(1) Takuma Sano vs. Yoshinobu Kanemaru Winner: Sano (10:06) following the Northern Lights Bomb.
(2) Takeshi Morishima & Mohammed Yone vs. Kotaro Suzuki & Taiji Ishimori ~ after the match that Roderick Strong had represented a challenge to Kotaro Suzuki for the GHC Jr Heavy belt. Winner: Morishima (14:18) following the Backdrop Driver to Ishimori.
(3) Go Shiozaki vs. Ricky Marvin Winner: Shiozaki (4:45) following a Short Range Go Arm Lariat.
(4) Takashi Sugiura & Atsushi Aoki vs. KENTA & Genba Hiryanagi Winner: Sugiura (20:45) following an Olympic Qualifying Slam to Genba.
(5) Jun Akiyama vs. Shuhei Taniguchi Winner: Akiyama (23:23) following a Wrist Clutch Exploder.
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Osaka Pro “Osaka HAPPY WEEKDAY”, 5/31/2011 (Tue) 19:00
63 Spectators
(1) Kazuaki Mihara vs. Naoki Setoguchi Winner: Mihara (9:40) following a Lariat.
(2) Ultimate Spider Jr. vs. Tadasuke Winner: Tadasuke (8:30) with the Chingy.
(3) Atsushi Kotoge & Takoyakida vs. Daisuke Harada & Kanjyuro Matsuyama Winner: Kotoge (13:08) with a Moonsault Press on Matsuyama.
(1) Kotaro Suzuki vs. Masao Inoue Winner: Suzuki (9:43) via pinfall.
(2) Akitoshi Saito vs. Atsushi Aoki Winner: Saito (11:47) following the Sickle of Death.
(3) Takashi Sugiura & Taiji Ishimori vs. Go Shiozaki & Shuhei Taniguchi Winner: Shiozaki (18:21) following a Short Range Go Arm Lariat to Ishimori.
(4) Yoshinari Ogawa & Ricky Marvin vs. Yoshinobu Kanemaru & KENTA Winner: Kanemaru (14:09) via pinfall on Marvin.
(5) Takeshi Morishima vs. Genba Hirayanagi Winner: Morishima (:03) following a Lariat. ~ Aftert he match Morishima said he wanted a better challenger and out came Shiozaki. Vice President Kenta Kobashi approved of the match.
(6) Takeshi Morishima vs. Go Shiozaki Winner: DRAW (15:00)
All Japan “RISE UP TOUR 2011″ 5/29/2011 (Sun) 16:00 @ Kobe Sanbo Hall in Hyogo
756 Spectators
(1) Ryota Hama & BUSHI vs. Manabu Soya & Yasufumi Nakanoue Winner: Hama (9:40) with a Raiden Drop on Nakanoue.
(2) Masanobu Fuxchi & Takao Omori vs. Shuji Kondo & Hiroshi Yamato Winner: Omori (13:03) following the Axe Bomber to Yamato.
(3) Whip Ass Lumberjack Match: KENSO vs. Super Hate Winner: KENSO (6:30) ~ KENSO aims to exact some revenge on TARU next.
(4) Kaz Hayashi & KAI vs. Minoru & MAZADA Winner: KAI (15:21) with the Splash Plancha on Minoru.
(5) Seiya Sanada vs. Taiyo Kea Winner: Sanada (11:27) with a Japanese Leg Roll Clutch.
(6) Masakatsu Funaki, Minoru Suzuki & Akebono vs. TARU, Joe Doering & Rene Dupree Winner: Akebono (8:56) with a Body Press on Dupree.
(7) Suwama vs. KONO Winner: Suwama (21:32) with the Backdrop Hold.
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NOAH “The Navig. Sunday 2011 in Sanjo”, 5/29/2011 (Sun) 17:00
1,000 Spectators
(1) Akitoshi Saito vs. Genba Hirayanagi Winner: Saito (8:56) following the Sickle of Death.
(2) Mohammed Yone vs. Ricky Marvin Winner: Yone (3:04) following a Lariat. ~ Yone requested a rematch against KENTA.
(3) Jun Akiyama vs. Kentaro Shiga Winner: Akiyama (11:37) following an Exploder.
(4) Takuma Sano vs. Atsushi Aoki Winner: Sano (12:38) following the Northern Lights Bomb.
(5) Yoshinari Ogawa & Masao Inoue vs. Yoshinobu Kanemaru & KENTA Winner: KENTA (16:35) following a Double Foot Stomp to Inoue.
(6) Takashi Sugiura & Taiji Ishimori vs. Takeshi Morishima & Yutaka Yoshie Winner: Yoshie (18:54) with a Diving Body Press on Ishimori.
(7) Go Shiozaki, Shuhei Taniguchi & Kotaro Suzuki vs. Kensuke Sasaki, Katsuhiko Nakajima & Takashi Okita Winner: Shiozaki (30:28) following a Short Range Go Arm Lariat to Okita. ~ apparently Jun Akiyama has overthrown the challenge from the other day between Shiozaki and Morishima. Akiyama put Taniguchi’s name forward as who is a worthy challenger as well.
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DDT “KING of DDT KYOTO”, 5/29/2011 (Sun) @ Kyoto KBS Hall
512 Spectators (overcrowded)
(1) Takao Soma, Tomomitsu Matsunaga & Super Shit Machine vs. Daisuke Sasaki, Keisuke Ishii & Riki Sensyuu Winner: Soma (11:08) following a Diving Guillotine Drop on Ishii.
(2) King Of DDT Semi-Final: KUDO vs. Kenny Omega Winner: KUDO (13:53) following a Buzzsaw Kick.
(3) King Of DDT Semi-Final:HARASHIMA vs. Shigehiro Irie. Winner: HARASHIMA (9:24) with the Blue Demon Sword.
(4) Royal Rumble Match: Order Of Entries: Michael Nakazawa, Shoichi Uchida, Makoto Oishi, Hideki Shiota, MIKAMI, HERO!, Antonio Honda, Seiya Morohashi. Order of Elimination: Makoto Oishi, Hideki Shiota, Shoichi Uchida, HERO!, MIKAMI & Seiya Morohashi Winner: Nakazawa (13:54) via Ring Out on Honda.
(5) Bob Games 4th Season: Danshoku Dino vs. Gaylon Summers Winner: Summers (11:48) with the Navy Slam.
(6) Dick Togo, GENTARO & Yasu Urano vs. Kota Ibushi, Hikaru Sato & Kazuki Hirata Winner: Togo (18:52) following a Diving Senton to Hirata.
(7) King Of DDT FINAL: KUDO vs. HARASHIMA Winner: KUDO (18:07) with the Diving Double Knee Drop. ~ KUDO gets a KO-D Open Division Championship opportunity on 7/24 @ Ryougoku.
————————————— Osaka Pro-Wrestling “Osaka Tag Festival 2010”, 5/29/2011 (Sun) 13:00 @ Osaka Minami Move On Arena
232 Spectators (full)
(1) Tigers Mask, Black Buffalo & Naoki Setoguchi vs. Hideyoshi, Masamune & HAYATA Winner: Masamune (8:20) with the Bone Eater on Setoguchi.
(2) Zeus vs. Kazuaki Mihara Winner: Zeus (8:24) following a Choke Slam.
(3) Kanjyuro Matsuyama & Ultimate Spider Jr. vs. Ebessan & Takoyakida Winner: Matsuyama (8:28) with the War Drum to Ebessan.
(4) Osaka Tag Festival 2011 A Block Match: Tsubasa & Kuishinbo Kamen vs. Kuuga & Billyken Kid Winner: Billyken (3:39) following a Fisherman Bomb. ~ It seems Billken may have fully joined JOKER he was dressed in the JOKER garb and seems to be a perfect match with Kuuga after they practically destroyed Tsubasa and Kamen.
(5) Osaka Tag Festival 2011 B Block Match: Atsushi Kotoge & Daisuke Harada vs. Orochi & Tadasuke Winner: Kotoge (21:25) with a Hurricanrana on Tadasuke. ~ From what I can read this match appeared to be very good, both teams brought the fight and it showed with the match going over 20 mins. In the end Kotoge got the win by countering Tadasuke Last Ride Powerbomb into a Hurricanranna for the victory.
