crazedfan

Regarding Goto, I'm still booking him as a junior, and he will undoubtedly move up to heavyweight, probably sooner rather than later, but right now he's still a junior. I picture him as being kind of like Yujiro, a border-line heavyweight, enforcer, type.

Results - New Japan, 1/10/07

The first tour of 2007 began with a big main event at Korakuen Hall. Masahiro Chono and Shinsuke Nakamura took on the IWGP Heavyweight champion Hiroshi Tanahashi & one half of the IWGP Tag Team champions Manabu Nakanishi. Fresh off his 2nd title defense, Tanahashi showed a lot of confidence in the match today, taking command in the ring and more than holding his own against Nakamura in their first lead-in until their meeting at 2/18. Tanahashi and Nakanishi showed strong teamwork, staying fresh and rested. Nakamura caught Nakanishi with his Shining Triangle though, and Chono knocked Tanahashi off the ring apron with a Yakuza Kick, Nakamura picked up the big tag team champion and planted him with the Landslide to get the pinfall. Backstage, Nakamura said once he defeats Tanahashi for the IWGP Heavyweight title, he and Chono will turn their attention to the IWGP Tag Team titles so that both heavyweight titles will be in possession of BLACK.

In the semi-main event, former IWGP Provisional Tag Team champions, Togi Makabe & Shiro Koshinaka took on the mentor/student combination, Yuji Nagata & Naofumi Yamamoto. Yamamoto was completely dominated by the top GBH tag team, both men using their experience to their advantage. WEW Heavyweight champion Makabe even hit a vicious lariat with his trademark chain wrapped around his arm. Nagata broke up the pinfall, surely saving the match. Yamamoto, with a new-found energy, cleared the ring of his opponents and in came Nagata, full of fire! Nagata dumped Makabe over the top rope with an exploder suplex, and pinned the veteran Koshinaka with a powerful backdrop hold! Still in the ring, Nagata took the microphone from the ring announcer and sent out a call to Kurt Angle, saying he would go to America and invade TNA if needed to get his victory back.

In a 6 man Fusion (openweight) tag match, Tenzan reprised his tag team from the G1 Tag League with Jushin Thunder Liger, along with Toru Yano to go up against Riki Chosu, Akebono, and Wataru Inoue. Liger vs. Akebono was certainly a sight to see, trapping Liger in a corner and squashing him with a splash. Later, Tenzan came into the match to take charge and pinned Inoue with the TTD.

In the big junior match of the day, Jado, Gedo, Milano Collection AT & Hirooki Goto came out victorious of the junior sekigun comprised of Koji Kanemoto, Tiger Mask, Ryusuke Taguchi & Tetsuya Naito. One of the three men Kanemoto teamed with today could become his partner for his IWGP Jr. Tag Team title challenge on 2/18, although Kanemoto still has more fighters to team with before he makes his final decision.

In the second match today, the New Japan crowd got a taste of the Dragon Gate promotion, as 6 Dragon Gate wrestlers converged on Korakuen Hall in an offer match. This match saw the Blood Generation faction vs. the Muscle Outlawz. This was a fast, compact match, that saw CIMA pin Masato Yoshino. The crowd responded well to the match, and one would imagine that there will be more talent exchange between New Japan and Dragon Gate, as there have already been several interesting match ups, there can undoubtedly be many more.

And in the opener, the junior team of El Samurai & Yujiro defeated the heavyweights, Mitsuhide Hirasawa & Takashi uwano, when Yujiro pinned Hirasawa with a spear.

NJPW, 1/10/07 (WPW)

Tokyo Korakuen Hall

1,500 Fans - No Vacancy

1. El Samurai & Yujiro beat Mitsuhide Hirasawa & Takashi Uwano (7:47) when Yujiro used a spear on Hirasawa.

2. Dragon Gate Offer Match: CIMA , Don Fujii & BxB Hulk beat Naruki Doi , Masato Yoshino & Magnitude Kishiwada (10:29) when CIMA used the Schwein on Yoshino.

3. Jado, Gedo, Milano Collection AT & Hirooki Goto beat Koji Kanemoto, Tiger Mask, Ryusuke Taguchi & Tetsuya Naito (14:51) when Goto used the Jigoku Guruma on Naito.

4. BLACK vs. GBH Special Singles Match: Giant Bernard beat Tomohiro Ishii (9:06) with the Bernard Bomb.

5. Fusion Tag Match: Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Toru Yano, Jushin Thunder Liger beat Riki Chosu, Akebono & Wataru Inoue (12:17) when Tenzan used the TTD on Inoue.

6. Yuji Nagata & Naofumi Yamamoto beat Togi Makabe & Shiro Koshinaka (13:27) when Nagata used a backdrop hold on Koshinaka.

7. Masahiro Chono & Shinsuke Nakamura beat Hiroshi Tanahashi & Manabu Nakanishi (20:41) when Nakamura used the Landslide on Nakanishi.

Second String?!?!?!?! ... I'll take it!

Yes! Sign me up!

Heath Herring was just a piece of shit in there tonight. I'll leave it at that. And that kick by Evans was just plain sick.

2/17 & 2/18 card information, Contract negotiations - 1/9/07

All Japan Pro Wrestling Director Masanobu Fuchi announced today that on the 2/17 Sumo Hall show, Shuji Kondo would be defending the AJPW World Junior Heavyweight title against New Japan Pro Wrestling's IWGP Junior Heavyweight champion, Minoru! These two faced off at the Tokyo Dome on 1/4, with Minoru being victorious in his first defense of the IWGP Junior Heavyweight title. Will Minoru be able to add another junior crown to his collection?

