
19 October 2025
The Life & Times of Hiro Matsuda
WRITE THAT DOWN! A Professional Wrestling Podcast w/ Fumi Saito & Justin Knipper
About
This episode is a special deep-dive into the life and influence of Hiro Matsuda, the wrestler, trainer, and promoter who bridged Japanese and American pro wrestling.
We trace his journey from early days in Peru and Mexico to Texas and Florida, his legendary matches and role as a shareholder in Championship Wrestling from Florida, and his work founding IWE in Japan.
Highlights include his training of megastars (Hulk Hogan, Lex Luger, Ron Simmons, Scott Hall and others), his landmark rivalries like those with Danny Hodge, and the lasting legacy he left on both sides of the Pacific.