Well as you can see when there is not a lot of news through the week there really isn’t enough to make a full blown “weekly” related article. So beginning next week, with #10, I will be changing the name to “Keeping the Spirit Alive”. As this is sort of the slogan of the website and something that I found fitting to what I personally try to do by keeping you guys in the loop when it comes to Japanese Pro Wrestling.
I will keep the format the same with the name change as well as these articles coming out within a week to a two week time frame, depending on the material that I have to write about.
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The big thing of course that is going on now is the BEST OF THE SUPER Jr. XVIII (2011), and just like in normal NJPW fashion there have been some upsets as well as some good matches that have happened.
Two days of the tournament have happened so far, as of me writing this article, but you can follow the website every morning “around” 8am Central Standard Time for the latest results to be posted.
Some of the biggest news coming outside of the tournament is the official split of NO LIMIT as well as the first handshake of what should be a new formidable union with Togi Makabe and Satoshi Kojima.
Yujiro Takahashi finally ended the team following Tetsuya Naito being left on his own on 3 on 1 situation against Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Yuji Nagata & Wataru Inoue. Following the match, finally the CHAOS members got into the ring and Takahashi picked up Naito and then dropped him back down to the mat with the Tokyo Pimps. Jado, Gedo and Tanaka then preceded to stomp and continue the punishment to helpless Naito. After the beating Takahashi stood over Naito and said that “NO LIMIT is over”. So just like that Naito is left on his own, and at this point he seems to be completely on his own as being a heel for the last couple years sort of does that to someone. It’ll be interesting to see where this takes us in the future as I am actually suspecting that we could see Naito vs. Takahashi happening one on one sooner than later, maybe at the 6/18 event?
(~) Satoshi Kojima & Togi Makabe vs. Minoru Suzuki & Lance Archer
(~) IWGP Intercontinental Championship Match: [Champion] MVP vs. Toru Yano
(~) IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championship & GHC Heavyweight Tag Team Championship Double Title Match: [IWGP Champions] Giant Bernard & Karl Anderson vs. [GHC Champions] Yoshihiro Takayama & Takuma Sano
(~) IWGP Heavyweight Championship Match: [Champion] Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Hirooki Goto ~ NJPW Announced there will be 10 matches on the card.
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There was new GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions crowned this last week on 5/25, as Yoshinobu Kanemaru picked up the win over Atsushi Aoki and Kotaro Suzuki for the vacant tag titles. Aoki was one half of the Junior Tag Champs with Marufuji, but due to Maru getting injured the titles were vacated.
Alright some of the big news surrounding NOAH is NO MERCY (NMC) and more specifically KENTA who has been question the role of GM Ryu Nakata and the power he holds backstage. NOAH has been running for over 10 years now and that the current state of the company is not right. Kotaro Suzuki is the only one to stand up for Nakata in some way during this time because even the audience themselves seemed to be in favor of KENTA’s judgment.
Though I can agree with this because NOAH has not done much in the last five years especially in truly building their foundation with solid new young talent. As some have parted ways, retired, and the sort. KENTA’s argument seems to be coming from that general direction and maybe we will see something start to happen?
Also to close out some other news involving NMC, KENTA also had an interesting bit of news that there could quite possibly be some “new” members joining within the ranks of NMC. As KENTA stated that “we may or may not be introducing a new companion here soon.”
A few names that have popped up in the rumor mill since is the possibility of Katsuhiko Nakajima joining and or Katsuyori Shibata, who has extensive experience as a pro wrestler before leaving for MMA a few years back.
In other news, Go Shiozaki and Takeshi Morishima have both been given the opportunity to become the next possible GHC Heavyweight contenders. On June 11th, Shiozaki and Morishima will face against each other at Navig. in Breeze 2011 at Differ Ariake to determine who will face Takashi Sugiura at GREAT VOYAGE 2011 in Tokyo vol.3 on July 10th at the Ariake Colosseum. Both men have previously already lost to Sugiura within his now 14 Defense reign, so for them to be having another shot is interesting. It most certainly points towards one of these two actually in more of favor of being the one to dethrone Sugiura, but we’ll see what happens.
NOAH “The Navig. Sunday 2011 in Sanjo”, 5/29/2011 (Sun) 17:00
(1) Akitoshi Saito vs. Genba Hirayanagi
(2) Mohammed Yone vs. Ricky Marvin
(3) Jun Akiyama vs. Kentaro Shiga
(4) Takuma Sano vs. Atsushi Aoki
(5) Yoshinari Ogawa & Masao Inoue vs. Yoshinobu Kanemaru & KENTA
(6) Takashi Sugiura & Taiji Ishimori vs. Takeshi Morishima & Yutaka Yoshie
(7) Go Shiozaki, Shuhei Taniguchi & Kotaro Suzuki vs. Kensuke Sasaki, Katsuhiko Nakajima & Takashi Okita
(1) Takuma Sano vs. Yoshinobu Kanemaru
(2) Takeshi Morishima & Mohammed Yone vs. Kotaro Suzuki & Taiji Ishimori
(3) Go Shiozaki vs. Ricky Marvin
(4) Takashi Sugiura & Atsushi Aoki vs. KENTA & Genba Hiryanagi
(5) Jun Akiyama vs. Shuhei Taniguchi
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With much news surrounding K-1 and a potential “pro-wrestling” department, first there was a lot of speculation that Kyotaro would be making the leap to professional wrestling. Tokyo Sports solidified this claim by stating that Kyotaro could be facing Masakatsu Funaki could happen at All Japan’s big event on 6/19. This would be a good match-up for the young K-1 Heavyweight fighter as Funaki is very well known for his kicking ability as well as his grappling. This should turn out to be an interesting match if it does indeed happen.
Last card of this current tour will be tomorrow in Japan.