AJPW, 2/17/07 (GAORA TV/PPV)

Tokyo Ryogoku Kokugikan

- AJPW World Jr. Heavyweight Title: Shuji Kondo © vs. Minoru

On the same day, President Simon announced that All Japan President Keiji Mutoh will be at New Japan's 2/18 Sumo Hall show! He will be teaming with 2006 G1 Climax champion Satoshi Kojima, against two opponents that are yet to be determined.

NJPW, 2/18/07 (WPW/PPV)

Tokyo Ryogoku Kokugikan

1. Keiji Mutoh & Satoshi Kojima vs. X & X

2. IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Title: Jado & Gedo © vs. Koji Kanemoto & X

3. IWGP Heavyweight Title: Hiroshi Tanahashi © vs. Shinsuke Nakamura

-

And in just some quick notes, contract talks began today in New Japan, with continuing talks throughout the opening tour of 2007. Former chairman of the wrestlers, Takashi Iizuka, Ryusuke Taguchi, and newly returned Hirooki Goto all signed today.

There is a pretty cool new video of Mirko Cro Cop up at 67.ufc.com which features footage and interviews bits with Dana White and Joe Rogan giving him the proverbial handjob. Get to it by clicking the Mirko Cro Cop tab on that site.

It's a really great video to hype up Mirko's arrival, but no video pumps me for Cro Cop quite like this one http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XF_PrippGn4 . It's a pretty average highlight package all together, but the beginning and end make it great.

You can read it online, and even download an eBook of it at:

http://www.threekingdoms.com/

You should've just won the lottery.

Yeah, I changed a bit of history around for this diary, to also set up for 1/4. Mainly because I really felt Nakamura didn't do anything to earn a title shot in actuality, so with the revised Tokyo Dome show, Nakamura actually did something to warrant it.

Two title matches announced, 1/10-2/28 Cards and fan response - 1/7/07

Both titles matches rumored to be happening at the Sumo Hall on 2/18 will be happening! President Simon announced that the big show will be headlined by an IWGP Heavyweight title bout featuring Hiroshi Tanahashi, and the challenger Shinsuke Nakamura. Also, Koji Kanemoto, after pinning Jado at the Tokyo Dome will receive an IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team title shot, with a partner of his choice. As of this time however, Kanemoto has yet to choose a partner, and has said he will team with all possible candidates on this tour, and make his decision as soon as he feels he has found a suitable candidate. In addition, full cards leading up to the 2/18 Sumo Hall show were released. Among some interesting matches, on 1/10 at Korakuen Hall, there will be a Dragon Gate Offer match, a continuing sign of the friendship between Dragon Gate and New Japan, and on the last date before 2/18, Tanahashi and Nakamura will both have special singles matches, taking on Travis Tomko and Naofumi Yamamoto, respectively, along with a big 10 man tag match between GBH and the New Japan Sekigun. In that match, Mitsuhide Hirasawa receives, really, his first big promotion and match, teaming with Manabu Nakanishi, Takashi Iizuka, and others. Also, Black Strong Machine returns from injury for a couple matches, although this recent injury will likely lower Machine's already low work-load, he's a welcome return. Aside from that, most of the house shows are in fairly small arenas, and there isn't much to comment on, as there aren't any largely significant matches or shows.

NJPW, 1/10/07 (WPW)

Tokyo Korakuen Hall

1. El Samurai & Yujiro vs. Mitsuhide Hirasawa & Takashi Uwano

2. Dragon Gate Offer Match: CIMA , Don Fujii & BxB Hulk vs. Naruki Doi , Masato Yoshino & Magnitude Kishiwada

3. Koji Kanemoto, Tiger Mask, Ryusuke Taguchi & Tetsuya Naito vs. Jado, Gedo, Milano Collection AT & Hirooki Goto

4. BLACK vs. GBH Special Singles Match: Giant Bernard vs. Tomohiro Ishii

5. Fusion Tag Match: Riki Chosu, Akebono & Wataru Inoue vs. Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Toru Yano, Jushin Thunder Liger

6. Yuji Nagata & Naofumi Yamamoto vs. Togi Makabe & Shiro Koshinaka

7. Hiroshi Tanahashi & Manabu Nakanishi vs. Masahiro Chono & Shinsuke Nakamura

NJPW, 1/17/07

Tochigi Prefectural Bunka Center Sub Hall

1. Mitsuhide Hirasawa vs. Tetsuya Naito

2. Tiger Mask & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Hirooki Goto & Prince Devitt

3. Koji Kanemoto, Wataru Inoue, El Samurai & Yujiro vs. Minoru, Jushin Thunder Liger, Jado & Gedo

4. Manabu Nakanishi & Naofumi Yamamoto vs. Togi Makabe & Tomohiro Ishii

5. Masahiro Chono, Travis Tomko & Milano Collection AT vs. Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Shiro Koshinaka & Toru Yano

6. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Yuji Nagata & Takashi Iizuka vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Giant Bernard & Black Strong Machine

NJPW, 1/24/07

Mito Citizen Gymnasium

1. Prince Devitt vs. Mitsuhide Hirasawa

2. Jado, Gedo & Hirooki Goto vs. El Samurai, Ryusuke Taguchi & Yujiro

3. Tiger Mask, Wataru Inoue & Tetsuya Naito vs. Minoru, Jushin Thunder Liger & Milano Collection AT

4. Fusion Tag Match: Akebono & Koji Kanemoto vs. Toru Yano & Tomohiro Ishii

5. Yuji Nagata & Takashi Uwano vs. Travis Tomko & Black Strong Machine

6. Manabu Nakanishi, Riki Chosu & Naofumi Yamamoto vs. Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Togi Makabe & Shiro Koshinaka

