BHOTWG- Stepping into the Inferno

Beeker · May 24, 2010

Hey! Sure I was off by three, but all three were valid mistakes. Ok, so Konda might have been a stretch but it made booking sense of a fashion. I nearly called E3/Monkey a draw out of boredom by me - I just don't get the Monkey love around here or E3's appeal. And I while I know who Snoow Lizzard are, I still think putting over the unnamed tagteam would have been better for Whozit and Thatotherguy. Since they must have more upside than the ageing Lizzards. Right?

How someone got 4/10 on that card is beyond me though.

maskedpropaganda · May 24, 2010

How someone got 4/10 on that card is beyond me though.

By showcasing alot of favoritism instead of common sense.

Tigerkinney · May 25, 2010

http://i754.photobucket.com/albums/xx181/jhdTEW/Alts/TakayukiAvatar_jhd.jpg

The Onodera Diaries:

Things generally are going well but I must admit to being a little concerned over the King of Fighters Title. The KOF Rules matches just aren't working, we've tried not to be too pseudo- shoot fight with them, which is the problem INSPIRE had in their early days but perhaps they are still too stop-start for the fans what with the knockout or submission only rules.

The whole thing with the King of Fighters belt is and Kikkawa-san won't like me saying this, is that is essentially a vanity belt for Kikkawa, who insisted that he defend the belt in Burning Hammer. I think a fair few fans see it that way and would rather see him competing for the World Championship but it's the hand I have been dealt as a booker for now and I need to find a way to make it work. Perhaps finding a way to get over the King of Fighters belt as something of great importance would go a long way to earning me a whole new level of respect with Kikkawa-san.

Here's hoping that Shimedzu-Watson in the contenders tournament final next week can make up for the disappointment of the semi-final matches.

Tigerkinney · May 25, 2010

The Contenders Circle (W/C Monday 12th April 2010)

Tasuku Iesada's victory over fellow Team INSPIRE member Masaaki Okazaki secures him a future World Titles shot. As Kinnojo Horri earned his title shot first, Iesada will have to wait until after the World Title match between Hiroaki Nakasawa and Kinnojo Horri at Test of Prophecies.

In the Junior Division Marihito Masuko came up just short of defeating his great rival Sensational Dragon for the Junior Division title, whilst Elemental III was able to keep his spot amongst the Contenders Circle by seeing off the challenge of John Pathlow. The close nature of Masuko's defeat will put him a in a favourable position to earn a re-match but he will still be required to win a contenders match to earn another shot at the belt. Essentially it's all up for the grabs in the Junior Division, though those currently higher in the Contenders Circle standings Masuko and Cobra have seemingly a little less to proof of being worthy of a title shot as opposed to Elemental III who will need two consecutive victories in the eyes of the championship comittee to earn a shot at the Junior Championship.

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Burning World Championship -Hiroaki Nakasawa- (Burning Sekigun)

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Kinnojo Horri- Burning Sekigun (Title shot earned- to take place at Test of Prophecies).

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q236/Tigerkinney/TasukuIesada.jpg?t=1268429656

- Tasuku Iesada- Team INSPIRE (Title shot earned- to face winner of Nakasawa-Horri after Test of Prophecies)

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- Masaaki Okazaki- Team INSPIRE

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- Yasuhiko Taira- Black Heart Brethren

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- Yasunobu Masuno - Black Heart Brethren

___________________________________________________________

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Burning Junior Championship -Sensational Dragon- (Dragon Feet 2K9)

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- Marihito Masuko - Burning Sekigun

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- Black Cobra - Black Heart Brethren

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- The Awesome Kiyaru - Black Heart Brethren

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-Golden Scorpion- Black Heart Brethren

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- Elemental III - Burning Sekigun

Tigerkinney · May 25, 2010

BHOTWGPuroresu.com

Burning Hammer of the Wrestling God's Burn Don't Freeze Tour heads into Chubu Prefecture at the Yamanashi Athletic Stadium on Monday 12th April. The main event is a special attraction Tag Team match pitting the very best of Team INSPIRE, King of Fighters Tadiyuki Kikkawa and world championship hopeful Tasuku Iesada against the Black Heart Brethren pair of World Tag Team Champion Yasuhiko Taira and Junior Division standout Black Cobra.

The tournament to find the next challenger for the King of Fighters title held by Tadiyuki Kikkawa also comes to it's conclusion. Will fellow Team INSPIRE member Mike Watson earn another shot at the belt or will Dragon Feet 2K9's Shimedzu prove his worth as a singles competitor and earn that 'breakout' victory. It should be noted that Watson and Shimedzu did meet last month in a KOF rules match, with Watson coming out on top but this time the Calgary Assasin. faces a Shimedzu in more confident form as a singles competitor.

There will also be a double helping of Contenders Circle action in the Junior Division and both matches pit members of former Junior Tag Team Champions Your New Heroes against the team that up-ended them for the titles at Fire Dream last month, the Black Heart Flying Squadron with Marihito Masuko (looking to bounce back from his close defeat to Sensational Dragon) taking on Golden Scorpion and Elemental III (hoping to get on a run form after fending off a spot challenge from John Pathlow) taking on The Awesome Kiyaru.

The hard hitting gaijin Junior Heavyweight John Pathlow is set to face off against World Champion Hiroaki Nakasawa, in an intriguing Openweight challenge match and there will be a pair of Six Man Tags as Number one contenders Kinnojo Horri teams with veteran's Snow Lizzard to take on the RAGE trio of The Raging Bulls and Toshiki Shibanumo. Whilst in the other six man Junior Champion Sensational Dragon teams with fellow Dragon Feet 2K9 members Miyamae and American Optimus to go up against Super Joshuya and the emerging team of Wild Fire (Tadakuni Toshusai & Takayuki Onodera)

Rounding out the main show will be Junior Tag Team action with division stalwarts Size of the Fight (Hyosuke Kokan & Kansuke Konda) taking on the emerging pair of Universal Excellence (Barei Yasujiro & Haru Kurofuji) with the victors putting themselves in a strong position for a shot at the Junior Tag Titles.

