Wrestle Association "R"

[Agahnim Demen]

8th December 2005

K-Dojo star and Wrestle Association "R" junior Kengo Mashimo expressed his desire to challenge for the WAR International Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Titles. Mashimo claimed that he was finally beginning to feel comfortable in WAR, and felt confident that alongside popular BJW star Ryuji Ito, he would have whatit takes to defeat The Revolution Brothers and take the titles from them. He stated that The Revolution Brothers were a very poor team to represent WAR, claiming that they rely solely on underhanded tactics to help them achieve victory. He requested that President Takei allow them a junior tag match in Ishikawa on 14/12 to prepare them for a shot at the titles that he would like to take place in Kumamoto on 21/12.

Nobutaka Araya and Nobukazu Hirai were seen training rigorously in the WAR Dojo today, bent on defeating Manabu Nakanishi and Yuji Nagata in Ishikawa on 14/12. Araya and Hirai said that ever since they lost the respect of their old mentor Genichiro Tenryu it had been difficult for them to succeed in Wrestle Association "R", but felt that now they have the key to winning that respect back. In the WAR against New Japan, Wrestle Association "R" is already down two victories to none, and Araya said that he could think of no better way to prove their worth than defeat one of the most formidable teams New Japan Pro Wrestling has seen in the last half decade. Hirai stated that there were many weaknesses to exploit in Nagata and moreso Nakanishi; and that these would be the path to victory.

9th December 2005

Minoru Suzuki spoke with reporters today on his way out of the WAR Dojo, and demanded that he receive a singles match against Masaaki Satake, who he was defeated by in the recent six man tag where Kazuyuki Fujita walked out on TEAM NO FEAR! 2005. Suzuki stated that once he had avenged the shame that had came upon TEAM NO FEAR! because of this, he would head straight for Kazuyuki Fujita; who he branded feeble minded and treacherous.

Edited November 16, 2005 by Ganon Dun

[Agahnim Demen]

10th December 2005

Wrestle Association "R" President Masatomo Takei held a press conference today alongside Kazuyuki Fujita. Fujita told reporters that on 21/12 he was scheduled to face Kensuke Sasaki and Shiro Koshinaka in a tag match, and that he was to choose his own partner for this match. He continued, stating that within WAR there are few who can wrestle at his level, and his pace. As such, he requests that Shinsuke Nakamura be his partner for the tag match in Kumamoto Gran Messe. Takei told press that Fujita had his full backing in this request, stating that the acquisition of Nakamura would only be good for the event. They now await the response of Simon Inoki on this matter.

Shinsuke Nakamura was once seen as the future of New Japan Pro Wrestling, nicknamed the "Super Rookie", with potential to be the ace of the promotion in time. He was loved by the fans, but eventually proved that he only acted up to the fans in order to gain popularity and success. After losing the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Titles, Nakamura turned on long time friend and partner Hiroshi Tanahashi in a bloody scene that will not soon be forgotten. Taking over leadership of Team JAPAN through recommendation of Antonio Inoki since the departure of former leader LYOTO from the Inoki Office, Nakamura has shown a new vicious streak, but struggles to maintain the confidence of Nagata and Nakanishi where his leadership is concerned.

President Takei revealed the full card for the upcoming Ishikawa 14/12 show, and how the 21/12 Kumamoto show was looking so far.

WAR CHAMPION OF R SERIES 2005

Ishikawa Industrial Exhibition Hall #3

14/12/05

1. Sasuke The Great & Dragon Kid vs. Kengo Mashimo & Ryuji Ito

2. Masaaki Mochizuki & Susumu Yokosuka vs. Taiji Ishimori & Super Shisa

3. Masato Yoshino vs. Takuya Sugawara

4. Nobuhiko Takada & Masaaki Satake vs. Tatsutoshi Goto & Masashi Aoyagi

5. Manabu Nakanishi & Yuji Nagata vs. Nobutaka Araya & Nobukazu Hirai

6. Kensuke Sasaki, Jinsei Shinzaki & Milano Collection AT vs. Kazuyuki Fujita, Andrei Arlovski & Jushin Thunder Liger

WAR CHAMPION OF R FINALE 2005

Kumamoto Gran Messe

21/12/05

1. Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Shigeo Okumura

2. Toru Yano vs. Jinsei Shinzaki

3. Masaaki Satake vs. Minoru Suzuki

4. WAR International Junior Heavyweight Title: Milano Collection AT © vs. Jushin Thunder Liger

5. Kensuke Sasaki & Shiro Koshinaka vs. Kazuyuki Fujita & X

Edited November 20, 2005 by Ganon Dun

[Agahnim Demen]

WAR CHAMPION OF R SERIES 2005 14/12/05

Dragon Kid shows the influence of his partner as of late Sasuke The Great, as they both come to the ring with cigars in their mouths; slouching down at the corners of the ring as they enter. Mashimo and Ito show little patience for these antics however, going straight on the offensive. Sasuke shows his experience advantage however, and manages to quickly isolate Ito and slow down the pace of the match. Ryuji shows great resilience however, managing to tag in a very intense and focused Mashimo, who overwhelms Sasuke, forcing him to tag in Dragon Kid. Dragon Kid shows great intensity, but is caught off guard by the sharp kicks of Mashimo that eventually give him the victory over the smaller opponent.

Masaaki Mochizuki teams up with long time Dragon Gate partner and rival Susumu Yokosuka in the second junior tag match of the evening, as they take on Taiji Ishimori and Super Shisa. Ishimori and Shisa maintain a very exciting and fast pace throughout the match, but Mocihizku shows great focus and determination, finishing off Ishimori decisively with the Twister.

A man who has been the regular partner of Susumu Yokosuka in WAR recently, Takuya Sugawara, takes on one third of the Do FIXER group, in Masato Yoshino. Magnum TOKYO and Darkness Dragon accompany Yoshino, whereas Yokosuka accompanies Sugawara. Yoshino and Sugawara show good chemistry in the ring and provide a very entertaining fast paced encounter that eventually sees Yoshino come out on top, much to the dismay of both Sugawara and Yokosuka. After the match, Magnum TOKYO spoke to reporters about the current state of Do FIXER, claiming that he would like to see Darkness Dragon and Yoshino team up and try and bring the International Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Titles to Do FIXER, whereas he would like to try and take the International Junior Heavyweight Title from Milano Collection AT, or whoever the champion may be after next week.

Team Takada takes on Heisei Ishingun in the first heavyweight bout of the evening, as Nobuhiko Takada teams up with Masaaki Satake to take on Tatsutoshi Goto and Masashi Aoyagi. Aoyagi seemed eager to test himself against Takada and Satake, and showed great skill and tenacity. This wouldn't be enough to give the Heisei Ishingun team the win in this bout however, as Satake hits a spinning back hand on Aoyagi for the win. Takada told reporters backstage that he would like to challenge for the WAR Six Man Tag Team Titles again with Team Takada before he decides to take a lighter schedule of wrestling.

Team JAPAN makes its presence known in WAR, as Manabu Nakanishi, Yuji Nagata and Yujiro Takahashi come to the ring waving New Japan Pro Wrestling flags. Nobutaka Araya and Nobukazu Hirai appear very focused and prepared upon entry, showing no signs of intimidation from Team JAPAN. Araya shows great strength and spirit, attacking Nakanishi and Nagata with hard strikes and lariats; whereas Hirai tries to put his plan into effect of looking for the weak spot in the opposition, working on the arms and legs of Nakanishi. Their efforts eventually turn out to be in vein however, as Nakanishi still manages to overpower both men and finishes off Araya with the Hercules Cutter.

In a big six man main event, 'Mr. J-1' Kensuke Sasaki teams up with Heisei Ishingun's Jinsei Shinzaki and the current WAR International Junior Heavyweight Champion, Milano Collection AT. They face the challenger for Kensuke Sasaki's title, representing Inoki Office, Kazuyuki Fujita, former UFC Heavyweight Champion Andrei Arlovski and the challenger for Milano Collection AT's title, Jushin Thunder Liger. A very exciting, physical encounter ensues between all six men, with Fujita and Arlovski isolating Kensuke for their own personal reasons, and Liger looking to weaken the junior champion. As Arlovski locks Kensuke in the Achilles Hold, two men slide into the ring, as another New Japan invasion force makes its presence felt! Josh Barnett alongside the current IWGP Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar quickly take out Arlovski with a leg sweep/STO combination before just as quickly making their escape! Sasaki takes advantage of the confusion, hitting the Northern Lights Bomb on Liger to pick up the win for his team. Afterwards, Kensuke berates the New Japan Pro Wrestling representatives for their poor sportsmanship and underhanded tactics, and promises that WAR will have its vengeance.

WAR CHAMPION OF R SERIES 2005, 14/12/05

Ishikawa Industrial Exhibition Hall #3

3,800 Fans - Super No Vacancy

1. Kengo Mashimo & Ryuji Ito defeated Sasuke The Great & Dragon Kid when Mashimo used a Kick Rush on Dragon Kid. (08:40)

2. Masaaki Mochizuki & Susumu Yokosuka defeated Taiji Ishimori & Super Shisa when Mochizuki used the Twister on Ishimori. (10:42)

3. Masato Yoshino defeated Takuya Sugawara by submission with the Sol Naciente. (08:38)

4. Nobuhiko Takada & Masaaki Satake defeated Tatsutoshi Goto & Masashi Aoyagi when Satake hit a Spinning Back Hand on Goto. (13:38)

5. Manabu Nakanishi & Yuji Nagata defeated Nobutaka Araya & Nobukazu Hirai when Nakanishi used the Hercules Cutter on Araya. (09:49)

6. Kensuke Sasaki, Jinsei Shinzaki & Milano Collection AT defeated Kazuyuki Fujita, Andrei Arlovski & Jushin Thunder Liger when Sasaki used the Northern Lights Bomb on Liger. (23:33)

[Agahnim Demen]

16th December 2005

A huge joint press conference took place today, with representatives from both New Japan Pro Wrestling and Wrestle Association "R". WAR President Masatomo Takei resided, alongside Japan J-1 Heavyweight Champion Kensuke Sasaki; and NJPW President Simon Inoki resided alongside Tatsumi Fujinami.

Simon Inoki confirmed that at the WAR Kumamoto Gran Messe show on 21/12, Shinsuke Nakamura would partner up with Kazuyuki Fujita to take on Kensuke Sasaki and Shiro Koshinaka; promising that Nakamura would bring fire to WAR the likes the promotion will never have seen before.

President Takei revealed that after some discussion with President Inoki, a few matches had been agreed upon for the WAR vs. NJPW Tokyo Nightmare event on 28/12. The Japan J-1 Heavyweight Title match was still set; Kensuke Sasaki would defend his title against Kazuyuki Fujita, who would not actually be representing NJPW, but the Inoki Office of Antonio Inoki; as opposed to being a regular member of the WAR roster as he was before hand.

Revolution Army members Genichiro Tenryu and Riki Choshu would face Black New Japan representatives Tatsumi Fujinami and Masahiro Chono. Fujinami expressed that he was eager to get revenge on Tenryu for how he was treated during his tenure in WAR, and avenge all losses to Tenryu. Simon Inoki revealed that regardless of the outcome of this match, Genichiro Tenryu would face Tatsumi Fujinami in a singles bout at the NJPW 4/1 Tokyo Dome show.

President Takei claimed that the next big match for the event was originally going to be Andrei Arlovski vs. Josh Barnett in a shoot fight environment, but after some discussion and negotiation it has been changed to a huge tag team match; former UFC Heavyweight Champion Andrei Arlovski would team with former WWE World Heavyweight Champion Bill Goldberg to take on former UFC Heavyweight Champion Josh Barnett and IWGP Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar! In a follow up bout, Andrei Arlovski will face Shinsuke Nakamura at the 4/1 Tokyo Dome show!

In all out stable warfare, Team JAPAN would take on Heisei Ishingun in an eight man elimination match! Shinsuke Nakamura, Manabu Nakanishi, Yuji Nagata and Yujiro Takahashi would battle Shiro Koshinaka, Jinsei Shinzaki, Tatsutoshi Goto and Masashi Aoyagi to prove who is the number one faction in Japan!

In a big junior match, WAR International Junior Heavyweight Champion Milano Collection AT would take on former IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion Tiger Mask IV, as two of the strongest juniors of either promotion face off for supremecy.

