Modern Wrestling Musings #3
Shinya Aoki’s compelling approach, Meiko Satomura’s glorious retirement, Tim Bosby & Marko Harris reigniting studio wrestling. Plus, a string of violent matches!
In this edition, I get caught up on what some wrestlers I like are doing in 2025, and discover a couple of young guns mixing it up in a traditional setting.
Get caught up with more Modern Wrestling Musings.
BELIEVING IN AOKI-ISM
I know Shinya Aoki best from the peak of his MMA career, where he stood out as one of the flashiest grapplers, rocking colorful tights and an unpredictable style. When Baka Survivor hit, I knew something fun is about to happen. My first big memory of Aoki is his shocking gogoplata submission win over Joachim Hansen at PRIDE Shockwave 2006, taking him just over two minutes to tap out a highly respected fighter. In an era where fighters were becoming more well-rounded, Aoki being a successful specialist made him compelling.
Aoki becomes a headline attraction in DREAM, PRIDE’s successor, for years. He even crosses over to the U.S., fighting Gilbert Melendez for the Strikeforce Lightweight Title on CBS. Most of his losses come against elite competition, but Aoki always brings excitement to his fights. One of the wildest being the K-1 Dynamite 2010 hybrid fight against kickboxer Yuichiro Nagashima where it was one round of kickboxing and one round of MMA. Aoki spends the kickboxing round stalling, upsetting the crowd, only to get kneed into oblivion seconds into the MMA round. It’s an embarrassing moment, but it adds to his legend. Anyone who followed MMA in that era knows Aoki. Even now in 2025, he stays active in ONE Championship, competing in both MMA and grappling.
Parallel to his MMA career, Aoki dips into pro wrestling in the 2010s with Inoki Genome Federation (IGF), a shoot-style organization started by Antonio Inoki. His appearances are sporadic until 2018, when he joins DDT. As he gets older, he wrestles more frequently, hitting about 25 matches a year. Whenever his name pops up, I’m interested. His 2024 match against Chihiro Hashimoto was a recent standout and worth seeking out.
Aoki’s 2025 work is a treat. He takes Keigo Nakamura under his wing, creating a fun dynamic where Nakamura attempts to prove himself. Their singles match is especially great where every reversal feels like a huge accomplishment thanks to Aoki’s reputation and ability to portray that within his matches. Their tag title match against The Astronauts is very exciting and despite Aoki’s reserved demeanor, he’s able to convey a ton of emotion. The highlight of Aoki’s year so far is the match with Kazusada Higuchi. Aoki’s grappling vs. Higuchi’s brute strength provides a perfect contrast that sets up a very clever and memorable finish.
The Matches
Shinya Aoki & Keigo Nakamura vs. Yukio Naya & Yuya Koroku (1/18/25 - DDT The Fortune Battle 2025) - Wrestle Universe
Shinya Aoki vs. Keigo Nakamura (2/14/25 - DDT Heatwave Over Flowers 4) - Wrestle Universe
KO-D Tag Team Title Match: Astronauts (Fuminori Abe & Takuya Nomura) (c) vs. Keigo Nakamura & Shinya Aoki (4/6/25 DDT Change Age 2025) - Wrestle Universe
Shinya Aoki vs. Timothy Thatcher (4/18/25 DDT Goes Las Vegas) - TrillerTV
Shinya Aoki vs. Kazusada Higuchi (5/6/25 DDT King Of DDT 2025 First Round) - Wrestle Universe
These matches are available on Wrestle Universe
What makes Aoki compelling in pro wrestling is his choices. He’s no longer aesthetically flashy, opting for simple black tights. He could dominate any pro wrestler on the ground with ease, but he gives just enough to make his opponents’ successes feel earned. He avoids taking on a lot of modern pro wrestling tropes. Aoki rarely throws a strike or hits a big impactful move, yet he remains dynamic and exciting. The DDT crowds love his matches, which are often shorter and feel like any move could end it. Aoki uses a lot of pins off holds which creates struggle and tension. Balancing maintaining credibility while being generous enough to make the match interesting is tough for a lot of MMA fighters turned pro wrestlers, but Aoki has perfected it. Every match feels like it has a clear goal and he changes his approach just enough to meet that objective.