For those who can get to the show early, the will be treated to bonus matches that see World Tag Team Champion Yasunobu Masuno go up against Tiger Fuyuki and Yoshii Shiomi takes on The Incredible Koyama in Junior Division action.

Here is a full run-down of the card for Show #12 of the Burn, Don't Freeze Tour-

Burn Don't Freeze Tour- Show #12

(Yamanashi Athletic Stadium, Chubu, Monday 12th April 2010)

Super Ballistic Tag Team Showdown (45 Min Time Limit):

'Representing Team INSPIRE'

King of Fighters- Tadiyuki Kikkawa &

2009 Super 10 Cup Winner- Tasuku Iesada

vs

'Representing Black Heart Brethren'

Black Cobra &

World Tag Team Champion- Yasuhiko Taira

King of Fighters Contenders Tournament FINAL (30 Min Time Limit):

'Representing Team INSPIRE'

Mike Watson

vs

'Representing Dragon Feet 2K9'

Shimedzu

Non Title Openweight Challenge Match (30 Min Time Limit):

'Representing Burning Sekigun'

World Champion- Hiroaki Nakasawa

vs

John Pathlow

Junior Contenders Circle (30 Min Time Limit)

'Representing Black Heart Brethren'

Junior Tag Team Champion- Golden Scorpion

vs

'Representing Burning Sekigun'

Marihito Masuko

Junior Contenders Circle (30 Min Time Limit):

'Representing Burning Sekigun'

Elemental III

vs

'Representing Black Heart Brethren'

Junior Tag Team Champion- The Awesome Kiyaru

Six Man Battle (20 Min Time Limit):

'Representing Burning Sekigun'

Kinnojo Horri &

Snow Lizzard (Sanetomo Shiraishi & Sessue Kawate)

vs

'Representing RAGE'

Raging Bulls (Eiji Hamacho & Chuichi Sanda)

& Toshiki Shibanumo

Six Man Battle (20 Min Time Limit):

'Representing Dragon Feet 2K9'

American Optimus, Miyamae &

Junior Champion- Sensational Dragon

vs

'Representing Burning Sekigun'

Super Joshuya &

Wild Fire (Tadakuni Toshusai & Takayuki Onodera)

Junior Tag Team Challenge Match (20 Min Time Limit):

'Representing Burning Sekigun'

Size of the Fight (Hyosuke Kokan & Kansuke Konda)

vs

Universal Excellence (Barei Yasujiro & Haru Kurofuji)

Pre-Show Matches (10 Min Time Limit):

Yasunobu Masuno vs Tiger Fuyuki

Yoshii Shiomi vs The Incredible Koyama

____________________________________________________________________________

Predictions Form:

Tadiyuki Kikkawa & Tasuku Iesada vs Black Cobra & Yasuhiko Taira

KOF Tournament Final: Mike Watson vs Shimedzu

Non Title: Hiroaki Nakasawa vs John Pathlow

Junior CC: Golden Scorpion vs Marihito Masuko

Junior CC: Elemental III vs The Awesome Kiyaru

Horri, Shiraishi & Kawate vs Hamacho, Sanda & Shibanumo

American Optimus, Miyamae & Sensational Dragon vs Super Joshuya, Toshusai & Onodera

Size of the Fight (Kokan & Konda) vs Universal Excellence (Yasujiro & Kurofuji)

Yasunobu Masuno vs Tiger Fuyuki

Yoshii Shiomi vs The Incredible Koyama.

Phantom Stranger · May 25, 2010

Tadiyuki Kikkawa & Tasuku Iesada vs Black Cobra & Yasuhiko Taira

KOF Tournament Final: Mike Watson vs Shimedzu

Non Title: Hiroaki Nakasawa vs John Pathlow

Junior CC: Golden Scorpion vs Marihito Masuko

Junior CC: Elemental III vs The Awesome Kiyaru

Horri, Shiraishi & Kawate vs Hamacho, Sanda & Shibanumo

American Optimus, Miyamae & Sensational Dragon vs Super Joshuya, Toshusai & Onodera

Size of the Fight (Kokan & Konda) vs Universal Excellence (Yasujiro & Kurofuji)

Yasunobu Masuno vs Tiger Fuyuki

Yoshii Shiomi vs The Incredible Koyama.

Bigpapa42 · May 25, 2010

Tadiyuki Kikkawa & Tasuku Iesada vs Black Cobra & Yasuhiko Taira

KOF Tournament Final: Mike Watson vs Shimedzu

Non Title: Hiroaki Nakasawa vs John Pathlow

Junior CC: Golden Scorpion vs Marihito Masuko

Junior CC: Elemental III vs The Awesome Kiyaru

Horri, Shiraishi & Kawate vs Hamacho, Sanda & Shibanumo

American Optimus, Miyamae & Sensational Dragon vs Super Joshuya, Toshusai & Onodera

Size of the Fight (Kokan & Konda) vs Universal Excellence (Yasujiro & Kurofuji)

Yasunobu Masuno vs Tiger Fuyuki

Yoshii Shiomi vs The Incredible Koyama.

Hyde Hill · May 25, 2010

Tadiyuki Kikkawa & Tasuku Iesada vs Black Cobra & Yasuhiko Taira

KOF Tournament Final: Mike Watson vs Shimedzu

Non Title: Hiroaki Nakasawa vs John Pathlow

Junior CC: Golden Scorpion vs Marihito Masuko

Junior CC: Elemental III vs The Awesome Kiyaru

Horri, Shiraishi & Kawate vs Hamacho, Sanda & Shibanumo

American Optimus, Miyamae & Sensational Dragon vs Super Joshuya, Toshusai & Onodera

Size of the Fight (Kokan & Konda) vs Universal Excellence (Yasujiro & Kurofuji)

Yasunobu Masuno vs Tiger Fuyuki

Yoshii Shiomi vs The Incredible Koyama.

Dragonmack · May 26, 2010

Tadiyuki Kikkawa & Tasuku Iesada vs Black Cobra & Yasuhiko Taira

Inspire's # 1 and 2 stay strong against the mullet and the bitter gaijin.

KOF Tournament Final: Mike Watson vs Shimedzu

Only because we have been there, done that with Watson

Non Title: Hiroaki Nakasawa vs John Pathlow

Squash, title or not.