All Japan “RISE UP TOUR 2011″ 5/29/2011 (Sun) 16:00 @ Kobe Sanbo Hall in Hyogo
(~) Ryota Hama & BUSHI vs. Manabu Soya & Yasufumi Nakanoue
(~) Masanobu Fuxchi & Takao Omori vs. Shuji Kondo & Hiroshi Yamato
(~) Kaz Hayashi & KAI vs. Minoru & MAZADA
(~) Masakatsu Funaki, Minoru Suzuki & Akebono vs. TARU, Joe Doering & Rene Dupree
(~) Seiya Sanada vs. Taiyo Kea
(~) Suwama vs. KONO
(~) Whip Ass Lumberjack Match: KENSO vs. Super Hate
June Tour Events and Announced Cards:
All Japan Pro Wrestling “CROSS OVER 2011”, 6/5/2011 (Sun) 17:00 @ Iwami Budokan
(1) Hiroshi Yamato vs. BUSHI
(2) Ryota Hama vs. René Duprée
(3) Minoru Suzuki & Sakigate vs. TARU & MAZADA
(4) Taiyo Kea & Takao Omori vs. Akebono & Kaz Hayashi
(5) Masakatsu Funaki, KENSO & KAI vs. KONO, Joe Doering & Minoru
(6) Suwama & Shuji Kondo vs. Seiya Sanada & Manabu Soya
All Japan Pro Wrestling “CROSS OVER 2011”, 6/6/2011 (Mon) 18:30 @ Izumo Gymnasium
(1) Takao Omori vs. Yasufumi Nakanoue
(2) KAI & BUSHI vs. Minoru & MAZADA
(3) Taiyo Kea vs. Ryota Hama
(4) Masakatsu Funaki & KENSO vs. TARU & KONO
(5) Minoru Suzuki & Akebono vs. Joe Doering & René Duprée
(6) Suwama, Kaz Hayashi & Shuji Kondo vs. Seiya Sanada, Manabu Soya & Hiroshi Yamato
All Japan Pro Wrestling “CROSS OVER 2011”, 6/7/2011 (Tue) 18:30 @ Tottori Industrial Gymnasium
(1) KONO vs. Hiroshi Yamato
(2) KENSO vs. René Duprée
(3) Kaz Hayashi & BUSHI vs. Minoru & MAZADA
(4) Akebono & Ryota Hama vs. Takao Omori & Yasufumi Nakanoue
(5) Minoru Suzuki & Taiyo Kea vs. TARU & Joe Doering
(6) Suwama, Masakatsu Funaki & Shuji Kondo vs. Seiya Sanada, Manabu Soya & KAI
All Japan Pro Wrestling “CROSS OVER 2011” 6/10/2011 (Fri) 18:30 @ Odawara Arena Suba Arena
(1) BUSHI vs. René Duprée
(2) Minoru Suzuki vs. Ryota Hama
(3) Taiyo Kea & Takao Omori vs. Kazushi Miyamoto & Yasufumi Nakanoue
(4) Kaz Hayashi & KAI vs. Minoru & MAZADA
(5) Masakatsu Funaki, Akebono & KENSO vs. TARU, KONO & Joe Doering
(6) Suwama, Masanobu Fuchi & Shuji Kondo vs. Seiya Sanada, Manabu Soya & Hiroshi Yamato
All Japan Pro Wrestling “CROSS OVER 2011”, 6/12/2011 (Sun) 12:00 @ Tokyo Korakuen Hall (Samurai! TV Broadcast)
(1) Taiyo Kea vs. Yasufumi Nakanoue
(2) Ryota Hama vs. Masanobu Fuchi
(3) Minoru Suzuki & Masakatsu Funaki vs. TARU & René Duprée
(4) Akebono vs. Takao Omori
(5) Suwama, Seiya Sanada & Manabu Soya vs. Yuji Nagata , Daisuke Sekimoto & Yuji Okabayashi
(6) Great Muta, KENSO & KAI vs. KONO, Joe Doering & Minoru
(7) 6 Way Ladder Match for the AJPW World Jr. Heavyweight Title Contendership: Kaz Hayashi vs. BUSHI vs. Shuji Kondo vs. MAZADA vs. Hiroshi Yamato vs. Super Hate
All Japan Pro Wrestling “CROSS OVER 2011”, 6/16/2011 (Thu) 18:30 @ Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse
(1) Hiroshi Yamato & BUSHI vs. Minoru & MAZADA
(2) KENSO vs. Masanobu Fuchi
(3) Ryota Hama vs. René Duprée
(4) Taiyo Kea & Yasufumi Nakanoue vs. Akebono & Kazushi Miyamoto
(5) Minoru Suzuki, Masakatsu Funaki & Takao Omori vs. TARU, KONO & Joe Doering
(6) Suwama, Kaz Hayashi & Shuji Kondo vs. Seiya Sanada, Manabu Soya & KAI
All Japan Pro Wrestling “CROSS OVER 2011”, 6/17/2011 (Fri) 19:00 @ Niigata Sun Village
(1) BUSHI vs. MAZADA
(2) KENSO & Ryota Hama vs. KONO & Joe Doering
(3) Masakatsu Funaki vs. René Duprée
(4) Taiyo Kea & Takao Omori vs. Akebono & Yasufumi Nakanoue
(5) Minoru Suzuki & KAI vs. TARU & Minoru
(6) Suwama, Kaz Hayashi & Shuji Kondo vs. Seiya Sanada, Manabu Soya & Hiroshi Yamato
All Japan Pro Wrestling “2011 Pro Wrestling LOVE in Ryougoku Vol.12″, 6/19/2011 (Sun) 16:00 @ Tokyo Ryougoku Kokugikan
(~) All Asia Tag Team Championship Match: [Champions] Daisuke Sekimoto & Yuji Okabayashi vs. Seiya Sanada & Manabu Soya
(~) World Junior Heavyweight Championship Match: [Champion] Minoru vs. KAI
(~) World Tag Team Championship Match: [Champions] KONO & Joe Doering vs. The Great Muta & KENSO
(~) Triple Crown Championship Match: [Champion] Suwama vs. Yuji Nagata
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Tokyo Sports has brought up some interesting news that there could be a new pro wrestling department in the works through kickboxing promotion K-1. With names like Yuichiro ☆Jienotsu☆ Nagashima successfully jumping to pro wrestling and Heavyweight Kickboxer Kyotaro now also looking to jump to pro wrestling it makes it seem that K-1 wants to capitalize on the movement. Katsuyori Shibata’s, former pro wrestler turned MMA, Ikuhisa “Minowaman” Minowa (Fifth Tiger Mask), Caol Uno, and Hong-man Choi have been listed as potential talent who could participate.
Some of you may remember WRESTLE-1 that held shows back in 2005, but never really finished what they started. Though this is being already mentioned as something to take seriously as they also wish to work in cooperation with the already established promotions like NJPW, NOAH, and All Japan respectively. There is little to talk about as of right now, but from what I gather we can start seeing more news on the project this Summer.
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Minoru Suzuki has announced that he will be holding a charity show on 6/25 to continue the support to those who need it in Japan. Three matches have been announced so far and it looks to have the possibility of a good show.
PILEDRIVER charity project Count 2.9~Now, from here~, June 25, 2011 (Sat) @ Shinjuku FACE
(~) Main Event: Minoru Suzuki & Meiko Satomura [SENDAI Girls] vs. Yoshihiro Takayama & Ayumi Kurihara
(~) Single Match: Hikaru Sato vs. Kengo Mashimo [K-DOJO]
(~) Tag Match: Takafumi Ito [Pancrase-ism] & Kikutaro vs. Kuishinbo Kamen [Osaka] & Lingerie Mutoh (Munenori Sawa)
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It was announced today at a special press conference that SMASH and Tenryu Project have formed a partnership. Genichiro Tenryu had some words on that he believes SMASH has something to set themselves a part in Japan and they have a bright future. There was also mention that Tenryu may also compete on the SMASH.18 card on June 9th, but an opponent has not been named at this time.
On a side note, this year also marks the 35th Anniversary for Tenryu as a pro wrestler, as he wrestled his first match back on November 13, 1976. So I assume we could also see a special event come this November with SMASH and Tenryu.
Tenryu has also been given a match for the upcoming show as he will face Michael Kovac in the opening round of the SMASH Championship Tournament. Talk about giving Kovac a tough challenge to get his name in the title picture. All Kovac has been on about as of late is getting his hands on the belts, but now it looks as if it will be a while before he even shares the same space as the champion. That is unless he pulls a huge upset and gets over the legend.
The other big story coming into the SMASH show is in regards to AKIRA and Iizuka who used to be close friends and even former tag team partners as JJ Jacks. AKIRA has as of late almost been going through what many would say as a “mental breakdown”. Iizuka has been sending him threats here and there even sending AKIRA their old ring jacket for “JJ Jacks” but all ripped up and covered in what appeared to be blood. Who never knew that a confrontation between these two would cause AKIRA to become so “not himself”. But also one just needs to ask Hiroyoshi Tenzan what it is really like to be on the wrong side of him.
SMASH.18, 6/9/2011 (Thur) 18:00 @ Korakuen Hall
(~) Yoshiagi Yago & Yuji Kito vs. “The Big Guns” Zeus & The Bodyguard [Osaka Pro]
(~) First Round Diva’s Match: Shuri vs. Hikaru Shida
(~) First Round Diva’s Match: Kana vs. Lin “Bitch” Bairon
(~) First Round Tournament Match: Yusuke Kodama vs. Shinya Ishikawa [BJW]
(~) First Round Tournament Match: Genichiro Tenryu vs. Michael Kovac
(~) First Round Tournament Match: AKIRA vs. Takashi Iizuka [NJPW/CHAOS]
(~) First Round Tournament Match: Ultimo Dragon vs. Hajime Ohara [FCF]
(~) First Round Tournament Match: TAJIRI vs. FUNAKI
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Osaka Pro Wrestling will be having their annual tag team tournament which starts this Sunday, 5/29, and will be taking place through the weekends of June, with Finals on 6/26. There are 8 teams involved this year with 4 teams per bracket.