7. Hiroshi Tanahashi & Takashi Iizuka vs. Masahiro Chono & Giant Bernard

NJPW, 1/31/07

Osaka Rinkai Sports Center

1. Hirooki Goto vs. Mitsuhide Hirasawa

2. Tiger Mask, Ryusuke Taguchi & Tetsuya Naito vs. Minoru, Jado, & Gedo

3. Takashi Iizuka, Takashi Uwano & Yujiro vs. Shiro Koshinaka, Toru Yano & Tomohiro Ishii

4. Koji Kanemoto & Wataru Inoue vs. Jushin Thunder Liger & Milano Collection AT

5. Riki Chosu & Akebono vs. Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Togi Makabe

6. Hiroshi Tanahashi & Naofumi Yamamoto vs. Giant Bernard & Travis Tomko

7. Yuji Nagata & Manabu Nakanishi vs. Masahiro Chono & Shinsuke Nakamura

NJPW, 2/7/07

Gifu Industrial Hall

1. Mitsuhide Hirasawa vs. Tetsuya Naito

2. Wataru Inoue, El Samurai & Yujiro vs. Jado, Gedo & Prince Devitt

3. Koji Kanemoto, Tiger Mask & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Jushin Thunder Liger, Milano Collection AT & Hirooki Goto

4. Fusion Tag Match: Takashi Iizuka, Takashi Uwano & Wataru Inoue vs. Toru Yano, Tomohiro Ishii & Minoru

5. Manabu Nakanishi & Akebono vs. Masahiro Chono & Giant Bernard

6. Yuji Nagata & Naofumi Yamamoto vs. Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Togi Makabe

7. Hiroshi Tanahashi & Riki Chosu vs. Shinsuke Nakamura & Travis Tomko

NJPW, 2/14/04 (Samurai! TV)

Osaka Central Gymnasium #2

1. Prince Devitt vs. Tetsuya Naito

2. Tiger Mask, El Samurai & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Minoru, Milano Collection AT & Hirooki Goto

3. Koji Kanemoto, Wataru Inoue & Yujiro vs. Jushin Thunder Liger, Jado & Gedo

4. New Japan vs. GBH 10 Man War: Manabu Nakanishi, Takashi Iizuka, Akebono, Takashi Uwano & Mitsuhide Hirasawa vs. Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Togi Makabe, Shiro Koshinaka, Toru Yano & Tomohiro Ishii

5. Yuji Nagata & Riki Chosu vs. Masahiro Chono & Giant Bernard

6. Special Singles Title Match Preparation: Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Naofumi Yamamoto

7. Special Singles Title Match Preparation: Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Travis Tomko

NJPW, 2/18/07 (WPW/PPV)

Tokyo Ryogoku Kokugikan

1. IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Title: Jado & Gedo © vs. Koji Kanemoto & X

2. IWGP Heavyweight Title: Hiroshi Tanahashi © vs. Shinsuke Nakamura

-

And also, in a recent poll on New Japan's official site, njpw.co.jp, people were encouraged to vote for their favorite match from the Tokyo Dome show on 1/4, and here are the results:

1. Nakamura vs. Kawada - 402 votes

2. Tanahashi vs. Kojima - 367 votes

3. Nakanishi & Omori vs. Mutoh & Chono - 321 votes

4. Angle vs. Nagata - 215 votes

5. Minoru vs. Kondo - 172 votes

6. Kea vs. Suzuki - 129 votes

7. Kanemoto, Tiger Mask, Inoue, Hayashi & Michinoku vs. Liger, Jado, Gedo, Goto, Milano - 62 votes

8. Sasaki/Nakajima vs. Chosu/Akebono - 56 votes

9. Tenzan, Makabe, Koshinaka, Yano, Ishii vs. TARU, Suwama, RO'Z, Bernard & YASSHI - 44 votes

10. Iizuka, Yamamoto, Fuchi & Araya vs. Samurai, Taguchi, Yujiro & Naito - 9 votes

I'm in... and as for my favorite letter... I guess J.

Tanahashi and Nakamura speak - 1/5/07

Hiroshi Tanahashi spoke today, just a day removed from his successful V2 defense of the IWGP Heavyweight title against Satoshi Kojima. Tanahashi gave a critique of yesterday's show, saying it was as strong a show as he has ever participated on, and perhaps the most important as well. When asked if his comment last night was a formal challenge to Nakamura, Tanahashi said if the fans want it, he would glady defend the IWGP Heavyweight title against him in the main event at New Japan's big 2/18 Sumo Hall show. Tanahashi was also asked if there was a possibility of defending against an All Japan fighter, since they are running Sumo Hall on 2/17, he said he would prefer to defend the New Japan title against a New Japan fighter, but he said he would very much like to participate on the 2/17 show, to further the friendship between New Japan and All Japan, as both companies are celebrating their 35th anniversaries this year.

Following Tanahashi's interview, Shinsuke Nakamura came out to give his. Nakamura said he overheard Tanahashi's interview, and said he would personally speak to President Simon to ensure he receives the IWGP Heavyweight title shot that he so deserves after defeating Toshiaki Kawada yesterday at the Tokyo Dome. He says he personally does not have a grudge against the President as his mentor Masahiro Chono does, but should he be denied this title shot, he would most assuredly have to reconsider his position. Nakamura also suggested that once he wins the IWGP Heavyweight title, perhaps Tanahashi should venture to America to train and gain weight as he did, to become a true heavyweight much like he has, then maybe Nakamura would give him a rematch.