Junior CC: Golden Scorpion vs Marihito Masuko

Masuko reclaims his status as top contender again

Junior CC: Elemental III vs The Awesome Kiyaru

E3 continues to build his legacy, such as it is at the moment.

Horri, Shiraishi & Kawate vs Hamacho, Sanda & Shibanumo

Horri makes the difference here

American Optimus, Miyamae & Sensational Dragon vs Super Joshuya, Toshusai & Onodera

Miyamae and SD are too important to be losing a midcard battle like this

Size of the Fight (Kokan & Konda) vs Universal Excellence (Yasujiro & Kurofuji)

SOTF have achieved more on this tour.

Yasunobu Masuno vs Tiger Fuyuki

Mullet squash

Yoshii Shiomi vs The Incredible Koyama.

not a squash per se, but Yoshii is higher on the ladder than his opponent.

Beeker · May 26, 2010

Tadiyuki Kikkawa & Tasuku Iesada vs Black Cobra & Yasuhiko Taira

- I dunno how Super Ballistic this can be with one of Steve Flash's bastard Japanese brood but Team INSPIRE continues to build momentum.

KOF Tournament Final: Mike Watson vs Shimedzu

- To potentially shift the Kikkawa Vanity Suspenders from novelty to legitimacy it needs to be contested NOT with Ex-INSPIRE members only. Shimedzu might finally find a foothold near the main event with this program. I hope. Even aging he's a fine wrestler.

Non Title: Hiroaki Nakasawa vs John Pathlow

- Title or not, the demasked monkey will not topple the reigning champ.

Junior CC: Golden Scorpion vs Marihito Masuko

- Seems like a fresher challenger.

Junior CC: Elemental III vs The Awesome Kiyaru

- I prefer Kiyaru's mask and I'm not sold on the repushening of E3.

Horri, Shiraishi & Kawate vs Hamacho, Sanda & Shibanumo

- Snoww Lizzard, coattail riding to tag team supremacy~!

American Optimus, Miyamae & Sensational Dragon vs Super Joshuya, Toshusai & Onodera

- One of these people (SD) is in a program, the rest, not so much.

Size of the Fight (Kokan & Konda) vs Universal Excellence (Yasujiro & Kurofuji)

- Yasujiro & Kurofuji, do you miss the smaller pond of WLW yet?

Yasunobu Masuno vs Tiger Fuyuki

- Tiger sighting. Tiger jobbing.

Yoshii Shiomi vs The Incredible Koyama

- Because he's incredible and has half the number of 'i's in his name. One of which is a capital I!

Zergon · May 26, 2010

Tadiyuki Kikkawa & Tasuku Iesada vs Black Cobra & Yasuhiko Taira

As much as I like Black Cobra he is out of his league here

KOF Tournament Final: Mike Watson vs Shimedzu

Watson had his shot now it´s Shimedzu´s turn

Non Title: Hiroaki Nakasawa vs John Pathlow

No way Pathlow wins here

Junior CC: Golden Scorpion vs Marihito Masuko

Masuko had his shot so now it´s someone´s else turn

Junior CC: Elemental III vs The Awesome Kiyaru

Could go either way but I like Elemental III more

Horri, Shiraishi & Kawate vs Hamacho, Sanda & Shibanumo

Horri might be skilled enough to win here but I don´t have much trust on Snow Lizards

American Optimus, Miyamae & Sensational Dragon vs Super Joshuya, Toshusai & Onodera

To me this seems like one sided match but I presume that I´m wrong on that matter. Still I go with Dragon and friends.

Size of the Fight (Kokan & Konda) vs Universal Excellence (Yasujiro & Kurofuji)

Not sure here but I go with team that I know better.

Yasunobu Masuno vs Tiger Fuyuki

Has Tiger ever won a match?

Yoshii Shiomi vs The Incredible Koyama.

Not sure if Yoshii is a young lion but Koyama was if I remember right so I give this one to Yoshii

Rob4590 · May 26, 2010

Tadiyuki Kikkawa & Tasuku Iesada vs Black Cobra & Yasuhiko Taira

As close to a squash as a 30 minute main event can be!

KOF Tournament Final: Mike Watson vs Shimedzu

You don't rate Watson, so Ken gets his shot (which I predicted about 3 shows ago!)

Non Title: Hiroaki Nakasawa vs John Pathlow

Pathlow can't beat E3, let alone the champ!

Junior CC: Golden Scorpion vs Marihito Masuko

Masuko is younger and better

Junior CC: Elemental III vs The Awesome Kiyaru

Kiyaru levels the matches between the two teams

Horri, Shiraishi & Kawate vs Hamacho, Sanda & Shibanumo

It pains me to predict back-to-back Kawate wins, but Horri isn't jobbing here

American Optimus, Miyamae & Sensational Dragon vs Super Joshuya, Toshusai & Onodera

Probably the toughest call of the entire card, but you are an unselfish booker and won't force push Wild Fire yet.

Size of the Fight (Kokan & Konda) vs Universal Excellence (Yasujiro & Kurofuji)

Your faves aren't jobbing to WLW rejects

Yasunobu Masuno vs Tiger Fuyuki

Squash - possibly quite literally!

Yoshii Shiomi vs The Incredible Koyama.

Koyama is still a young lion I assume - so he can't win here

Lo-Drew · May 26, 2010

Tadiyuki Kikkawa & Tasuku Iesada vs Black Cobra & Yasuhiko Taira

KOF Tournament Final: Mike Watson vs Shimedzu

Non Title: Hiroaki Nakasawa vs John Pathlow

Junior CC: Golden Scorpion vs Marihito Masuko

Junior CC: Elemental III vs The Awesome Kiyaru

Horri, Shiraishi & Kawate vs Hamacho, Sanda & Shibanumo

American Optimus, Miyamae & Sensational Dragon vs Super Joshuya, Toshusai & Onodera

Size of the Fight (Kokan & Konda) vs Universal Excellence (Yasujiro & Kurofuji)

Yasunobu Masuno vs Tiger Fuyuki

Yoshii Shiomi vs The Incredible Koyama.

