On this special episode of Parallax Views, we enter the world of Shoot Pro Wrestling (SPW)—a new promotion looking to bring the raw intensity and legitimacy of catch-as-catch-can wrestling back to the forefront of combat sports and professional wrestling. Joining the conversation are three key figures behind the SPW movement:
– 🧠 Jake Shannon, catch wrestling historian and founder of Scientific Wrestling
– 🥊 Pat Miletich, UFC legend, coach, and one of the original hybrid fighters in American MMA
– 🤼 Matt Granahan, colorful grappling promoter and self-proclaimed "King of Connecticut"
Together, we dive deep into the lineage of catch wrestling, tracing its influence on both modern MMA and professional wrestling, and how SPW aims to resurrect this foundational style—not as a nostalgic throwback, but as a vital evolution of shoot-based combat.
Highlights from the conversation include:
– The roots of SPW’s ruleset in the philosophy and techniques of the legendary Karl Gotch, as Jake Shannon explains how Gotch’s vision is now being implemented in real-world matches.
– Pat Miletich’s reflections on how catch wrestling shaped his fighting style and mindset, and why he believes it instills a toughness many athletes can greatly benefit from.
– Pat’s firsthand account of being at the Tokyo Dome when Kazushi Sakuraba defeated Royce Gracie, and Jake discusses how Sakuraba’s iconic declaration after that historic match—“Pro Wrestling is Strong!”—relates to Shoot Pro Wrestling's attitude and ethos.
– A discussion of fighting spirit, its philosophical importance, and how it manifests in catch wrestling’s brutal simplicity and mental discipline.
– Matt Granahan makes a big announcement about Shoot Pro Wrestling's women’s division, marking a new chapter for female competitors in the catch lineage.
– A lively pitch to both pro wrestling fans and MMA fans on why Shoot Pro Wrestling offers something radically different: real grappling, no gimmicks, no predetermined outcomes—just pure, unfiltered combat with roots in both strategy and skill.
- An exploration of how foundational catch wrestling is to both MMA and pro wrestling. Although much has been made of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu's influence on the combat sports landscape, as it should, the impact of catch wrestling on combat sports deserves greater recognition.
- Talking about catch wrestling as a science and a system
- Pro wrestling legend Larry Zbyszko's involvement in the Shoot Pro Wrestling venture.
This episode explores the tension between tradition and innovation and why catch wrestling—often unfairly overshadowed by Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and theatrical pro wrestling—may finally be getting its due in the form of an exciting new promotion dedicated to the grappling fighting style. For fans of mixed martial arts history, wrestling and combat sports philosophy, and raw fighting, this is one you won’t want to miss.
