Post by Jeff L. on Oct 3, 2024 16:37:22 GMT -5
Ryogoku Kokugikan.
Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture.
Japan.
-------------------
As the camera panned over the ten thousand strong in the Kokugikan arena, and Kenji Wakabayashi, the voice of All Japan, welcomed the fans watching at home, a theme song familiar to puro fans blasted off the speakers, and a familiar face was seen walking down the aisle. But this time, he looked almost unrecognisable to an unwatchful eye.
His wild, curly, black hair, now sprinkled with stripes of grey, was combed and tied into a clean, tidy ponytail. His usual long beard was trimmed to a business casual stubble; the eyes, usually wild with unrelenting ire, now showed an intelligent focus. The furry boots were replaced with elegant Armani shoes, and he wore a dark grey three piece suit with a red napkin in his left pocket. He carried a black bag under his right arm, and as he entered the ring, the man introduced himself as Frank Goodish.
“Good evening to you all, and welcome to this fifth night of the Pacific League. Some of you may recognise me as Bruiser, or King Kong, Brody, a lunatic and a wildman. But my name is Frank Goodish, and more importantly, I am your new interim PWF Commissioner.
Without any further ado, I must address the current Pacific League situation. As we all know, Kenta Kobashi has honoured his vow, and has pulled himself out of the League, and his further future is for now uncertain. Furthermore, as we have all witnessed, Mr. Baba was taken to the local hospital after the last show’s heinous attack, and he will also be unable to compete. All of these hindrances are the cause of one man, and his band of renegades.
But, ladies and gentlemen, I promise you, the League will continue! All of the remaining matches will be held, even though that means that some wrestlers are gonna have to fight two matches per night sometimes. But the matches will be held, and the winner will receive this”, Goodish pulled out a championship gold out of the bag. “Pacific Wrestling Federation Heavyweight Championship!”.
At this point, another familiar music theme hit, and three men, claded in black hoods, could be seen at the ramp. One by one, they removed their hoods, and they entered the ring, peppered with boos from the crowd. They were Riki Choshu, Toshiaki Kawada, and Gran Hamada.
“Well,”, Choshu started, “seems like the old skeleton found himself a new lackey! Never thought you’d sell out for a suit and a desk job, Brody. But lemme cut it short: you can save yourself the trouble, and hand over that title to me right here and now. There’s no one left who can stop us anymore.”
Frank Goodish looked down for a second, before squeezing his mic so hard he almost broke the stick: “You’ll refeer to me as Mr. Goodish, Choshu… and the only thing you’re getting right here and now is a match. And as for your goons, don’t bother leaving the ring.”
Commissioner left the ring, before turning back at the three men. He smirked and pointed an intense eye stare at the men: “Because, Choshu, you’re gonna face Toshiaki Kawada!”, the crowd popped, as Kawada looked on in confusion. Choshu’s expression changed into one of annoyance, mild anger, but nonetheless, he kept his composure. “And it starts right now!”, the Commish Goodish finished.
#1: Riki Choshu vs Toshiaki Kawada
Kawada starred at Choshu, perhaps a bit unaware of what to do. As they met in the middle of the ring, Choshu was seen gesturing: lay it in kid, the lips read. And Kawada laid it. The fighters went tit-for-tat with vicious elbow strikes, until Toshiaki started throwing low kicks. Choshu staggered, and locked in a side headlock, as he sent Kawada in the ropes. Bouncing back, Kawada hit a shoulder block, which sent Riki bouncing off the ropes, as he landed a shoulder block off his own: but both men stayed up on their feet.
Kawada continued with his kicks, and as he went for a spinning wheel one, Choshu ducked, and landed a belly to back suplex. A two count only, and he hit a vertical suplex, followed by a knee drop. As he ran the ropes to land a lariat, Toshiaki interrupted him with an Abisegiri, a rolling koppo kick.
Kawada clutched his fists, as he was stalking Choshu, waiting for him to get up. He jumped up for a Gamengiri, but his legs were caught. Choshu went for his newest submission move: “Scorpion Hold he calls it”, Wakabayashi screamed at the commentary table. Alas, Toshiaki managed to roll up Choshu for a two count, stopping the hold from being applied, before landing that Gamengiri on Choshu.
