2012: Kazuchika Okada vs Yoshi-Hashi

2012: Kazuchika Okada vs Yoshi-Hashi
Wrestle Kingdom VI (attendance: 43,000 / 23,000)
https://njpwworld.com/p/s_series_00188_1_4

Wrestle Kingdom VI takes us back to the Tokyo Dome and for the first time in five years does not feature an appearance from TNA. Pro Wrestling NOAH were once again represented, once again by Takashi Sugiura (who lost to Hirooki Goto), Go Shiozaki and Naomichi Marafuji (who defeated Chaos top team Shinsuke Nakamura and Toru Yano). All Japan are back in the fray as Masakatsu Funaki and Masayuki Kono defeated the Seigigun of Yuji Nagata and Wataru Inoue, and Keiji Mutoh defeated Tetsuya Naito in the semi-main event. CMLL are represented by Mascara Dorada (currently working for WWE as Gran Metalik), Atlantis and Valiente.

There is a surrogate inter-promotional match as two of New Japan’s young lions return from excursions to different partner promotions to battle each other. Returning from CMLL is Nobuo Yoshihashi – with a slight name tweak to Yoshi-Hashi (who aligned himself with Chaos prior to this event) and from TNA, young Kazuchika Okada.

Yoshihashi came up through the NJPW dojo after passing the entry test on his third attempt. He would make his debut in July 2008 in a losing effort to Tetsuya Naito. He competed as a junior heavyweight and picked up his first win in Riki Choshu’s Riki Pro promotion, teaming with Kazuchika Okada. In 2010 he headed to CMLL in Mexico for his learning excursion.

Kazuchika Okada was initially trained by Ultimo Dragon and made his debut in August 2004. Okada worked primarily for Toryumon Mexico and gained experience abroad where he wrestled for Chikara in the US, among others. He joined the NJPW dojo in 2007 and debuted for New Japan in August 2007. As with Yoshihashi, his debut match was a loss to Tetsuya Naito. In 2010 he headed to TNA for a learning excursion. While his time in TNA was not seen to be successful, few can argue with where it led him to be.

Yoshi-Hashi. Kazuchika Okada. The dawn of a new era! Let it begin!

We open with Yoshi-Hashi in the ring as the referee tries to check him. He’s not having a bar of it though. Underlining the rudo ways he learned in Mexico. The lights dim and the coin drops. The Rain Maker comes out to the appropriately titled track ‘Rain Maker’. A flashy jacket and gold around his neck is a far cry from the black trunks of a young lion. Yoshi-Hashi with his Sun Wukong (or in a roundabout way Son Goku) inspired appearance is as well.

Okada poses in the corner and once he comes down, Yoshi-Hashi meets him with a lariat. The bell rings and Yoshi-Hashi is immediately at an advantage thanks to the attack. He works over Okada with some clubs and chops before sending him to the ropes. Okada reverses and hits the too awesome dropkick. A mild reaction at the impressive manoeuvre from the crowd that is largely unfamiliar with these two new characters.

Okada on the assault now with chops and a European uppercut. Rushes in from the ropes and Yoshi-Hashi drapes him across the top rope. Okada to the outside and Yoshi-Hashi follows with a tope suicita he must’ve picked up in Mexico.

Picks the Rain Maker back up and throws him in the ring. He continues the offence and overcomes a scrappy comeback attempt by Okada. Sends him in and a hip toss. Seated dropkick for 2. Yoshi-Hashi trying something illegal that the camera doesn’t quite pick up. Maybe pulling the horrible looking hair of Okada. Tries it again in the corner.

Sends him across and Okada dodges an elbow. A few European uppercuts and he’s cut off with a jawbreaker. Yoshi-Hashi drops him with a sloppy looking slam. Kick out at 2. Yoshi-Hashi arguing with the referee instead of blaming the awful slam for not getting a 3, goes for a brainbuster but Okada floats over, perhaps by design as Yoshi-Hashi gets a neckbreaker. This is called the Bunker Buster. Yoshi-Hashi ascends the corner and misses a Swanton bomb. Okada with another dropkick and now it’s his turn to ascend. Big missile dropkick from the top.

Okada then hits a move that goes by many names (Air Raid Crash, Schwein, White Noise, Celtic Cross – take your pick. I prefer Schwein). A rain maker pose which hasn’t been established as a thing yet – and Okada gets a waistlock. Grabs an arm, pushes Yoshi-Hashi forward and draws him back in for a lariat. You may know this move as the Rain Maker. 1. 2. 3. In 4 minutes and 37 seconds, the Rain Maker picks up his first win.

As is customary by this point, even though it does play on NJPW World – here is a link to celebrate the Rain Maker winning with a Rain Maker – ‘Rain Maker’ by Yonosuke Kitamura. – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRCwNAC-XA8

Dave Meltzer gave this match 1 star (it wasn’t that bad) and this match ended up giving New Japan 1 star (eventually). The Wrestling Observer newsletter reviews the match like this;

Kazuchika Okada beat Yoshi-hashi (Nobuo Yoshihashi) in 4:37 after a clothesline. With his bad looking hair dye job, Okada looked like a male Shinobu Kandori (a butch women’s wrestling star of the 90s). Okada is tall for a Japanese guy, maybe 6-3 and does a high dropkick so he’s a good athlete. But he didn’t put it together here. Okada won after a missile dropkick an emerald frosien and a lariat. Nobody expected Yoshi-hashi to be pinned after that lariat and the match had built up no momentum. It was supposed to be this dominant win but came across as anything but. *

Moving forward he would be a little more impressed with Okada’s work

The main event of the evening was Hiroshi Tanahashi retaining the IWGP Heavyweight title against Minoru Suzuki. Following that match, Okada interrupted the ceremony and laid down a challenge to the champion. At this point the fans’ exposure to Okada was that less-than-stellar match we just sat through so this was seen as very confusing.

This challenge led to Okada becoming the 57th IWGP Heavyweight champion and the first match in one of the all-time great feuds that led NJPW to prosperity. Okada made good on his promise and did indeed make it rain. As of this writing at the end of 2017 – Okada has already shown himself to be the greatest wrestler of the decade, and is in the middle of a career that by the time it ends, will likely be in the discussion for one of the greatest of all time.

And Yoshi-Hashi? He’s pretty much in the same position he was here…

2011: Yuji Nagata vs Minoru Suzuki

2011: Yuji Nagata vs Minoru Suzuki
Wrestle Kingdom V (attendance: 42,000 / 18,000)
http://njpwworld.com/p/s_series_00175_1_7

The fifth edition of Wrestle Kingdom takes place in 2011 and once again sees guest talent from TNA and NOAH. The TNA contingent consists of Beer Money, Inc. (James Storm & Bobby Roode) who challenged Bad Intentions (Giant Bernard & Karl Anderson) for the IWGP Tag Team titles in a three way also involving Muscle Orchestra (Manabu Nakanishi & Strong Man), Rob Van Dam who defeated Toru Yano in a hardcore match that led to Yano adopting Van Dam’s signature thumb point, Jeff Hardy successfully defending the TNA World title against Tetsuya Naito, and young Kazuchika Okada (who was in the middle of his stint there) teaming with future Chaos teammate Hirooki Goto against NOAH representatives Takashi Sugiura and Yoshihiro Takayama. Also representing NOAH once more was Go Shiozaki who lost to Shinsuke Nakamura.

The event also saw a rematch from the first Wrestle Kingdom in Yuji Nagata facing Minori Suzuki. This is the match we are looking at today, and the second rematch in this series (Mutoh vs Chono from 2000 was the first).

This match was set up in December 2010 when Minoru Suzuki returned to New Japan and attacked Yuji Nagata. Prior to this Suzuki had quite a successful run in All Japan, winning the Triple Crown title twice (first from Taiyo Kea in September 2006, then from Ryota Hama in May 2010). The match with Nagata from the first Wrestle Kingdom was a defence during the first reign. Suzuki also won two consecutive Champion Carnival tournaments (2009 and 2010).

Since the last time we saw Yuji Nagata at the first Wrestle Kingdom, he added a second IWGP title reign when he defeated Hiroshi Tanahashi in April 2007. This was regained by Tanahashi in October. After an injury he returned to lead New Japan in a war with Zero1. During this time, he defeated Masato Tanaka for Zero1’s World Heavyweight title. A title that he successfully at Wrestle Kingdom III against Tanaka. (We did the Nakamura/Goto vs Misawa/Sugiura tag). He lost that title to Shinjiro Otani a month later.

Nagata created the group Seigigun (Blue Justice Army) and won the IWGP tag titles with Wataru Inoue. By this event the group consisted of Nagata, Inoue, Super Strong Machine and a pre-‘Bad Luck’ Fale. Founding member Mitsushide Hirasawa was on excursion in Puerto Rico learning to become Captain New Japan.

Speaking of groups, the future Suzuki-gun would be formed a few weeks after this event as Kojima-gun under leader Satoshi Kojima. Minoru Suzuki wouldn’t get involved until May so he has to be a lonely warrior tonight.

The previous match was for the Triple Crown title, this match is personal. No Justice, No Life. Let’s go!

Making his way to the ring first accompanied by one of the greatest entrance songs of all time (Kaze ni nare by Ayumi Nakamura) is Minoru Suzuki. His entrance video shows a lot of clips of him dominating Yuji Nagata. The crowd sings along. Kaze ni nare! We then cut to a shot of both men in the ring as Nagata’s entrance has been omitted (it took NJPW until 2017 to get the rights sorted on his track).

The bell is called for by Marty Asami who is making his first appearance in this series. As soon as it is, these two bulls rush in with matching kicks. And then both try to grab a clinch to deliver some strikes from. They find the ropes and jostle for position until Nagata has a front waistlock on Suzuki who is backed up against the ropes. Suzuki tries to force the break by pushing Nagata’s face but it’s not until Asami gets in there that is broken. Nagata breaks clean but Suzuki slaps him on the way out. Challenges him for a retort. Nagata obliges. It’s open season as they trade slaps.