I approve

Marcel Fromage · May 27, 2010

Tadiyuki Kikkawa & Tasuku Iesada vs Black Cobra & Yasuhiko Taira

The INSPIRE men stay strong. Facing the tag champs would have been a bigger challenge.

KOF Tournament Final: Mike Watson vs Shimedzu

I'll go with Shimedzu here for a change of personnel in the challengers for this belt. Hopefully this will annoy Watson and he'll become even more dangerous as a result!

Non Title: Hiroaki Nakasawa vs John Pathlow

Pathlow has been starting to impress, but if you can't beat Elemental III, there's no way you're beating the current champ!

Junior CC: Golden Scorpion vs Marihito Masuko

Junior CC: Elemental III vs The Awesome Kiyaru

I don't see Elemental III beating Kiyaru, who is one of my favourites. And I'd think that Masuko would be a step ahead of Scorpion right now.

Horri, Shiraishi & Kawate vs Hamacho, Sanda & Shibanumo

I don't see you jobbing Horri out when he's got a title mach upcoming. So his presence on the team offers a rare win for Snow Lizzard.

American Optimus, Miyamae & Sensational Dragon vs Super Joshuya, Toshusai & Onodera

Your Wild Fire tag team may be up and coming, but I don't foresee this match being quite so close.

Size of the Fight (Kokan & Konda) vs Universal Excellence (Yasujiro & Kurofuji)

SOTF are just that bit higher up the ladder right now

Yasunobu Masuno vs Tiger Fuyuki

Yoshii Shiomi vs The Incredible Koyama.

Raijin_Samurai · May 27, 2010

Tadiyuki Kikkawa & Tasuku Iesada vs Black Cobra & Yasuhiko Taira

Team inspire is on a roll and I see Kikkawa pinning Cobra

KOF Tournament Final: Mike Watson vs Shimedzu

I'm giving this all to Mike Watson. He needs to hold a title in Burning Hammer.

Non Title: Hiroaki Nakasawa vs John Pathlow

Nakasawa all the way

Junior CC: Golden Scorpion vs Marihito Masuko

Masuko still has my vote for this one

Junior CC: Elemental III vs The Awesome Kiyaru

I see a Kiyaru effect on the way for Elemental III

Horri, Shiraishi & Kawate vs Hamacho, Sanda & Shibanumo

The Raging Bulls are going to be upset losing to Snow Lizzard and even more upset losing to Burning Hammer's "Pretty Boy" Horri

American Optimus, Miyamae & Sensational Dragon vs Super Joshuya, Toshusai & Onodera

Wild Fire needs to dominate and this would be a good match to do so

Size of the Fight (Kokan & Konda) vs Universal Excellence (Yasujiro & Kurofuji)

SOTF may be good but I like to see Universal Excellence do good here. A little feud between these two teams wouldn't hurt either.

Yasunobu Masuno vs Tiger Fuyuki

Yoshii Shiomi vs The Incredible Koyama.

Tigerkinney · May 30, 2010

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q236/Tigerkinney/BHOTWG-1.jpg?t=1268427909

Burn, Don't Freeze Tour - Show 12

(Monday 12th April 2010)

Yamanashi Athletic Stadium, Chubu

(Attendance 5,000 Super No Vacancy)

Commentators for this show: Toru Minamoto, Mitsuhide Muro & Katsuhiko Shunsen

Pre-Show

Match A: Yoshii Shiomi vs The Incredible Koyama

Short but solid pre-show match that saw Koyama on the front foot for much of the match but Koyama showed his inexperience by going for the Air Koyama (Shooting Star Press) too early and the more experienced Shiomi took full advantage, pulling out the Sublime Crossface (Spinning Facebuster into a crossface) to secure the win.

Result: Yoshii Shiomi [w] bt The Incredible Koyama [L] in 4:45 via submission (Sublime Crossface)

Rating: C

__________________________________________________________

Match B: Yasunobu Masuno vs Tiger Fuyuki

Dominating squash for the Tag Team Champion, who basically pounded the hapless Tiger Fuyuki for a minute before placing Fuyuki in the Day of Rackening (Argentine Backbreaker Rack), beaten down and showing little resistance Fuyuki quickly tapped out.

Result: Yasunobu Masuno [w] by Tiger Fuyuki [L] in 1:27 via submission (Day of Rackening)

Rating: C-

_____________________________________________________________

Match C: Masaaki Okazaki vs VENOM

Feeling that the fans were a little short changed out of the two pre-show matches, especially the extremly ones sided match between Masuno and Fuyuki, Burning Hammer bosses sent out Team INSPIRE's Masaaki Okazaki and RAGE's VENOM to go up against one another in an unadvertised bonus match.

What turns out is indeed a real bonus treat, with Okazaki and VENOM putting on a fine technical battle against one another with VENOM surprising his more illustrious opponent by going hold for hold with the Team INSPIRE man, even at one point entrapping Okazaki in the Sting in the Tail (Cross Kneelock) after he was able to reverse the Century Crab Lift. However after that 'wake up call' Okazaki stepped it up a gear and after reeling of a series of series of suplexes the Team INSPIRE man was able to lock on the Angular Arm-Bar on a worn down VENOM to secure a harder than expected victory.

Result: Masaaki Okazaki [w] bt VENOM [L] in 8:04 via submission (Angular Arm Bar)

Rating: B-

___________________________________________________________

Main Show

Match #1: Junior Contenders Circle:

Golden Scorpion vs Marihito Masuko

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q236/Tigerkinney/th_GoldenScorpion-1.jpg vs http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q236/Tigerkinney/MarihitoMasuko-1.jpg?t=1268428462

Junior Division Contenders Circle action to kick things off with a strong opener. Marihito Masuko came ever so close to winning the belt from Sensational Dragon last week but is still required to win this contenders circle match to earn another shot at the belt, a win for Golden Scorpion currently one half of the Junior Tag champions would see him move above Masuko in the rankings and move a step closer to earning a shot at the singles belt.

