New-Japan Pro Wrestling

[Gazz]

August 2006

New Japan was in a state of disarray, then IWGP Champion had quit the company, taking the title with him, meaning a radical change in booking plans, forcing the hot shotting of a rising star to the title, when some would say he is not ready for the challenge. All this just days before NJPW's showcase event, the G1 Climax tournament begins.

The heavyweight tag team titles hadn't been defended in over six months, so long, in fact, that a new set of tag titles had been formed. New Japan president Simon Inoki, not the most popular guy at the best of times, was taking hits from all sides, legend and multi time IWGP champion Tatsumi Fujinami was so against Simon that he also quit the company in disgust and Simon's big plan to rejuvenate New Japan, Lesnar, had backfired in spectacular fashion. Not to mention that years of bad booking decisions had left the population of Japan, particulary in their home base of Tokyo, disillusioned with New Japan and were showing it with their feet.

Mind you, the Junior division was in pretty good knick, so its not all bad.

For anyone who doesn't know puro, go to SSS, there it can tell you everything you ever wanted to know about these strange Japanese wrestlers people like Lukie, Heel Turn, Liam and GoGo keep banging onabout (Y)

And the aforemention puro enthusiasts (or anyone else), I don't pretend to know alot, I follow NJ through SSS and occasionly DVDs, so any nitpicking, glaringly obvious mistakes, lack of Shibata, please feel free to comment, all feedback is welcome.

Oh, and I'm gonna do Wrestle Land and Lock Up aswell, because I like a challenge.

With that, the tournament/tour is as follows.

NJPW, 8/6/06 (SXW LIVE)

Niigata City Gymnasium

1. G1 Climax - Block B: Hiroyoshi Tenzan vs. Koji Kanemoto

2. G1 Climax - Block B: Yuji Nagata vs. Naofumi Yamamoto

3. G1 Climax - Block A: Jushin Thunder Liger vs. Satoshi Kojima

4. G1 Climax - Block A: Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Manabu Nakanishi

NJPW, 8/8/06

Yokohama Bunka Gymnasium

1. G1 Climax - Block B: Naofumi Yamamoto vs. Togi Makabe

2. G1 Climax - Block A: Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Jushin Thunder Liger

3. G1 Climax - Block A: Giant Bernard vs. Satoshi Kojima

4. G1 Climax - Block B: Yuji Nagata vs. Hiroyoshi Tenzan

NJPW, 8/9/06 (Samurai! TV)

Grand Cube Osaka

1. G1 Climax - Block B: Koji Kanemoto vs. Naofumi Yamamoto

2. G1 Climax - Block B: Yuji Nagata vs. Togi Makabe

3. G1 Climax - Block A: Manabu Nakanishi vs. Jushin Thunder Liger

4. G1 Climax - Block A: Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Giant Bernard

NJPW, 8/10/06 (Samurai! TV)

Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium

1. G1 Climax - Block B: Togi Makabe vs. Koji Kanemoto

2. G1 Climax - Block B: Hiroyoshi Tenzan vs. Naofumi Yamamoto

3. G1 Climax - Block A: Manabu Nakanishi vs. Giant Bernard

4. G1 Climax - Block A: Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Satoshi Kojima

NJPW, 8/12/06 (SXW LIVE)

Tokyo Ryogoku Kokugikan

1. G1 Climax - Block B: Hiroyoshi Tenzan vs. Togi Makabe

2. G1 Climax - Block A: Giant Bernard vs. Jushin Thunder Liger

3. G1 Climax - Block B: Yuji Nagata vs. Koji Kanemoto

4. G1 Climax - Block A: Manabu Nakanishi vs. Satoshi Kojima

NJPW, 8/13/06 (PPV)

Tokyo Ryogoku Kokugikan

1. G1 Climax - Semi Final: Block A 1st place vs. Block B 2nd place

2. G1 Climax - Semi Final: Block B 1st place vs. Block A 2nd place

NJPW, 8/6/06 (SXW LIVE)

Niigata City Gymnasium

Attendance 5000 Super No Vacancy

The 2006 G1 Climax began today with a well received show in Niigata, Hiroshi Tanahashi's first match as IWGP champion ended in defeat today, as he was downed by the brute power of Manabu Nakanishi, Tanahashi used his superior speed to neutralize Nakanishi's power for only so long before he was able to take control of the match, hoisting Tanahashi up into the Argentine backbreaker, then dropping the champion with the Hercules Cutter for a well deserved victory. Tanahashi was not too downhearted after the match, he realised that now as champion, he has to fight all comers and promised to improve his strength training to combat power fighters like Nakanishi. Nakanishi vowed to build upon his good start, win the tournament and then go on and defeat Tanahashi for the IWGP championship.

All Japan superstar and New Japan trueborn Satoshi Kojima marked his return to the New Japan ring with a victory over junior legend, Jushin Thunder Liger, it was not the easy win most expected for Kojima, Liger showing fire and taking the match to Kojima, trading blows and chops with the heavier and more powerful Kojima, Liger at one point had Kojima in trouble on the outside after vaulting himself over the top rope onto Kojima, Satoshi getting back into the ring at 18. In fact, it appeared that Liger was in complete control of the match, when Kojima hit a Lariat out of nowhere for an intense and hard fought victory which received resounding applause from the crowd.

Teacher and pupil pair, Nagata and Yamamoto met in singles competition for the first time ever today, and the match ended with one of the biggest upsets in New Japan history, as the just out of young lionhood Yamamoto cradled former ace Nagata for the win. The match up till that point had gone as expected, with Nagata dishing out a severe beating, bloodying Yamamoto with fierce kicks, but also backing off Yamamoto, allowing him to recover and giving instructions to his protege, this would prove to be Nagata's downfall, as Yamamoto cut back an exploder suplex attempt into a cradle for a famous win. Yamamoto was ecstatic after his win and had to be calmed down backstage before his interview could commence, Nagata praised Yamamoto for his ability to accept punishment and come back and win, he also promised a flawless G1 from now on.

The G1 tournament opening bout was a heavyweight versus junior confrontation, and it was business as usual as Hiroyoshi Tenzan spiked IWGP Junior Heavyweight champion, Koji Kanemoto with the TTD in just under ten minutes, Tenzan dominated the match from the outset, Tenzan was visibly quicker than on the last tour, his training with Jado and Gedo apparent and Kanemoto was no match for Tenzan's combination of speed and power. Post match, Kanemoto promised to use his days off to scout his next opponent, Naofumi Yamamoto and defeat him, in his interview, Tenzan promised that this was the dawn of a new era of Tenzan, and promised to win the G1, win back the IWGP heavyweight title and become undisputed IWGP Tag Team champions with Chono.

On the undercard, current and former IWGP Junior Tag Team champions met and there was nothing to separate them, neither team able to score a fall inside twenty minutes, after the bell rung both teams appealed for extra time, but this was refused, so both team then appealed for a rematch with a longer time limit, nothing has been confirmed yet, but this match should and probably will happen sometime in the future.

The two remaining active members of CTU not in matches today teamed together to take on the regular army combo of Tiger Mask and European Junior, Prince Devitt, it was Devitt who took the fall, falling to Minoru's Santa Monica Pier finisher.

The opening match was a regular young lion affair, with the more experienced team of Yujiro and Uwano picking up the victory, what was interesting was, post match, Yujiro stated that he believed his is ready to move out of young lionhood and appealed for bigger matches on this tour or the next.

1.Yujiro and Takashi Uwano defeated Tetsuya Naito and Mitsuhide Hirasawa (7:57) when Yujiro defeated Naito with a Powerslam.

2.Black Tiger and Minoru defeated Prince Devitt and Tiger Mask (9:54) when Minoru defeated Prince Devitt with the Santa Monica Pier.

3.Gedo and Jado versus El Samurai and Ryusuke Taguchi went to a draw(20:00) when the time limit expired.

