New-Japan Pro Wrestling

[Gazz]

Nakamura gives public workout

Shinsuke was at the New Japan dojo yesterday, ahead of his return match in two days at Korakuen Hall. Nakamura gave a public workout with the dojo boys in front of the gathered press. Nakamura did not unveil any of the new moves he perfected whilst away, keeping them a closely guarded secret. Instead he demonstrated his now increased strength and power. From reports, it seems Nakamura has now adopted a much more grounded style based around powerful kicks and strikes, more of a true New Japan style, although he did demonstrate the El Nino (Moonsault into double knee drop), so maybe he will start using that move again after abandoning it some time ago. Nakamura also showed off his improved physique, with the extra muscle he has gained apparently quite noticable.

Again, Nakamura refused to be drawn into a debate regarding the IWGP title currently held by his friend and generation rival, Hiroshi Tanahashi. Nakamura mearly stated that he was focussed on showing his growth to the fans and the New Japan offices and helping New Japan regain the stature they were once accustomed to.

Tour Dates for CIRCUIT 2006 EXPLOSION - G2 U-30 CLIMAX Released

New Japan have released the dates for the Explosion tour, still no word yet on the makeup of the Blocks for the G2 U-30 Climax yet, but those should be forthcoming in the next few days.

NJPW, 10/15/06 (SXW)

Nishio City Castle Gymnasium

NJPW, 10/16/06

Tottori Prefectural Kurayoshi Sports Bunka Hall

NJPW, 10/17/06

Biki Messe Shimane

NJPW, 10/18/06

Kokura Northern Gymnasium

NJPW, 10/19/06

Nagasaki Prefectural Gymnasium

NJPW, 10/22/06 (Samurai! TV)

Hakata Star Lane

NJPW, 10/24/06

Oita Event Hall

NJPW, 10/26/06

Miyazaki City Gymnasium

NJPW, 10/28/06

Wel Sunpia Kochi

NJPW, 10/29/06 (WPW)

Kobe World Hall

NJPW, 11/3/06

Tatebayashi Citizen Gymnasium

1. G2 U-30 Climax Semi Final - Winner Block A Vs Runner Up Block B

2. G2 U-30 Climax Semi Final - Winner Block B Vs Runner Up Block A

NJPW, 11/6/06 (SXW)

Tokyo Korakuen Hall

1. G2 U-30 Climax Final

[Gazz]

WRESTLE LAND and NJPW 9/3 Korakuen Hall Double Header Part One

WRESTLE LAND, 9/3/06

Tokyo Korakuen Hall

Attendence 463

The fourth chapter of Professional Wrestling Happy Land was held today and proved to be a disappointment to the New Japan office with a paltry attendence of little over 400 fans viewing the show, despite the later sell out of the main New Japan show.

As per WRESTLE LAND tradition, Genjin and Naniwa opened the show, Genjin having won the previous three encounters, Naniwa decided to counteract this by challenging Genjin to a pinfalls count nowhere match, the stipulation obvoiusly confused Genjin, who repeatedly kept trying to pin Naniwa, much to the confusion of him and the referee. Naniwa was eventually able to take advantage of this, defeating Genjin with the Clutch the Naniwa, but only after convincing the referee the submission counted as it was only pinfalls that counted nowhere.

The deciding match of the Team Do versus The Drunken Posse followed, Yano and his crew were out first and began giving out free sake to the front row, much to their delight. Kashiwa and Ishizaki fought much of their match whilst Yano stood in his corner, swigging sake from a bottle. Yano, eventually tagged in... an preceded to collapse in a drunken stupor, allowing Jado to cover him for an easy victory. After the match, both teams continued the sake party, toasting each other and dragging a comatose Yano backstage.

Things took more of a serious turn as the WRESTLE LAND versus Makai Club war rumbled on, it was an excellent night for the natives, sweeping the Makai 4-0 (5-0 if you include the bonus track). Pegasus Kid and Edo Samurai kicked off the complete victory, defeating Masked Hurricane and Ray Cobra when Samurai used his Samurai Bomb on Hurricane. After the match, Samurai attempted to unmask Hurricane, having missed the opportunity on the last show, but was again foiled as the Makai Assassins #5 and #11 hit the ring and attacked Edo.

This brought out their oppoenents for the night, Ohara and Black Strong Machine and the match began immediately, the former Makai Club members were obviously out for revenge and never let up on their offence, Machine eventually catching #11 with his Devil Windmill Suplex. After the bell, Hoshino instructed Ray Cobra and Hurricane, who were still at ringside following their match, to attack Machine and Ohara. The 4 on 2 assault was in full swing when out of nowhere, Tatsutoshi Goto and Hiro Saito hit the ring, clearing it of Makai and forcing them to the back, Goto then took the microphone and introduced the crowd to the 'Crazy Blond Outlaw Dogs'

Two junior legends in the making clashed in the semi main event and had the small crowd white hot, both men went back and forth and despite interference by Hoshino, it was Tiger Mask who was able to come out on top with his patented Tiger Suplex Hold following a flurry of offence. Milano used Hoshino's interference to his advantage, and could have won the match on more than one occasion, including trapping Tiger in the Paradise Lock, but Tiger was able to fight out, the crowd cheering him on. Also, prior to the match, Tiger mocked Milano, entering the ring with an invisible tiger, the tiger then chased Milano's dog out of the ring, much to Milano's disgust.

In the main event Tanahashi and Tanaka defeated their Makai alter egos, Tanaka pinning HEAT after a devasting kick from Tanaka. Before the match, Tanaka once again spoke to his 'childhood friend' Minoru, Minoru asking Tanaka if he remembered the name of the girl they both had a crush on as children at summer camp, Tanaka thought her name was Emi and he had seen her in a film recently.

In the bonus track, Tanahashi and Tanaka teamed with the brothers of the two wrestlers seen in the bonus track last time, Happy Lando #2 and Wrestle Lando #2, against a Makai Select, once they began wrestling, their identities were quite apparent, especially when Happy crushed Makai #11 with a Superfly Splash whilst Wrestle had Devilock in a crossface. After the match, Tanahashi addressed the crowd and thanked them for attending and hoped they would cheer on his 'cousin', Hiroshi, in his match later on in the night.

1. Pinfalls Count Nowhere - Gran Naniwa defeated Tsubo Genjin (5:42) with the Clutch the Naniwa.

2. Jado, Gedo and Taichi Ishikari defeated Toru Yano, Daigoro Kashiwa and Teppei Ishizaki (7:53) when Jado defeated Yano by drunkeness.

3. Pegasus Kid and Edo Samurai defeated Makai Masked Hurricane and Makai Ray Cobra (9:42) when Samurai defeated Hurricane with a Samurai Bomb.

4. Black Strong Machine and Michiyoshi Ohara defeated Makai #5 and Makai #11 (7.23) when Machine used the Devil Windmill Suplex on Makai #11.

5. Tiger Mask defeated Makai Milano Collection AT (19:52) with a Tiger Suplex Hold.

6. Tanahashi and Tanaka defeated Makai Masked Devilock and Makai HEAT (6:39) when Tanaka defeated HEAT with a right kick.