Nagata breaks the slap stalemate with some kicks and takes Suzuki down. Suzuki ends up downed on the apron where Nagata tries to choke him with the foot but is pulled back. Suzuki rises and Nagata tries to boot him off the apron. Suzuki dodges it, Nagata’s caught on the rope and Suzuki gets a leg bar over the ropes, in a variation of the arm bar there that he uses. This obviously draws the referee in to break it. It’s done its job though. They drop to the outside where Suzuki continues to damage the leg. He threads it through the guard rail and boots it. Asami tries in vain to move this back to the ring but Suzuki’s having none of it. He takes it back in on his terms and continues the assault on Nagata’s leg. Things get quite heated and Suzuki gets to a mounted position, pie faces Nagata and closes his fist ready to rain down with it. Nagata grabs the throat of Suzuki and the official manages to step in at just the right time.

Or so it seems. Suzuki lands that punch anyway! Not what Nagata needed. The assault continues but Nagata begins to rise and absorb punishment before catching a kick and sending Suzuki to the corner where he delivers a Justice Knee to the face. Nagata’s eye could become an issue after that punch. He unleashes a series of kicks that look very similar to those used by Daniel Bryan in WWE. Given that Bryan once called Nagata “the best wrestler he’s ever been in the ring with”, I don’t think this is coincidental. Nagata continues the assault in the corner which Asami allows, before sending him across, coming in with a boot to the face and then landing an exploder for 2. Suzuki up and Nagata goes for a brainbuster, Suzuki fights it out and we’re back to a strike exchange. Nagata wins it with a boot. Nagata looking like he’s in a far better position at this stage than he did in the 2007 match up. Brainbuster pickup, slipped by Suzuki who comes down behind and pushes Nagata into the corner and comes in with a boot. Snap mare and a Shibata-esque penalty kick for 2.

Suzuki with a sleeper hold. This is how he won the first meeting between these two. This won’t be it this time though as Nagata breaks it and attacks the arm. He’s got himself a target for these kicks now! Tries his seated armbar but the world-class grappler slips it and latches that sleeper hold back on. Nagata throws him off and Suzuki returns fire with a knee. Slap time as Suzuki lands quite a few. Nagata opts for kicks. Suzuki draws Nagata into throwing a slap which he ducks and takes the opening to reapply the sleeper. Nagata finds ropes, but Suzuki pulls him back. Nagata tries to break the hold via the arm again, but it’s a lot more of a struggle this time. Unsuccessful and he’s locked in. Nagata was looking to roll the eyes back while applying an armbar, but Suzuki may make that happen with this sleeper.

Nagata’s not going to pass out, but Suzuki thinks he’s weak enough to pin. Only for 2 though. A running boot to the face will fix that. 2 count again. Suzuki’s arrogance leading to a less-than-ideal cover which made the kick out easier for Nagata. Nagata struggles to get to a position he can rise from and Suzuki looks to be torn between wondering what to do next, and getting excited at the prospect of being able to inflict more punishment.

He helps Nagata up to a position where he can get a guillotine choke on. Looks to try to turn it to a swinging neckbreaker but Nagata swings right out of it, kicks the arm and delivers an overhead belly-to-belly.

Nagata follows this up with some kicks to the arm that he’s been working on. Steps over and gets that armbar in. Suzuki gets to the ropes before Nagata can roll the eyes back. Pulls him to centre ring, reapplies and there they go!

This could be the end for Suzuki, a man who I don’t think I’ve ever seen tap out in a professional wrestling contest (though this may speak more to my viewing habits than his record). Nagata’s really got this locked in tight and continues to pull back. The fact that Suzuki’s arm isn’t broken by this point is astonishing. Nagata gives up on the hold and goes back to some strikes as Suzuki keeps coming, somewhat like the Terminator. He smacks some feeling back into the arm and challenges Nagata to bring his best.

It’s a good old fashioned puroresu strike trade-off and a magnificent display of spirit. Both Nagata and Suzuki throwing all they’ve got, but this looks like it could be the last stand for Suzuki. Nagata looking to be in a better position after receiving his strikes. Until Suzuki gets a combo in and knocks him to a knee. Another sleeper! Nagata’s on the ropes and Asami’s letting Suzuki know this. Suzuki’s version of breaking the hold involves switching the arms that he’s applying the hold with. Nagata breaks away from the ropes and delivers a backdrop!

Terminator Suzuki back to his feet, but wobbly – Nagata takes him down with another one. 2 backdrops, 2 count. Kicks to the head rock Suzuki and the third backdrop gets the third count. The winner with a backdrop hold in 16 minutes and 15 seconds – Blue Justice, Yuji Nagata!

Nagata’s music muted on NJPW World, but not on YouTube! – Here is Ryo Nakazawa’s ‘Mission Blow’, featuring an intro from Hans Zimmer’s ‘He’s a Pirate’ (from the Pirates of the Carribean movie). The intro is never played on NJPW World, even now that they’ve cleared up rights on ‘Mission Blow’, but is an absolute treat to hear live. – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZROmbYTiZHQ

2010: Hiroshi Tanahashi vs Go Shiozaki

2010: Hiroshi Tanahashi vs Go Shiozaki
Wrestle Kingdom IV (attendance: 41,500 / 20,000)
http://njpwworld.com/p/s_series_00174_1_8

Wrestle Kingdom IV continues the theme of working together. As you can see on the poster, New Japan are NOAH are featured prominently on this event. Both the IWGP and GHC titles are on the line (IWGP – Shinsuke Nakamura vs Yoshihiro Takayama, GHC – Takashi Sugiura vs Hirooki Goto). There are also guests from CMLL (Averno & Ultimo Guerrero), TNA (Brother Ray & Brother Devon, aka the Dudley Boyz) and Zero1 (Masato Tanaka). In addition Riki Choshu, Terry Funk and Abdullah the Butcher make an appearance in the undercard.

The match we’re going to look at today is between NJPW ace Hiroshi Tanahashi and one of the biggest names to come out of the NOAH dojo Go Shiozaki.

Last we saw Tanahashi his second IWGP Heavyweight title reign was ended by Nakamura in 2008. Nakamura lost the belt to Keiji Mutoh in April and Tanahashi would begin his third reign at the 2009 Wrestle Kingdom event. (We covered Nakamura & Hirooki Goto against Takashi Sugiura & Mitsuharu Misawa). In May 2009 Tanahashi was defeated by Manabu Nakanishi and lose the belt, only to regain it in Nakanishi’s first defence. The fourth reign of Tanahashi was ended in August by a fractured eye socket.

Go Shiozaki is a new face to this series. He debuted in Pro Wrestling NOAH in July 2004 after training at their dojo. He was the only man to graduate from his class and began teaming with Kenta Kobashi. In 2006 he went on excursion wrestling for Ring of Honor, Full Impact Pro and Harley Race’s World League Wrestling. He won the top title of both FIP and WLW. Shiozaki also had a WWE tryout. Upon his return to Japan in 2009 he began teaming with Misawa and would win the Global Tag League. Unfortunately, the resulting title match was Misawa’s last. GHC Heavyweight champion Jun Akiyama was forced to vacate due to injury and it was Shiozaki that claimed his first GHC title by defeating Takeshi Rikio to fill the void. He lost the title to Sugiura in December 2009.

Wrestle Kingdom IV – NJPW vs NOAH. Tanahashi vs Shiozaki!

Go Shiozaki waits in the ring as we join the action, his entrance taken by musical copyright it seems. Tanahashi is played in by High Energy and makes his way onto the elaborately constructed stage.

The bell rings and both men circle with Tanahashi rallying the crowd. Collar and elbow and Shiozaki pushes back to the ropes. Clean(ish) break with a head rub. Back to it and Shiozaki takes control with some chain wrestling. A cool little arm drag exchange. Tanahashi pushes Shiozaki back to the ropes to force a break. They lock up again and Shiozaki takes control with a side headlock. Tanahashi eventually forces an out. Both men exchange arm drags and are sitting even at this point.

They lock up and after Shiozaki puts the pressure on, Tanahashi wins it with a throw. Big chop from Shiozaki! Tanahashi fires back with some forearms, but is chopped to the outside. Shiozaki follows. DDT on the floor. Shiozaki catapaults Tanahashi into the corner post. Drapes him across the apron and comes in with a knee. Tanahashi now draped across the second rope and catches the incoming boot of Shiozaki. Dragon screw attempt but fought off. Low dropkick from Tanahashi. Back in the ring and he has better luck with the dragon screw and that opens up the leg for Tanahashi to attack.

Tanahashi stays on it with a legsweep takedown and then cinches in a leglock. Shiozaki fairly close to the ropes, but instead opts to kick Tanahashi in the back to break. Tanahashi goes back to the leg by cornering Shiozaki and hanging it over the second rope. A low dropkick and then a toe hold variation. Red Shoes admonishes him. Rushes in and gets dumped across the top turnbuckle. Shiozaki fires in off the ropes with a shoulder block. Follows it up with some chops, but Tanahashi catches, strikes the leg and hits the ropes. Cut off some clotheslines, a superkick and dropped with a fisherman buster. 2 count.

Shiozaki sends him into the ropes and rushes in with a chop. Does it again and Tanahashi comes back with some elbows. More chops by the once-protégé of Kenta Kobashi ends that. Tanahashi seated in the corner and Shiozaki delivers a devastating knee. Tanahashi down, Shiozaki up on the second rope. Jumping knee drop but Tanashi moves. Not smart for someone with a sore leg. Tanahashi with a striking combination, shot off the ropes but gets a flying forearm. Cover for 2. Tanahashi with a waistlock, German suplex attempt perhaps as Shiozaki fights it off with back elbows. Tanahashi drops down and grounds Shiozaki with a chop block. Off the ropes but met with a chop. Third time he ducks it and comes back in with a Slingblade attempt that Shiozaki sidesteps and catches for a German suplex. Chops and a superkick from Shiozaki and Tanahashi gets the Slingblade this time. He’s taking this moment to get some breath rather than cover.