Results - New Japan, 1/4/07

After exactly one year from the last show, New Japan returned to the Tokyo Dome, and with the upper decks and outfield seating closed, they achieved a sell out, with nearly every seat full. But the question still remains as to whether running the Tokyo Dome is worth it, even if to keep alive a tradition. But that is another discussion for another day, as reports are saying that this show was a big success, certainly what both New Japan and All Japan need, with both companies heading into their 35th years in operation.The show was headlined by the IWGP Heavyweight title bout between Hiroshi Tanahashi and All Japan's ace, Satoshi Kojima, who is a former Triple Crown and IWGP Heavyweight champion. Kojima already holds a pinfall victory over Tanahashi back during in August during the G1 Climax, and Kojima of course went on to win the event, solidifying his title shot. The two started off with a lock up, which resulted in Tanahashi getting thrown to the ground by bigger and stronger Kojima. Tanahashi would not back down though, showing the same fighting spirit he showed in his first title defense against Kojima's old tag partner, Nakanishi. This match actually went in a similar way to that of Tanahashi/Nakanishi. Kojima used his obvious strength advantage to gain the upper hand early, landing rapid, stiff knife edge chops to soften up the champion. Tanahashi though survived pinfall attempts after a Rydeen Bomb, and a Koji Cutter, the crowd starting to get behind him, as he will almost always be the underdog. Kojima sized the young champion up, bounced off the ropes and connected with a thunderous lariat! Tanahashi stood his ground though, as Kojima landed another! A third lariat floored Tanahashi and Kojima went for the cover, Tanahashi again kicked out. It was at this point that Tanahashi started on the comeback trail, using all he could to retain his title. Kojima kicked out of a dragon suplex hold, drawing tremendous applause, while Tanahashi looked on in astonishment. Tanahashi ran at a groggy Kojima and hit the Sling Blade, quickly climbing to the top rope and hit a huge High Fly Flow for the win! Kojima and Tanahashi shook hands, as Tanahashi stood tall before a sold out Tokyo dome. After the match, Kojima talked about how much Tanahashi had grown as champion, even in the short time since the G1, and that he should fight strong to defend his title and represent his company proudly. Tanahashi said that his victory tonight was more important than even the night when he won the IWGP Heavyweight title, as tonight he proved just how strong he is in front of so many people. He talked about how much he has grown and learned, from his debut match, to headlining the Tokyo Dome two years ago, to tonight's victory. When asked about potential future challengers, Tanahashi refused to name anybody... except one, Shinsuke Nakamura.

The other co-main event featured All Japan Pro Wrestling's top prize, the Triple crown. Taiyo Kea, the 2006 winner of the Champion's Carnival, and current Triple Crown champion

wrestled against the brash, unpredictable Minoru Suzuki. A Suzuki win could prove disasterous for both the Triple Crown titles and All Japan, as both have so much history, and

Suzuki is always looking to push the limits. Kea, who has dedicated his reign as Triple Crown champion to Giant Baba, has already defended the title against Toshiaki Kawada and

Keiji Mutoh, is still looking to prove that he will not lay down for anybody. Suzuki, cocky as ever, danced around the ring, slapping Kea whenever he pleased. Kea grew

frustrated and took Suzuki to the mat, something that is normally not advised, but Kea held his own, locking down his opponent. Now it was Suzuki's turn to be frustrated, as his slaps came swifter and with more frequency, while all Kea could do is cover up. It was at this point that Kea erupted, showing a dangerous side to him that had never been seen before. Kea unloaded his whole arsenal of offense, his enzuigiri kick, the Surfing Suplex and H50. None of this was enough to Keep Suzuki down though, as Suzuki kicked out and quickly got up to his feet, locking in the choke sleeper! Kea valiantly fought, getting to the ropes to force a break, and rolled to the floor to catch his breath. Suzuki was content to stay in the ring as the referee began his count. With Kea back in by 10, Suzuki caught him with the choke sleeper again! Kea was quick to counter though, lifting Suzuki up onto his shoulders where he hit the TKO34th to retain the Triple Crown! Backstage, both men were polar opposites, Suzuki visibly angry, and Kea quite content with his performance.

The IWGP Tag Team titles were on the line for the second time in 25 days. This time though, the hot tag team of Wild Child had quite a different challenge with the two

remaining muskateers reuniting! Keiji Mutoh and Masahiro Chono won the titles together twice in their illustrious careers, in 1990 and 1997, and now in 2007, they were looking to win them one last time. As Chono and Mutoh entered, an image of the third muskateer, Shinya Hashimoto appeared on the big screen, drawing an enormous reaction from the fans. Would Chono and Mutoh be able to win for their fallen friend? Manabu Nakanishi and Takao Omori proved though that they be no pushovers, as they stood toe to toe with Mutoh and Chono. Any other night, any other opponents, and Wild Child would likely have the crowd on their side, but not tonight, as calls of 'Mutoh' and 'Chono' echoed throughout the Tokyo Dome. Mutoh and Chono went all out from start to finish, right off the bat Chono hit a Shining Yakuza Kick and Mutoh a Shining Wizard and Wild Child escaped to the floor to talk things over as the crowd went crazy. Things settled down a bit though when the match started again, Mutoh and Chono took control, isolating the Omori from his partner. Mutoh in particular picked apart Omori, using low dropkicks and dragon screws to take out the legs of the big man. Omori was eventually able to hobble over to Nakanishi for the tag after two release dragon suplexes, and that's when all hell broke loose. The referee completely lost control with all four men in the ring, Omori tossed Mutoh out to the floor and he followed, whipping the veteran into the guard rails while Nakanishi and Chono faced off. Nakanishi withstood two Yakuza Kicks before landing a big lariat, and picking up Chono's body and hitting the Hercules Cutter to retain the tag titles. After Wild Child had left the ring, Mutoh and Chono stood on the turnbuckles while Hashimoto's image appeared again, the Tokyo Dome erupting, while together they payed homage. Nakanishi and Omori, with the titles still around their waist told the press that Wild Child would not be held back by inter-promotional politics, and that 2007 would be their year and that they are looking to collect even more titles together, and could not be stopped.