7. Bonus Track - Tanahashi, Tanaka, Happy Lando #2 and Wrestle Lando #2 defeated Makai Milano Collection AT, Makai Masked Devilock, Makai #5 and Makai #11 (9:42) when Happy Lando #2 used a Superfly Splash on Makai #11

Edited August 27, 2006 by gazzpriest

[Gazz]

WRESTLE LAND and NJPW 9/3 Korakuen Hall Double Header Part Two

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

Tokyo Korakuen Hall

2,100 Super No Vacancy

Nakamura is back! and better than ever! It appears Shinsuke Nakamura's latest learning excursion is an early sucess. Nakamura controlled much of his return match, his power proving too much for Tomko and matching Bernards at some points. Nakamura also debuted a new look, wearing short tights, open fingered gloves and being clean shaven. Nakamura ground down Tomko particulary with vicious open handed slaps and chops, showing an aggressive side that has apparently never being seen in Nakamura before. It was Nakamura who scored the decisive fall, running at Tomko and catching him around the neck, most of the crowd thought that Nakamura was using Tanahashi's Sling Blade! but Nakamura turned in the air and brought Tomko's back down across his knees, Lung Blower style, knocking the wind out of Tomko and scoring a fairly routine victory. Post Match, both Tomko and Bernard praised Nakamura's new strength and predicted big things for the supernova. Choshu himself was simlarly impressed, he also praised Nakamura's new aggressive streak, something he believed Nakamura lacked the last time he saw him, Choshu then promised to monitor Nakamura throughout the rest of the tour. Nakamura himself was jubilant during his interview, claiming that he will take New Japan to new highs and is looking to reclaim his 'ace' title in the near future.

IWGP No.1 contender Manabu Nakanishi kicked off his preparation for his challenge on 9/24 with a fairly simple victory in tag competition, Nakanishi and his partner Yano were never really in trouble and easily finished off the veteran combination of Iizuka and Koshinaka in less than nine minutes, Nakanishi dropping Koshinaka with the Mana Bauer for a momentum boosting victory. After the match, the two veterans believed their opponents were more than capable of winning the respective titles they will be challenging for, Koshinaka also adding that Yano was his early pick for the U-30 tournament. Nakanishi and Yano simply commented that this was the first step on their seperate paths to glory, they wished each other luck in their goals and departed.

Current IWGP champion Hiroshi Tanahashi's struggle for form continued today as he was on the losing side in six man tag action, the BLACK REBORN faction picking up their first ever win as a trio, Tenzan downing Yamamoto with the TTD, so despite now being Nagata's full time pupil, wins still elude the youngster. The Black Trio showed superior tactics today, keeping the lighter Milano against Yamamoto whilst ChoTen took care of Nagata and Tanahashi. At one point the regular army were able to isolate Milano but some rulebreaking from Chono allowed them back into the match. After the match, Tanahashi was upbeat despite defeat, feeling that he has made improvements between tours and expects to improve further as the tour progresses. Nagata gave Yamamoto a stern ticking off, telling him he must increase the pace of his growth now and start avioding falls and picking up wins. BR were in understandably confident mood, provoking Yano and Ishii by predicting easy victory at the end of the tour.

The build up to the long awaited IWGP Junior title match between Minoru and Koji Kanemoto began today with both men scoring the winning falls in their respective matches, Minoru pinning Prince Devitt in a tag and Kanemoto submitting Jado to his Ankle Hold in six man competition. Both men addressed each other after their respective matches, Minoru provoking Kanemoto over the house microphone then Kanemoto later firing back. As Kanemoto finished his speech, Liger sneak attacked him from behind and declared that the Junior title will soon be in the hands of CTU.

1. Mitsuhide Hirasawa defeated Tetsuya Naito (8:07) with a Crab Hold.

2. Black Tiger and Minoru defeated Prince Devitt and Tiger Mask (12:04) when Minoru defeated Devitt with a right kick.

3. Koji Kanemoto, El Samurai and Wataru Inoue defeated Jado, Gedo and Jushin Thunder Liger (15:26) when Kanemoto defeated Jado with an Ankle Hold.

4. Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Masahiro Chono and Milano Collection AT defeated Hiroshi Tanahashi, Yugi Nagata and Naofumi Yamamoto (18:01) when Tenzan defeated Yamamoto with a TTD.

5. Manabu Nakanishi and Toru Yano defeated Shiro Koshinaka and Takashi Iizuka (8:51) when Nakanishi defeated Koshinaka with the Mana Bauer.

6. Shinsuke Nakamura Return Match - Shinsuke Nakamura and Riki Choshu defeated Giant Bernard and Travis Tomko (19:35) when Nakamura defeated Tomko with the Route 66.

[Kurei]

The deciding match of the Team Do versus The Drunken Posse followed, Yano and his crew were out first and began giving out free sake to the front row, much to their delight. Kashiwa and Ishizaki fought much of their match whilst Yano stood in his corner, swigging sake from a bottle. Yano, eventually tagged in... an preceded to collapse in a drunken stupor, allowing Jado to cover him for an easy victory. After the match, both teams continued the sake party, toasting each other and dragging a comatose Yano backstage.

[Gazz]

Hoshino blasts Makai, promises in inject new Assassins in WRESTLE LAND

Kantaro Hoshino today invaded the New Japan conference room and after yesterdays whitewash, was understandably furious. Hoshino blasted his current Makai Assassins for failing to notch up even one single win against the native WRESTLE LANDers, and with the formation of the anti-Makai group, the 'Crazy Blond Outlaw Dogs', things are not looking good for the club.

Hoshino promised to inject new assassins into WRESTLE LAND, who are stronger and more bloodthristy than any that have gone before them, Hoshino was heard to mutter something about 'number four', before hurriedly leaving the conference room.

[Silent C]

This diary gets a good amount of ~LUV~ from me. From a Manabu IWGP campaign, to a Blond Outlaw reunion... and I doubt you're gonna bring in any Global Standard baggage. This has my NJ-fanboy seal of approval (Y)

One note though, the CBO Dogs name is a mouthful. You can make a good name of any two words in it, but cram it all together and it's a bit too much.

[crazedfan]

I absolutely loved the WRESTLE LAND show. Pinfalls Count Nowhere was funny. I loved Tiger Mask's tiger chasing off Milano's dog. And I agree, Yano getting pinned because he was too drunk is a freaking awesome finish. This is a very well done diary.

[Gazz]

I absolutely loved the WRESTLE LAND show. Pinfalls Count Nowhere was funny. I loved Tiger Mask's tiger chasing off Milano's dog. And I agree, Yano getting pinned because he was too drunk is a freaking awesome finish. This is a very well done diary.

Thanks for all the feedback so far from everyone, I've got to say I enjoyed booking WL a lot more than I thought I would, I wasn't sure if it would last, I hate Sports Entertainment, but it makes a welcome change of pace, I just hope I can keep it creative and original.

9/6 should be up tomorrow, with Yujiro's first trial match, Kanemoto and Minoru's first skirmish and Yano and Ishii face a VERY stiff test in Chono and Nakanishi. SHILL!! (Y)

[Jukeboksi]

Ah yes, I love this as well. Puroresu-diaries done well are a rare treat here..

Booking's plain and simple awesome. Love the realism and your own touches to everything. Love the format of your write-ups...dunno what else to say. Keep it up.

