[Match Report] 2015/06/19 (FRI) 18:00 Tokyo • Korakuen Hall >> Match #7: Hayato Saigo vs. Yukio Kisanuki

KING OF THE SUPER Jr. II ~ THE REVOLUTION 

2015/06/19 (FRI) 18:00 Tokyo • Korakuen Hall｜2,015 Spectators (Overcrowded Full House)

 

Match #7: 1 Fall, 30 Minute Time Limit Single Match
「KING OF THE SUPER Jr. II ~ THE REVOLUTION」B Block
Hayato Saigo (0 Wins, 0 Losses = 0 Points)	VS	Yukio Kisanuki  (0 Wins, 0 Losses = 0 Points)
Referee: Satoshi Kajiwara

Background

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Hayato Saigo stands as the spiritual defending champion to the KOSJ crown after winning the inaugural tournament in 2013. While coming from humble roots, Saigo established himself as one of Japan's premier Jr. Heavyweights after proudly representing north/eastern-based Pro-Wrestling CRIMSON for the better part of a decade. Long after becoming a national name to wrestling fans across Japan, Hayato Saigo entered KJPW's battlefield originally as a freelancer -- before ultimately signing with the company in early 2015. His opponent, Yukio Kisanuki is an original KJPW trueborn who graduated on the company's inaugural event in 2013. In two years' time, he has gained invaluable knowledge as a member of Kenji Tanamura's Hybrid Corps ARMADA faction due to his natural affinity for their style.

Match Progression

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The next bout featured similarly-styled competitors as Hayato Saigo faced the far lesser experienced Yukio Kisanuki -- representing Hybrid Corps ARMADA. Despite facing a man 10 years his senior in the ring, Kisanuki paced to the ring with a determined look, immediately getting him some looks from the Korakuen fans. His reaction would falter in comparison to the ever-popular native of Okinawa -- and now the AALL Intercontinental Welterweight Champion, Hayato Saigo.

The match got off to a quick start as Kisanuki caught the unprepared Saigo with a lightning-fast DROPKICK TO THE FACE! With Saigo prone in the corner, Kisanuki unleashed a volley of kicks to the upper body and face! Due to Saigo's positioning, Referee Satoshi Kajiwara began prompting for a break. After the referee began a five-count to disqualify him, Kisanuki relented -- BUT NOT BEFORE BLATANTLY KICKING SAIGO IN THE FACE! The brutal shot garnered shock, and some boos from the fans. While the referee admonished Kisanuki for his foul, Saigo looked for swift-and-immediate revenge after jumping to his feet! Brushing right past Referee Kajiwara, Saigo fired back -- ROCKING KISANUKI WITH A PALM STRIKE ACROSS THE JAW! The shot staggered Kisanuki, leaving him wide-open for a HARD standing lariat, sending Kisanuki landing on the back of his head! Still hot from the foul, Saigo further punished Kisanuki with two blunt stomps to the head -- prompting Kisanuki to retreat to the outside.

After taking a moment to compose himself, Kisanuki returned to the ring. Briefly slowing down the pace, both men took to the mat -- where they would test each other with swift grappling exchanges. Despite Saigo's edge in the pro-wrestling ring, Kisanuki's judo background proved to be effective as he trapped Saigo in a painful jujigatame after gaining superior positioning. After Saigo reached the ropes, Kisanuki further surprised fans by connecting with a swan dive missile kick to the back of Saigo's head! This in turn set up -- of all moves -- Saigo's very own Vertical Brainbuster! The bold move surprised fans, but wouldn't be enough to beat Saigo this early into the match. Not relenting, Kisanuki used more kicks on the grounded Saigo. While the veteran defended, one kick to the ear would be enough to anger Saigo, who once more staggered Kisanuki a hard palm to the jaw, FOLLOWED BY ANOTHER! After landing a blazing combination of kicks, Saigo inflicted further damage using a cartwheel foot stomp -- the SAIGO SPECIAL! Saigo made the cover as Referee Kajiwara counted... One... Two... Kick out! As Kisanuki rolled to a seated position, Saigo struck -- BLASTING KISANUKI WITH a BUZZSAW KICK TO THE SIDE OF THE HEAD! With Saigo covering once more, the referee would count... One... Two -- KICKOUT!