Masatomo Takei claimed that more matches for the event would be revealed in the coming days before the event, but in the mean time revealed the full card for the big Kumamoto Gran Messe show, where Milano Collection AT would defend his International Junior Heavyweight Title from Jushin Thunder Liger (who has been neutral to the war, not representing NJPW or WAR). Takei stated that he recently spoke with Kengo Mashimo and Ryuji Ito and granted them their shot at the Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Titles in Kumamoto. This is how the Kumamoto, and two Tokyo Dome shows look;

WAR CHAMPION OF R FINALE 2005

Kumamoto Gran Messe

21/12/05

1. Masaaki Mochizuki, Susumu Yokosuka & Takuya Sugawara vs. Magnum TOKYO, Darkness Dragon & Masato Yoshino

2. WAR International Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Title: Raimu Mishima & Takamichi Iwasa (The Revolution Brothers) © vs. Kengo Mashimo & Ryuji Ito

3. Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Shigeo Okumura

4. Toru Yano vs. Jinsei Shinzaki

5. Masaaki Satake vs. Minoru Suzuki

6. WAR International Junior Heavyweight Title: Milano Collection AT © vs. Jushin Thunder Liger

7. Kensuke Sasaki & Shiro Koshinaka vs. Kazuyuki Fujita & Shinsuke Nakamura

WAR vs. NJPW: TOKYO NIGHTMARE 2005

Tokyo Dome

28/12/05

1. Milano Collection AT vs. Tiger Mask

2. Heisei Ishingun vs. Team JAPAN Elimination Match: Shiro Koshinaka, Jinsei Shinzaki, Tatsutoshi Goto & Masashi Aoyagi vs. Shinsuke Nakamura , Manabu Nakanishi , Yuji Nagata & Yujiro Takahashi

3. Genichiro Tenryu & Riki Choshu vs. Tatsumi Fujinami & Masahiro Chono

4. Andrei Arlovski & Bill Goldberg vs. Brock Lesnar & Josh Barnett

5. Japan J-1 Heavyweight Title: Kensuke Sasaki © vs. Kazuyuki Fujita

NJPW GREAT FUTURE 2005

Tokyo Dome

04/01/06

1. IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Title: Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Hiroshi Nagao © vs. Takao Omori & Yuto Miyamoto

2. Koji Kanemoto vs. Shinjiro Otani

3. Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Kohei Sato

4. Tatsumi Fujinami vs. Genichiro Tenryu

5. Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Andrei Arlovski

6. IWGP Heavyweight Title: Brock Lesnar © vs. Manabu Nakanishi

Edited November 30, 2005 by Ganon Dun

[Agahnim Demen]

WAR CHAMPION OF R FINALE 2005 21/12/05

The Do FIXER group opened the event, as Magnum TOKYO, Darkness Dragon and Masato Yoshino performed their signature dance routine upon entry. Mochizuki, Yokosuka and Sugawara wasted no time, going immediately on the offensive straight from the bell. Yokosuka looked to upset Magnum TOKYO, hitting the Jumbo No Kachi! after TOKYO took a shot from a blue box by Mochizuki, but it wasn't enough to keep the experienced junior down. TOKYO sought vengeance and found it, picking up the win for his team using the Egoist Driver on Yokosuka. After the match, Magnum TOKYO noted improvement from both Yokosuka and Sugawara and requested that he face Mochizuki in a singles match to determine the next challenger for the International Junior Heavyweight Title.

The International Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Title was on the line in the second match of the night, as The Revolution Brothers, Raimu Mishima and Takamichi Iwasa, look to defend their titles from Kengo Mashimo (who is making his second challenge for these titles, last time against TOKYO and K-Ness alongside Super Shisa on 18/05 in Osaka) and Ryuji Ito (who is making his first challenge for any title in WAR). Mashimo and Ito work well together, but still seem to struggle when faced with the underhanded antics of their opposition. Mishima and Iwasa take every opportunity and advantage they can, distracting the official to attack their opponents with double teams, shots below the belt and various weapons. The onslaught eventually takes its toll, and Ito falls victim to a Powerbomb Pin after a hard chair shot to give The Revolution Brothers their first defence of the International Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Titles.

The first of three NJPW participants makes his presence felt, as Hiroshi Tanahashi makes his way to the ring accompanied by fellow NJPW representative Ryusuke Taguchi. Shigeo Okumura puts up an impressive performance, and shows great determination in making up for being the second person to give away a win to NJPW in this war. However, Okumura finds himself becoming the fourth victim of this winning streak from the NJPW side, as Tanahashi shows excellent agility and strength, taking down Okumura with the Sling Blade. Okumura promised reporters backstage that 2006 would be a fresh new year for him, where he intends to revitalise his career and focus himself like never before.

The second NJPW apperance of the night is the return of Toru Yano, who once again shows little respect for those in attendance, spitting sake over them and threatening to attack some with his bamboo umbrella. Jinsei Shinzaki takes great exception to these actions, and quickly intercepts his opponent and begins dictating the pace of the match. Yano battles back, managing to knock Shinzaki off of his balance and score a number of big moves. Showing great resiliance however, Jinsei keeps attacking, and manages to dominate the match once more, so much so that Yano reaches for his umbrella and tries to attack Shinzaki with it. Jinsei just manages to dodge the attempted attack, and lands a kick to the gut of Yano; following up with the Nenbutsu Powerbomb to get the first Wrestle Association "R" victory in the war on NJPW! Yano appears irrate and quickly makes his exit, whereas Shinzaki rallies the crowd and gets a "W-A-R!" chant going.

TEAM NO FEAR! member Minoru Suzuki looks to avenge his recent loss to Team Takada representative, Masaaki Satake. Suzuki brings great tenacity and energy to the match, seemingly fueled by his anger at his recent loss and at the recent actions of ex-TEAM NO FEAR! 2005 member, Kazuyuki Fujita. This anger seems to make Suzuki lose his focus however, as Satake hits a number of spinning back hands that knock Suzuki down for the three count. Backstage afterwards, Masaaki Satake stated that he came out of retirement for a reason, and that he would grasp 2006 as his year.

The second last match of the night sees the International Junior Heavyweight Champion Milano Collection AT look to make his first successful defence of the title against junior legend Jushin Thunder Liger. Both men put on a stellar performance, showing the strength and ability of the WAR junior division. Milano and Liger first met in the NJPW Best of Super Juniors Tournament earlier this year, where Milano lost to Liger in part due to interference from Liger's CTU associates. In their second meeting on WAR territory, the match came to a DQ finish, due to interference from former Nuovo Italian Connection member Masaaki Mochizuki. Both men were alone on this occassion, as both men would truly be put to the test. Liger shows why is is often referred to as the junior legend, dominating the majority of the bout with intelligent ground work, many hard strikes and powerful moves. Milano manages to occassionaly surprise Liger, taking him off of his game using the Llave style Milano is famous for performing so well, and hitting a number of sharp strikes and quick moves of his own. Liger lifts Milano up for a Sheer Drop Brainuster just after the twenty minute mark, but Milano shows great balance and flexibility, spinning himself around Liger's body and trapping him in Italian Strech #32. Jushin Liger tries to make his way to the ropes, but can't find the strength to do so; Milano makes his first defence of the International Junior Heavyweight Title as he gets a verbal tap out from junior legend Jushin Thunder Liger.

'Mr. J-1' Kensuke Sasaki makes his way to ringside with wife Akira Hokuto just after Heisei Ishingun leader Shiro Koshinaka leads the charge. Fujita comes to the ring looking very intense and focused, and is then followed by the leader of Team JAPAN, 'Dark Soul' Shinsuke Nakamura. Nakamura circles the ring before entry, and has a confrontation with 'Dangerous Queen' Akira Hokuto; the two have a brief argument, but both eventually start to walk away from one another. As they both turn their backs on one another however, Nakamura quickly spins about and delivers a roundhouse kick to the side of her head, knocking her straight down to the ground. Kensuke Sasaki, enraged by this, quickles intercepts a Nakamura, as he stands laughing over Hokuto. Kensuke and Nakamura battle about the outside of the ring, Sasaki quickly bloodying Nakamura after a number of hard chair shots, and shots with the ring post. Inside the ring, Kazuyuki Fujita quickly takes advantage of the distraction, attacking Koshinaka from behind and trying to choke him out. Noticing this however, Kensuke returns to the ring and the match continues as a normal tag match; Sasaki obviously distracted however, as he tries to help medical staff help his wife get backstage. Shinsuke Nakamura constantly avoids Sasaki in the ring, always tagging in Kazuyuki Fujita who is eager to face the man he will challenge for the Japan J-1 Title in the Tokyo Dome a week from today. Kensuke shows great strength however, and overwhelms Fujita, forcing him to tag in Nakamura. Shiro Koshinaka intercepts Fujita and stops Nakamura from being able to tag out, by dragging Fujita to the outside and attacking him there. Shinsuke Nakamura slides out of the ring and begins walking up the ramp and towards the exit, but is intercepted by Akira Hokuto with a bandage around her head and with cane in hand. She attacks Nakamura with her cane and rolls him back in the ring, where Kensuke doesn't hesitate to throw Nakamura around. After the twenty five minute mark, Kensuke Sasaki and Shinsuke Nakamura are battling on the outside, with Fujita and Koshinaka inside as the legal men. Koshinaka hits a powerbomb on Fujita, and goes to follow up with a Hip Attack from the top turnbuckle, but Fujita catches him and hits a powerbomb variation and goes for the cover. Kensuke tries to intervene, but is held back by Nakamura as Fujita picks up the victory. Kensuke told press that he would avenge this loss, and all previous losses to Kazuyuki Fujita in the Tokyo Dome next week; having a poor win/loss record in the past against him. He stresses however that Fujita has never faced 'Mr. J-1'. Sasaki adds that even though NJPW is planning on putting a national isolation policy into effect next year, he needs to face Shinsuke Nakamura and finish what started here tonight.

WAR CHAMPION OF R FINALE 2005, 21/12/05

Kumamoto Gran Messe

6,800 Fans - No Vacancy

1. Magnum TOKYO, Darkness Dragon & Masato Yoshino defeated Masaaki Mochizuki, Susumu Yokosuka & Takuya Sugawara when TOKYO used the Egoist Driver on Yokosuka. (13:33)

2. WAR International Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Title: Raimu Mishima & Takamichi Iwasa (The Revolution Brothers) © defeated Kengo Mashimo & Ryuji Ito when Mishima used a Powerbomb Pin on Ito. (V1) (12:56)

3. Hiroshi Tanahashi defeated Shigeo Okumura with the Sling Blade. (07:49)

4. Jinsei Shinzaki defeated Toru Yano with the Nenbutsu Powerbomb. (08:34)

5. Masaaki Satake defeated Minoru Suzuki with a Spinning Back Hand. (11:36)

6. WAR International Junior Heavyweight Title: Milano Collection AT © defeated Jushin Thunder Liger by submission with the Italian Stretch #32. (V1) (20:48)

7. Kazuyuki Fujita & Shinsuke Nakamura defeated Kensuke Sasaki & Shiro Koshinaka when Fujita used a Powerbomb on Shiro Koshinaka. (27:48)

[Agahnim Demen]

22nd December 2005

Two seperate press conference weres held at different times throughout today, as President Takei and President Inoki revealed the last of the NJPW vs. WAR matches.

New Japan Pro Wrestling President Simon Inoki was disappointed that his hometown theme has not been coming together as well as he thought it would, but feels that the 'Great Future' theme is important and will be a catalyst for a brighter New Japan. After a recent discussion President Inoki claimed to have with WAR officials, he said that after this WAR/NJPW war both promotions would go their seperate way and on a national isolation plan. He admitted that in its current state, New Japan is perhaps not actually ready to wage a full scale, full length war against WAR and ZERO-ONE MAX at the same time, and that the focus in 2006 would instead be on rebuilding NJPW from the inside.

At the WAR press conference, President Masatomo Takei echoed the statements made by Simon Inoki; particularly where the national isolation was concerned. He stated that WAR would take a similar approach, perhaps not with complete national isolation, but only isolation from some of the larger promotions. There would however indeed by a focus in Wrestle Association "R" on strengthening the existing roster, establishing solid ranks and introducing the Young Lions. President Takei stated that the theme of 2005 for Wrestle Association "R" was "Establish", whereas the theme for 2006 would be "Growth".

Both conferences ended with the respective Presidents revealing the remaining matches for their upcoming Tokyo Dome shows.

WAR vs. NJPW: TOKYO NIGHTMARE 2005

Tokyo Dome

28/12/05

1. Susumu Yokosuka & Takuya Sugawara vs. Masato Yoshino & K-Ness

2. Raimu Mishima & Takamichi Iwasa vs. Koji Kanemoto & Wataru Inoue

3. Magnum TOKYO vs. Masaaki Mochizuki

4. Arashi & Shigeo Okumura vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi & Ryusuke Taguchi

5. Yoshihiro Takayama & Minoru Suzuki vs. Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Hiroshi Nagao

6. Milano Collection AT vs. Tiger Mask

7. Heisei Ishingun vs. Team JAPAN Elimination Match: Shiro Koshinaka, Jinsei Shinzaki, Tatsutoshi Goto & Masashi Aoyagi vs. Shinsuke Nakamura , Manabu Nakanishi , Yuji Nagata & Yujiro Takahashi

8. Genichiro Tenryu & Riki Choshu vs. Tatsumi Fujinami & Masahiro Chono

9. Andrei Arlovski & Bill Goldberg vs. Brock Lesnar & Josh Barnett

10. Japan J-1 Heavyweight Title: Kensuke Sasaki © vs. Kazuyuki Fujita

NJPW GREAT FUTURE 2005

Tokyo Dome

04/01/06

1. Wataru Inoue vs. Masaaki Mochizuki

2. Masahiro Chono & Toru Yano vs. Kensuke Sasaki & Katsuhiko Nakajima

3. Tatsumi Fujinami vs. Genichiro Tenryu

4. Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Andrei Arlovski

Edited November 30, 2005 by Ganon Dun

[Agahnim Demen]

24th December 2005

At the official WAR Website (www.war.co.jp), a recent update included a look at the New Japan Pro Wrestling stars who will be facing WAR members at the next two events.

