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Fire Festival '08 Finalized! Block & Schedule Announcements! KAMIKAZE!!
June 26th, 2008
Today during the final show of ZERO1's "Dauntless" tour in Tokyo's Korakuen Hall, the Fire Festival '08 participants and their respective tournament blocks were announced. Also following his tag team match versus Kohei Sato and Minoru Fujita, KAMIKAZE was told that due to his strong performance and of vast mail-in fan support that he will be the 10th entrant into the tournament. KAMIKAZE had said that it was one of the things he always wanted to do in ZERO1, but swore just gaining entry wouldn't be enough and he'd strive to win the whole thing. Ladies & Gentlemen, your "Fire Festival '08" participants:
BLOCK A
- Shinjiro Otani
- (ZERO1 - 8th Fire Festival. Tournament champion in '01, '02 & '05.)
- Kohei Sato
- (ZERO1 - 8th Fire Festival. Fire Festival '04 Winner)
- KAMIKAZE
- (ZERO1 - 1st Fire Festival)
- Togi Makabe
- (New Japan Pro Wrestling - 1st Fire Festival)
- Masaaki Mochizuki
- (DRAGON GATE - 1st Fire Festival)
BLOCK B
- Masato Tanaka
- (ZERO1 - 8th Fire Festival. Back-to-back victories in '06 & '07. Captain of the SWORD ARMY)
- Takao Omori
- (ZERO1 - 5th Fire Festival. Captain of the AXE ARMY. Victory in Assessment match)
- Ryouji Sai
- (ZERO1 - 4th Fire Festival. Champion runner-up for Fire Festival '06 & '07)
- Daisuke Sekimoto
- (Big Japan Pro Wrestling - 4th Fire Festival)
- Manabu Nakanishi
- (New Japan Pro Wrestling - 1st Fire Festival)
The announced Blocks scheduling so far. Only the July 27th match-ups have been announced.
| BLOCK A | Shinjiro Otani |
Kohei Sato |
Togi Makabe |
Masaaki Mochizuki |
KAMIKAZE | SCORE |
| Shinjiro Otani |
8/2 | 7/27 | 7/31 | 7/30 | - | |
| Kohei Sato |
8/2 | 7/31 | 7/29 | 7/27 | - | |
| Togi Makabe |
7/27 | 7/31 | 7/30 | 7/29 | - | |
| Masaaki Mochizuki |
7/31 | 7/29 | 7/30 | 8/2* | - | |
| KAMIKAZE |
7/30 | 7/27 | 7/29 | 8/2* | - |
"BUYUDEN 8" show at Tokyo's Shin-Kiba 1st Ring.
| BLOCK B | Masato Tanaka | Takao Omori | Ryouji Sai |
Manabu Nakanishi |
Daisuke Sekimoto |
SCORE |
| Masato Tanaka | 8/2 | 7/31 | 7/27 | 7/30 | - | |
| Takao Omori | 8/2 | 7/30 | 7/31 | 7/29 | - | |
| Ryouji Sai |
7/31 | 7/30 | 7/29 | 7/27 | - | |
| Manabu Nakanishi |
7/27 | 7/31 | 7/29 | 8/2 | - | |
| Daisuke Sekimoto |
7/30 | 7/29 | 7/27 | 8/2 | - |
Hidaka Victorious! Regains International Jr. Title!
June 26th, 2008
As the "Fire Festival '08" approaches, ZERO1 had it's final show of the "Dauntless" tour in Korakuen Hall where former jr. Heavyweight champion and current ZERO1 Jr. ace Ikuto Hidaka sought to regain the International Jr. Heavyweight title from DRAGON GATE's Masaaki Mochizuki. Mochizuki had taken the title off Hidaka back in January of this year, and then subsequently defeated Hidaka in various bouts to deny him a re-match. Then in a tag match at the final of the "Unshakeable" tour last month, Hidaka alongside Munenori Sawa, defeated Mochizuki and his partner New Japan's Minoru when Hidaka was able to pin Mochizuki. Mochizuki then granted Hidaka his re-match, adding the caveat that if Hidaka lost he would not receive a rematch for the remainder of the year from Mochizuki.
