The Catch Chronicles – Details, episodes & analysis

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 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!

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 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 catch wrestling or just getting started, this episode is packed with insights and stories that celebrate the life of a true legend.

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 reputation to its influence on modern MMA, we uncover the rich history of this iconic institution.

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 rivalries that defined catch wrestling.

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 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 how this fight came to beThe confusing rules and behind-the-scenes politicsHow this match impacted the careers of both Ali and InokiAnd its lasting influence on pro wrestling, MMA, and combat sports as a wholeWhether you're a fight historian, a wrestling fan, or just love a good “what the hell happened” moment in sports, this one’s for you.

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 deep connection to catch wrestling, and how Sayama's vision helped pave the way for modern mixed martial arts.

Whether you're a hardcore MMA historian or just getting into the roots of the sport, this episode is packed with insights, stories, and deep analysis.

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 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.

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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 rumors, facts, and long-lasting impact PRIDE’s demise had on the world of mixed martial arts.

#CatchChronicles #MMAHistory #PRIDEFC #CatchWrestling #mmapodcast

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 earlier episodes if you are new and to like and subscribe