Dylan
Episode 284: Big Summer Potpourri
Another big weekend of action in japanese pro wrestling is in the rear view mirror which brought STRIGGA & Dylan back together to discuss five different companies on the newest Eastern Lariat! First, they dive into the opening days of the G1 Climax 34 with the question in mind of who's starting strong and who's already facing an uphill battle. Korakuen Hall saw a double header of TJPW and AJPW wit
Episode 283: Half Year Awards 2024
The Eastern Lariat returns with the big annual Half Year Awards show! Join in for a detailed discussion about YOUR and OUR choices in 12 different categories to explore the very best in japanese pro-wrestling in the fist half of 2024! STRIGGA & Dylan dive into compelling arguments about the MVP winners, what an MVP should bring to the table and what impact business had on these awards. Futhermore,
Episode 282: Primary Colors
Join STRIGGA & Dylan for another episode as they dive into the vibrant world of japanese pro wrestling. First of all, The Eastern Lariat breaks down the G1 Climax blocks and dissects participants as well as potential outcomes. Next, the show shifts gears to discuss Bloodsport Bushido, an unique event blending the worlds of pro-wrestling and martial arts. Stardom's "The Conversion" had the promotio
Episode 281: For The Sickos
In this episode of the Eastern Lariat STRIGGA & Dylan look at the grand scheme of things in DRAGONGATE and New Japan Pro Wrestling. Between DG's double shot in Korakuen Hall in early June and Kobe World in July, there are a lot of moving parts that the Eastern Lariat analyses. Who walks out of Kobe World with the belts? Who turns on whom? Which stable is going the way of the dodo? As for NJPW, STR
Episode 280: Flowers, Dreams & Super Juniors
Hanami season is officially over in Japan, but the flowers bloom nonetheless with Marigold's debut Show Marigold Fields Forever and the yearly Hana Kimura Memorial show. The Eastern Lariat takes a detailed look at Rossy Ogawa's new project with a match-by-match analysis and a projection for some of the roster members' prospects within the new company. A few days later, also in Korakuen Hall, Kyoko
Episode 279: Golden Week Extravaganza 2024
In a BIG recap of Golden Week, the Eastern Lariat returns after a month-long hiatus. STRIGGA & Dylan are back to discuss recommendations between April 27 and May 6 including Stardom, Ryukyu Dragon Pro, DDT, Wrestling Dontaku and BJW. The next big chunck of the show revolves around Pro Wrestling NOAH's Wrestle Magic with Kaito Kiyomiya regaining the GHC Heavyweight Championship, DRAGONGATE's Dead o
Episode 278: AJPW CC Catchup (w/Jess) + NJPW/Stardom & Jake Lee
Special guest longtime AJPW expert and podcaster formerly of Talking Triple Crown, Jess joins Dylan to talk about the Champion Carnival, go through every single match of the first 3 shows as well as lay out what she thinks will be the final of the tournament. After that Dylan brings it home solo with some breaking news updates and gives his thoughts on the news of the BUSHIROAD corporate reshuffli
Episode 277: Sakura Potpourri Ep. 2
The second episode of the Sakura Potourri features an extensive look at the joshi scene in Japan as STRIGGA & Dylan not only discuss the Marigold press conference and its future outlook, but they also take a ride through almost the entire scene with a focus on Ice Ribbon, WAVE, Sendai Girls & TJPW before turning to NOAH's most recent Korakuen Hall show and DRAGONGATE's Rey de Parejas Final & Dead
Episode 276: Sakura Potpourri
Join STRIGGA & Dylan for another episode as they dive into the ever evolving world of japanese pro wrestling! In another potpourri episode the Eastern Lariat covers a lot of ground covering no less than 8 different promotions. The discussion begins with DDT, TJPW & DRAGONGATE on WrestleMania weekend and quickly moves to a more general discussion about the DG roster and the missing game changing hi
Episode 275: That's What They Do
Welcome back to the Eastern Lariat! STRIGGA & Dylan dive right back into the hottest topics in the world of japanese pro wrestling! As Stardom sees the departure of five wrestlers who are very likely heading to Rossy Ogawa's new project, STRIGGA & Dylan explore the implications for both sides and what impact it could have on the scene as a whole. In NJPW, Yota Tsuji's New Japan Cup victory is the
Episode 274: Gedo 101
Another Eastern Lariat awaits you with almost two hours full of news, discussions and opinionated takes on the world of japanese pro wrestling. After a brief talk about Jun Akiyama vs. Bryan Danielson, STRIGGA & Dylan present Wrestle Universe's latest upgrades and price modeling before they go to the much-anticipated and very well received debut of Kasei Takechi. Following some quick notes on Pro
Episode 273: Hiroshi Tanahashi and The Rainmaker Experience
The Eastern Lariat returns with an analysis of the most recent developments across various promotions in Japan. From El Hijo del Dr. Wagner Jr.'s GHC Heavyweight Championship win in Pro Wrestling NOAH to Rei Saito's unfortunate injury keeping him out of the Triple Crown match with Nakajima, we discuss championship changing hands, the reasoning behind Kenoh losing YET AGAIN and also look at upcomin
Episode 272: Eisbein Lariat
After addressing the impact of the Vince McMahon lawsuit on the media and (japanaese)wrestling, STRIGGA and Dylan relax and sit back to give their thoughts on three big shows from this past weekend. First of all, Dragon Gate's Gate of Bayside is in the focus with discussions about Luis Mante as Dream Gate Champion, the Dream Gate & Brave booking as well as Kiyomiya & Alejandro excelling in DG. Cha
Episode 271: Okada leaves NJPW
This special episode of the Eastern Lariat is all about Kazuchika Okada leaving New Japan Pro Wrestling. Join us as we analyse the immediate ramifications of Okada's unprecedented departure, where he could go and what it means or should mean for management and Gedo. While the first ever full time departure of a true ace guy to America caused shock waves through japanese pro wrestling and for its f
Episode 270: Year End Awards 2023
Welcome to the Eastern Lariat Year End Awards 2023 – your ultimate celebration of excellence in the world of japanese pro wrestling! On this show it's time to honor the best of the best with awards that YOU, the listeners voted for. From heart stopping moments over stunning rookies to MVPs, we looked at every corner of japanese wrestling to crown outstanding achievements. For the first time, we pr
Episode 269: The New Year in Japan
With the "Big 3" of japanese pro-wrestling running big shows around New Year's Eve, the Eastern Lariat starts off the new year in proper fashion and very much in the tradition of the show's history. Of course one major talking point is Wrestle Kingdom 18 with Tetsuya Naito's roll call and Championship win, Okda vs. Danielson and all the fallout after New Year Dash, but that's not all. STRIGGA & Dy
Episode 268: 2024 Prediction Show
With the final episode of the year we introduce a new concept never heard before on the Eastern Lariat: A prediction show! STRIGGA & Dylan go through all relevant promotions in Japan to run down and rate YOUR and each other's predictions on the newly invented state of the art Predict-O-Meter! Join the fun ride for a look into the crystal pro wrestling ball!