4. G1 Climax - Block B: Hiroyoshi Tenzan defeated Koji Kanemoto (9:42) with the TTD.

5. G1 Climax - Block B: Naofumi Yamamoto defeated Yuji Nagata (6:10) by pinfall with a cutback cradle.

6. G1 Climax - Block A: Satoshi Kojima defeated Jushin Thunder Liger (9:35) with a Lariat.

7. G1 Climax - Block A: Manabu Nakanishi defeated Hiroshi Tanahashi (15:55) after the Hercules Cutter.

Block A

Satoshi Kojima (2)

Manabu Nakanishi (2)

Jushin Thunder Liger (0)

Hiroshi Tanahashi (0)

Giant Bernard (0)

Block B

Naofumi Yamamoto (2)

Hiroyoshi Tenzan (2)

Koji Kanemoto (0)

Yugi Nagata (0)

Togi Makabe (0)

Edited August 5, 2006 by gazzpriest

[LUKIE]

Yamamoto over Nagata!!! WOOOOO!

Nice start, a good effort, and some interesting booking already

Let's see if Nakanishi can break the 1st show = no G1 win curse...

[Magus978]

Yamamoto with the upset. Interesting to see if he'll make any other dent in the G1.

Good start, I love Puro diaries. Keep it up

[Gazz]

NJPW, 8/8/06

Yokohama Bunka Gymnasium

Attendance 6200 Super No Vacancy

New Japan garnered their second consecutive sell-out on the G1 tour today. Yugi Nagata managed to put yesterdays shock defeat behind him, defeating Hiroyoshi Tenzan by submission with his Nagata Lock II, Tenzan was unable to capitalize of yesterdays win over Koji Kanemoto, the bigger and stronger challenge of the heavyweight Nagata proving to much for Tenzan, whose recent improvements were still noticable in defeat, Tenzan avoiding many of Nagata's vicious kicks and counterattacking with boxing. However, it was a Nagata counterattack of his own that lead to victory, catching an Anaconda Cross attempt and dragging Tenzan into the Nagata Lock II (Crossface) for the victory. After the match, Tenzan said that although Tanahashi is the champion and despite of his loss to Yamamoto, Nagata should be considered the true ace of New Japan, how that sits with Tenzan's mentor, Chono is yet to be seen. Nagata himself, promised to abolish any memory of yesterdays loss and promised 'perfect fighting' for the rest of the tournament and beyond.

Giant Bernard and Satoshi Kojima renewed their All Japan tag rivalry today with their first one on one direct encounter and the two went to war, hitting each other with all their strength and power, Kojima goading Bernard into an uncharacteristic Lariat battle, hitting two consecutive Lariats, but still could only take the Gaijin down onto one knee, Bernard then nailed Kojima with a Lariat of his own as Koji attempted a third Lariat, nearly decapitating Koji in the process, Bernard used this turn in momentum to his advantage, dominating from thereon in and crushing Kojima with the corner press, avenging his tag team defeats in All Japan and gaining the victory on his G1 debut. Kojima praised Bernard's power and picked him to go on and face Kojima again in the final, but with a different result than today. Bernard stated his intention to continue his good form and become New Japan's 'King of Tournaments' after his New Japan Cup and IWGP Heavyweight tournament performances.

Liger went 0-2 so far in the tournament, falling to IWGP champion, Hiroshi Tanahashi, who picked up his first win as champion today, but again Liger showed a spirited fight against the heavyweight Tanahashi, causing the champion many problems, Liger punishing Tanahashi with repeated strikes and open palm thrusts. Tanahashi also went Junior style on Liger, breaking out the Dragon Rocket onto Liger on the outside. The match turned though when Liger went for the frog splash attempt, but Tanahashi had it well scouted and was able to avoid the high risk move, both men raised to their feet and again engaged in a forearm battle, Tanahashi's superior power winning out and the young champion showing the fire that captured him the title, finishing Liger off with back-to-back Sling Blades. Liger stated that after facing Tanahashi personally, he believes Tanahashi to be a truly worthy champion and wished him a long and sucessful reign. Tanahashi, was of course deeply honoured and thanked Liger for his comments, he then went on to declare that his confidence is growing daily as champion and was happy to pick up his first win as champion, he is now looking forward to the rest of the G1 and afterwards, his V1 defence of his title.

After Naofumi Yamamoto's upset yesterday, there was a chance of a repeat performance, but it was not to be, the vastly more experienced Makabe neutralizing most of Yamamoto's offence and setting the tone for the later Bernard-Kojima match, downing Yamamoto with a stiff Lariat for a routine victory, dispelling the memory somewhat of last years G1 tournament, where Makabe was injured in his first match and spent many months on the sidelines. Yamamoto was visibly upset backstage and believed that his unexpected victory had gotten him overexcited and made him lose focus on the rest of his matches and that is why he was so easily defeated today. Makabe was happy to get through his first match unscathed and promised to provoke KILLER Nagata out tomorrow in Osaka to continue his blood festival theme.

In the none tournament matches, the burgeoning rivalry between Gedo and Jado and El Samurai and Taguchi continued after yesterdays draw, it was Samurai who came out on top, as he teamed with the Junior elite, IWGP champion Koji Kanemoto and NWA champion, Tiger Mask to defeat the CTU combo of Minoru and the Junior tag champions, Tiger Mask dropping Gedo with his patented Tiger Suplex Hold for the victory. Also, with Minoru guaranteed a shot at Kanemoto's title in the near future as his prize for winning the BOSJ, these early exchanges may be of interest.

Once again, Yujiro demonstrated his surpassing of all the current New Japan young lions, pinning Uwano with a powerslam. After the match, Yujiro appealed for a trial series to prove his growth and to give him new learning opportunities.

1. Mitsuhide Hirasawa defeated Tetsuya Naito (8:47) by submission with a Crab Hold.

2. Yujiro defeated Takashi Uwano (10:56) with a Powerslam.

3. Koji Kanemoto, Tiger Mask and El Samurai defeated Minoru and Gedo and Jado (11:48) when Tiger Mask defeated Gedo by pinfall with a Tiger Suplex Hold.

4. G1 Climax - Block B: Togi Makabe defeated Naofumi Yamamoto (10:43) with a Lariat.

5. G1 Climax - Block A: Hiroshi Tanahashi defeated Jushin Thunder Liger (13:51) with the Sling Blade.

6. G1 Climax - Block A: Giant Bernard defeated Satoshi Kojima (9:17) by pinfall with a Corner Press.

7. G1 Climax - Block B: Yuji Nagata defeated Hiroyoshi Tenzan (13:36) by submission with the Nagata Lock II.

Block A

Satoshi Kojima (2)

Manabu Nakanishi (2)

Hiroshi Tanahashi (2)

Giant Bernard (2)

Jushin Thunder Liger (0)

Block B

Naofumi Yamamoto (2)

Hiroyoshi Tenzan (2)

Yugi Nagata (2)

Togi Makabe (2)

Koji Kanemoto (0)

Its only day two of the tournament and already both Juniors are winless, although Kanemoto has only fought once compared to Liger's two, but there is still time for more upsets after Yamamoto's victory. Both blocks have a four way tie for the lead at the moment, really demonstrating the competitive nature of New Japan's heavyweight division.

Edited August 6, 2006 by gazzpriest

[Gazz]

NJPW, 8/9/06 (Samurai! TV)

Grand Cube Osaka

Attendance 2000

Day three of the G1 Climax visited Osaka today, and again found the IWGP Champion struggling to maintain the form that won him the title, Tanahashi falling to the man he beat to win the vacant crown, Giant Bernard. Bernard dominated most of the match, with Tanahashi making sporadic but spirited comebacks, but could not stay on top of his opponent for long, Bernard's strength again proving to be Tanahashi's weakness, Tanahashi was however able to score some near falls with a Sling Blade and a picture perfect German Suplex Hold to the Gaijin monster, to rousing applause from the hot Osaka crowd. It was not to be though, as Bernard gained control following a lariat, then crushed Tanahashi with the corner press, before finishing him with the Bernard Bomb. Post match, again Tanahashi repeated his vow to begin strength training at the end of the tournament to combat his challengers, most of which have an advantage against Tanahashi in that department. Bernard appealed for an immediate IWGP title shot, tomorrow in Aichi, saying he will pull double duty if nessecery, though this request is likely to fall on deaf ears.

