Step inside the booth — and behind the curtain — with legendary broadcaster Kevin Kelly as he relives the matches, the moments, and the madness that defined his years with New Japan Pro Wrestling.
In Strong Style Stories, Kevin and co-host Joel Yentis take fans deeper than ever before into NJPW’s golden era: from the rise of Kazuchika Okada and the Bullet Club revolution to Wrestle Kingdom classics, unforgettable G1 Climax battles, and the personalities who shaped the global boom of Japanese wrestling.
Each episode blends firsthand stories, surprising behind-the-scenes insight, road tales from Japan, and Kevin’s unmatched perspective calling some of the greatest matches of all time. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to the world of Strong Style, this is your all-access pass to one of wrestling’s most influential eras.
Strong Style Stories — where Kevin Kelly pulls back the curtain on how New Japan made history, one incredible moment at a time.
In 2017 Katsuyori Shibata was arguably on track for a Wrestler of the Year. Matches in New Japan and Rev Pro under his belt - Joel and Kevin discuss those performances, injuries and what actually happened on that fatal night in Ryogoku.
23 Mar 2026
Is New Japan Pro Wrestling now developmental for AEW?
Kevin is OK! Bipolar be damned - this week Kevin and Joel got to chat pro wrestling again.
We talk about "is AEW just ECW with less drugs and more nerds?" and, with great sadness "Is NJPW now developmental for AEW?"
For more info on bipolar disorder
Thank you to one of the best Mental Health Nurse Specialists in the UK, Claire Amer. She will be doing supplemental podcast(s) so any questions about the condition, mental health or pro wrestling (she is a WWE fan, I am an AEW fan... I smell a sitcom etc etc) email strongstylestories@gmail.com
18 Mar 2026
Where's Kevin?!?!?
Kevin opens up about his absences and the various struggles you find within the sport of professional wrestling.
Details on bipolar disorder
Thank you to one of the best Mental Health Nurse Specialists in the UK, Claire Amer. She will be doing supplemental podcast(s) so any questions about the condition, mental health or pro wrestling (she is a WWE fan, I am an AEW fan... I smell a sitcom etc etc) email strongstylestories@gmail.com
6 Feb 2026
Bullet Club Founding Father Bad Luck Fale
In this episode, Joel catches up with Bad Luck Fale during a rare break from training the next generation of talent at his New Zealand Dojo.
Fale pulls back the curtain on the birth of Bullet Club, breaking down just how sharp Prince Devitt (Finn Bálor) was in shaping the original concept, building the brand, and selling New Japan on why Bullet Club was worth serious time, trust, and investment.
**Note** There is some background noise - New Zealand is all hustle and bustle these days - apologies for this. We will find a better way to record because...
FALE...... WILL RETURN.
You can get Fale's great merch here
Check out Lion's Roar episode 1
Contact for Fale's Dojo: faledojo@gmail.com
Watch back with us at New Japan World
With thanks to Voices of Wrestling and The Super J Cast
Chris Charlton's Lions Pride
Kevin Kelly's top tier garments
Got a question for Kevin? Email strongstylestories@gmail.com
Massive thanks to Ben Casabianca for providing our great intro called "Home"
30 Jan 2026
T. J. Perkins - From The New Japan Dojo to WWE and everywhere in between
In this conversation, TJP shares his extensive journey through the world of professional wrestling, reflecting on his experiences in the LA Dojo, the importance of commitment in the wrestling business, and the evolution of junior heavyweights.
He discusses the significance of excursions for gaining experience, the impact of the dojo system on character development, and the role of factions in wrestling.
TJP concludes with THAT Yoshi Tatsu story! A long with some BREAKING NEWS at the end.
19 Jan 2026
New Years Dash 2016 & THAT Bullet Club Moment
After Joel and Kevin look over this years Wrestle Kingdom and New Years Dash 2026, we head back to 2016 to review THE most news worthy New Years Dash and delve into why.
What is it like to be in Korakuen Hall? How do you fit in there with so many audience members? And how much better did the WORST announce team in wrestling history recover from Wrestle Kingdom 10?