Perhaps one of the most anticipated matches was up, as Kurt Angle, representing the TNA promotion in the United States took on Mr. Saikyo, Yuji Nagata. Both men are quite well known for their past history as successful amateur wrestlers. Nagata represented Japan in 1993 and 1994 in the Asian Championships, placing fifth and fourth respectively, and Angle won the heavyweight freestyle gold medal in the 1996 Olympics. With such a history, it was no surprise that both men spent a lot of time grappling on the mat in this match, putting on an amateur-wrestling showcase. Eventually though the match took a turn towards a more traditional professional wrestling approach, Angle always looking for an opportunity to use his Ankle Lock technique, but Nagata was quick to counter each time. Nagata managed to hit the Thunder Death Driver, targeting Angle's well-documented, oft-injured neck, but Angle managed to slip his foot under the ropes. Nagata came out with more offense, nailing some stiff kicks and a pin attempt with his backdrop hold, but Angle kicked out. Giving up on pin attempts, Nagata decided to take Angle's approach, and went for the now rarely used Nagata Lock I. Angle quickly countered into his own Ankle Lock though! Nagata's attempts to get free of the hold proved futile, as Angle clamped down, grapevining the leg, giving Nagata no choice but to submit. In his post-match interview, Angle said he enjoyed his stay in Japan, and enjoyed wrestling in front of the large appreciative crowd, saying that he would love to return and wrestle in Japan again, hopefully soon. Nagata was less optimistic though, obviously disappointed with his loss, but he said he would avenge this loss, even if it meant travelling to America to do so. It would appear that the New Japan/TNA working agreement is at full-strength, and who knows what could happen in the future as a result.

A true generational clash, with Shinsuke Nakamura facing Toshiaki Kawada, in his first New Japan appearance since the October 2005 Tokyo Dome show, where he suffered a tag team loss with Yoji Anjo to Nakamura and Tanahashi. This Nakamura however, was much different from their past encounters with much added bulk and weight. Nakamura once again proved though, that this added weight does not affect his mobility, as he was just as quick as he was before he left for America. Kawada would be a strong test for Nakamura's first big singles match since returning, and proved to be just that. Despite his past experience with Kawada, Nakamura could still not avoid Kawada's powerful kicks. Nakamura persisted though, enduring the stiff strikes and caught Kawada in a cross armbreaker after an attempted lariat! Kawada fought off the hold though, rolling with the attack, nearly pinning Nakamura in the process. Kawada took this opportunity to use his own submission, the Stretch Plum. Nakamura eventually was able to get his foot onto the bottom rope to force a break. Kawada, sensing the kill, stalked Nakamura as he got to his feet, and shook the ring with his Dangerous Backdrop! Nakamura survived, only to receive a gamengiri for his efforts. Kawada again went for the Stretch Plum, but Nakamura was able to counter the hold by getting to his feet and dropping Kawada with the Landslide, getting the big win! Nakamura said this was just the first of several big victories in his upcoming career since returning from America, and that his next goal was to win the IWGP Heavyweight title. And Kawada had nothing but praise for Nakamura, citing his strength and technical ability, and also that he wants to continue to participate in both All Japan and New Japan.

A big tag match was featured in the very middle of the show, with a mentor and pupil theme. Riki Chosu of course mentored Kensuke Sasaki back in the 90's, and Sasaki even leaving New Japan to be the main fixture of Chosu's short-lived World Japan Pro Wrestling. Now, Kensuke has his own pupil, in the very young, very talented Katsuhiko Nakajima, and Chosu has become a mentor to Akebono, training and preparing him for the world of professional wrestling. Chosu and Akebono have the obvious weight advantage as a team, and used it, beating down the much smaller Nakajima. Nakajima never gave up though, even when face to face with the former sumo wrestler, Akebono, trying to chop down the big tree with kicks, but Akebono brushed them off like they were nothing. One could only sympathize with young Nakajima, as he was crushed in the corner by Akebono, and then abused some more by Chosu, teaching him a lesson or two about pro wrestling. Sasaki intervened to break up pinfalls on a number of times to save his protege. Nakajima was finally able to tag in Sasaki who cleaned the ring of Akebono, leaving just himself and Chosu. Chosu and Sasaki traded lariats, both men refusing to give any ground. Sasaki was the one who finally gained the advantage, flooring Chosu with a giant lariat, securing victory for the Kensuke Office.

