The Ultimate Comedy Wrestler: "Hollywood" Stalker Ichikawa & His Dragon Gate Legacy
pplpod · pplpod
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Show Notes
In this episode of pplpod, we dive deep into the hilariously entertaining career of retired Japanese professional wrestler Kanji Ichikawa, better known to puroresu fans as "Hollywood" Stalker Ichikawa. Best known for his unforgettable tenure in Dragon Gate, Ichikawa perfected the art of the comedy wrestler. We explore his unique in-ring style—where his legitimate amateur wrestling background was swapped out for a weak, over-the-top persona whose matches rarely lasted past ten minutes.
Join us as we break down his legendary "Reckless Run" series, where he fearlessly (and disastrously) faced off against Japanese wrestling legends like Yoshihiro Takayama, Toshiaki Kawada, and Aja Kong. We also discuss the creation of the Open the Owarai Gate Championship (also known as the Open the Comedy Gate), a unique title Ichikawa introduced where the championship could change hands based purely on the level of audience laughter.
Plus, we look at the hilarious recurring role of his wife, Namiko, who would frequently throw in the towel to save him from his opponents' devastating finishers. From getting booted out of heel factions like Crazy MAX for not fitting their tough image, to bringing his "Dangerous Comedy" matches to the United States, we cover it all. Whether you are a hardcore Dragon Gate fan or new to Japanese professional wrestling, tune in to celebrate the legacy of a man who entertained audiences all the way up to his retirement in December 2024.