Thursday, April 23, 2015

[News] KING × KING Fallout, 5/09 card!

The week following the historic 4/17 KING × KING event has seen several new developments.

* On the event itself, KING × KING has been an immense box office success, drawing record number Internet Pay-Per-View buys. What's most interesting is that roughly 20% of the buys came from outside of Japan, greatly exceeding President Ishiyama's expectations for the event.
The Fuji TV program focused on the main event between Kazuma Fujita and Genji Yamato also brought in record viewers for a pro-wrestling program. While centered on the two legendary figures, a portion of the program also focused on segments featuring the budding feud between Hybrid Corps ARMADA and Total Attack Puroresu, in addition to the growing rivalry between Naoki Fukuda and Mamoru Sekishima. The special talk program did excellent numbers as well, opening the possibilities to further collaborations between KJPW and Fuji TV.

* Genji Yamato spoke to the media for the first time since his loss of the J1 Rikidozan/Neo Japan Pro Wrestling Unified Heavyweight Titles this past Friday at KJPW's KING X KING event.

Yamato, the former owner of the titles and champion of record for over a decade, lost the titles to "Mr. 300%" Kazuma Fujita in the main event of KJPW's return event, itself having been on hiatus for over a year.

"It was a good show, I have to say," said Yamato. "I was happy with the displays that my trainees showed, despite Kon having to submit to Kisanuki. I liked watching Shinji Uchikawa too. I hope he returns for a longer period back in Japan soon."

Yamato was deflecting questions of the match itself at first, however, in the end, he did speak of the match result.

"I'd never fought Fujita in singles before. I remember a few tag team matches, in Burning Spirit or PROMO*JAPAN. It was an experience. I think I did well, but obviously, it wasn't enough.

"It had been Fujita's dream... ever since I first heard of Kazuma Fujita, it had been his dream to hold the Double Titles. Now his dream is realized. For me, the Double Titles were a reality, for good and for ill, for over ten years, probably closer to fifteen if I'm honest. Now, I have to figure out what my new dreams will be."

Yamato didn't say anything else about his future, besides confirming his statement from Twitter that he would, indeed, be present at the Tokyo Korakuen Hall rally on 5/9.

"Yes, I will be at Korakuen. I have told this to Kazuma Fujita. Also, my FIGHTING LOVE! trainees will be there, so I want to see their progress. After that... I'll talk about another day."

* Kazuma Fujita on the other hand spent his first night as Unified Double Titles Champion under doctor's care at Osaka Metropolitan Hospital due to damage sustained to his right knee. Although Fujita came out on top, it was not without its cost as the brilliant strategist Yamato spent much of the match attacking Fujita's surgically repaired knee. Thankfully, the damage was found to have not been as severe as feared the following day. As Yamato alluded to, Fujita has promised to speak out about his condition and future moving forward on May 09 in Korakuen Hall.

* The post event press conference for Ryo Inoue and his T.A.P. cohorts saw vintage Inoue on the mic. “This an ARMADA?” Inoue questioned, as he sat during the press conference, still dressed in his match attire, flanked by Takumi Amano and Daichi Kurumada on his sides and Shuji Kido from behind. “This engagement was the first of many in the coming months and what Takumi did to Miwa is the first example of many examples to be made“.

When asked why he seemingly avoided direct engagement with ARMADA leader Kenji Tanamura, Inoue stood and grabbed the microphone in hand, “What has he done to earn the chance t in the ring with me one on one? He throws tea at me and tries to damage my property and he thinks that earns himself some modicum of respect or the right to face me? I will stand across and fight Tanamura-kun when he is truly worthy of being called a man!”

Inoue then handed off the microphone to Takumi Amano who spoke with much heat in his voice. “How I embarrassed Miwa was nothing! He plays at fighting for a living. I am Takumi Amano and I FIGHT for a living! If Miwa wants to fight me then he best bring a partner of some kind, that way Kurumada -kun here can have some fun!”. When asked if that was a direct challenge Amano replied “Of course it is. I back down from no man! If you think what was done to Miwa tonight was humiliating then Miwa should bring a partner so Kurumada can really show the world what he can do!”

After that Riki Fudo stepped up to pose a question to Shuji Kido. “Kido-san, you really surprised people by showing up as the 4th member of T.A.P. What do you have against Kenji Tanamura exactly?

“I... I have nothing but the utmost respect for Tanamura-san” replied Kido softly, “He is a man I wish to test myself with”. These words seemed to confuse the press corps and led to a somewhat annoyed look from Ryo Inoue. “There is nothing that would make me happier than to be given the chance to square off in match with Kenji Tanamura” Kido continued, “He is someone I can test my growth against... someone who can test my mettle”.