Both men rise and they’re squaring off with strikes. Shiozaki daring him to come. Elbow combinations send the NOAH representative down. Tiger driver set up by Tanahashi but Shiozaki fights it. Butterfly suplex hits and then another Slingblade. And another. Tanahashi feeling the energy now. Heads up top for a High Fly Flow and meets Shiozaki’s knees on the way down.

They make their way to the feet, Shiozaki in the unfortunate position of the corner but creates some space with a chop. Ascends the turnbuckles and despite his best efforts to fight him off, Tanahashi joins him. So he eats a super swinging side slam. Kobashi-esque chopes for good measure and a cover… for 2 only! Picks him back up and takes him back down with a lariat. Scoop slam towards the corner and Shiozaki signals it’s time to Go home. Impressive moonsault for a count of 2.

Shiozaki trying once again to end up from a brainbuster setup but Tanashi fights him off. They trade strikes before Tanahashi ducks a clothesline and grabs a full nelson. Dragon suplex imminent, but locks the arms for a Miyahara-esque Shut Down German suplex. Nearly 3! They’re back up and back to the forearm exchange. European uppercuts from Tanahashi now and chops from Shiozaki. Shiozaki fires up with a flurry but Tanahashi ducks the final chop. Only to be caught with a spinning back chop that knocks him off his feet. Big wind up and a devastating lariat from Shiozaki. Red Shoes counts the 1, 2, no! What more will it take? Brainbuster setup but Tanahashi rolls through with a small package! Shiozaki holds on and takes him up, Tanahashi slips it though and comes down behind him. Dragon suplex! 1! 2! Kickout!

Tanahashi off the ropes with a Slingblade. Low dropkick and a Michinoku driver for 2. He races to the top. High Fly Flow! Back up for another one and connects! 1! 2! 3! It’s over in 19 and 4.

Hiroshi Tanahashi celebrates as High Energy plays in the background. Here’s a link to it just to keep with the ritual we’ve built here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DqlTSQ57S54

Shiozaki comes in to have words with Tanahashi and leaves, acknowledging that tonight at least, he was the better man.

2009: Shinsuke Nakamura & Hirooki Goto vs Mitsuharu Misawa & Takashi Sugiura

2009: Shinsuke Nakamura & Hirooki Goto vs Mitsuharu Misawa & Takashi Sugiura
Wrestle Kingdom III (attendance: 40,000 / 27,500)
http://njpwworld.com/p/s_series_00172_1_10

It wouldn’t be a Kingdom without the King’s Road. Mitsuharu Misawa, the legend that needs no introduction. The ace of All Japan through the 90s and the founder of NOAH in 2000. The man responsible for more 5 star matches from Dave Meltzer than any other. He wrestles only his third match for New Japan Pro Wrestling here at Wrestle Kingdom III.

His tag partner for this event is Takashi Sugiura. Sugiura is the first wrestler to make his pro wrestling debut in NOAH. He joined the All Japan Dojo where he was trained by Tamon Honda and Yoshihiro Takayama. Sugiura jumped to NOAH along with his trainers upon it’s founding by Misawa and debuted in December 2000. Sugiura comes into this match having previously held the GHC Junior Tag Team titles (with Yoshinobu Kanemaru) and the GHC Tag Team titles (with Naomichi Marafuji).

Last we saw Shinsuke Nakamura was in the previous post, where he defeated Hiroshi Tanahashi for the IWGP Heavyweight title. Nakamura defeated Kurt Angle in February 2008 to bring the IWGP Third Belt back to New Japan and unified it with the Heavyweight title. He once again beat Tanahashi in March at Korakuen Hall before losing the belt to Keiji Mutoh.

Hirooki Goto is a new face to this series. The NJPW Dojo graduate went to high school with Katsuyori Shibata. He made his pro wrestling debut in July 2003. In 2005 Goto won the Young Lion Cup by defeating Hiroyuki Ito in the final. Following this the junior heavyweight went on excursion with appearances in TNA, as well as a stint in Mexico where he wrestled for CMLL and Ultimo Dragon’s Toryumon promotion. He returned to New Japan as a heavyweight in August 2007. He challenged Tanahashi for the IWGP Heavyweight title in November 2007 and came up short, in a trend that would continue for title matches as of this writing.

It’s Wrestle Kingdom III in the Tokyo Dome, it’s NJPW vs NOAH, it’s Misawa and it’s our first tag team match! Let’s go!

We’re still only getting some entrances here so Team NOAH is in the ring already, as is Goto. Subconscious plays and Nakamura makes his way to join the party. Referee Red Shoes Unno.

Red Shoes checks the competitors and it will be Sugiura and Goto to start. Goto is several years removed from his current character and is wearing black shorts. Nakamura in red trunks for this special occasion.

The bell rings and the legal men rush each other, Sugiura leading with a boot. They exchange forearms. Sugiura off the ropes with a boot, Goto return fire with a forearm. And again. Both men still standing. Goto tries again but gets caught in a belly-to-belly. He recovers, knocks Sugiura down, attacks Misawa on the apron with a spinning kick and then goes back to Sugiura with a springboard senton attempt that catches more apron than opponent. It’s not a pretty move. Goto brings him back in. Sends him to the red corner and tags in Nakamura. Sugiura tags in Misawa and now we’ve got the pairing we came to see!

They lock up tentatively and Nakamura retreats after Misawa tries to grab an arm. They face off again and Misawa has the experience edge over Nakamura who tries to get for a leg. He steps it, but Nakamura grabs a front facelock. Misawa’s in control and sends him to the ropes for a clean break. Lock up again and Misawa sweeps the leg, holding onto the other for a toe hold. Drops down with a leglock and Nakamura tries to break it with a chin lock before realising he’s half a chance at an armbar. Misawa finds ropes and Nakamura breaks clean. Respect for the legend.

Collar-and-elbow, Misawa grabs a headlock, Nakamura shoots him off and withstands a shoulder block. Misawa with his trademark forearms, but Nakamura gets him with a calf kick. Nakamura throwing forearms and they’re on even ground here. Blow for blow. Nakamura eventually falls. Misawa grabs a sleeper hold. Nakamura gets to the ropes eventually. Tag and Sugiura is in.

They exchange strikes with Sugiura getting the edge thanks to a spinning back kick to the mid-section. Snap mare and Nakamura’s back in a sleeper. Goto in to break it and Sugiura sends him packing with a forearm. Nakamura isolated in the blue corner (should be green for NOAH) and Misawa is tagged in. Nakamura face to face with Sugiura and then Misawa reminds him that he’s there. Misawa/Nakamura in now.

They throw forearms, Nakamura sneaks a few boots in but they’re ineffective. Misawa wins the exchange but after a whip attempt Nakamura takes him down with a kick. Tag to Goto who goes straight for Misawa. Sugiura in to fight Goto off who takes control of both men. Runs corner to corner for clotheslines on each. Misawa down and Goto comes from above with an elbow drop for 2.

German suplex attempt, Misawa revereses. Goto fights off, hits the ropes, ducks a clothesline and delivers two Germans. 1, 2. Kickout by Misawa. Goto throws some forearms, Misawa throws some better ones. Goto down, Sugiura tagged.

Sugiura boots Nakamura off the apron, hangs Goto over the top rope. Hits the ropes and comes back to boot Nakamura back off the apron, before going back to Goto and suplexing him from that position. Sends Goto corner, rushes in with a shoulder block. Picks him up and dumps him for 2. Gutwrench suplex. Goes for a German, Goto switches it. They each hit the ropes in an impressive array of ducks and counters before Goto lands a clothesline. Nakamura tagged in.

Nakamura knocks Misawa off the apron before hitting an inverted powerslam on Sugiura for 2. Whip to corner, reversed. Nakamura meets his charging opponent with a boot. Sugiura catches the second boot into a powerbomb variation and sends Nakamura to the corner. Shoulder block, pickup and drop. Sugiura holds the legs and Misawa comes off the top with a splash. Sugiura grabs an ankle lock and Misawa clears Goto from the apron. A real chance of victory here for the NOAH team.

Goto tries to get to make the save but Misawa puts an end to it. Nakamura gets close to the ropes, but Sugiura pulls him back and drops in with a grapevine. Goto still at the mercy of Misawa as Nakamura is left to fend for himself. He gets there in the end.

Sugiura continues the punishment with a German suplex, pulls Nakamura up at 1 for a dragon suplex which nets 2. Sugiura goes for his Olympic Yosen Slam but Nakamura slips it and pushes him into Goto who’s just entered the ring and hits a Shouten (vertical suplex side slam)! Misawa in now who gets Goto with an Emerald Flowsion. Nakamura picks Misawa up for a Landslide! Everybody’s down.

Nakamura and Sugiura to their feet and they exchange forearms in a thrilling display of fighting spirit. Slap time! Nakamura takes the advantage with a straight right that Red Shoes isn’t too impressed with. Sleeper attempt but Sugiura throws him over, judo style. Nakamura runs into a knee. He’s not in good shape after that. Sugiura looking to end it. Olumpic Yosen Slam! 1. 2. Goto tries to make a save but Misawa thwarts him. And Nakamura kicks out. Misawa and Goto on the outside fighting. Nakamura slips the Olympic, hits an arm drag and tries for another Landslide. Sugiura escapes and hits a German! Nakamura rolls through (fighting spirit!) and kicks Sugiura in the head. Clothesline attempt but Nakamura grabs a flying arm bar. Goto now with Misawa caught on the outside and Sugiura taps!

Your winners in 15:17 the Shin Nihon Puroresu team of Shinsuke Nakamura and Hirooki Goto! Thanks for coming NOAH.

This is normally the part where I talk about the winner’s theme song. Unfortunately, Mitsuharu Misawa would pass away a mere five months after this event due to an in-ring accident. Misawa (along with Kenta Kobashi, Toshiaki Kawada and Akira Taue) carried All Japan through the 1990s with some of the greatest matches in the history of this sport. This came with tremendous wear and tear on their bodies. Through the 2000s, Misawa put his heart and soul into his promotion Pro Wrestling NOAH, despite his body wearing down. During a tag match at a NOAH event in June 2009, it finally gave out.