Kawada then prepared for a powerbomb. He tried lifting Choshu up, but Riki grabbed his leg firmly, before performing a double leg takedown, and a jacknife cover. This was enough for a three count, as Kawada kicked out as soon as the ref’s hand hit the mat for the third time, before staring down Choshu intensely.
Two men locked eyes as they got up, and Choshu was seen nodding, acknowledging Toshiaki’s performance. Kawada bowed his head slightly, before the men shook hands, and left the ringside area.
#2: Satoru Sayama vs Akira Taue
This was a classic David vs Goliath match, with experience on the side of the lighter wrestler. A handshake started off this one, as there was already enough chaos and hostility in All Japan. Sayama outwrestled the younger opponent early on, and started flying around the ring. Off the ropes he bounced, and he dropkicked Taue, which put the big man on the mat momentarily. Again off the ropes, and another one; Akira ate the canvas once again. Satoru now ran the ropes twice before lunging himself at Taue with a crossbody: who sidestepped as the junior heavyweight flew outside the ring. Taue showed that he is not a slouch himself when it comes to speed and reflexes.
Taue, the Dynamic One, was now in control. He repeatedly slammed Sayama on the mat, but these were only enough for two counts. The crowd, usually supportive of Taue, now kept quiet for Akira, some even booed. This, along with the unability to put away Sayama, resulted in Taue becoming irate. He now started chopping his smaller opponent: a couple of knife-edge chops sent Sayama to the floor, and as he got up, an absolute gunshot of a slap to the chest was heard around the Ryogoku Kokugikan.
Sayama was now in the corner, clutching at his chest. At this point, the fans were desperately cheering for Satoru, and outright booing Taue. Akira looked around the arena, before opening his palm, measuring the cornered opponent. He approached, and swung his hand at his helpless opponent.
The pan-like palm of the irate giant struck, as another “gunshot” was heard around the arena. It was followed by a painful woe. Not from Sayama however; it was Akira who screamed in pain, as Satoru ducked the strike, and Taue had struck the steel post (he swung that hard, that he completely missed the buckles and hit the steel behind it). Now the fans were willing Sayama on: a combination of low kicks followed by a jumping spin kick made Akira groggy. Sayama climbed to the top rope, and jumped down on Akira. But Taue caught Sayama in a chokehold, grabbing him by the throat as he was coming down! Surely the end was near, as Taue lifted Sayama up for a Nodowa Otoshi, a chokeslam.
But once more Sayama showed the agility of a cat! A great predatory cat perhaps, as he flipped out of the chokeslam attempt, landed on his feet, and hit a wheel kick on Taue instantly, almost as if with hunter-like instinct. Once more he pleaded to the crowd, who cheered him on relentlessly, as he was slapping the top turnbuckle, preparing to climb it. He ascended the corner, and jumped halfway across the ring, aiming for Taue with a diving headbutt. But the big man surprised everyone, as he moved out of the way! Sayama almost knocked himself unconscious with that missed headbut, and the Dynamic One was already seen picking Sayama up, guzzling him with his pan-like hand once more, before picking him up like a binge-drinking habit, and dropping him like a low-carb diet. It was, at last, Akira Taue who picked up the win.
#3: Gran Hamada vs Jumbo Tsuruta
The contest following this one was a similar affair, or at least it looked as such on paper, what with the size difference and whatnot. Gran Hamada came out seconded by the grimacing Toshiaki Kawada, as the duo was seen discussing. Hamada had that crooked veteran look on his face, almost like a yakuza underboss. But young Toshiaki remained focused while he listened to a sneering Hamada; a look of focus was broken up only when an angry frown would come over his face.
“I can only guess what those two rascals are talking about”, Wakabayashi wondered, “as they await the arrival of one of our greatest warriors! His music is already playing, but he’s nowhere to be see-… and what’s happening in the crowd now?! Is it- is it him!?!”.
As Wakabayashi continued his All Japan patriotic cries, a 6’5’’ man was seen making his way through the crowd, over the barricade, and then through the photographers on the ringside and the medical crew, as he stepped into the ring, pissed off as a contractor when offered a warm beer.
He swung his right arm and dropped Kawada to the floor; then he swung his left backhand and dropped Hamada. The referee, Joe Higuchi, desperately called for the match to begin, because he knew he is not gonna be able to stop Jumbo to start this one fairly. As the bell rang, Tsuruta was seen shoulderblocking Hamada so stiffly, he backflipped and landed out of the ring. Tsuruta then screamed at both the fallen Hamada and the rising Kawada outside the ring. As Kawada angrily looked at Tsuruta, Jumbo pointed at him, and made the come at me gesture. Kawada stepped up, and climbed the apron, facing the big man, as the crowd let out a collective ooooh!
