Episode 27 – Matsuda Project

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In this episode, I discuss what I learned completing my book on the first Japanese pro wrestler Sorakichi Matsuda, who wrestled in America from 1884 to 1891.

Update

I gave an update on my upcoming schedule.

 

Wayfarer in a Foreign Land should be available at the end of July or August 2023 depending on how long the editing process takes. The book will be available on Kindle, Paperback and Hardcover.

  

Main Content

I recently completed my new book on the career of the first Japanese professional wrestling in the United States, Koujiro “Torakichi” Matsuda. Matsuda was known as Sorakichi Korgaree Matsada.

When I started to research the book, I thought several things that I learned were incorrect.

First, I thought that after the two matches with Evan “Strangler” Lewis in 1886, which made Matsuda both a national star and fan favorite, they never wrestled again. They did wrestle one more time in 1888. The match was a contest, but Lewis did not try to kill him this time.

Second, I thought Matsada wrestled primarily contests. While Matsada did wrestle mostly contests early in his career, he primarily worked the matches in the last three to four years of his career.

Third, I thought Matsuda was only married to his American wife, Ella Lodge, for three months. Their tumultuous marriage lasted to the end of his life with Ella threatening to leave every few months, but she did not leave Matsuda.

Fourth, when Matsuda contracted tuberculosis, he wrestled only a few more matches. The period after he contracted tuberculosis, “consumption,” was one of his most active as he tried to make as much money as possible before he died. Matsuda also continued performing strong man exhibitions until four months before his death.

I have not been able to find coverage of his last match against Martin “Farmer” Burns on May 13, 1891. Burns won the match in four minutes, but I could not find any firsthand sources. It was the biggest disappointment of the project.

What I found most surprising was that Matsuda could have been a professional strongman and would have been the strongest man in the United States at the time, if there was any money in strong man competition. Matsuda had to wrestle to earn a living at the time.

Look for the new book on Amazon in July or August. It should be in bookstores and libraries later in the year.

Review

I watched the Usos vs. Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa match at Money in the Bank. The Bloodline storyline is still the most compelling thing in what has evolved from professional wrestling in the 1980s and 1990s.

I believe Roman Reigns always intended for Jey Uso to end his winning streak.

I also find Cody Rhodes vs. Dominick Mysterio and Seth Rollins vs. Finn Balor to be worth watching.

You can leave a comment or ask a question about this or any post on my Facebook page or Twitter profile.

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