After legendary wrestler and promoter Rikidozan conceded operations of Japan’s wrestling landscape, two men were given the keys to that kingdom. Those men, Antonio Inoki and Shohei Baba, would work together both in the ring as a team and also running the promotion. That is until Inoki and Baba parted to form their own respective promotions. American “gaijin” made fortunes and often swore allegiance to one or the other promoter, touring Japan for either All Japan or New Japan. And tonight’s guest worked for both and became Japan’s most famous gaijin. Join Stan Hansen as he and host Jim Cornette trace the history of Japanese wrestling from Rikidozan up through Inoki and Baba’s split, and through Hansen’s amazing run in All Japan Pro Wrestling. Get ready to hit yet another territory and hop on the bus with Stan, Abby, Brody, DiBiase and head Back to the Territories!
Hear from the stars that worked for and with The Funks including Terry Funk, Dory Funk Jr., Bret Hart, Jim Ross, Gerald Brisco, Steve Corino, Bill Apter, Stan Hansen, JJ Dillon, The Blue Meanie, Bob Armstrong, Dr. Tom Prichard, Harley Race, Larry Matysik, Jimmy Hart, and Ricky Steamboat!
Rip is the World Wrestling Federation champion who is faithful to his fans and the network he wrestles for, but Brell, the new head of the World Television Network, wants Rip to wrestle for his network.
John Stanley Hansen II is an American former professional wrestler, best known under his ring name Stan Hansen. Hansen is renowned for his stiff wrestling style, which he attributes to his poor eyesight. He is also known for his gimmick of a loud, violent cowboy who wanted to fight everybody, which he further emphasized by appearing in interviews with a cowboy hat, leather vest and bullrope while often chewing on tobacco. Considered to be among the most successful and popular gaijins in professional wrestling history, Hansen became more well known and revered in Japan than in his native United States. Despite this, Hansen still found championship success in both countries, as he became a five time world champion upon winning the AWA World Heavyweight Championship once and the AJPW Triple Crown Heavyweight Championship four times.
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