But it was all, of course, a ruse. From the back, Hamada struck Tsuruta with a dropkick; now on his knee, Hamada worked him over with kicks and slaps. Hamada then slapped the back of the head of Jumbo, and Tsuruta just… stopped. Hamada stared at him, as Jumbo lifted his face, showing no expression. He then lunged at Hamada, striking him down once more with a football tackle shoulderblock. Jumbo proceeded to strike Hamada down with overhand clubs and stiff kicks. When his lighter opponent tried to get up, Jumbo would simply paintbrush his face so hard, Hamada was seen tending to his bleeding nose. Tsuruta was done playing, as he threw Hamada off the ropes, before striking him with a lariat so hard, that even Bradshaw and Hansen would have nothing to add. He then pinned him clean as a whistle, in what was essentially, and by all means, an uncharacteristic squash match for All Japan.
Tsuruta then celebrated with his famous OH! screams with the audience, as Hamada was still laying motionless and bloodied. Tsuruta approached and picked him up for a powerbomb; but felt a sharp sting in his back. As he turned around, he saw Toshiaki Kawada, who had just kicked his back. But Tsuruta, to Toshiaki’s horror, sucked in the kick and stepped up to Kawada, who left the ring, and on the other side, so did Hamada. Both men escaped the raging giant, who then grabbed the mic:
“You’re both goddamn lucky I didn’t skin you alive out here!”, Jumbo yelled, “but next week, ho-ho, your boss is getting his sorry ass handed to me. I’ll cut off the head of the snake, and restore fairness and competition to All Japan!”.
#4: Mitsuharu Misawa vs Genichiro Tenryu
As the crowd was just beginning to calm after the fiery Jumbo performance, they once more became unglued, as the piano solo, followed by the electric guitar and drum combo, struck loudly. Spartan X was playing, and that can only mean the arrival of one man.
As Misawa entered the ring, the great Genichiro Tenryu joined him. Both men got showered with streamers, with young Mitsuharu’s streamers being so abundant they needed a whole minute to be cleared.
Chain wrestling to start this one off, as Tenryu locked in a side headlock. Misawa tried to push him in the ropes, but Tenryu did not let him, so Misawa repositioned, using his opponent’s weight against him, showing his own amateur prowess, landing a few counters and roll-ups. Tenryu then locked in another sideheadlock, and threw Mitsuharu to the mat with a hip toss. Misawa with headscissors, Tenryu kipped up, and a faceoff to crowd’s respectful clap.
Again they locked up, as Tenryu pressed down Misawa with a front facelock. They went to the mat, and Misawa got his arm around Tenryu’s shoulder, and performed a Gator Roll, into a lateral press, followed by a kickout at 2.5. Misawa would then go for another collar and elbow lock-up, but Genichiro kicked Misawa in the gut, deciding not to test the youngster’s wrestling skills anymore. Chops and clobbering blows to the back of Misawa ensued. Tenryu dominated these few minutes of the match, before irish whipping Misawa, sending him to the diametrical corner, and running straight after him as he whipped him.
But Misawa jumped at the second rope, and off of it he landed on Tenryu with a springboard crossbody! A mid kick combo, followed by a spin kick, and Mitsuharu went to the top rope, landing a huge missile dropkick! But it was, alas, enough for a two count only. Misawa heard the cheers of the fans, the ten thousand strong in Ryogoku. He knew he had to up his game, and his opponent was ripe! Misawa went for a German Suplex, but received an elbow in the face for his effort.
Genichiro would land a few Germans of his own, as he got the younger man hurt. Misawa was visibly hurt and groggy, but did not stay down. Crowd cheered him on as he stepped up to Tenryu once more. But Tenryu performed a double leg takedown, and then locked in a Boston Crab. Misawa struggled and strained in painful agony, but alas, managed to grab the ropes.
Genichiro Tenryu then called for the finish. Off the ropes he ran, and blasted Misawa with a huge lariat. A one, a two, but Misawa kicked out. Tenryu then lifted Misawa with a powerbomb, but while he was on his shoulders, Misawa struck with elbows. Landing on his feet, Misawa would continue with a barrage of elbows, as the bigger opponent was visibly shook: and Misawa ran the ropes, ending his combo with a vicious running elbow.
