New Japan Dome swansong results

[Hunter's Torn Quad 0]

New Japan's fourteenth successive 1/4 Tokyo Dome show is in the books, and although not 100% confirmed, was probably the last for a while. Eleven matches comprised this 3 1/2 hour show (6pm kickoff, 9:30pm finish), and a crowd listed at 43,000 turned up, most estimates putting the real number between 25,000 and 30,000, very impressive considering recent turnouts. Reviews for the show have been quite positive in general, although many of the matches would have gotten more heat in Sumo Hall than they did in the Dome. It has already aired in a 3 1/2 hour special on TV Asahi that ran after midnight to early morning.

 

Brock Lesnar made a successful V1 defense of his IWGP Heavyweight Title, defeating Nakamura in today's main event. It was Shinsuke's third successive 1/4 main event, having beaten Takayama in 2004 and Tanahashi in 2005, so he looked to make it three in a row and win the title. It was not to be, however, as Lesnar just doesn't seem beatable at the moment. Nakamura used as much of his technique as possible to trouble Brock, a number of armbarring techniques, such as a unique Tarantula-style cross armbreaker. Nakamura also managed to German suplex Brock in a big moment, but Lesnar understood Nakamura's submission wrestling well (the press is all over this too, saying Lesnar can also respond to Japanese submission wrestling now), and went on to win with a big lariat and the Verdict. Most reports have liked the main event, but felt it was missing something towards the end, possibly because of the rank difference between the two. Although Nakamura gave Lesnar some hiccups, after the rampage Brock has been on, it was hard for anyone to give Shinsuke a chance here and he seemed a long way off being able to beat Lesnar. Brock said Nakamura had been an excellent opponent, but needs to enlarge his body and improve his physical strength before he can seriously challenge him. As for his next challenger, Brock said it wasn't up for him to choose, but made an interesting comment where he said, "Line them up one after another for me on the next series". "The Lesnar age has begun!" screams Sanspo Sports this morning, saying the former WWE star ensured 5,000 more fans for New Japan compared to the last Dome show, and confirmed that Lesnar is scheduled to sign a contract any day now to make him a fully affiliated New Japan wrestler under an exclusive deal. Sanspo also broke the story that Simon Inoki is requesting Lesnar move to Tokyo so that he can appear on most, if not all New Japan shows. Sanspo's dramatic article ends with, "Is the hero of the world about to come to your town with New Japan soon!?".

 

IWGP Tag Team Champions, Chono & Tenzan, also won their V1 defense as expected, ensuring that no titles changed hands today. They fended off a tough challenge from former NWA Intercontinental Tag Team Champions, Shiro Koshinaka & Takao Omori. It was Koshinaka's first return since leaving for World Japan, and revived his memorable feud from the 1990s with Chono. This was the longest match of a fast paced show, ending when Chono pinned Koshinaka after a Shining Yakuza kick. There were some strong hints of Omori returning to New Japan after the match when he threw the winner's trophy at Tenzan, possibly beginning a feud with him. This match was pretty well received, not much heat, but solid wrestling, probably better suited to Sumo Hall or Korakuen though. ChoTen looked down at their fallen challengers backstage, demanding stronger opposition from Choshu and saying such combination's as today's are below them. Giant Bernard's New Japan debut was a big win, as he defeated Nakanishi in a bad match. The two were both off, missing some spots, and this was the only match on the show that most people didn't like. Nakanishi kicked out of the Baldo bomb late on, but fell to a corner press (splash from the turnbuckles), meaning he has now lost back to back matches against large foreigners and maybe will have to start studying them in future instead of just throwing himself at them. Bernard demanded a title shot at Lesnar post-match, and the first all-American IWGP Heavyweight Title match since Vader vs. Hansen could be soon to come. Fourth generation members, Tanahashi and Shibata, who entered the dojo together and debuted on the same show in 1999 at a Tokyo Dome eve Korakuen event, met for the first time since Shibata's sudden exit from New Japan last year. Both men have had growing pains of late, suffering many losses. However, while Shibata has shown signs of getting over that, Tanahashi has been slumping more than ever as a recent loss to Iizuka documented. Shibata was merciless with a depressed Tanahashi, throwing brutal kicks. Tanahashi made comebacks, but lacked the same vigor he is known for and never really got on top, Shibata winning with a flurry of kicks in the end. Shibata bowed to the New Japan fans after the match and left calmly. This was called very good, another strong combination from the young generation and certainly not their last match ever, despite Shibata being elsewhere at the moment. What happens with Tanahashi from now is unclear, they should announce his American match any day now, and that could be part of a rebuilding plan.