As reported here, Hidaka had prepared for this Main Event match-up by undergoing special training alongside famous kick boxing champion "Wild Dog" Satoshi Kobayashi. Here they created a new kick of Hidaka's called the "Iwami Ginzan kick" a tribute to the Iwami Silver Mine in both fighters' home prefecture of Shimane, Japan. Mochizuki swore that if Hidaka was going to bring the combination attack style of kick boxing, he would stick to the "one strike - one kill" concept of his native karate. However when the match started, Mochizuki spent a good deal of time focusing on Hidaka's leg in an effort to weaken his kicks.
And while this was effective early on, Hidaka was able to rally and a mass of kicks poured from both wrestlers! Hidaka finally hit the Shawn Capture only for Mochizuki to reverse into and ankle hold. Hidaka then forced his way out, landing a Misty Flip to return to offense. This didn't last long as Mochizuki unleashed his own impact move in the form of a dragon suplex and then his Saikyo kick but only for 2! Hidaka then showed his new "Iwami Ginzan" kick but also could only score two counts. Finally a "Wild Dog" high kick put Mochizuki down for the three count as Ikuto Hidaka gains the ZERO1 International Jr. Heavyweight title for the 4th time in his career.
Hidaka was very excited in his victory, along with his second Mr. Kobayashi. Mochizuki also showed class by himself fastening the title belt around Hidaka's waist and raising his arm before leaving the ring and heading to the locker room. Hidaka then picked up the microphone and thanked the fans for coming and commented Mochizuki saying that "...not only is he a DRAGON GATE and Fire Festival representative, he's also a great ZERO1 Jr. representative." Hidaka then revealed some personal information to the fans in attendance:
With these words the fans in Korakuen Hall began to chant "Hidaka! Hidaka! Hidaka!" in support of the new ZERO1 International Jr. Heavyweight champion's victory and his heartfelt address.
The semi-main event saw the continuation of the ZERO1 versus New Japan Pro Wrestling war that has waged all year, as former NWA Intercontinental Tag Team champions Shinjiro Otani and Takao Omori faced off versus Yuji Nagata and Manabu Nakanishi. Back on May 29th in Korakuen, Otani had teamed with EMBLEM partner Masato Tanaka to take on this same team of New Japan veterans, seeing that match go to a 30 minutes time-limit draw. Omori on the other hand has had his own personal battle between himself and Nakanishi. It was the crumbling of their tag team partnership at the 1/1 ZERO1 show "Genesis" that started this promotional confrontation. Their series of singles matches has seen the New Japan "Yajin" take the lead 2-1 or late with his main event victory over Omori on the 6/22 NJPW "ONLY ONE NIGHT ~AREA G~" event in Gifu.
This was a violently raged battle between two former champion tag teams. The ZERO1 team came out on fire, attacking before the bell and unleashing a series of coordinated attack before New Japan could regain the offensive. As to be expected, Omori was drawn to battling Nakanishi while Otani faced often against Nagata. The match however came down to Omori and Nagata as Nakanishi eventually grabbed a big German suplex on Omori and pinned him in around 23½ minutes of the match.
The 4th match of the show had current ZERO1 World Heavyweight champion Masato Tanaka team with Ryouji Sai versus the New Japan thug GBH member, Togi Makabe and Tomoaki Honma. This match also started before the bell, with all four wrestlers immediately spilling to the outside and battling through the spectators. Sai and Honma returned to the ring where Sai started to stretch him until Makabe ran in with a chair to break it up. This caused Tanaka to enter the ring and smash Honma with his own chair and declaring, "That's how a chair is used!!" Ryouji, as he laid in a Achilles tendon hold on Honma, also began to provoke Makabe who after a while couldn't stand it and again charged the ring, once more causing all four to spill to the outside and brawl!