It was another strength versus speed battle in the semi main event as Manabu Nakanishi took on Jushin Thunder Liger, it was to be another loss for Liger though as Nakanishi was just too big and strong for Liger. Nakanishi dominated from the bell, Liger getting in little to no offence, with Nakanishi eventually knocking Liger out following up the Hercules Cutter with the Mana Bauer. The crowd were not happy with Nakanishi, who appears to have won the match after the Hercules Cutter and felt the subsequent Mana Bauer to be unnessecery. Nakanishi later explained his actions, saying you have to be ruthless to win the G1 ans that it was also a message to his competitors that he is not to be taken lightly.

Togi Makabe continues his own G1 blood festival, engaging Yugi Nagata in a furious brawl, bloodying Mr Saikyo in the process. The two brawled all around ringside, the majority of the match taking place outside the ring, exchanging chair shots and slugging each other with forearms. Nagata then gained revenge by bloodying Makabe with a sickening face kick. Makabe provoked Nagata, possibly attempting to bring out KILLER Nagata mode, as he had promised to do yesterday. Nagata did not need KILLER mode to win though, catching Makabe with an Expolder suplex when the match made a rare incursion into the ring. Makabe sat down post match, blood still pouring out of his nose, he praised Nagata's brawling skills, saying that after yesterdays more pure puroresu match against Tenzan, Nagata is a complete wrestler with no immediate weaknesses. He did however, request another match with Nagata at some point. Nagata also praised Makabe, commenting his showed good fire and spirit in defeat, but is over reliant on weapons and has forgotten true puroresu.

A junior heavyweight finally picked up a victory in this years tournament, as IWGP Junior champion, Koji Kanemoto defeated Naofumi Yamamoto, whose momentum from his win on the first day is all but forgotten. Kanemoto dictated the match, forcing Yamamoto into a more junior style, to his disadvantage. Kanemoto avoiding Yamamoto and punishing him with kicks and slaps, showing no mercy on the youngster. Kanemoto then broke out the aerial arsenal, hitting a moonsault for a near fall and a spinning heel kick. Kanemoto then again shifted tactics, grounding Yamamoto with various submissions before trapping him with an Ankle Hold for the victory. Yamamoto was again inconsolable after the match and promised to take heart from his losses and learn lessons from them, Kanemoto called Yamamoto a promising prospect but still had much growth to endure.

Toru Yano and Tomohiro Ishii teamed for the first time on this tour and continued the good form they have shown on previous tours, beating the veteran team of Takashi Iizuka and Shiro Koshinaka. This was a big and somewhat unexpected victory for the young tandem, who will be looking to build on this and put themselves in the picture for a shot at the IWGP Tag Team titles when they find an undisputed home, maybe even a shot a provisional champions Real Wild Child somewhere down the line. The blossoming chemistry between Yano and Ishii was what won them the match today, isolating their opponents with slick double team moves and good ring positioning, cutting Iizuka off from tagging Koshinaka, it was Yano who eventually dropped Iizuka with the Oni Koroshi as Ishii held Koshinaka outside of the ring. Post match, Yano appealed for stronger challenges so they can prove worthy of an IWGP title match.

There were two regular army versus CTU tag matches, both teams gaining one victory. Minoru continued his upper hand against Tiger Mask on this tour, teaming with Jado to defeat Tiger and Prince Devitt, Jado trapping the European youngster in his Crossface of Jado for the win. The victory was a measure of revenge for CTU, as in the earlier match, Ryusuke showed a glimmer of form, helping himself and Wataru Inoue defeat Gedo and Black Tiger, Wataru pinning BT after the Staggerin' Blow. After the Minoru/Jado versus Tiger Mask/Devitt match, there was a skirmish in the ring as the remaining members of CTU, minus LIger, ambushed Tiger Mask, this brought out the regular army, minus Kanemoto to even the score, a brawl breaking out before referees and ring boys broke it up. Post Match, Tiger Mask challenged CTU to a five versus five match on 8/13, Tiger Mask confidently predicting Liger would be eliminated from the G1 later on, leaving him free to participate.

1. Takashi Uwano defeated Mitsuhide Hirasawa (5.57) with a German Suplex Hold.

2. Ryusuke Taguchi and Wataru Inoue defeated Gedo and Black Tiger (9:09) when Wataru defeated Tiger with the Staggerin' Blow.

3. Minoru and Jado defeated Tiger Mask and Prince Devitt (10:44) when Jado defeated Devitt with the Crossface of JADO.

4. Yano and Ishii defeated Shiro Koshinaka and Takashi Iizuka (8:31) when Yano defeated Iizuka with an Oni Koroshi.

5. G1 Climax - Block B: Koji Kanemoto defeated Naofumi Yamamoto (9:31) with an Ankle Hold.

6. G1 Climax - Block B: Yuji Nagata defeated Togi Makabe (11:58) with an Exploder.

7. G1 Climax - Block A: Manabu Nakanishi defeated Jushin Thunder Liger (5:57) via KO.

8. G1 Climax - Block A: Giant Bernard defeated Hiroshi Tanahashi (14:41) with a Bernard Bomb.

Block A

Giant Bernard (4)

Manabu Nakanishi (4)

Satoshi Kojima (2)

Hiroshi Tanahashi (2)

Jushin Thunder Liger (0)

Block B

Yugi Nagata (4)

Hiroyoshi Tenzan (2)

Koji Kanemoto (2)

Togi Makabe (2)

Naofumi Yamamoto (2)

With two rounds of the tournament left, Jushin Thunder Liger becomes the first man to be eliminated, Liger, who replaced Minoru, who rejected the opportunity, has had a torrid time in the G1, losing to Kojima in under ten minutes, before falling to Tanahashi, then being KO'd by Nakanishi today and with the powerhouse Giant Bernard still to face, things do not look good for the Junior legend.

NJPW, 8/13/06 (PPV)

Tokyo Ryogoku Kokugikan

1. G1 Climax - Semi Final: Block A 1st place vs. Block B 2nd place

2. G1 Climax - Semi Final: Block B 1st place vs. Block A 2nd place

3. Jushin Thunder Liger/Minoru/Black Tiger/Gedo/Jado Vs Tiger Mask/Wataru Inoue/El Samurai/Rysuke Taguchi/Prince Devitt

4. Masahiro Chono & Milano Collection AT Vs X & X

[Gazz]

NJPW, 8/10/06 (Samurai! TV)

Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium

Attendence 5000

Today, Hiroshi Tanahashi went someway to strengthening his credibility as champion, pushing former four-crown champion Satoshi Kojima to a thirty minute draw, Tanahashi, once again at a power disadvantage, though not as great as against Nakanishi and Bernard, was able to counter with his superior speed and agility, and could have had the match won at various points, hitting two Sling Blades, that couldn't keep the All-Japan star down and also trapping Kojima in the Dragon sleeper, Koji was able to escape the hold however. It was not all Tanahashi however, as Kojima had much offence of his own, hitting a Lariat at one point that had the crowd sensing the finish, but Tanahashi was able to kick out.

As the match drew on and the time limit loomed, both men exchanged cradles and backslides, seeking out a last gasp victory that was not to be. With this draw, Tanahashi G1 came to a finish, and the IWGP champion will be dissappointed with his 1-1-2 record and non-qualification for the semi finals. Kojima is still in with a shout, but needs to beat Nakanishi tomorrow to ensure the runners up spot as Bernard has already beaten him and would still top the block, even if he lost to Liger. Tanahashi, who will face the G1 winner on the next tour, vowed to spend all his free time training, the tournament has taught him that he is at a weakness against bigger, stronger opponents and that he also has to not let losses effect him to much, as he is too much of a 'momentum fighter'. Kojima praised Tanahashi, believing that he will grow into a true champion, as he, Kojima did with the Triple Crown.