 

Friends of the junior golden age, Koji Kanemoto and Shinjiro Otani, had their first match in years. The two have gone down separate career paths, Kanemoto pledging his career to a junior route and Otani bulking up to heavyweight status shortly before his New Japan exit. Otani has since gone on to pin the likes of Kojima and Kensuke, so wanted to prove a point in this reunion match. It was a good one, but wasn't on the level that they used to do in that famous era. Kanemoto entered to his old "Junction" theme and there was a real nostalgic feel to the match, with a flashback to the 90s. They traded face washers at one point, something both men love to do and all fans love to see. Although it was fairly back and forth, Otani looked a lot bigger than Kanemoto now, and his heavyweight power guided him to victory, even after Kanemoto kicked out of a release German -> swan dive dropkick -> Spiral bomb combination. Otani survived a Tiger suplex and pinned Kanemoto with his Dragon suplex hold. Otani made a shocking comment backstage, requesting Kanemoto stay in New Japan, saying he is vital to reorganizing the company and showing love for his old haunt. Upon hearing this, Kanemoto (who bowed to all four corners of the crowd again) was very emotional and said he would think it over more. He is in very bad physical shape right now, and said in his blog after the match that he can't even move his head at the moment, as years of big bumps and injuries are starting to accumulate at last. The other New Japan vs. BIG MOUTH LOUD match saw the reawakening of Yuji Nagata. It took Kazunari Murakami (seconded by Kantaro Hoshino, Yoshiaki Fujiwara, and Enson Inoue) to bring Nagata (seconded by actor, Daisuke Shima) out of his recent slumber in what was generally called the best match of the show, very similar to their 12/10/02 war for the IWGP Heavyweight Title. Murakami launched vicious attacks on Nagata, sending him to ringside at one point where he found no comfort. Then came the climate change, as Nagata got that fearsome look in his eyes, marking the return of KILLER NAGATA~! Nagata went on a wild rampage (thirteen knee kicks), beating Murakami bloody, and destroying him en route to a decisive pinfall victory. Yuji's younger brother, Katsuhiko, watched from ringside after a tough fight on New Year's Eve, and shook hands with his big brother after the match. Could 2006 be a year of revival for the former company ace or will it be another up-and-down one? The super-giant team of Akebono & Yutaka Yoshie shook the ring, literally, today, defeating old school heels Black Strong Machine & Hiro Saito. This match kicked off the TV special (and was followed by the main event; match order was kind of strange, probably strategically placed to try and get ratings) and saw a lot of novelty spots including Akebono suplexing both opponents. The finish saw Akebono chokeslam Hiro and Yoshie crush Mr. Senton with a diving body press for the win. There was a "Yokozuna Dance" in the ring after the match, making fans smile. Akebono's continuing participation in New Japan became almost decisive after the match, when the two agreed to target Chono & Tenzan's IWGP Tag Team Title together. This could be a way of finally raising Yoshie's star, by associating him with the famous sumo. Yoshie is also keen on a singles match with Akebono at some point. Akebono wants to concentrate on pro wrestling for now and should enter all three major promotions this year.

 

The Fujinami Army vs. Choshu Army twelve man tag came and went quickly, lasting only 12 minutes and seeing a lot of spirited fighting. The young men on both sides were particularly fired up, having some wild exchanges with each other, Hirooki Goto vs. Yoshihito Sasaki becoming a most wanted match for many coming out of it. The finish saw Choshu floor Nagao with two Riki lariats and hand him to Kohei Sato, who after having his match with Nakamura pulled from under him, finished off the big man with a German suplex hold and advertised his worth to New Japan. Some of the young indy wrestlers in this match, like Uwano and Sekimoto, were very impressive and could get future bookings in New Japan if they are lucky. Tiger Mask & Minoru had some serious problems getting along when they faced the power fighting junior team of Takaiwa & Ishii. They didn't even pretend to be friends, but did just enough to win the match, Minoru using a right "Buzzsaw" kick on Ishii as Yoshihiro Tajiri supposedly looked on from the crowd, as he continues to observe New Japan and other promotions' shows. The opening two matches linked directly to the 1/5 Riki Pro Korakuen show. The Apache Army assembled in full force, doing the famous Team No Respect dance on the Tokyo Dome rampway, as Masato Tanaka, Kintaro Kanemura & BADBOY Hido went to war with CTU's Liger, Jado & Gedo. This hardcore environment was something different for Liger, but he was enthusiastic and got in on the fun. There were some dangerous spots using tables and chairs, and Kanemura would pin Jado after his diving senton (Blast Yama Special). Kanemura & Hido face Jado & Gedo in Riki Pro, so the tag specialists will be out for immediate revenge. One of the best new generation feuds in some time continued, with young heavyweights Yamamoto and Sai impressing the Tokyo Dome in the opener. Since there was a rush to get this show starting and moving (it started at 5:55pm on a weeknight, and with eleven matches to get through, really too late for a Tokyo Dome show, but unavoidable with 1/4 falling on a working day), it began five minutes before scheduled kickoff time as many fans were still arriving. They traded kicks and submissions, and it was very back and forth, until Sai won with his Sidmouth (modified backdrop suplex). The two meet again on the Riki Pro show, Yamamoto & Nagao facing Sai & Yoshihito Sasaki.

