Explore every episode of the podcast The Wrestling Narrative

In the premiere episode of The Wrestling Narrative, Josh Markowitz tells the story of Hayabusa — the legendary Japanese wrestling icon who sacrificed everything for professional wrestling.

From brutal dojo hazing and humiliation, to becoming the ace of his company, Hayabusa’s journey is one of pain, passion, loyalty, and unimaginable sacrifice. Through exploding barbed wire deathmatches, years of physical punishment, and the pressure of carrying an entire company on his back, Hayabusa became one of the most beloved and influential wrestlers of his generation.

But on October 22, 2001, one tragic accident changed his life forever.

This is the story of Eiji Ezaki — the man behind the mask — and the price he paid for making wrestling feel real.

The Wrestling Narrative is a cinematic audio documentary series presented by Wrestling Republic and hosted by Josh Markowitz, exploring the stories, moments, rivalries, and sacrifices that made professional wrestling feel real.

From legendary careers and unforgettable matches to the human struggles behind the curtain, each episode dives deep into the emotion, atmosphere, and history that shaped wrestling across generations.

This isn’t just wrestling history.

These are the stories that made fans believe.