Jumbo Tsuruta: Unyielding Champion of All Japan Pro Wrestling

#JumboTsuruta #writethatdown #ajpw
In this special episode of Write That Down, hosts Knipper and Fumi Saito delve into the storied career of Japanese wrestling legend Jumbo Tsuruta. While originally scheduled to release the third part of their Rikki Choshi series, they instead present an extensive two-hour supercut focusing on Tsuruta's impressive journey.

Listeners will explore Tsuruta's transition from an Olympic wrestler to a revered figure in All Japan Pro Wrestling. The episode covers his early days training in Amarillo, Texas, his immediate impact upon returning to Japan, and his memorable matches against wrestling giants like Dory Funk Jr., Jack Briscoe, and Harley Race. Additionally, the hosts discuss Tsuruta's evolution from a golden rookie to a seasoned veteran, highlighting his pivotal role in shaping the careers of future wrestling stars.

As the episode unfolds, fans will gain insight into Tsuruta's wrestling style, his relationship with contemporaries, and his legacy within the sport. This comprehensive profile is a must-listen for anyone interested in the history and development of Japanese professional wrestling.

Don't forget to subscribe to the Fight Game Media Network podcast on Spotify, Apple, or your preferred platform, and check out Justin Knipper book on Amazon for a detailed guide to New Japan Strong matches.

00:00:00 Introduction to Jumbo Tsuruta
00:19:43 Reflections on the Tokyo Olympics
00:32:01 Jumbo’s Early Years in Amarillo, Texas
00:36:39 Tag Team Success with Yoshiaki Yatsu
00:38:03 Shift in Jumbo’s Wrestling Style
00:42:18 Jumbo Defeats Bruiser Brody for the Title
00:44:09 Pro Wrestling Finishers of the Late 70s and 80s
00:56:52 Evolution of Championship Belt Designs
01:10:01 Transformation of Jumbo Tsuda’s Character
01:16:13 Transition of All Japan Pro Wrestling in 1985
01:19:37 Booking Challenges in Pro Wrestling in the 80s
01:50:17 The Passing of a Wrestling Legend
02:00:02 Tokyo Dome and Korakuen Hall Insights
02:05:05
Remembering Giant Baba and Jumbo Tsuruta
02:07:26
Wrestling as a Believable Sport
02:08:51
Looking Forward to Future Topics