Pro Wrestling ZERO1 USA

Yoshihiro Takayama's X'Mas Present for ZERO1!
November 30th, 2007

Giant freelance wrestler Yoshihiro Takayama appeared today at the final show of the ZERO1-MAX tour "Breakthrough" in Sendai, Japan. He teamed in a winning effort with former Intercontinental Tag team champion partner Kohei Sato, and one half of the current champions Minoru Fujita against the strong ZERO1-MAX team of Shinjiro Otani, Masato Tanaka and Minoru Fujita.

Following the match Takyama commented to the media about the upcoming December 24th show ZERO1-MAX show "Year End*Crossing Over" at Tokyo's Korakuen Hall.

"These pitiful weaklings in ZERO1-MAX want me to have a match on Christmas Eve! I am busy that day, but I will send a Christmas present in the form of my good friend on the 24th from Mr. Takayama Santa Claus. Please handle this present with care, and of course there is no return policy. Although it is slightly early, Merry Christmas and NO FEAR!"

While Takayamam didn't mention who would be appearing, immediate speculation points to Minoru Suzuki who has tagged with Takayama on several occassions. Will former AJPW Triple Crown Champion Minoru Suzuki be Takayama's special present on 12/24?

Tanaka On Top of Fan Vote MVP!
November 30th, 2007

Pro Wrestling ZERO1-MAX had announced a fan vote on their Japanese website (www.zero-one-max.com) for the 2007 ZERO1-MAX Most Valuable Player. The ballot also included who the fans expect the most of in 2008, and then comments on one more wrestler and what they'd like to see. The deadline was today and over 1,000 Japanese fans sent in their opinions with the following results.

2007 ZERO1-MAX Japanese Fan Vote MVP:


Masato Tanaka		Yoshihito Sasaki

1st Place: Masato Tanaka *MVP*
2nd Place: Yoshihito Sasaki
3rd Place: Ikuto Hidaka

The Wrestler Fans Expect the Most of in 2008:


Takao Omori		Yoshihito Sasaki

1st Place: Takao Omori
2nd Place: Yoshihito Sasaki
3rd Place: Ryouji Sai

ZERO1-MAX President Yoshiyuki Nakamura spoke about the fan ballot and said that Big Japan's Daisuke Sekimoto had a very strong showing in the fan voting. He said he hopes the company profits from the ballot and that Tanaka and Omori take a further leadership role in 2008.

"Of course, I think that Yoshihito Sasaki, Ryouji Sai and Kohei Sato want to wrest away the status of leadership soon. I think the fans feel the same way and don't want to wait."

Mr. Nakamura also mentioned the fact that 1st and 2nd place were both won by former FMW graduates. And it shows how pro wrestling fans not only support wrestlers in the Major Leagues, but also those that come from the "indy" system and work their way up. Nakamura-san also said that final show of 2007, a ZERO-SUN show at Korakuen Hall on December 24th, will be called "Year End*Crossing Over."

The main event will be the clash of the 1st and 2nd FMW graduates, Masato Tanaka and Yoshihito Sasaki. The two will battle in a match titled "The Best of 2007." There was no mention of whether or not Yoshihito will put his UN Heavyweight title on the line, if he is even still champion following his 12/13 defense versus Hawaii Championship Wrestling's KAIMANA.

Also on the card, will be a ZERO1-MAX Intercontinental Tag Team defense of the "Brothers" Minoru Fujita and Takuya Sugawara versus Michinoku Pro's The Great Sasuke who will team with new ally and recently returned Tengu Kaiser. Will Sasuke finally get his payback on the tricksters?

Otani Injured! Three Weeks = One Week for Him!
November 14th, 2007

Shinjiro Otani announced today that he sustained a shoulder injury during the main event of the November 13th Korakuen Hall "Believe Your Way" final.