[Gazz]

NJPW, 9/6/06

Nagano Movement Park Gymnasium

Attendence 1,725

The march to Osaka continued today with a small scale show in Nagano, New Japan's attendence woes outside of Tokyo continued, the attendence being barely half past the gyms 3500 capacity.

In the Main Event the rejuvinated Nakamura teamed with the 64th generation Yokozuna, Akebono taking on the team he faced three days ago, the 'Virtual Lesnars' team of Bernard and Tomko, the result was the same as the previous match with Tomko taking the fall, only this time he was crushed by the Yokozuna's Bono Bomber for the victory. Nakamura and Bono were never in much trouble, with both gaijins attempting to lift the big man, but to no avail, Bono refusing to budge. Nakamura again showed an aggressive streak, punishing Tomko with repeated kicks to the chest for nearly a minute, leaving his chest red raw. After the match, Akebono praised Nakamura's new attitude and strength, believing he is the man to take New Japan to the next level.

The semi main event was almost a direct prelude to the upcoming IWGP Tag Team title match, but with Nakanishi subbing in for Tenzan, reuniting with former Black New Japan mentor, Chono for the first time in years. The two 'elite level' superstars proved to much for the younger Yano and Ishii, but the veterans did not have it all their own way and were pushed past the fifteen minute mark. Yano and Ishii had Chono isolated for an extended period of time and worked over the BR leader, possibly giving food for thought to Chono, who dismissed their challenge prior to the tour, obviously firing up the young duo. It was their inexperience that cost them, Chono seizing on miscommunication between the two and tagging in Nakanishi, who made short work of Yano and finished Ishii out of nowhere with the Hercules Cutter. Post Match, Yano and Ishii predicted sucess in their challenge, stating that Chono would not have Nakanishi to bail him out in Osaka. Chono stated that their inexperience was the key and he and Tenzan will look to exploit that, he did concede that Yano and Ishii had troubled him, but dismissed it as merely a fluke. Chono then offered Nakanishi a place in the new BLACK REBORN, Nakanishi looked troubled, then said he was focussed on his IWGP title match and so has to refuse.

It appears the teachings of Nagata are beginning to take effect, as Naofumi Yamamoto picked up one of the most important victories of his career. Yamamoto has being struggling for a while now, taking most of the falls in his tag matches. However, today he was able to drop Milano with a backdrop, the move he learnt from Tatsutoshi Goto. Yamamoto also hit an Nagata's move, the exploder on Milano earlier in the match, but Tenzan was able to save his partner. The match was largely kept seperate between Nagata versus Tenzan and Yamamoto versus Milano. Nagata and Tenzan tore into each other when given the chance, but it was Nagata's superior striking which kept the match in his control. Nagata also heavily punished Milano at one point, pounding him to the floor and throwing him to the outside, mocking him. As the bell rang, the obvious pent up felling of Yamamoto was clear to see, celebrating wildly till Nagata slapped him, then breaking down and weeping in the centre of the ring. In their post match interview, Milano and Tenzan were furious and demanded a rematch against the two, which probably fell on deaf ears after such a comprehensive defeat. Nagata was his usual grumpy self, he chastised Yamamoto for taking so long to defeat 'little' Milano and said he will be doing extra training in the dojo tomorrow. Yamamoto looked forlornly at this news.

The first direct face off of the tour between the combatants for the IWGP Juntior title took place today, and the fans were treated to an epic battle, as their respective teams gave it their all for nearly twenty minutes. The two were even when they got into the ring together, with little to choose between them. Minoru was able to gain a slight advantage now and again, but not through legal means. El Samurai and Black Tiger also played their part, keeping pace with their partners and using high flying offence against each other. As the time limit ticked down it came down to Kanemoto and Black Tiger, whilst Minoru and Sammy brawled outside the ring. Tiger went for his Tombstone Piledriver, but Kanemoto was able to slip out, take him down with a drop toe hold and lock in the Ankle Hold, Tiger was able fight it for a while as Minoru attempted to break it, but was held back by Sammy and Tiger was left with no choice but to tap. Minoru then managed to get back into the ring and immediately attacked Kanemoto, eventually being broken up by the ring attendents. Minor grabbed a microphone and provoked Koji again, Kanemoto firing back that Minoru will go the way of Black Tiger, tapping to the Ankle Hold.

Yujiro first trial match ended in defeat, as most expected. Although Yujiro had a size advantage over his opponent, Tiger Mask, the experience factor was there for all to see. Tiger controlling the pace of the match and never letting Yujiro get a chance at any offence once he had taken control, before finishing him with the Tiger Suplex Hold inside nine minutes. Post Match, Yujiro thanked Tiger Mask for the lesson in professional wrestling and promised to take what he had learnt to heart. Tiger Mask praised Yujiro's spirit in that he always tried to make a comeback and predicted big things for the young amaresu star.

1. Takashi Uwano defeated Tetsuya Naito (8:37) with a German Suplex Hold.

2. Yujiro Seven Match Trial Series #1 - Tiger Mask defeated Yujiro (8:40) with a Tiger Suplex Hold.

3. Koji Kanemoto and El Samurai defeated Minoru and Black Tiger (18:44) when Kanemoto defeated Tiger with an Ankle Hold.

4. Yugi Nagata and Naofumi Yamamoto defeated Milano Collection AT and Hiroyoshi Tenzan (13:01) when Yamamoto defeated Milano with a Backdrop Suplex.

5. Manabu Nakanishi and Masahiro Chono defeated Toru Yano and Tomohiro Ishii (15:31) when Nakanishi defeated Ishii with a Hercules Cutter.

6. Shinsuke Nakamura and Akebono defeated Giant Bernard and Travis Tomko (12:08) when Akebono defeated Tomko with a Bono Bomber.

[Gazz]

NJPW, 9/6/06

Nagano Movement Park Gymnasium

Attendence 1,725

The march to Osaka continued today with a small scale show in Nagano, New Japan's attendence woes outside of Tokyo continued, the attendence being barely half past the gyms 3500 capacity.

In the Main Event the rejuvinated Nakamura teamed with the 64th generation Yokozuna, Akebono taking on the team he faced three days ago, the 'Virtual Lesnars' team of Bernard and Tomko, the result was the same as the previous match with Tomko taking the fall, only this time he was crushed by the Yokozuna's Bono Bomber for the victory. Nakamura and Bono were never in much trouble, with both gaijins attempting to lift the big man, but to no avail, Bono refusing to budge. Nakamura again showed an aggressive streak, punishing Tomko with repeated kicks to the chest for nearly a minute, leaving his chest red raw. After the match, Akebono praised Nakamura's new attitude and strength, believing he is the man to take New Japan to the next level.

The semi main event was almost a direct prelude to the upcoming IWGP Tag Team title match, but with Nakanishi subbing in for Tenzan, reuniting with former Black New Japan mentor, Chono for the first time in years. The two 'elite level' superstars proved to much for the younger Yano and Ishii, but the veterans did not have it all their own way and were pushed past the fifteen minute mark. Yano and Ishii had Chono isolated for an extended period of time and worked over the BR leader, possibly giving food for thought to Chono, who dismissed their challenge prior to the tour, obviously firing up the young duo. It was their inexperience that cost them, Chono seizing on miscommunication between the two and tagging in Nakanishi, who made short work of Yano and finished Ishii out of nowhere with the Hercules Cutter. Post Match, Yano and Ishii predicted sucess in their challenge, stating that Chono would not have Nakanishi to bail him out in Osaka. Chono stated that their inexperience was the key and he and Tenzan will look to exploit that, he did concede that Yano and Ishii had troubled him, but dismissed it as merely a fluke. Chono then offered Nakanishi a place in the new BLACK REBORN, Nakanishi looked troubled, then said he was focussed on his IWGP title match and so has to refuse.