Watch back with us at New Japan World
With thanks to Voices of Wrestling and The Super J Cast
Chris Charlton's Lions Pride
Kevin Kelly's top tier garments
Got a question for Kevin? Email strongstylestories@gmail.com
Massive thanks to Ben Casabianca for providing our great intro called "Home"
5 Jan 2026
Wrestle Kingdom 10 & The Worst Commentary Team
Joel & Kevin are back with a full review of Wrestle Kingdom 10 - A decade later.
Kevin shares his stories of being there, in the Dome with Matt Striker and Yoshi Tatsu.
What was ROHs involvement? Who handed in their notice and how did Gedo cope? All is revealed!
Watch back with us at New Japan World
With thanks to Voices of Wrestling and The Super J Cast
Chris Charlton's Lions Pride
Kevin Kelly's top tier garments
Got a question for Kevin? Email strongstylestories@gmail.com
Massive thanks to Ben Casabianca for providing our great intro called "Home"
29 Dec 2025
'A Day In The Life' Wrestle Kingdom Edition
In this episode of Strong Style Stories, Joel and Kevin delve into the significance of Wrestle Kingdom, exploring its unique atmosphere, the evolution of New Japan Pro Wrestling, and the personal reflections of those involved in the wrestling community.
They discuss the importance of family, fan engagement, and the production quality that makes wrestling events memorable.
The conversation also touches on the impact of Wrestle Kingdom on New Japan's business and the camaraderie among wrestlers and staff, providing a comprehensive look at the world of professional wrestling.
They explore the dynamics of various matches and the upcoming predictions for Wrestle Kingdom 20. The conversation culminates in a detailed analysis of the main event featuring Tanahashi and Okada, reflecting on the emotional weight and historical context of the match.
Watch back with us at New Japan World
With thanks to Voices of Wrestling and The Super J Cast
Chris Charlton's Lions Pride
Kevin Kelly's top tier garments
Got a question for Kevin? Email strongstylestories@gmail.com
Massive thanks to Ben Casabianca for providing our great intro called "Home"
24 Dec 2025
It Ain’t About the Money: Why Kazuchika Okada Walked Away from New Japan Pro Wrestling
In this episode, Kevin and Joel delve into the intricate dynamics of New Japan Pro Wrestling, focusing on the evolution of its television partnerships, the impact of management on talent, and the personal journey of Kazuchika Okada. They discuss the pride and struggles of Okada, the influence of ownership on talent relations, and the future of New Japan under Hiroshi Tanahashi's leadership.
Watch back with us at New Japan World
With thanks to Voices of Wrestling and The Super J Cast
Chris Charlton's Lions PrideKevin Kelly's top tier garments
Got a question for Kevin? Email strongstylestories@gmail.com
Massive thanks to Ben Casabianca for providing our great intro called "Home"
14 Dec 2025
Hiroshi Tanahashi & John Cena: Inside the Careers of NJPW and WWE Icons
In this episode of "Strong Style Stories," hosts Joel and Kevin dive into the world of professional wrestling, focusing on the legendary careers of Hiroshi Tanahashi and John Cena.
Join them as they explore Tanahashi's impact on New Japan Pro Wrestling, his memorable matches, and the parallels with Cena's journey in WWE.
With personal anecdotes and insights, this episode offers a deep dive into the stories behind the stars, their challenges, and their triumphs.
Don't miss this engaging conversation that celebrates the legacy of wrestling icons.
#StrongStyleStories #WrestlingLegends #Tanahashi #JohnCena
9 Dec 2025
How NJPW & ROH Joined Forces: The Secret Meeting That Changed Wrestling
In this inaugural episode of Strong Style Stories, Joel and Kevin delve into the pivotal moments that shaped the relationship between New Japan Pro Wrestling and Ring of Honor.
They discuss the significance of the Tokyo Dome, the strategic meetings and the original clandestine meeting that set the stage for Global Wars.
Kevin shares insights about Tiger Hattori and his role as a liaison for foreign talent. The conversation also highlights the significance of Tanahashi's legacy and the evolution of wrestling promotions over the years.
Watch back with us at New Japan World
With thanks to Voices of Wrestling and The Super J CastChris Charlton's Lions PrideKevin Kelly's top tier garments
Got a question for Kevin? Email strongstylestories@gmail.com
Massive thanks to Ben Casabianca for providing our great intro called "Home"
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