So as a tribute to the Emerald Ace, Mitsuharu Misawa – here is his theme song, Spartan X. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zwSzkcvLdvE

2008: Hiroshi Tanahashi vs Shinsuke Nakamura

2008: Hiroshi Tanahashi © vs Shinsuke Nakamura
Wrestle Kingdom II (attendance: 27,000)
http://njpwworld.com/p/s_series_00171_1_10

The Wrestle Kingdom video game received a sequel and so did the event. Here we are at Wrestle Kingdom II!

The theme of working together continues with the Total Nonstop Action joining New Japan for the event. All Japan and Dradition (well, Tatsumi Fujinami at least) come along for the ride. All of these guest appearances and working together, and we’re going to do Tanahashi vs Nakamura.

Last time we saw Shinsuke Nakamura he had unified the IWGP Heavyweight title and the NWF Heavyweight title (which was retired) back in 2004. A month later the Super Rookie had to vacate the title due to injury. At the 2006 event he challenged 44th champion Brock Lesnar unsuccessfully, before Lesnar left the promotion and took the title with him. NJPW declared it vacant, Lesnar continued to defend it sanctioned by the Inoki Genome Federation.

In July 2006 Hiroshi Tanahashi defeated Giant Bernard to fill the vacancy and become the 45th champion. During his first reign he defeated Shinsuke Nakamura, as well as Taiyo Kea in an inter-promotional match at the first Wrestle Kingdom. He eventually lost to Yuji Nagata in April 2007, but had regained the title by October. After a successful defence against Hirooki Goto, he’d once again find himself against career rival Shinsuke Nakamura.

This is the third title match between these two and they go in with one victory a piece. Nakamura won the IWGP U-30 Openweight title in January 2005 and Tanahashi defended the IWGP Heavyweight title in December 2006. It’s 2008 and the Heavyweight title is on the line once again in the main event of the evening!

Finally! Two entrances! Nakamura makes his way to the ring to Subconscious, full of intensity, but lacking in swagger. He’s determined, he’s focused and he wants the title back. He comes out in a dashing red silk robe. So he’s got the music, he’s got the colour scheme – he’s half way to becoming the King of Strong Style.

And of course coming out second is the defending champion Tanahashi. He’s the champion and he’s got the charisma and charm that he’s now known for. He is ready to assume the role of ace. He looks extremely odd with the second IWGP belt, given that most of his time as champion since this moment is with the fourth belt. But the third has gone walkabout, so they’re back to the second for the time being.

Introductions are made, your referee for this match up, Red Shoes Unno.

Bell rings and both men circle, Tanahashi inviting the crowd to get excited. They face off and lock up with a collar and elbow. Nakamura with the shoulder taped, I wonder if it will come into play. Nakamura pushes Tanahashi back to the ropes but Tanahashi gets the switch. Will the ace provide a clean break? No. He’s going to slap Nakamura quite hard on the way out. Tanahashi is impressed with his handiwork. I imagine Nakamura is not.

They go to tie up again but Nakamura takes a different approach and goes for a waistlock. The two wrestle for position but find the ropes. Tanahashi is in the power position and on the break, stomps the challenger on the way out. Nakamura goes after Tanahashi who retreats to the ropes. They face off again and almost lock hands. Nakamura with a boot and takes control with a wristlock. Tanahashi reverses it to one of his own. Nakamura flips off the ropes for momentum and after a few flips and rolls the two trade control – neither man coming out on top.

They tie up again with a clinch and Tanahashi backs him to the ropes. No clean break this time but Nakamura immediately faces him down. He’s pushing him to gee him up and then finds an opening for some forearms. Scoop slam attempt but Tanahashi grabs a dragon sleeper. Nakamura floats it over with the assist of the ropes and turns it to his favour. The two trade dragon sleepers with reversals before Nakamura drops down and tries a cross armbar. Tanahashi to the ropes, the hold is broken and he heads outside, favouring the arm.

A shot outside shows a young Tetsuya Naito at ringside.

Tanahashi’s back in and on offence with some kicks and forearms. Jawbreaker to Nakamura and a clothesline over the ropes. Tanahashi channeling his hero Shawn Michaels, grabs the ropes and ‘skins the cat’.

Nakamura regroups on the outside and attempts to re-enter, but is met by Tanahashi on the apron. Dragon screw through the ropes can’t be too good for Nakamura. He finds his way back in and Tanahashi heads straight for the knee he’s just put a target on. Sent off the ropes and Tanahashi must have been following along with this series and those Keiji Mutoh matches we did earlier. A low dropkick to the knee of Nakamura. He grabs a toe hold and Nakamura grabs the bottom rope.

Tanahashi breaks, and then goes straight back to the knee. Standing High Fly Flow on the knee and then he goes up and misses a rolling senton from the second rope. Doesn’t matter too much as he’s straight back to the knee. Comes off the ropes and Nakamura shows him the other one though. Nakamura sends him in and gets a powerslam for 2. Scoop slam and Nakamura goes up top. Connects with a moonsault! Doesn’t stick around for the cover as he calls for one more. Misses it, but lands on his feet and jolts his knee. Tanahashi is quick to capitalise with a low dropkick.

Nakamura in the corner as the two exchange strikes. Tanahashi with a few slaps now. He is wrestling far from honourably. Slap, slap, slap. Nakamura fires back. Tanahashi ducks a clothesline and takes him for a ride. Two german suplexes before Nakamura switches on the third and dishes out two of his own. He tries a dragon suplex for the third, but Tanahashi switches and completes his trifecta. Goes for another but Nakamura switches it for the hattrick. Tanahashi gets the fourth from the same switch-a-roo. As does Nakamura. Holds it for a count of 2. Both men down, which is to be expected after eight German suplexes. They rise and Nakamura comes off the ropes, but is caught with a Slingblade. They’re down again.

They both find their feet. Tanahashi takes advantage with a few slaps but Nakamura catches him with a clothesline. Double underhook piledriver for two. Nakamura starting to rally. Knee to the gut. Sends Tanahashi corner-to-corner, or at least corner-to-middle before it’s reversed. Tanahashi ducks a clothesline and then blocks the second. That hurt the shoulder. Red Shoes Unno tending to Red Pants Nakamura. Tanahashi back on attack but Red Shoes tries to create some space. Tanahashi straight to the shoulder as he targets Nakamura in the corner. Seats him on top. Hooks him for an exploder but Nakamura fights it off. Tanahashi’s straight back up and manages to hit it on the second try. Nakamura’s arm is hurting and Tanahashi is proud of his part in making that happen as he goes back to it. A dragon screw to the arm is a unique way of punishing a man. Cross armbar from Tanahashi and that spurs Nakamura to make a quick passage to the ropes to break it.

A young Prince Devitt looks on with concern (and blue hair for some reason).

Tanahashi with a wristlock and Nakamura tries to forearm his way out of it. Ultimately ends up wrapped up in an arm holding German suplex that brings to mind the Shut Down German of Kento Miyahara. Gets 2 from it. Full nelson slam and a High Fly Flow! 1, 2, kickout! Tanahashi arguing with Red Shoes over the count. One more High Fly Flow will work. At least until Nakamura gets the knees up. Both men down again.

Tanahashi first to rise and comes off the ropes, misses a clothesline and Nakamura takes him down with a flying cross armbar. Tanahashi manages to break it, just long enough for Nakamura to grab a triangle choke and then turn that back into the armbar. Tanahashi works it around and stomps his head to break. Inverted powerslam from Nakamura and a Landslide (Samoan driver) for 2.

Nakamura asking questions of Red Shoes. Let’s try again. Tanahashi counters it with a Slingblade. Hits the ropes for a second one. Gets a two count, tries a dragon suplex, Nakamura counters it with one of his own and a very close 2 count. Landslide attempt but Tanahashi rolls through for 2. Dragon, nope – Tiger suplex from Tanahashi for a 2.9. Nakamura grabs a leg in desperation but Tanahashi stomps that out of him. Ascends the corner but Nakamura’s there to meet him. They exchange pleasantries, I mean strikes, and it’s a Super Landslide from Nakamura! He picks Tanahashi up again for a second one and the 1, 2, 3! New champion crowned in 23:08. Shinsuke. Nakamura! Who gets a sling (not blade) thrown straight on that injured arm.

While NJPW World has the winner’s music for the first time – I’m also building a YouTube playlist around this project and I used Subconscious in 2004. In that article I asked the question about when Nakamura changed themes and believe it or not, in searching for Moving City to post for this article – I discovered that he debuted Subconscious in May 2004! Which means I posted the wrong theme in the 2004 article. So have the wrong theme for today and two wrongs make music that is oh so right. Here’s Moving City – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0BcokK2uCQ

Kurt Angle and Jeff Jarrett make their way to the ring as Nakamura celebrates. Angle with the Third Belt and TNA World title over his shoulders. Angle had retained the Third Belt in a match with Yuji Nagata earlier in the night. Nakamura grabs a microphone and I presume issues a challenge. Angle says that this young man is not in his league and he will kick his ass all over Tokyo. (I’m going a lot better with the English here). Nakamura says something with great enthusiasm as Angle departs. Not sure why he came out to be honest. Nakamura keeps being handed trophies which he struggles to lift with only one hand. Finally he gets his belt and young Devitt helps him put it on. And he poses with it and all those trophies. The former Super Rookie, the future King of Strong Style – the current IWGP Heavyweight champion.

A month after this event, Nakamura and Angle would face off with Nakamura bringing the third belt back home. A new fourth belt was created as a symbolic way of NJPW putting the incident behind them. Nakamura’s reign was ended in April 2008 but Keiji Mutoh.