But Mitsuharu was too tired to cover the opponent. As both men got up, Misawa would find himself behind Tenryu, and he landed a Tiger Suplex, with Genichiro barely producing a kickout. The emerald warrior could almost taste it. That’s how close the win was. With the people cheering him on, he locked in a double underhook. As he prepared to lift his opponent, Tenryu pushed him in the referee Joe Higuchi, with ol’ Joe getting knocked over. Tenryu then surprised everyone by hitting a low-blow on Misawa. Crowd, usually respectful with their claps and cheers, now started booing, even whistling at Tenryu, who proceeded to hit that powerbomb on Misawa. The referee would get up at this exact moment, and he slapped the mat for a one… and a two… and finally…
…a kickout! Tenryu was shocked, and so was everyone else in the arena. But the veteran came to his senses, and went to the top rope, which he rarely ever does, such was the nature of this match. But he was stopped by Misawa. Misawa once more hit a few elbows as he was jockeying for position on the turnbuckles. He was then pushed by Tenryu, but Misawa landed on his feet and dropkicked Tenryu, crotching him atop the buckles. Again, Misawa went up, and this time landed a frankensteiner. Misawa himself would then go the top rope for his own Tiger Fly Splash, but Tenryu got the knees up. And yet another powerbomb attempt, and yet again, Misawa replied with a hurricanrana counter, sending Tenryu’s head right into the unforgiving turnbuckle.
Misawa, visibly spent now, knew he had to hit something huge, and hit it quick! So he lifted Tenryu on the top turnbuckle, with his back facing the ring. He followed him up there, and with the ten thousand strong screaming, Misawa locked in a double underhook from the back, looking for a Super Tiger Suplex! Tenryu however, raked his eyes, and a back elbow sent Misawa down, crashing to the unforgiving mat below. Tenryu was turned backwards, but necessity of the moment was present; he had to think, and he thought fast, as he hit the diving back elbow drop, to an uproar from the audience and a shockful audible from the commentary table. He couldn’t cover right away, tired as he was in the 21st minute of the match; but soon he stirred, and he placed his left arm on Misawa’s chest.
One, two, and a 2.99, as Misawa barely puts his foot on the bottom rope! Misawa gets up, but Tenryu was already waiting for him! The vet jumped up for a Gamengiri, but he missed, landing face first into the mat. As both men got up, a brutal elbow sent Tenryu in the ropes, off of which he rebounded into a roaring elbow; and again off the ropes he rebounded, this time backwards, only to be greeted with an elbow to the back off the head. Tenryu’s body went visibly limp, and as he was about to fall on the mat, Misawa caught him: he shook his head ever so slightly, as if wanting to hit the final, decisive blow. And he looked in the double underhook, and hit the Tiger Driver on Tenryu, this time enough for a three count. The crowd was clapping and cheering in orgasmic catharsis; but it was Misawa who came – to another win and three points.
As the crowd was looking to go home happy after this one, out came Riki Choshu, backed by the menacing Kawada with taped fists, and a sneering Hamada, with a taped nose. Choshu stared young Misawa down, who was not at all in condition to fight. But nonetheless, Riki stepped through with his fist. Only to open it up, offering Mitsuharu a handshake. Misawa remained stoic. The bad guys then grabbed his hand and shook it, putting it in the air, celebrating the youngster’s huge win. Misawa remained stoic through all of this, visibly seen thinking about the offer from Choshu. Fans booed harshly, and some children were seen crying, as some adults covered the eyes of their offspring; some families were even seen leaving the show abruptly, as the feed, finally, faded to black.
Pacific League Night 5 results:
Riki Choshu def. Toshiaki Kawada (12:25)
Akira Taue def. Satoru Sayama (14:54)
Jumbo Tsuruta def. Gran Hamada (3:21)
Mitsuharu Misawa def. Genichiro Tenryu (25:17)
Pacific League points (following Night 5):
Wrestler: Points:
Genichiro Tenryu 12
Mitsuharu Misawa 12
Riki Choshu 12
Jumbo Tsuruta 10
Toshiaki Kawada 6
Akira Taue 6
Giant Baba 5 - retired from the Pacific League
Gran Hamada 4
Satoru Sayama 3
Kenta Kobashi 0 - retired from the Pacific League
Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture.
