Chono & Kohei Form "Black Grand Alliance" Tag!

March 18th, 2008

New Japan Pro Wrestling's Masa Chono, himself a special observer of the March 2nd ZERO1-MAX show, joined with Kohei Sato today at the SAMURAI TV offices in Tokyo to announce the formation of a new tag team: "Kuroi Dairenritsu" aka "The Black Grand Alliance." Chono commented on Kohei, saying he has the "Black Charisma" with "...the raw ability to shoulder the pro wrestling industry." He said with himself "pulling the strings" Kohei will only grow. Kohei agreed, saying he consents willingly to teaming with Chono. Chono added:

"This year I will blaze forward. I have a plan and it involves Kohei Sato. Organizations will be thrown aside and a mountain will be built! We would like to wander in many promotions no matter their size."

When asked if they might be aiming for the IWGP Tag Titles, Chono responded that they're more concerned with their opening direction since this is the first time they're united. The interview video can be viewed below (in Japanese):

Hidaka Chooses Tag Partner for Yasukuni Shrine!

March 16th, 2008


Ikuto Hidaka	Munenori Sawa
vs.

Masaaki Mochizuki	El Blazer

Originally Scheduled to be Ikuto Hidaka's tag team partner for the upcoming 3/23 show at the Yasukuni Shrine was masked junior class fighter El Blazer. It was to be Special Junior class Tag match of Ikuto Hidaka and El Blazer versus DRAGON GATE's Masaaki Mochizuki and a partner of Mochizuki's choosing. Hidaka said Mochizuki can choose whomever he wants as a partner.

So following the March 8th DRAGON GATE show at the Koshigaya Katsura Studio, Mochizuki made his choice and chose El Blazer! El Blazer accepted, as Mochizuki taunted Hidaka with stealing his tag partner away. With the ball back in his court, Hidaka was the one that had to choose a partner now. He spent some effort, which he chronicled on his blog, trying to find a suitable replacement.

He wasn't sure where to start, but at the Mid-Breath Gym while working out he spotted a familiar face also training in the gym - current Independent World Jr. Heavyweight champion Ibushi Kota! Hidaka was the previous Independent World Jr. Heavyweight champion before the title was sealed in 2002, only to be re-opened in 2007 which Kota then won. Hidaka asked Ibushi if he'd be interested in being his tag partner at the Yasukuni Shrine. While he was grateful for the request, Ibushi said he wouldn't be able to be Hidaka's partner because he already has a match scheduled for 3/23. Hidaka wrote that he understands the situation, but hopes he will be able to tag with Ibushi sometime in the future.

Next, Hidaka was approached by young ZERO1-MAX wrestler Shota Takanishi. "What about me as your partner, Hidaka-san?" he asked. Hidaka said he was glad Shota stepped up and asked to be his partner, but he told him that Shota is already scheduled in a 6-man tag match versus the Himalayan Tiger, Tengu Kaiser and Tengu Baron. "Put your concentration there," Hidaka recommended to the youngster as he continued his search to solve his "Yasukuni Problem."

Finally Hidaka received a response to an e-mail he had sent out to one of his longtime tag partners - Dick Togo. Hidaka was very excited when he opened the e-mail, but had his hopes crushed when Togo informed him that he's overseas in Argentina, and will still be gone on the 23rd! While regrettable, Hidaka decided to fall-back on some current connections rather than openly searching for a partner.

Then after the March 14th show in Nagoya, following the SWORD ARMY vs. Goto's Aichi Army, Hidaka was approached by BattlARTS fighter and fellow SWORD wrestler Munenori Sawa. Sawa said he would like to be Hidaka's partner to take the fight to Mochizuki. Hidaka was puzzled at first, knowing Sawa's alter-ego Lingerie Muto was booked on the show.

Hidaka chose to go with Sawa however as he not only is a fellow SWORD ARMY member, but also knows how to fight with spirit and energy. So it's now decided it will be Ikuto Hidaka and Munenori Sawa (BattlARTS) versus Masaaki Mochizuki (DRAGON GATE) and El Blazer in the Junior Tag Special match.