With that Inoue took the mic from Kido “He wants to test his mettle and I want to see if Tanamura is worthy of respect” said Inoue, “I and my Den of Wolves will sink ARMADA one at a time or in multi man matches if need be. My men and I are not frauds, can Tanamura make the same claim?”

With that Inoue stormed off with the other T.A.P. Members in tow.

* Following his heartbreaking loss to “Nightmare Child” Norihiro Akashi, Ryuugo Nagashima was said to have been eager for a rematch. “Akashi is a sly dog but I have no excuses. I thought I had him, that the victory was a sure thing but that roll through on the R-BRACER into a crucifix? Who could have seen that coming? I just... I just want to have another crack at him anyway I can. Tag match, singles... I just need the opportunity to see if I've really grown since I debuted these last 7 years!”

Nagashima still holds Independent Brass knuckles he won in Frontier Japan Wrestling 6 months ago and even contemplated defending that title in KJPW “I know FJWs fans and KJPWs fans attend to antagonize each other and as much as I would love to kick down the door and defend my title here in KJPW I can't even think of doing that unless I can beat some of the best talent that KJPW has to offer. Now if Akashi wants to come to FJW and challenge me... well that's different but not likely to happen. Besides, I want to beat him in KJPW to show that I'm still the NANSEI Star and not just some 'Garbage' wrestler!”

In response to the narrow victory, Akashi stated in no uncertain terms that he had no interest in rematching Nagashima. When asked why, Akashi simply answered, "Because he wants it." While ducking Nagashima's much deserved rematch, Akashi declared that he would set his sights once again on becoming a champion. Sizing up KJPW's incredible roster, Akashi said he had no interest in "carrying an ancient relic" when referring to the Unified Double Titles -- joking that he'd likely break them or lose them. Akashi also disregarded the HEC Heavyweight Title, simply saying "I've already done that." Leaving only one championship left, Akashi boldly declared that he was now the SAMURAI HUNTER -- calling out WWA National Heavyweight Champion Riki Ichiro!

While unable to respond that night due to damage suffered in the night's semi main event, Ichiro sounded off on social media -- referring to Akashi simply as a "classless trash." The two have remained silent since. However, their actions certainly have helped shape KJPW's next event on 5/09 (more below!)

* While not specifically related to KJPW, it should be noted that the venue which hosted KING × KING -- the BODYMAKER Colosseum -- will revert back to its prior name, the Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium. Years ago before the BODYMAKER company stepped in, there was serious talk of closing the historic venue down, leading to Kazuma Fujita and many other Osaka-based wrestlers to raise awareness in order to save what many consider to be one of Japanese Pro-Wrestling's "Holy Sites." While never confirmed, it's believed that Fujita himself led to the athletic apparel company purchasing the naming rights in order to keep the building open.

* It was reported that “Thunder Jet” Yuriko Tanaka was backstage at KING X KING, meeting with old friends and to sign autographs. “I'm here as a fan” said Tanaka when asked why she was at the event, “I mean, Genji Yamato is one of my heroes as is Kazuma Fujita. How could I not come to this?”. When pressed further she smiled and laughed “Well, I do have things in the pipe and [Kazuya] Asakino-san is here partially on business on my behalf... but I can't really talk about that”. When the much heralded 'Saikyou No Joshi' was asked what she meant by that her only response was “Trust me, you'll be seeing me somewhere with big announcement soon!"

* While yet to be formally announced, tour dates have been released for the month of May. To little surprise, the "KANSAI PRO-WRESTLING FESTIVAL" will return once again on 5/31 -- a day which has come to be something of a national holiday for pro-wrestling fans. This year, the event will be held in Hyogo for the first time, inside the 10,000 seat Kobe World Memorial Hall. A formal press conference is expected to be held Friday afternoon to announce the event, with matches beginning to take shape after 5/09.

Road to KANFES 2015 ~ yume to mugen ~
2015/05/09 (SAT): Tokyo - Korakuen Hall (2,100)
2015/05/10 (SUN): Yamanashi - Nirasaki Municipal Gymnasium (1,000)
2015/05/13 (WED): Aichi - Toyohashi City Gymnasium #2 (1,500)
2015/05/15 (FRI): Osaka - BODYMAKER Colosseum Second Hall (1,500)
2015/05/16 (SAT): Kagawa - Sakaide Hall (800)
2015/05/17 (SUN): Ehime - Nomura Town Gymnasium (500)
2015/05/25 (MON): Tokyo - Korakuen Hall (2,100)

