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The Truepenny Show

TJPW Texas Stampede Tour 2026

·1 hr 18 min·5 clips
Why does Tokyo Joshi Pro Wrestling have no heels or faces, just wrestlers and rivalries?
The episode is a review of Tokyo Joshi Pro Wrestling's 2026 Texas Stampede Tour, hosted by James True Penny with guest Marcus Green. They begin by discussing the Austin show at the Palmer Event Center, which had 1,951 attendees, possibly linked to South by Southwest. The opening match featured Susan May defeating Yuta Takami in six minutes and twelve seconds, described as a gentle introduction to TJPW's style. The hosts note the Up-Up Girls' performance, a J-pop band linked to TJPW, and how idol culture influences the promotion. They emphasize TJPW's lack of traditional heels and faces, instead focusing on wrestlers and rivalries. A comedy match involving Pom Harajuku (a wrestler playing a four-year-old), Raku (who uses a pillow), Hyper Misao, and Miu Ashida is analyzed, highlighting TJPW's variety show approach. The conversation shifts to the skill required for comedy wrestling, citing examples like Toru Yano, Crazy Mike, and Danhausen. The Houston show at a former post office art center is reviewed, with 416 attendees and local sponsorships. Matches like Sakura Hitori vs. Miu Ashida and the TJPW Tag Team Championship bout are discussed. The hosts praise TJPW's consistent presentation, character commitment, and ability to blend drama with low-risk wrestling. They conclude by noting TJPW's success in the U.S. and its distinct place in joshi wrestling, separate from promotions like Stardom or Marigold.

As heard by us

MJF's heel evolution meets Bobby Heen before the show turns to a 13:53 TJPW tag match.

The True Penny Show uses MJF's changing heel persona as a way into a sharper question about scale in wrestling character work. James True Penny frames the older, louder MJF against a more measured version who can still get under the crowd's skin without leaning so hard on…

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Why you'd press play

Want to follow MJF's heel evolution into a 13:53 TJPW tag match by way of Bobby Heenan?

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →
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