Bernard was able to move into sole leadership of the block by defeating Manabu Nakanishi today, these two behemoths throwing their full weight at each other, in what was described as a short but intense power fight. It was the bigger Bernard who continued his sublime form, going 3-0 in the competition and continuing his dominance of New Japan tournaments this year, out lasting Nakanishi and finishing him with the Bernard Bomb. Bernard targeted Nakanishi's back throughout the match, with slams and bearhugs, and when Nakanishi had the opportunity at the Argentine Backbreaker, was unable to lift the monster. With this win and Kojima's draw, this means regardless of tomorrow outcome, Bernard has secured victory in Block A, as only Nakanishi can finish level on points with him, and since he beat Nakanishi, he would win the tie-breaker.

Block B's matches went as expected, with Hiroyoshi Tenzan making short work of Yamamoto, who finishes 1-3, with only a lucky win to show for his efforts. Tenzan dominated the entire match, toying with Yamamoto, much as Nagata did before mercifully locking in the Anaconda Vice for the submission victory. Yamamoto again took heart from his loss, but admitted he has never felt so low in his career, he did, however, vow to join Tanahashi in the dojo during the break in tours and come back refreshed and ready to progress. Yamamoto will now finish bottom of Block B, regardless of Kanemoto's match with Nagata, as Kanemoto defeated Yamamoto yesterday. Tenzan, was focussed on his match on 8/12 with Makabe, which appears to be a straight competition for the runner up spot behind Nagata, and a match with the unbeaten Giant Bernard in the semi finals.

In the other Block B match, the result was as expected, however, the match was closer than expected and Kanemoto appeared to have Makabe beat several times, only for Makabe to use heel tactics to regain control of the match, Makabe eventually got frustrated with the troublesome Kanemoto, again bloodying his opponent with a chair for the third time in a row and resorting to using a vital part attack to pick up the victory, eliminating Kanemoto from the tournament in the process. Post match, Kanemoto was understandably furious at Makabe, reiterating Nagata's statement that Makabe has forgotten true puroresu and the spirit of competition. Makabe was non plussed, instead focussing on his decider match with Tenzan, promising to continue his blood festival all the way to IWGP gold.

Yano and Ishii's appeals to Choshu for stronger opponents were answered somewhat as Power Hall himself replaced Koshinaka in a rematch from yesterday, however the result was the same, Yano again dropping Iizuka with the Oni Koroshi for the victory. Again, Yano and Ishii's superior teamwork was the deciding factor, with Iizuka being isolated and picked apart as Choshu was kept out of the match for the majority, but when Choshu was tagged in, Yano and Ishii felt his full fury, both being levelled with vicious Lariats, but eventually the young upstarts regained control and won the match with ease. Backstage, a grumpy Choshu named Yano and Ishii as the opponents for Chono's return match in two days, followed by facing Choshu again in a tag match on 8/13, Choshu, howver, did not name his partner. Yano and Ishii were thrilled with these opportunities and vowed to beat Chono into giving them the IWGP Tag titles by forfeit.

With an off day from the G1, Jushin Liger returned to the Junior division, leading the CTU against the regular Army, it was Liger himself who garnered the victory, dropping Taguchi with the CTB in just over ten minutes. Liger, seemed to revel in fighting juniors again and dished out beatings to all three opponents, Jado and Gedo virtual spectators for minutes at a time. It was old tag partner, El Samurai, who gave Liger most problems, and with Wataru and Taguchi both struggling for form as of late, the result was never really in doubt. Liger commented later that he has regained the little confidence he lost in the G1 matches and predicted he would beat Bernard in less than three minutes.

Yujiro today got a little taste of life outside of the young lion division today, going against Tiger Mask in tag competition, it proved a stiff test for the youngster, proving little match to Tiger Mask's vast experience. It was partner, Hirasawa who dropped the fall, pinning him with the Tiger Suplex Hold. Yujiro, once again appealed to Choshu for a trial series next tour to prove his growth, whether Choshu is listening is another matter.

1. Takashi Uwano defeated Tetsuya Naito (6:31) with a German Suplex Hold.

2. Tiger Mask and Prince Devitt defeated Mitsuhide Hirasawa and Yujiro (10:36) when Tiger defeated Hirasawa with a Tiger Suplex Hold.

3. Jado, Gedo and Jushin Thunder Liger defeated El Samurai, Ryusuke Taguchi and Wataru Inoue (10:56) when Liger defeated Taguchi with a CTB.

4. Yano and Ishii defeated Riki Choshu and Takashi Iizuka (11:56) when Yano defeated Iizuka with an Oni Koroshi.

5. G1 Climax - Block B: Togi Makabe defeated Koji Kanemoto (12:50) with a vital part attack.

6. G1 Climax - Block B: Hiroyoshi Tenzan defeated Naofumi Yamamoto (7:42) with an Anaconda Vice.

7. G1 Climax - Block A: Giant Bernard defeated Manabu Nakanishi (10:50) with a Bernard Bomb.

8. G1 Climax - Block A: Hiroshi Tanahashi versus Satoshi Kojima went to a draw (30:00) when the time limit expired.

Block A

Giant Bernard (6)

Manabu Nakanishi (4)

Satoshi Kojima (3)

Hiroshi Tanahashi (3)

Jushin Thunder Liger (0)

Block B

Yugi Nagata (4)

Hiroyoshi Tenzan (4)

Togi Makabe (4)

Koji Kanemoto (2)

Naofumi Yamamoto (2)

With Kanemoto's elimination from the tournament, having lost to both Makabe and Tenzan ahead of him, it has being announced he will replace Prince Devitt in the regular army versus CTU ten man tag match.

NJPW, 8/13/06 (PPV)

Tokyo Ryogoku Kokugikan

1. G1 Climax - Semi Final: Giant Bernard vs. Block B 2nd place

2. G1 Climax - Semi Final: Block B 1st place vs. Nakanishi/Kojima

3. Jushin Thunder Liger/Minoru/Black Tiger/Gedo/Jado Vs Tiger Mask/Wataru Inoue/El Samurai/Rysuke Taguchi/Koji Kanemoto

4. Toru Yano & Tomohiro Ishii Vs Riki Choshu & X

5. Masahiro Chono & Milano Collection AT Vs X & X

[Gazz]

NJPW, 8/12/06 (SXW LIVE)

Tokyo Ryogoku Kokugikan

Attendence 10,405 Super No Vacancy

The final four of the G1 Climax is set, and its Giant Bernard, Manabu Nakanishi, Hiroyoshi Tenzan and Yugi Nagata who will go forward to 8/13. Nakanishi booked his place in the finals today with a victory over former four-crown champion, Satoshi Kojima today, Kojima finishing third in the block, a disappointing showing for Koji. Nakanishi and Kojima engaged in an intense power fight, both men giving their all to claim the runners up spot in Block A. It was Nakanishi who came out on top though, winning with a flurry of offence, planting Kojima with a hard German suplex for two before picking him up into the Argentine Backbreaker, KOjima however refused to give in, so Nakanishi dropped him with the Hercules Cutter for finish 3-1 in the group stages.

Yugi Nagata lost his first place in Block B today, unable to defeat the junior Kanemoto inside the time limit. Kanemoto showed his strength despite the weight difference, taking it to Nagata with strikes and low altitude dropkicks. Nagata was unable to deal with Kanemoto's pace and agility. At one point, even, it appeared Kanemoto may have the victory, flipping out of a backdrop hold, then kicking out Nagata's knee and trapping him with the Ankle Hold. Kanemoto was not able to hold back the bigger Nagata who got to the ropes to break the hold. As the match wore on, Kanemoto began to slow and Nagata began to take control, hitting a German Suplex, Exploder Suplex and finally a backdrop Hold, Kanemoto surprising Nagata by kicking out at two. As the match entered the final minutes, both men began exchanging cradles and backslides, looking for victory. Nagata was able to hit another backdrop with fifteen seconds left but Kanemoto again kicked out. Nagata then levelled Kanemoto seconds before the bell with a jumping face kick (possibly the Thunder Death Kick) but the time limit expired before he could make a cover. Post match, both men received raptuous applause from the crowd. Nagata praised Kanemoto's heart, but insisted he would have won if the match had gone to sudden death. Kanemoto suggested that once again he had proved Juniors can compete with Heavyweights and called for more Junior participation in next years G1.