KANSAI PRO-WRESTLING FESTIVAL 2015 ~ yume to mugen ~
2015/05/31 (SUN): Hyogo - Kobe World Memorial Hall (10,000)

* Speaking of which, the company has released the full card for its 5/09 return to Korakuen Hall. The main event features a star-studded six-man tag match pitting Naoki Fukuda, Riki Ichiro, and Ryuugo Nagashima against Mamoru Sekishima, Norihiro Akashi, and Tetsuhisa NAKAI. The bout will continue the newfound struggle for supremacy between "DAUNTLESS" Naoki Fukuda and "Greco Superman" Mamoru Sekishima for KJPW's "Ace" title -- and perhaps the HEC Heavyweight Championship still yet to be officially decided. The bout also builds upon the problems centering on Norihiro Akashi, Ryuugo Nagashima -- and now potentially WWA National Heavyweight Champion Riki Ichiro.

* Perhaps even more intriguing is the night's semifinal, which will see the next shot in the war between Hybrid Corps ARMADA and Total Attack Puroresu. Hoping to lead by example, Kenji Tanamura will face Ryo Inoue's right hand man in Total Attack Puroresu, Takumi Amano! The leader of ARMADA will go into this match with two goals: 1) Avenging the fallen Yuichi Miwa, who suffered a brutal beating at the hands of Amano to force a referee stoppage. And 2) To draw out Ryo Inoue into a singles match! The bout is almost surely to be one of KJPW's more violent encounters given the emotions going in. While not participating as wrestlers, the other members of T.A.P. will be on hand as ring seconds, including Inoue himself.

* The Jr. Heavyweight division will also be featured prominently as Jet Jaguar and GALLEON -- DREAM HEROES meet Wataru Yamada and Keisuke Rongai of HOT LIMIT / KyouHonGan. After falling to the members of the Jr. Seikigun, Yamada and Rongai got revenge by robbing Jaguar and GALLEON's of their very identities! Naturally, this act of disrespect has resulted in this match being made.

* After suffering at the hands of the "BIG BOSS" Chikao Kessin in his final KJPW match, Hiroaki Nakata will team once more with freelancers Manabe Tsuji and RYUJI to topple the new trio of Double Goodwin and "Mr. Hard Body" Tsutomu Nishioka. Nakata showed mixed chemistry teaming with OSAKA WILD STYLE on 4/17, but will give it another shot in Korakuen.

* Another trios match will see ATSUKA, Yoshihiro Shimoda, and Hayato Saigo of the Jr. Seikigun battle the remaining members of KyouHonGan, Kyoto Okazaki, Kazuki Sendo, and SS Star. ATSUKA and Okazaki have been trading verbal barbs in both social media and in the ring on 4/17, with the personal feelings between the two showing no signs of calming down.

* The match will open proper with a youthful eight-man tag pitting the remaining members of ARMADA, along with Yutaka Awano against Genji Yamato's four "FIGHTING LOVE!" disciples, Kohei Obata, Hajime Kon, Yusuke Kishimoto, and Maleko Momoa. However, two new rookies will officially make their debut in the card's dark match: No information has been given regarding the two dojo graduates short of their names: Ryo Nozawa and Kappei Nakao.

Kingdom of Japan Pro-Wrestling,
"Road to KANFES 2015"
May 09, 2015
Tokyo - Korakuen Hall (2,100)
0. Ryo Nozawa/Kappei Nakao Debut Match Ryo Nozawa vs. Kappei Nakao
1. Harumi Sakai, Yusaku Kitajima, Yutaka Awano & Yukio Kisanuki vs. Kohei Obata, Hajime Kon, Yusuke Kishimoto & Maleko Momoa
2. ATSUKA, Yoshihiro Shimoda & Hayato Saigo vs. "The Worst One" Kyoto Okazaki, Kazuki Sendo & SS Star
3. Hiroaki Nakata, Manabe Tsuji [FREE] & RYUJI [FREE] vs. "Mr. Hard Body" Tsutomu Nishioka, James Goodwin Jr. & "BIG" Jon Goodwin
4. Special Tag Match ~ DREAM HEROES versus HOT LIMIT: Jet Jaguar & GALLEON vs. Wataru Yamada & Keisuke Rongai
5. Hybrid Corps ARMADA versus Total Attack Puroresu ~ Special Single Match: "Gladiator King" Kenji Tanamura vs. "Elder Brother Wolf" Takumi Amano [T.A.P.]
6. "DAUNTLESS" Naoki Fukuda, "Hot-Tempered Samurai" Riki Ichiro & Ryuugo Nagashima vs. "Greco Superman" Mamoru Sekishima, "Nightmare Child" Norihiro Akashi & Tetsuhisa NAKAI

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