2007: Minoru Suzuki vs Yuji Nagata

2007: Minoru Suzuki © vs Yuji Nagata – Triple Crown title
Wrestle Kingdom (attendance: 28,000 / 18,000)
http://njpwworld.com/p/s_series_00168_1_7

It’s the first appearance of the Wrestle Kingdom name. New Japan celebrate their 35th anniversary by inviting All Japan to compete in a joint celebration (AJPW was founded in the same year) with the intention to recapture the interest that saw big draws when they did this in 2000/2001 and reverse the trend of their numbers dropping. It didn’t really work.

The event was named Wrestle Kingdom to coincide with the release of the Wrestle Kingdom game by – NJPW’s owners at the time – Yuke’s, which featured talent from New Japan, All Japan and Noah. It was built on a modified version of the engine used for WWE Day of Reckoning on the Gamecube and plays similar.

The card itself for this event was actually a lot better than some of the previous, featuring interpromotional matches in the undercard (including a meeting between Shinsuke Nakamura and Toshiaki Kawada) and was advertised as having a ‘double main event’ as well as a ‘Super Dream Tag match’ to close the event. The tag match saw a reuniting of musketeers Masahiro Chono and Keiji Mutoh (who left NJPW for AJPW in 2002) to take on the most successful team in NJPW history – TenKozy (Hiroyoshi Tenzan and Satoshi Kojima – who left along with Mutoh). This match was also used to pay tribute to third musketeer Shinya Hashimoto who passed away in July 2005.

The double main event consisted of two interpromotional title matches, IWGP Heavyweight champion Hiroshi Tanahashi defending against AJPW’s Taiyo Kea. And Triple Crown Champion Minoru Suzuki defending against NJPW’s Yuji Nagata. 35th champion Minoru Suzuki won the Triple Crown from Taiyo Kea in September 2006 and is in his first reign.

Minoru Suzuki graduated from the NJPW Dojo in 1988 and after a very short stint in New Japan he followed his mentor Yoshiaki Fujiwara to the Newborn UWF. When this incarnation of UWF ended, Suzuki joined Fujiwara in his newly established Pro Wrestling Fujiwara Gumi group. This didn’t last long either as Suzuki and Masakatsu Funaki left to create the mixed martial arts promotion – Pancrase. Suzuki had a fantastic record during this period utilising his world class freestyle and catch wrestling skills which have been praised by big names in the sport such as Josh Barnett, Bas Rutten and Ken Shamrock.

Suzuki’s last Pancrase fight at this time was in November 2002 when he embarrassed Jushin Thunder Liger (who was subbing for an injured Kensuke Sasaki) leaving him with a record of 29-19. (He’d have another fight in 2013 which he won, taking him to 30-19). After leaving Pancrase, Suzuki returned to professional wrestling as a freelancer winning tag titles in New Japan (alongside Yoshihiro Takayama) and NOAH (alongside Naomichi Marafuji). In March 2006 he joined All Japan and six months later was the Triple Crown champion.

Since we last checked in with Yuji Nagata after his loss to GHC Heavyweight champion Jun Akiyama back in 2002 he defeated Tadao Yasuda to capture the IWGP Heavyweight title, a reign that lasted from April 2002 until May 2003 and set the record for most successful defences at ten, before he came up against Yoshihiro Takayama. At the 2004 Wrestling World event he defeated Kensuke Sasaki in a match that left the ring looking like a crime scene (all that blood in the pictures from Nakamura/Takayama). In December 2005 Nagata tried to bring the IWGP Third Belt back from Brock Lesnar who had left NJPW with it but was unsuccessful.

Can Nagata find championship success once again? Or will Minoru Suzuki continue his?

Let’s go!

Minoru Suzuki hands over the three belts that make up the Triple Crown (it’s now represented by one belt that looks very nice, but it’s not quite the same). Both men are introduced and speaking of introductions, this is the first appearance in this journey of on-screen name graphics. 2007 – the future is now! Your referee for this bout, AJPW’s Kyohei Wada.

Suzuki’s bouncing and raring to go, Nagata is poised and focused. Wada rings the bell and both men rush in. Nagata leads with a kick and Suzuki goes straight to the forearms. Both men exchange and we’ve started hot here. Nagata goes for a kick which is unwise against the Pancrase veteran who catches it and dumps him. Seated is not where you want to be when Suzuki approaches. Nagata backs up to the corner and Suzuki attacks with knees. Sends him corner-to-corner and Suzuki teases a splash before stopping and slapping the challenger. Blatant disrespect and the look Nagata gives is one of contemplation about how he’s going to handle this. Returning fire with a slap seems to be a good way. And he follows it up with a nice respectful spit. Suzuki’s mad, but Nagata’s ready and the two lock up to strike. Nagata takes the advantage and Suzuki is out to the apron where Nagata starts throwing.

Once Nagata starts listening to Wada re: not doing that anymore, Suzuki grabs an armbar over the ropes and both men end up outside. Wada gets caught up in the fun and knocked off his feet as the two battle for control at ringside. The back of Nagata’s head hitting the ringpost means Suzuki wins that battle. Suzuki who’s not exactly known for his upstanding sportsmanship grabs a chair and closes in on Nagata. He hits him with it as he leans against the post. Suzuki back in the ring for a rest and Wada follows him. Nagata is still a while away as he’s being tended to on the floor. And he’s got a bit of claret happening.

Minoru Suzuki poses for the crowd while his opponent struggles on the outside. He’s obviously enjoying the change back to pro wrestling after spending so long with MMA. Wada finally decides a count might be in order and that’s what triggers Nagata to get up. He gets as far as the apron before Suzuki boots him off and sends him flying down to the guard rail. Suzuki follows and sinks the boots in. The chair obviously proving to have been a sound strategic decision here. So sound that Suzuki decides to grab another one. Wada does something about it this time, trying to wrest it from the champion’s grasp. It doesn’t work, but at least he tried. Luckily Nagata has a better result with the big boot he sends Suzuki’s way.

Nagata in a position to attack, throws his all into a kick and then collapses. Both men down. All three if you count Wada. They all rise, Wada heads for the safety of the squared circle as Nagata and Suzuki decide to stay outside. Nagata on top and it looks like Suzuki’s been busted open from Nagata’s boot to the chair. A brainbuster on the floor seems like a reasonable thing to do here and Suzuki being inverted and having the blood rushing to his head has made it come out of his head a bit more. Both men spilling a bit of red now.

Nagata throws the champ in and dares him to rise. He tries but is met with a kick. Wada starts counting Suzuki out. He starts to rise and Nagata starts to kick. From Nagata’s perspective this is looking great. Sends him corner-to-corner and continues the assault. Tries sending him again, but Suzuki counters it and ends up grabbing a sleeper hold. Can’t quite lock the arms and Nagata grabs one and drops it over his shoulder. Nagata keeps kicking, but Suzuki keeps coming!

Suzuki briefly looks to be revelling in this until he gets caught with another kick. Nagata grabs the arm and with it, an armbar. He’s got it tight and the eyes roll back!

The world class grappler is caught here and has to either get out or tap out very soon. Nagata’s eyes can only go so far back in his head! Suzuki finds the ropes. Nagata breaks and goes back to the kicks that have served him so well in this match. Backdrop hold attempt but Suzuki lands favourably and then fires back with a knee to take the challenger down. Both men down, they crawl to each other and it’s time to exchange some headbutts. Headbutts are dangerous so the switch to plain old humiliation with the slaps.

Suzuki gets a long run of unanswered blows and then uses the window it creates for a Gotch-style piledriver. He’s taken too much of a beating to capitalise right away and Nagata has recovered enough to kick out at 2 by then time a cover is made. Nagata rushes in with a kick but Suzuki finally has him scouted as he blocks and then knees him in the gut. Octopus stretch applied by Suzuki!

Nagata works to free his head from the leg and then throws the champ over. As both men recover we are treated to a beautiful shot at what’s at stake here.

Both men fighting to get up and Nagata is first. Slap exchanges! These are getting harder. They switch to the legs as Nagata lands a kick and the catches Suzuki’s, driving him into the corner and then following him in with a step-up knee. The champ flops to the mat. Nagata scrapes him off it and then delivers a spinning brainbuster. One would think it’s time for a cover but Nagata opts for a backdrop instead. That could be it. 1, 2, what?! Nagata pulls the champ up. At this point he’s not here to win titles, but to hurt the man. He lines up for another kick and decides to cover after that one. Kickout at 1 by Suzuki! He’s found his fighting spirit and goes straight after Nagata like a rabid, slap-happy dog. The moment is fleeting however as Nagata regains control and drills him with another kick. Another backdrop attempt but Suzuki manages to knee his way out of it. Nagata comes in with a slap which Suzuki ducks and grabs a sleeper. Saka Otoshi takedown from it and Nagata’s got that hold in tight. Nagata grabs an arm and tries to fight his way out, but unfortunately for him, Suzuki still has the other one around his neck. Nagata fading. Faded. Gone. Minoru Suzuki retains the title in 17:22!

To celebrate Suzuki’s successful title defence, here is his theme song. One of the greatest themes in the history of wrestling. Turn it up and sing along with Ayumi Nakamura! – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fEGPAEsTsjk&t=5s

KAZE NI NARE!

2006: Hiroshi Tanahashi vs Katsuyori Shibata

2006: Hiroshi Tanahashi vs Katsuyori Shibata
Toukon Shidou Chapter 1 (attendance: 31,000)
http://njpwworld.com/p/s_series_00167_1_8

We took a look at Shinsuke Nakamura for the 2004 event and in 2006 we meet the other two ‘New Musketeers’. Hiroshi Tanahashi and Katsuyori Shibata. Both graduates of the NJPW Dojo (alongside Nakamura), New Japan planned to build the future around these three.

Hiroshi Tanahashi started his career in October of 1999. His debut match was against Shinya Makabe (better known now as Togi Makabe). The early part of Tanahashi’s career was impressive given his status as he picked up wins over Negro Casas and Scott Hall (yes, that one). He gained entry into the 2002 G1 Climax where he defeated former IWGP Heavyweight Champion Kensuke Sasaki in short time. In November 2002 Tanahashi’s momentum was temporarily halted as he was stabbed in a relationship gone sour. Tanahashi would return in February 2003. He would become the first IWGP U-30 Openweight Champion when he defeated Makabe in April 2003, holding that title until the January 4 Dome Show in 2005 (we did Heat and Tiger Mask) where he lost it to Nakamura.