Tanaka set-up a table and put Honma down with a sleeper for his suicide splash from the top turnbuckle. However as he climb the turnbuckle Makabe intercepted him with his chain and the two battled on the apron. Honma recovered and re-set the table outside the ring for his partner. Makabe then power slammed Tanaka off the apron through the table, causing Tanaka to pour blood from his head. As Tanaka lay there recovering from this assault the to GBH members turned both their attention to Ryouji, pounding him in their corner as he tried to valiantly fight back! Finally Tanaka recovered enough to be tagged back in and unleashed his trademark flurry of violence, hitting hard lariats. Finally after a Nachi Waterfall from Sai, a "Superfly" frog splash from Tanaka followed by a Sliding-D on Honma and ZERO1 secured the victory!
Following the match's end, Makabe continued to attack Tanaka, choking him with his steel chain. Suddenly ZERO1 President and Tanaka's tag partner in EMBLEM appeared to attack Makabe as the crowd cheered him on! All the ZERO1 and New Japan pro wrestlers present rushed into the Korakuen Hall's main room as things began to break down. Makabe managed to escape and spoke on the microphone, saying that he's never been in the Fire Festival but already he's tired of it and feel irritated that the Blocks had not yet been announced. Previous to this match, it was announced that the final participant in the tournament will in fact be KAMIKAZE who has wanted in for many years. So the Blocks were officially announced as promised:
A Block: Otani, Sato, Makabe, Mochizuki and KAMIKAZE.
B Block: Tanaka, Omori, Sai, Nakanishi, and Sekimoto.
Tanaka then told Makabe that while he won't face him in the Block rounds, there's always the finals and Tanaka declared he will "absolutely" win again this year.
Match #3 was a big match for BattlArts' Munenori Sawa. Ever since first appearing in ZERO1 back in 2005, Sawa has do nothing but show his fighting spirit and his dedication in the company despite being a BattlArts trueborn. Being a BattlArts trueborn is what this match was all about, as across from Sawa was former B's fighter turned New Japan fighter Minoru. Back on 5/29 Sawa teamed with another former Bati-Bati trueborn Ikuto Hidaka versus Masaaki Mochizuki and Minoru in a tag match. At the time Sawa called this a "dream come true" to fight the seniors of the company he represents. And while Sawa didn't gain the pinfall in that match, he made enough of an impression that afterward Minoru approached him in the ring and held up both index fingers, signaling his desire for a singles match. ZERO1 management saw this exchange and the encouragement from Sawa's fans and booked the match for today.
As expected the minute the bell sound the two hard-hitting fighter clashed! Striking each other hard with their palms and kicks! The two also felt the spirit of Korakuen Hall as well as BattlArts, brawling to the outside and alternating smashing each others heads into the West sign post. As they returned to the ring, pretty soon Sawa's nose began to bleed from a knee drop to his face. As the two continued to strike each other, they also took numerous opportunities at submission attempts. The tide turned when Sawa, giving his "Puro LOVE" pose before attempting his Shining Wizard knee strike, was intercepted by Minoru who hit a top rope Fisherman's suplex on Sawa! Sawa showed the spirit that makes him such a respected competitor by holding on and immediately going for the cross arm breaker! He then rallied and hit his Shining Wizard only to get a 2 count!
Minoru, sensing he might get caught quickly reversed Sawa's course, hitting in succession a front suplex, another Fisherman's suplex and then a running face kick. As Sawa lay there dazed, Minoru took to the top turnbuckle to debut his new special move the FIREBALL Splash (fire bird splash) which he had originally planned to debut back in February. After scoring the pinfall here, Minoru thanked Sawa saying it was a pleasure to fight him and he was very happy with the outcome. He thanked Sawa again and let the ring.