Kuuga and Billyken makes quite the interesting team as both have had a rival past and now all of a sudden seem to be becoming close friends. The last few weeks or so have seen Billyken sort of in doubt when it comes to choosing to either being in the main Osaka army or “the heel unit” JOKER. Billyken and Kuuga have a union of sorts going into the tournament that could shake things up if Billyken aligns himself as a full-blown heel.
No Big Guns in the tournament as it appears that The Bodyguard is suffering an ankle injury that is going to keep him out of action for quite sometime. No word yet on their upcoming match in SMASH early next month, but I will keep you guys up to date with the latest developments.
B Block
~ Tigers Mask & Black Buffalo
~ Atsushi Kotoge & Daisuke Harada
~ Tadasuke & Orochi
~ Ultimate Spider Jr. & Takoyakida
Osaka Pro-Wrestling “Osaka Tag Festival 2010”, 5/29/2011
Osaka Minami Move On Arena
(~) Osaka Tag Festival 2011 A Block Match: Kuuga & Billyken Kid vs. Tsubasa & Kuishinbo Kamen
(~) Osaka Tag Festival 2011 B Block Match: Orochi & Tadasuke vs. Atsushi Kotoge & Daisuke Harada
Osaka Pro-Wrestling “Osaka Tag Festival 2010”, 6/4/2011
Osaka Minami Move On Arena
(~) Osaka Tag Festival 2011 A Block Match: Kuuga & Billyken Kid vs. Hideyoshi & Masamune
(~) Osaka Tag Festival 2011 B Block Match: Tigers Mask & Black Buffalo vs. Ultimate Spider Jr. & Takoyakida
Osaka Pro-Wrestling “Osaka Tag Festival 2010”, 6/11/2011
Osaka Minami Move On Arena
(~) Osaka Tag Festival 2011 A Block Match: Hideyoshi & Masamune vs. Naoki Setoguchi & Kazuaki Mihara
(~) Osaka Tag Festival 2011 B Block Match: Tigers Mask & Black Buffalo vs. Tadasuke & Orochi
Osaka Pro-Wrestling “Osaka Tag Festival 2010”, 6/12/2011
Osaka Minami Move On Arena
(~) Osaka Tag Festival 2011 A Block Match: Tsubasa & Kuishinbo Kamen vs. Naoki Setoguchi & Kazuaki Mihara
(~) Osaka Tag Festival 2011 B Block Match: Atsushi Kotoge & Daisuke Harada vs. Ultimate Spider Jr. & Takoyakida
Osaka Pro-Wrestling “Osaka Tag Festival 2010”, 6/18/2011
Osaka Minami Move On Arena
(~) Osaka Tag Festival 2011 A Block Match: Hideyoshi & Masamune vs. Tsubasa & Kuishinbo Kamen
(~) Osaka Tag Festival 2011 B Block Match: Tadasuke & Orochi vs. Ultimate Spider Jr. & Takoyakida
Osaka Pro-Wrestling “Osaka Tag Festival 2010”, 6/19/2011
Osaka Minami Move On Arena
(~) Osaka Tag Festival 2011 A Block Match: Kuuga & Billyken Kid vs. Naoki Setoguchi & Kazuaki Mihara
(~) Osaka Tag Festival 2011 B Block Match: Tigers Mask & Black Buffalo vs. Atsushi Kotoge & Daisuke Harada
Osaka Pro-Wrestling “Osaka Tag Festival Finals”, 6/26/2011
Matsushita IMP Hall
(~) Osaka Tag Festival 2011 Finals: Winner of A Block vs. Winner of B Block
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That is all for this week be sure to follow Puroresu Spirit around the net. For all the latest happening brought to you on a daily basis. www.facebook.com/PuroresuSpirit ~ all the latest news, and information. www.youtube.com/PuroresuSpirit ~ videos on wrestlers and more coming soon. www.twitter.com/PuroresuSpirit ~ all the latest news and information, plus ramblings between fans of wrestling.
Questions or comments, send them to: PuroSpirit@gmail.com
This Week in Japanese Pro Wrestling: Keeping the Spirit Alive V.9 (5/28/2011)
All Japan Pro Wrestling “RISE UP TOUR 2011″ 5/28/2011 (Sat) 18:00 @ Okayama Prefectural Center Orange Hall
900 Spectators
(1) Masanobu Fuchi vs. KENSO Winner: KENSO (12:37) following a Double Knee Drop.
(2) Kaz Hayashi, Shuji Kondo, KAI & BUSHI vs. TARU, Minoru, MAZADA & Super Hate Winner: MAZADA (14:24) following the Masada Drop to BUSHI.
(3) Minoru Suzuki & Hikaru Sato vs. Seiya Sanada & Hiroshi Yamato Winner: Sato (15:08) with a Modified Cross Arm Breaker on Yamato.
(4) Masakatsu Funaki & Akebono vs. Manabu Soya & Takao Omori Winner: Akebono () with a Body Press on Soya.
(5) Suwama, Taiyo Kea & Ryota Hama vs. KONO, Joe Doering & Rene Dupree Winner: Suwama (17:11) with a Backdrop Hold on Dupree.
(6) Battle Royal: Winner: KENSO (10:32) after a top rope elimination to Hikaru Sato.
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NOAH “The Navig. Saturday 2011 in Kanazawa”, 5/28/2011 (Sat) 18:00 @ Ishikawa Industrial Exhibition Hall No.3
1,400 Spectators
(1) Kotaro Suzuki vs. Masao Inoue Winner: Suzuki (12:19) Jumping Leg Roll Clutch.
(2) Takuma Sano vs. Yoshinobu Kanemaru Winner: Sano (11:23) following a Northern Lights Bomb.
(3) Yutaka Yoshie vs. Kentaro Shiga Winner: Yoshie (10:19) with a Diving Body Press.
(4) Takeshi Morishima vs. Taiji Ishimori Winner: Morishima (2:04) following 2 Backdrop Drivers.
(5) Jun Akiyama & Akitoshi Saito vs. Yoshinari Ogawa & Ricky Marvin Winner: Akiyama (15:42) following an Exploder to Marvin.
(6) Go Shiozaki & Shuhei Taniguchi vs. KENTA & Genba Hirayanagi Winner: Taniguchi (22:29) with a German Suplex Hold on Hirayanagi. ~ following the match, Shiozaki declared that he will be the winner on 6/11 against Morishima.
(7) Takashi Sugiura, Mohammed Yone & Atsushi Aoki vs. Kensuke Sasaki, Katsuhiko Nakajima & Takashi Okita Winner: Sugiura (27:12) following the Olympic Qualifying Slam to Okita.
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(1) HIROKI & Ryuichi Sekine vs. Shiori Asahi & Yuki Sato Winner: ()
(2) Daigoro Kashiwa vs. Makoto Oishi Winner: ()
(3) Marines Mask vs. Randy Takuya Winner: ()
(4) Taishi Takizawa & Kaji Tomato vs. Owen Phoenix & Benham Ali Winner: ()
(5) Yuji Hino & Saburo Inamatsu vs. Kengo Mashimo & KAZMA Winner: ()
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Osaka Pro “Osaka HOLIDAY PARADICE”, 5/28/2011 (Sat) 18:00
105 Spectators
(1) Ultimate Spider Jr. vs. Naoki Setoguchi Winner: Spider (9:54) with a Falcon Arrow.
(2) Kuishinbo Kamen vs. Ebessan Winner: Kamen (7:09) with a Jacknife Hold.
(3) Daisuke Harada & Takoyakida vs. Tadasuke & Masamune Winner: Tadasuke (13:09) following the Last Ride to Takoyakida.
(4) Tigers Mask, Black Buffalo, Zeus & Atsushi Kotoge vs. Kuuga, Orochi, Hideyoshi & HAYATA Winner: Kotoge (13:12) with a Gannosuke Clutch on HAYATA.
(5) Osaka Pro-Wrestling Owari (Comedy) Championship Match: [Champion] Kanjyuro Matsuyama vs. Johnel Sanders Winner: Matsuyama (11:02) with the War Drum.