Kanemoto's words rang true as it was an excellent day for the other junior in the tournament, Liger making true his prediction of beating Bernard inside three minutes, in fact he did it 74 seconds early, pinning the giant in just 106 seconds with a backslide. Bernard was unable to catch Liger, who flew around the ring like a man possessed (a quick return for Kishin perhaps). Liger bounced off the ropes and slid between Bernard's leg, hooking him with a backslide, almost getting crushed by the super heavyweight in the process. The crowd exploded upon the three count as Bernard sat in the ring bemused. Bernard admitted he was unprepared for Ligers quickness but stated had he caught Liger, he would have defeated him with one move. Liger was finally relieved to gain a victory in the G1, and now promised to focus of regaining the Junior singles titles for CTU himself.

In the first G1 match of the day, Tenzan booked his place in the finals with an academic victory over Makabe, submitting him to the Anaconda Vice in less than eight minutes. Makabe again kept up his blood festival, attacking Tenzan wiht a chair before the match had even begun, this however, only infuriated Tenzan, who promptly deployed his full arsenal on Makabe, including three consecutive diving headbutts before clamping on the Vice for the win. Tenzan's victory and Nagata's draw meant Tenzan surpassed Nagata to win the block and will now face Nakanishi tomorrow, whilst Nagata faces Bernard in a rematch

of the NJC final, with Nagata surely looking for revenge.

I AM CHONO! was the call heard today as Chono finally returned from victory, it appeared injury had not slowed down the five time G1 winner, as he dominated both Yano and Ishii, Milano a mere spectator for most of his New Japan debut match. When Milano did get in, he showed no fear taking it to the larger Yano and Ishii, going toe to toe with strikes to both men. Chono was eventually able to wrap up an easy victory for his time, following up the Shining Wizard with a Shining Yakuza Kick as Ishii rose to his knees. Post Match, Chono apologised to the fans for missing the G1 and said this match signified a new era,

the era of BLACK REBORN.

Taguchi's poor form continued today as he was pinned in a regular army versus CTU match, falling to Minoru's California Maki, Minoru continuing his own excellent form as he looks to possibly challenge Kanemoto on the next tour. Possibly Yujiro's final match of Young Liondom ended in victory today, but he was not involved in the fall, instead it was Prince Devitt, pickng up a much needed victory, submitting Naito with a cross armbreaker.

1. Yujiro and Prince Devitt defeated Mitsuhide Hirasawa and Tetsuya Naito (6:47) when Devitt defeated Naito with a Cross Armbreaker.

2. Jado, Gedo and Minoru defeated Ryusuke Taguchi, El Samurai and Wataru Inoue (10:56) when Minoru defeated Taguchi with the California Maki.

3. Masahiro Chono and Milano Collection AT defeated Toru Yano and Tomohiro Ishii (13:57) when Chono defeated Ishii with a Shining Yakuza Kick.

4. G1 Climax - Block B: Hiroyoshi Tenzan defeated Togi Makabe (7:35) with an Anaconda Vice.

5. G1 Climax - Block A: Jushin Thunder Liger defeated Giant Bernard (1:46) with a backslide.

6. G1 Climax - Block B: Yuji Nagata versus Koji Kanemoto went to a draw (30:00) when the time limit expired.

7. G1 Climax - Block A: Manabu Nakanishi defeated Satoshi Kojima (8:34) with a Hercules Cutter.

Block A

Giant Bernard (6)

Manabu Nakanishi (6)

Satoshi Kojima (3)

Hiroshi Tanahashi (3)

Jushin Thunder Liger (2)

Block B

Hiroyoshi Tenzan (6)

Yugi Nagata (5)

Togi Makabe (4)

Koji Kanemoto (3)

Naofumi Yamamoto (2)

The final card for 8/13 has been announced, quite a late one by New Japan, probably due to the G1. The biggest news is the announcement of Chono and Milano's next opponents, the team who faced Chono and Tenzan in their V1 defence at the Tokyo Dome on 01/04, current NWA Intercontinental Tag Team and IWGP Provisoinal Tag Team title holder Takao Omori and Shiro Koshinaka. This is sure to be a stern test for Chono and Milano and maybe a precursor to a ChoTen and Real Wild Child unification match.

The Young generation of the G1, Tanahashi and Yamamoto will also face off, each man looking for the victory to regain momentum lost after disappointing tournaments. Riki Choshu has named his partner for his match with Yano and Ishii, and its Yano former partner, Togi Makabe. Yano and Makabe's feud has been simmering for most of the year, neither man has really picked up a convincing victory over the other, so tomorrow maybe the chance to finaloly put this blood feud to rest. Despite his calls for a trial series, Yujiro still finds himself opening the show with the young lions, but with the gatekeeper Takashi Iizuka on the other team, there is the possiblilty for Yujiro to gain his biggest win of his career.

NJPW, 8/13/06 (PPV)

Tokyo Ryogoku Kokugikan

1. Yujiro, Takashi Uwano and Prince Devitt Vs Takashi Iizuka, Mitsuhide Hirasawa and Tetsuya Naito

2. G1 Climax - Semi Final: Giant Bernard Vs Yugi Nagata

3. G1 Climax - Semi Final: Hiroyoshi Tenzan Vs Manabu Nakanishi

4. Jushin Thunder Liger/Minoru/Black Tiger/Gedo/Jado Vs Koji Kanemoto/Tiger Mask/Wataru Inoue/El Samurai/Rysuke Taguchi

5. Toru Yano & Tomohiro Ishii Vs Riki Choshu & Togi Makabe

6. Special G1 Challenge - Hiroshi Tanahashi Vs Naofumi Yamamoto

7. Masahiro Chono & Milano Collection AT Vs Shiro Koshinaka and Takao Omori

8. G1 Climax - Final: Bernard/Nagata Vs Tenzan/Nakanishi

[Gazz]

NJPW, 8/13/06 (PPV)

Tokyo Ryogoku Kokugikan

Attendence 9,360 No Vacancy

Manabu Nakanishi is the 2006 G1 Climax champion! Nakanishi captured his second G1, following his 1999 triumph, defeating Yugi Nagata in a understandably fierce battle. It was Nakanishi who won out though with sustained offence, hitting a German Suplex Hold, two Hercules Cutters and finally the Mana Bauer, Nagata having no answer to this furious combination and dropping the fall. Up until it had being an even match, both men hitting their signature manoevouers inside the first fifteen minutes, including two straight Thunder Death Drivers from Nagata, which Nakanishi unbelievably kicked out of. The match started slowly, both men showing their amaresu backgrounds, trading holds on the mat and looking for the quick pinfall. After the bout, Nagata praised Nakanishi and called him a worthy winner, Nagata predicted Nakanishi would take the title of Tanahashi in due course and nominated himself for Nakanishi's V1 defence. He also promised to break his G1 curse by winning the next tournament. A visibly emotional Nakanishi thanked the fans in attendence and Nagata for a good bout, he mentioned that now he has a decision to make, whether to take his IWGP championship shot immediately or concentrate on winning the IWGP Tag Team titles outright with Takao Omori.

Nagata was the first man into the final, avenging his NJC final loss to Giant Bernard. However, Nagata had to unleash the Thunder Death Kick that he never used in that final and debuted yesterday against Kanemoto. It was more effective this time, knocking the giant gaijin out cold and meaning Nagata was able to progress.

Nakanishi then joined him in the final, negotiating a difficult victory past Tenzan, again using the Mana Bauer to defeat his opponent. More tellingly, maybe this could be the result of any unification match between Real Wild Child and ChoTen, that has been hinted at in the Naigai Times for the next tour. Whether Nakanishi will aim for double (or should that be triple) gold on the next tour remains to be seen.

Despite Tenzan's defeat to Nakanishi, Chono was able to gain revenge, his new team of himself and Milano Collection AT remianing undefeated, downing Koshinaka and Omori in the same fashion as the match at the Tokyo Dome, Chono pinning Koshinaka with the Shining Yakuza Kick. Again, Milano showed no fear, the Itlian Revolution leader taking it to Omori, who promptly knocked Milano out of his boots with the Axe Bomber, Chono breaking the fall for his partner. After the match, Chono again stated that the time was ready for black to be reborn in New Japan.