Also back on 5/29 both Kohei Sato and KAMIKAZE had singles match to determine their "Fire Festival" eligibility before the Executive Council. Both men lost their respective bouts, however Kohei was accepted due to his previous "Fire Festival" victory and his future potential. KAMIKAZE, who declared participation in the annual tournament his "most ardent wish" had to rely on the overwhelming support of his fans sending in many e-mails to see his inclusion. As KAMIKAZE's match this night began, teamed with young Shito Ueda versus Kohei and Minoru Fujita, he had no idea if he would finally be inducted. However he had stated that if he could take matters into his own hands here and defeat Sato he might gain entry by force of will.
This is exactly what unfolded as KAMIKAZE had to practically single-handedly fight off both opponents. And when he finally managed to defeat Kohei with a Ground Cobra Twist at the 10½ mark the crowd gave a surprised response and showered KAMIKAZE with loud applause. Soon after it was then announced that KAMIKAZE after 7 years in ZERO1 would now take his place in the "Fire Festival '08."
Also on the show, ZERO1 Jr. Osamu Namiguchi took charge in his tag match along with Yuzuru Saito to defeat young BattlArts fighters Yuta Yoshikawa and Keita Yano when Nami pinned Yoshikawa with a Deluxe Bomber at 17:35. Hikaru and Saki Maemura also had a ChickFights match to open the show seeing Hikaru defeat the younger Saki with her Lanakilla-H finishing move.
"Dauntless"
|
||
| FIGHT CARD | ||
| International Jr. Heavyweight Title | ||
| X Masaaki Mochizuki | vs. | © Ikuto Hidaka O |
| (17:21 → Wild Dog high kick) | ||
| ZERO1 vs. New Japan | ||
| Shinjiro Otani X Takao Omori |
vs. | Yuji Nagata (NJPW) Manabu Nakanishi (NJPW) O |
| (23:33 → Big*Nakanishi German) | ||
| ZERO1 vs. GBH | ||
| O Masato Tanaka Ryouji Sai |
vs. | Togi Makabe (GBH) Tomoaki Honma (GBH) X |
| (18:06 → Sliding D) | ||
| "BATTLE-SOUL-NOW" | ||
| X Munenori Sawa (BattlArts) |
vs. | Minoru O (NJPW - RISE) |
| (11:22 → FIREBALL Splash) | ||
| Tag Match | ||
| X Kohei Sato Minoru Fujita |
vs. | KAMIKAZE O Shito Ueda |
| (10:31 → Ground Cobra Twist) | ||
| ZERO1 vs. BattlArts "BATI-BOKO" |
||
| O Osamu Namiguchi Yuzuru Saito |
vs. | Yuta Yoshikawa (BattlArts) X Keita Yano (BattlArts) |
| (17:35 → Deluxe Bomber) | ||
| ChickFights | ||
| O Hikaru | vs. | Saki Maemura X |
| (10:36 → Lanakilla-H) | ||
Fire Festival '08! Otani Entered!
June 23rd, 2008
Following the ZERO1 "Dauntless" tour's Fukushima show saw the official end to the Fire Festival Executive Committee's decision-making process on wrestler selections. And while the final roster will be revealed on 6/26 in Korakuen, Committee Chairman Yoshiyuki Nakamura was able to announce the participation of ZERO1 President Shinjiro Otani. This will be Otani's 8th Fire Festival participation in a row, with tournament victories coming in 2001,2002 and 2005. Otani was then asked several questions regarding his entry:
ZERO1: "Finally your Fire Festival '08 participation was announced by the Executive Committee... what is your current state of mind regarding this decision?"
Shinjiro Otani: "Yes, finally it's been determined. Of course, a Fire Festival without Shinjiro Otani is no Fire Festival at all. Naturally I'm participating again. I suppose it is bad for the eight wrestlers already announced to hear that once more Shinjiro Otani is center stage."
ZERO1: "The Fire Festival Executive Committee was concerned about your shoulder injury going into this year's tournament. What is the present state of your injury?"
Otani: "I had only taped it up because I had a rash. There is no need for concern. By the time July comes around I will be at 300% to 500% physically."
ZERO1: "What do you think about the other eight men chosen?"