Aggressive Gate
5/27/11 Hyogo, Kobe Sambo Hall
1) Ryo Saito, Tomahawk T.T Vs BxB Hulk, Super Shisa
WINNER: Saito over Shisa via Double Cross at 13:52
2) Don Fujii Vs Super Shenlong
WINNER: Fujii via Camel Clutch at 6:58
3) Yasushi Kanda Vs KAGETORA
WINNER: Kanda via Ryu’s at 9:59
4) Shingo Takagai, Susumu Yoksuksa Vs Naoki Tanizaki, Genki Horiguchi
WINNER: Shingo over Tanizaki via MADE IN JAPAN at 13:21 Post match Blood Warriors attacked Shingo and Susuumu prompting BxB Hulk to make the save again for Shingo even though there still is some tension between the two.
5) Naniwa Style Elimination Match: Masaaki Mochizuki, YAMATO, Dragon Kid, Masato Yoshino Vs CIMA, Naruki Doi, Cyber Kong, Gamma
Process of Elimination:
Dragon Kid eliminated CIMA via Bible
Cyber Kong eliminated both YAMATO and Kid via over the top rope
Yoshino eliminated Kong by pinfall
Doi eliminated Yoshino by Bakatare Sliding Kick
Mochizuki eliminated Gamma via over the top rope
Mochizkuki eliminated Doi via Sankakugeri kick at 28:29 to win the match for his unit
Before the match Blood Warriors came out with a NEW Metal Warrior.
After the match Doi berated CIMA for being eliminated first by Dragon Kid and was promptly kicked out of Blood Warriors!!!! As Gamma started to make fun of the fallen Cima, he was attacked by Metal Warrior. Cima then got on the mic and said this was all a trick to kick Gamma out of Blood Warriors. Cima then lead Bloow Warriors in beating down Gamma!!!!!
Cima then introduced Gamma’s replacement…Metal Warrior! The Metal Warrior unmasked to reveal….KZY!
Cima then continued that he still has ONE more suprise at Korakuen Hall on 6/8!!!
All Japan “RISE UP TOUR 2011″ 5/27/2011 (Fri) 19:00 @ Kitakyushu Gymnasium in Fukoaka
1,050 Spectators
(1) 6 Man Tag Match: YASU, TA-KI & SMITH vs. Dynamite Kyushu, Yoshihiro Rin & Kazuteru Nomoto Winner: SMITH (11:50) with a Northern Lights Suplex on Dynamite.
(2) Hiroshi Yamato vs. Yasufumi Nakanoue Winner: Yamato (11:36) with a German Suplex Hold.
(2) Aztec & Kubo Nozomi vs. Rene Dupree & Super Hate Winner: Dupree (9:15) with a Diving Body Press on Aztec.
(4) Masanobu Fuchi vs. KENSO Winner: KENSO (14:44) following the Double Knee Drop.
(5) Ryota Hama vs. Takao Omori Winner: Omori (9:10) following the Axe Bomber.
(6) 10 Man Tag Match: Taiyo Kea, Minoru Suzuki, Akebono, Kaz Hayashi & BUSHI vs. TARU, KONO & Joe Doering, Minoru & MAZADA Winner: Akebono (15:57) with a Body Press on MAZADA.
(7) Suwama, Masakatsu Funaki & Shuji Kondo vs. Seiya Sanada, Manabu Soya & KAI Winner: Sanada (25:03) following a Running Elbow to Kondo.
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BJW
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(1) Atsushi Kotoge vs. Takoyakida Winner: Kotoge (9:20) with a Moonsault Press.
(2) Kazuaki Mihara vs. HAYATA Winner: HAYATA (8:38) with a School Boy.
(3) Daisuke Harada & Kanyuro Matsuyama vs. Ultimate Spider Jr. & Apple Miyuki Winner: Miyuki (10:52) with a Dragon Splash with Harisen on Matusyama.
NOAH” The Weekday Navig. 2011 in Kariya” 5/26/2011 (Thur) 18:30
(1) Genba Hirayanagi vs. Takashi Okita Winner: Genba (9:06) with a Jacknife Hold.
(2) Yoshinobu Kanemaru & KENTA vs. Akihito & Michio Kageyama [DEP] Winner: Kanemaru (14:26) following a Vertical Drop Brainbuster to Kageyama.
(3) Mohammed Yone & Kentaro Shiga vs. Yoshinari Ogawa & Ricky Marvin Winner: Ogawa (12:01) with pinfall counter out from a rear naked choke from Shiga.
(4) Akitoshi Saito vs. Taiji Ishimori Winner: Saito (11:30) following the Sickle of Death.
(5) Jun Akiyama & Atsushi Aoki vs. Takeshi Morishima & Yutaka Yoshie Winner: Morishima (14:18) following the Backdrop Driver to Aoki.
(6) Go Shiozaki & Masao Inoue vs. Kensuke Sasaki & Katsuhiko Nakajima Winner: Sasaki (18:21) with the Strangle Hold γ (Gamma) on Inoue.
(7) Yoshihiro Takayama, Takuma Sano & Masashi Aoyagi vs. Go Shiozaki, Shuhei Taniguchi & Kotaro Suzuki Winner: Shiozaki (21:51) following a Short Range Lariat to Aoyagi.
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Osaka Pro “Osaka HAPPY WEEKDAY”, 5/26/2011 (Thu) 19:00
35 Spectators
(1) Takoyakida vs. Naoki Setoguchi Winner: Takoyakida (7:39) with the Takoyaki Bottom.
(2) Ebessan vs. Tadasuke Winner: Tadasuke (6:28) following the Chingy.
(3) Daisuke Harada vs. Kanjyuro Matsuyama & Apple Miyuki Winner: Harada (12:17) following a Diving Elbow Drop to Matsuyama.
NJPW 「BEST OF THE SUPER Jr. XVIII ~Bring it on!~」, 5/26/11 (Thur) 18:30 @ Korakuen Hall
1,750 Spectators
(0) Kyosuke Mikami vs. Hiromu Takahashi Winner: Mikami (6:20) with a Boston Crab.
(1) Block B: KUSHIDA vs. Daisuke Sasaki Winner: KUSHIDA (6:53) with the Midnight Express. (KUSHIDA 2 Points)
(2) Block A: Taichi vs. Kenny Omega Winner: Omega (8:59) with the Croyt’s Wrath. (Omega 2 Points)
(3) Block B: Jushin Thunder Liger vs. Mascara Dorada Winner: Dorada (3:18) via count-out. (Dorada 2 Points)
(4) Block A: Tiger Mask vs. TJP Winner: Tiger (8:06) with a Butterfly Lock. (Tiger 2 Points)
(5) Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Yuji Nagata & Wataru Inoue vs. Masato Tanaka, Yujiro Takahashi & Tetsuya Naito Winner: Inoue (11:59) following the Spear of Justice to Naito. ~ Following the match we finally seen the split of NO LIMIT, neither Tanaka or Takahashi helped him in the match and he helpless with the 3 on 1 situation. Following the match, finally the CHAOS member got into the ring and Takahashi picked up Naito and dropped him back down again with the Tokyo Pimps. Jado, Gedo and Tanaka then preceded to stomp and continue the punishment to Naito. After that Takahashi stood over Naito and said that “NO LIMIT is over”.
(6) Block A: Kohji Kanemoto vs. Fujita “Jr” Hayato Winner: Hayato (10:18) via referee stop, following the K.I.D. (Hayato 2 Points)
(7) Block B: The Great Sasuke vs. TAKA Michinoku Winner: Sasuke (9:57) with an Ocotpus Hold. (Sasuke 2 Points)
(8) Block B: Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Kota Ibushi Winner: Taguchi (13:21) with a Dodon Lift to Chest Buster. (Taguchi 2 Points)
(9) Block A: Prince Devitt vs. Davey Richards Winner: Richards (13:18) following a Power Bomb. (Richards 2 Points)
All Japan “RISE UP TOUR 2011” 5/25/2011 (Wed) 18:30 @ Usa City Gym in Oita
1,850 Spectators (overcrowded)
(1) Masanobu Fuchi vs. Yasufumi Nakanoue Winner: Fuchi (5:12) via pinfall.