The Great Otani Shinjiro Revealed!

March 15th, 2008

The Great Sasuke said he would bring a "Great" tag team partner on March 23rd to the Yasukuni Shrine to face Minoru Fujita and Takuya Sagawara in a tag team match. He then announced his "Great" partner as The Great Otani Shinjiro. Today Michinoku Pro's Sasuke has sent the First On Stage offices a picture (seen above) of The Great Otani Shinjiro, with the following comment:

"This man is the strongest partner in the history of the Sasuke Family. Fujia! Sugawara! Listen up! You don't understand this man's true character. It will be a surprise when you find out! Although it seems I say this often, the three count will be counted on you for the homeland, and I offer you up to the Yasukuni Shrine! GHAHAHAHA!"

Who in the world is The Great Otani Shinjiro?

Matsunaga Suprise Attack on Otani!

March 14th, 2008

Today the SWORD ARMY of Pro Wrestling ZERO1-MAX travelled to Aichi, Japan and the Nagoya sports Center to take on Tatsutoshi Goto and a cadre of pro wrestlers in what he described as his "Goto Aichi Army." The crew he came with was primarily made up of wrestlers from Daiwa Pro Wrestling (DEP) who make their base in Nagoya.

The main event was a challenge put forth by Tatsutoshi Goto against Shinjiro Otani to face him in a tag match alongside a young wrestler. Goto chose Taro Toyotomi and Otani picked SWORD ARMY wrestler Shota Takanishi. The SWORD ARMY put up a good fight, with Otani's shoulder still heavily wrapped and young Takanishi fighting for all his worth. Alas, Goto finally pinned Shota with a backdrop suplex.

No sooner had the bell rung, when from out of the audience ran "Mr. Danger" Mitsuhiro Matsunaga. Early this year Matsunaga pulled off one of his most despicable deceptions by spending many months entering the ranks of ZERO1. He was on his best behavior, he only attacked opponents, he relied more on wrestling than weapons, and he even training with the young ZERO1-MAX wrestlers during warm-ups.

Then at the SWORD Forces Presents "SWORD-1" on 2/26 an injured Otani taped up his shoulder to team with Matsunaga versus Kohei Sato and former FMW alumnus Testuhiro Kuroda. Here once again Matsunaga showed his treachery! As the referee was distracted, Matsunaga threw a fireball at Otani, allowing Kohei Sato to cinch in a devastating cross armbreaker on Otani's wound shoulder. This attack set now President Otani's healing process back weeks.

Now here was Matsunaga again in Aichi, running in and attacking Otani! He stabbed Otani several times in the ring, then dragged him outside and threw a fireball in his face! All the while, Masato Tanaka began to brawl with Goto in the ring causing a huge fight between ZERO1 and DEP.

Akebono Announced for Yasukuni Shrine!
Himalayan Tiger from Nepal Added!

March 12th, 2008

The eleven time Sumo Emperor Cup winner and 64th Yokozuna, Akebono, will participate on March 23rd at the Yasukuni Shrine for ZERO1-MAX's "Yamato Shinshu Chikara Matsuri." The annual visit to the shrine by ZERO1 is held at the covered Sumo arena within, so it's fitting a sumo wrestler would battle on the card.

"Speaking of Yasukuni shrine, it's also a special place for me. Since I fought in a ceremonial sumo match in 2008, it's the first time in eight years since I returned for a match at Yasukuni. I am looking forward to it very much.

"And this is the first time I've been in a ZERO1-MAX ring. I've wanted to enter the ZERO1-MAX ring for some time, so I'm glad this happened. I was told this is a dedication to professional wrestling, and that important figures of the wrestling community have been invited such as Naoya Ogawa, Atsushi Onita and Yoshihiro Takayama in the past. I'm also glad to be included in this group and considered ranked with them in professional wrestling.

"I feel the fans will expect me to do well in this position, I want to have a good match so everybody will be happy."

Akebono will be in a 6-man SWORD ARMY vs. AXE ARMY tag match as a SWORD ARMY draftee teamed alongside Ryouji Sai and the returning NWA UN Heavyweight champion SANDY BEACH. Opposing them will be AXE ARMY regulars Kohei Sato, Yoshihito Sasaki and Daisuke Sekimoto.

