Ep. 33: Rikidozen

Before Inoki. Before Baba. Before WrestleKingdom… there was Rikidōzan.

Step into the ring with The Grapple of Your Eye as we uncover the electrifying, controversial, and ultimately tragic life of Rikidōzan — the sumo-turned-superstar who transformed professional wrestling in Japan. From his secret Korean origins to his battles with Lou Thesz, Freddie Blassie, and The Destroyer, this is the untold story of a man who became a postwar legend and a national obsession.

In this explosive episode, you’ll hear:

• The real story behind the infamous shoot with judo legend Masahiko Kimura
• How Rikidōzan’s matches broke TV records and revived a wounded nation’s spirit
• His violent underworld connections and the fatal night that ended it all
• A legacy that shaped generations of wrestlers across continents

Whether you’re a puroresu purist or a curious newcomer, this episode is your front-row ticket to the birth of Japanese pro wrestling — raw, unfiltered, and unforgettable.

Hit play. Feel the chop. Witness the legend.