(2) KENSO & BUSHI vs. Rene Dupree & Super Hate Winner: BUSHI (9:45) with a Firebird Splash on Hate.
(3) Minoru Suzuki vs. Manabu Soya Winner: Suzuki (13:02) following the Gotch Style Pile Driver.
(4) 3 Way tag Match: Kaz Hayashi & KAI vs. Shuji Kondo & Hiroshi Yamato vs. Minoru & MAZADA Winner: KAI (10:38) with the LAT to MAZADA.
(5) Masakatsu Funaki & Akebono vs. Taiyo Kea & Takao Omori Winner: Kea (10:50) following a Surf Drop on Akebono.
(6) Suwama, Seiya Sanda & Ryota Hama vs. TARU, KONO & Joe Doering Winner: Sanada (17:28) with a Tiger Suplex Hold on TARU.
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NOAH “The Weekday Navig. 2011 in Korakuen”, 5/25/2011 (Wed) 19:00 @ Korakuen Hall
1,800 Spectators
(1) Genba Hirayanagi vs. Kento Miyahara [KO] Winner: Miyahara (8:34) with a German Suplex Hold.
(2) Takuma Sano & Mohammed Yone vs. Yoshinari Ogawa & Ricky Marvin Winner: Yone (8:20) following the Muscle Buster to Marvin.
(3) Takeshi Morishima, Yutaka Yoshie & Akira Taue vs. Kensuke Sasaki, Katsuhiko Nakajima & Takashi Okita Winner: Morishima (14:12) following a Backdrop Driver to Okita.
(4) Jun Akiyama vs. Taiji Ishimori Winner: Akiyama (3:30) following the Sternness Dust α (alpha). ~ even though this match was short. It was said to have been explosive with Ishimori holding his own until Akiyama used his size and power on him.
(5) Takashi Sugiura vs. Masao Inoue Winner: Sugiura (12:13) with an Ankle Hold.
(6) Yoshihiro Takayama vs. Shuhei Taniguchi Winner: Takayama (13:09) with an Everest German Suplex Hold.
(7) Akitoshi Saito vs. Go Shiozaki Winner: Shiozaki (18:44) with a Shoulder Lock (Olympic Hell). ~ Shiozaki made it known that he is intent on being the next challenger for the GHC Heavyweight Belt. Morishima also feels the same way and both Shiozaki and Morishima will face off on June 11th to determine the next challenger at GREAT VOYAGE 2011 in Tokyo vol.3 on July 10th for Sugiura’s 15th Title Defense.
(8) GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Match: Kotaro Suzuki & Atsushi Aoki vs. Yoshinobu Kanemaru & KENTA Winner: Kanemaru (28:13) following the Touch-Out to Aoki. ~ Kanemaru & KENTA become the 14th Generation Champions. ~ after the match KENTA continued his words against Ryu Nakata and even stated that there “could’ be another member added to NMC here soon.
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(1) Daisuke Harada vs. Takoyakida Winner: Harada (8:11) with the Katayama German Suplex Hold.
(2) Ultimate Spider Jr. vs. Tadasuke Winner: Tadasuke (10:21) following the Chingy.
(3) Atsushi Kotoge & Kanjyuro Matsuyama vs. Kuishinbo Kamen & Kyusei Ninja Ranmaru Winner: Kotoge (10:55) with a Moonsault Press on Ranmaru.
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We are just around the corner for this year’s the BEST OF THE SUPER Jr. which is LITERALLY the biggest tournament of the summer. With a record 18 participants, this years Best of the Super Jr. stars a “who’s who” of some of the top names in Jr puroresu’s past, present and future. Here is a preview of who’s in the tournament, who maybe the favorites going in it and some matches to keep an eye out for because there are definitely some MOTYC in this event.
Block A
Taichi– (3rd time participating) Taichi hasnt really done much in his past two appearances in the BOSJ tourny. Yet with a new look and allegance with Suzuki’s newly formed gumi, that may change in this tournmaent. With many more established stars in Block A than in B, Taichi both has the chance to score some big wins as well as end up with a lot of losses. MATCH TO LOOK OUT FOR: Taichi Vs Prince Devitt (Night 4). Taichi actually owns a victory over the defending BOSJ winner…but that was in 2007 which almost seems like a lifetime ago.
~ Charles’ Thoughts: Taichi is always one step away from doing something in NJPW. His recent match against Taguchi for the CMLL Welterweight Championship actually did a lot in surprising me for being a good match. Taguchi even came off better than I expected, but watching this should show that Taichi is growing and is my darkhorse in Block A.
JADO– (fifth time participating) One half of one of the most dominate tag teams in the NJPW Jr scene, Jado has done alot more as a tag team member than as a singles wrestler. Though he has never reached anywhere near the semi finals, JADO can always score the upset. MATCH TO LOOK OUT FOR: JADO Vs Tiger Mask IV (Night 4) Back in 2009, JADO defeated Tiger Mask which prevented him from making it to the semi finals. I don’t think Tiger will want that to happen this year.
~ Charles’ Thoughts: Like Shibata mentioned, Jado is a technically sound competitor, but that is about as far as he has gotten.
TJP – (1st time participating) A long time wrestler on the southern California indy scene, TJP (or TJ Perkins) has always been known for just being technically gifted. Recently TJP has been making his name wrestling in big time indy feds like PWG, ROH and DGUSA. Few people know this, but TJP has actually had a brief stint in NJPW back in 2004 when he donned the mask of Puma (a gimmick that the NJPW LA Dojo was trying to create as the next Tiger Mask). TJP had a brief fued with TMIV but that quickly ended when the LA Dojo was closed down and TJP hasn’t been in NJPW since. MATCH TO LOOK OUT FOR: TJP Vs Davey Richards (Night 7) At the beginning of the year TJP and Richards had a HUGE MOTYC at ROH’s portion of WrestleReunion. If they can have this same match I can guarantee it will be the best match of the tournament, and with this years talent….that is saying a lot!
~ Charles’ Thoughts: TJ Perkins is a very skilled and talented young guy and will have a lot to bring to the NJPW ring. Being on Block A, he will have some opportunities to face some of the best and with that a wide range of different styles. If I had to say a match I am looking out for it would actually be TJP vs. Kenny Omega which will happen on 6/3.
Davey Richards – (second time participating) Everyone in the states know who Davey Richards is. The current darling of the indy scene, Richards has been able to accomplish one of his life long dreams and wrestle in Japan. Last year he impressed many in his BOSJ stint barely missing the semi finals due to losing a tie breaker to eventual winner Prince Devitt. Now Richards has the chance to not only again show his abilities but possibly make it to the finals. MATCH TO LOOK OUT FOR: Richards Vs Prince Devitt (Night 1) Last years tourny, Richards lost to Devitt which ended up costing him a spot in the semi finals…will that happen again this year?
~ Charles’ Thoughts: Richards is called one of the best in the USA, without a lot of people either loving him or despising him, but you know I have seen Richards up close in the ring quite a few times and you know he has a lot skill. This has benefited him as he has gone to Japan where he is seen as the new age Chris Benoit (Wild Pegasus) and The Dynamite Kid. Richards brings intensity to his matches, maybe a little too much in some people’s eyes, but that is who he is so you can either love him or hate him. The match I am looking forward to seeing is Richards vs. Kanemoto on 6/7.
Fujita “Jr: Hayato (Michinoku Pro)- (Second time participating) A talented young wrestler who is finally getting the chance to shine on a big stage, Hayato missed out last year on showing his true skill when he got injured half way through the tournament. Hopefully he can stay healthy as he has the ability to do amazing things with everyone in Block A. MATCH TO LOOK OUT FOR: Fujita Vs Kenny Omega (Night 4) Last year Fujita scored the win over Omega, this year Omega will be looking for revenge in what will be an amazing match between two top outsiders of NJPW.
~ Charles’ Thoughts: Hayato is a talented kick, known for being brutal in the ring and practically shades of Kanemoto who is also known to bring the fight in his matches. That is also the match I am looking forward to seeing the most from Hayato and that will happen on the first night 5/26.
