Home » News Archive » News from 11/23/08 to 12/12/08

2009 Korakuen Hall Event Schedule Released!

December 12th, 2008

ZERO1 has determined the event schedule for Tokyo's Korakuen Hall in 2009.

There will be 11 total shows held at the world famous hall this upcoming year, including the January 1st "Genesis 2009" show. The schedule is as follows:

Also announced was the date of the annual Yasukuni Shrine Festival "Yamato Shinshu Chikara Matsuri" that will take place on March 29th at the Tokyo Yasukuni Shrine Sumo Wrestling Place. ZERO1 began this tradition back in 2005 and has returned every year since.

Nagata Says He'll Defend World Title!

December 10th, 2008

Current World Heavyweight champion Yuji Nagata was asked about his upcoming title defense versus Tatsuhito Takaiwa at Shinjuku FACE on December 17th. As was reported earlier following the Tenka-Ichi Jr. Tournament 2008, Tatsuhito Takaiwa used his Dragon Ball wish, the prize of that tournament, to challenge for the title. Nagata had accepted the challenge adding that if he defeated Takaiwa he would have defeated anybody of value in ZERO1. This time Nagata was asked about his prospects of another title defense, his 2nd defense:

"I'm very familiar with Tatsuhito Takaiwa, as we trained many times together in New Japan Pro Wrestling. Him winning the ZERO1 Jr. Tournament proves he has power and skill. That being said, I won't be losing this fight. I'll defend the title once more and continue to add value and shine to this championship belt."

Tanaka Wins Fan MVP & Tokyo Sport's "Fighting Spirit" Award!

December 9th, 2008

The results for the "Fans Choose the 2008 ZERO1 MVP & Best Match have been tallied and the winner is once again three time Fire Festival winner Masato Tanaka! This is the second year in a row Tanaka has received the nod from the ZERO1 fans for this position. FOS delievered a special monetary bonus to the winner of the fan vote. The top 3 were as follows:

1. Masato Tanaka
2. Ikuto Hidaka
3. Shinjiro Otani

Also up for fan vote was the Best Match of the Year. Not surprisingly Masato Tanaka appeared in the top matches here as well. In the #1 spot for his April 6, World Heavyweight Title Match defense versus New Japan's Manabu Nakanishi. The match took place in the new at-the-time JCB Hall in Tokyo during one of the early hot periods of the feud versus New Japan. After 24 minutes of battle Tanaka won the bout with his Sliding-D.

Tanaka also took the #2 spot for his victory over Togi Makabe in the "Fire Festival '08" finals at Korakuen Hall. A match that secured Tanaka his third straight Fire Festival championship.

The Top 3 Best Matches:

Tokyo Sport's "35th Professional Wrestling Grand-Prix" selection meeting was held today, and ZERO1 wrestler Masato Tanaka was awarded the 2008 "fighting spirit" (Kantoushou) award. This is the first time Tanaka has won a Tokyo Sport's Grand-Prix prize since 2002 when he was awarded Best Tag Team for EMBLEM with Shinjiro Otani. Tokyo Sports said it chose Tanaka not only because of his strong bouts in ZERO1 but his participation in other companies' events. Tanaka himself was overjoyed with the choice, saying:

Complete Players Reform for PREMIUM!

December 2nd, 2008

At the New Japan offices recently, Masato Tanaka joined with former FMW stable mates in the "Complete Players" of Jado and Gedo to announce their return as a team on December 26th in Korakuen Hall.

Tanaka said he's happy to be back with his old mates, a group that continued even after the closing of FMW. He added that due to the war between ZERO1 and New Japan they haven't been able to team up in the ring of either company, but PREMIUM gives them the chance.

Tanaka commented on how he's been in conflict with Togi Makabe of the Great Bash Heels group, and that since Jado and Gedo are also in that crew, they'd have to stay clear of each other. Also revealed at the press conference was their scheduled opponents would be none other than "Team Wolf" of Masahiro Chono, Hiroyoshi Tenzan and Hiro Saito.

The Complete Players will also reform for the inagural ZERO1 New Year's show "Genesis 2009" where they will face a mix of ZERO1 and New Japan wrestlers who all have similiar root in New Japan, Shinjiro Otani, Tatsuhito Takaiwa and Koji Kanemoto.

Ups and Downs in Korakuen for Beat '08!