Looking to end the match just under 10:00, Saigo lifted Kisanuki to a standing position before hoisting him vertically, and SPIKING HIM WITH A BRAINBUSTER! Saigo covered, sensing victory was near... One... Two... Thr--KICK OUT!! Not to be dejected, Saigo looked to finish Kisanuki once and for all with a second Brainbuster. However, Kisanuki used what he had left to COUNTER! After sliding down Saigo's back, Kisanuki struck -- BLASTING SAIGO IN THE BACK OF THE HEAD WITH A DROPKICK! With the AALL Intercontinental Welterweight Champion staggered, Kisanuki once more added injury to insult by SPIKING SAIGO WITH A SECOND BRAINBUSTER!! With the fans sensing an upset, Kisanuki was quick to leap onto Saigo for the pin! Referee Satoshi Kajiwara made the count, One! ...TWO!! ..THR--2.5!!

At this point, the majority of the Korakuen crowd were soundly behind the underdog, prompting Kisanuki to go for all-or-nothing as he climbed to the top rope! With Saigo appearing prone, Kisanuki delivered an awe-inspiring FIRE BIRD SPLASH... ONLY TO COME UP EMPTY!! After narrowly avoiding Kisanuki's 450 degree splash, Saigo hooked his opponent from a kneeling position. In an amazing display of strength for a Jr. Heavyweight, Saigo proceeded to DEADLIFT KISANUKI OVERHEAD! With the rabid Korakuen fans coming unglued, Saigo ended Kisanuki's kicking and flailing by SPIKING HIM ON HIS HEAD WITH A SECOND VERTICAL BRAINBUSTER!! After executing perhaps the nastiest brainbuster seen in some time, Saigo covered Kisanuki's body -- awaiting Referee Kajiwara's count... One! ...TWO! ...THREE!!

Match #7: 1 Fall, 30 Minute Time Limit Single Match
「KING OF THE SUPER Jr. II ~ THE REVOLUTION」B Block
○ Hayato Saigo (1 Win, 0 Losses = 2 Points)	[7 minutes, 19 seconds] Vertical Brainbuster→Pinfall	Yukio Kisanuki ●  (0 Wins, 1 Loss = 0 Points)
Referee: Satoshi Kajiwara

Backstage Comment

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Hayato Saigo: "He's tenacious, I'll give him that... Despite the length of the match, he gave me quite the fight..."

Yukio Kisanuki: "...Damnit! I look up to wrestlers like Saigo-san, but... I've let myself down...!"

[Match Report] 2015/06/19 (FRI) 18:00 Tokyo • Korakuen Hall >> Match #8: ATSUKA vs. Caleb Storm

KING OF THE SUPER Jr. II ~ THE REVOLUTION 

2015/06/19 (FRI) 18:00 Tokyo • Korakuen Hall｜2,015 Spectators (Overcrowded Full House)

 

Match #8: 1 Fall, 30 Minute Time Limit Single Match
「KING OF THE SUPER Jr. II ~ THE REVOLUTION」A Block
ATSUKA (0 Wins, 0 Losses = 0 Points)	VS	Caleb Storm [REVO Wrestling]  (0 Wins, 0 Losses = 0 Points)
Referee: Satoshi Kajiwara

Background

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Proudly representing REVO Wrestling, American Caleb Storm returns to Japan after an impressive debut on 5/31, despite coming on the losing end in an exciting six-junior tag match. Taking a giant leap in his career by competing in this tournament, Caleb faces a veteran of more than a decade in the ever-popular ATSUKA. Sharing similar styles, both men hope to start the KOSJ with a victory -- jump starting their momentum towards capturing the tournament crown.

Match Progression

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Only having one match to see what he had to offer, the Japanese fans welcomed Caleb Storm to the ring with a polite response as entered Korakuen to "Centuries" by Fall Out Boy -- with many females enamored by his American good looks. As the familiar theme of ATSUKA -- "Lookin' For The Truth" by Yoshinobu Kanayama hit, the Korakuen fans immediately took attention. Ever the showman, ATSUKA rallied the crowd further -- increasing their reaction. Upon getting in the ring, ATSUKA quickly sized the American up and down as he was formally announced to the live crowd -- garnering a big response.