It appears the teachings of Nagata are beginning to take effect, as Naofumi Yamamoto picked up one of the most important victories of his career. Yamamoto has being struggling for a while now, taking most of the falls in his tag matches. However, today he was able to drop Milano with a backdrop, the move he learnt from Tatsutoshi Goto. Yamamoto also hit an Nagata's move, the exploder on Milano earlier in the match, but Tenzan was able to save his partner. The match was largely kept seperate between Nagata versus Tenzan and Yamamoto versus Milano. Nagata and Tenzan tore into each other when given the chance, but it was Nagata's superior striking which kept the match in his control. Nagata also heavily punished Milano at one point, pounding him to the floor and throwing him to the outside, mocking him. As the bell rang, the obvious pent up felling of Yamamoto was clear to see, celebrating wildly till Nagata slapped him, then breaking down and weeping in the centre of the ring. In their post match interview, Milano and Tenzan were furious and demanded a rematch against the two, which probably fell on deaf ears after such a comprehensive defeat. Nagata was his usual grumpy self, he chastised Yamamoto for taking so long to defeat 'little' Milano and said he will be doing extra training in the dojo tomorrow. Yamamoto looked forlornly at this news.

The first direct face off of the tour between the combatants for the IWGP Juntior title took place today, and the fans were treated to an epic battle, as their respective teams gave it their all for nearly twenty minutes. The two were even when they got into the ring together, with little to choose between them. Minoru was able to gain a slight advantage now and again, but not through legal means. El Samurai and Black Tiger also played their part, keeping pace with their partners and using high flying offence against each other. As the time limit ticked down it came down to Kanemoto and Black Tiger, whilst Minoru and Sammy brawled outside the ring. Tiger went for his Tombstone Piledriver, but Kanemoto was able to slip out, take him down with a drop toe hold and lock in the Ankle Hold, Tiger was able fight it for a while as Minoru attempted to break it, but was held back by Sammy and Tiger was left with no choice but to tap. Minoru then managed to get back into the ring and immediately attacked Kanemoto, eventually being broken up by the ring attendents. Minor grabbed a microphone and provoked Koji again, Kanemoto firing back that Minoru will go the way of Black Tiger, tapping to the Ankle Hold.

Yujiro first trial match ended in defeat, as most expected. Although Yujiro had a size advantage over his opponent, Tiger Mask, the experience factor was there for all to see. Tiger controlling the pace of the match and never letting Yujiro get a chance at any offence once he had taken control, before finishing him with the Tiger Suplex Hold inside nine minutes. Post Match, Yujiro thanked Tiger Mask for the lesson in professional wrestling and promised to take what he had learnt to heart. Tiger Mask praised Yujiro's spirit in that he always tried to make a comeback and predicted big things for the young amaresu star.

1. Takashi Uwano defeated Tetsuya Naito (8:37) with a German Suplex Hold.

2. Yujiro Seven Match Trial Series #1 - Tiger Mask defeated Yujiro (8:40) with a Tiger Suplex Hold.

3. Koji Kanemoto and El Samurai defeated Minoru and Black Tiger (18:44) when Kanemoto defeated Tiger with an Ankle Hold.

4. Yugi Nagata and Naofumi Yamamoto defeated Milano Collection AT and Hiroyoshi Tenzan (13:01) when Yamamoto defeated Milano with a Backdrop Suplex.

5. Manabu Nakanishi and Masahiro Chono defeated Toru Yano and Tomohiro Ishii (15:31) when Nakanishi defeated Ishii with a Hercules Cutter.

6. Shinsuke Nakamura and Akebono defeated Giant Bernard and Travis Tomko (12:08) when Akebono defeated Tomko with a Bono Bomber.

[Gazz]

NJPW, 9/8/06 (SXW)

Chiba Park Gymnasium

Attendance 3000 Super No Vacancy

The ignition tour resumed today with a well recieved show in Chiba, New Japan selling the building out. The fans in attendance were treated to a titanic main event, six of New Japans top wrestlers clashing in a fearsome struggle. The revitalised Nakamura, the giant sumo, Akebono and foreign ace, Kojima faced off against the former Black New Japan allies of Manabu Nakanishi, Hiroyoshi Tenzan and Masahiro Chono. Both teams it seemed desperately wanted the victory as they maybe looked to jostle for position, regarding upcoming IWGP title shots, whomever the champion may be. It was the recent growth of Nakamura that again was the deciding factor, the Supernova continuing his red hot form. Nakamura debuted another of the new moves he learnt whilst in America. This one, uncharacteristically, given Nakamura's new style, was performed off the top turnbuckle, Nakamura leaping off towards a prone Tenzan on the mat and driving both knees into his chest, almost a modified El Nino, without the moonsault.

The match itself was a fierce battle of wills, especially between former partners, Kojima and Tenzan, battling each other again for the first time since their IWGP Title match in May 2005. The two third generation stars gave it their all against each other and for the final two or three minutes of the match, both men lay outside the ring exhausted, turning the match into a tag match. Chono spent much of the match outside, directing Nakanishi, so old habits die hard for Manabu. Nakanishi furiously brawled with Nakamura, testing Nakamura's new strength to the limit in his stiffest test yet. It was too close to call though, Nakamura able to keep Nakanishi at bay with strikes, but once Nakanishi got inside, he took Nakamura down and worked over him with his Amaresu skills, maybe something for Nakamura to think about improving on next. After the match, Nakamura revealed that the new finisher he had shown has named 'The Springsteen' after the American cultural icon.

In the semi main event, Hiroshi Tanahashi, teaming with Yano and Ishii, picked up a much needed victory, downing Koshinaka with the Sling Blade. The match may have more importance than it first appears, as the the new generation soundly defeated their more experienced counterparts, although none of young generation had it all their own way with Choshu, who was throwing lariats around like they were going out of fashion. Yano and Makabe also continued their blood feud, that has lasted most of year, the referee threatening to disqualify both of them for repeatedly using weapons against each other. After the match, Makabe obviously felt that this feud is not over, and provoked Yano, telling him to meet him in a deathmatch, be it in a New Japan ring or on foreign soil. Yano did not appear interested in Makabe's provocation, instead pointing out that he had surpassed Makabe and will prove it by becoming a double champion by the end of the next tour.

The war over the IWGP Junior title continued, with the two participants forced to two together, the two still won their match however, both men trying to outdo each other, punishing poor Wataru Inoue, whilst partner Liger just looked on. In fact it was Liger who helped Minoru score the fall, blasting Kanemoto with a Shotei as Minoru right kicked Wataru for the pin. Prior to that, both men had being breaking each others falls and verbally provoking each other, which led a kick battle, that took place across Wataru's chest, which was bleeding by the end of the match. They both then unleashed some of their signature moves on Wataru, trying to inflict the most damage, Kanemoto hitting a Dragon suplex and Falcon Arrow, and Minoru using the California Maki and his own Dragon Suplex. After the match, the two once again began provoking each other and had to be separated before coming to blows.