Katsuyori Shibata is a second-generation talent, his father Katsuhisa wrestling for New Japan in it’s infancy. The young Shibata made his debut on the same day as Tanahashi in October 1999 against Wataru Inoue. Shibata grew as a wrestler and earned shots at several titles (IWGP Junior, Junior Tag, Tag, U-30 and eventually Heavyweight) but was unsuccessful each time. Shibata began wrestling under a mask as Makai #4, a member of the Makai Club which disbanded in 2004. Shibata left New Japan in 2005 and began wrestling as a freelancer working for Pro Wrestling NOAH and the short-lived Big Mouth Loud promotion. During his time a freelancer, he returned to New Japan Pro Wrestling for a match with Hiroshi Tanahashi. This is that match.

A little bit more in the story of these two men, they did not get along. Each man had a very different idea of what puroresu should be. Shibata with a traditional strong style approach blending elements of mixed martial arts, and Tanahashi favouring a pro wrestling approach that emphasises storytelling and working for the fans. Tanahashi has since expressed public displeasure at what he saw to be Shibata’s abandonment of New Japan, in a time of need.

It’s the Ace vs the Wrestler in 2006!

And it’s the first appearance of a proper entrance in this series as Tanahashi makes his way to the ring to the sound of his theme ‘High Energy’

Introductions are made and both men are waiting poised in their respective corners ready to strike. Which is what happens as soon as the bell rings. Tanahashi leads with a kick but Shibata takes the early advantage with a barrage of slaps and a few kicks. A roundhouse takes Tanahashi down. Shibata is standing over Tanahashi and reigning down hatred with some stomps that referee is quick to admonish him for. Shibata’s not having a bar of it and tosses the referee aside so that he can kick Tanahashi to the outside like a piece of trash. Tanahashi is left to wonder what went wrong on the outside as Shibata gets a lecture.

Tanahashi back in where Shibata is waiting with another series of kicks. Tanahashi’s only hope is to grab one and execute a dragon screw which he follows up with a driving forearm smash and a dropkick. Shibata on the ropes, but Tanahashi opts for a breather rather than capitalising. This could cost him. Both men facing off and Shibata dares Tanahashi to hit him. Tanahashi gladly obliges with a pair of forearms. They trade forearms with Shibata taking the edge and slapping Tanahashi for good measure. Proving that when it comes to the striking game he is his superior.

Shibata kicks the fallen Tanahashi who is defenceless. Takes him into the corner and Tanahashi seizes an opening, firing back with some forearms. Gets Shibata in the corner who fires up and the two have each other by the hair. The referee is onto them to let go, so Shibata does so he can deliver a gut punch. Throws Tanahashi into the corner and kicks him with pure hate. Shibata comes in with a dangerous dropkick. Attacking with all the intensity of a man who has been horribly wronged. Whips Tanahashi to the opposite corner, he blocks the incoming attack of Shibata with a back elbow and springs off the second ropes for a cross body. Which results in getting caught with a knee on the way down.

A replay is shown and we’re back to live action with Tanahashi on the apron, awaiting a kick from Shibata to send him to the floor. Tanahashi climbs back in and Shibata hits the ropes in order to no doubt deliver a forceful kick with momentum but Tanahashi cuts him off with a well-placed jumping forearm. Tanahashi finally in a position of control, until he misses a senton splash and gets kicked. Cover for 2. Shibata looking for a sleeper hold which Tanahashi escapes from. Tanahashi goes for one of his own, same fate. Third time’s the charm as Shibata locks it on. Tanahashi to the ropes for the break. Shibata not in any great hurry to do so. A point the referee makes clear. A kick to Tanahashi and backdrop for 2. Back to the sleeper in a better position this time. Referee mindful of the choke. He hooks the arm and converts to a dragon sleeper, a hold used by Tanahashi. Doesn’t hold it long as Tanahashi is in the perfect position to receive a Penalty Kick. He catches it though and works up to a standing position, foot in hand and turns it into a German suplex.

Tanahashi getting some energy flowing as he ascends the ropes. High Fly Flowing? No, he just delivers a missile dropkick which Shibata into the corner. Another dropkick follows him and then a suplex. Tanahashi rallies the crowd as Shibata rises and runs right into a slap. They’re trading them back and forward and until Tanahashi decides to mix it up with an enzuigiri. Doesn’t do too much though except send him to ground and invite a kick from Shibata. They’re back up, trade some forearms and this time the enzuigiri is a bit more effective. German suplex for 2. Picks hi up again and hooks the arms for a dragon suplex but Shibata gets to the ropes. A little bit of back and forward and Tanahashi has a sleeper on. Converts to the dragon variety. Shibata gets free and turns it into a guillotine choke (sans guillotine). Squares him up and comes in with a Penalty kick for 2. A pushing kick to Tanahashi and he fires back with a Slingblade! Both men down.

Another dragon suplex attempt that gets a lot closer, but Shibata again to the ropes, Tanahashi goes down and Shibata hits a brutal roundhouse. Not brutal enough for 3 though. Shibata daring him to rise which he does to an onslaught of kicks. Tanahashi’s drawing deep on that reserve of fighting spirit to stay up here but enough kicks will knock anybody down. Tanahashi is in a bad way here and the referee starts counting to 10. He’s back up in time and Shibata has been waiting for him with some kicks (including a brutal roundhouse) that send him back down. Cover, 1, 2, 3. He’s done. Your winner after 11 minutes, 59 seconds and about 300 kicks – Katsuyori Shibata!

Tanahashi got entrance music, but Shibata doesn’t have any here. Luckily, we’ve got you covered. Takeover by Low IQ 01 – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFvukCR_sQA

This was to be Shibata’s last appearance in New Japan for six years as he would switch his focus to mixed martial arts. It won’t be his last appearance in this project though.

In the final match of this event Brock Lesnar would defeat Shinsuke Nakamura, retaining the IWGP Heavyweight title. Due to a dispute between Lesnar and New Japan the title would be vacated and Lesnar would take the physical belt to the Inoki Genome Federation and defend it as what would be referred to as the IWGP Third Belt Championship (it was the title’s third design).

That left New Japan in need of a champion and in the finals of a July tournament held to find one – Hiroshi Tanahashi defeated Giant Bernard to claim his first of many reigns. We’ll see how that reign and subsequent go, next time we visit Tanahashi in this project.

Tanahashi and Shibata would face off once again in the 2014 G1 Climax in a fantastic matchup that shows what happens when you let hatred of one another simmer for 8 years. They followed that up with a rematch that earned 5 stars from the Wrestling Observer – but I think the G1 match was better.

2005: Heat vs Tiger Mask

2005: Heat © vs Tiger Mask – IWGP Junior Heavyweight title
Toukon Festival: Wrestling World 2005 (attendance: 46,000 / 36,000)
http://njpwworld.com/p/s_series_00165_1_3

It’s been six days since we looked at the junior heavyweights, and you may be wondering why that is. In 2000 the role of booker in New Japan was taken over by Riki Choshu, who decided to de-emphasise the junior heavyweight division. The same junior heavyweight division that brought us the Super J Cup. The same junior heavyweight division that brought us the J-Crown. Top junior heavyweights were brought up to the heavyweight division where they floundered. Choshu left the promotion in 2002 after Keiji Mutoh and Satoshi Kojima left for All Japan, but returned in 2005.

During the company’s fascination with MMA and shoot wrestling, there was one junior heavyweight that thrived on it. Minoru Tanaka made his debut in the shoot style Pro Wrestling Fujiwara Gumi promotion where he was trained by the first graduate of the NJPW Dojo, Yoshiaki Fujiwara. In 1996 Tanaka joined the Fujiwara Gumi roster in leaving their leader and forming Battlarts. Tanaka would end up in New Japan, making his debut in April 1999.

Minoru Tanaka would win the IWGP Junior Heavyweight title twice under his own name (defeating Tatsuhito Takaiwa for his first reign and then Masahito Kakihara to win the vacant title). In 2002 he would don a mask and become the character ‘Heat’. Heat was the main character of the GameBoy Advance game ‘Toukon Heat’ (think the Suicide character from the ‘TNA Impact!’ game). NJPW had found success with crossover characters before, with both the Jushin Liger and Tiger Mask characters being born from anime. Heat didn’t quite have the same success.

Tiger Mask of course was a highly successful crossover character and here in 2005 we have the fourth incarnation. Yoshihiro Yamazaki was trained by The Great Sasuke and the original Tiger Mask, Satoru Sayama. Yamazaki debuted as Tiger Mask in 1995 for Michinoku Pro Wrestling and joined New Japan in 2002. First as a guest, and then later in the year committing full time. Tiger Mask defeated Koji Kanemoto (the man who had the character before Yamazaki) for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight title in April 2003 (it was then vacated to be decided in a battle royal) and then again in the finals of the June 2004 Best of the Super Juniors tournament. He would go on to challenge Heat for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight title in July but was unsuccessful. Tiger Mask had defeated Heat during the block stage and the semi-final of the tournament. Can he recapture the magic, and the IWGP Junior Heavyweight title?

We’re introduced to the two and once the ring jacket is off we can see that Heat has a taped shoulder. As they often say, it’s a huge bullseye and a target for Tiger Mask. He obviously thinks so too because as soon as the bell is rung he aims a dropkick right there. Shoots Heat off the ropes and meets him in the middle with another dropkick that sends him to the outside. Tiger’s gonna fly and comes through the ropes with a tope suicita. That sends Heat staggering up the ramp. Tiger’s back in the ring and looks to try another one, but pulls out with the trademark Tiger Mask Tiger feint.