In what was almost guaranteed to be a blood bath, this match surprised nobody when it turned violent. With Tenzan's army, GBH, going up against probably the most infamous unit of 2006, the Voodoo Murders, this time accompanied by Giant Bernard, who is no stranger to All Japan. Both teams came to the ring carrying weapons, chairs, chains, anything they could find. Right off the bat, there was chaos, with several members of both teams bleeding with in the first couple of minutes. This turned out to be just a big brawl, all around the Tokyo Dome, only towards the end did the action actually end up in the ring, where Togi Makabe pinned "brother" YASSHI with a chain assisted lariat to get the win for New Japan.

The IWGP Junior Heavyweight title was on the line as champion Minoru took on AJPW World Junior Heavyweight champion, and Voodoo Murders member, Shuji Kondo.. This match was a bit of a styles clash, but has still earned very positive reviews. Minoru is much more focused on his attacks, using quite a technical approach to his matches, while Shuji Kondo is very nearly a heavyweight, in a strong, fast, compact body, using his power to man-handle his opponents. Throughout the match Kondo did man-handle Minoru, but with the encouragement of his fellow CTU members, Minoru survived long enough to dodge a King Kong Lariat, leaping up onto Kondo's shoulders and locking in the Minoru Special, victorious in his first defense.

In a big 10 man junior tag match, Hirooki Goto made his return to New Japan after spending months in Japan, training, and as expected, Goto came back with a new physique. Goto showed off his chiseled body to the Tokyo Dome crowd, as CTU took on a combination of the best junior heavyweights from New Japan and All Japan. Despite CTU existing for over 2 years, their experience as a team was not enough to overcome the combined junior army, Koji Kanemoto pinning one half of the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team champions, Jado. Perhaps a title shot is in order soon for Kanemoto and a partner?

And the opening match to this year's annual Tokyo Dome show was a tag match between 4 heavyweights, and 4 junior heavyweights. The junior heavyweights, a young team headed by the sole veteran, El Samurai, took on an experienced heavyweight team. In the end, the heavyweights won the match, when Takashi Iizuka used his sleeper hold on young lion Tetsuya Naito.

NJPW "WRESTLE KINGDOM IN TOKYO DOME", 1/4/07 (WPW/PPV)

Tokyo Dome

30,000 Fans - Super No Vacancy

1. Heavyweight vs. Junior Fusion Tag: Takashi Iizuka, Naofumi Yamamoto, Masanobu Fuchi & Nobutaka Araya beat El Samurai, Ryusuke Taguchi, Yujiro & Tetsuya Naito (9:12) when Iizuka used a sleeper hold on Naito.

2. Hirooki Goto Return Match: Koji Kanemoto, Tiger Mask, Wataru Inoue, Kaz Hayashi & TAKA Michinoku beat Jushin Thunder Liger, Jado, Gedo, Hirooki Goto & Milano Collection AT (15:47) when Kanemoto used a moonsault press on Jado.

3. IWGP Jr. Heavyweight title: Minoru © beat Shuji Kondo (16:32) with the Minoru Special (1st defense).

4. GBH vs. VM: Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Togi Makabe, Shiro Koshinaka, Toru Yano & Tomohiro Ishii beat TARU, Suwama , RO'Z , Giant Bernard & "brother" YASSHI (13:10) when Makabe used a lariat on YASSHI.

5. Mentor & Pupil Tag Challenge: Kensuke Sasaki & Katsuhiko Nakajima beat Riki Chosu & Akebono (10:56) when Sasaki used a lariat on Chosu.

6. Black Savior vs. Dangerous K: Shinsuke Nakamura beat Toshiaki Kawada (18:41) with the Landslide.

7. New Japan vs. TNA: Kurt Angle beat Yuji Nagata (16:18) with the Ankle Lock.

8. IWGP Tag Team Title: Manabu Nakanishi & Takao Omori © beat Keiji Mutoh & Masahiro Chono (18:03) when Nakanishi used the Hercules Cutter on Chono (2nd defense).

9. Triple Crown: Taiyo Kea © beat Minoru Suzuki (16:09) with the TKO34th (3rd defense).

10. IWGP Heavyweight Title: Hiroshi Tanahashi © beat Satoshi Kojima (21:37) with the High Fly Flow (2nd defense).

-

IWGP Heavyweight Title: Hiroshi Tanahashi (First Reign - 2 Defenses)

- (7/17/06 @ Tsukisamu Green Dome) Hiroshi Tanahashi beat Giant Bernard (17:44) with the Sling Blade to become the 45th champion (Tournament Final).

- (10/9/06 @ Tokyo Ryogoku Kokugikan) Hiroshi Tanahashi beat Manabu Nakanishi (21:45) with the High Fly Flow (1st defense).

- (1/4/07 @ Tokyo Dome) Hiroshi Tanahashi beat Satoshi Kojima (21:37) with the High Fly Flow (2nd defense).

IWGP Tag Team Titles: Manabu Nakanishi & Takao Omori (First Reign - 2 Defenses)

- (9/28/06) Awarded the titles after reigning as the provisional champions to become the 49th champions.

- (12/10/06 @ Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium) Manabu Nakanishi & Takao Omori beat Togi Makabe & Shiro Koshinaka (17:17) when Nakanishi used the Hercules Cutter on Koshinaka (1st defense).

- (1/4/07 @ Tokyo Dome) Manabu Nakanishi & Takao Omori © beat Keiji Mutoh & Masahiro Chono (18:03) when Nakanishi used the Hercules Cutter on Chono (2nd defense).

IWGP Junior Heavyweight Title: Minoru (Fourth Reign - 1 Defense)

- (10/9/06 @ Tokyo Ryogoku Kokugikan) Minoru beat Koji Kanemoto (32:11) with the Minoru Special to become the 51st champion.