The injury occurred when Ryouji Sai dropped the "Nachi's Waterfall" double foot stomp on Otani during the tag match. At the time Otani was teamed with New Japan's Yuji Nagata, while opponent Sai was teamed with Masato Tanaka. Otani spoke to the media and explained the injury:

"It happened during the match, after it ended I went to the hospital. The diagnosis is an injured right shoulder. Three weeks of complete recovery time. I was not expecting a shoulder injury. Although it's a little embarrassing, it being the match of my 15th Anniversary turning point."

"It became a 15th Anniversary I won't forget. For the moment, cancellation of appearance is not being considered. I am out one week if the normal person takes three weeks."

Following the match, Yuji Nagata said he'd like to have another match in ZERO1-MAX this time against Masato Tanaka who has been on a real tear in Z1 since returning from injury. Nagata called Tanaka the "real deal" and hopes they can make the match happen. Following the main event the two had words with each other and seemed prepared to fight right there!

At the same time President Sugabayashi of New Japan Pro Wrestling was also visiting Korakuen Hall for the show. He said he had a "pleasant talk" with President Nakamura of ZERO1-MAX. He added that the two companies have "friendly relations" and something will develop shortly.

As previously reported, Yoshihito Sasaki had also mentioned New Japan Pro Wrestling's Hirooki Goto as a challenger to his newly won United National Heavyweight title.

Yoshihito Sasaki Comments on Title Victory!
November 14th, 2007

New ZERO1-MAX UN Heavyweight champion Yoshihito Sasaki addressed the media today at the ZERO1-MAX office in Tokyo today. Yoshihito was very proud of his victory:

"The first singles title was finally captured after seven years in pro wrestling about to enter my eighth. I am glad to win against my number one partner and become a champion. I want to make this title belt more famous and raise its value.

"I can scarcely remember the details of the match. It was a strange and unusual feeling."

Yoshihito also named some potential challengers for his new title, naming Kengo Mashimo (K-DOJO) who he wrestled against at the Puroresu Summit, HARASHIMA (DDT) and Hirooki Goto (NJPW).

Mr. Danger Requests ZERO1-MAX Entry!
November 14th, 2007

In a slightly bizare event yesterday at the Korakuen Hall "Believe Your Way" show, "Mr. Danger" Mitsuhiro Matsunaga appeared and appealed directly to Shinjiro Otani to join ZERO1-MAX. Mr. Danger explained that he remembers when he came to ZERO1-MAX two years ago and has returned. "I also have pride, and I want to enter the ring but not for an indy. I want to face major league wrestlers"

Matsunaga and Otani had just faced each other three days previous in a tag match, where Matsunaga had no problem carving Otani up with a fork. Otani said he doest not trust Matsunaga so the answer is "No." Matsunage dejectedly left Korakuen Hall with a promise he'll be seen again.

Yoshihito Takes UN Heavyweight Title!
November 13th, 2007

The final show of the ZERO1-MAX "Believe Your Way" tour took place today in front of 1,700 fans at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan. Not only was it the 15th Anniversary pro wrestling debut celebration for Shinjiro Otani, Takao Omori, Tatsuhito Takaiwa and Kamikaze, but also saw several guest appearances and a UN Heavyweight title match.

While the Main Event was the 15th Anniversary of Shinjiro Otani, the match that "counted" was the semi-main UN Heavyweight title match. The match saw challengers Yoshihito Sasaki face his BJW Tag Team Champion partner and UN Heavyweight champ Daisuke Sekimoto. Sekimoto had succeeded in four defenses of the title belt, and the question asked was: What kind of battle will two men who consider themselves friends and rivals have?

Sekimoto and Sasaki are both powerful strikers, so the match became a back-and-forth test of chops, lariats, spears, Argentine backbreakers and even brain busters! Yoshihito fought back with an avalanche falcon arrow and a German suplex but Sekimoto countered with a powerbomb. He continued with a lariat and a German but only got two! The Big Japan Pro Wrestling fighter then climbed to the top rope and went for a moonsault, but Yoshihito moved in time!