Tatsumi Fujinami

Height: 6'0" (184cm)

Weight: 238lbs (108kg)

Date of Birth: 12/28/53

Place of Birth: Higashi-Kunisaki-gun, Oita

Debut: May 9th, 1971 (vs. Kanji Kitazawa)

Originally a disciple of Antonio Inoki, "Dragon" Tatsumi Fujinami is a legend in his own right. A six time IWGP Heavyweight Champion, Tatsumi Fujinami is one of the most important and decorated wrestlers in history, having had major influence in the evolvution of both junior heavyweight and heavyweight styles. He created or popularized moves such as the Dragon suplex and Dragon sleeper, and was known for having exciting and often revolutionary matches. When people think of New Japan and it's legacy, his name is always one of the first mentioned, as his blood, sweat, and tears helped pave the way for future generations.

Masahiro Chono

Height: 6'1" (186cm)

Weight: 238lbs (108kg)

Date of Birth: 9/17/63

Place of Birth: Mitaka City, Tokyo

Debut: October 5th, 1984 (vs. Keiji Muto)

Another disciple of Antonio Inoki, Masahiro Chono is widely recognised as one of the most charismatic puroresu stars ever seen. One of the famous "Three Muskateers" alongside Keiji Mutoh and the late Shinya Hashimoto, Chono gained the nickname 'Mr. G1' because of his dominance in four G1 tournaments. Chono is an icon in Japan, a name recognizable in the mainstream, and the main lifeforce behind New Japan. The master of the STF and a true legend, Chono is still one of the strongest wrestlers in Japan, and also remains one of the most popular.

Brock Lesnar

Height: 6'2" (188cm)

Weight: 285lbs (129kg)

Date of Birth: 7/12/77

Place of Birth: Webster, South Dakota

Debut (in Japan): October 9th, 2005 (vs. Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Manabu Nakanishi)

Before entering professional wrestling, Lesnar was an outstanding amateur wrestler and went to the University of Minnesota on a full wrestling scholarship. Lesnar won the 2000 NCAA wrestling championships as a heavyweight. In a five year career with World Wrestling Entertainment, he won the King of the Ring tournament as well as the WWE Undisputed Championship at the main event of Summerslam after he defeated The Rock. Won the IWGP Heavyweight Championship on his debut to New Japan Pro Wrestling, pinning Hiroyoshi Tenzan in a three way match with Manabu Nakanishi and the reigning IWGP Heavyweight Champion at the time, Tenzan.

Josh Barnett

Height: 6'3" (191cm)

Weight: 258lbs (117kg)

Date of Birth: 11/10/77

Place of Birth: Seattle, Washington

Debut: January 4th, 2003 (vs. Yuji Nagata)

ith training in multiple combat forms, Josh Barnett turned heads in February, 2000, when aged just 22, he submitted Dan Severn at SuperBrawl 16, a mixed martial arts event. He soon moved to the more popular UFC promotion, where he made history by becoming the youngest ever UFC Heavyweight Champion, defeating Randy Couture in March, 2002. Barnett made his professional wrestling debut in the highest way possible. He challenged Nagata for wrestling's top prize, the IWGP Heavyweight Title, in a Tokyo Dome main event. Not phased by a loss to Nagata, Barnett devoted himself to learning pro wrestling the hard way, braving New Japan's grueling tour circuit, where he quickly began obtaining wins. Soon, he began representing New Japan in vale tudo fights, invading Pancrase successfully, and competing in fights on major New Japan events. Now a proud, respected member of New Japan, Barnett is out to prove professional wrestling's strength, and is hungry for success and titles.

Shinsuke Nakamura

Height: 6'2" (188cm)

Weight: 229lbs (104kg)

Date of Birth: 2/14/80

Place of Birth: Mineyama Town, Kyoto

Debut: August 29th, 2002 (vs. Tadao Yasuda)

He made a high profile debut at Tokyo Nippon Budokan in August, 2002, facing much hated Makai Club leader, Tadao Yasuda. Nakamura was nicknamed "Super Rookie", and before he even made contact with Yasuda, fans were chanting his name in unison. Instantly, a connection many wrestlers strive for had been made between Nakamura and the fans. The "Super Rookie" title, which many wrestlers lose quickly, stuck, and Nakamura headed over to America and the L.A. Dojo. Nakamura trained hard for a vale tudo fight at Antonio Inoki's New Year's Eve festival, receiving much guidance from Inoki himself. Although Nakamura lost to Daniel Gracie in his vale tudo debut, the fans were very impressed by his effort, and the loss only boosted his status. In December, 2003, Nakamura shattered the foundations of pro wrestling by upsetting Hiroyoshi Tenzan to win the IWGP Heavyweight Title, just one year and four months into his career, Then, in January he headlined the Tokyo Dome, unifying the IWGP and NWF Heavyweight belts by defeating Yoshihiro Takayama. He was recognised for some time as a man who considers professional wrestling his code, yet who carries such strength and heart that he can fight effectively in other combat codes; who many conidered woud be the future ace of the entire industry. However he revealed his true nature after losing the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Titles to Hiroyoshi Tenzan and Hiroshi Nagao, beating his partner bloody in a rage after the match, and showing his true self centered personality. Now nicknamed "Dark Soul" Nakamura, he is fastly becoming one of the most hated men in puroresu as the leader of Team JAPAN.

Yuji Nagata

Height: 6'0" (183cm)

Weight: 238lbs (108kg)

Date of Birth: 4/24/68

Place of Birth: Togane City, Chiba

Debut: September 14th, 1992 (vs. Hiroyoshi Yamamoto)

Yuji Nagata was an accomplished amaresu combatant before entering professional wrestling, winning many championships and becoming one of Japan's top young wrestlers. He joined New Japan in April, 1992, and debuted later that year against career-long rival, Hiroyoshi Yamamoto (Tenzan), and he began to distinguish himself with sharpness; sharp kicks and sharp suplexes. Nagata's first vale tudo match on New Year's Eve of 2001 was a crushing defeat to Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic. Nagata slumped, with critical singles losses to Jun Akiyama and Tadao Yasuda. In April though, he found form, and toppled Yasuda to win New Japan's richest prize, the IWGP Heavyweight Title. Nagata proved himself to be a true ace for over a year as champion, defeating a broad range of pro wrestlers and vale tudo fighters, including former UFC Heavyweight Champion, Josh Barnett. When he finally relinquished his grip on the title, he was established as one of wrestling's elite. In April, 2005, after a barren spell, Nagata finally snapped, becoming an enemy of the young generation, and forming Team JAPAN with fellow amaresu graduates, LYOTO, Nakanishi, and Yujiro Takahashi. Yuji Nagata has won the respect of wrestlers and fans alike for his brilliant performances. He boasts a beautiful range of submissions, suplexes, and some of the sharpest kicks ever seen in wrestling. He is a proud and distinguished fighter with great fire and determination, and a leading member of New Japan.

Manabu Nakanishi

Height: 6'1" (186cm)

Weight: 265lbs (120kg)

Date of Birth: 1/22/67

Place of Birth: Kyoto City, Kyoto

Debut: October 13th, 1992 (w/ Tatsumi Fujinami vs. Scott Norton & Super Strong Machine)

An amaresu superstar during his school days, Manabu Nakanishi won three successive national championships, and joined New Japan's amaresu movement, the Toukon Club, in April, 1991, following graduation from university. After competing in the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games, Nakanishi turned to professional wrestling, joining New Japan in August of that year. He debuted amidst much hype, labelled "Super Rookie", and teaming with Tatsumi Fujinami in the 1992 Super Grade Tag League, a high profile start to his career. Early in 2004, after falling out with Nagata, Nakanishi turned to the dark side, forming Pirates Gundan, an anti-New Japan movement, before joining up with Chono's Black New Japan as it's ace. Later on, he reunited with Nagata, helping him form Team JAPAN with LYOTO and Yujiro Takahashi. Manabu Nakanishi is one of New Japan's elite, an impossibly strong warrior with a superman physique, who combines power fighting, classic traditional wrestling, and vale tudo to form a Strong Style machine.

Yujiro Takahashi

Height: 5'10" (177cm)

Weight: 231lbs (105kg)

Date of Birth: 1/13/81

Place of Birth: Niigata City, Niigata

Debut: July 26th, 2004 (vs. Naofumi Yamamoto)

Yujiro Takahashi attended the Nippon College of Physical Education, the same school as Yuji Nagata, and like Nagata, left shining results in amaresu competitions, winning the 84kg Greco-Roman tournament at the All Japan Student Championships. In November, 2003, he passed New Japan's admission test, and began training for a career as a pro wrestler. In July, 2004, he finally debuted, and made an immediate impression against Naofumi Yamamoto. He is turning heads very early in his career, showing a great detail of intensity and expression in matches. Although his career is young, Yujiro looks to be a huge prospect for New Japan, becoming a member of Team JAPAN, and aiming to help revive the strong professional wrestling.

Tiger Mask IV

Height: 5'8" (173cm)

Weight: 192lbs (87kg)

Date of Birth: 10/20/70

Debut: July 15th, 1995 (vs. Great Sasuke)

The fourth generation of Tiger Mask received instructions from the original, Satoru Sayama, and combined with training from Great Sasuke, he was well equipped to begin his career as Tiger Mask. He debuted against Sasuke on a festival of fighting at Tokyo Korakuen Hall in July, 1995, and immediately turned heads. He first appeared for New Japan in a special match at the Tokyo Dome in January, 2002, and became a regular soon after. Shortly after making his first challenge for the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title, Tiger Mask formally joined New Japan, Sasuke handing over his greatest disciple to the world's leading junior division in December, 2002. It didn't take long for Tiger Mask to make his mark as a New Japan wrestler, as he captured the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title from Koji Kanemoto in April, 2003, to become the leader of a new generation movement. Blessed with great athletic ability and training from some of the all-time greats, Tiger Mask truly does the persona justice, and many call him the most refined Tiger Mask of the four. With extensive training in different combat codes, including professional wrestling and vale tudo, Tiger Mask is one of the elite junior heavyweights in the world today, and meets the high standard that comes with any bearer of the famous persona.

Hiroyoshi Tenzan

Height: 6'0" (183cm)

Weight: 254lbs (115kg)

Date of Birth: 3/23/71

Place of Birth: Kyoto City, Kyoto

Debut: January 11th, 1991 (vs. Osamu Matsuda)

Hiroyoshi Yamamoto pursued bodybuilding and basketball during his school days, before deciding to become a professional wrestler. He joined New Japan in May, 1990, and would debut early in 1991 against Osamu Matsuda (El Samurai). A few months after winning the 1993 Young Lion Cup, Yamamoto left on an overseas learning excursion to Europe, where he practiced in Germany's CWA promotion. Upon returning to New Japan at the Tokyo Dome in January, 1995, he was Hiroyoshi Tenzan, a new man sporting a bigger physique and unique persona, the image of a buffalo. He won the G1 Tag League with Nishimura in 2003, and days later, he reached the absolute peak, defeating Yoshihiro Takayama to finally capture the IWGP Heavyweight Title at Yokohama Arena. In December, he completed a New Japan "Grand Slam" when he won the IWGP Tag Team Title for the seventh time. Since then, Tenzan has been through his up and downs, with more title wins and losses, but remains cemented as a top name. Tenzan is regarded as one of the toughest fighters in New Japan, and utilizes a ruthless brute style. One of New Japan's most eccentric, charismatic, and talented combatants, Tenzan is constantly in the hunt for more success, and stands tall as a member of New Japan's front line.

Hiroshi Nagao

Height: 6'5" (196cm)

Weight: 249lbs (113kg)

Date of Birth: 12/26/79

Place of Birth: Osaka City, Osaka

Debut: February 2nd, 2003 (w/ Yoshihiro Takayama vs. Tadao Yasuda & Kazunari Murakami)

Nagao was scouted by New Japan, and passed an admission test in April, 2002. He spent much of the year training both in New Japan's main dojo, and also Antonio Inoki's L.A. dojo, in preparation for his debut. In January, 2003, Yoshihiro Takayama nominated Nagao as his tag partner in February's IWGP Tag Team Title #1 Contender Tournament. Takayama displayed Nagao to the Korakuen Hall crowd at the end of January, but Nagao suffered knee ligament damage while hopping out of the ring. Nagao went ahead with his debut match, teaming with Takayama against the Makai Club's Tadao Yasuda & Kazunari Murakami, but was beaten easily and sidelined long-term. Just over a year later, after fighting several injuries, he put the false start behind him and began the traditional young lion rise in New Japan. As New Japan's tallest dojo graduate ever, there are great expectations for the Japanese-born giant, who will look to reach the same heights as a man he resembles, Seiji Sakaguchi, once did. Although it's very early in his career, Nagao's size and athletic ability could make him one of the future names of New Japan, becoming one of the youngest IWGP Heavyweight Tag Champions ever alongside Hiroyoshi Tenzan in a huge upset, defeating Shinsuke Nakamura and Hiroshi Tanahashi.