As the gong sounded to begin the bout, calls and chants of "AT-SU-KA!" begun popping from the Korakuen crowd. However, as the two competitors begun pacing around one another, calls -- largely from females -- begun sprouting from the crowd for Storm, who seemed taken aback by the reaction.  ATSUKA was more than taken aback -- he was downright annoyed, causing him to immediately shoot puzzled -- but comical looks to the fans for laughs, leading to a loud round of "A-TSU-KA!" chants to sooth the veteran's ego.

The two finally made first contract after briefly circling each other. Immediately, the veteran ATSUKA took Storm to the mat after grabbing hold of a headlock. Showing one of the more fundamental maneuvers in wrestling, Caleb quickly grapevined ATSUKA's head with his legs, prompting ATSUKA to pop to his feet with a sudden kip-up after pulling his head free. Standing over Caleb in a domineering position, the Korakuen fans showered the crafty ATSUKA with applause -- leading to even Caleb himself giving his opponent a bit of credit. After allowing Caleb to a standing position, ATSUKA once again threw Caleb to the mat after clasping on a headlock. Once more, Caleb went back to the grapevine while preventing ATSUKA from repeating his escape. Having more than one trick in his book of course, ATSUKA positioned himself in a kneeling position -- still with his head stuck between Caleb's legs. Despite the American slapping his thighs to jar ATSUKA's equilibrium, ATSUKA used the leverage to pop his head free -- leading to him performing a fluid transition back into a grounded headlock! Again however, Caleb easily countered with another grapevine -- prompting ATSUKA to once more use superior positioning to pull his head free, and once more grab the headlock! It became clear both men had hit something of a stalemate. However, it would be ATSUKA who would finally change up the formula after popping his head free. Rather than go for the headlock again, ATSUKA caught Caleb with a quick SLAP to the face -- garnering a huge reaction from the crowd! While momentarily stunned, the American found himself once again caught in a headlock. After catching his bearings, Caleb briefly mustered his strength to shove ATSUKA into the ropes -- who in-turn tried to use his power to knock Caleb down with a shoulder block -- only to run into a wall! Challenging ATSUKA to try his luck again, Caleb anticipated the "Green Punk" with a drop down to the mat -- forcing ATSUKA to hop overhead. Forcing his opponent to continue his sprint, Caleb followed with an impressive leap-frog. However, he seemingly mistimed ATSUKA's acceleration as ATSUKA caught him with a FLYING HEADSCISSORS! With his opponent momentarily disoriented, ATSUKA whipped Caleb into the ropes -- WHO IN-TURN ANSWERED WITH A HURRICARANA, SLINGING ATSUKA TO THE KORAKUEN FLOOR! With the Korakuen crowd coming unglued, Caleb quickly measured ATSUKA as he stumbled to a standing position... Just as ATSUKA turned around, Caleb sprinted across the ring before SPEARING ATSUKA WITH A TOPE SUICIDA!

Landing perfectly on his feet, the young American earned a huge ovation from the 2,000+ in attendance, leading to a female-led chant of "KA-RE-BU" (Caleb)! While briefly taking time to pose for the approving fans, Caleb soon returned to the ring where he awaited ATSUKA's return... By Referee Kajiwara's count of 11, ATSUKA finally pulled himself up to a standing position before returning to the ring, where he was quickly met by a kick to the stomach from Caleb -- setting up a fast bodyslam to the mat! With ATSUKA prone, Caleb followed with a Running Senton off the ropes -- putting the brunt of his weight across ATSUKA's chest! The American was quick to cover -- only to get a one count. Keeping ATSUKA grounded for the moment, Caleb was quick to apply a modified chinlock with both men lying on the mat. Using his arms to get the blood flowing -- along with encouraging the fans support, ATSUKA began to fight back to a standing position. Forced into transitioning into a headlock, Caleb soon found himself shoved into the ropes -- only to counter ATSUKA with an Irish Whip, sending ATSUKA off into the ropes. Repeating what we had seen earlier in the match, Caleb leap-frogged over ATSUKA -- forcing him to continue his sprint... However, as Caleb dropped to the mat, ATSUKA DROPPED A LEG ACROSS HIS NECK! With Caleb momentarily stunned, ATSUKA used his opponent's lankiness against him as he applied a painful looking Romero Special! While Caleb would refuse to surrender, ATSUKA inflicted further pain by ROLLING to the side -- putting GREAT strain on Caleb's knees. While re-applying the Romero Special, ATSUKA took the hold one step further by pulling back on Caleb's neck -- BEFORE LOCKING IN A ROMERO SPECIAL DRAGON SLEEPER! At this point, the Korakuen fans IMMEDIATELY rallied behind the American. Despite his muffled screams, it was clear the American was too tough to be submitted by anything less than a finishing hold, prompting ATSUKA to finally release the hold. As the young American pulled himself to his feet, ATSUKA gave the familiar "Guitar" cue to signal his Powerful Running Dropkick into the corner -- only to be cut off by a kick to the midsection! With ATSUKA stunned, Caleb quickly went for an Irish whip into the ropes -- only to in-turn be countered! Perhaps seeing two moves down the lined, Caleb anticipated the counter as he landed an impressive handspring into the ropes, before grabbing ATSUKA with an ACE CRUSHER ON THE WAY DOWN -- CHAIN LIGHTNING! The sensational move caused a HUGE reaction from the Korakuen fans, who had seemingly never seen such a move before. Caleb went for the cover -- with the fans sensing an upset! One! ...Two! ...KICK OUT!!