Kenny Omega (DDT)- (2nd time participating) One of my favorites to make it to the final four, Omega is an outstanding talent that is very popular with the NJPW fans and just barely missed making it to the semi’s last year. He does hold a huge win over BOSJ veteran and three time winner Koji Kanemoto during last year’s league play. MATCH TO LOOK OUT FOR: Omega Vs Prince Devitt (Night 7) not only do these guys have a loooong history with each other, this could easily be the match to determine who makes it to the semis and who JUST misses it.
~ Charles’ Thoughts: Omega has made a home for himself in Japan with being a part of DDT and being known to back up his talent with being able to grab the audience’s attention with his interesting set of moves. I would also have to say Omega vs. Devitt which will be on 6/5.
Tiger Mask IV– (’04 and ’05 BOSJ Winner, 10th time participating) Last year TMIV was forced out of the BOSJ due to an injury he suffered in his first match. Being the ONLY person to ever win back to back BOSJ, TMIV will have a tough time becoming only the third man (Liger and Kanemoto) to win three BOSJ tournaments. He does however hold winning record over Kanemoto (3-1) in league play with one of them earning him the 2004 BOSJ tournament. He also is undefeated against regining BOSJ winner Prince Devit (3-0) MATCH TO LOOK OUT FOR: Tiger Mask Vs Prince Devitt (Night 8 ) As mentioned before TMIV is undefeated against Devitt, and this match is on the second to the last night of league play, which means it may play a huge part in determineing who makes it to the final four.
~ Charles’ Thoughts: Tiger Mask is always the crowd favorite as soon as his music plays through the arena. People love their Tiger, though that is too say there are a lot of people who also think the character is played out as TM IV has now being dawning the mask for 16 straight years now.
Koji Kanemoto– (1998, ’02 and ’09 BOSJ Winner, 17th time participating) Koji Kanemoto could be considered MR BOSJ, having won the prestigious tournament a record tying three times (with Liger) and has been in the final four a total of nine times. Nearing the end of his career, I dont think Kanemoto will do much in this tournament instead act as the gate keeper beating the younger wrestlers but losing to the upper stars. MATCH TO LOOK OUT FOR: Kanemoto Vs Prince Devitt (Night 9) This is a rematch from the 2009 BOSJ final where Kanemoto scored the win and the tournament victory. Considering this will be on the last night of league play it could easily be the MOST important match of Block A.
~ Charles’ Thoughts: Kanemoto can almost do no wrong as he could have a match with anyone and probably get the best out of them. Kanemoto is physical and technically sound in the ring and being against anyone in the A Block sounds like a descent match-up. Again I would say I am looking forward to Kanemoto and Fujita’s rematch.
Prince Devitt– (’10 BOSJ winner, IWGP Jr Heavyweight Champion, IWGP Jr Tag Team Champion, fifth time participating) Arguably the current Ace of NJPW’s Jr scene which is amazing considering he is a gaijin, Devitt could easily be considered a favorite to run the tables and win it all again. He doesnt have the easier Block to compete in but he has wins over several of the wrestlers in Block A. MATCH TO LOOK OUT FOR: Devitt Vs Fujita Jr Hayato (Night 3) Why did I pick this match? Well considering it should almost be a given that Devitt will make at least the semi finals, is almost a guarantee that he will at least suffer one upset, and this match is early enough in the tournament where Devitt wont have to worry about still winning his Block.
~ Charles’ Thoughts: Devitt is the reigning champion coming into the BOSJ and that makes him an early favorite, but I do not feel he is going to win the tournament this year. He will have some strong showings with everyone, but the match I am interested in seeing is Devitt vs. TJP.
—— Block B
—— Daisuke Sasaki (DDT)- (First time participating) A long time indy wrestler getting his chance to shine in the mainstream, Sasaki is use to running around DDT (sometimes as his alias Sasaki and Gabbana) and as a member of the Italian Four Horsemen. Sasaki got the chance to be in the BOSJ by winning the mini two night tournament Road to Super Jrs. Though he will be the pin monkey here, he may earn a upset win somewhere MATCH TO LOOK OUT FOR: Sasaki Vs Jushin Liger (Night 4) As I mentioned before Sasaki could easily get at least one upset victory. Liger has a history of being upset by somebody and this could be that match.
~ Charles’ Thoughts: Sasaki will be relatively unknown to a lot of people, even in Japan, but that could very well make him a darkhorse in the tournament. I would say that I am interested in seeing Sasaki vs. KUSHIDA on 5/26.
KUSHIDA – (2nd time participating) The protege of TAJIRI, KUSHIDA is a young star to keep an eye out for as he adds much needed “new Blood” to a somewhat stagnant Jr division. Last year he pulled off a huge win over BOSJ 2010 winner Devitt and is poised to make a few more big wins this year. MATCH TO LOOK OUT FOR: KUSHIDA Vs Kota Ibushi (Night 2) Last year Ibushi got the win in a very competive match, this year could easily be different.
~ Charles’ Thoughts: KUSHIDA has been a strong up and coming favorite of mine for the past few years and he shows in every match that he is still growing and becoming a better wrestler in each and every match. KUSHIDA vs. Jushin Thunder Liger on 5/29 will be the match I am looking forward to the most as it could be the opportunity that he needs to show he is a strong competitor in NJ.
Mascara Dorado (CMLL)- (first time participating) A holdover from the NJPW/CMLL work agreement, Dorado has been feuding with Taguchi over the CMLL WW title that Taguchi owns. MATCH TO LOOK OUT FOR: Mascara Dorado Vs Ryusuke Taguchi (Night 5) These two have been feuding over the CMLL WW title since Taguchi took it from Dorado, expect the bad blood to still be here.
~ Charles’ Thoughts: Dorada is an up and comer from Mexico who is seems to be on the verge of his own breakout and potentially becoming a household name. Dorada brings a unique style to the BOSJ and it will be interesting to see where it takes him. To go a different route I actually want to see what can transpire with Dorada facing against someone who can rival his high flying in Kota Ibushi on 6/2.
Gedo– (Sixth participation) Mostly a tag team specialist with his partner in crime, Jado, Gedo has actually made it to the finals of the 2005 BOSJ losing to Tiger Mask IV. Last year he went winless but I think this year he could score some wins over the lower ranked wrestlers. MATCH TO LOOK OUT FOR: Gedo Vs Ryusuke Taguchi (Night 4) For some reason I just look at this match and it screams upset.
~ Charles’ Thoughts: Gedo is known as having the biggest mouth in Japan. He will not hesitate to verbally assault his opponent and try to get into their heads. Gedo even though never has the largest rap sheet in terms of overall wins, is still no push over to say the least. He is known for the upsets and using any means necessary in picking up the win.
The Great Sasuke (Michinoku Pro)- (first time participating) A legend of the Jr scene back in the 90s that can still go and compete with the best of them today. Will be interesting to see how far he goes in his first BOSJ. MATCH TO LOOK OUT FOR: Great Sasuke Vs TAKA Michinoku (Night 1) Right off the bat we get this potential gem. Sasuke trained Michinoku and the both of them have a LONG history together, will be interesting who gets the win here.
~ Charles’ Thoughts: Sasuke is known for some of the craziest spots imaginable and should practically have a spotter at all times to make sure he doesn’t kill himself in a match. Sasuke has talent and skill and that makes him a dangerous opponent as you never know what he is going to do next. As obvious as it is I am looking forward to Sasuke vs. Jushin Liger on 5/28. Two legends in the ring and no strangers at that meeting up yet again to test their veteran status against one another.
TAKA Michinoku (K-DOJO)- (second participation) TAKA is another legend of the Jr scene who hasnt been in the BOSJ since 1994. He has since gone on to be part of one of the most influential Jr groups in Puroresu history (Kaientai), did a run in WWE and start his own federation (K-Dojo). Now he has been doing some time in NJPW as a member of Minoru Suzuki’s Gumi. MATCH TO LOOK OUT FOR: TAKA Michinoku Vs Liger (Night 6) Just like the Liger/Sasuke match, this one is purely for nostalgic pleasures. Plus it should be good.