An old rivalry was reignited today, as IWGP Junior Tag Team champions Jado and Gedo took on the team they beat for the titles back in July, El Samurai and Ryusuke Taguchi...and lost! Taguchi, maybe showing a return to form, pinning Jado, following up a powerbomb and German suplex with the Dodon for the victory. The match was not on the level of their half hour marathons of earlier in the year, but none the less, had the crowd in raptures as the crafty heels stayed one step ahead of their opponents through various rule breaking, however Samurai and Taguchi were able to battle through this and Taguchi won the match with an unexpected flurry of offence. After the match, Sammy and Taguchi appealed for a title shot, and the champions appeared receptive to this, and with a second match scheduled for 9/13, it may just happen.

Yujiro's second trial, his 'gaijin' trial took place today, and unfortunately for the youngster, again ended in defeat. Yujiro was overmatched by the raw power and size of his opponent, Tomko and got little to no offence in before falling to a chokeslam inside four minutes. After the match, Tomko mocked Yujiro, much to the crowds disdain.

1. Prince Devitt defeated Tetsuya Naito (8:03) with a Cross Armbreaker.

2. Yujiro Seven Match Trial Series #2 - Travis Tomko defeated Yujiro (3:57) with a Chokeslam.

3. Ryusuke Taguchi and El Samurai defeated Gedo and Jado (17:39) when Taguchi defeated Jado with a Dodon.

4. Koji Kanemoto and Minoru defeated Jushin Thunder Liger and Wataru Inoue (12:32) when Minoru defeated Wataru with a right kick.

5. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Toru Yano and Tomohiro Ishii defeated Riki Choshu, Togi Makabe and Shiro Koshinaka (13:38) when Tanahashi defeated Koshinaka with a Sling Blade.

6. Shinsuke Nakamura, Akebono and Satoshi Kojima defeated Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Masahiro Chono and Manabu Nakanishi (20:53) when Nakamura defeated Tenzan with the Springsteen (Avalanche Double Knee Drop).

Edited September 2, 2006 by gazzpriest

[Gazz]

Full IGNITION tour cards released

New Japan have released the full cards for the remaining CIRCUIT 2006 IGNITION tour schedule. Among the more interesting notes, is that El Samurai and Ryusuke Taguchi's rematch request has been heeded by the New Japan offices and their scheduled match with Jado and Gedo on 9/13 will now be the CTU tandems V1 defence.

It appears Nagata's request for 'New Japans biggest wall' has been answered, and the answer is Akebono! Akebono is certainly physically New Japan's biggest wall, but it remains to be seen if Nagata, who has been in a even fouler mood than usual as of late, will be impressed.

There are also signs of a possible BLACK REBORN - CTU coersion as Milano Collection AT enters the Junior division in Osaka, as he teams with CTU aces Liger and Minoru, against what, if results go their way, what could be the team of the IWGP Junior champion and the IWGP Junior Tag Team champions, so a big opportunity for Milano to make his mark.

Nakamura ends the tour on what appears to be a low key scale, as he is in tag competition, but his partner and opponents have yet to be revealed. Who knows, maybe Choshu has a particulary stern test lined up for the new, improved Supernova.

CIRCUIT 2006 IGNITION

NJPW, 9/9/06

Chichibu Citizen Gymnasium

1. Prince Devitt Vs Takashi Uwano

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

3. Jado and Gedo Vs Koji Kanemoto and El Samurai

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

5. Masahiro Chono and Hiroyoshi Tenzan Vs Giant Bernard and Travis Tomko

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

NJPW, 9/12/06

Yamagata Sports Center Sub Arena

1. Prince Devitt and Rysuke Taguchi Vs Takaki Uwano and Mitsuhide Hirasawa

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

3. Koji Kanemoto and Minoru Vs Jado and Gedo

4. Masahiro Chono and Milano Collection AT Vs Jushin Thunder Liger and Black Tiger

5. Riki Choshu and Shiro Koshinaka Vs Giant Bernard and Travis Tomko

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

NJPW, 9/13/06

Aomori Sangyo Hall

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

2. Toru Yano and Takashi Iizuka vs Shiro Koshinaka and Togi Makabe

3. IWGP Junior Tag Team Title - Jado and Gedo © Vs Rysuke Taguchi and El Samurai

4. Riki Choshu Vs Travis Tomko

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

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

NJPW, 9/14/06

Miyako City Gymnasium Sea Arena

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

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

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

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

5. 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. Jushin Thunder Liger, Black Tiger and Minoru Vs El Samurai, Rysuke Taguchi and Wataru Inoue

2. Tomohiro Ishii and Takashi Iizuka Vs Togi Makabe and Shiro Koshinaka

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

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

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

NJPW, 9/16/06

Kuki City Gymnasium

1. Mistuhide Hirasawa and Tetsuya Naito Vs Takashi Uwano and Prince Devitt

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

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

4. Toru Yano, Tomohiro Ishii and Riki Choshu Vs Giant Bernard, Travis Tomko and Hiroyoshi Tenzan

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

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

NJPW, 9/18/06 (SXW)

Sagamihara City Gymnasium

1. Mitsuhide Hirasawa Vs Tetsuya Naito

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

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

4. Riki Choshu and Yugi Nagata Vs Giant Bernard and Travis Tomko

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

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

NJPW, 9/19/06

Kira Messe Numazu

1. Prince Devitt and Tiger Mask Vs Black Tiger and Takashi Uwano

2. Jushin Thunder Liger and Gedo Vs Koji Kanemoto and Rysuke Taguchi

3. Minoru and Jado Vs Wataru Inoue and El Samurai

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

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

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

NJPW, 9/24/06 (SXW)

Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium

1. Mitsuhide Hirasawa Vs Takashi Uwano

2. Tiger Mask, Prince Devitt and Wataru Inoue Vs Jado, Gedo and Black Tiger

3. Minoru, Jushin Thunder Liger and Milano Collection AT Vs Koji Kanemoto, Ryusuke Taguchi and El Samurai

4. Shinsuke Nakamura and X Vs X and X

5. Yugi Nagata Vs Akebono

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

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

Edited September 10, 2006 by gazzpriest

[Gazz]

NJPW, 9/9/06

Chichibu Citizen Gymnasium

Attendance 2,500 No Vacancy

A low key show to continue the tour today, the major incident being the first confrontation between Akebono and Yugi Nagata since the announcement of the 9/24 match in Osaka. It was Akebono who came out on top in this skirmish though, crushing Nagata's pupil, Yamamoto with the Bono Bomber. Despite the loss, during the direct confrontations between Akebono and Nagata, it was Nagata who had the advantage, striking the former yokozuna with ferocious kicks, Nagata then attempted the exploder suplex, but could not get the giant of his feet. Nagata would again try later in the match, but again to no avail. Post Match, Nagata said he was unimpressed by New Japan's choice of Akebono and promised to show the big man the true power of puroresu. Akebono said he was looking for forward to facing Nagata and challenged him to suplex him, if he is strong enough. This incensed Nagata, who had to be held back by Yamamoto and Nakamura in the interview area!