"IT'S OVER!!" Caleb exclaimed, causing an uproar amongst the fans. Pulling the staggered ATSUKA up, the American seemingly attempted to set up his Halo Smasher Short-Arm Complete Shot. However, the wily ATSUKA DUCKED Caleb's advance before countering with a go-behind! There, ATSUKA acted without hesitation -- throwing his legs under Caleb's arms, before rolling him backwards into the Puente Olimpico -- THE JAPANESE LEGROLL CLUTCH!! Performing a picture-perfect Wrestler's bridge! ONE! ...TWO!! ...THR--2.9!!! As Caleb scrambled to a kneeling position, he suddenly found himself BLASTED WITH A THRUST KICK TO THE JAW! Not wasting the opportunity, ATSUKA demonstrated great strength and control in lifting the 190cm Storm up across his shoulders in a Canadian Backbreaker. After adjusting, ATSUKA flipped Caleb horizontally before PLANTING HIM FACE FIRST WITH AN ACE CRUSHER -- THE AC-Z (ATSUKA Cutter Z-Type)! The momentum sent Caleb into a near flip before landing on his back, prompting ATSUKA to cover -- hooking the leg! One! ...TWO!! ... THR--2.5!! Calling back to just a few minutes prior, ATSUKA shouted "IT'S... OVER!!" in loosely pronounced English. Pulling the groggy Caleb up, ATSUKA hooked him by his neck and right leg before taking just a brief moment to gather his strength... While initially encountering resistance, ATSUKA overcame Caleb and hoisted the American overhead, before rotating and SPIKING CALEB'S NECK INTO THE MAT TO COMPLETE THE AT-Z (ATSUKA Twister Z-Type)!! Leaving nothing to chance, ATSUKA pinned both of Caleb's legs behind his shoulders as the referee counted... ONE! ...TWO!! ...THREE!!!

Match #8: 1 Fall, 30 Minute Time Limit Single Match
「KING OF THE SUPER Jr. II ~ THE REVOLUTION」A Block
○ ATSUKA (1 Win, 0 Losses = 2 Points)	[11 minutes, 24 seconds] Point Break→Pinfall	Caleb Storm [REVO Wrestling] ●  (0 Wins, 1 Loss = 0 Points)
Referee: Satoshi Kajiwara

Backstage Comment

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ATSUKA: "Facing foreign competition is always interesting due to the differences in styles. Normal people would not understand this, but you can actually discern a wrestler's locale by the way their body reacts in the ring... To be honest however... The way the girls cheered for him pissed me off..."

Caleb Storm: "This was a great learning experience for me.  I know I'm good, but tonight ATSUKA was better.  He's a hell of a guy, but knowing I went in there and held my own against one of the best juniors in the world?  That's validating to me.  I'll be back for my next match, and I'm going to be better.  My back might be against the wall as I'm looking for points, but it won't take me long to get back in this.  Also, big shout to Ginny Gerrard, you're the real MVP."