Hiroshi Tanahashi

Height: 5'11" (181.5cm)

Weight: 227lbs (103kg)

Date of Birth: 11/13/76

Place of Birth: Ogaki City, Gifu

Debut: October 10th, 1999 (vs. Shinya Makabe)

Hiroshi Tanahashi pursued baseball during his high school days, before entering amaresu competitions while at Ritsumeikan University. He played an active part in the 85kg class, with good results, and always yearned to be a professional wrestler. Growing up, his favourite wrestler was Kenta Kobashi, and his dream to wrestle became a reality when in April, 1999, he joined New Japan. He debuted in October, 1999, against Shinya Makabe, and aimed to be a Japanese-made Dynamite Kid early in his career. With a great physique that most young wrestlers take a long time to develop, Tanahashi was viewed as a big prospect in his early days by both fans and New Japan management. A disciple of Tatsumi Fujinami and his "Dragon" system, Tanahashi has developed from a promising young lion into one of the best heavyweights in the world. His vibrant and energetic style has won him many fans, and his devotion to "pure" professional wrestling has made him one of Japanese pro wrestling's biggest hopes for the future.

Ryusuke Taguchi

Height: 5'11" (180cm)

Weight: 201lbs (91kg)

Date of Birth: 4/12/79

Place of Birth: Iwanuma City, Miyagi

Debut: November 22nd, 2002 (vs. Toru Yano)

Ryusuke Taguchi was an all-around sportsman during his school days, avidly pursuing sports such as baseball, track and field, and soccer. Yearning for a career in New Japan Pro-Wrestling as early as his high school days, he joined Tokai University's wrestling section, competing well in freestyle events (76kg class). He joined New Japan in March, 2002, after passing the stern entry test, and debuted in November of that year against Toru Yano. Taguchi revealed his ambition early, devoting himself to the junior division and saying he wanted to become a good all-around wrestler of the Jushin Thunder Liger kind. In January, 2005, Taguchi left for an overseas learning excursion to CMLL in Mexico, and upon returning later that year looked different and wrestled different, displaying a new hybrid of Strong Style and lucha libre. Although Taguchi's career is still young, he is one of the most gifted young wrestlers in the world, using a lively style and showing great pride in his work.

Koji Kanemoto

Height: 5'11" (180cm)

Weight: 198lbs (90kg)

Date of Birth: 10/31/66

Place of Birth: Kobe City, Hyogo

Debut: November 7th, 1990 (vs. Michiyoshi Ohara)

After initially training under Masanobu Kurisu, Koji Kanemoto entered New Japan's dojo, joining the company in June, 1990. Kanemoto showed such natural talent that under two years into his career, he was selected to be the third generation of Tiger Mask. In February, 1993, he left for a learning excursion to Mexico, where he would learn new lucha libre techniques. Despite his mass of skill, Kanemoto never really molded into the Tiger Mask persona, and officially dropped the mask in July, 1994. Kanemoto is an arrogant and cocky punk, notorious for his bad attitude in the ring, but in recent times has become a popular "babyface" in the junior division. He is a brilliant and graceful wrestler, who combines fierce strikes, beautiful submissions, and high risk moves to form one of the most complete wrestlers in the world.

Wataru Inoue

Height: 5'11" (180cm)

Weight: 198lbs (90kg)

Date of Birth: 8/27/73

Place of Birth: Koto Ward, Tokyo

Debut: October 10th, 1999 (vs. Katsuyori Shibata)

Wataru Inoue absorbed himself in swimming, baseball, and running events throughout his school days. During university, he trained at Animal Hamaguchi's esteemed dojo, practicing there for three years. He joined New Japan in March, 1998, and wouldn't debut until October, 1999. He and Katsuyori Shibata were opening match sparring partners for a long time, and became good friends. Wataru showed a good sense for wrestling, and understood many of it's intangibles quickly. n 2005, an epic IWGP Jr. Tag Team Title win with Kanemoto showed Wataru's progress, and despite being riddled with injuries, his rank increased that year. With almost too much fighting spirit to carry, Wataru is one of the most talented and charismatic young junior heavyweights in the world, and has become one of New Japan's most popular talents in recent times.

Toru Yano

Height: 6'1" (186cm)

Weight: 254lbs (115kg)

Date of Birth: 5/18/78

Place of Birth: Arakawa Ward, Tokyo

Debut: May 18th, 2002 (vs. Blue Wolf)

Toru Yano is one of the most decorated amaresu graduates to enter professional wrestling in some time. His list of accomplishments and top standings in competitions is large, a mile long. So it's natural that New Japan scouts went gunning for his services, and got them when he joined New Japan's amaresu section, the Toukon Club in April, 2001. He formally joined New Japan in January, 2002, and passed through severe training in that same year. He debuted in May, facing dojo classmate, Blue Wolf. Yano has been slowly climbing the ladder and improving as a wrestler since then. After a learning excursion to America in early 2005, Yano returned as more of a threat, joining up with Chono's Black New Japan. Although a lover of alcohol and a ruffian in the ring, Yano's potential cannot be overlooked, as he has the background, size, and strength to become a leading figure in New Japan. Though he is a joker out of the ring, as documented by his tomfoolery at various wrestlers' weddings aired on SXW broadcasts, in the ring Yano is a fiery and powerful young warrior, and has become one of New Japan's most popular young stars.

Edited November 24, 2005 by Ganon Dun

[Agahnim Demen]

26th December 2005

All through the week, New Japan Pro Wrestling stars have been discussing their thoughts on reviving the WAR vs. NJPW that was very popular in the 90s, and their thoughts on their opponents on 28/12 and 04/01.

Brock Lesnar expressed a great eagerness to compete one more time against Bill Goldberg. He stressed that he was not 100% behind their match at WrestleMania XX, with his mind elsewhere and distracted for various reasons at the time, but ensured that he would very well be at 100% on 28/12. Lesnar promised to decimate Goldberg and Arlovski, to solidify his position as the number one foriegn wrestler in Japan today.

Tatsumi Fujinami revealed his pleasure at being able to face not only Genichiro Tenryu again, but also old rival Choshu. Fujinami said that WAR was too old fashioned to catch on today, lacking a fresh new generation, which can be seen in NJPW. Fujinami said that he was also looking forward to facing Tenryu on home soil, away from any distractions there may be in WAR.

Masahiro Chono branded the Revolution Army a rehash of everything he has done in the past decade, and expressed that this was something far too common within WAR. He explained that he feels Wrestle Association "R" lacks any originality and relies solely on stolen ideas from other promotions (name dropping Do FIXER and Heisei Ishingun). Chono stated that he is throroughly anticipating the opportunity to battle both Tenryu and Choshu again, and promised to spread their blood throughout the Tokyo Dome.

Shinsuke Nakamura claimed to be bored by the Team JAPAN vs. Heisei Ishingun concept, stating that he doesn't want to beat on old men, but will if he has to. However, he did express some interest in facing Arlovski, but stated that if Arlovski couldn't defeat Kensuke Sasaki, then he can't defeat Shinsuke Nakamura.

Yuji Nagata and Manabu Nakanishi both spoke of proving the dominance of Team JAPAN and hoped that this match would be a positive experience for Yujiro, but not much of a challenge for either of them. Nagata and Nakanishi said that they have faced the best WAR has to offer (Kensuke Sasaki) and won, so this should be an easy and decisive victory for New Japan Pro Wrestling.

Hiroshi Tanahashi seemed to enjoy the idea of a new challenge, and looked forward to seeing what Shigeo Okumura had learned from his time in Mexico and in Wrestle Association "R". Tanahashi said that Okumura lacked a certain spark when he was in AJPW, and hoped that he had found his spark. He added that he would also like to see if he has the strength to suplex someone the size of Arashi.

Hiroyoshi Tenzan said that he hoped tp lead Hiroshi Nagao to another big victory, hoping to mastermind the super quick rize to success of this legend in the making that he had begun backing. He stated that he knew Nagao was training hard at this very moment, looking forward to facing the man he debuted in a team with, his match in height, Yoshihiro Takayama. Tenzan stressed that he had some interest in facing Takayama and Suzuki, as they were once a very capable team in NJPW. He revealed that he would have prefered the match to have been for the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Titles however, as he is more than confident that he would be able to defend them with Nagao by his side.

Edited November 25, 2005 by Ganon Dun

[Enter Blue Guy]

Sweet Jesus, this is a fantastic diary. I've read the whole thing in bits and pieces over time... It's amazing. I mainly started reading because of Arlovski's involvement, just out of curiousity to see what you'd do with him. Next thing you know, I was hoping you'd put the Heavyweight Title on him. He was on fire! Oh well. I'm not even into puro really, but this is a ton of fun to read.

Good job.

[rocksta]

This is by far my favorite diary. Its great to read something were the writer is familiar with everything thats going on. You set up this njpw thing great and hopefuly there might be another clash with either NJPW or another promotion in the future. I always thought Sasaki was a great wrester deserving of a push and then I read this. YAY! Anyways thanks for the great read and I hope the next show is up soon.

[Agahnim Demen]

27th December 2005

Throughout the week, Wrestle Association "R" stars have been expressing their thoughts and feelings about the upcoming Tokyo Dome shows.

Kazuyuki Fujta was one of the first to give his input this week, and claimed to be looking forward to standing atop the rubble when WAR falls to the ground; then taking whats left of it (the title) and giving it to Antonio Inoki. Fujita spoke briefly about previous encounters with Kensuke Sasaki, mentioning the victories gained in NJPW and the losses. He carefully stressed however that the Kazuyuki Fujita that Kensuke Sasaki defeated was never a Kazuyuki Fujita of WAR, in more ways than one.

Shiro Koshinaka expressed great excitement at getting to face opponents he hadn't been in the ring with for at least five years (Yuji Nagata and Manabu Nakanishi) and hoped to see how they had evolved since. He also expressed great interest in seeing what all the fuss was about regarding Shinsuke Nakamura and the young Yujiro Takahashi. Koshinaka mentioned that he had been paying close attention to the affairs of Team JAPAN lately, and has seen that they have little unity. He claimed that Nakamura does not have the trust of his men, and that this will be their undoing. He stated that the tactics of the veteran Heisei Ishingun members would be to allow Team JAPAN to fall apart from the inside and then capitalising on the confusion.

Tatsutoshi Goto echoed the sentiments of Shiro Koshinaka, but had a lot to say about facing old NJPW colleagues. Goto looks forward to monitoring the progress of Nakamura and Yujiro, but promised to show no mercy in the ring, claiming that NJPW had become stagnent and unexciting. He warned Nakanishi and Nagata that they have never seen the new Tastutoshi Goto, who claimed to feel revitalised and more ready than ever before in his career to make an impact.

-------------

Andrei Arlovski spoke with reporters from outside of the WAR Dojo, and briefly gave thoughts about his tag match with Goldberg against Lesnar and Barnett. He said that his facing Barnett would finally determine who the true UFC Heavyweight Champion of the world is, as both left Ultimate Fighting Championship without actually losing their titles. He called Barnett fat and sloppy, and promised to KO him with the Russian Neck Drop. When asked about Lesnar, Arlovski said that he had never heard of Brock Lesnar, but was confident that his sambo and kick boxing skills would surprise the former WWE star.

----------------

Kensuke Sasaki made an entry in his online blog that mentioned his upcoming title match against Kazuyuki Fujita and a few thoughts about being at war with NJPW.

"I think I knew that after I left New Japan Pro Wrestling in 2000 it would eventually come to something like this. I was hated then and I'll no doubt be hated now. Although I would have prefered to be facing someone who was actually a representative of NJPW and not some selfish, greedy dog who isn't happy unless he's at the top, but I'm more than ready to destroy Kazuyuki Fujita now. He has no protection here. More specifically, I would like to face Shinsuke Nakamura, but that probably doesn't come as any kind of surprise. Akira is recovering well, but she has a bruise on the side of her head. Nakamura is pathetic and weak that he gets off on attacking a female like that. He is a plague to professional wrestling and New Japan, either he will kill it or he will be dealt with. Let me tell you that I would very much enjoy being there when he is dealt with. I have done some things in my past that I am not proud of, but I would step over all boundaries just to hurt this man. All of my rage will come with me to the ring on 28/12. Come see Kazuyuki Fujita get what he deserves."

--------------------

During a promotional press conference for new Wrestle Association "R" merchandise, Riki Choshu had a few things to say about the coming event, responding in particular to the comments made by Masahiro Chono.

"Chono! You want to talk about stealing ideas?! You want to talk about originality? I was the leader of the original Ishingun before you had even stepped foot inside a professional wrestling ring, so don't talk to me about rehashing old ideas. The Revolution Army is everything you hate about pro wrestling, its a corporate structure ready to do whatever it takes to get the job done. I will walk all over you in the Tokyo Dome, child.

As for Fujinami... let us finish this, once and for all."

Edited November 25, 2005 by Ganon Dun

[Hayhay17]

once again, this is an absolutley fantastic diary. I love the way it comes off as so realistic, with every one acting i ncharacter, and yet still maintaining the "Feel" of following Puroresu. I have to say him more hyped for this Dome Show than I am for the real NJPWs.

Youve crafted a brilliant ace is Sasaki, allthough I'm starting to worry that you might wind up like the current AJPW, where they don't have any viable challengers, hence having to look out side the promotion.

[Agahnim Demen]

WAR vs. NJPW: TOKYO NIGHTMARE 2005 28/12/05

The Tokyo Dome presents; in association with Wrestle Association "R" and New Japan Pro Wrestling; WAR vs. NJPW Tokyo Nightmare 2005!