Episode 267: ...it's only Wednesday
STRIGGA & Dylan return with an impromptu episode after news and cards dropped on a rapid speed at the beginning of the week. Not only did New Japan announce a new Championship, Stardom, NOAH, DRAGONGATE and GLEAT also announced their cards for the upcoming big shows at the end of the year. The Eastern Lariat digests these developments, previews the big matches and while the recording happened, the
Episode 266: Miracle on Eastern Lariat Street
A trifecta of topics marks the return of the Eastern Lariat after a month and STRIGGA & Dylan are jumping right into the final tournament season of the year in Japan. However, at the beginning of the show, they focus their attention on AEW's Continental Classic and compare it to tournaments in Japan. From there this Eastern Lariat episode covers New Japan's World Tag League, All Japan's REAL World
Eastern Lariat Special: 2023 Wrestling Observer Hall of Fame Show (w/Gerard Di Trolio)
This year we see the return of our coverage of the Hall of Fame, said by many experts to be among the most "legit" hall of fames among wrestlers themselves as well as historians and journalists. But more importantly than the inner workings of the Hall of Fame, we're here to discuss the candidates up and down and top to bottom and talk about these historical legends in wrestling. (And sometimes not
Episode 265: The Way of the Dodo
After a huge weekend of Pro Wrestling in Japan there were a lot of talking points to get to so the Eastern Lariat returns with a look at New Japan Pro Wrestling, All Japan Pro Wrestling, Pro Wrestlig NOAH and DRAGONGATE. NJPW's Power Struggle on one hand is somewhat of a lame duck show in the calendar year of New Japan, but on the other hand it produced great and unique matches. Unique was Katsuhi
Episode 264: Potpourri of the Fall III
After a brief hiatus the Eastern Lariat returns to catch up on the big japanese promotions and their most recent as well as coming up events. First, STRIGGA & Dylan tackle New Japan's Destruction in Ryogoku and Royal Quest III as well as their road to Wrestle Kingdom and if the show will be able to draw a bigger crowd than Muto's retirement. Someone who draws a lot of attention these days is Katus
Episode 263: Sports Day Preview
With a japanese bank holiday upon us, the Eastern Lariat returns this time for a rare preview episode as STRIGG A & Dylan take a look at some of the cards scheduled for this coming Monday, October 9 known as Sports Day in Japan. The focused promotions this time are NOAH, GLEAT, AJPW, TJPW and NJPW. Before going into any cards though, the first big chunk of discussion revolves around Katsuhiko Naka
Episode 262: STARDOM 5 Star Grand Prix Final 2023 (w/Sondre Bjørn)
The Eastern Lariat tackles the Final of the 5 Star Grand Prix from STARDOM. And boy do we go in depth on this tournament. We go through the final night, breaking down every single participant's tournaments, the blunders that haunted this tournament in terms of scheduling, a disappointing ending after a really strong match, a defense of Suzu Suzuki and average ratings for the tournament rounded up
Episode 261: Young Talent On The Rise
In this episode of the Eastern Lariat, STRIGGA & Dylan mostly focus on the young and more up and coming talent that AJPW, DDT and DRAGONGATE have to offer as they discuss guys like Ryuki Honda, Yuki Ueno or the recent debut of T.N.Revolucion in DG. The show also offers a look at Pro Wrestling NOAH using and wasting potential, recommended matches from All Japan this month and a full review of DDT's
Episode 260: 2023 N1 Victory Final + Pro Wrestling NOAH Breakdown (w/Dean)
Dylan is joined by regular EL NOAH contributor Dean to talk about NOAH's N1 Victory Final which saw Go Shiozaki emerge victorious for his first ever NOAH tournament win. We talk about the whole show, the developments with Psycho Clown coming in to face Hijo del Dr. Wagner Jr. for the National Title, the developments of the Jr. Division and a get well soon to Chris Ridgeway. We talk about Kaito Ki
Episode 259: Hot & Cold
In an impromptu show, STRIGGA called Dylan to look back at a weekend in japanese pro wrestling that had ups and downs, was hot and cold and something in between. After first going over the next big show line ups for New Japan Pro Wrestling, they discuss DRAGONGATE's Dangerous Gate from Ota City as well as their immediate future with some ideas for turns. The next big chunk of the show is devoted t
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