Way of the Blade – Details, episodes & analysis

Phil is joined by pro wrestler and ex-UFC fighter Filthy Tom Lawlor to talk about Kazunari Murakami vs. Yuji Nagata from New Japan December 2002. We talk about the beauty of simplistic wrestling, who hit Tom the hardest in the ring, and overlaps between MMA and pro-wrestling.

Phil talks with writer and podcaster David Bixenspan about Genichiro Tenryu vs. Tatsumi Fujinami from the New Japan Dome show. We debate whether Tenryu was protecting Fujinami or abusing him, and how much a broke bloody nose hurts

Phil talks with Matt Whittle the lead singer of the indy rock band Seagulls about ROH vs. CZW in the Cage of Death. We discuss being a wrestling fan in Philly during this era, which guys in this match might have voted for Trump and much more

Phil talks with fellow Segunda Caida writer Eric Ritz about the Cowboy Boot Match between Eddie Marlin and Tommy Gilbert. They talk about the greatness of old man fist fights, minimalist wrestling and one of the greatest highspots in wrestling history.

Phil welcomes back writer JR Goldberg to talk about the gruesome hair vs. hair match between Pirata Morgan and El Faron. We talk about how the structure of this match is similar to biblical literary criticism, discusses the biggest gaps between wrestling brothers and much more

The wrestling genius Daniel Makabe returns to talk about the epic war between Akira Hokuto and Shinobu Kandori from AJW Dreamslam 4/2/93. We talk about the variety of styles in Joshi wrestling, the beauty of big emotive wrestling and fantasy book a Daniel Makabe version of this match.

Phil is joined by fellow Segunda Caida founder and Death Valley Driver alum Tom Karro-Gassner to discusses the greatest match in wrestling history MS1 vs. Sangre Chicana

Phil talks with the Ringer's Masked Man David Shoemaker about Flair vs. Funk from the 1989 Great American Bash. We talk about the difference between Funk in a bar fight and Gary Hart in a bar fight, the elite level of 1989 NWA and much more.

Phil is joined by the iconic Dustin Rhodes to talk about his match against his brother Cody at AEW Double or Nothing 5/25/19. We talk about emotion in professional wrestling, Dustin's early career and the Rhodes family tradition.

Phil talks to Big Apple legend The Devil's Son in Law Julius Smokes about Homicide vs. Steve Corino from 9/16/03. We talk about the art of being a hype man, the early days of the Doghouse and being part of the Corino vs. Homicide feud