He instead decides to go over with a slingshot press, but Heat moves and Tiger lands on his feet. The two are battling on the outside and Tiger takes a small advantage to try an Asai moonsault but is pulled off the apron before he gets too carried away. Heat drags up the ramp and tries a fisherman’s buster on it. Doesn’t get it, but instead tries a brainbuster. Tiger gets out of it but stumbles and ends up falling off the ramp. Heat follows him down with a little bit more assault and then returns to the ring. Tiger staggers to the ring having taken a nasty fall.

Heat catches him on the apron and chokes him over the top rope from the inside. Referee breaks it up and Heat pulls Tiger back in. Snap suplex and a knee drop or two. Heat’s working him over here with a few elbows to the back of the head and then locks in a camel clutch. Tiger Mask being humbled here. The hold’s not going to draw a submission so Heat works around and transitions through some headlocks before getting a guillotine choke on. Tiger backs towards the ropes. Heat utilising as much of the five count as possible before breaking. Heat in control here and just having his way with Tiger. Gets a few strikes in and then goes back to the guillotine choke. Tiger again to the ropes. Heat again reluctant to let go.

Tiger tries to get back to his feet but Heat is taking great delight in cutting him off. Heat off the ropes and met with a dropkick! Three dropkicks in quick succession and Tiger’s night is looking a little better. Tiger off the ropes to mount some offence but cutoff with a kick to the gut by Heat. Backdrop attempt, Tiger flips out, Heat off the ropes and a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker from Tiger Mask. Tiger sends him to the corner and follows him in with a roundhouse kick. Tiger Bomb! For 2.

Tiger picks him up, sends him to the ropes but is reversed, flips out of a backdrop attempt and the two exchange kicks with Heat having the better one (a spinning back kick). Heat with a waistlock, Tiger fights it off and hits the ropes, comes in and gets hit by a roundhouse kick and a Liger-esque Shotei. High angled backdrop from Heat. Follows it up with another one. And third time’s a charm. Tiger’s in trouble.

Heat seats him on the top turnbuckle and follows him up for a superplex. Superplex attempt. Tiger fights him off and tries to get a dropkick. Heat meets him with one of his own but neither man is anywhere near landing their kick. Tiger falls hard though and Heat’s back in control. Fisherman’s suplex from Heat. Goes for another Shotei-esque palm strike but Tiger catches him and gets a backslide. The angle is too high though and Heat rolls through. Both men stand and Tiger ducks a roundhouse catching Heat from behind with a bridging lucha roll up for 2. Both men up and this time it’s Tiger Mask who connects with a roundhouse that drops Heat. Tiger in control and slams Heat in the middle of the ring. Heads to the top and misses with a diving headbutt. Heat back up and lays out the seated Tiger with a roundhouse kick.

Full nelson from Heat in what looks like a dragon suplex attempt, can’t get it so he goes to the waist for a German. Tiger lands on his feet (as cats are prone to do) and rushes in to meet a roundhouse. Tiger throws a clothesline which Heat catches and gets his dragon suplex after all. Heat props Tiger up and lets out a roar, indicating it’s time to end this. Delivers a particularly brutal looking roundhouse kick to the challenger which sends him crashing to the mat. Leg hook and cover for the 1, 2… kick out?!

Heat’s got more where that come from and picks Tiger up for a wrist-clutch fisherman buster but he can’t get him over and Tiger swings through turning it into an inside cradle. 2 count. Heat comes back with a kick that Tiger catches and he’s fallen victim to the Heat Clutch as it’s just a setup for a cross armbar. Tiger is rather close to the ropes here and needs to get there or he’s done. It takes him a while to figure out where he is, but he does get there.

Both men back to standing and after absorbing a few kicks, Tiger catches one. Not leaving himself open for another Heat Clutch he turns into a dragon screw pretty quickly. German suplex from Tiger Mask for 2. He follows this up with a standing moonsault that ends up being mostly knees when he lands, for 2. Tiger comes in with a roundhouse but the champion ducks it and returns fire with an enzuigiri. Heat comes off the ropes and is caught in the middle with a tilt-a-whirl pickup tombstone piledriver. Tiger goes to that taped shoulder and follows it up with a crossface chickenwing. Heat battles to a standing position and Tiger decides it’s a good setup for a suplex, throwing him back over his head. Tiger picks him and takes him back down again, this time with a trademark Tiger suplex. 1, 2, 3 it’s enough to end it. The winner and 47th IWGP Junior Heavyweight champion in 14 minutes and 17 seconds – Tiger Mask!

And here is the victory song, Omae wa Tora ni Nare by Toru Muramatsu – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZ0ske25DCU

Following this loss, Minoru Tanaka would drop the mask and go back to wrestling under his real name. Billed simply as Minoru, he would go on to capture the IWGP Junior Heavyweight title once more in 2006 (four reigns in total) before leaving the promotion in 2009. He spent some time in All Japan before leaving in the exodus that formed Wrestle-1. He would return to All Japan a few years later, operating as a freelancer.

Tiger Mask would continue to be a staple of the New Japan junior heavyweight division, battling with three incarnations of the Black Tiger character (IV – Rocky Romero, V – Tatsuhito Takaiwa, and VI – Tomohiro Ishii). He would go on to capture the IWGP Junior Heavyweight title a total of six times and now fills a senior role in the division where he frequently tags with Jushin Thunder Liger.

2004: Shinsuke Nakamura vs Yoshihiro Takayama

2004: Shinsuke Nakamura © vs Yoshihiro Takayama © – IWGP Heavyweight and NWF Heavyweight title unification match
Wrestling World 2004 (attendance: 40,000)
http://njpwworld.com/p/s_series_00164_1_15

After re-establishing the NWF Heavyweight title a year ago, here we are back in the Tokyo Dome to unify it with the IWGP Heavyweight title. After defeating Tsuyoshi Kohsaka last year, Yoshihiro Takayama has had successful defences of the NWF title against the following; Ryushi Yanagisawa, Scott Norton, Takeshi Rikio (at a Pro Wrestling NOAH event), Yuji Nagata (a match in which he won Nagata’s IWGP title), Shinsuke Nakamura, Tadao Yasuda and Minoru Suzuki.

Takayama’s IWGP Heavyweight title reign began when he defeated Nagata in May 2003 and after successful defences against Hiroyoshi Tenzan and Masahiro Chono, ended at the hands of Tenzan in November. Tenzan would then lose it on his first defence to Shinsuke Nakamura.

Shinsuke Nakamura began his training at the New Japan Pro Wrestling dojo in March 2002 and after impressing, made his debut in August. The “Super Rookie” was considered to be one of the new Three Musketeers alongside Hiroshi Tanahashi and Katsuyori Shibata. After a somewhat successful (2-1(1) at this stage, added another win after this) foray into MMA Nakamura managed to defeat Tenzan for the IWGP title as mentioned above, and in doing so became the youngest wrestler to hold that title – a record he still holds.

This is the first January 4 Tokyo Dome show that is recorded in widescreen.

The competitors are introduced, Takayama first which shows that the IWGP Heavyweight Championship is of a higher status and will be the title that the NWF title is unified into. Up next is the future King of Strong Style, a drastically different looking Shinsuke Nakamura. This is from before he found his charisma and grew his hair out. He’s also 5 days removed from going three rounds to a no contest with Alexey Ignashov where it looks like he may have been punched in the face once or twice.

The bell rings and Nakamura is straight out of the gates with a double leg takedown and goes straight for a Koji Kanemoto style grapevine ankle lock. Takayama gets to the ropes. Takayama already has a win over Nakamura from back in June so Nakamura is looking to put this one away early. They’re both back up and circling to lock up, Nakamura feigns another double leg. They lock fingers on one hand and it’s Takayama this time who catches Nakamura by surprise with a kick. Goes for a headlock which Nakamura brings to a wrist lock, then a hammerlock. Takayama comes out with a drop toe hold taking it to the mat, grabbing a headlock and then bringing it back up. They’re against the ropes and referee Red Shoes Unno has to work for a clean break. Nakamura goes low again but Takayama catches him and the two grapple for a bit, each attempting holds but not locking anything properly before Nakamura settles on a leglock. Rolled to the ropes and Takayama clubs Nakamura. He then catches him flush with a kick to the face.

Nakamura gets himself back together and then the two meet in centre ring again. Nakamura tries an armbar but doesn’t get it. Takayama tries a headlock and Nakamura ends up with a sleeper hold. Takayama tries to through him off but he keeps hold as the roll through. Nakamura with the grapevine but Takayama gets the ropes. Belly to belly from Nakamura with a cover for nothing. Waistlock from Nakamura and he eventually gets Takayama up for a German suplex. Takayama bounces back and comes in with a kick the Nakamura catches and then uses his positioning to turn it into a powerbomb. Nakamura in with a Shining Wizard set up to a triangle choke. A unique way of getting there. The Shining Triangle is what he calls it. The much bigger Takayama just picks him and drops him. That’ll break the hold. A grounded Nakamura is now open to be stomped. And Takayama goes back to the face which is super effective against the Super Rookie. Big boot to the face sends him outside.

Takayama drops him face first across the guard rail and then sends him into the ring post. A barrage of offence follows. Throws him back and continues to treat him with utter disdain. This fires Nakamura up and he fired back with some forearms. We look prime for another Takayama/Frye style throwdown but another targeted shot to the face ends that. Takayama goes to kick the fallen man but Nakamura ducks it and fires back up with some forearms and knees. Even throws a few punches in, but doesn’t block the single straight right to the face which floors him. The seated position is perfect for Takayama to deliver some overhead elbows to the face. Nakamura struggles to get up and attempts something, but just opens up for a big knee to the face. A few more stomps and another straight right. This ring is covered in blood from a match earlier on in the night (Yuji Nagata vs Kensuke Sasaki) and the way Takayama’s going it’s just a matter of time before Nakamura contributes. Club, kick, stomp. Stomp, stomp, stomp. Nakamura tries in vein to go for Takayama’s leg to mount something of a comeback but Takayama knows the button he’s got to press to reset it.