Yano and Ishii went 3-1 on this tour, picking up another big win, it was especially huge for Yano, who was able to pin Choshu himself with the Oni Koroshi. Post Match Makabe attacked Yano with a chair, bloodying him, so its looks like that grudge refuses to die. Choshu stated in his interview that he is suitably impressed by Yano and Ishii and will grant them an IWGP Tag Team title shot at some point down the line.

The regular junior army picked up the victory in today ten man tag match, which unusually was not held under elimation rules. It was Kanemoto who was able to continue his good form from yesterday, submitting Black Tiger to the Ankle Hold. It was a furious match, with much intrusion from both sides, the heel tactics of CTU keeping them on top for the most part. After the match, all ten participants brawled back all over the arena and continued fighting until they were pulled apart by the ring boys and attendents.

What could possibly be Yujiro's final match as a Young Lion finished with victory, as he powerslammed Naito for the win, Throughout the match, Yujiro called for Iizuka to face him. The two did finally meet, exchanging Amaresu holds on the mat, the more experienced Iizuka winning out though before Uwano tagged in. Again, Yujiro called for a trail series and said he request a personal meeting with Choshu before the next tour.

1. Yujiro, Takashi Uwano and Prince Devitt defeated Takashi Iizuka, Mitsuhide Hirasawa and Tetsuya Naito (9:23) when Yujiro defeated Naito with a Powerslam.

2. G1 Climax - Semi Final: Yuji Nagata defeated Giant Bernard (10:51) with the Thunder Death Kick.

3. G1 Climax - Semi Final: Manabu Nakanishi defeated Hiroyoshi Tenzan (11:58) with the Mana Bauer.

4. Koji Kanemoto, Tiger Mask, El Samurai, Wataru Inoue and Ryusuke Taguchi defeated Jado, Gedo, Minoru, Black Tiger and Jushin Thunder Liger in (12:41) when Kanemoto defeated Black Tiger with an Ankle Hold.

5. Yano and Ishii defeated Riki Choshu and Togi Makabe (12:27) when Yano defeated Choshu with the Oni Koroshi.

6. Special G1 Challenge - Hiroshi Tanahashi defeated Naofumi Yamamoto in (9:55) with a Dragon Sleeper.

7. Chono and Milano defeated Takao Omori and Shiro Koshinaka (12:00) when Chono defeated Koshinaka with the FTS.

8. G1 Climax - Final: Manabu Nakanishi defeated Yuji Nagata (20:48) with the Mana Bauer.

[LUKIE]

Interesting booking. The 5th generation on the rise again?

Nakanishi/Nagata would have been my pick for the G1 Final. Nakanishi would make an excellent first defence. Now your job as booker is when to have the defence. New Japan have booked some big buildings for the rest of the year...

GO! GO AND REBUILD SHIN NIHON!

[Gazz]

Manabu Nakanishi today gave his G1 victory press conference, and Nakanishi had strong words to say towards IWGP champion, Hiroshi Tanahashi. Nakanishi called Tanahashi a 'champion through fortune' and not through hard work and fighting spirit. Nakanishi said that he had proven this on the very first day of the G1, where he defeated Tanahashi, and predicted that he will beat Tanahashi with ease. He also stated that Tanahashi would never have beaten Lesnar, Nakanishi himself having felt the power of Lesnar last year in Brock's second match in NJPW. Nakanishi went on to say that he is so confident of beating Tanahashi, that for his title match, he is temporarily sealing the Argentine Backbreaker, Hercules Cutter and the Mana Bauer! Nakanishi said he will defeat Tanahashi with the move that would have ended his title hopes... the Verdict!

It appears as though the title match is now set for 9/24 in Osaka, with only the formalities of the IWGP comittee to go through, so it appears Real Wild Child versus ChoTen will be held off for another time and it remains to be seen if Yano and Ishii will get the Tag Team title shots they were promised by Choshu

In other news, WRESTLELAND's first assault on the Korakuen Hall is beginning to take shape, with WL bringing out the big guns (and their former selves?) to ensure a healthy attendence.

WRESTLE LAND, 9/3/06

Tokyo Korakuen Hall

1. Tiger Mask Vs Makai Milano Collection AT

2. Tanahashi and Tanaka Vs Makai HEAT and Makai Masked Devilock

Writers Note - New Japan stole my Main Event Idea, I had this written out Sunday

Edited August 15, 2006 by gazzpriest

[Gazz]

BLACK REBORN!

The Weekly Gong today held an interview with five-time G1 champion, Masahiro Chono. Chono spoke on various subjects, such as his thoughts on this years G1, his teams with Tenzan and Milano and the possibility of the reformation of an anti New Japan group.

Chono was of course devastated to miss his first ever G1 tournament, bringing an end to fourteen years and 100% continuous participation. He did however, use the time to scout the participants and notice weaknesses that he intends to expolit in the coming months. Maybe this is a sign of an IWGP Heavyweight assault by Chono. Chono was proud that former protege, Manabu Nakanishi won the tournament and called for Nakanishi to continue his good form all the way to IWGP gold and then their respective teams can concentrate on sealing the two tag team titles in New Japan back into one.

Speaking of which, Chono vowed to continue his teams with both Hiroyoshi Tenzan and Milano Collection AT. Chono called for a return of the G1 Tag League, this time with openweight rules, Chono cited his last foray into the Tag League in 2003, in which his legend-team with Jushin Thunder Liger finished bottom after forfeiting all but one match through injury. Chono believed his team with Milano was the perfect combination of strength and speed, and confidently predicted victory should any such tournament take place.

Chono was then asked about the rumoured reformation of an anti New Japan group, headed by himself. Chono suggested that indeed, he was looking to reform a Black group, himself, Tenzan and Milano being but the first three members, but it would not be anti New Japan, in fact it would be pro New Japan and anti President Simon. Chono stated that it is his number one goal to drive Simon out of New Japan, following the Lesnar debacle and the shame it brought to NJPW. Chono then suggested that he may use Milano's dog to chase Simon from office.

[Gazz]

Partial Cards Released for Next Tour - Circuit 2006 IGNITION!

Well, it appears Nakanishi is cashing in his IWGP Heavyweight title shot immediately, (no sign of Omori on this tour at all) and will face Tanahashi in Osaka in Tanahashi's V1 defence, but before that, Satoshi Kojima returns for a second tour and he and Nakanishi will reform their young upstart team, the Bull Powers, facing another reuniting team, that of Shinsuke Nakamura and Hiroshi Tanahashi on 09/18.

Speaking of Nakamura, the 'Supernova' finally returns to the New Japan ring on the tour opener, Choshu putting him against 'Virtual Lesnars' Giant Bernard and Travis Tomko, Choshu has also inserted himself into this match, so he can gauge Nakamura's progress personally.

It appears Choshu has been listening to the wrestlers requests, as the in-form Yano and Ishii are the opponents for ChoTen's V4 Tag Team title defence, their first in over six months due to Chono's injury. It appears that ChoTen are keeping their belts for now, and should they surpass Yano and Ishii, we would be looking at a unification match with Real Wild Child down the line, possibly as early as the next tour.

Yujiro has also been granted his wish, with a trial series, the first in New Japan for a while. However, the series could not be more difficult for Yujiro, as every match appears to have a theme, Junior (Tiger Mask), Gaijin (Tomko), Technical (Iizuka), Hardcore (Makabe), recent Young Lion (Yamamoto), Giant (Akebono) and Legend (Choshu, who again has set himself as the final wall to gauge Yujiro's growth). It remains to be seen if Yujiro can compete with these bigger, more experienced names.

Minoru finally faces Kanemoto in the match he was awarded for his BOSJ victory, the two junior aces will face off on 09/18, going in above the Bull Powers versus Tanamura Tag match, showing the faith the New Japan bookers have in the Juniors to headline big shows.

One final thing to note, is that Nakanishi is teaming with old mentor Chono no less than six times on this tour as a lead-in to his title match, maybe a sign of a new recruit to BLACK REBORN already, I'm sure Chono would love to have the IWGP champion on board if Nakanishi is sucessful.