Able to rally, Yoshihito finally hit the Takaiwa-style sit-out piledriver and then a hard lariat to beat his tag team champion partner and win his first ever title belt in ZERO1-MAX.

In the main event ZERO1-MAX ace Shinjiro Otani teamed alongside New Japan's Yuji Nagata against Masato Tanaka and Ryouji Sai. Back in September, it was Otani teaming with Nagata and Manabu Nakanishi at Nagata's own 15th Anniversary. Now the also graduate of 1992 returns the favor. They wasted no time, launching a preemptive double strike right at the beginning of the match! Tanaka was soon able to turn the tide with a double lariat, and then put Nagata to sleep on a table outside to deliver a splash, crushing Nagata and the table!

Nagata rallied and went on the offense versus Ryouji, who provoked the former IWGP Heavyweight champion with verbal exchanges. After some hard kick exchanges it was Nagata versus Tanaka again. Tanaka hit Nagata with a elbow smash, a hard lariat and a brain buster, but Nagata recovered and locked on a hammerlock that caused Sai to deliver a soccer kick to break up the hold and possible submission.

At the 15 minute mark, Ryouji managed to hit the Nachi Waterfalls on Otani, followed by a brainbuster and a Tanaka "Super Fly" frog splash. But Nagata made the save to break up the count! Otani hit Sai with a dragon suplex, and then a missile dropkick to the back of the head, followed by a coordinated enzuiguri with Nagata. As Nagata captured Tanaka in the Nagata Lock II to keep him from interfering, Otani sunk in the King Cobra hold on Sai for the win.

Afterwards Otani addressed the crowd on the microphone, thanking the gratitude of the fans for coming to his 15th Anniversary. Nagata likewise said he thought the ZERO1-MAX wrestlers and fans had lots of energy. Together both wrestlers swore to help continue raise up the pro wrestling community.

Also on the card was a "teacher & student" team of Dick Togo and Ikuto Hidaka against the DRAGON GATE team of Masaaki Mochizuki and Don Fuji. Hidaka had just won the AWA World Jr. title from his tag partner Togo back on October 26th at the final show of the "Innovation" tour.

This match had the expected Junior class veteran excitement, with Hidaka and Mochizuki going at it with hard kicks, and Fuji using hard chops. At one point Mochizuki sat Hidaka on the apron and delivered a hard soccer kick, followed by a brainbuster. The match became a wild scramble as Togo managed to hit his pedigree and diving senton on Mochizuki but could only get 2 as Fuji broke up the count.

Now Togo focused on Fuji and Hidaka on Mochizuki, as Hidaka grabbed the Shawn Capture leg hold on Mochizuki and Togo had Fuji in the crossface but they couldn't get the DRAGON GATE fighters to submit. Finally just after the fifteen minute mark, Hidaka aimed for Iguchibomb powerbomb, but when he lifted Mochizuki up Mochizuki was able to reverse it a hurricanrana and get the pinfall!

Match #3 on the card was the grudge match caused by Minoru Fujita and Takuya Sugawara with legendary The Great Sasuke. It all began when the "Brothers" ambushed Sasuke at the October 22nd Iwate show, and then also at the FIRST ON STAGE offices later when Sasuke came to formally protest. So Sasuke said he would get a tag partner and face the "Brothers" who went to similarly angry wrestler Kohei Sato to make it a 6-man tag.

While Sasuke announced one of his partners for the match as Michinoku Pro's high-flying Yoshitsune and left his final teammate to be announced on the show. Who would join Team Sasuke? Turn out the surprise wrestler is somebody very familiar to the ZERO1 ring - Tengu Kaiser!

Back on May 5, 2005 at the Korakuen Hall show of the "Strong Wind & Thunder" tour, following his opening bout against Minoru Fujita, Kaiser asked Fujita to remove his mask. Underneath it was revealed to be Kamikaze! He returned to that wrestling persona and has remained Kamikaze for the last year-and-a-half. Kamikaze also celebrated his 15th Anniversary in pro wrestling at this show, so it was fitting he could return to the role he originally had in the old ZERO-ONE.