 

Simon and Antonio Inoki gave a speech during the show, appearing in costume, Simon speaking in English, then translating his own words into Japanese. Simon said that New Japan would aim at reclaiming the spot as the world's number one pro wrestling group in 2006, a subtle declaration of war on WWE? Antonio Inoki talked about his Toukon Shrine and the Bangladesh show he is trying to set up, before the customary 1-2-3-DAA. After the show, Simon announced that New Japan's big show in May is in an undecided state right now. He refused to say it was definitely the last Tokyo Dome show (it was always "based on the success of January" and this show probably did better than many expected), and would personally like to keep running it after they "broke the 40,000 barrier" for the first time in three shows today, but said that many inside New Japan are for downscaling more to Sumo Hall now. Simon said one of the themes in 2006 would be for New Japan wrestlers who lost today to grow stronger and gain revenge. He is also waiting for volunteers from the roster to challenge Lesnar, and wants to throw "ace class" wrestlers at him. He also wants to hear fans' hopes for New Japan. Antonio Inoki said that led by Lesnar and booked by Choshu, New Japan has the potential to make an impact around the world, but thinks matches need to become more exciting. Choshu said today's show had been tiring for fans, with so many matches, which (although he obviously wouldn't say this) is why there were a lot of shortish bouts. He said the matchmaking still needed more changes, and he would do his best to improve New Japan and raise the industry. Uei said that although Shibata had beaten Tanahashi, he sees the spirit in Tanahashi to shoulder New Japan when the time is right. Uei said he had stopped Maeda from going to the Tokyo Dome, but after what Nagata did to Murakami, it might have provoked Maeda into action more. Yoshiyuki Nakamura, president of ZERO1-MAX, appealed for more work between the companies and wants to lend Z1's support to New Japan as it moves towards restoring itself.

 

NJPW "TOUKON SHIDOU CHAPTER 1", 1/4/06 (WPW/NJ+IWTV Internet)

Tokyo Dome

43,000 Fans - No Vacancy

 

1. Ryouji Sai ZERO1-MAX beat Naofumi Yamamoto (8:18) with the Sidmouth.

2. Masato Tanaka ZERO1-MAX, Kintaro Kanemura & BADBOY Hido beat Jushin Thunder Liger, Jado & Gedo (10:03) when Kanemura used a diving senton on Jado.

3. Tiger Mask & Minoru beat Tatsuhito Takaiwa ZERO1-MAX & Tomohiro Ishii (12:11) when Minoru used a right kick on Ishii.

4. Riki Choshu, Takashi Uwano, Kohei Sato ZERO1-MAX, Kamikaze ZERO1-MAX, Yoshihito Sasaki ZERO1-MAX & Daisuke Sekimoto Big Japan beat Tatsumi Fujinami, Takashi Iizuka, Osamu Nishimura, Toru Yano, Hirooki Goto & Hiroshi Nagao (12:16) when Sato used a German suplex hold on Nagao.

5. Akebono & Yutaka Yoshie beat Black Strong Machine & Hiro Saito (9:18) when Yoshie used a diving body press on Hiro.

6. Yuji Nagata beat Kazunari Murakami BIG MOUTH LOUD (13:11) with a backdrop hold.

7. Shinjiro Otani ZERO1-MAX beat Koji Kanemoto (10:47) with a Dragon suplex hold.

8. Katsuyori Shibata BIG MOUTH LOUD beat Hiroshi Tanahashi (11:59) with a right kick.

9. Giant Bernard beat Manabu Nakanishi (9:53) with a corner press.

10. IWGP Tag Team Title: Masahiro Chono & Hiroyoshi Tenzan © beat Shiro Koshinaka & Takao Omori ZERO1-MAX (19:28) when Chono used a Shining Yakuza kick on Koshinaka (1st defense).

11. IWGP Heavyweight Title: Brock Lesnar © beat Shinsuke Nakamura (8:58) with the Verdict (1st defense).

 

SSS

 

I think even the 'revised' attendance of 25,000 or so is stretching it. Naturally, the SSS boys have put a total positive spin on this and are completely downplaying anything negative.

[Masked Man of Mystery 0]

I wish there was something like this report for American wrestling. It makes things seems more credible, if that makes sense.

[The C Man 0]

Why did Lesnar/Nakamura only get 9 mins?

[Hunter's Torn Quad 0]

Why did Lesnar/Nakamura only get 9 mins?

Because it puts Lesnar over huge as a monster and ensures a hard and intense match that doesn't expose the limitations of any involved. Like how WWE didn't book Goldberg but should have.

[Mecha Mummy 0]

I wish there was something like this report for American wrestling. It makes things seems more credible, if that makes sense.

 

I have to agree. NJ fanboy though he may be, Stuart writes some excellent event summaries.

[Guest Nathan]

Lesnar seemed to enjoy no selling Nakamura's offense in this. Nakamura hit a tope, Lesnar got up first. Nakamura hit a missile dropkick, Lesnar got up immediately. Nakamura hits a German suplex, Lesnar shrugs it off. Bleh match.

[Bruce Blank 0]

Why did Lesnar/Nakamura only get 9 mins?

Cause Lesnar would be stepping on his tongue after 13-15 minutes?