Japan.
-------------------
As the camera panned over the ten thousand strong in the Kokugikan arena, and Kenji Wakabayashi, the voice of All Japan, welcomed the fans watching at home, a theme song familiar to puro fans blasted off the speakers, and a familiar face was seen walking down the aisle. But this time, he looked almost unrecognisable to an unwatchful eye.
His wild, curly, black hair, now sprinkled with stripes of grey, was combed and tied into a clean, tidy ponytail. His usual long beard was trimmed to a business casual stubble; the eyes, usually wild with unrelenting ire, now showed an intelligent focus. The furry boots were replaced with elegant Armani shoes, and he wore a dark grey three piece suit with a red napkin in his left pocket. He carried a black bag under his right arm, and as he entered the ring, the man introduced himself as Frank Goodish.
“Good evening to you all, and welcome to this fifth night of the Pacific League. Some of you may recognise me as Bruiser, or King Kong, Brody, a lunatic and a wildman. But my name is Frank Goodish, and more importantly, I am your new interim PWF Commissioner.
Without any further ado, I must address the current Pacific League situation. As we all know, Kenta Kobashi has honoured his vow, and has pulled himself out of the League, and his further future is for now uncertain. Furthermore, as we have all witnessed, Mr. Baba was taken to the local hospital after the last show’s heinous attack, and he will also be unable to compete. All of these hindrances are the cause of one man, and his band of renegades.
But, ladies and gentlemen, I promise you, the League will continue! All of the remaining matches will be held, even though that means that some wrestlers are gonna have to fight two matches per night sometimes. But the matches will be held, and the winner will receive this”, Goodish pulled out a championship gold out of the bag. “Pacific Wrestling Federation Heavyweight Championship!”.
At this point, another familiar music theme hit, and three men, claded in black hoods, could be seen at the ramp. One by one, they removed their hoods, and they entered the ring, peppered with boos from the crowd. They were Riki Choshu, Toshiaki Kawada, and Gran Hamada.
“Well,”, Choshu started, “seems like the old skeleton found himself a new lackey! Never thought you’d sell out for a suit and a desk job, Brody. But lemme cut it short: you can save yourself the trouble, and hand over that title to me right here and now. There’s no one left who can stop us anymore.”
Frank Goodish looked down for a second, before squeezing his mic so hard he almost broke the stick: “You’ll refeer to me as Mr. Goodish, Choshu… and the only thing you’re getting right here and now is a match. And as for your goons, don’t bother leaving the ring.”
Commissioner left the ring, before turning back at the three men. He smirked and pointed an intense eye stare at the men: “Because, Choshu, you’re gonna face Toshiaki Kawada!”, the crowd popped, as Kawada looked on in confusion. Choshu’s expression changed into one of annoyance, mild anger, but nonetheless, he kept his composure. “And it starts right now!”, the Commish Goodish finished.
#1: Riki Choshu vs Toshiaki Kawada
Kawada starred at Choshu, perhaps a bit unaware of what to do. As they met in the middle of the ring, Choshu was seen gesturing: lay it in kid, the lips read. And Kawada laid it. The fighters went tit-for-tat with vicious elbow strikes, until Toshiaki started throwing low kicks. Choshu staggered, and locked in a side headlock, as he sent Kawada in the ropes. Bouncing back, Kawada hit a shoulder block, which sent Riki bouncing off the ropes, as he landed a shoulder block off his own: but both men stayed up on their feet.
Kawada continued with his kicks, and as he went for a spinning wheel one, Choshu ducked, and landed a belly to back suplex. A two count only, and he hit a vertical suplex, followed by a knee drop. As he ran the ropes to land a lariat, Toshiaki interrupted him with an Abisegiri, a rolling koppo kick.
Kawada clutched his fists, as he was stalking Choshu, waiting for him to get up. He jumped up for a Gamengiri, but his legs were caught. Choshu went for his newest submission move: “Scorpion Hold he calls it”, Wakabayashi screamed at the commentary table. Alas, Toshiaki managed to roll up Choshu for a two count, stopping the hold from being applied, before landing that Gamengiri on Choshu.
Kawada then prepared for a powerbomb. He tried lifting Choshu up, but Riki grabbed his leg firmly, before performing a double leg takedown, and a jacknife cover. This was enough for a three count, as Kawada kicked out as soon as the ref’s hand hit the mat for the third time, before staring down Choshu intensely.