Fujita, Sugawara and Kohei were not happy at this revelation at all. And stormed back, instantly catching all three of Fujita's team in succession in the Cobra Twist submission! And it was Kaiser who figured into the finish as he sent Fujita right into Sasuke's hurricanrana with a hard elbow smash!

Following the match, Fujita got on the microphone and said he and Suga weren't "bullying" Sasuke. He said he respected Sasuke and when he was growing up in Akita he was Sasuke fan. After admitting defeat and saying they settled their differences fair-and-square, he was again offered his hand to Sasuke. "The hand offered again? Is it really final reconciliation this time?" Sasuke asked. His answer was a Sasuke Segway and both "Brothers" putting the boots to him!

As mentioned Takao Omori also faced his 15th Anniversary against X, who turned out to be DRAGON GATE's weakest fighter "Hollywood" Stalker Ichikawa. Ichikawa brought win him a separate mask and offered it to Omori. Omori refused, but through the craziness that followed, managed to end up wearing it anyway! In the end, Ichikawa fell to the Axe Bomber, but at the end he did receive a gold axe and green robe emblazoned with small Pro Wrestling NOAH logos as a gift for his 15th Anniversary in pro wrestling.

The final wrestler to celebrate his 15th was Tatsuhito Takaiwa, whose anniversary turned out to be a "test" of sorts as he faced all the young wrestlers in ZERO1-MAX: Naoki Ueda, Shota Takanishi and Osamu Namiguchi. The whole thing was over in 14:52 after Takaiwa submitted Ueda with a crab hold, an ankle hold on Takanishi, and a jujigatame on Osamu Namiguchi.

Also previous to the show, all four of the wrestlers came to the ring and were given bouquets of flowers and all off them gave very brief comments:

Shinjiro Otani: "There is no wrestler who has had such up-and-downs in the last 15 years as me..."

Tatsuhito Takaiwa: "I've done fifteen years, and I have no other calling, therefore I'll aim for 20 years."

Kamikaze: "I debuted via an indy wrestling. I will do my best by ZERO1 for ZERO1."

Takao Omori: "It is through the fans favor that I never sustained a big injury and have accomplished this much."

"Sekimoto, You Are A camel!" - Rival of Eternity
November 11th, 2007

"MAX-HOLIC," the final show in Osaka is over, and ZERO1-MAX moves towards their stacked Korakuen Hall show on November 11th and the final of the "Believe Your Way" tour. This show is a celebration of fifteen years in pro wrestling of Shinjiro Otani, Takao Omori, Tatsuhito Takaiwa and Kamikaze.

Aside for those anniversary celebrations, even though Kamikaze's match hasn't been announced yet and Omori's opponents is known only as X, there are several other matches of interest on the fight card. One of these being the title match for the ZERO1-MAX UN Heavyweight title between Big Japan Pro Wrestlng's Daisuke Sekimoto and ZERO1-MAX's Yoshihito Sasaki.

Sekimoto and Yoshihito are currently also the BJW Tag Team Champions of Big Japan Pro Wrestling, and though they are partners this time they will crash for the gold. This will be Sekimoto's fifth defense of the title since winning it back in early March of this year.

Both wrestlers were asked for comments with statements announced through the FIRST ON STAGE offices. The challenger, Yoshihito Sasaki, was reached for comment while on tour in Tottori, Japan. Yoshihito spoke while riding a camel at the Tottori Sand Dunes:

"Daisuke, you are a camel! In order to handle you, the man, first I rode and handled a real camel. After this victory, I will be the leader of the tag team."

Champion Daisuke Sekimoto's also commented:

"I will not be defeated through any means by Yoshihito Sasaki. I will take him on directly from the front without tricks I will crush him. I feel he is my greatest rival, even though we are tag partners and hold title belts together as a team.

My goal here is to defend my title and then challenge for the AWA Heavyweight title held by Masato Tanaka, who I fought to a time-limit draw against in our recent 'Fire Festival' match."