- (1/4/07 @ Tokyo Dome) Minoru beat Shuji Kondo (16:32) with the Minoru Special (1st Defense)

July 2006

Simon Inoki's project had failed, and miserably. Two days before his scheduled title defense against Hiroshi Tanahashi, Brock Lesnar was stripped of the IWGP Heavyweight title. Due to "working visa" problems, Lesnar did not attend New Japan's big show at the Tsukisamu Green Dome. It was heavily speculated that after a 10 month reign, and not bringing in new fans or helping business, as Inoki had hoped, that Tanahashi would be the one to defeat the monster gaijin. However, Tanahashi would not have the chance to topple Lesnar, and he would instead go on to win the IWGP Heavyweight title in a 6 man tournament. With the G1 Climax looming, what will the future hold for young Tanahashi? Will he rise to the occasion, or falter in the face of adversity? What impact will the Lesnar incident have on the company? Time will tell.

August 2006

New Japan Pro Wrestling's biggest event of the year was shaping up. The G1 Climax. This year's G1 saw several big matches, and perhaps reassured fans that New Japan would not be damaged from the Brock Lesnar debacle, and would move on, stronger than ever. First, the return of New Japan true-born Satoshi Kojima. He would have run-ins with former Bull Powers tag team partner Manabu Nakanishi, junior legend Jushin 'Thunder' Liger, and newly crowned IWGP Heavyweight champion Hiroshi Tanahashi. As the tournament progressed, it became clearer and clearer that Tanahashi would not be moving on to the Semi-Finals, drawing criticism from the fans that he was not strong enough to be the ace of the company. Instead from Block A, Kojima and Nakanishi moved on, while from Block B, Yuji Nagata and Hiroyoshi Tenzan advanced. The first Semi-Final match saw Nagata advance past Nakanishi, while the second certainly had the most intrigue, as former TenKoji partners squared off. Kojima scored the win over Tenzan, and moved on to the finals, and in perhaps the biggest surprise of the year, actually won the G1 Climax! While a New Japan true-born, Kojima had left for All Japan Pro Wrestling in 2002 along with Kendo Kashin, and Keiji Mutoh, helping to revive the ailing company, and thus becoming the first outsider to ever win the G1. Holding a victory over Tanahashi, and now being the winner of the G1, Kojima certainly is eyeing the IWGP Heavyweight title. During these tumultuous times, the IWGP Tag Team titles may have been overlooked, as new champions Manabu Nakanishi and Takao Omori, better known as Wild Child, took charge of the tag division, winning the provisional tag titles from Togi Makabe and Shiro Koshinaka. Plus, with Shinsuke Nakamura, whom many considered to be the true ace of New Japan despite training in America the past half year, returning soon, the future looked bright for the struggling company.

September 2006

While the month of September went smoothly for the company, the feuds were starting to heat up. Masahiro Chono and Hiroyoshi Tenzan's friendship had broken, and the two came to blows, erupting in a tag team match. This set up their eventual one on one match, with Tenzan emerging victorious, declaring Chono old and broken, while claiming he would soon be starting his own faction. Chono had an ace up his sleeve though, as it was found out that the newly returning Shinsuke Nakamura would be joining forces with him! Nakamura put his newly formed physique on display, and showed his strength, saying that he is the true ace of New Japan. There's no telling what kind of havoc Chono could wreak with the 'Black Savior' Nakamura on his side. Nakamura was quick to state however, that he would not be Chono's lapdog, like Tenzan was, and is heading straight for the IWGP Heavyweight title held by his former friend and tag team partner, Hiroshi Tanahashi.

October 2006

On the first day of October, Hiroyoshi Tenzan revealed his new army. Named GBH, Great Bash Heel, former IWGP Provisional Tag Team champions Togi Makabe and Shiro Koshinaka had joined Tenzan. Later that month, the new young tag team of Toru Yano and Tomohiro Ishii would also join, giving Tenzan perhaps the strongest army, with Chono's still uncertain. Meanwhile, Tanahashi has still been struggling for acceptance among New Japan fans. Tanahashi proved how strong he can be though, in his first title defense of the IWGP Heavyweight title against the man who pinned him during the G1 Climax, Manabu Nakanishi. Nakanishi however was unable to defeat Tanahashi, and unable to become a two-crown champion, as Tanahashi fought his heart out, avenging the earlier loss. In his return match, Shinsuke Nakamura proved just how strong he was, teaming with Chono, he pinned Riki Chosu with his new finisher, the Landslide, a wrist-clutch fireman's carry, into a vertical drop. And also on the same show, Best of Super Juniors champion, Minoru defeated Koji Kanemoto to become the new IWGP Junior Heavyweight champion. In a match going over 30 minutes, Minoru won with his Minoru Special. October also saw the return of the G1 Tag League which had been absent the past two years. The newly comprised team of Chono and Nakamura were victorious in convincing fashion, and have, in all likelihood, earned an IWGP Tag Team title shot, it is just a matter of time as to when they receive it.

November 2006

There had been speculation all year long whether New Japan Pro Wrestling would run their annual show at the Tokyo Dome in 2007. With the company undoubtedly not as strong as it had been in the past, the Dome show of 2007 was in jeopardy. But as President Taniguchi of Yuke's, President Simon of New Japan, and President Keiji Mutoh of All Japan stood in the middle of the Tokyo Dome, it was revealed that there would indeed be a show held on January 4, 2007 at the Tokyo Dome. All Japan Pro Wrestling had pledged full support to New Japan, as both companies would be celebrating their 35th Anniversaries next year. The first matches of the dream card were announced, with Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Satoshi Kojima for the IWGP Heavyweight title most likely headlining. Soon after, a Triple Crown match between champion Taiyo Kea and Minoru Suzuki, along with Mutoh and Chono reuniting in one last effort to win the IWGP Tag Team titles.