November 29th, 2008

The 11/28 ZERO1 Korakuen Hall show "ZERO1 Beat '08" took place yesterday and saw not only the continued occupation of ZERO1 by the WPF but also witnessed the mysterious company gain possession of the NWA Intercontinental Tag Team title belts. Also up for grabs this event was the ZERO1 International Jr. Heavyweight title, which was defended in the Main Event by current champion Ikuto Hidaka versus WPF agent Tyson Dux. The two had met a few days before in a tag match at the "ZERO1 PRE-CIOUS Vol. 2" show in Shin-Kiba 1st Ring. There Hidaka teamed alongside Masato Tanaka to battle in a losing effort versus Tyson and gaijin powerhouse Charles "The Hammer" Evans. That match ended with Dux pinning Hidaka with his Canadian brainbuster for the victory. Following the match and after the WPFs claim it will take over ZERO1, Hidaka swore he would keep the title belt he's held since June of this year.

As the match begin the crowd chanted for Hidaka, causing Tyson to tell them all unceremoniously to "Shut up!" Both wrestlers began by scouting each other, trying to gain an advantage. Soon the two were battling outside where Hidaka used the ring apron to hit a swinging DDT! The crowd continued to chant for Hidaka and Tyson's irritation was visible as he regained the offense with a back suplex. Hidaka then targeted Tyson's left leg, hitting the low kick and his patented "Shawn Capture" hold. Tyson managed to shake him free, however Hidaka doggedly continued his attacked only to be hit by a harsh vertical drop brain buster!

Tyson quickly moved in for the kill sensing Hidaka damaged state. It was the WPF fighter who ended up pinned however when Hidaka cut-back with a Solarina to score the 3 count! And while it was a close run, impactful match that went 16½ minutes, Hidaka managed to hold his International Jr. Heavyweight title to secure his 4th defense. His current NWA International Lightweight Tag Team partner, BattlArts' Munenori Sawa who still wore a bloody bandage on his head from a previous fight.

"Hidaka-san," Sawa began. "I'm going to do an after action interview here. That match appeared to be an uphill battle. How do you feel about it?"

Sawa held the mic towards Hidaka who had a suspicious look on his face, "It was an uphill fight. I was able to win thanks to everybody's help."

"Has the next challenger been decided? Might it be a Japanese wrestler next?" Sawa asked.

"I'd also like to battle gaijin as well," Hidaka answered.

"Hidaka-san, you're my partner. But would you be willing to wager you title belt against me? Please accept my challenge!"

Although Hidaka was somewhat surprised at the challenge, and said it was "unexpected" but was asked in a fair manner. Hidaka then accepted the challenge for the December 17th Shinjuku FACE show "ZERO1 Delight '08."

The semi-main event of the show was the aforementioned NWA Intercontinental Tag Team titles being defended by the Gikyoudai Tag Team of Minoru Fujita and Takuya Sugawara versus the WPF. Mr. Wrestling 3 was teaming with Charles "The Hammer" Evans and stated previous to the match that "current ZERO1 is weak." Fujita and Sugawara had been concerned about the physical size of Charles Evan attacked the gaijin during the National Anthem!

Despite this nefarious beginning, and several combined tag team efforts, the champions were unable to damage the big foreigner as he lariated and shoulder blocked them around the ring! The Champions tried everything, and Fujita managed some offense versus Mr. Wrestling 3 and some cheating was involved. No matter what they tried however the couldn't match to power of the WPF team and Evans pinned Fujita with his "Hammer Time" impact move to score the pinfall under just under 17 minutes. Following the match, the WPF gaijin's did their "Yes, we can!" cheer and Mr. Wrestling 3 swore to once more have a "Gaijin heaven" era like back in the early days of the old ZERO-ONE.

Returning to ZERO1 after a short time off, Ryouji Sai declared on his return that in order to advance farther in the company he needed a singles match versus former Tag team partner Kohei Sato. Kohei accepted the match, saying that is Ryouji feels defeating him is important than that's his problem if he feels he needs to beat him to advance in ZERO1. The met on the 5th match of the card in a bout titled "Beat Out!"

When the bell finally rang, both fighter unleashed their entire arsenals on each other. And that match went back-and-forth as far as who was in control. Late in the match Ryouji got a flurry of offense, including his Nachi's Waterfall diving foot stomps, the Sidmouth and a sit-out power bomb. Kohei was able to whether the storm and came back with some rapid fire German suplexes to finally get the 1-2-3.

