The Catch Chronicles

In the final part of our 3-part series, we reach the climax of one of wrestling’s greatest rivalries Frank Gotch vs. George Hackenschmidt. This episode covers their legendary matches, breaking down the intense physical battles, the controversies surrounding them, and the lasting impact these bouts had on the future of professional wrestling and combat sports as a whole. From their first clash that...

In Part 2 of our 3-part series on Frank Gotch vs. George Hackenschmidt , we dive deeper into the life, career, and fighting style of Frank Gotch — the man who became America’s first wrestling superstar. From his tough beginnings in Iowa to his rise as the face of catch wrestling, Gotch’s relentless style and unmatched conditioning made him both feared and admired. This episode explores how Gotch’s...

Welcome to Part 1 of our 3-part deep dive into one of the greatest rivalries in combat sports history: Frank Gotch vs. George Hackenschmidt. Before they ever stepped into the ring together, both men carved their own legends — Gotch as the tough Midwestern wrestler who embodied grit and determination, and Hackenschmidt as the powerful “Russian Lion,” a global icon of strength and athleticism. In th...

In this episode of The Catch Chronicles, Blake & Javi dive into the fascinating legacy of Shooto and its legendary founder, Satoru Sayama — better known as the original Tiger Mask. 🐯🇯🇵 From his days electrifying pro wrestling audiences to creating one of the earliest hybrid MMA organizations, Sayama’s influence on combat sports is undeniable. The guys break down Shooto’s unique ruleset, its d...

In this episode of The Catch Chronicles , Blake Ferris and Javi Araujo take a deep dive into the legendary Japanese MMA promotion Pancrase . Before the UFC took the world by storm, Pancrase was pioneering a hybrid style of combat — blending catch wrestling, striking, and submission fighting under a unique rule set that blurred the lines between pro wrestling and real fighting. Blake and Javi break...

In this episode of The Catch Chronicles , Blake Ferris and Javi Araujo dive deep into one of the most significant moments in MMA history, the fall of PRIDE Fighting Championship. Once the pinnacle of MMA in Japan, PRIDE FC shaped the sport with legendary fighters, unforgettable rivalries, and historic events. But how did it all come crashing down? From Yakuza ties to UFC buyouts, we break down the...

Javi and Blake break down the wild career of Kazushi Sakuraba — the unorthodox legend who shocked the world by defeating multiple members of the Gracie family. From his catch wrestling roots to his PRIDE FC battles, discover why Sakuraba is one of the most important (and entertaining) fighters in MMA history.

In this episode of The Catch Chronicles, we dive deep into the legacy of the Universal Wrestling Federation (UWF) in Japan — the promotion that brought realism, intensity, and catch wrestling to the forefront of Japanese pro wrestling. Discover how UWF changed the game, influenced future MMA legends, and helped shape the style known today as shoot-style wrestling. Don't forget to check out our ear...

In this episode of The Catch Chronicles, we dive deep into one of the most bizarre, controversial, and historically significant matchups in combat sports history: Muhammad Ali vs. Antonio Inoki. What was supposed to be a clash of legends – boxing’s greatest vs. Japan’s wrestling icon – turned into a spectacle that left fans confused, promoters furious, and the combat world forever changed. But ben...

In Episode 4 of The Catch Chronicles, Blake & Javi take a deep dive into the life, career, and lasting impact of Karl Gotch—one of the most influential figures in catch wrestling history and known as ''The God of wrestling. From his roots in amateur wrestling to his dominance in professional catch-as-catch-can, Gotch's influence stretched across Japan, the UK, and beyond, shaping the future of...

Welcome to Episode 3 of The Catch Chronicles Podcast! In this episode, we dive deep into the legendary career of Billy Robinson, one of the most iconic figures in the world of catch wrestling. Known for his unparalleled skill and unmatched dedication to the craft, Robinson’s influence on the sport is undeniable. Join us as we explore his journey from humble beginnings to becoming a dominant force...

Welcome back to the Catch Chronicles! In this episode we dive deep into the legendary snake pit gym in Wigan, England - one of the most feared and respected training grounds in the history of catch wrestling, We explore the. life and legacy of Bill Riley, the man behind the gym, and how his brutal yet effective training methods shaped some of the toughest fighters in history. From its underground...

Welcome to the show! In this first episode of The Catch Chronicles, Blake & Javi dive into the rich history of catch wrestling - its roots, evolution and impact on modern combat sports. From the carnival circuits to the toughest submission grapplers today, we explore how this brutal and effective style shaped MMA and professional wrestling. Join us as we uncover the legends, techniques and riv...