Scorpion was aggressive from the start jumping Masuko before the bell had rung and then sending the Painted Wonder to the outside. Out on the floor Scorpion continued to apply the pressure, whipping Masuko into the guard-rail and then following up with a running boot that sent the former two time Junior Champion into the crowd. After breaking referee Umeki's floor count, Scorpion turned his attention back to Masuko only for the painted wonder to nail Scorpion with a flying fore arm off the guard-rail. However Scorpion shook that off and the Gold and Black Attack set Masuko up for a powerbomb only for Masuko to counter with a headscissors take-down.

Both then rolled into the ring, beating Umeki's floor count and Masuko continued to swing the momentum his way reeling off a flurry of headscissors to leave Scorpion in a dizzying state of disorientation. Masuko then headed up top and nailed Scorpion with a missile drop-kick before snapping off another headscissors, Scorpion then staggered back up to his feet only to get nailed with a running drop-kick into the corner by Masuko. The Face Painted Wonder then went out onto the apron and then planted Scorpion into the canvas with the INTO THE WHITE (Springboard Bulldog)......

One..........

Two.......

Thr.....

Scorpion's ring postioning was in favour as he stretched a leg onto the bottom rope. Undettered Masuko dragged Scorpion into position and for the corner, where he launched himself off with his PINK DUST (Double Jump Moonsault) but Scorpion managed to get his knees up, winding the Painted Wonder in the process.

Scorpion then connected with a running boot just as Masuko was staggering up to his feet before drilling Masuko with a Brainbuster !

One.....

Two......

Thr......

Masuko managed to kick out but still found himself on the backfoot as Scorpion whipped the former two time Junior champion into the corner and then went to follow in with another running boot, but Masuko managed to move out of the way at the last split second and then take Scorpion by surprise with a quick roll up....

One.......

Two......

Scorpion kicked out and then delivered knee to Masuko's mid-section, before setting up for another Brainbuster but Masuko managed to block and then plant Scorpion onto the canvas with the MASUKO CRADLE (Bridging Leg Hook Belly to Back Suplex)......

One.....

Two.....

Thr......

After Scorpion kicked out Masuko went out onto the apron and looked to be setting up for another Into The White but as he was about to springboard back in, Scorpion charged forward with another running boot, sending Masuko crashing hard onto the apron and then out to the floor.

Scorpion then waited for referee Omura Umeki to apply a twenty count, convinced that the hard bump Masuko had just taken would have wiped the Painted Wonder out.

But Masuko did stagger back to his feet, and upon seeing Masuko stir back to life Scorpion launched himself over the top-rope with a front flip dive, wiping out Masuko in the process, however it also saw Scorpion crashing into the barricade himself and now both were facing being counted out by Umeki.

Both staggered back up onto the apron and then engaged in a strike battle as they both tried to seize the advantage. Scorpion seemed to gain control and set up for Brainbuster on the apron only for Masuko to block and then set up for MASUKO CRADLE SHOCK but Scorpion managed to block that and then plant Masuko with a DDT.

Scorpion then rolled a dazed Masuko into the ring and then came crashing down upon the Painted Wonder with the GOLDEN SHOT (Slingshot Legdrop)......

One......

Two.....

Thr......

Masuko wasn't going to give up that easily and managed to get a shoulder up much to Scorpion's frustration. Determined to finish the job the Junior Tag Champion then dragged Masuko back up to his feet and set up for the SCORPION STINGER......

But just as Scorpion was about to drill Masuko ino the canvas, the Painted Wonder countered into a victory roll.....

One.....

Two.....

Thr......

Scorpion powered his way out of the pin attempt but as he moved in to strike Masuko with a kick, the Painted Wonder was able to catch the leg and then plant Scorpion with the MASUKO CRADLE SHOCK (Swinging Leg Hook Fireman's Carry Slam)

But Masuko was too exhausted to admittedly follow up with a cover and it became a race to see who could stagger back up to their feet first and despite just being planted with the Masuko Cradle Shock, it was Scorpion who was up first connecting with a running boot into the corner as Masuko dragged himself up off the canvas.

Scorpion then placed Masuko onto the top turnbuckle and appeared to be setting up for the ANEURYSM BRAINBUSTER but Masuko was able to block and then shove Scorpion off before nailing the Gold and Black Attack with a missile drop kick.

Scorpion then staggered right into a head-scissors from Masuko, and the Painted Wonder immediately transitioned into the PINK DREAM (Straight Jacket Triangle Choke)....

Scorpion managed to power his way back up to his feet but Masuko relentessly kept the hold locked on and with the hold locked right in the middle of the ring Scorpion soon began to fade........

Leaving Referee Omura Umeki with no other choice but to call for the bell !

Masuko had emerged victorious from a hard fought match, and a victory that re cements his position as the number one contender to Sensational Dragon's Junior Championship.

Result: Marihito Masuko [w] bt Golden Scorpion [L] in 18:28 via submission (Pink Dream)

Rating: B

Post Match Comments:

Marihito Masuko: Dragon I am not defeated, we will face off once again...destiny dictates that our war is not over, I have earned the right to engage with you once more. Our war may be wage forever but it's a war only I can win.

Golden Scorpion: Oh Masuko how lucky you were, but who's the one with a title right now, not you....me !

______________________________________________________

Match #2: Size of the Fight (Hyosuke Kokan & Kansuke Konda) vs Universal Excellence (Barei Yasujiro & Haru Kurofuji)

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q236/Tigerkinney/HyosukeKokan-1.jpg?t=1268429112 & http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q236/Tigerkinney/KansukeKonda-1.jpg?t=1268429129

vs

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q236/Tigerkinney/BaireiYasujiro-1.jpg?t=1268428305 & http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q236/Tigerkinney/HaruKurofuji.jpg?t=1268428325

The Junior Division action continued with a Tag Team contest between division stalwarts Size of the Fight and the emerging Universal Excellence.

The match began with a back and forth beginning with neither team really seizing control and things only really began to pick up when Size of the Fight were able to connect with a double team drop-kick on Haru Kurofuji and then went for their stereo plancha's out to the floor. From there the match turned into a bit of whirlwind with both teams coming close to winning on several occasions only for their pin attempt to be broken up. Kokan came close to winning it for SOTF with an Electric Shocker Suplex on Barei Yasujiro, whilst Konda almost earned victory with the K-Thunder Driver (Spinning Sitout Powerbomb) on Kurofuji.