Otani: "I'm very happy, as some fiery competitors have been gathered this year. However, I believe out of everybody involved I have the most fire. Since Makabe is chosen from New Japan, and then Mochizuki was recently chosen I hope to fight both wrestlers. Masato Tanaka cannot possibly win three successive victories. Truly doesn't the Fire Festival katana suit me the best?"
ZERO1: "Most certainly. Any final words for your fans?"
Otani: "I'm sorry to have worried you these last months. However, I'm fine now. I will advance hard going forward for the ZERO1 fan who assists us all the time."
Now only one slot remains for the "Fire Festival '08." Otani will also team with Takao Omori on 6/26 in Korakuen Hall versus New Japan Pro Wrestling's Yuji Nagata and Manabu Nakanishi.
Fire Festival '08! Mochizuki Makes Direct Appeal and is Accepted! Two Spots Remain!
June 20th, 2008
DRAGON GATE's Masaaki Mochizuki announced his name for "Fire Festival '08" participation following the June 14 DRAGON GATE "Buyuden 6" show in Tokyo's Shin-kiba 1st Ring. Today a direct appeal from Mochizuki for participation in the annual ZERO1 tournament reached the FIRST ON STAGE OFFICES. Mochizuki wanted to renew his availability since participation is being decided by the Fire Festival Executive Committee and not just by just your own declared involvement.
Mochizuki said he's prepared to enter the heavyweight class tournament and mentioned the number of times he's been in the ring with heavyweights. As an example, he mentioned his match from 6/14 where he teamed with heavyweight Masato Tanaka and Magnitude Kishiwada in a losing effort versus Shingo Takagi, Cyber Kong and Big Japan's Daisuke Sekimoto, who will also be in the tournament. Mochizuki said size isn't really a factor as much as skill, and that if there's any chance he could enter the tournament he'd take it.
Following their meeting today the Fire Festival Executive Committee announced that the current ZERO1 International Jr. Heavyweight champion's participation has been officially decided. When Mochizuki announced himself for the tournament, ZERO1 asked the fans their opinion on the matter as well. After various considerations including large mail-in fan support, Mochizuki was given one of the final remaining slots. There are now only two spots remaining for the "Fire Festival '08" and Executive Committee Chairman Yoshiyuki Nakamura has stated that all of this year's participants will be announced at the 6/26 "Dauntless" show in Korakuen Hall. With only two shows remaining (6/21 & 6/22) until the Korakuen Hall event the Committee has very little time to finalize their choices.
Once the final participants are decided, there will also be the process of dividing into two Blocks and the scheduling of the specific bouts. Those fighters currently in are:
- Masato Tanaka
- (ZERO1 - 8th Fire Festival. Back-to-back victories in '06 & '07. Captain of the SWORD ARMY)
- Takao Omori
- (ZERO1 - 5th Fire Festival. Captain of the AXE ARMY. Victory in Assessment match)
- Daisuke Sekimoto
- (Big Japan Pro Wrestling - 4th Fire Festival)
- Manabu Nakanishi
- (New Japan Pro Wrestling - 1st Fire Festival)
- Togi Makabe
- (New Japan Pro Wrestling - 1st Fire Festival)
- Kohei Sato
- (ZERO1 - 8th Fire Festival. Fire Festival '04 Winner)
- Ryouji Sai
- (ZERO1 - 4th Fire Festival. Champion runner-up for Fire Festival '06 & '07)
- Masaaki Mochizuki
- (DRAGON GATE - 1st Fire Festival. Current ZERO1 International Jr. Heavyweight Champion)
Mochizuki Responds to Hidaka! "Ichigeki Hissatsu" in Korakuen!
June 19th, 2008
Current ZERO1 International Jr. Heavyweight champion, DRAGON GATE's Masaaki Mochizuki was shown Ikuto Hidaka's comments from his training session with his kick boxing sensei the famous "Wild Dog" Satoshi Kobayashi as detailed in the previous article below. Mochizuki and Hidaka will be facing each other for the Jr. Heavyweight belt on June 26 "Dauntless" show in Korakuen Hall.