December 2006

As the last month of the year rolled around, the full card for the Tokyo Dome Show was released. Along with the matches already made, Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Toshiaki Kawada, representing All Japan one last time, and Yuji Nagata vs. Kurt Angle were added, among several others. Ticket sales were not immediately impressive, but were out-doing recent Dome shows. While New Japan shows are often bolstered by ticket sales the day of the event, one can only wonder just exactly what the actual paid attendance would be of the huge Tokyo Dome, versus the claimed attendance, even with the outfield and 2nd and 3rd levels closed.

NJPW "WRESTLE KINGDOM IN TOKYO DOME", 1/4/07 (WPW/PPV)

Tokyo Dome

1. Heavyweight vs. Junior Fusion Tag: Takashi Iizuka, Naofumi Yamamoto, Masanobu Fuchi & Nobutaka Araya vs. El Samurai, Ryusuke Taguchi, Yujiro & Tetsuya Naito

2. Hirooki Goto Return Match: Jushin Thunder Liger, Jado, Gedo, Hirooki Goto & Milano Collection AT vs. Koji Kanemoto, Tiger Mask, Wataru Inoue, Kaz Hayashi & TAKA Michinoku

3. IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title: Minoru © vs. Shuji Kondo

4. GBH vs. VM: Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Togi Makabe, Shiro Koshinaka, Toru Yano & Tomohiro Ishii vs. TARU, Suwama , RO'Z , Giant Bernard & "brother" YASSHI

5. Mentor & Pupil Tag Challenge: Riki Chosu & Akebono vs. Kensuke Sasaki & Katsuhiko Nakajima

6. Black Savior vs. Dangerous K: Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Toshiaki Kawada

7. New Japan vs. TNA: Yuji Nagata vs. Kurt Angle

8. IWGP Tag Team Titles: Manabu Nakanishi & Takao Omori © vs. Keiji Mutoh & Masahiro Chono

9. Triple Crown: Taiyo Kea © vs. Minoru Suzuki

10. IWGP Heavyweight Title: Hiroshi Tanahashi © vs. Satoshi Kojima

Shin Nihon Puroresu - New Japan Pro Wrestling

Champions

IWGP Heavyweight Title: Hiroshi Tanahashi (First Reign - 1 Defense)

- (7/17/06 @ Tsukisamu Green Dome) Hiroshi Tanahashi beat Giant Bernard (17:44) with the Sling Blade to become the 45th champion (Tournament Final).

- (10/9/06 @ Tokyo Ryogoku Kokugikan) Hiroshi Tanahashi beat Manabu Nakanishi (21:45) with the High Fly Flow (1st defense).

IWGP Tag Team Titles: Manabu Nakanishi & Takao Omori (First Reign - 1 Defense)

- (9/28/06) Awarded the titles after reigning as the provisional champions to become the 49th champions.

- (12/10/06 @ Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium) Manabu Nakanishi & Takao Omori beat Togi Makabe & Shiro Koshinaka (17:17) when Nakanishi used the Hercules Cutter on Koshinaka (1st defense).

IWGP Junior Heavyweight Title: Minoru (Fourth Reign - 0 Defenses)

- (10/9/06 @ Tokyo Ryogoku Kokugikan) Minoru beat Koji Kanemoto (32:11) with the Minoru Special to become the 51st champion.

IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Titles: Jado & Gedo (Fourth Reign - 1 Defense)

- (7/8/06 @ Twin Messe Shizuoka) Jado & Gedo beat El Samurai & Ryusuke Taguchi (30:04) when Jado used the Crossface of JADO on Samurai.

- (12/10/06 @ Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium - Mexican Rules) Jado & Gedo beat Negro Casas & El Texano Jr. (14:19). Jado used the Crossface of JADO on Texano (8:40). Gedo used the Gedo Clutch on Casas (14:19) (1st defense).

IWGP U-30 Openweight Title: Vacant

Roster

New Japan Sekigun

Hiroshi Tanahashi

Yuji Nagata

Manabu Nakanishi

Riki Chosu

Takashi Iizuka

Akebono

Naofumi Yamamoto

Takashi Uwano

Mitsuhide Hirasawa

BLACK

Masahiro Chono

Shinsuke Nakamura

Giant Bernard

Travis Tomko

Black Strong Machine

Milano Collection AT

Great Bash Heel (GBH)

Hiroyoshi Tenzan

Togi Makabe

Shiro Koshinaka

Toru Yano

Tomohiro Ishii

New Japan Junior Sekigun

Koji Kanemoto

Tiger Mask

Wataru Inoue

Ryusuke Taguchi

El Samurai

Yujiro

Tetsuya Naito

Control Terrorism Unit (CTU)

Jushin Thunder Liger

Minoru

Jado

Gedo

Hirooki Goto

Prince Devitt

So many mafias! Sign me up for this one as well.

Sign me up.

Hell yes, sign me up.

I'm definitely in.

Fickett vs. Parisyan was an excellent fight. And I'm so glad that Diego just absolutely dominated Riggs. That knee was fucking brutal.

Little Miss Sunshine, for the huge win.

Agreed, Jack is the new best character! "My mommy had an abortion! My mommy had an abortion!"

I'll join.

I saw Trans-Siberian Orchestra Friday night?