Equally Universal Excellence also had their moments Barei Yasujiro going close with a Yasujiro Suplex on Konda and Kurofuji almost forcing Kokan to tap out to his Kurofuji Crab submission. In the end a missed Kamikaze Headbutt from Kurofuji lead to him being planted into the mat with the Big Fight Ender (Powerbomb/Neckbreaker) combo and that proved to be enough for Size of the Fight to emerge with the victory in a match that had some good action but lacked any sort of real heat to take it to the next level.

Result: Hyosuke Kokan & Kansuke Konda [w] bt Barei Yasujro & Haru Kurofuji [L] in 12:01 via pinfall (Big Fight Ender)

Rating: C+

Post Match Comments:

Kansuke Konda: Universal Excellence we respect those guys, their good guys with a real spirit but our spirit was stronger. I truly believe one day they will come good as a team but as long as myself and Kokan-san are doing our thing, then those Junior Tag Belts will be out of their reach.

Barei Yasujiro: We recognise that Size of the Fight are a real force to be reckoned with and when it comes to tagging together they have a wealth of experience on us, but to be honest we are disappointed in the loss, because myself anf Kurofuji-san truly believe we CAN be the best Junior Heavyweight Tag Team around. Universal Excellence are not here to make up the numbers, we are here to win.

__________________________________________________________

Match #3: American Optimus, Miyamae & Sensational Dragon vs

Super Joshuya, Tadakuni Toshusai & Takayuki Onodera

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q236/Tigerkinney/th_BlackEagle_alt5.jpghttp://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q236/Tigerkinney/th_Miyamae-1.jpghttp://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q236/Tigerkinney/th_SensationalDragon-1.jpg

vs

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q236/Tigerkinney/th_SuperJoshuya-1.jpghttp://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q236/Tigerkinney/th_TadakuniToshusai-1.jpghttp://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q236/Tigerkinney/th_TakayukiAvatar.jpg

What looked to be a promising Six Man Tag on paper, turned out to be a disappointingly pedestrian affair that only really went up a gear towards the end, and despite the Dragon Feet 2K9 trio being in control for much of the match, they did not appear to be on top of their game and when Takayuki Onodera was able to get the hot tag into his Wild Fire tag Team partner Tadukuni Toshusai that proved to be the difference maker.

The biggest man in the match 'Wild Charisma' was all fired up and bounding with energy and proceeded to dominate , coming close to earning victory with a Spineshocker on Miyamae. Sensational Dragon managed to make the save on that occassion but the momentum had swung the way of the Burning Sekigun trio and in the end Toshusai was able to seal victory with the Shock Driller (Double Underhook Piledriver) on American Optimus.

Result: Super Joshuya, Tadakuni Toshusai [w] & Takayuki Onodera bt American Optimus [L], Miyamae & Sensational Dragon in 15:14 via pinfall (Shock Driller)

Rating: C+

Post Match Comments:

Tadakuni Toshusai: WIILDDDD FIIRE and SUPAAA JOSHUYAAAHHH, SUPAAAA WINNNNN !!!

Takayuki Onodera: Crazy, absolutely crazy but absolutely spot on. You know many had us down here as the underdogs in this match, but myself and Toshusai-san showed why we are emerging as a tag team force to be reckoned with and anyone who writes off Super Joshuya as a great super Junior, would be doing him a great disservice.

Sensational Dragon: Revel in your moment of glory you bunch of nobodies, as if someone as Sensational as I would care about losing a meaningless six man tag match. Because when it comes down to matches that really matter, just as my great nemesis Masuko-san found out last week and just like he will find out again if he even thinks it worth his while challenging me for the Junior Championship once again.

Miyamae: Whilst Dragon-san's confidence in his abilities are admiral, I cannot say that losing does not matter, for me this loss hurt like any other, no matter how big or small the match it always hurts to lose. Perhaps Dragon-san does need to learn some humility.

____________________________________________________________

Match #4: Non Title:

Hiroaki Nakasawa vs John Pathlow

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q236/Tigerkinney/HiroakiNakasawa-1.jpg?t=1268429324 vs http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q236/Tigerkinney/th_HellMonkey_alt2.jpg

Determined to prove himself in Burning Hammer, Pathlow came out aggressive peppering the World Champion with his stiff kicks and strikes but one thing Nakasawa has proven to be over the years is resillient and he withstood the initial onslaught before downing Pathlow with a clothesline, but showing great fighting spirit himself Pathlow got right back up and went back on the offensive but unfortunately for Pathlow the match would continue to follow this pattern.

Pathlow's kicks and strikes were being felt by Nakasawa but were not bringing the World Champion down and one single clothesline was enough from the World Champion to put the much smaller Pathlow down on the mat and each time Nakasawa followed up with a cover causing Pathlow to use more energy each time he kicked out.

And it did begin to wear Pathlow down, the hard hitting gaijin's kicks and strikes becoming more tired and Nakasawa really began to take over, delivering a series of powerslams and then a vertical suplex leading to a two count.

With Pathlow seemingly just about done, Nakasawa set up for the H-Bomb but Pathlow managed to slip off the shoulders and then stagger the World Champion with a drop-kick. Stagger is all it did as Nakasawa then reeled in Pathlow for the Compression Powerbomb but just as Nakasawa was about to plant Pathlow hard onto the canvas, the hard hitting gaijin managed to flip out of the move in mid-air and then stun Nakasawa with a jawbreaker.

Pathlow then nailed Nakasawa with another drop-kick before reeling off a rapid fire kick combinaton that sent the World Champion down to his knees before rebounding off the ropes to deliver a basement drop-kick, viciously impacting Nakasawa's face.

And though Nakasawa kicked out of the subsequent cover, all of a sudden Pathlow was growing in confidence and momentum, as the hard hitting gaijin headed up top and then nailed Nakasawa with a missile drop-kick , before following in with another basement drop-kick to the face, and instead of going for the cover this time he took hold of Nakasawa's arm and placed it in the KIMURA LOCK

Of course the hold would have been more effective had Pathlow been working over Nakasawa's arm earlier in the match and the World Champion was able to make his way across and force the rope break.