NJPW, 9/3/06 (Samurai! TV)

Tokyo Korakuen Hall

1. Mitsuhide Hirasawa Vs Tetsuya Naito

2. Black Tiger and Minoru Vs Prince Devitt and Tiger Mask

3. Koji Kanemoto, El Samurai and Wataru Inoue Vs Jushin Thunder Liger, Jado and Gedo

4. Masahiro Chono, Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Milano Collection AT Vs Hiroshi Tanahashi, Yugi Nagata and Naofumi Yamamoto

5. Manabu Nakanishi and Toru Yano Vs Takashi Iizuka and Shiro Koshinaka

6. Shinsuke Nakamura Return Match - Shinsuke Nakamura and Riki Choshu Vs. Giant Bernard and Travis Tomko

NJPW, 9/6/06

Nagano Movement Park Gymnasium

1. Takashi Uwano Vs Tetsuya Naito

2. Yujiro Seven Match Trial Series #1 - Yujiro Vs Tiger Mask

3. Koji Kanemoto and El Samurai Vs Minoru and Black Tiger

4. Milano Collection AT and Hiroyoshi Tenzan Vs Yugi Nagata and Naofumi Yamamoto

5. Masahiro Chono and Manabu Nakanishi Vs Toru Yano and Tomohiro Ishii

6. Shinsuke Nakamura and Akebono Vs Giant Bernard and Travis Tomko

NJPW, 9/8/06 (SXW)

Chiba Park Gymnasium

1. Prince Devitt Vs Tetsuya Naito

2. Yujiro Seven Match Trial Series #2 - Yujiro Vs Travis Tomko

3. Rysuke Taguchi and El Samurai Vs Jado and Gedo

4. Koji Kanemoto and Minoru Vs Wataru Inoue and Jushin Thunder Liger

5. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Toru Yano and Tomohiro Ishii Vs Riki Choshu, Shiro Koshinaka and Togi Makabe

6. Shinsuke Nakamura, Akebono and Satoshi Kojima Vs Masahiro Chono, Hiroyoshi Tenzan and Manabu Nakanishi

NJPW, 9/9/06

Chichibu Citizen Gymnasium

1. Takashi Iizuka and Mitsuhide Hirasawa Vs Toru Yano and Tomohiro Ishii

2. Jado and Gedo Vs Koji Kanemoto and El Samurai

3. Satoshi Kojima and Hiroshi Tanahashi Vs Togi Makabe and Shiro Koshinaka

4. Shinsuke Nakamura and Akebono Vs Yugi Nagata and Naofumi Yamamoto

NJPW, 9/12/06

Yamagata Sports Center Sub Arena

1. Yujiro Seven Match Trial Series #3 - Yujiro Vs Takashi Iizuka

2. Koji Kanemoto and Minoru Vs Jado and Gedo

3. Shinsuke Nakamura, Hiroshi Tanahashi and Akebono Vs Manabu Nakanishi, Yugi Nagata and Naofumi Yamamoto

NJPW, 9/13/06

Aomori Sangyo Hall

1. Rysuke Taguchi and El Samurai Vs Jado and Gedo

2. Minoru, Jushin Thunder Liger and Black Tiger Vs Koji Kanemoto, Wataru Inoue and Tiger Mask

3. Hiroyoshi Tenzan and Milano Collection AT Vs Tomohiro Ishii and Giant Bernard

4. Shinsuke Nakamura, Hiroshi Tanahashi and Akebono Vs Manabu Nakanishi, Yugi Nagata and Masahiro Chono

NJPW, 9/14/06

Miyako City Gymnasium Sea Arena

1. Yujiro Seven Match Trial Series #4 - Yujiro Vs Togi Makabe

2. Koji Kanemoto and Rysuke Taguchi vs El Samurai and Wataru Inoue

3. Toru Yano and Tomohiro Ishii Vs Togi Makabe and Shiro Koshinaka

4. Masahiro Chono, Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Milano Collection AT and Manabu Nakanishi Vs Hiroshi Tanahashi, Shinsuke Nakamura, Akebono and Satoshi Kojima

NJPW, 9/15/06

Fukushima National Athletic Meet Gymnasium

1. Hiroyoshi Tenzan and Milano Collection AT Vs Toru Yano and El Samurai

2. Masahiro Chono and Manabu Nakanishi Vs Hiroshi Tanahashi and Riki Choshu

NJPW, 9/16/06

Kuki City Gymnasium

1. Minoru and Black Tiger Vs Koji Kanemoto and Wataru Inoue

2. Yujiro Seven Match Trial Series #5 - Yujiro Vs Naofumi Yamamoto

3. Masahiro Chono and Milano Collection AT Vs Akebono and Tiger Mask

4. Shinsuke Nakamura and Manabu Nakanishi Vs Hiroshi Tanahashi and Satoshi Kojima

NJPW, 9/18/06 (SXW)

Sagamihara City Gymnasium

1. Yujiro Seven Match Trial Series #6 - Yujiro Vs. Akebono

2. Hiroyoshi Tenzan and Milano Collection AT Vs Toru Yano and Tomohiro Ishii

3. Manabu Nakanishi and Satoshi Kojima Vs Hiroshi Tanahashi and Shinsuke Nakamura

4. IWGP Junior Heavyweight Title - Koji Kanemoto © Vs Minoru

NJPW, 9/19/06

Kira Messe Numazu

1. Yujiro Seven Match Trial Series #7 - Yujiro Vs Riki Choshu

2. Akebono and Satoshi Kojima Vs Yugi Nagata and Naofumi Yamamoto

3. Masahiro Chono, Hiroyoshi Tenzan and Manabu Nakanishi Vs Hiroshi Tanahashi, Toru Yano and Tomohiro Ishii

NJPW, 9/24/06 (SXW)

Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium

1. IWGP Tag Team Title - Masahiro Chono and Hiroyoshi Tenzan © Vs Toru Yano and Tomohiro Ishii

2. IWGP Heavyweight Title - Hiroshi Tanahashi © Vs Manabu Nakanishi

Writers Note - God dammit, NJPW stole my trial series idea too.

Edited August 20, 2006 by gazzpriest

[Thrilla]

I have to say that I am loving this diary so far, I've been reading pretty much since its inception and I keep on coming back. The way the results are written out is great, quick, to the point and yet still full of all the details you need to know. A hard balance to find, but one you seem to manage with ease.

The booking so far has been realistic, although I have to say I was disapointted to see Yuji lose in the final of the G1, but that is more down to personal bias than anything else. Its also nice to see Prince Devitt being used, he was a great talent over in Ireland before he headed out to the Dojo.

The new Black group could be really interesting. Will Simon Inoki look for protection? Will another group rise up or reform. I'd personally love to see Nagata's Amaresu Blue Army return, but that's me. It'll be interesting to see just which way things pan out. The trial series is also looking like a good idea, it'll be interesting to see how Yujiro holds his own against the more seasoned veterans.

Anyway, keep up the good work. I shall be reading.

[Nerf]

It seems as though puro diaries are somewhat of a rarity around here, with just a few specialist guys doing them. This, however, is awesome. You actually know what you're talking about, and the style of writing is perfectly to the point and the booking is fantastic.

I don't have much more to say that other's haven't already, so I'll just wihs you luck with this, as it is very very solid. Keep it up, buddy.

[Gazz]

Nakamura Returns!

Shinsuke Nakamura today touched back down in Tokyo and held an immediate press conference in the arrivals lounge. Among the important thing Nakamura had to say was that New Japan had suffered whilst he had been away, and that he had returned early so no further damage could be inflicted. Nakamura expressed his anger at Lesnar for the IWGP situation and disappointment had he had lost the opportunity to face Lesnar, Nakamura cryptically adding 'for the time being' Nakamura also spoke about reaching his targets whilst away, he is now at 247 lbs, so Nakamura is now bigger than say Chono and Nagata, but still smaller than opponents like Nakanishi and Tenzan.

