World Japan singles title tournament announced

[Guest NoSelfWorth]

World Japan tournament matches by Stuart - 06/02/03

World Japan announced the tournament matches for it's major 7/20 convention at Tokyo Ryogoku Kokugikan. The big surprise is the participation of "Dr. Death" Steve Williams, who was linked with New Japan this year. Williams will face Shiro Koshinaka in the first round. Kenzo Suzuki tackles Dan Bobish, while two All Japan trueborns clash, Genichiro Tenryu and Takao Omori. And in their first singles confrontation since 1997, teacher and pupil, Riki Choshu and Kensuke Sasaki, meet. World Japan said there will be three other feature matches, one of which will include Vader. The winner of the tournament will become the first WMG (World Magma the Greatest) Heavyweight Champion. WJ claims to be spending ¥10,000,000 (around US$83,500) to construct it's title belt.

 

World Japan "MAGMA03", 7/20/03

Tokyo Ryogoku Kokugikan

 

1. WJ Strongest Tournament - Round 1: Dan Bobish vs. Kenzo Suzuki

2. WJ Strongest Tournament - Round 1: Genichiro Tenryu vs. Takao Omori

3. WJ Strongest Tournament - Round 1: Steve Williams vs. Shiro Koshinaka

4. WJ Strongest Tournament - Round 1: Riki Choshu vs. Kensuke Sasaki

5. WJ Strongest Tournament - Semi Final:

6. WJ Strongest Tournament - Semi Final:

7. WJ Strongest Tournament - Final:

 

Credit - SSS

 

I'm predicting the tournament to go like this:

 

Kenzo Suzuki bt Dan Bobish

Genichiro Tenryu bt Takao Omori

Steve Williams bt Shiro Koshinaka

Kensuke Sasaski bt Riki Choshu

 

Genichiro Tenryu bt Kenzo Suzuki

Kensuke Sasaki by Steve Williams

 

Kensuke Sasaki bt Genichiro Tenryu.

 

I'm thinking they would put the belt on Sasaski right away, rather than build to a chase, because of the possibility that Choshu or Tenryu might not feel physically up to a long reign, and a short one would reduce the prestige of the WMG Championship. Sasaki would also get a serious push with the way I think the tournament will go, as he will gain consecutive wins over two major names and one almost major name. (While I think Williams is big, I wouldn't put him on a level with Choshu or Tenryu.)

[Guest Black Tiger]

I would think that the finals would be some combo of Chosyu/Tenryu vs Sasaki/Omori.

 

The WJ storylines seem to be that the younger wrestlers are trying to overthrow the older generation. So it'd make sense to have one of the older guys win the title, then build to a title match with a younger wrestler.