Japan News - 7/11

[Hunter's Torn Quad]

Next GHC Title Challenger? by RD - 10 Jul 2006

 

It has been reported that "Foreign Enemy" Samoa Joe has rapidly surfaced as one of the front runners for Jun Akiyama's GHC Heavyweight Title. Akiyama said that he had read a story that Joe was interested in challenging for the title, and that sooner or later once Joe had earned the shot he would be happy to defend the belt against him. Akiyama believes Naomichi Marufuji is at present more deserving of a title shot given his excellent performances this year, but the "Mystery Man from Samoa" definitely appears to be threatening the title scene in NOAH.

 

Couple of Naigai Times notes to fill space. Keep in mind, this newspaper reports a lot of dubious stuff. Firstly, a member of management told the newspaper that Chono is planning a coup d'etat of New Japan, and to do this he will reform nWo Japan, but good luck getting permission to use the nWo name from Vince McMahon. Anyway, they claim this would be different than his post-nWo "Black" factions, as it'd be a full takeover attempt. Secondly, Kojima told Naigai Times that if Tanahashi doesn't dethrone Lesnar, he should be forced to make up for it by undergoing a "G1 Entrance Match" against Akebono. Kojima is looking forward to facing Tanahashi, but wants Tanahashi to be there as IWGP Heavyweight Champion it sounds like.

 

(History) Today is the one-year anniversary of Shin'ya Hashimoto's death.

[Guest wildpegasus]

Akiyama believes Naomichi Marufuji is at present more deserving of a title shot given his excellent performances this year

 

Awesome! Marafuji definitely deserves it. He's amazing to watch.

[CheesalaIsGood]

Akiyama needs a big match to make his title reign mean something. Marufuji is the right guy for a big match and can still do a job while looking strong losing.

[Just John]

I hope we get Akiyama/Marufuji and Akiyama/Joe. Both matches would be great.

 

Marufuji is red-hot right now, so it probably wouldn't be too bad to pull the trigger on a title shot now, even if he has to lose. I would like to see him break through the size barrier and win the GHC heavyweight title, but it would be too rushed to do that now.