ChoTen warmed up for their IWGP Tag Title defence in convincing fashion today, downing the gaijin team of Giant Bernard and Travis Tomko, a team that are struggling for form just lately, especially Tomko, who is continuously dropping falls. Chono and Tenzan were rarely in trouble and had Tomko isolated for much of the match, eventually finishing him with the ChoTen Torpedo, presumably as a message to Yano and Ishii, who debuted their new team finisher, the Y2K6, in their earlier match to defeat Iizuka and Hirasawa. After the match, Chono said that he was impressed with the raw potential of Bernard and Tomko and proclaimed, that with his guidance, he could make them great. He then offered them spots in BLACK REBORN, Bernard and Tomko then conferred for a minute, before shaking their heads and respectfully declining.

The current IWGP champion teamed with a former IWGP champion and Four-Crown winner, Satoshi Kojima versus the popular duo of Makabe and Koshinaka. Again, the results went as expected, though at times the younger pairing had to fight valiantly against the blossoming chemistry between Makabe and Koshinaka, who took apart their opponents with various double team manouvers, it was not to be though, as Kojima found a second wind and levelled Koshinaka with his Lariat for the victory. In his post match interview, Kojima stated that he enjoyed being in the ring with Tanahashi and hoped that one day they could form a team, or maybe even face each other in singles competition. Kojima for IWGP anyone?

In Junior action, Kanemoto continued his march to Osaka, teaming with old friend, El Samurai against the IWGP Junior Tag Team champions, Jado and Gedo, and again, for the second match in a row, the champions lost, this time Aniki submitting Gedo to an Ankle Hold after a back and forth match. After the bell, Minoru hit the ring and attacked Kanemoto, this in turn, brought out El Samurai's partner when they challenge for the titles in four days, Ryusuke Taguchi and all six men brawled around the ring area for several minutes before order could be restored.

As mentioned earlier, Yano and Ishii continues their good form as of late, the match for them was fairly straight forward, as they kept the young lion, Hirasawa from tagging in Iizuka, punishing him in their half of the ring, before eventually Yano lifted him for a powerbomb whilst Ishii climbed the turnbuckle and flew at him with a flying neckbreaker as Yano powerbombed him down. Yano later grabbed a microphone and introduced Chono and Tenzan to their destiny, the Y2K6!

In the opening match, Prince Devitt demonstrated his seniority over all the other recent dojo graduates, as he overcame a size disadvantage to submit Uwano to a cross armbreaker.

1. Prince Devitt defeated Takashi Uwano (8:41) with a Cross Armbreaker.

2. Toru Yano and Tomohiro Ishii defeated Takashi Iizuka and Mitsuhide Hirasawa (9:32) when Ishii pinned Hirasawa after the Y2K6.

3. El Samurai and Koji Kanemoto defeated Gedo and Jado (15:08) when Kanemoto defeated Gedo with an Ankle Hold.

4. Satoshi Kojima and Hiroshi Tanahashi defeated Togi Makabe and Shiro Koshinaka (13:57) when Kojima defeated Koshinaka with a Lariat.

5. Masahrio Chono and Hiroyoshi Tenzan defeated Giant Bernard and Travis Tomko (12:44) when Chono pinned Tomko after the ChoTen Torpedo.

6. Shinsuke Nakamura and Akebono defeated Yugi Nagata and Naofumi Yamamoto (12:57) when Akebono defeated Yamamoto with a Bono Bomber.

[Thrilla]

Nice to see this is still going strong. Loving the fact that Devitt is beginning to pick up some wins now, he's a great talent. Yugi/Akebono seems to be building nicely. Bernard and Tomko just can't seem to pick up a win though in a major match, them in Black REBORN would have been good, shame to see them turn it down. I still think Yujiro will pick up a win somewhere in the trial series, I just can't see against which opponent.

Can't wait for the rest of the Ignition tour.

[E-Head]

Hats off to you. I'm not a puroresu specialist at all but you make it easy to read and understand. You definitely got me hooked.

Keep up the good work!

[Gazz]

NJPW, 9/12/06

Yamagata Sports Center Sub Arena

Attendence 1144 No Vacancy

The IGNITION tour rumbled on today with the first direct skirmish between the two participants of the IWGP title match on 9/24. It was Tanahashi who drew first blood, continuing his revival, downing Yamamoto with a Sling Blade for the victory. Tanahashi and Nakanishi were kept apart for most of the match, but when they finally did meet, threw themselves at each other and tumbled from the ring to the outside, Tanahashi showing plenty of fire against the bigger man. Nagata's foul mood continued as again he attempted to exploder suplex Akebono, but was again unsucessful. This frustrated Nagata, who took it out on Yamamoto! slapping him hard when he made mistakes and again after the match, when Yamamoto had taken the fall. Nagata then stormed off to the back, leaving Yamamoto weeping in the ring.

Bernard and Tomko finally picked up a win in this series, defeating Choshu and Koshinaka, Bernard ultimately disrespecting Choshu by felling him with his own Lariat. Choshu was understandably furious at Bernard and screamed at him to re-enter the ring and fight like a man. Afterwards Bernard seemed unconcerned with Choshu's rage and focussed on gaining an IWGP Tag Title shot with Tomko. However, Choshu was still incensed and promised to make Bernard 'bow to Power Hall' for the rest of the tour.

Masahiro Chono today entered the junior division, with expected results, however he was not involved in the decisive fall, Milano picking up his first direct win in New Japan, submitting former IWGP Junior champion Black Tiger with his AT Lock. Chono tried his best to keep up with the juniors but eventually resorting to power fighting to grind down his opponents, he did at one point trap Black Tiger in the STF, then turned it into the FTS, but Liger broke it up with a Frog Splash. Chono retaliated to this by Yakuza kicking Liger straight out of the ring!

Junior kings Minoru and Koji Kanemoto were again forced to team up together today, against the Junior champions, Jado and Gedo. It was the tandem who came out on top, using their vastly superior teamwork to capatilize on the in-fighting between Minoru and Kanemoto to control the match. They really didn't need to though, as their opponents imploded, Minoru kicking Kanemoto savagely in the head and allowing his CTU counterparts to pin Kanemoto before all three attacked the prone champion. Prior to the match, the signing ceremonies for both tomorrows IWGP Junior Tag Team title match between Jado and Gedo and El Samurai and Ryusuke Taguchi and the 9/18 IWGP Junior showdown between Minoru and Kanemoto. Again, emotions were heated as Kanemoto and Minoru got into a verbal tussle and had to be held back.

Yujiro entered his third phase of his trial series, against the oppoenent most people thought Yujiro had the best chance of winning against after their exchange on the previous tour, but it was not to be, as, despite sprited resistance from the young star, Iizuka was able to overcome him, and pick up a much needed win of his own, submitting him just shy of ten minutes with a sleeperhold.

In the opener, Devitt continued his good form, once again submitting one of his contempories, Hirasawa with a Crab Hold.

1. Prince Devitt and Ryusuke Taguchi defeated Takashi Uwano and Mitsuhide Hirasawa (9:38) when Devitt defeated Hirasawa with a Crab Hold.

2. Yujiro Seven Match Trial Series #3 - Takashi Iizuka defeated Yujiro (9:43) with a Sleeper Hold.

3. Jado and Gedo defeated Koji Kanemoto and Minoru (18:39) when Jado defeated Kanemoto after Minoru used a right kick on Kanemoto.