On May 24th 1993 there was an Osaka Dream. Tatsumi Fujinami and the late Shinya Hashimoto went head to head with Genichiro Tenryu and Takashi Ishikawa in what was easily one of the most memorable nights of the battle between WAR and NJPW. Shiro Koshinaka faced the late Hiromichi Fuyuki, and Masashi Aoyagi took on Masao Orihara; for some this is a familiar battleground, however some even find themselves on the opposite side of that they took well over ten years ago. That Dream has become a Nightmare and the Great History shared has become a Great Future divided, as two of past and present giants of Japanese professional wrestling go head to head once more.

Originally heralded as the first ever stand alone Wrestle Association "R" Tokyo Dome event, things didn't quite go as planned earlier this year when Tatsumi Fujinami revealed himself to be a plant within the WAR, working for NJPW. After Fujinami revealed some information about WAR that many officials within the promotion would have prefered remained private, Tenryu made the first move, marching his Revolution Army into an NJPW Tokyo Dome show a few months ago. A month later Tatsumi Fujinami responded in kind, making a Black New Japan invasion at the Saitama Super Arena during the Mega Powers Finale. It seemed that an all out war was inevitable. With Pro Wrestling NOAH slowly recovering from a financial slump, WAR and NJPW are the two top promotions in Japan today. Who would come out on top to be the number one promotion in the country?

There are a number of NJPW officials present in this event, with Antonio Inoki rumoured to appear in time for the main event. NJPW officials will be at ringside for each event, to ensure that there is no biased in any of the matches; with a particular eye on "Red Shoes" Unno, known recently for his questionable calls. Yoshiaki Fujiwara, Eiji Ezaki and FIGHTING TV SAMURAI representative Masaharu Yoshizawa are at ringside to provide commentary. There has been some confusion as to the actual real attendance, but it has been rumoured to be somewhere between 30,000 and 45,000.

1. Susumu Yokosuka & Takuya Sugawara vs. Masato Yoshino & Darkness Dragon

Four of the most talented Wrestle Association "R" juniors get to prove their worth on the biggest professional wrestling stage in Japan. Three T2P Graduates and a Wrestle Yume Factory Graduate (K-Ness) get a big opportunity as two Do FIXER representatives Masato Yoshino and Darkness Dragon face the self proclaimed 'Evolution of Wrestling', Susumu Yokosuka and Takuya Sugawara. Yokosuka looks to avenge his recent loss to the Do FIXER group, and is quickly on the offence in this opening match. A very even match ensues, with neither team looking to give an inch to the other. Both teams show excellent chemistry and team work, with Yokosuka and Sugawara debuting some new double team moves and really looking strong. As much as they seem to be performing well, Darkness Dragon and Masato Yoshino just don't seem to be focused in this match, with Yokosuka and Sugawara managing to capitalise on small mistakes. The Do FIXER team attempt some double team maneuvre, but some miscommunication between the two result on it back firing. Sugawara rushes in and hits the Shiisanputa on the illegal man K-Ness, allowing Yokosuka to hit the Jumbo No Kachi! on Yoshino and follow it up with the Yokosuka Bay Bridge to pick up a big win for his team. Yokosuka and Sugawara tell reporters backstage that they showed the NJPW representatives the standard they would have to compete with, and are confident that WAR will have the final say tonight. They express some interest in challenging for the International Junior Heavyweight Titles, but claim to not feel that they are completely ready to be the best champions they could be yet. Yoshino and K-Ness had no comments about their performance, only promising to redeem themselves as soon as possible.

2. Raimu Mishima & Takamichi Iwasa vs. Koji Kanemoto & Wataru Inoue

The first actual WAR vs. NJPW battle takes place between four juniors, in a match where the WAR International Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions, The Revolution Brothers, go head to head with former IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champs, Wataru Inoue and 'Aniki' Koji Kanemoto. Kanemoto and Inoue appear to have little patience for the former Florida Brothers and immidately are on the offensive. The two NJPW wrestlers dominate Iwasa, not falling for any of the usual tricks the Revolution Brothers would employ. Iwasa is forced to tag in Mishima, who doesn't seem to have much luck either, who receives a number of sharp kicks and a capture suplex from Kanemoto. Inoue and Kanemoto continue to dominate, but Mishima just manages to hit a spinning wheel kick on Inoue to gain some momentum. Raimu tags in Iwasa, who charges straight for Inoue and hits a big Axe Bomber, and follows it up with a float-over enziguri when Inoue manages to get to his feet. Only managing a two count, Iwasa slides to the outside and pulls a chair from the crowd, swinging with it at Wataru Inoue. Inoue uses a drop toe hold on Iwasa to force him to drop the chair, and then tags in Kanemoto, who assaults Iwasa with more knees and kicks. Iwasa manages to crawl over to Mishima and get the tag, who quickly attacks Kanemoto, but finds himself on the receiving end of a knee to the chin. Iwasa runs in and attempts to attack Kanemoto from behind, but he gets caught with a mule kick to the gut. Mishima makes a lariat attempt, but it is ducked by Kanemoto, who then follows up with a Tiger Suplex Hold that gets the three count. New Japan Pro Wrestling takes the lead in the battle, showing the strength of its junior tag division. Kanemoto and Inoue spoke with reporters backstage and were informed of the comments made by Sugawara and Yokosuka earlier on. They stated that if Yokosuka and Sugawara are really a precident in junior wrestling for WAR then why are the Florida Brothers still their Junior Tag Team Champions? Kanemoto said that a true precedent was being set through this dominant victory over Iwasa and Mishima, and that NJPW will destory WAR with ease tonight.

3. Magnum TOKYO vs. Masaaki Mochizuki

The third match of the evening would be the one that determines the next contender for the WAR International Junior Heavyweight Title. This match has a certain significance in that both participants regularly wrestled for the original incarnation of Wrestle Association "R" in its later years. Masaaki Mochizuki was the last International Junior Heavyweight Champion before the promotion stopped regularly touring in 1998 and was once one third of the WAR World 6-Man Tag Team Champions along with Mitsuharu Kitao and Nobukazu Hirai. He also faced Yuji Yasuraoka in his retirement match. Magnum TOKYO made a number of appearances in WAR, often teaming with Genichiro Tenryu. Mochizuki wasted no time in attacking TOKYO, hitting some hard knees and kicks to the body of his opponent. Magnum was quick to react, grounding Mochizuki with a side headlock and wearing him down with a number of submission holds and sharp suplexes. Now dictating the flow of the match, TOKYO goes up top and hits a missile dropkick, starting to up the pace of the match in confidence, but in doing so misses a lariat and gets caught with a release German suplex by Mochizuki. Masaaki catches TOKYO with a number of kicks and hits him with a hurricanrana for a two count. Showing some signs of frustration, Mochizuki tosses TOKYO to the ropes and hits another hurricanrana and covers, but still doesn't get two. Do FIXER leader and founder Magnum TOKYO manages to regather himself, hitting an enziguri on Mochizuki and following up with the Pos to get a near fall. Mochizuki responds with another attempt at a German suplex, but Magnum rolls through with the impact and connects with a lariat. TOKYO locks in an STF that seems to have Mochizuki in considerable trouble, but he just manages to get a hold of the ropes. The two exchange strikes and wind up in the corner, where Mochizuki tries to set up Magnum TOKYO for a super brainbuster, but gets knocked down to the mat. TOKYO jumps off the top with a Shooting Star Press, but Mochizuki rolls out of the way just in time. TOKYO seems dazed from missing the SSP attempt, and gets caught with a roundhouse kick to the side of the head by Mochizuki. He staggers, but is still on his feet, and gets hit by another roundhouse kick that takes him to his knees. Masaaki Mochizuki executes a third and final low roundhouse kick that puts TOKYO down to the mat and allows Mochizuki to cover for the three count. Afterwards backstage, Mochizuki warns Milano that they have what he considers some unfinished business, dating back to when the Nuovo Italian Connection was still around. He states that after some discussion he agreed with Milano that if they teamed it would bring them great success in the first months of this incarnation of WAR. However, Mochizuki claims that he soon realised the group was nothing more than a tool to promote Milano himself, and that he himself had been slacking off a little in ring and not taking himself as seriously as he should have been. Mochizuki said that Milano's run in WAR has been nothing more than a fluke until now, and that he would avenge his loss from 24/08 next year, and take his title back.

4. Arashi & Shigeo Okumura vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi & Ryusuke Taguchi

WAR looks to gain its first victory over NJPW this evening in the third tag match of the night. Revolution Army member Arashi teams up with Shigeo Okumura to take on U-30 Champion Hiroshi Tanahashi and Ryusuke Taguchi. Tanahashi and Arashi start off with a brief elbow exchange, but Tanahashi has difficulty troubling his larger opponent. He attempts a dropkick, but it is batted away by Arashi, who then shows Tanahashi no respect, with a number of hard slaps to the face. Arashi appears almost unresponsive toward Tanahashi's attempts at attacking him or lifting him, who out of frustration tags in Taguchi. Arashi tags in Okumura, seemingly not convinced that Taguchi would provide him any challenge. Taguchi shows great agility, fire and intensity, catching Okumura off guard and dropkicing him over the top rope and to the outside. Okumura rushes back in the ring and gets caught by a snap suplex by Taguchi, that is followed by a sleeper hold. Eventually breaking free, an angered Okumura attempts a quick backdrop suplex on Taguchi, but Taguchi manages to roll over and on top of Okumura and gets a two count. Frustrated, Okumura tags Arashi back in who immediately begins using his vast size advantage. Taguchi battles back momentarily, hitting a spinning wheel kick on Arashi, followed by a dropkick that knocks the former sumo into the corner. Taguchi tries to set up Arashi on the top turnbuckle, but is swatted away and gets caught by an Olympic Slam variation from him. At a great disadvantage, Taguchi seems to have no choice but to tag in Tanahashi, who attacks Arashi with elbows and chops, but Arashi replies with a belly to belly suplex and a scoop slam. Hiroshi battles back, using a Dragon Screw to take down the big man, and then continues to weaken the legs of his heavier opponent. Arashi manages to push Tanahashi back and stumbles to his feet, but gets caught with a flying forearm. Tanahashi then follows this up with a jumping elbow drop and a twisting senton in typical fashion, but it isn't enough to keep Arashi down. Arashi tags in Okumura, who misses a lariat and gets caught by a German Suplex, but manages to kick out of a in attempt. Tanahashi quickly uses a small package on Okumura, but it doesn't keep his opponent down. The young NJPW represenative lifts Okumura and attempts a Dragon Suplex, but Shige elbows his way free and hits an exploder, forcing Tanahashi to tag Taguchi back in. Ryusuke surpises Okumura with some of the lucha skills he learned whilst in Mexico, but Okumura manages to adapt and responds in kind, having had a great deal of experience in Mexico as well. Okumura hits a big lariat on Taguchi and cradles him up for a pin, but Tanahashi breaks it up. Arashi comes in and attacks Tanahashi, as Okumura executes a brainbuster on Taguchi and follows it with another Exploder to give WAR its first victory over NJPW of the evening. Okumura told reporters backstage that he was serious when last week he said 2006 would be a new and successful year for him, and that this match would be the catalyst for revitalising his career.

5. Yoshihiro Takayama & Minoru Suzuki vs. Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Hiroshi Nagao

The two remaining members of TEAM NO FEAR! 2005, former IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions Takayama and Suzuki take on the current IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champs and NJPW representatives in this match, Tenzan and Nagao. No strangers to one another, Tenzan and Takayama went straight to work. Takayama hit a boot to the face of Tenzan, but Tenzan responded with a hard lariat that took the larger Takayama down to the mat. The two former IWGP Heavyweight Champions brawl to the outside, where Tenzan throws Takayama to the railings and follows up with another lariat that knocks Takayama down to the hard mats. Back in the ring, Takayama tags in Suzuki. Tenzan and Minoru have a brief exchange before Tenzan tags in Nagao. Nagao strikes toward the head of Suzuki, but the smaller of the two easily ducks the shots and comes back with a few slaps of his own to the face of the much younger Nagao; and sticks his tongue out at his opponent, showing no respect. Nagao, frustrated, makes a lariat attempt, but this is also ducked by Suzuki who hits some quick kicks to the legs of his larger opponent, before trying to take him down to the mat. These efforts fail, so Suzuki drags Nagao to his corner and tags in Takayama. Nagao and Takayama stand toe-to-toe in the centre of the ring, standing even, and eye to eye. The more experienced Takayama throws a knee to the gut of Nagao and hits a few kicks that knock the less experienced New Japan wrestler down in his corner. Nagao tags in Tenzan, who hits a few headbutts and a mongolian chop on Takayama, comes off the ropes and ducks a lariat from Takayama and hits a low angle spinning wheel kick. Takayama brings in Suzuki, who wastes no time trading strikes with Tenzan. They also brawl to the outside, where Tenzan throws Suzuki to the railings and tosses him to the ringpost. They brawl for a while on the outside before Tenzan rolls Suzuki back in the ring. Both teams tag back and forth, and Tenzan hits a big suplex on Takayama. He brings in Nagao who attempts a chokeslam on Takayama, but just can't lift him; instead he makes a bodyslam attempt that doesn't seem to pay off at first, but a few shots to the gut allows Nagao the opportunity to lift Takayama and bring him down for a scoop slam. Takayama gets up immediately and hits a running knee strike on Nagao, that knocks the NJPW youngster off his feet. Nagao also gets up immediately as well, and shows great agility, hitting an impressive dropkick on the veteran Takayama. Tenzan and Nagao find themselves being the legal men again, with Nagao showing great resilience against a sleeper hold from Suzuki. Suzuki ducks more strikes from Nagao, but losing his patience, Nagao grabs Suzuki by the throat and hoists him up for a high angle chokeslam before tagging Tenzan back in. Once recovered, Suzuki manages to take Tenzan down to the mat and land a number of slaps to the face. He tries to lock in a cross armbreaker, but Tenzan rolls to the ropes. Tenzan knocks Suzuki down and goes up top to his a diving headbutt. He makes a pin attempt, but Takayama comes in and breaks it up. Nagao intercepts Takayama and the two exchange strikes to the outside. Tenzan takes advantage of the fact Suzuki hasn't yet managed to get to his feet, and locks in the Anaconda Vice, that really troubles Suzuki. Suzuki manages to make his way to the ropes, but Tenzan drags him to his feet and executes the TTD to get the pin. Backstage afterwards, Tenzan states that its just as well WAR never introduced a Heavyweight Tag Team Title, if this is the best they have to offer. Suzuki told reporters that he grows very tired, very quickly of being in WAR and isn't happy with how he is being treated; blaming his loss today on his lack of motivation.