Two men locked eyes as they got up, and Choshu was seen nodding, acknowledging Toshiaki’s performance. Kawada bowed his head slightly, before the men shook hands, and left the ringside area.
#2: Satoru Sayama vs Akira Taue
This was a classic David vs Goliath match, with experience on the side of the lighter wrestler. A handshake started off this one, as there was already enough chaos and hostility in All Japan. Sayama outwrestled the younger opponent early on, and started flying around the ring. Off the ropes he bounced, and he dropkicked Taue, which put the big man on the mat momentarily. Again off the ropes, and another one; Akira ate the canvas once again. Satoru now ran the ropes twice before lunging himself at Taue with a crossbody: who sidestepped as the junior heavyweight flew outside the ring. Taue showed that he is not a slouch himself when it comes to speed and reflexes.
Taue, the Dynamic One, was now in control. He repeatedly slammed Sayama on the mat, but these were only enough for two counts. The crowd, usually supportive of Taue, now kept quiet for Akira, some even booed. This, along with the unability to put away Sayama, resulted in Taue becoming irate. He now started chopping his smaller opponent: a couple of knife-edge chops sent Sayama to the floor, and as he got up, an absolute gunshot of a slap to the chest was heard around the Ryogoku Kokugikan.
Sayama was now in the corner, clutching at his chest. At this point, the fans were desperately cheering for Satoru, and outright booing Taue. Akira looked around the arena, before opening his palm, measuring the cornered opponent. He approached, and swung his hand at his helpless opponent.
The pan-like palm of the irate giant struck, as another “gunshot” was heard around the arena. It was followed by a painful woe. Not from Sayama however; it was Akira who screamed in pain, as Satoru ducked the strike, and Taue had struck the steel post (he swung that hard, that he completely missed the buckles and hit the steel behind it). Now the fans were willing Sayama on: a combination of low kicks followed by a jumping spin kick made Akira groggy. Sayama climbed to the top rope, and jumped down on Akira. But Taue caught Sayama in a chokehold, grabbing him by the throat as he was coming down! Surely the end was near, as Taue lifted Sayama up for a Nodowa Otoshi, a chokeslam.
But once more Sayama showed the agility of a cat! A great predatory cat perhaps, as he flipped out of the chokeslam attempt, landed on his feet, and hit a wheel kick on Taue instantly, almost as if with hunter-like instinct. Once more he pleaded to the crowd, who cheered him on relentlessly, as he was slapping the top turnbuckle, preparing to climb it. He ascended the corner, and jumped halfway across the ring, aiming for Taue with a diving headbutt. But the big man surprised everyone, as he moved out of the way! Sayama almost knocked himself unconscious with that missed headbut, and the Dynamic One was already seen picking Sayama up, guzzling him with his pan-like hand once more, before picking him up like a binge-drinking habit, and dropping him like a low-carb diet. It was, at last, Akira Taue who picked up the win.
#3: Gran Hamada vs Jumbo Tsuruta
The contest following this one was a similar affair, or at least it looked as such on paper, what with the size difference and whatnot. Gran Hamada came out seconded by the grimacing Toshiaki Kawada, as the duo was seen discussing. Hamada had that crooked veteran look on his face, almost like a yakuza underboss. But young Toshiaki remained focused while he listened to a sneering Hamada; a look of focus was broken up only when an angry frown would come over his face.
“I can only guess what those two rascals are talking about”, Wakabayashi wondered, “as they await the arrival of one of our greatest warriors! His music is already playing, but he’s nowhere to be see-… and what’s happening in the crowd now?! Is it- is it him!?!”.
As Wakabayashi continued his All Japan patriotic cries, a 6’5’’ man was seen making his way through the crowd, over the barricade, and then through the photographers on the ringside and the medical crew, as he stepped into the ring, pissed off as a contractor when offered a warm beer.
He swung his right arm and dropped Kawada to the floor; then he swung his left backhand and dropped Hamada. The referee, Joe Higuchi, desperately called for the match to begin, because he knew he is not gonna be able to stop Jumbo to start this one fairly. As the bell rang, Tsuruta was seen shoulderblocking Hamada so stiffly, he backflipped and landed out of the ring. Tsuruta then screamed at both the fallen Hamada and the rising Kawada outside the ring. As Kawada angrily looked at Tsuruta, Jumbo pointed at him, and made the come at me gesture. Kawada stepped up, and climbed the apron, facing the big man, as the crowd let out a collective ooooh!