4. Masahiro Chono and Milano Collection AT defeated Jushin Thunder Liger and Black Tiger (11:34) when Milano defeated Black Tiger with an AT Lock.

5. Giant Bernard and Travis Tomko defeated Riki Choshu and Shiro Koshinaka (12:35) when Bernard defeated Choshu with a Lariat.

6. Shinsuke Nakamura, Hiroshi Tanahashi and Akebono defeated Manabu Nakanishi, Yugi Nagata and Naofumi Yamamoto (18:57) when Tanahashi defeated Yamamoto with a Sling Blade.

[Gazz]

NJPW, 9/13/06

Aomori Sangyo Hall

Attendence 1,876 No Vacancy

Jado and Gedo are the undisputed kings of the Junior Tag division! That was their call after repelling the challenge of El Samurai and Ryusuke Taguchi, the team they deposed for the titles back in July. It was the third time this year that the two tandems have met for the titles, and the third time the match has gone past the half hour mark, Jado and Gedo now leading the series 2-1.

Both teams were understandably desperate to win the match as threw everything they had at each other, Samurai and Taguchi frequently flying to attack the champions, whilst they tried to use furious brawling to subdue the challengers. Highlights of the match include Taguchi reversing an avanlanche powerbomb attempt from Jado into an avanlanche hurracanrana for a near fall, Gedo saving his partner and the belts and the challengers hitting simultaneous tope suicida's onto the CTU unit. Taguchi showed his renewed fire, punishing Gedo with a powerbomb, brainbuster, moonsault and finally the Dodon, but again was foiled by Jado breaking the count. It was a see-saw battle with neither team really ever gaining control, despite the champions heel tactics and the liberal use of a chair by Gedo to both his opponents but in the end it was the champions who seized upon an opportunity, Jado trapping Sammy in the Crossface as Gedo controlled Taguchi outside for the win.

In Heavyweight action, Manabu Nakanishi struck back against Tanahashi in the lead up to their title match, his team defeating Tanahashi's when Chono submitted Akebono to the FTS after a Shining Yakuza Kick. Again, the two were largely kept apart but engaged in a furious battle when they did clash, neither man really getting an advantage. This was one of Nakamura's sternest tests as he faced three 'elite level' wrestlers on the opposite team, he easily controlled Chono, exchanged vicious strikes with Nagata, neither man backing down, but was caught out by Nakanishi, as he took the match to the mat and worked over Nakamura's legs, negating his new found kicking ability. The match also served as a lead-in to the Nagata-Akebono clash, and for the third match running, it was Nagata who held the advantage, but again, could not hit the exploder on Bono, although interestingly, when Nakamura had Nagata on the mat, Akebono tagged himself in and crushed Nagata with a giant splash. Nagata appeared hurt after this and played little part in the rest of the match, although the numerical disadvantage seemed little trouble to Nakanishi and Chono, Chono gaining a measure of revenge by submitting the former sumo. Before the match, the signing ceremony for the IWGP title match on 9/24 took place without incident, Nakanishi stating that he will show 'true New Japan power fighting' and 'deliver a guilty 'Verdict' to Tanahashi's reign'. Tanahashi fired back, saying that he has Nakanishi well scouted and his overconfidence will be his downfall.

The build toward Yano and Ishii's IWGP Tag Team title shot continued as Ishii teamed with Giant Bernard, who turned down a place in BLACK REBORN two shows ago against Chono disciples, Tenzan and Milano. The black duo showed great chemistry as a team, Tenzan frequently using Milano as a weapon, throwing him over the top rope onto Bernard at one point. It was the size advantage that was the deciding factor in the end, Bernard proving just too much for Milano, crushing him with a corner press. Milano's initial wave of momentum appears to be faltering in the heavyweight division and it may only be a matter of time before we see him enter junior competition. Despite the defeat, both Tenzan and Milano expressed an interest in continuing their team, as a special attraction in addition to Tenzan's commitments as IWGP Tag Team champion.

After yesterday's defeat to Giant Bernard and Travis Tomko in tag competition, a still furious Choshu gained a measure of revenge, making short work of Tomko in singles competition. Tomko barely got a punch in the match, as Choshu attacked before the bell and severly beat Tomko before nearly decapitating him with three consectutive Lariats for an easy victory. After the match, Choshu said that he had made an example of Tomko and recommended he join the Young Lion division. He also told Bernard to expect the same, as he will be facing himself and Shinsuke Nakamura in tag competition on 9/24 in a rematch of Nakamura's return match.

Yano and Makabe's blood feud simply refuses to die as the two clashed again today, beating each other senseless with weapons and when referee Unno tried to restore order, both men hit him with stereo chair attacks, sandwiching his head, bringing about a double DQ. The two simply continued battering each other all over the arena, in the end disappearing behind the curtain, still brawling. Before the match, the signing ceremony for the IWGP Tag Title match took place, and like the later IWGP ceremony, passed without incident. Yano and Ishii said that is was time for the new generation to take hold of all the major heavyweight titles in New Japan. Chono and Tenzan refused to accept the youngsters as credible opponents as are treating them merely as a mandatory defence until they face provisional champions Real Wild Child.

The regular army gained a small measure of revenge before El Samurai and Ryusuke Taguchi's unsuccessful title challenge, deating the CTU trio of Minoru, Liger and Black Tiger, Wataru pinning Black Tiger after the Staggerin' Blow. Minoru and Kanemoto were kept apart in the match, Liger and Tiger doing most the legwork for the CTU team, maybe conserving Minoru for his title challenge.

1. Wataru Inoue, Koji Kanemoto and Tiger Mask defeated Minoru, Jushin Thunder Liger and Black Tiger (10:48) when Wataru defeated Black Tiger with the Staggerin' Blow.

2. Toru Yano and Takashi Iizuka versus Togi Makabe and Shiro Koshinaka went to a draw (10:36) when Yano and Makabe were DQed for referee violence.

3. Riki Choshu defeated Travis Tomko (4:48) with a Riki Lariat.

4. Tomohiro Ishii and Giant Bernard defeated Hiroyoshi Tenzan and Milano Collection AT (12:10) when Bernard defeated Milano with a Corner Press.

5. Manabu Nakanishi, Yuji Nagata and Masahiro Chono defeated Hiroshi Tanahashi, Shinsuke Nakamura and Akebono (11:38) when Chono defeated Akebono with a FTS.

6. IWGP Junior Tag Team Title - Jado and Gedo © defeated El Samurai and Ryusuke Taguchi (32:43) when Jado used the Crossface of JADO on Samurai (1st defence).

JADO & GEDO (fourth reign as IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Champions - 7/8/06 to present - 1 defense)

- (7/8/06 @ Twin Messe Shizuoka) Jado and Gedo beat El Samurai & Ryusuke Taguchi (30:04) when Jado used the Crossface of JADO on Samurai to become 17th Champions

1. (9/13/06 @ Aomori Sangyo Hall) Jado and Gedo © defeated El Samurai and Ryusuke Taguchi (32:43) when Jado used the Crossface of JADO on Samurai (1st defence).

