Dangerous Conversations Episode #45: Working in Japan

This week on Dangerous Conversations, Gene sits down with Doug for a deep dive into Doug’s unforgettable journey through the world of Japanese pro wrestling! From his very first tour in 1990 to becoming part of the office for IWA Japan, Doug pulls back the curtain on what it was like to wrestle (and survive!) in the land of strong style. Hear wild stories about brutal matches, riding overnight ferries, navigating language barriers, and chasing fans while dressed as Freddy Krueger.  Learn the real deal behind the Ribera Steakhouse legend, monster gimmick wrestling sponsored by the Japanese movie studios, and how Doug booked top American stars like Terry Funk, Dick Slater, Dick Murdoch and Dan Severn over in Japan. Doug addresses the Yakuza rumors, insane travel days, Japanese locker room culture, and how Memphis TV helped Japanese talent breakthrough in America and what it meant for them when they got back Japan.  Hard-hitting action. Great travel stories. And how Doug got over huge with a pair of Nikes and a golf club. You don’t want to miss this incredible trip down memory lane from one of wrestling’s most well-traveled and toughest veterans  Catch the radio version of Dangerous Conversations Wednesday nights at 8:00 PM Subscribe now and relive wrestling history each and every week! #ProWrestling #DougGilbert #JapanWrestling #MemphisWrestling #DangerousConversations #WrestlingPodcast #RiberaSteakhouse #StrongStyle #IWAJapan #WrestlingHistory This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit retrowrestlingarchive.substack.com ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★