Also announced was the scheduled first appearance in Japan of the mysterious Himalayan Tiger, Bharat Bishural, of Nepal. Bishural is the most noteworthy and legendary Nepali pro wrestler. The Himalayan Tiger has wrestled all over the world for over 15 years, and is known for being the driving force behind professional wrestling in Nepal. He is the founder of the Nepal Professional Wrestler Championship Association and has personally trained many of Nepal's pro wrestlers.

What's more befitting for this folk hero of Nepal to battle alongside Tengu Kaiser and Tengu Baron at the Yasukuni Shrine show? Their opponents that day will be Tatsuhito Takaiwa, Shota Takanishi and Shito Ueda.

YAJIN In Hokkaido! New Japan in "Whirlwind!"

March 10th, 2008

As the ZERO1-MAX vs. New Japan Pro Wrestling feud intensifies, it's been determined that NJPW fighters Manabu Nakanishi, Ryuskuke Taguchi and Mitsuhide Hirasawa will take part on the final leg of the "Whirlwind" tour in Asahikawa, Hakodate and Sapporo, Japan.

Leading this contingent will be the "Yajin" (Sasquatch) Manabu Nakanishi. Nakanishi will face Tatsuhito Takaiwa on the first show on 3/25, then team with Hirasawa on 3/26 versus Takao Omori and Yoshihito Sasaki. Then on 3/29 at the Sapporo Teisen Hall, Nakanishi will get his re-match versus Takao Omori in the main event of that show. While Hirasawa will be present on all these shows, Taguchi will only be on the Sapporo show.

How will the ZERO1-MAX and NJPW wrestlers react to being in such close proximity during their tour of the northern island of Hokkaido?

Mochizuki Nominates El Blazer! 3/23 Jr. Tag!

March 9th, 2008

Originally announced for the March 23rd "Yamato Shinshu Chikara Matsuri" at the Yasukuni Shrine show was the Special Junior class Tag of Ikuto Hidaka and El Blazer versus DRAGON GATE's Masaaki Mochizuki and a partner of his choosing.

Following the March 8th DRAGON GATE show at the Koshigaya Katsura Studio, Mochizuki commented on his decision for a partner:

"I like that I am able to nominate whoever I choose here. Well, I nominate El Blazer! I've faced him one-on-one in the ring and he is good and a very suitable partner. What will you do now Hidaka? The choice was mine to make, and now you must appoint somebody else as your own partner. Hidaka, what will you do? And El Blazer's answer...?"

In response to the fact Mochizuki nominated El Blazer as his partner on the 3/23 show, El Blazer was reached for his reaction and decision regarding the tag team:

"I am very honored to be nominated by my senior to be his tag partner. I don't want to miss this opportunity. It might open the door to a dream!"

So it has been decided - current ZERO1 International Jr. Heavyweight champion Mochizuki will team with El Blazer versus Hidaka and a partner he now has to find anew for March 23rd at the Yasukuni Shrine. Who on earth will Hidaka choose now that he's had his partner pulled from him?

Showdown Match at the Yasukuni Shrine!
Fujita picks "Gikyoudai" Sugawara!
Sasuke chooses THE Great Otani Shinjiro!??

March 8th, 2008

Minoru Fujita responded today to The Great Sasuke's challenge from the 3/5 show in Fukushima, Japan. Sasuke had challenged Fujita and a tag partner of his choosing

"Aging Sasuke. He is definitely persistent. Who is this new 'Great partner?' Is it Great Khali? Great Zebra? If it is Great Kojika, I'm going home. I'll unite with my Gikyoudai Taku! This will really be the end, Sasuke!"

Michinoku Pro's The Great Sasuke commented:

"Fujita! The other day at the Fukushima event, you provided an experience in cruelty. You antagonized the whole prefecture and the people of Fukushima. You've covered your face with a mask and disguised yourself as another person. These are petty tricks!"