But Pathlow remained on the front foot peppering Nakasawa with more kicks, but just as earlier in the match a single clothesline from the World Champion was able to buy himself some breathing room and as Pathlow staggered back up to his feet, Nakasawa followed in with another clothesline and then set up for the Nakasawa Neckbreaker but Pathlow was able to slip out and then bring Nakasawa back down to his knees with another rapid combination of kicks, the final one in the flurry a roundhouse kick to the head that sent the World Champion crumbling into a heap.......

One.......

Two......

Thr.......

Nakasawa managed to kick out but Pathlow's lethal kicks were obviously really beginning to wear the World Champion down and he remained rooted to the mat. Pathlow then saw the opportunity to drag Nakasawa into position and then head up top, before crashing down upon Nakasawa with the HEART COMPACTOR (Diving Double Knee Drop).........

One.........

Two........

Thr.......

To Pathlow's frustration and disbelief Nakasawa managed to kick out. Wondering what to do next, the hard hitting gaijin super Junior headed for the top-rope again and went for a second Heart Compactor, but he ended up going to that well once too often as Nakasawa moved out of the way at the last split second.

Nakasawa hauled himself up against the turnbuckle and despite crashing and burning on the Heart Compactor, Pathlow came charging in with the BLUNT FORCE TRAUMA (Running Leaping Side Kick) but Nakasawa managed to sides step out of the way and Pathlow crashed into the turnbuckle. Nakasawa then planted Pathlow with a belly to back suplex, before lifting Pathlow up into the H-BOMB !

This time Nakasawa sent Pathlow crashing to the mat......

One.......

Two.....

Three

Nakasawa had won the match, but despite coming out on the losing end Pathlow should be proud of his efforts in giving the World Champion a more testing match than Nakasawa would have expected.

Result: Hiroaki Nakasawa [w] bt John Pathlow [L] via pinfall (H-Bomb)

Rating: B+

Post Match Comments:

Hiroaki Nakasawa: I'll give Pathlow credit, he gave me a tough match right there but as we all know my showdown with Kinnojo Horri over this (he points to the Burning World Championship belt) is only weeks away, just a few mere weeks away. Look I know how much you WANT this Horri, who wouldn't ? But as much as you want this belt, I WANT to keep it even more.

____________________________________________________________

Match #5: Junior Contenders Circle:

Elemental III vs The Awesome Kiyaru

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q236/Tigerkinney/ElementalIII.jpg?t=1268429375 vs http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q236/Tigerkinney/TheAwesomeKiyaru-1.jpg?t=1268429160

The second Junior Division Contenders Circle match of the night once again pitted one half of the former Junior Tag Champions Your New Heroes against one half of the current champions the Black Heart Flying Squadron. Could Elemental III make it a good night for YNH and continue to re-emerge as a force in the Junior Division or would Kiyaru even the score and strengthen his claim for a shot at the Junior Championship ?

The pace in this one didn't take too long to pick up, as they kicked things off with some slick chain wrestling, that lead to a series of stand-offs and both men trying to sneak flash pinfalls on their opponents.

Elemental III then looked to push the intensity up a little more, as he began to move towards a more strike based offence and soon enough he had Kiyaru who had been going hold for hold with him on the back foot, however Kiyaru being the wiley veteran that he is bailed out of the ring when things began to get a little too heated.

What then followed was a game of cat and mouse, as an eager Elemental III looked to get the match back under way, but after several aborted Elemental Space Flying Drops and pursuits of Kiyaru around ringside, the third generation icon was becoming increasingly frustrated at the Junior Tag Champions' cowardly stalling tactics as were the fans. Eventually Elemental III did launch himself over the top with the Elemental Space Flying Drop but Kiyaru moved out of the way and the third generation icon ended up wiping out into the barricade an opportunistic Kiyaru then peppered Elemental III with a series of kicks before rolling the recent former Junior Tag champion into the ring.

Kiyaru then planted Elemental III onto the canvas with a Falcon Arrow for a two count, before heading up top, launching himself off with a moonsault only for Elemental III to move out of the way but then popping off a standing moonsault to complete his INSTANT WIZARD sequence.

Despite the impressiveness of Kiyaru's move, Elemental III managed to kick out but Kiyaru remained in control and whipped Elemental III into the corner before following in with a jumping leg lariat. Kiyaru then placed a stunned Elemental III onto the top-rope and set up for the Kiyaru Effect but Elemental III was able to block at the last split second and then deliver a missile drop-kick.

Elemental III then peppered Kiyaru with the Tri-Fecta Kick Series before planting the Junior Tag champion with an ELEMENTAL SUPLEX !

One.....

Two.....

Thr.....

Kiyaru managed to kick out but Elemental III remained in control and set up for the EARTH BREAKER but Kiyaru was able to block and then counter into a sunset flip........

One.....

Two.....

Elemental III kicked out and then connected with a spin-kick before dumping Kiyaru onto the mat with a belly to back suplex. The third generation icon then headed for the top-rope but Kiyaru then grabbed hold of referee Koetsu Shinozaki causing Elemental III to hesitate and that hesistation was enough for Kiyaru to recover and then sending the third generation icon crashing into the ring with a hurrucanrana.

However Elemental III rolled through only for Kiyaru to sneakily spew Black Mist and quickly roll Elemental III up into a small package......

One......

Two.....

Thr......

To Kiyaru's disbelief Elemental III managed to kick out, power his way up to his feet and simply wipe the Black Mist spewed by Kiyaru off his mask, before peppering the crafty veteran with another Tri-Fecta Kick Series and once again set up for the Earth Breaker but once again Kiyaru was able to block and this time sneaked in a low blow, before spiking the third generation icon into the mat with a DDT.

Kiyaru then decided to head out onto the apron before crashing down upon Elemental III with the ETHEREAL KILLER (Springboard Shooting Star Press)......

One....

Two.....

Thr.......