6. Milano Collection AT vs. Tiger Mask

The WAR International Junior Heavyweight Champion, Milano Collection AT aims to prove the superiority of the WAR junior division in this bout, as he takes on one of four men to have inherented the legendary Tiger Mask, a former IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion who won the 2004 and 2005 NJPW Best of Super Juniors Tournaments. Throughout the bout, the difference in the styles of both wrestler becomes very evident, with Milano using that intricate Llave style, contrasted with the high impact and kicking combinations of Tiger Mask IV. It becomes clear that both individuals are giving their all in an attempt at really representing and showing the superiority of their respective junior divisions. Milano shows more fire than usual, seeming to show frustration from some of the disparaging comments Tiger Mask was rumoured to say about him before this event. Both show great resiliance, Milano taking a great number of kicks from Tiger Mask, and Tiger Mask showing great resiliance, managing to survive a number of Italian Stretches. Milano hits the Armani Shoe Exchange and lifts up Tiger Mask, exectuting the Italian Revolution, but it isn't enough to keep the NJPW junior down. Tiger Mask responds with a tombstone piledriver, and follows it up with a moonsault, but it doesn't get the three count. Tiger Mask throws a few more kicks to try and knock Milano off his feet, but Milano catches one of the kicks and hits an enziguri. He grabs the limbs of the downed Tiger Mask and manages to trap him in the Paradise Lock, but TM still shows great fighting spirit and resiliance, managing to power out. Tiger Mask seems frustrated as the thirty minute mark approaches, and misses a few more kicks. Milano makes a lariat attempt, but Tiger Mask swerves and manages to hit a Tiger Suplex Hold on Milano. Milano just manages to kick out, but can't make it to his feet. Tiger Mask goes to the top rope and jumps off with a diving headbutt that connects. He makes the cover, but the bell goes, as the thirty minute time limit expires. Milano and Tiger Mask don't stop at the bell however, instead continue to brawl until they're seperated.

7. Heisei Ishingun vs. Team JAPAN Elimination Match: Shiro Koshinaka, Jinsei Shinzaki, Tatsutoshi Goto & Masashi Aoyagi vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Manabu Nakanishi, Yuji Nagata & Yujiro Takahashi

One of New Japan Pro Wrestling's strongest units, Team JAPAN face one of WARs strongest units, that include the current WAR World 6-Man Tag Team Champions, Shiro Koshinaka, Jinsei Shinzaki and Tatsutoshi Goto. Nagata and Aoyagi start off in the ring, and exchange kicks before Nagata takes Aoyagi to the ground. Aoyagi fights his way to his feet and really goes to work on Nagata, busting out a unique kick combination and a big back drop suplex. With momentum, Aoyagi hits a roundhouse kick that shakes Nagata and sends him towards the ropes, Aoyagi charges Nagata, but the NJPW veteran ducks a clothesline from his opponent and lifts him up and over the top rope, eliminating him from the match. Goto charges into the ring and knocks Nagata down with a big lariat. He makes a backdrop attempt, but Nagata tries to keep his ground and struggles free to get the tag to Yujiro. Yujiro shows great fire, bringing a good fight to Goto, but can't quite get the upper hand. He tags in Nakanishi, who has the strength to overpower Goto, and does so. Just before the ten minute mark, Nakanishi lifts Goto onto his shoulders and executes the Hercules Cutter to get the three count and eliminate Goto. Shinzaki charged into the ring and caught Nakanishi with a lariat, and follows up with a dragon screw when Nakanishi got to his feet again. Shinzaki began working on the legs of Nakanishi, forcing him to eventually tag in Nakamura. Nakamura shows great skill and technique, troubling Shinzaki with arm work, and a cross armbreaker. Shinzaki made the tag to Koshinaka, who surprised Nakamura with a big Hip Attack. Nakamura tagged in Nagata who really brought a fight to Koshinaka, executing a brainbuster and a back drop hold that got a two count on Koshinaka. Koshinaka appeared to be very focused however and hit a Hip Attack variation that caught Nagata off guard and was enough to just eliminate him from the match. Yujiro quickly attacked Koshinaka and exectued a big back drop suplex on Koshinaka and followed up with a single leg crab hold. Koshinaka eventually brought in Shinzaki who hit a shoulder tackle from the top turnbuckle on Yujiro, and a diving headbutt. Yujiro was displaying his progress, managing to goe toe to toe with Shinzaki for some time before eventually falling to a Nenbustu Powerbomb. After some back and forth action between the two teams, both down to two men (Nakamura and Nakanishi vs. Koshinaka and Shinzaki), Nakamura found himself going head to head with Jinsei Shinzaki. Shinzaki signalled for the Nenbustsu Powerbomb, and it looked like he hit it, but Nakamura held on and tried to lock in the triangle hold. Shinzaki lifted Nakamura a little, but couldn't hold the weight of Nakamura under the pain and fell back; and wound up in a cross armbreaker from Shinsuke. Shinzaki tried to fight the pain, but could only do so for so long, and was forced to submit. Koshinaka was now the only member of his team left, facing both Nakanishi and Nakamura. Fatigued after his battle with Shinzaki, Nakamura tragged in Nakanishi who used his great strength advantage over Koshinaka to weaken the WAR representative. Koshinaka really seems to be in trouble when Nakanishi hits a spear on Koshinaka and begins stomping his feet, signalling for a lariat. He charges at Koshinaka, and in a repeat of what happened earlier in the match, Koshinaka ducks the lariat and back drop Nakanishi over the top rope and out of the ring to eliminate him from the match. Down now to Nakamura and Koshinaka, the New Japan representative appears to still be quite fresh after having some time to recover. He hits an enziguri on Koshinaka and manages a German Suplex Hold, but it isn't enough to keep down the veteran Koshinaka. Koshinaka fights back as the two exchange strikes, and hits a hurricanrana on Nakamura that gets a two count. The Heisei Ishingun leader lifts up Nakamura and hits a Powerbomb, but it still isn't enough to keep Shinsuke down. After the twenty five minute mark, Koshinaka makes another attempt at a powerbomb, but in another repeat of something that happened earlier on in the match, Nakamura took the impact of the powerbomb well, and held onto Koshinaka, locking in the Traingle Hold. Koshinaka tried to make his way to the ropes, but he couldn't carry the weight of Nakamura, and fell flat on his stomach and could no longer withstand the pain of the hold; giving Team JAPAN the overall victory with this submission. Koshinaka had few excuses, but claimed that he might have lacked the stamina to really keep up with the much younger opposition at this point, but would change his training regime to compinsate.

8. Genichiro Tenryu & Riki Choshu vs. Tatsumi Fujinami & Masahiro Chono

Some bitter rivalries are revisited in this match, as the Owner of Wrestle Association "R" and leader of the Revolution Army, Genichiro Tenryu, teams up with The Revolution Warrior, Riki Choshu. Tatsumi Fujinami and Masahiro Chono aim to inflict great damage on their opponents, and ensure that the influence of Black New Japan is not soon forgotten. Fujinami and Tenryu are immediately on the offence, trading aggressive chops and jabs, and their battle bleeds to the outside where Tenryu grabs a chair and throws it toward Fujinami, but it just misses his opponent. He grabs another chair and attacks Fujinami with it before throwing it at his head. Tenryu tosses Fujinami to the railings, knocking him over and into the crowd. They battle back and forth on the outside, and Fujinami throws Tenryu to the ringpost, busting him open. Choshu and Chono battle it out inside, with Choshu being particularly aggressive, throwing closed fists to the face of Black Charisma. When some semblance of order is reached, Fujinami tags in Chono, who begins trading hard strikes with Tenryu, but gets caught with a DDT and a number of sharp kicks to the face as he tries to get to his feet. When Chono gets to his feet he doesn't hesitate to bust out the Kenka Kicks, and Tenryu responds with chops and 'Guh' punches to the chin of Chono. Tenryu hits a vicious lariat that knocks Chono off his feet, but when he gets back to his feet, he manages to ground Tenryu with a drop toe hold and begins to slow the pace of the match. He continued to dictate the pace for a while, but Tenryu eventually manages to get the tag to Choshu, who hits a Riki Lariat on Chono, forcing him to tag in Fujinami. The crowd goes wild for Fujinami and Choshu, as the two rivals trade strikes. Fujinami drags Choshu into the corner and really puts the boots into him, but Choshu manages to fight his way out of the corner. They try to brainbuster one another, but neither is willing to go up for it, so they resort to trading strikes again. Tenryu connects with a number of sumo palm strikes to the face of Fujinami, and follows up with a float over enziguri, but it doesn't take Fujinami off his feet, who responds with a big dropkick that knocks Tenryu into his corner. Both men tag in their partners, and Chono again finds himself on the wrong end of a Riki Lariat. Choshu and Tenryu begin to isolate Chono, keeping him in their half of the ring and wearing him down physically. A lariat attempt is ducked by Chono, who then forces Tenryu to eat a Kenka Kick before tagging in Fujinami. NJPW legend Tatsumi Fujinami attempts a Dragon Suplex on Tenryu, but the WAR Owner uses all his weight to keep his feet on the floor. Tenryu hits a scoop slam on Fujinami, and comes off the top turnbuckle with a diving elbow, and dominate for a while, but Fujinami manages to battle back and controls the match. Fujinami busts out a couple of dragon screws and begins working over the legs of Tenryu. Mr. Puroresu manages to escape Fujinami, hitting a 55-Year-Old, and brings in Choshu, who takes down Fujinami with a Riki Lariat and locks in the Sasorigatame, but Chono breaks it up. Fujinami brings in Chono, who begins working on the neck and head of Choshu. Choshu shows little patience for this, and fights back, managing to trap Chono in the Sasorigatame, but he can't keep Chono in it long enough, as the crafty veteran makes his way to the ropes. Tenryu and Choshu try to double team Chono, but Chono hits Tenryu under the belt, and hits a kenka kick on Choshu. He executes an STF on Choshu, and rolls him over into the FTS, but Tenryu just manages to break up the hold. Fujinami intercepts Tenryu, when a big lariat takes both of them over the top rope and to the outside, where they continue to brawl. Choshu hits a Riki Lariat on Chono, but it doesn't take him off his feet, instead Chono responds with a running kenka kick. Choshu hits another lariat, but Chono still manages to keep his ground, following with another kenka kick of his own. Choshu staggers, and Chono capitalises, hitting one shining kenka kick that takes Choshu to his knees, and another that knocks him to the mat and brings NJPW another big victory. Backstage after the match, Chono told reporters that he made good on his promise and claimed to be happy to have been a successful element in the dissection of WAR. Tenryu told press that this wasn't over, that he wouldn't settle for a loss to this team, that he would avenge this loss decisively on 04/01.