After the match Kohei said that even though he had won the victory that, "I saw in Sai's eyes that he will not quite and wants to continue forward." He added that he wants to have a re-match soon.

The 4th match was titled the "Revival of FMW" as it saw the tag participation of four former members of that now-defunct company Frontier Martial-Arts Wrestling. Former alumni Mr. Gannosuke had announced his retirement soon and wanted to face Masato Tanaka in a singles match. Instead a tag match was planned pitting Gannouske teamed with BADBOY Hido versus Tanaka and young BattlArts fighter Munenori Sawa.

Sawa was no prepared for the bloodshed that followed as he was spit open by a chair attack outside the ring, and then Hido carved into his wounded skull with a pair of scissors! The crowd screamed in unison as Sawa fought back and was able to tag out to Tanaka. Tanaka fought back strong, driving elbows and turning the tide for his team. A bloodied Sawa also attacked, hitting his Shining Wizard and trying serval times to lock on the Octopus Hold. Gannosuke was able to turn the tide once more and after a Thunder Fire Powerbomb on Sawa he finished the match with the Gannosuke Clutch for the victory!

Gannosuke grabbed the microphone following the match, and said while he plans to retire within the year, he still wants a singles match versus Tanaka. Tanaka responded that he also wanted to do a singles match, and that it will be at the Shinjuku FACE show on 12/17. Tanaka also thanked Gannosuke for the opportunity to face him and that he looks forward to the match. In the locker room following the match, Gannosuke said "Taking Tanaka's head and resigning is a good souvenir isn't it?"

The 3rd match of the show saw ZERO1 President Shinjiro Otani take on young heavyweight Shito Ueda. Ueda showed no fear against his veteran opponent and boss, confronting him as the outset and attacking before the bell. Otani was able to withstand the initial attack, and hit the young ZERO1 fighter with many of his moves - the big boot, missile dropkick, face wash, spinning heel kick and a German suplex! Ueda tried to fight back using his size but Otani in his 15 year career has seen it all.

Otani quickly returned to offense and unleashed a large beating on Ueda, with multiple Dragon suplex, a crab hold and then a modified camel clutch to win the submission victory. Ueda was very excited after his loss, and approached Otani and slapped him! Otani didn't react however and just stood there with a satisfied look. He told the media that he's happy with the advancement of the young fighters in ZERO1, both Ueda and Saito. He added he remembers the days in New Japan fighting the wrestler that were ten years his senior and now looks back on those matches with nostalgia.

Also on the show, winner of the "Tenka-Ichi Jr. Tournament 2008" Tatsuhito Takaiwa teamed alongside KAMIKAZE to defeat Saito and XWF young fighter Yusaku Obata. The veterans were able to win rather easily and now Takaiwa prepares for his wish from winning the Jr. Tournament in facing New Japan's Yuji Nagata for the World Heavyweight title on 12/17 in Shinjuku FACE.

Also appearing was WPF (World Premium Classic) a blue clad WPF wrestler that resembled the Monster C of the HUSTLE promotion. He took part in a fake-sword type battle versus Osamu Namiguchi. Nami was able to win the match in under 6 minutes.

Yes We Can! WPF Gains Ground!

November 27th, 2008

ZERO1 and the WPF finally faced off once again yesterday in Tokyo's Shin-Kiba 1st Ring at the "ZERO1 PRE-CIOUS Vol. 2" show. The main event saw new WPF agents Charles "The Hammer" Evans and Tyson Dux team together to take on ZERO1 stalwarts Masato Tanaka and Ikuto Hidaka. Evans, at 195cm and 130 kg towered over his Japanese opponents, the size difference being VERY noticeable when facing Hidaka in the match.

As is usual, along with size he also brought power, throwing both Tanaka and Hidaka around the ring displaying his unnatural strength. The WPF fighters showed very solid teamwork as well, with Tyson Dux often entering to take advantage of the damage Evans had wrought. Hidaka and Dux also have a singles match coming up on the 28th for the ZERO1 International Jr. Heavyweight title in Korakuen Hall.