A burst of energy from Nakamura catches Takayama in a triangle choke, the bigger man tries to slam him from it again but Nakamura rolls it through to a cross armbar. Takayama gets him on his shoulders and Nakamura is forced to break the hold otherwise he’s pinned. (2 count). Nakamura’s fired up now and rushes right into Takayama. Correction; rushes right into the knee of Takayama. He’s out. Takayama mounts a cover for the 1, 2, – oh not quite! A late kickout from Nakamura showing some fighting spirit. Getting a shoulder up is about all the spirit he had though as with Takayama in a mount position, he’s defenceless against an onslaught of strikes. Red Shoes has had enough! He pulls Takayama up and reminds him of the rules. I think he’s talking about the one where you’re not supposed to punch a defenceless opponent in the face several times. Better late than never on the closed fist.

This of course serves to buy Nakamura the time to get to his feet. That’s all he does as Takayama rushes him with a flying knee (to the face) and follows it up with a dropkick to the seated IWGP champion. Red Shoes is fine with this. Takayama drags him (Nakamura) out to the middle of the ring and Nakamura tries some forearms out of desperation. They barely connect and when he drops to his knees, Takayama puts one of his own back into the face. Nakamura can’t have too much left here at all, he’s taken an absolute pounding from the NWF champ. Nakamura stands back up, where Takayama is waiting for him with a backdrop.

Another backdrop and that’s triggered something within Nakamura (who by this stage is very close to being referred to as ‘the victim’). A little bit of fire and a few slaps, but targeted facial attacks put out that fire. It takes quite a few though and Red Shoes jumps in to get Takayama away so he can start counting and put an end to this.

He gets to 5 and Nakamura gets up, holding on and possibly pleading for this not to be thrown out. While he’s been fighting just to stand, Takayama has been chilling in the corner getting some wind back and from that point he charges Nakamura with yet another knee sending him down. Takayama covers him and it’s time to put this away. 1. 2. What?! Another miraculous kickout by Nakamura! Takayama picks him up, gives him a knee strike for something different and it’s the Everest German Suplex! Nakamura kick out at 1! And then grabs a kimura. He’s got it locked tight and puts everything he has into it. It’s enough! He’s somehow fought from behind and defeated the beast.

Your winner, IWGP Heavyweight and final NWF Heavyweight champion, in 13 minutes and 55 seconds – Shinsuke Nakamura!

Music is cut out here still. So here it is, the iconic theme song of Shinsuke Nakamura – Subconscious by Julia Claris. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQTPBX-iOks

(Prior to Subconscious, Nakamura used a track called Moving City that I personally love – but am unsure as to when he stopped using it and am giving Subconscious the benefit of the bout here – if anyone does know, please let me know)

2003: Yoshihiro Takayama vs Tsuyoshi Kohsaka

2003: Yoshihiro Takayama vs Tsuyoshi Kohsaka – vacant NWF Heavyweight title
Wrestling World 2003 (attendance: 30,000)
http://njpwworld.com/p/s_series_00162_1_10

Who?

Tsuyoshi Kohsaka is a mixed martial artist who as of this writing has a record of 29-19 which includes losses to Mark Hunt, Randy Couture, Bas Rutten and Frank Shamrock (among others). Brought in to NJPW as a part of the company’s shift towards MMA he made his pro wrestling debut in October 2002*, defeating former sumo wrestler Tadao Yasuda. Yasuda won the vacant IWGP Heavyweight title by defeating Yuji Nagata in February 2002, losing it to Nagata 48 days later. The match between Kohsaka and Yasuda was a tournament match for the revived NWF Heavyweight title and winning that, would get him here in the final at Wrestling World 2003.

*Edit: Kohsaka had actually worked for shoot-style promotion RINGS in the mid-1990s so October 2002 was not his pro wrestling debut, just his New Japan debut. Thanks to Kelley Denham for the correction.

The National Wrestling Federation Heavyweight Championship started life in 1970, being the title of Pedro Martinez’ NWF promotion. Johnny Powers defeated Freddie Blassie to become the first champion in Los Angeles and after a string of champions including Waldo Von Erich, Dominic DeNucci and Abdullah the Butcher, Powers won the title back from Johnny Valentine in 1973. Powers took the title with him to Japan where he lost it to Antonio Inoki. Following this the NWF Heavyweight title (at one point billed with World status) was the main title of New Japan with Inoki holding it for the majority of 1970s. Tiger Jeet Singh and Stan Hansen would get runs with it too during this time. In 1981 Inoki vacated the title and it was retired.

Until now. Brought back as a complement to the IWGP Heavyweight Championship, the NWF title was supposed to be the belt for those with a legitimate fighting background. The first champion of the belt’s new era was to be determined in a tournament. Yasuda and Kohsaka was one of the semi-finals, with the other being Kazuyuki Fujita and Yoshihiro Takayama.

Yoshihiro Takayama is most famous outside of wrestling for his PRIDE fight with Don Frye in which the two exchanged punches at a rapid pace and is one of the most entertaining fights of all time. Far more than just a fighter (with a 1-4 record, and that one may have been a work), Takayama made his pro wrestling debut in the shoot-style UWFi in June 1992. Takayama would come across to NJPW during the invasion in 1995 and when UWFi folded, he left for All Japan in 1997. He followed Misawa to NOAH where he competed in the tournament to crown the first GHC Heavyweight champion – losing to Misawa in the final. In 2001 he became a freelancer working with NOAH and New Japan while trying fighting mixed martial arts as well. He made the final of the 2002 G1 Climax where he lost, giving Masahiro Chono his 4th tournament victory.

Kohsaka and Takayama face off in front of 30,000 at the Dome – the winner walks away NWF Heavyweight Champion. Let’s dive in.

After the introductions, the two face off awaiting the bell. As soon as it rings Takayama is straight out of the gates with a pushing kick that Kohsaka dodges. Takayama backs it up with a high roundhouse and Kohsaka goes under it. Takayama goes for a right hook that Kohsaka meets with a collar-and-elbow style grapple. He gets under the arm and inside the leg, taking Takyama down. Rolls through with a grapevine leglock, gets up and reapplies it. Takayama working to the ropes. Kohsaka switches it up, drags him back a little with a half crab. Not enough though as Takayama finds the ropes. Clean break. Both men throw kicks at the other with little success. They grapple, Takayama looks to have an advantage, but Kohsaka wins the takedown with a headlock. Takayama comes through in a favourable position and grabs a leg lock. Rather than go straight for the ropes, Kohsaka tries to grab an ankle lock. Takyama is very close to ropes so Kohsaka mounts him and throws some body shots. Triangle choke from Takayama and he’s between Kohsaka and the ropes. Kohsaka works out of it for an STF but then transitions it to a rear naked choke. Breaks it, both men up and Takyama with a knee. Misses a boot, but connects with the top rope which hurts his balance. Kohsaka comes in and it’s a meeting of the knee strikes. Takayama’s a little effective as Kohsaka staggers and Takayama clubs him in the back. Gutwrench, but Kohsaka drops low and grabs a leg. Escapes the gutwrench and tries a leglock. Takayama to the ropes. Clean break and Takayama rises first, going straight on offence. A kick, a club and a few stomps for the mixed martial artist. Picks him up, waistlock but Kohsaka rolls it through for a grapevine ankle lock. Takayama in the ropes. Separation. Takayama misses a dropkick, but Kohsaka gets one and then goes straight for a cross armbar. Has to work for it and gets a triangle choke on. Takayama on top here, breaks a hand free and just goes for a straight hand on throat choke and a few punches that are blocked. Goes for a leg and tries what might be a half crab, though Kohsaka grapevines to prevent it. Takayama with a knee hold keeps Kohsaka on his back.

Kohsaka tries to fight from below but Takayama has a reach advantage over him. Takayama works around for something but just ends up opening himself up for a leg bar. Kohsaka mounts him and rains down some punches. Takayama tries to block but Kohsaka works through his guard and then a cross armbar. Takayama by this point is right next to the ropes so he grabs them. The break and they stand back up. Takayama with some traditional wrestling forearms and then a throw. Goes down for something, leaves himself open and Kohsaka tries a cross armbar. Takayama ends up in the ropes. They break and Takayama stands while Kohsaka stays on his knees to get knocked down with a kick. Takayama goes for a dropkick to the grounded Kohsaka who rolls out of the way in a very unique looking escape that just serves to open him up for a rear naked choke. The wrestler is in trouble here.

It’s the long legs of Takayama reaching the rope that break the hold. Takayama struggles to rise but Kohsaka helps with a few kicks and then a roundhouse. Mount position, a few punches and we’re back to a triangle choke. Not happy with that Kohsaka moves to another position, thinks about trying four different holds before settling on the cross armbar. Takayama to the ropes.

Takayama up first and kicks Kohsaka down. Picks him up, waistlock, countered to a rolling leg bar and the lights go out! We get limited ring lighting as Takayama is up and kicks Kohsaka to the ropes and then drops him with a knee. Goes for a kick which is caught by Kohsaka, the lights are back on and he’s rolling around trying leg bars again. Takayama crawls for some ropes and ends up finding them. Break and then Takayama knees Kohsaka a few times, knocking him out the ring. Follows him out to throw a few more knees. A forearm smash and then throws him back in. German suplex! Desperation move as Takayama is slow to capitalise but does so with a knee. A clinch which just serves as another gateway to the triangle choke. Takayama drops a big knee on Kohsaka and then drops Kohsaka with a knee. 1. 2. 3 and thankfully this, as well as Tsuyoshi Kohsaka’s run in New Japan Pro Wrestling is over!

Celebrate the end of this with Takayama’s theme, “Destructive Power” –  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTgyOh05YGo

Following this Kohsaka went back to MMA where he beat Ron Waterman (among others) and lost to Mark Hunt (among others). He returned to NJPW in 2005 for two matches with Yuji Nagata where the two traded victories and that was him done with professional wrestling (Kohsaka, not Nagata).

The new NWF Heavyweight Champion – Yoshihiro Takayama would remain champion until a match with young Shinsuke Nakamura that conveniently happens to take place on January 4, 2004 at the Tokyo Dome. We’ll take a look at that tomorrow.