9. Andrei Arlovski & Bill Goldberg vs. Brock Lesnar & Josh Barnett

The gaijin monsters of Wrestle Association "R" go head-to-head with the gaijin beasts of New Japan Pro Wrestling. Andrei Arlovski first gained noteriety as a heavyweight in Ultimate Fighting Championship in the United States. He became one of their youngest heavyweight champions after defeating Tim Sylvia on 02/05/05. Bill Goldberg is one of America's biggest pro wrestling stars, a former WWE Heavyweight Champion who has become a force to be reckoned with in WAR. Brock Lesnar was also a very successful Pro Wrestling in the US, becoming the youngest WWE Champion in history at the time and with a strong amaresu background. He grew to new heights in NJPW, becoming the IWGP Heavyweight Champion on his first match. Josh Barnett has had great MMA success in Pancrase and UFC, becoming the UFC Heavyweight Champion and King of Pancrase. His first pro wrestling match was against Yuji Nagata for the IWGP Heavyweight Title, but he wasn't successful in obtaining it. Arlovski and Lesnar start the match off, locking up a few times, but with neither man budging. Lesnar manages to momentarily overpower Arlovski, pushing him back a metre or two, but Arlovski responds by rushing Lesnar and almost taking him to the mat, but Brock just manages to escape him. Lesnar quickly regathers himself and turns Arlovski inside out with a lariat. Arlovski tags in Goldberg, who wastes no time in being the aggressor, in a scene similar , but different to their WrestleMania XX encounter. Goldberg rushes Lesnar with a flurry of right hands and a spinning back kikc, before lifting the IWGP Champ above his head and executing a gorilla press slam. Lesnar gets up, but has difficulty maintaining his balance, as he bounces off the ropes and walks into a powerslam from Goldberg. Lesnar tries to stand after receiving it, but staggers backwards into his corner, allowing Barnett to tag himself in. Goldberg throws right hands at Barnett, and Barnett responds with hard open palm strikes to the side of Goldbergs head. One hard shot seems to stagger who has been a seemingly invincible Goldberg in WAR thus far, and Barnett capitalises, taking Goldberg down and getting a full front mount position on him, and the crowd erupts in response. Barnett scores with a number of right hands to the temply of Goldberg, but WAR's monster just manages to roll towards the ropes and escape. Back to their feet, Goldberg and Barnett lock up, and Goldberg shows great strength, lifting Barnet above his head. Displaying great awareness, Barnett catches the side of Goldberg's head with a number of sharp knee shots whilst in the air, forcing Goldberg to drop him. Barnett slips down behind Goldberg and exectues a big back drop suplex that lands Goldberg right on his head. Barnett covers Goldberg for the pin, but Arlovski runs in and breaks it up, which leads to Lesnar running in and intervening. After a brief scramble, Goldberg tags in Arlovski. The two former UFC Heavyweight Champions exchanged strikes in the middle of the ring, and Arlovski surprised Barnett by rushing him and executing a big powerslam. Arlovski turns his back to the fallen Barnett and showboats for a moment, roaring at the crowd with his hands in the air. As he turns, Barnett is on his feet and charges in for a takedown attempt, but Arlovski manages to lift Barnett and exectues the Russian Neck Drop. With Barnett seemingly weakened, Arlovski tags in Goldberg. As he does, Lesnar charges Arlovski, knocking both men over the top rope and to the outside. Barnett is still trying to find his feet on the opposite side of the ring from Goldberg, who seems to be preparing to execute the spear. He charges at Barnett just as the New Japan star gets to his feet, and goes to hit the spear, but Barnett sees him coming, and catches Goldberg in a guillotine choke hold, bringing him down to the mat. Goldberg flails around in the hold of Barnett and tries to get to his feet. He eventually does find his footing, but Barnett refuses to let go of the hold. Goldberg manages to loosen Barnett's legs from around his body, but can't stop the choke hold. He lifts Barnett vertically from this position, and brings him down with the Jackhammer, Barnett's grip loosening as he hits the mat. This is enough to give the WAR gaijin team the win over the NJPW team. The WAR vs. NJPW score ends this night at four wins for NJPW, two for WAR and one draw. Backstage after the match, Goldberg told reporters that 2005 was just a little sample of what was to come in 2006. He ended the interview by exlaiming "WAR Japan J-1 Heavyweight Title! You're Next!!".

10. Japan J-1 Heavyweight Title: Kensuke Sasaki © vs. Kazuyuki Fujita

'Mr. J-1' Kensuke Sasaki looks to make his fifth consecutive defence of his title on this night as he takes on former IWGP Heavyweight Champion and Inoki Office representative, Kazuyuki Fujita. Antonio Inoki makes his way to the ring first and says a few words to the crowd about his history with New Japan Pro Wrestling and with Genichiro Tenryu. He brings up that Tenryu once had a victory over him, and that through this match he would make that old victory worthless. He claims to have nostalgia for NJPW, and is certainly on their side of the battle, but only as allies. When he takes the Japan J-1 Title from WAR he wont give it to NJPW, but keep it within the Inoki Office and on Kazuyuki Fujita. When Fujita reaches the ring however, he doesn't shake Inoki's hand, nor does he even acknowledge the existence of his mentor. When the match begins, Fujita goes on a full speed attack, taking Kensuke down and hitting a number of punches, but Kensuke manages to defend himself for the most part and rolls to the ropes. When they both get to their feet again, they battle hard strikes in an extremely physical encounter, with Kensuke hitting hard chops to the chest of his opponent, and with Fujita striking Kensuke's jaw with hard elbow shots. Kensuke comes off the ropes to hit a lariat, but Fujita dodges it and catches Sasaki with a knee strike to the gut on the way back. Fujita comes off the ropes and tries to hit another knee strike on Kensuke, who is now on his knees, but Kensuke rolls out of the way. They lock up, and Fujita tries to brainbuster Kensuke, but winds up receiving one instead. Fujita gets straight back up to his feet, and again the two bulls trade strikes. Fujita ducks a strike from Kensuke, dashing under his arm and behind him; executing a big back suplex that lands Kensuke on his neck. He doesn't hestitate to follow up, locking in a head and arm sleeper, but Kensuke quickly makes his way to the ropes to break up the hold. Back to square one again, Kensuke and Kazuyuki trade blows in the middle of the ring. Kensuke comes off the ropes and hits a big lariat on Fujita, but he can't seem to knock the Fighting Beast off of his feet. Sasaki comes off the ropes again, and appears to be looking to execute another lariat, but instead spins around Fujita and establishes a waistlock, trying to lift Fujita up for a German Suplex. Fujita doesn't budge though, instead rolls forward and catches Kensuke with a knee bar. After some struggling, 'Mr. J-1' makes his way to the ropes again. When they return to their feet again, Sasaki comes off the ropes on each side of the ring, hitting a lariat on Fujita each time, trying to knock Fujita down; however Fujita manages to duck the fourth lariat, but gets caught by the fifth on the rebound and finally hits the mat. As Fujita makes his way to his feet, Kensuke looks to be preparing for one more lariat to finish off his opponent, but as he runs at his opponent, Fujita jumps and hits Sasaki with a hurricanrana and quickly locks in a cross armbreaker to get the submission victory, but Sasaki shows great resliance and manages to withstand the pain long enough to make it to the ropes one more time. When they get to their feet, Sasaki looks to capitalise on the fact that Fujita has been worn down, and executes an STK. Showing signs of frustration, Fujita pushes back Kensuke and hits the ropes, looking for another possible knee strike, but Sasaki grabs the arm of Fujita and hits the ipponzei and locks in Strange Hold Gamma, this time forcing Fujita to make his way to the ropes. When the two participants finally make it to their feet, Fujita rushes in with another waistlock, but doesn't go for a suplex, instead locks in a sleeper hold, wrapping his legs around Sasaki and falling back; in a moment reminiscent of the controversial 10/9/04 IWGP Heavyweight Title match. The referee starts the count, but Fujita rolls over in time, and continues to apply the pressure with the sleeper. Fujita eventually lets go, satisfied the damage has been done and lets the official issue a ten count to try and get a knock out victory, but Kensuke gets to his feet just before the referee reaches nine. Fujita continues to work over the arms and neck of Sasaki, and manages to bust open his opponent with a hard right hand to the forehead. Knocked down in the centre of the ring, Sasaki struggles to get to his feet, and finds himself unstable on one knee. Fujita rushes at him, coming off the ropes and hitting Sasaki right between the eyes with a knee strike. He covers for the three, to crown a new J-1 Champion, but he doesn't quite get the whole three, as Kensuke powers out just before it. Kensuke gets straight back to his feet, battling through the pain and hits a number of lariats on Fujita. When he gets Fujita down again, he quickly picks him up and hits the Northern Lights Bomb, but it isn't enough to keep Kazuyuki down. Sasaki picks Fujita up again, spins him around and executes the Volcanic Eruption that took out Arlovski last month. The move works out for Kensuke again, as Fujita fails to answer the three count after the cover. Kensuke Sasaki makes another successful defence of his Japan J-1 Heavyweight Title. Mr. Inoki comes in to the ring when Fujita makes his way to his feet, and kicks and punches his protege, but Fujita only seems angered by this, and pushes Inoki back into the corner. Many officals and wrestlers from both WAR and NJPW rush into the ring to stop anything from getting out of hand, and Fujita makes a very abrupt exit. The WAR and NJPW wrestlers shout at one another from each side of the ring before clearing out, where Kensuke celebrates for a few moments. He takes a microphone and thanks the fans for their support, stating that it seems their can't be a victory over Kazuyuki Fujita without some kind of seeming controversy. Sasaki says that overall, WAR may not have had the victory tonight, but that there would still be time to make a difference on 04/01 on enemy soil, and that he would be there to deal with Masahiro Chono. He added that he was happy with how this year had gone, and asked for the continued support of the fans as WAR grows in 2006.

WAR vs. NJPW: TOKYO NIGHTMARE 2005, 28/12/05

Tokyo Dome

42,000 Fans

1. Susumu Yokosuka & Takuya Sugawara defeated Masato Yoshino & Darkness Dragon when Yokosuka used the Yokosuka Bay Bridge on Yoshino. (11:06)

2. Koji Kanemoto & Wataru Inoue defeated Raimu Mishima & Takamichi Iwasa when Kanemoto used a Tiger Suplex Hold on Iwasa. (09:32)

3. Masaaki Mochizuki defeated Magnum TOKYO when Mochizuki hit a low roundhouse kick on TOKYO. (13:35)

4. Arashi & Shigeo Okumura defeated Hiroshi Tanahashi & Ryusuke Taguchi when Okumura hit an Exploder on Taguchi. (11:40)

5. Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Hiroshi Nagao defeated Yoshihiro Takayama & Minoru Suzuki when Tenzan used the TTD on Suzuki. (13:50)

6. Milano Collection AT vs. Tiger Mask IV comes to a draw when the time limit expires. (30:00)

7. Heisei Ishingun vs. Team JAPAN Elimination Match: Shinsuke Nakamura , Yuji Nagata , Manabu Nakanishi & Yujiro Takahashi defeated Shiro Koshinaka, Jinsei Shinzaki, Tatsutoshi Goto & Masashi Aoyagi (26:30) Nagata threw Aoyagi out of the ring. (4:31) Nakanishi hit the Hercules Cutter on Goto. (09:12) Koshinaka used a Hip Attack variation on Nagata. (13:12) Jinsei Shinzaki used the Nenbutsu Powerbomb on Yujiro. (15:47) Nakamura used a Cross Armbreaker on Shinzaki. (21:22) Koshinaka threw Nakanishi out of the ring. (24:02) Nakamura used a Triangle Hold on Koshinaka. (25:30)

8. Tatsumi Fujinami & Masahiro Chono defeated Genichiro Tenryu & Riki Choshu when Chono used a Shining Kenka Kick on Choshu. (16:53)

9. Andrei Arlovski & Bill Goldberg defeated Brock Lesnar & Josh Barnett when Goldberg hit the Jackhammer on Barnett. (12:20)

10. Japan J-1 Heavyweight Title: Kensuke Sasaki © defeated Kazuyuki Fujita with the Volcanic Eruption. (V5) (18:54)

-

KENSUKE SASAKI (first reign as Japan J-1 Heavyweight Champion - 06/04/05 to present - 5 defences)

~ (06/04/05 @ Tokyo Ryogoku Kokugikan) Tournament Final Bout: Kensuke Sasaki defeats Genichiro Tenryu with a Flying Elbow Drop to become the 2nd WAR Japan J-1 Heavyweight Champion. (27:48)

~ (18/05/05 @ Osaka Castle Hall) Kensuke Sasaki © defeats Toshiaki Kawada with a Northern Lights Driver. (V1) (24:47)

~ (13/07/05 @ Osaka Central Gymnasium) Kensuke Sasaki © defeats Katsuyori Shibata with a Northern Lights Bomb. (V2) (20:55)

~ (24/08/05 @ Tokyo Budokan Hall) Kensuke Sasaki © defeats Yoshihiro Takayama with a Northern Lights Bomb. (V3) (28:22)

~ (16/11/05 @ Saitama Super Arena) Kensuke Sasaki © defeated Andrei Arlovski when Kensuke used the Volcanic Eruption. (V4) (20:13)

~(28/12/05 @ Tokyo Dome) Kensuke Sasaki © defeated Kazuyuki Fujita with the Volcanic Eruption. (18:54) (V5)

Edited December 1, 2005 by Ganon Dun

[Agahnim Demen]

30th December 2005

Now that the final WAR show of the year has been and gone, the official Wrestle Association "R" website (www.war.co.jp) revealed awards to be voted upon by the fans*. The categories, and those nominations within each category are listed below;

Heavyweight MVP: (the best heavyweight of the year, in terms of talent, success, and contributions to WAR)

Kensuke Sasaki

Riki Choshu

Toshiaki Kawada

Andrei Arlovski

Genichiro Tenryu

Shiro Koshinaka

Yoshihiro Takayama

Kazuyuki Fujita

Katsuyori Shibata

Jinsei Shinzaki

Tatsutoshi Goto

Nobuhiko Takada

Minoru Suzuki

Junior Heavyweight MVP: (the best junior heavyweight of the year, in terms of talent, success, and contributions to WAR)

Milano Collection AT

The Great Sasuke

Jushin Thunder Liger

Masaaki Mochizuki

Masato Yoshino

Magnum TOKYO

Revolution Dragon/Yoshihiro Asai

Dragon Kid

Darkness Dragon

Satoru Sayama

Lion Heart

Sasuke The Great/Masao Orihara

Kendo Kashin

Tag Team MVP: (the best tag team of the year, in terms of talent, success, and contributions to WAR)