It is a match titled "Rival of Eternity" on 10/13 in Korakuen Hall. A ZERO1-MAX United Heavyweight title bout of champion Daisuke Sekimoto versus challenger Yoshihito Sasaki.

"Revenge" is Hidaka's AWA Heavyweight Match!
November 9th, 2007

Ikuto Hidaka once more weighed in on his upcoming AWA Heavyweight title match versus current champion Masato Tanaka. Hidaka has been very vocal on this, explaining how he's felt insulted by long time Heavyweight Masato Tanaka's victory in the Tenka-ichi Jr. Tournament.

"I do not like the word 'Revenge' though it comes to mind first. The usage of this word to me doesn't come easily. But it is 'revenge' this time. It is 'Tenka-Ichi revenge' towards Masato Tanaka."

"This match will be an example of an 'Ultimate ZERO1-MAX' match and I will have my revenge."

Ikuto Hidaka title shot againt Tanaka will take place tomorrow at the Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium in Japan.

15 Years for Otani, Omori, Takaiwa & Kamikaze!
November 8th, 2007

Several of the veterans in ZERO1-MAX are approaching on their 15th Anniversary in pro wrestling. Shinjiro Otani, Takao Omori, Tatsuhito Takaiwa and Kamikaze will celebrate jointly at the final show the "Believe Your Way" tour on November 13th in Korakuen Hall.

Looking back on fifteen yaars, Otani swore firmly, "to be determined to protect Pro Wrestling ZERO1-MAX which Shinya Hashimoto worked hard to create, no matter what obstacles or what may occur."

Otani has also challenged tag partner New Japan Pro Wrestling's Yuji Nagata to come prepared to work hard in their tag match titled "High Life." Otani and Nagata will face Masato Tanaka and Ryouji Sai in the main event.

"The 15th Anniversary match of my wrestler life will be held in Korakuan Hall on November 13. A 15th Anniversary match was also held in my home area of Yamaguchi prefecture. I think it is truly a miracle to have come so far, and without ever cancelling an appearance once for 15 years. This is possible because of the fans' encouragement and favor through the years. Though I don't look with anticipation at what trial comes next, whatever happens I'm determined to protect Pro Wrestling ZERO1-MAX which Mr. Hashimoto worked hard to create. Yesterday, today, tomorrow, and the day after tomorrow for ZERO1 will be fine.

"And at the 10/11 Osaka show, the last Osaka show of this year which always pumps me up more, I will crush Matsunaga. I will continue to fight strong from now on, please continue to give me your encouragement"

Tatsuhito Takaiwa, who had a very strong beginning of 2007 winning both the Pro Wrestling NOAH GHC Jr. Heavyweight title and the AWA World Jr. title.

And knee injury sidelined him and he's only recently returned to action. Fighting more often in Heavyweight matches whenever possible.

"Even if you say it's been fifteen years, I can't believe it. I practice every day, and even if I have a match, there is no answer but professional wrestling. There is no change in the way that will pursue my style in the future. My best regards in the future. On the 13th I will give only one minute an opponent."

Takaiwa's match at the show will see him in a 3-vs-1 handicap match versus young wrestlers Osamu Namiguchi, Shota Takanishi and Naoki Ueda.

Takao Omori on the other hand has no idea who he'll be facing at Korakuen Hall that day. His match titled "Our Takao-san" has his opponent listed only as X.

"I would like to congratulate Otani, Takaiwa and Kamikaze on your 15th Anniversary of your debuts. I regard being able to continue as a pro wrestler for 15 years as really wonderful. I want to keep entering the ring valuing each match and each day in the future."

Kamikaze showed some befuddlement at why he yet has a scheduled match on the Korakuen Hall show for his fifteen years in pro wrestling.

"Although it is my 15th Anniversary too, isn't there any match for me on the Korkauen Hall card? Could Omori's opponent possibly be me? Congratulation to you ZERO1 fans, and me as well on my 15th Anniversary."

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