But it was all, of course, a ruse. From the back, Hamada struck Tsuruta with a dropkick; now on his knee, Hamada worked him over with kicks and slaps. Hamada then slapped the back of the head of Jumbo, and Tsuruta just… stopped. Hamada stared at him, as Jumbo lifted his face, showing no expression. He then lunged at Hamada, striking him down once more with a football tackle shoulderblock. Jumbo proceeded to strike Hamada down with overhand clubs and stiff kicks. When his lighter opponent tried to get up, Jumbo would simply paintbrush his face so hard, Hamada was seen tending to his bleeding nose. Tsuruta was done playing, as he threw Hamada off the ropes, before striking him with a lariat so hard, that even Bradshaw and Hansen would have nothing to add. He then pinned him clean as a whistle, in what was essentially, and by all means, an uncharacteristic squash match for All Japan.
Tsuruta then celebrated with his famous OH! screams with the audience, as Hamada was still laying motionless and bloodied. Tsuruta approached and picked him up for a powerbomb; but felt a sharp sting in his back. As he turned around, he saw Toshiaki Kawada, who had just kicked his back. But Tsuruta, to Toshiaki’s horror, sucked in the kick and stepped up to Kawada, who left the ring, and on the other side, so did Hamada. Both men escaped the raging giant, who then grabbed the mic:
“You’re both goddamn lucky I didn’t skin you alive out here!”, Jumbo yelled, “but next week, ho-ho, your boss is getting his sorry ass handed to me. I’ll cut off the head of the snake, and restore fairness and competition to All Japan!”.
#4: Mitsuharu Misawa vs Genichiro Tenryu
As the crowd was just beginning to calm after the fiery Jumbo performance, they once more became unglued, as the piano solo, followed by the electric guitar and drum combo, struck loudly. Spartan X was playing, and that can only mean the arrival of one man.
As Misawa entered the ring, the great Genichiro Tenryu joined him. Both men got showered with streamers, with young Mitsuharu’s streamers being so abundant they needed a whole minute to be cleared.
Chain wrestling to start this one off, as Tenryu locked in a side headlock. Misawa tried to push him in the ropes, but Tenryu did not let him, so Misawa repositioned, using his opponent’s weight against him, showing his own amateur prowess, landing a few counters and roll-ups. Tenryu then locked in another sideheadlock, and threw Mitsuharu to the mat with a hip toss. Misawa with headscissors, Tenryu kipped up, and a faceoff to crowd’s respectful clap.
Again they locked up, as Tenryu pressed down Misawa with a front facelock. They went to the mat, and Misawa got his arm around Tenryu’s shoulder, and performed a Gator Roll, into a lateral press, followed by a kickout at 2.5. Misawa would then go for another collar and elbow lock-up, but Genichiro kicked Misawa in the gut, deciding not to test the youngster’s wrestling skills anymore. Chops and clobbering blows to the back of Misawa ensued. Tenryu dominated these few minutes of the match, before irish whipping Misawa, sending him to the diametrical corner, and running straight after him as he whipped him.
But Misawa jumped at the second rope, and off of it he landed on Tenryu with a springboard crossbody! A mid kick combo, followed by a spin kick, and Mitsuharu went to the top rope, landing a huge missile dropkick! But it was, alas, enough for a two count only. Misawa heard the cheers of the fans, the ten thousand strong in Ryogoku. He knew he had to up his game, and his opponent was ripe! Misawa went for a German Suplex, but received an elbow in the face for his effort.
Genichiro would land a few Germans of his own, as he got the younger man hurt. Misawa was visibly hurt and groggy, but did not stay down. Crowd cheered him on as he stepped up to Tenryu once more. But Tenryu performed a double leg takedown, and then locked in a Boston Crab. Misawa struggled and strained in painful agony, but alas, managed to grab the ropes.
Genichiro Tenryu then called for the finish. Off the ropes he ran, and blasted Misawa with a huge lariat. A one, a two, but Misawa kicked out. Tenryu then lifted Misawa with a powerbomb, but while he was on his shoulders, Misawa struck with elbows. Landing on his feet, Misawa would continue with a barrage of elbows, as the bigger opponent was visibly shook: and Misawa ran the ropes, ending his combo with a vicious running elbow.