Nakamura also sent out a love call to IWGP champion Hiroshi Tanahashi, saying that it appears Tana has also grown recently, and looks forward to personally evaluating Tanahashi's progress when they team up on 9/18. Nakamura did not make his intentions regarding the IWGP title clear, but did mention that he has perfected three new finishing manouvers whilst in America, he refused to give specifics but stated that they were called the 'Route 66', the 'Springsteen' and the 'Grand Canyon'. Nakamura finished the interview stating that he is looking forward to unleashing his new arsenal on the 'Virtual Lesnars' of Giant Bernard and Travis Tomko on 9/3.

Edited August 17, 2006 by gazzpriest

[Gazz]

WRESTLE LAND Full Card Released

WRESTLE LAND today released the full card for the fourth chapter of the WRESTLE LAND story. Further from the two already announced matches, four more matches have been announced, two now being staples of any WL Card. Tsubjo Genjin and Gran Naniwa continue their 'war' with Genjin taking all three prevoius matches, Naniwa will be looking for a measure of revenge, how he plans to do that in a 'Pinfalls Count Nowhere' match is hard to fathom, these two may go all night!

The former Hokaiddo, Taichi Ishikari returns after his no-show of chapter three, teaming with Jado and Gedo to face Yano's Drunken Posse, with the two teams at 1-1 when all six particiapnts have been present, both teams will look to win the decision match.

Also on the card, the WL Vs Makai war continues as Edo Samurai and Pegasus Kid face their nemesises, Masked Hurricane and Ray Cobra, in a tag match. In the fourth match, two men who have both turned on the Makai club in the past, Michiyoshi Ohara and Black Strong Machine unite to face the new Makai threat.

WRESTLE LAND, 9/3/06

Tokyo Korakuen Hall

1. Pinfalls Count Nowhere - Tsubjo Genjin Vs Gran Naniwa

2. Jado, Gedo & Taichi Ishikari vs. Toru Yano, Daigoro Kashiwa & Teppei Ishizaka

3. Edo Samurai & Pegasus Kid Vs Makai Masked Hurricane & Makai Ray Cobra #3

4. Black Strong Machine & Michiyoshi Ohara Vs Makai #5 & Makai #11

5. Tiger Mask Vs Makai Milano Collection AT

6. Tanahashi and Tanaka Vs Makai HEAT and Makai Masked Devilock

Yano and Ishii Speak

In other New Japan news, IWGP Tag Team challengers Toru Yano and Tomohiro Ishii today sat down with the Weekly Gong to discuss their upcoming challenge. Yano and Ishii uncharacteristically thanked Riki Choshu for the opportunity and promised not to fail, stating that they will lead a generation charge against, as they put it 'oldies' Chono and Tenzan. They then declared that it would be they who would then reunite the IWGP Tag Team championships by defeating provisional champions, Real Wild Child. Yano and Ishii stated they have been training hard during the between tour downtime, perfecting their teamwork and said that they have developed a new tandem finishing manouever that they are sure will topple ChoTen, called the Y2K6 (Yan-shii Two-Man Koroshi '06) which they will debut soon.

[darkrayne]

WHat a weekend!!

I have started on reading 3 new diaries and have found all of them to be quite good!!

Finally a puro diary that I can follow without any trouble.... yeah!!!

Love the clean crisp style and the writing is very fluid!!

Can't wait to follow this one closely!!!

[LUKIE]

WHat a weekend!!

I have started on reading 3 new diaries and have found all of them to be quite good!!

Finally a puro diary that I can follow without any trouble.... yeah!!!

What about my DDT Diary?

5. Tiger Mask Vs Makai Milano Collection AT

That match alone, should sellout Korakuen. I hope New Japan run with the whole Milano thing, and I wonder how he comes across in their ring anyway.

[Gazz]

Chono dismisses challengers

After yesterdays confident comments by IWGP Tag Team challengers Yano and Ishii in the Weekly Gong! one half of the champions, Masahiro Chono struck back today, dismissing Yano and Ishii as a 'minor hurdle' for he and Tenzan to overcome. Chono predicted little difficulty and promised to teach the young upstarts a lesson, claiming he will leave it to Tenzan to defeat them single-handedly.

Nagata officially opens office

Yugi Nagata has officially announced the opening of his new office, entitled 'Nagata LOCK Office'. Nagata had planned on using the prize money from the G1 tournament to fund the opening of this venture, but appears to have gone ahead with it with his own money. The office also has its first employee, with recently-graduated Young Lion and Nagata pupil Naofumi Yamamoto signing on, so now it appears that Nagata will be Yamamoto's full time mentor.

Nagata also used this first public appearence to express his anger at his loss in the G1 final, Nagata felt that he had the match won and let it slip from his grasp. Nagata claimed that he is channeling this anger into the next tour and asked New Japan to throw its 'biggest wall' at him, so that his rage can be released. Whether this wish is granted and who it might be remains to be seen.

Edited August 20, 2006 by gazzpriest

[Gazz]

Big Tournament planned for Explosion Tour

New Japan today announced that for the third time in its history, the IWGP U-30 championship will be decided by a tournament. Having been vacated by Tanahashi in July in preparation for his aborted title match against Brock Lesnar, the title has being lying dormant. With former two-time champion Hiroshi Tanahashi the current IWGP Heavyweight champion, he will not be back to claim 'his' crown for a third time.

The tournament has been entitled 'G2 U-30 Climax 2006' and will feature, as did the G1, ten participants, those ten names have already been announced and are expected to follow the G1 in being divided into two blocks of five with the top two advancing to the semi finals. The blocks have not been decided yet, but the participants are as follows,

Participants

Toru Yano

Tomohiro Ishii

Yujiro

Naofumi Yamamoto

Mitsuhide Hirasawa

Tetsuya Naito

Takashi Uwano

Ryouji Sai

Daisuke Sekimoto

Taichi Ishikari

As you can see, the tournament is mainly all of New Japans still or recent Young Lions (it remains to be seen if Yujiro will be still considered a Young Lion after his trial series during Ignition), with three 'outside threats' added into the mix aswell.

One is interesting as the year long feud between Naofumi Yamamoto and Ryouji Sai has the opportunity to re-ignite, these two have traded falls in various matches all year, but Yamamoto has been unable to score a decisive fall on Sai in one on one competition, but with the mentoring of Nagata, maybe now is the time for Yamamoto to gain his revenge and also pick up some much needed wins, which have been scarce since his graduation.

The second outsider was personally chosen by Riki Choshu himself, as a representative of the LOCK UP brand, that man is Big Japan wrestler, Daisuke Sekimoto. Sekimoto is seen as a big prospect in Japan who has yet to really make the impact expected of him, maybe this tournament is a chance to establish himself and gain entry onto New Japan's main roster.

The third outsider, representing WRESTLE LAND is Taichi Ishikari, who debuted teaming with Jado and Gedo as Hokkaido before graduating to his real name. Ishikari was also one of the original roster of the now defunct Kings Road, so will be looking to relauch himself on the main stage.

There is also a chance for Toru Yano and Tomohiro Ishii to leave this tour as double champions, should they be sucessful in the IWGP Tag Team title challenge against ChoTen and then one of them wins this tournament. The tournament should also provide some competiton for wrestlers like Hirasawa and Uwano, who will be looking to score big wins over their seniors in an effort to move up the ladder.

Yujiro speaks on Trial Series

Yujiro held a press conference at the New Japan offices also today, Yujiro was nervous ahead of his trial series on the upcoming tour, he firstly thanked site foreman, Choshu for the opportunity and stated that he is looking for noticable growth during this series, Yujiro was coy when asked if he thought he would pick up any victories, merely stating he will only show his best fighting and all his heart whilst in the ring. Yujiro mentioned he was particulary looking forward to facing Akebono and admitted the thought of facing Makabe in Makabe's current mindset was a little scary. He also stated that if he was considered able enough to graduate, he would celebrate by debuting a new look and new moves in the G2 Climax tournament.

Speaking of which, when Yujiro was asked about the tournament, Yujiro believed that his trial series will stand him in good stead, he believes some of the more experienced wrestlers will underestimate him and this, along with his immediate growth, will lead him to victory, marking a remarkable rise and Yujiro's ascent to the 'ace' position of the U-30 roster.