MEIKO GOES OUT WITH CLASS
In a time where certain legends get to retire on their own terms, something common in sports but rare in pro wrestling, Meiko Satomura, the “yokozuna of women's wrestling,” goes out with a bang.
Debuting in 1995 for GAEA Japan, Satomura bridges the gap between two generations. Trained by Chigusa Nagayo and later herself training Chihiro Hashimoto, she retires in her own promotion, Sendai Girls' Pro Wrestling, following a 30 year career.
"For the last 30 years, I've always believed that pro wrestling is wonderful. I've been given more than I ever dreamed of. But there were also some things that didn't come true. I'll definitely make the dreams I couldn't achieve as a wrestler come true at the next stage. I'll continue to dedicate my life to the world of pro wrestling." - Meiko Satomura
What impresses me most about Satomura’s retirement run is how sharp she still is. Every move has a purpose. Her strikes still pop, her work is snug, and she doesn’t do anything she can’t still do well. Her versatility shines through in the matches with the fast-paced Sareee and the bruising Hashimoto. Meiko is able to leave her imprint on each match and make them better while allowing her opponent to shine. The chemistry that Satomura and Hashimoto have together stands out among everything and it makes sense given their connection. The pacing, the rhythm, they find together allows their big impactful offense to pop when it occurs.
The Matches
Meiko Satomura vs. Sareee (1/23/25 Sareee-ISM Chapter VI) - Sareee Live
Meiko Satomura vs. Chihiro Hashimoto (3/19/25 Sendai Girls The Top Of Joshi Wrestling) - Wrestle Universe
Meiko Satomura & Sareee vs. Team 200kg (Chihiro Hashimoto & Yuu) (4/16/25 Fortune Dream 10) - Gtasu
Meiko Satomura & Manami vs. Aja Kong & Chihiro Hashimoto + Aja Kong & Meiko Satomura vs. Chihiro Hashimoto, Mika Iwata, Senka Akatsuki, Takumi Iroha & YUNA (4/29/25 Sendai Girls SATOMURA The Final) - Wrestle Universe
The story Meiko told across the matches is sensational, wanting to go out at her best. She said she felt herself getting stronger with each match and what I saw in the matches backed that up. It left the outcomes all in doubt in her final run. The choices in opponents along the way are very thoughtful and bring that extra emotion in every match. The final match involving Aja Kong is a perfect sendoff and the moment of Chihiro Hashimoto tearfully vowing to make Satomura’s unrealized dreams come true will stick with me.
In an industry known for chewing up and spitting out their talent, I hope this trend continues for all those who want it.
PRO WRESTLING VIOLENCE
If I see a crimson mask in a thumbnail or "DOG COLLAR MATCH" in the title of a YouTube video, I’m probably clicking it. Even more so if it involves names like Demus, Jun Kasai, or Mad Dog Connelly, or promotions like IWRG, where brawlers get free rein.
What I really enjoy seeing is how different wrestlers approach bringing blood and violence into their matches. Some use it because it’s logical that certain actions would draw blood, others may use it simply to get noticed. It works and it has for a very long time.
The Matches
Hardcore Match: Demus vs. Adam Del Castillo (1/19/25 - Lucha Memes Alessandro) - IWTV
Chain Match: Cerebro Negro vs. Caballero de Plata (2/16/25 - IWRG El Protector)
Fluorescent Light & Glass Board Xtreme Three Way Death Match: El Desperado vs. Jun Kasai vs. Masashi Takeda (3/10/25 - Barb Sasaki Refereeing Life 25th Anniversary CRAZY FEST) - New Japan World
Dog Collar Match: Alpha Zo vs. Mad Dog Connelly (3/22/25 - West Coast Pro West Coast Best Coast)
TNA International Title Dog Collar Match Steve Maclin (c) vs. Eric Young (5/8/25 - TNA iMPACT #1085)
Demus is very effective using a traditional wrestling psychology-based approach to adding blood and violence to his matches. It’s a tool to draw sympathy and gain retribution over his opponent. The intimate setting of Lucha Memes allows all spectators to see and hear every blow, something he takes advantage of very well. Adam Del Castillo sets himself up to be made the fool and winds up with a bloody, ripped mask for the damage he had inflicted upon Demus. There’s biting, hard strikes, fan supplied weapons, and great cut offs. Demus remains one of the most reliably watchable brawlers in wrestling.