But Mitsuharu was too tired to cover the opponent. As both men got up, Misawa would find himself behind Tenryu, and he landed a Tiger Suplex, with Genichiro barely producing a kickout. The emerald warrior could almost taste it. That’s how close the win was. With the people cheering him on, he locked in a double underhook. As he prepared to lift his opponent, Tenryu pushed him in the referee Joe Higuchi, with ol’ Joe getting knocked over. Tenryu then surprised everyone by hitting a low-blow on Misawa. Crowd, usually respectful with their claps and cheers, now started booing, even whistling at Tenryu, who proceeded to hit that powerbomb on Misawa. The referee would get up at this exact moment, and he slapped the mat for a one… and a two… and finally…
…a kickout! Tenryu was shocked, and so was everyone else in the arena. But the veteran came to his senses, and went to the top rope, which he rarely ever does, such was the nature of this match. But he was stopped by Misawa. Misawa once more hit a few elbows as he was jockeying for position on the turnbuckles. He was then pushed by Tenryu, but Misawa landed on his feet and dropkicked Tenryu, crotching him atop the buckles. Again, Misawa went up, and this time landed a frankensteiner. Misawa himself would then go the top rope for his own Tiger Fly Splash, but Tenryu got the knees up. And yet another powerbomb attempt, and yet again, Misawa replied with a hurricanrana counter, sending Tenryu’s head right into the unforgiving turnbuckle.
Misawa, visibly spent now, knew he had to hit something huge, and hit it quick! So he lifted Tenryu on the top turnbuckle, with his back facing the ring. He followed him up there, and with the ten thousand strong screaming, Misawa locked in a double underhook from the back, looking for a Super Tiger Suplex! Tenryu however, raked his eyes, and a back elbow sent Misawa down, crashing to the unforgiving mat below. Tenryu was turned backwards, but necessity of the moment was present; he had to think, and he thought fast, as he hit the diving back elbow drop, to an uproar from the audience and a shockful audible from the commentary table. He couldn’t cover right away, tired as he was in the 21st minute of the match; but soon he stirred, and he placed his left arm on Misawa’s chest.
One, two, and a 2.99, as Misawa barely puts his foot on the bottom rope! Misawa gets up, but Tenryu was already waiting for him! The vet jumped up for a Gamengiri, but he missed, landing face first into the mat. As both men got up, a brutal elbow sent Tenryu in the ropes, off of which he rebounded into a roaring elbow; and again off the ropes he rebounded, this time backwards, only to be greeted with an elbow to the back off the head. Tenryu’s body went visibly limp, and as he was about to fall on the mat, Misawa caught him: he shook his head ever so slightly, as if wanting to hit the final, decisive blow. And he looked in the double underhook, and hit the Tiger Driver on Tenryu, this time enough for a three count. The crowd was clapping and cheering in orgasmic catharsis; but it was Misawa who came – to another win and three points.
As the crowd was looking to go home happy after this one, out came Riki Choshu, backed by the menacing Kawada with taped fists, and a sneering Hamada, with a taped nose. Choshu stared young Misawa down, who was not at all in condition to fight. But nonetheless, Riki stepped through with his fist. Only to open it up, offering Mitsuharu a handshake. Misawa remained stoic. The bad guys then grabbed his hand and shook it, putting it in the air, celebrating the youngster’s huge win. Misawa remained stoic through all of this, visibly seen thinking about the offer from Choshu. Fans booed harshly, and some children were seen crying, as some adults covered the eyes of their offspring; some families were even seen leaving the show abruptly, as the feed, finally, faded to black.
Pacific League Night 5 results:
Riki Choshu def. Toshiaki Kawada (12:25)
Akira Taue def. Satoru Sayama (14:54)
Jumbo Tsuruta def. Gran Hamada (3:21)
Mitsuharu Misawa def. Genichiro Tenryu (25:17)
Pacific League points (following Night 5):
Wrestler: Points:
Genichiro Tenryu 12
Mitsuharu Misawa 12
Riki Choshu 12
Jumbo Tsuruta 10
Toshiaki Kawada 6
Akira Taue 6
Giant Baba 5 - retired from the Pacific League
Gran Hamada 4
Satoru Sayama 3
Kenta Kobashi 0 - retired from the Pacific League
