The Catch Chronicles

In the final part of our 3-part series, we reach the climax of one of wrestling’s greatest rivalries Frank Gotch vs. George Hackenschmidt.This episode covers their legendary matches, breaking down the intense physical battles, the controversies surrounding them, and the lasting impact these bouts had on the future of professional wrestling and combat sports as a whole.From their first clash that shocked the world to the highly anticipated rematch years later, we dissect the tactics, the drama, and the legacy that still echoes through wrestling history today.👉 Don’t miss the final chapter of this iconic feud — where the legend of Frank Gotch was truly cemented.

In Part 2 of our 3-part series on Frank Gotch vs. George Hackenschmidt, we dive deeper into the life, career, and fighting style of Frank Gotch — the man who became America’s first wrestling superstar.From his tough beginnings in Iowa to his rise as the face of catch wrestling, Gotch’s relentless style and unmatched conditioning made him both feared and admired. This episode explores how Gotch’s personality, training, and tactics set the stage for one of the most legendary rivalries in wrestling history.👉 Don’t miss the continuation of this historic feud — and get ready for the dramatic showdown in Part 3!

Welcome to Part 1 of our 3-part deep dive into one of the greatest rivalries in combat sports history: Frank Gotch vs. George Hackenschmidt.Before they ever stepped into the ring together, both men carved their own legends — Gotch as the tough Midwestern wrestler who embodied grit and determination, and Hackenschmidt as the powerful “Russian Lion,” a global icon of strength and athleticism.In this episode, we explore:How Gotch and Hackenschmidt rose to fame in different corners of the worldThe evolution of catch-as-catch-can wrestling at the turn of the 20th centuryThe cultural and national pride tied to their rivalryThe early seeds of what would become one of the most talked-about matches in wrestling historyThis isn’t just about two men — it’s about a turning point in wrestling that influenced everything from pro wrestling to modern MMA.👉 Stick around as we unravel the full story across this 3-part series. Part 2 and 3 are coming soon!If you enjoy exploring the roots of combat sports, hit subscribe and join us on this journey through history.

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.👉 Subscribe for more deep dives into MMA history, catch wrestling, and the stories behind the legends.

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

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 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!