Masato Tanaka however has fought all over the world and seen many different types of opponents. He was able to reign elbows on Evans forcing him to tag in Tyson. Tanaka then tagged in Hidaka and the two future challengers traded maneuvers until Evans once more entered. "The Hammer" physically man-handled Hidaka into the WPF's corner and both he and Tyson attacked him at the same time. The WPF used this technique several times, often looking for the mis-match of Hidaka vs. Evans. Even when Hidaka managed to fell the big gaijin he was easily thrown off by any pinning attempts. And as the ZERO1 fighters attempted to adjust to Evan's power, Tyson would quickly enter and attack with speed, using his twisting brainbuster and snap German suplexes.

Tanaka, witnessing Hidaka's struggles from the ZERO1 corner decided he'd had enough and rushed to the rescue, managing to drop the big man Evans with a hard lariat! Able to tag out to Tyson, Tanaka and Hidaka soon isolated the WPF fighter this time giving themselves a perfect opportunity to gain victory. Tanaka tried with the his Super Fly frog splash to only get 2! And Hidaka then scored his low-altitude dropkick on the leg and a Shawn Capture on Dux but Evans broke it up dropping a massive elbow on him! Evans then continued to pummel Hidaka until he became groggy from the abuse, allowing Tyson to sweep in and hit Hidaka with his Canadian Brainbuster to gain the victory at just under 18 minutes.

The semi-main event saw new ZERO1 US Heavyweight Champion Mr. Wrestling 3 take on challenger KAMIKAZE in a title bout. This title belt was an original negotiating point in the ZERO1 versus WPF feud, with the possibility of trading the ZERO1 US Heavyweight title back to ZERO1 in exchange for the AWA belt that now signifies the current World Heavyweight champion and his currently held by New Japan's Yuji Nagata. In fact once Nagata won the title the WPF announced the only way ZERO1 would get the US Heavyweight title back is by winning it. The WPF's challenge held a special stipulation that challengers for this bout could only be chosen from a list of four: KAMIKAZE, Osamu Namiguchi, Shito Ueda and Yuzuru Saito. The choice was easy as ZERO1 went with the longtime pro wrestling and ZERO1 veteran KAMIKAZE.

And while he once again gave it his best shot and the bout seesawed back and forth between the two fighters for almost 17 minutes, KAMIKAZE lost to Mr. Wrestling 3 who pinned him with the Hido Clutch. Having successfully defended his title, Mr. Wrestling 3 was present during the main event as well and following the WPFs victory in the main event took to the ring and addressed the ZERO1 fans on the microphone.

The three WPF fighters than chanted the new WPF slogan, appropriated from current US President-Elect Barack Obama and mixed with the classic ZERO1 chant:

Following the show, Mr. Wrestling 3, Charles "The Hammer" Evans and Tyson Dux gave brief comments. Seen below (in English) following Masato Tanaka's and Ikuto Hidaka's post-match comments.

WPF Invades ZERO1 Offices!

November 25th, 2008

On the eve of the ZERO1 PRE-CIOUS Vol. 2 show at Shin-Kiba's 1st Ring, the three main members of the WPF invasion appeared suddenly at the ZERO1 offices in Tokyo. These three, Mr. Wrestling 3, Charles "The Hammer" Evans and Tyson Dux will all participate in ucomping title matches and commented on their respective matches.

Mr. Wrestling 3 was surprised at the small size of the ZERO1 offices, wondering how the company could even fit a title belt inside. He also said that he did some research on his challenger for the US Heavyweight title belt, saying he did research on KAMIKAZE and discovered he'd never held any title belt in Japan before.

Large sized fighter, Charles "The Hammer" Evans was also on hand to comment for the first time:

"I had heard that Japanese was a samll country, but I didn't know the people were also so small! I can't tell the adults and the children apart? Is it possible for any industry to not be limited in an environment like this? My job is to take titles belts and return them to the WPF Headquarters. While I have no resentment for any specfiic wrestlers from ZERO1, I'll break them all!

Tomorrow I will face Masato Tanaka in a tag match, I've seen his ability back in the ECW days and I know he's a very accomplished opponent. If Tanaka was smart he'd be ready to jump sides to the WPF and avoid being reduced to poverty."

Jr. class fighter Tyson Dux had earlier commented on his International Jr. Heavyweight title opponent Ikuto Hidaka. He reiterated his previous comments:

"I came to Japan in order to carry out my assigned duty, to seize a championship belt. And although Hidaka is a wrestler who deserves respect, the result of the match on the 28th is unchangeable. I will be the new Champion!"

Fans Choose the MVP and Best Bout 2008!

November 23rd, 2008