Raimu Mishima & Takamichi Iwasa

Nobutaka Araya & Nobukazu Hirai

Andrei Arlovski & Bill Goldberg

Genichiro Tenryu & Riki Choshu

Katsuyori Shibata & Kazunari Murakami

Yoshihiro Takayama & Minoru Suzuki

Magnum TOKYO & Darkness Dragon

Susumu Yokosuka & Takuya Sugawara

Kensuke Sasaki & Hiroshi Hase

Kensuke Sasaki & Jinsei Shinzaki

Tatsutoshi Goto & Masashi Aoyagi

Nobuhiko Takada & Masaaki Satake

Singles Best Bout: (the singles match you enjoyed the most)

Kensuke Sasaki vs. Kazuyuki Fujita (16/03)

Dragon Kid vs. Yoshihiro Asai (18/05)

Riki Choshu vs. Andrei Arlovski (18/05)

Kensuke Sasaki vs. Toshiaki Kawada (18/05)

Kensuke Sasaki vs. Kenta Kobashi (25/05)

Kensuke Sasaki vs. Minoru Suzuki (30/05)

Milano Collection AT vs. Jushin Thunder Liger (13/07)

Riki Choshu vs. Toshiaki Kawada (13/07)

The Great Sasuke vs. Sasuke The Great (13/07)

Kensuke Sasaki vs. Katsuyori Shibata (13/07)

Milano Collection AT vs. Masaaki Mochizuki (24/08)

The Great Sasuke vs. Masato Yoshino (24/08)

Kensuke Sasaki vs. Yoshihiro Takayama (24/08)

Andrei Arlovski vs. Tatsutoshi Goto (26/10)

Milano Collection AT vs. The Great Sasuke (16/11)

Andrei Arlovski vs. Yoshiaki Yatsu (23/11)

Jinsei Shinzaki vs. Toru Yano (21/12)

Milano Collection AT vs. Jushin Thunder Liger (21/12)

Tag Team Best Bout: (the tag match you enjoyed the most)

Yoshihiro Takayama & Minoru Suzuki vs. Kensuke Sasaki & Jinsei Shinzaki (09/03)

Magnum TOKYO & Darkness Dragon vs. Yoshihiro Asai & Dragon Kid (06/04)

The Great Sasuke & Satoru Sayama vs. Jushin Thunder Liger & Lion Heart (13/04)

Kensuke Sasaki & Jinsei Shinzaki vs. Toshiaki Kawada & Lion Heart (27/04)

Kensuke Sasaki & Riki Choshu vs. Yoshihiro Takayama & Minoru Suzuki (08/06)

Jushin Thunder Liger & Sasuke The Great vs. The Great Sasuke & Milano Collection AT (06/07)

Yoshihiro Takayama & Kazuyuki Fujita vs. Kensuke Sasaki & Riki Choshu (20/07)

Kensuke Sasaki & Nobuhiko Takada vs. Kazuyuki Fujita & Minoru Suzuki (27/07)

The Great Sasuke & Milano Collection AT vs. Jushin Thunder Liger & Masaaki Mochizuki (03/08)

Kensuke Sasaki & Jinsei Shinzaki vs. Yoshihiro Takayama & Minoru Suzuki (03/08)

The Great Sasuke & Milano Collection AT vs. Masato Yoshino & Masaaki Mochizuki (10/08)

Katsuyori Shibata & Toshiaki Kawada vs. Nobuhiko Takada & Masaaki Satake (24/08)

Andrei Arlovski & Bill Goldberg vs. Kensuke Sasaki & Hiroshi Hase (12/10)

Riki Choshu & Andrei Arlovski vs. Kensuke Sasaki & Nobuhiko Takada (02/11)

The Great Sasuke & Magnum TOKYO vs. Milano Collection AT & Dragon Kid (09/11)

Kazuyuki Fujita & Kazunari Murakami vs. Jinsei Shinzaki & Tatsutoshi Goto (23/11)

Milano Collection AT & Taiji Ishimori vs. Sasuke The Great & Dragon Kid (30/11)

Jushin Thunder Liger & Masaaki Mochizuki vs. Magnum TOKYO & Masato Yoshino (30/11)

Andrei Arlovski & Takuya Sugawara vs. Kensuke Sasaki & Kengo Mashimo (30/11)

Masaaki Mochizuki & Susumu Yokosuka vs. Taiji Ishimori & Super Shisa (14/12)

Kazuyuki Fujita & Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Kensuke Sasaki & Shiro Koshinaka (21/12)

Andrei Arlovski & Bill Goldberg vs. Brock Lesnar & Josh Barnett (28/12)

Six Man Tag Best Bout: (the six man tag you enjoyed the most)

Yoshihiro Asai, Satoru Sayama & Great Sasuke vs. Jushin Thunder Liger, Masato Yoshino & Dragon Kid (11/05)

Magnum TOKYO, Darkness Dragon & Masato Yoshino vs. Super Shisa, Taiji Ishimori & Kengo Mashimo (20/07)

Jushin Thunder Liger, Masaaki Mochizuki & Masato Yoshino vs. The Great Sasuke, Milano Collection AT & Taiji Ishimori (27/07)

Magnum TOKYO, Darkness Dragon & Masato Yoshino vs. The Great Sasuke, Super Shisa & Kengo Mashimo (17/08)

Nobuhiko Takada, Masaaki Satake & Kiyoshi Tamura vs. Yoshihiro Takayama, Kazuyuki Fujita & Minoru Suzuki (07/12)

Kensuke Sasaki, Jinsei Shinzaki & Milano Collection AT vs. Kazuyuki Fujita, Andrei Arlovski & Jushin Thunder Liger (14/12)

Note: These are only suggested candidates for each award. If you want to vote someone/something not on the lists, by all means feel free.

-----------------------------

*Read as 'the readers of this diary'. Please send at least a top three (in order of preference) for each category. Send entries to me via PM, and try and do so within a fortnight of this post. I'd like to have this up by the 17th of December at the latest. As an insentive for voting there will be a prize for a completely random person, maybe a few matches or a DVD/VHS or something. I don't really know anyone on this forum, so I have no biased towards giving anything to anyone.

[Hayhay17]

Nice to finally have the history of WAR laid out like that, as it did sort of need clarification.

i really enjoyed the Tokyo dome card, especially the main event. Its nice to see written puro matchs have elements from real puro, like psychology and build etc.

The thing that has been bugging me about WAR is the lack of an heir apparant to Kensuke Sasaki. I think I may have said this earlier but you seem to be in the same position as AJPW is in real life, with a dominant ace, but no one inside the company who can beleiveabley take the title off him. Sasakis run in WAR has been built entireley around having the belt, he even has it in his ring name, once he looses the title, WAR will effectivley be with out an ace. It seems there is no naitive contender other than Sasaki for the role of Ace, hence the current trend of gaijins and shoot fighters for main event challengers.

Edited December 3, 2005 by Hayhay17

[Agahnim Demen]

31st December 2005

Wrestle Association "R" President Masatomo Takei held a press conference alongside a number of WAR stars about their future in the promotion.

The Great Sasuke promised that since he was no longer International Junior Heavyweight Champion, he would contribute to the junior division in another way. He told reporters that he would deepen and strengthen the Wrestle Association "R" junior division by bringing in a number of friends and students from the now defunct Michinoku Pro. He didn't express who he would be bringing in, but claimed that he would be bringing one old acquaintance out of retirement.

Revolution Dragon stated that in the past year he has felt like a shadow of his former self in WAR, and hoped to bring a lot more excitement and meaning to his participation in the promotion this coming year. He expressed an interest in focusing his efforts on Toryumon Mexico, but would like to still to perform in WAR as often as he can in a more specific manner. Feeling that due to his history in the promotion, Revolution Dragon stated that he feels he has a lot to offer and teach those within the WAR junior division, to ensure it is as strong as it was under him. He added that he doesn't feel he can acheive this impact as Revolution Dragon, so instead might have to make some changes.

President Takei said that there was a lot of though and discussion surrounding the weekly shows they have been running. In the previous incarnation, WAR would run a one week tour per month, but to maximise performance and under advisement from World Wrestling Entertainment , they changed to one show per week. 2006 is going to be a time for great progress within Wrestle Association "R", and that this would be one of many things considered for change. He announced that due to the promotion's new relationship with WWE, some cuts would have to be made in January to ensure acceptable financial performance for the next year. Mr. Takei expressed that there were already some people within WAR who aren't completely happy with their position, and that this would be taken into the consideration when the cuts are made.

Edited January 27, 2006 by Ganon Dun

[Agahnim Demen]

31st December 2005

A western puroresu WAR fansite by the name of 'Revolution And Romance' (war.puroresufan.com) revealed what it felt were the unofficial rankings for the heavyweight and junior divisions. The rankings are based on the form of a wrestler, his current status, and other factors. Any wrestler(s) scheduled to challenge for a title is automatically #1 contender (and hence #1 on the specific list).

WAR Japan J-1 Heavyweight Champion: Kensuke Sasaki

1. Genichiro Tenryu

2. Kazuyuki Fujita

3. Bill Goldberg

4. Andrei Arlovski

5. Nobuhiko Takada

6. Shiro Koshinaka

7. Yoshihiro Takayama

8. Riki Choshu

9. Katsuyori Shibata

10. Jinsei Shinzaki

WAR International Junior Heavyweight Champion: Milano Collection AT

1. Masaaki Mochizuki

2. The Great Sasuke

3. Revolution Dragon

4. Magnum TOKYO

5. Masato Yoshino

6. Raimu Mishima

7. Susumu Yokosuka

8. Takuya Sugawara

9. Darkness Dragon

10. Super Shisa

-----------------------------

Pro Wrestling Illustrated's Annual Top 100 featured an overwhelming number of WAR workers this year.

#4 Andrei Arlovski

#8 Milano Collection AT

#9 Kazuyuki Fujita

#11 Kensuke Sasaki

#14 Jinsei Shinzaki

#17 Minoru Suzuki

#18 Masaaki Satake

#19 Nobuhiko Takada

#20 Taiji Ishimori

#22 Magnum TOKYO

#23 Susumu Yokosuka

#25 The Great Sasuke

#27 Masaaki Mochizuki

#31 Masato Yoshino

#32 Yoshihiro Takayama

#33 Kazunari Murakami

#36 Masao Orihara/Sasuke The Great

#37 Takuya Sugawara

#39 Shiro Koshinaka

#46 Katsuyori Shibata

#50 Toshiaki Kawada

#54 Darkness Dragon

#67 Nobutaka Araya

#68 Super Shisa

#69 Tatsutoshi Goto

#70 Shigeo Okumura

Takuya Sugawara also won the magazine's 'Young Wrestler of the Year' Award for 2005.

(The Top 100 Results, and 'Young Wrestler of the Year' Award are taken from TEW)

[Agahnim Demen]

31st December 2005

The official WAR website recently updated its roster page.

(Click on the name to see a picture of the respective wrestler)

-----------------------------

WAR ROSTER

WARgun

Kensuke Sasaki

Ryuma Go

Nobutaka Araya

Nobukazu Hirai

Revolution Army

Genichiro Tenryu

Riki Choshu

Arashi

Revolution Dragon

Raimu Mishima

Takamichi Iwasa

Heisei Ishingun

Shiro Koshinaka

Jinsei Shinzaki

Tatsutoshi Goto

Masashi Aoyagi

Do FIXER

Magnum TOKYO

Darkness Dragon

Masato Yoshino

Takada Dojo

Nobuhiko Takada

Kiyoshi Tamura

Masaaki Satake

Gaijin Army

Andrei Arlovski

Bill Goldberg

TEAM NO FEAR! 2005

Yoshihiro Takayama

Minoru Suzuki

HanWARgun

Kazuyuki Fujita

Katsuyori Shibata

Kazunari Murakami

Shigeo Okumura

Juniors

Milano Collection AT

The Great Sasuke

Masaaki Mochizuki

Sasuke The Great

Dragon Kid

Koji Ishinriki

Super Shisa

Susumu Yokosuka

Takuya Sugawara

Katsuhiko Nakajima

Young Lions

Daichi Fujiwara

Kentaro Fujikage

Kunihiko Obata

Shinichi Suzukawa

Takashi Shimizu

Outside Talent

Yoshiaki Yatsu

Jushin Thunder Liger

Osamu Tachihikari

Hiroshi Hase

Hyper Brave G-Valion

Kaiser Valion

Prototype Valion

Kendo Kashin

Kengo Mashimo

Ryuji Ito

--------------------------------

Notably, Toshiaki Kawada and Taiji Ishimori are absent from the roster.

Edited January 18, 2006 by Ganon Dun

[LUKIE]

Something which has boggled me through the whole existence of this awesome diary...

Nobuhiko Takada is on god level status in Japan amongst fighters, like Inoki/Chono/Sakuraba etc., but he seems to be majorly underused in this diary...

hmmm...

/Lukies 2 cents.

[Shay-D]

This year has been awesome dude! Been reading this over on that other forum ( ) and really enjoyed it!

Next year we need more Middle Kicks and more Italian Revolutions~!

'D'