~ Charles’ Thoughts: TAKA has been in New Japan off in on in the years, but this year has really sort of been a full time guy in the promotion while also running his own promotion K-DOJO. TAKA is known as a technical wrestler and can get the job done when needed. As for a match that stands out to me, I gotta say that TAKA vs. KUSHIDA on 6/5 could be interesting.
Kota Ibushi(DDT) (2010 finalist, third time participating) One half of the uber popular tag team Golden Lovers with Kenny Omega, Ibushi is very popular with the NJPW fans as well as talented. He is poised to be on a break out campaign in this tournament and I can see him at least making the semi finals. In the past two BOSJ tournaments Ibushi made it to the final four but both times he was stopped by Prince Devitt, including in last years MOTYC final. MATCH TO LOOK OUT FOR: Kota Ibushi Vs Ryusuke Taguchi (Night 1) These two have been feuding with their respective teammates over the IWGP JR tag titles for most of last year. Considering this match is on night one and involved two pretty important participants, I can see them possibly rematching in the finals.
~Charles’ Thoughts: Ibushi will be one of the fastest and the most gifted high-flyer in the tournament and that alone will benefit him greatly. As last year showed us he made it to the Finals of the tournament, but lost to Devitt in a very solid match-up. Ibushi could indeed make it to the Finals again. As for a match, I am interested in Ibushi vs. Sasuke on 6/7.
Ryusuke Taguchi (IWGP Jr Tag Team Champion, CMLL Welterweight Champion, eight time participating) Taguchi has been to the semi finals three of the last four years but would always just miss the finals. Other than Devitt, he is the only NJPW trueborn that I feel can win this tournament. MATCH TO LOOK OUT FOR: Taguchi Vs KUSHIDA (Night 8 ) A match that is coming late in the tournament between one of the top NJPW wrestlers vs one of the newest…I can smell the upset.
~ Charles’ Thoughts: Taguchi is being called the favorite to win the tournament this year and by looking at the blocks he could very well be the winner. There is a lot of competition, but if Taguchi does manage to win that’ll put him against his Apollo 55 partner Prince Devitt on 6/18 for the Jr Belt. As for a match, I am looking to see what can happen between Taguchi and Sasuke on 5/29.
Jushin Thunder Liger (’92, ’94, ’01 BOSJ Winner, CMLL MIddleweight Champion, 20th time participation) The Legend, Liger has done more than enough for the Jr scene in NJPW that he really has nothing to prove by winning this tournament. Expect him to be the gate keeper of block B. MATCH TO LOOK OUT FOR: Liger Vs Great Sasuke (Night 2) These two legends havent thrown down since the Super J Cup days of 1994 where Sasuke would defeat Liger in the semi finals and go on to be a household name. Should be a fun nostalgic match.
~ Charles’ Thoughts: Liger needs no introduction as he is Jushin Thunder Liger and that name alone is enough to warrant his standing in the tournament. As I mentioned earlier the match to see will be Jushin Liger vs. Sasuke on 5/28.
The BOSJ XVIII 2011 begins May 26th and ends June 10th with the top two of each block duking it out in the semi finals and then on to the finals. As always keep track of the results and standings on puroresuspirit.com.
All Japan Pro Wrestling “RISE UP TOUR 2011″ 5/24/2011 (Tue) 18:30 @ Asakura, Fukoaka, Japan
850 Spectators
(1) KENSO & Ryota Hama vs. Masanobu Fuchi & Yasufumi Nakanoue Winner: KENSO (14:55) following the Double Knee Drop to Nakanoue.
(2) BUSHI & Hiroshi Yamato vs. Minoru & MAZADA Winner: Minoru (10:22) with the Minoru Special on Yamato.
(3) Takao Omori vs. Rene Dupree Winner: Omori (6:24) following the Axe Bomber.
(4) Taiyo Kea & Akebono vs. Joe Doering & Super Hate Winner: Akebono (10:47) with a Body Press on Hate.
(5) Masakatsu Funaki & Minoru Suzuki vs. TARU & KONO Winner: Suzuki (10:41) following the Gotch Style Piledriver to TARU.
(6) Suwama, Shuji Kondo & Manabu Soya vs. Kaz Hayashi, Seiya Sanada & KAI Winner: Sanada (24:00) following a Running Elbow to Kondo.
Osaka Pro “Osaka HAPPY WEEKDAY”, 5/24/2011 (Tue) 19:00
33 Spectators
(1) Kazuaki Mihara vs. Tadasuke Winner: Tadasuke (9:29) following the Chingy.
(2) Atsushi Kotoge vs. HAYATA Winner: Kotoge (8:59) following the Kill Switch.
(3) Kanjyuro Matsuyama & Ultimate Spider Jr. vs. Kuishinbo Kamen & Ebessan Winner: Matsuyama (11:04) with the War Drum to Ebessan.
All Japan “RISE UP TOUR 2011” 5/23/2011 (Mon) 18:30 @ Oita Event Hall
600 Spectators
(1) Masanobu Fuchi vs. MAZADA Winner: MAZADA (13:17) via penalty (tricked the ref).
(2) KENSO, BUSHI & Yasufumi Nakanoue vs. Minoru, KONO & Super Hate Winner: KONO (15:33) following the Giant Knee Drop to Nakanoue.
(3) Minoru Suzuki vs. KAI Winner: Suzuki (11:00) following the Gotch Style Piledriver.
(4) Masakatsu Funaki & Hiroshi Yamato vs. Skull Reaper A-ji & Ueda Umanosuke [Freelance Team OITA] Winner: Funaki (11:27) with a Tight Triangle on A-ji.
(5) Taiyo Kea, Akebono & Takao Omori vs. TARU, Joe Doering & Rene Dupree Winner: Omori (11:08) following the Axe Bomber to Dupree.
(6) Suwama, Kaz Hayashi & Shuji Kondo vs. Seiya Sanada, Manabu Soya & Ryota Hama Winner: Suwama (25:29) with a Backdrop Hold to Soya.
ZERO1 “Wrestlers”, 5/23/2011 (Mon) 19:00 @ Korakuen Hall
(1) KAMIKAZE & Bikuma vs. Munenori Sawa & Matt Stone Winner: Bikuma (11:25) following a Swanton Bomb on Stone.
(2) Shinjiro Ohtani & Yoshikazu Yokoyama vs. Ryouji Sai & Kohei Sato Winner: Sai (20:50) following the Nachi Falls to Yokoyama.
(3) “ZvsU” Tag Match: Daisuke Sekimoto & Shito Ueda vs. Hiromitsu Kanehara & Yoshihiro Takayama Winner: Kanehara (17:01) with a Chicken Wing Arm Lock on Ueda. ~ It seems that Sekimoto and Takayama brought the fight against one another in this match, but being Ueda’s current issues with Kanehara he was aiming to make a statement with this match. Takayama and Sekimoto take their fight outside the ring, but that is when Ueda was forced to submit. If anything though this match just made Sekimoto vs. Takayama a strong possibility in happening here soon.
(4) “kick” Special Match: Daichi Hashimoto vs. Masaaki Mochizuki [DG] Winner: Mochizuki (14:51) following a Triangle Kick. ~ There seemed to be some descent back and forth action in the match, Daichi with a Reverse DDT and then the STF, but Mochizuki being the veteran seemed to be one step above in the match. Motchizuki with a few counters and a few well placed kicks eventually put the young man away. ~ After the match Mochizuki praised the 19 year old Daichi for the good fight.
(5) NWA World Champion Invasion Match: Masato Tanaka & Kenta Kakinuma vs. The Sheik & Mark Hussein Winner: Kakinuma (18:20) with a Jumping Clutch on Hussein.
(6) International Junior Heavyweight Championship Match: [Champion] Ikuto Hidaka vs. Takuya Sugawara ~ 8th Title Defense. Winner: Sugawara (26:00) following the Shisanputa. ~ Sugawara becomes the 10th Generation Champion. ~ Mineo Fujita is the next challenger for the belt.
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