Mad Dog Connelly and Alpha Zo is the least bloody but perhaps the most interesting of this series. The Dog Collar Match is Connelly’s trademark and his reputation is built around being an expert in it. Alpha Zo’s is not and he displays that admirably. The match plays out with Zo having to learn and adapt to being in a match where he’s not supposed to be the expert. I found that egoless approach to be compelling and different from my expectations going in.
Steve Maclin is a top bleeder and his crimson mask earned an instant click. Maclin’s match with PCO is a standout from 2023 and cemented his status in these violent match types. In this one, he bled almost immediately and it created a very impressive visual. It was a gutsy match that was hurt slightly by the overall TV wrestling presentation. I’m left really wanting a rougher cut without guest commentary, inset promos, and being part of long TV tapings.
A slightly rougher cut is what Cerebero Negro and Caballero de Plata provide in their chain match. It isn’t as gritty as Demus and Adam Del Castillo but the confines of Arena Naucalpan are well suited for a bloody brawl. Cerebero refuses to put the collar on for an extended period of time that sets the tone for what’s ahead. It gives the fans something easy to latch onto in the early going. Caballero de Plata gains a lot of toughness points for his showing and the finish was very well done.
Finally, Jun Kasai, El Desperado, and Masashi Takeda provide something completely different. A packed Korakuen Hall rocks in delight at what I can best describe as a violent party match or a horror comedy. I wince, I laugh, I cringe along the way. It's a total spectacle with the fans going wild. The most striking visual is El Desperado’s mask completely ripped off and his face soaked in blood.
GOOD STUDIO WRESTLING
Studio wrestling is a dying art, but at its best, it offers an intimate atmosphere, fast-paced action, and a loyal crowd. Legends like Tully Blanchard and Tommy Rich spring to mind as great studio wrestlers.
While compiling Free Wrestling Compilations, I stumble upon Tim Bosby vs. Marko Harris in a Memphis Wrestling 2/3 Falls match. I’ve seen Bosby’s name before (Action Wrestling), but this intrigues me.
It turns out, this is the climax of a months-long feud. Both guys make the most of it. Tim Bosby, a former amateur wrestler, displays natural charisma and a strong presence. Marko "Hang Time" Harris lives up to his name with great leaping ability and infectious energy.
The Matches
Tim Bosby vs. Marko Harris - Cobra Cup Finals (2/15/25 Memphis Wrestling #208)
Tim Bosby vs. Marko Harris (3/8/25 Memphis Wrestling #211)
Tim Bosby vs. Marko Harris (3/22/25 Memphis Wrestling #213)
Tim Bosby vs. Marko Harris - ⅔ Falls (5/10/25 Memphis Wrestling #220)
What stands out is their thoughtfulness. They don’t just rush to big spots, they get into them logically. In their first match, they tease moves on the stairs before Bosby finally lands an apron bomb. Bosby’s knee selling is particularly strong. Harris displays a good range of emotion especially when the studio crowd picks Bosby as a favorite. In a few seconds, I’m intrigued as to what Harris would be like as a heel
Their influences are clear, but they are very early in their careers and far from finished products. If you’re intrigued, start with their first or last match above.
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I have seen some stuff from the modern Memphis Wrestling and like the studio wrestling feel to their presentation. They do a solid job building storylines in a week-to-week territorial promotion feel. I have always enjoyed the studio wrestling setting in general, but the only one I actually saw it as it aired was the NWA show at 6:05 PM on Saturday nights.