NJPW, 9/24/06 (SXW)

Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium

1. Mitsuhide Hirasawa Vs Takashi Uwano

2. Tiger Mask, Prince Devitt and Rysuke Taguchi Vs Black Tiger, Jushin Thunder Liger and Milano Collection AT

3. Minoru, Jado and Gedo Vs Koji Kanemoto, Wataru Inoue and El Samurai

4. Shinsuke Nakamura and Riki Choshu Vs Giant Bernard and Travis Tomko

5. Akebono Vs Yugi Nagata

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

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

Edited September 10, 2006 by gazzpriest

[Gazz]

NJPW, 9/14/06

Miyako City Gymnasium Sea Arena

Attendance 800

New Japan continued their tour today with a fast paced, small sprint show in Iwate, then show lasting less than ninety minutes. The fans in attendance were treated to a eight man tag main event, featuring many of New Japan's top stars and All Japan affiliated wrestler, Satoshi Kojima. It was Kojima who scored the decisive fall in the match, lariating the only junior in the match, Milano for the win. Milano suffering yet another loss in the heavyweight division. One of the talking points of the match was former Chono disciple and second-in-command, Manabu Nakanishi, teaming with his former mentor again on this tour. Nakanishi and Chono showed that they had not lost their understanding between each other, isolating Tanahashi for a long stretch of the match, allowing Nakanishi to soften Tanahashi ahead of his title challenge. Tanahashi though, was eventually able to make a spirited comeback and get to his partners. Nakamura, who has taken somewhat of a back seat since his return, was again on fire and no-one, not even Nakanishi, was able to keep up with him today, in particular punishing Tenzan with bloodthirsty striking that left Tenzan's chest red raw and bleeding.

Yano and Ishii suffered a setback in their buildup towards their title match with ChoTen, being defeated by the team of Riki Choshu and Shiro Koshinaka. Yano and Ishii have beaten both men in tags, but not when they have teamed together and in the end, it was a still fired up after Bernard's disrespect Choshu who consigned them to defeat, lariating Ishii for the win. Choshu urged Yano and Ishii to focus on only their next match, as he believes they are prematurely focussing on 9/24 and that is what cost them victory today.

One day removed from their unsucessful IWGP Junior Tag Title challenge, El Samurai and Ryusuke Taguchi found themselves on opposite sides today, teaming with Wataru Inoue and Koji Kanemoto respectively, themselves facing their partners. It was Kanemoto who kept up his good form, submitting Sammy with his Ankle Hold as he continues to build towards his first defence of the IWGP Junior title. After the match, Samurai was disconsulate and shoved Taguchi away as he tried to console him, so there may be dissension between that team.

Yujiro can only be described as 'endured' his fourth trial match, as he was completely beaten by Makabe. Makabe pounced from the outset and beat Yujiro senseless with fearsome brawling, before dragging him out the ring and beating him against the barricades and pretty much anything Makabe could lay his hands on. Makabe lifted Yujiro for a brainbuster on the outside and Yujiro came up from it bleeding heavily, this however only intensified Makabe's bloodlust. Makabe was relentless in his assault, but Yujiro kept getting up, leading to loud 'Yujiro!' calls from the small crowd. However, it was to be an easy victory for Makabe though, who mercifully ended Yujiro's punishment with a powerbomb, before Yujiro was carried from the ring by the dojo boys.

Prince Devitt continued his sublime form as of late, picking up his fifth straight submission victory, defeating Hirasawa in a tag. After the match Devitt appealed to the New Japan fans to call for his promotion into the Junior division so he can show 'true European fighting spirit'

1. Prince Devitt and Tetsuya Naito defeated Takashi Uwano and Mitsuhide Hirasawa (8:48) when Devitt defeated Hirasawa with a Cross Armbreaker.

2. Yujiro Seven Match Trial Series #4 - Togi Makabe defeated Yujiro (8:44) with a Powerbomb.

3. Koji Kanemoto and Ryusuke Taguchi defeated El Samurai and Wataru Inoue (11:31) when Kanemoto defeated Samurai with an Ankle Hold.

4. Riki Choshu and Shiro Koshinaka defeated Yano and Ishii (10:59) when Choshu defeated Ishii with a Lariat.

5. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Shinsuke Nakamura, Akebono and Satoshi Kojima defeated Masahiro Chono, Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Milano Collection AT and Manabu Nakanishi (18:07) when Kojima defeated Milano with a Lariat.

[Gazz]

NJPW, 9/15/06

Fukushima National Athletic Meet Gymnasium

Attendance 950

Another small sprint show from New Japan to continue the tour today. The main event saw mortal enemies Choshu and Chono clash, and it was the BR kingpin who came out victorious, cleanly submitting Choshu to a STF. The match also served as a lead in to Tanahashi versus Nakanishi, but the match was dominated by Chono and Choshu, their personal grudge getting the better of them and both men refusing to tag out when they had the opportunity.

Milano got a taste of the junior division today, facing its 'highest peak' Kanemoto in openweight tag action, teaming with Tenzan against the Junior champion and Toru Yano. Kanemoto and Milano showed spirited fighting against each other, but Kanemoto, on 'home soil' as it were, had the better of the exchanges, this did not help him in the long run however, as he fell victim to Tenzan's TTD for the fall.

Former and current All Japan stars were reunited also today, as Akebono and Satoshi Kojima teamed together today, taking on the teacher-pupil 'Nagata LOCK Office' team of Nagata and Yamamoto. Yamamoto again struggled against his seniors and was easy pickings for Akebono and Kojima, who punished him severely, though Yamamoto refused to die and the crowd got behind him loudly. Post Match, Nagata seemed to have a change of heart and praised Yamamoto for sustaining such a beating for so long, but had better heal quickly, as Nagata wanted him in the dojo before breakfast tomorrow morning!

The team of Makabe and Koshinaka picked up a much needed victory today over Takashi Iizuka, who's form is in dire straits and Tomohiro Ishii, tag partner of Makabe's nemesis, Toru Yano. It was Iizuka who dropped the fall, going down to Koshinaka's diving hip attack. After the bell, Makabe continued to beat down Ishii, bringing Yano to the ring to save his partner and brawl to the back with Makabe, their feud simply refusing to die.

The show opened with a fast paced junior match, as Samurai and Taguchi looked for a measure of revenge against CTU following their unsucessful Junior Tag challenge, it was not to be though, facing CTU's elite twosome, Liger and Minoru, Liger scoring the win with a Brainbuster, highlighting CTU's current dominance over all the regular junior army bar Kanemoto.

1. Jushin Thunder Liger, Minoru and Black Tiger defeated El Samurai, Ryusuke Taguchi and Wataru Inoue (14:27) when Liger defeated Samurai with a Sheer-Drop Brainbuster.

2. Togi Makabe and Shiro Koshinaka defeated Takashi Iizuka and Tomohiro Ishii (12:35) when Koshinaka defeated Iizuka with a Diving Hip Attack.

3. Akebono and Satoshi Kojima defeated Yugi Nagata and Naofumi Yamamoto (17:11) when Kojima defeated Yamamoto with a Lariat.

4. Tenzan and Milano defeated Toru Yano and Koji Kanemoto (18:25) when Tenzan defeated Kanemoto with a TTD.

5. Manabu Nakanishi and Masahiro Chono defeated Hiroshi Tanahashi and Riki Choshu (13:11) when Chono defeated Choshu with a STF.