"I saw the information about Hidaka's public workout. I will also stick to the very last with the kick then, if this will be karate vs. kick boxing. Hidaka wants to bring the combination attack style of kick boxing, then I want to go with the ichigeki hissatsu kick which is the origin of karate. So it's karate vs. kick boxing, ZERO1 vs. DRAGON GATE, and the winner will be who scores the ultimate kick."
As many practitioners of kyokushin karate know, "Ichigeki Hissatsu" or "One Strike - Certain Death" is a fundamental concept always on the mind of karateka, in every fighting situation.
Hidaka Trains with "Wild Dog" Kobayashi! Prepares for Mochizuki on 6/26!
June 19th, 2008
On June 26 ZERO1 Jr. class fighter Ikuto Hidaka, after many struggles, will finally get his International Jr. Heavyweight title re-match versus current champion DRAGON GATE's Masaaki Mochizuki. To prepare himself for the title bout, Hidaka once more returned to his kickboxing sensei's tutelage in the hopes of learning some new technique to aid him to victory. Hidaka has previously used this concept in other Jr. title matches, practicing with Satoshi Kobayashi for his victory over Dick Togo back in October 2007.
The press was invited to view his training alongside retired kick boxer/mua tai fighter Kobayashi in the Fujiwara Dojo. The dojo was stifling hot as the two fighters went through their motions and practiced various kicks. After concluding their workout, they sat and spoke to the media with Hidaka throwing out some words regarding his planning for Mochizuki.
Hidaka added that in his mind he already disappointed Kobayashi and his fans back on January 23rd when he lost the International Jr. title to Mochizuki in Korakuen Hall. He swore he would throw his full "body & soul" behind his efforts to gain victory. The kick they had been devising for the upcoming match is called the "Iwami Ginzan" in reference to the Iwami Silver Mines in Shimane Prefecture where they both hail from. Hidaka also announced that Mr. Kobayashi would be serving as his second during the title bout. Satoshi Kobayashi commented:
Kobayashi was then asked about Hidaka's opponent Mochizuki and how his kick offense is grounded in his practice of karate. Kobayashi responded that while Karate kicks are intense, they're designed as one shot decisive kicks and therefore the motion leading up to it is readable and telegraphed.
Fire Festival '08! Mochizuki Throws His Hat In! KAMIKAZE's Earnest Wish!
June 14th, 2008
Current ZERO1 International Jr. Heavyweight champion Masaaki Mochizuki has tossed his name out for inclusion in the "Fire Festival '08." His name had come up before in regards to the tournament, as he is the current International Jr. champion and will be defending versus Ikuto Hidaka on June 26th at the ZERO1 "Dauntless" show. Mochizuki had told Hidaka that if he defeated him he wanted his next opponent to be ZERO1 President Shinjiro Otani.
Now, following the June 14 DRAGON GATE "Buyuden 6" show where Mochizuki teamed with Masato Tanaka and Magnitude Kishiwada in a losing effort versus Shingo Takagi, Cyber Kong and Daisuke Sekimoto, he announced his intention to Tanaka. Despite being the one pinned in the match, Mochizuki said that he had announced that his next target was going to be Otani. He felt that since Otani's participation is in question due to injury that he would be a suitable replacement for the slot.
ZERO1 is therefore once again reaching out to their fans for their opinion on the matter. If you would like to see or not see Masaaki Mochizuki in the "Fire Festival '08" please e-mail us: info@z-1.co.jp
ZERO1 veteran KAMIKAZE has made it known for some time that he also wishes for participation in the "Fire Festival '08." Despite pursing this opportunity for seven years as a member of ZERO1, KAMIKAZE has never participated in the prestigious tournament though he's declared it his most "earnest wish." KAMIKAZE was reached for comment regarding his situation this year:
Chairman of the Fire Festival Executive Committee, FOS Representative Yoshiyuki Nakamura was contacted and asked for their thoughts on KAMIKAZE's participation this year:
The contact is info@z-1.co.jp
