Shows
The Catch ChroniclesEp 9 - The Story of Pancrase: Japan’s Original HybridIn 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 down how Pancrase shaped the early days of MMA, its influence on modern combat sports, and the iconic fighters it produced, including Bas Rutten, Ken Shamrock, and Masakatsu Funaki.👉 Subscribe for m...2025-07-211h 02The Catch ChroniclesEp. 8 - The Death of Pride FCIn 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 rumors, facts, and long-lasting impact PRIDE’s demise had on the world of mixed martial arts.#CatchChronicles #MMAHistory #PRIDEFC #CatchWrestling #mmapodcast 2025-07-181h 15The Catch ChroniclesEP. 7 – Kazushi Sakuraba: The Gracie Killer KillerJavi 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.2025-06-2054 minThe Catch ChroniclesEP. 6 - The Rise & Fall of the UWFIn 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 earlier episodes if you are new and to like and subscribe2025-05-291h 00The Catch ChroniclesEP. 5 - Ali vs InokiIn 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 beneath the awkward kicks and bizarre rules, this match marked the birth of modern MMA and sparked a global conversation about what happens when fighting styles collide.Join us as we unpack:The wild backstory behind h...2025-04-131h 19The Catch ChroniclesEP. 4 - Karl GotchIn 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 modern grappling and MMA. We break down:If you're a fan of catch wrestling, grappling, or martial arts history, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!2025-04-0354 minThe Catch ChroniclesEP. 3 - Billy RobinsonWelcome 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 in both the UK and US wrestling scenes. We discuss his training methods, his unforgettable matches, and the lasting impact he left on future generations of wrestlers. Whether you're a lifelong fan of...2025-04-031h 03The Catch ChroniclesEP. 2 - The Snake PitWelcome 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 reputation to its influence on modern MMA, we uncover the rich history of this iconic institution. 2025-04-031h 42The Catch ChroniclesThe Catch Chronicles - Episode 1Welcome 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 rivalries that defined catch wrestling. 2025-04-0345 min