"You only have your foolish 'brother' as a partner. I have secured one of the highest level partners in the history of Sasuke Family! The name is THE GREAT OTANI SHINJIRO! The site of Yasukuni Shrine is a large arena! Here I will bring tranquility to our native country by offering up the foolish 'brothers' to the Yasukuni Shrine. HAHAHAHAHA!"

"Yamato Shinshu Chikara Matsuri," ZERO1's annual Celebration from the Yasukuni Shrine will take place on Sunday, March 23rd at the shrine's Sumo Wrestling Hall. In a non-title match, current NWA Intercontinental Tag Team Champions Minoru Fujita and Takuya Sugawara versus The Great Sasuke and The Great Otani Shinjiro.

Mask vs. Mask! The Great Minoru Fujita Revealed!

March 5th, 2008

The Great Minoru Fujita (Self-styled Michinoku Pro Wrestling) and The Great Sasuke (Michinoku Pro Wrestling) "Mask vs. Mask" match was held today in Fukushima, Japan. After a strong battle, The Great Sasuke won in just over 12 minutes with a Thunder Fire Powerbomb for the pinfall victory. Following the match as promised, The Great Minoru Fujita knelt down in the ring to be unmasked. Yet as the referee began to untie his mask, it was Sasuke who stood in the way!

He instructed the referee not to do it, causing Ikuto Hidaka and other SWORD ARMY members to demand he unmask him as promised. Sasuke refused, feeling sympathy and alliance to the vanquished masked wrestler. He spoke to Hidaka and the crowd convincing him of his argument. Eventually he was able to succeed and the crowd applauded his decision.

The Great Minoru Fujita and Sasuke then shook hands in the ring...UNTIL...suddenly The Great Minoru Fujita turned on Sasuke, kicking him in the stomach and DDTing him. He then tore off his own mask and was revealed as MINORU FUJITA! Fujita berated Sasuke for being so gullible, and once again falling for a simple trick! He laughed and stormed off.

Following the event, Sasuke was asked how he felt about what occurred. He said now the true character of the Great Minoru Fujita's has been revealed 100%, and he believes this feud is reaching its conclusion. "I will take my own GREAT partner! Therefore Minoru you too should get yourself a tag partner. Your foolish 'brother' might also do." He added that whoever Fujita chooses because of his defeat he's no longer allowed to wear a mask.

A video of the match conclusion and what followed can be seen below (in Japanese):

The Great Fujita Minoru Challenges Sasuke's Mask!

March 3rd, 2008

The Great Minoru Fujita held a press conference previous to his "Mask vs. Mask" match versus The Great Sasuke on March 5th in Fukushima, swearing to peel off the famous wrestler's iconic mask.

The Great Minoru Fujita claims to be a new wrestler from his own "self-styled" Michinoku Pro Wrestling whom holds "serious resentment" for The Great Sasuke. He used his time at the press conference to explain his goal in challenging Sasuke to a Mask vs. Mask match.

The Great Minoru Fujita appeared at the February 9th show in Osaka during the "Solidarity" tour. They he teamed with Minoru Fujita in a TLC match versus Sasuke and Masato Tanaka. Sasuke's team won the match when Tanaka finished The Great Minoru Fujita with the Sliding D. Now he has a chance at a singles match against Sasuke:

"I'll peel off Sasuke's mask, and I who belong to the self-styled Michinoku Professional wrestling, will defend Michinoku Pro wrestling when this man is gone from the company... After the wrestler Sasuke is defeated, I think his concentration will be focused on something like running a pasta and curry store.

I wrestled Sasuke in Osaka, and I can't say I'm very impressed. Therefore it's very probable his defeat is expected, I want to ask that everybody sends in a message to me entitled: Good-bye The Great Sasuke, from all parties concerned."

According to The Great Minoru Fujita, several of the Good-bye messages have already arrived, one each from Minoru Fujita, Takuya Sugawara, Masaaki Mochizuki and many other professional wrestlers in Japan.

The Great Sasuke said that since in Osaka it was proved that The Great Minoru Fujita is not Minoru Fujita he accepts the challenge. And he said after he wins the match he wants to have a singles match versus Fujita again.