To Kiyaru's growing frustration Elemental III kicked out again. Kiyaru then paced around for a bit wondering what to do next, before deciding to head up top with the intention of pulling out the Magic Cloud (Imploding 450 Splash) to finish the job but his dithering allowed for Elemental III to recover, and then send Kiyaru crashing to the canvas with an AVALANCHE ELEMENTAL SUPLEX !

The impact of the move also took alot out of Elemental III and Shinozaki applied a double count but as both staggered back up to their feet it was Elemental III who remained in the asendency,reeling off another Tri-Fecta Series kick series to put Kiyaru back down on the canvas......

This time Elemental III headed up top and then landed the INFERNO SPLASH (Corkscrew 450 Splash).......

One.......

Two......

Three !

Elemental III continues to turn around his form and re-emerge as a true contender for the Junior Championship, scoring a solid victory over an opponent that of late had been giving him alot of trouble.

Result: Elemental III [w] bt The Awesome Kiyaru [L] in 14:32 via pinfall (Inferno Splash)

Rating: B-

Post Match Comments:

Elemental III: After some tough times recently, I really feel like my form is coming back, I feel like I am getting stronger and I can assure all the Elemaniac's out there, that their icon, that their hero will once again rise to the summit.

_________________________________________________________

Match #6: Kinnojo Horri, Sanetomo Shiraishi & Sessue Kawate vs

Eiji Hamacho, Chuichi Sanda & Toshiki Shibanumo

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q236/Tigerkinney/KinnojoHorri-1.jpg?t=1268429344http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q236/Tigerkinney/SanetomoShiraishi-1.jpg?t=1268428765http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q236/Tigerkinney/SessueKawate.jpg?t=1268428785

vs

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q236/Tigerkinney/EijiHamacho-1.jpg?t=1268428711http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q236/Tigerkinney/ChuichiSanda-1.jpg?t=1268428734http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q236/Tigerkinney/th_ToshikiShibanumo-1.jpg

Standard Six Man filler, in a match where as expected Kinnojo Horri proved to the difference maker. For much of the match the RAGE trio were in control whenever either of Snow Lizzard in he ring but the ageing veterans managed to stay resillient enough to get finall get Horri into the match and when the number one contender entered the ring he showed why at this moment in time he is head and shoulders above anyone else involved in the match, his own team-mates included.

Neither Shibanumo nor the Raging Bulls could stop a determined Kinnojo Horri and in the end it came to no one's surprise when Horri sealed the victory for his team with a Fierce Spinebuster (High Angle Spinebuster ) on Shibanumo.

Result: Kinnojo Horri [w], Sanetomo Shiraishi & Sessue Kawate bt Eiji Hamacho. Chuichi Sanda & Toshiki Shibanumo [L] in 12:17 via pinfall (Fierce Spinebuster)

Rating: C+

Post Match Comments:

Kinnojo Horri: You know it felt good to be out there with tag partners that truly had my back, because lately each time I've been in the ring with Nakasawa-san he's been damn paranoid. Thing is I was never going to, or I felt I never did anything to jeopardise victory but when it comes to Test of Prophecies, I will prophecise that the World Championship will end up round my waist.

Eiji Hamacho: Yeah right now the Raging Bulls are hurting, the whole of RAGE is hurting but we are NOT WEAK !

__________________________________________________________

Match #7: King of Fighters Contenders Tournament Final:

Mike Watson vs Shimedzu

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q236/Tigerkinney/th_MikeWatson.jpg vs http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q236/Tigerkinney/th_Shimedzu-1.jpg

A shot at the King of Fighters belt is on the line here, would Mike Watson be facing his Team INSPIRE leader Kikkawa once again or would Shimedzu put a spanner in those works and continue his emergence as a singles competitor.

The match began with Shimedzu keeping the bigger Watson at bay with kick combinations. The kicks weren't doing much damage, as the former two time tag champion was employing more of a hit and run strategy but they were keeping the Calgary Assasin off balance and after heading up top Shimedzu did take Watson off his feet with a missile drop-kick.

But Watson popped right back up and then tackled Shimedzu down to the mat before trapping Shimedzu in a ground and pound. Referee Terakado feeling that Shimedzu wasn't in much position to defend himself then ordered Watson off and started a ten count......

Despite Watson's relentless pounding, Shimedzu did manage to stagger up to his feet and beat the count, the Calgary Assassin then went to knock Shimedzu out with the one stop punch, but the Dragon Feet 2K9 man saw it coming and then stunned Watson with a Roundhouse kick, Watson stayed on his feet but Shimedzu quickly followed up by planting Watson into the canvas with a Reverse STO.

Shimedzu then waited for Watson to get up to his knees before unleashing a rapid flurry of kicks. The Calgary Assassin however shook them over and rose back to his feet before connecting with a clothesline and then sending Shimedzu overhead with the Caribou Trap Suplex.

Shimedzu staggered back up to his feet and Watson again looked for the One Stop Punch but like last time Shimedzu managed to duck under, but instead of being able to find a counter Watson quickly changed tactic and managed to trap Shimedzu into the DRAGON SLEEPER !

Shimedzu looked to be fading fast.....

Terakado raised the arm a first time.....

No response........

Terakado took a second look......

Still no response......

Referee Terakado gave Shimedzu one last chance to respond.......

And respond he did, as he suddenly came back to life and forced Watson to break the hold with a stunner. Watson staggered back but Shimedzu was too exhausted to follow up and after both staggered back up to their feet Watson still looked the fresher man.

Watson again looked to finish Shimedzu with the One Stop Punch but again he failed to connect, Shimedzu ducking under and then rebounding back off the ropes of connect with the LIFE FLASHER (Rebound Running Boot). Watson managed to stay on his feet but Shimedzu then connected with a second Life Flasher to the back of the head, and then a third that finally saw Watson slump to the canvas.

Terakado applied the ten count but to Shimedzu's shock a determined Mike Watson was up at five. Watson then shook off a flurry of kicks from Shimedzu, before pummelling the Dragon Feet 2K9 man with a series of fore-arms. Watson then lifted Shimedzu up for a powerbomb, as he looked to try something different from trying to connect with the One Stop Punch but that backfired as Shimedzu quickly countered into a Frankensteiner and then locked on the INSURREXION DEVICE (Guillotine Choke).

But Watson managed to power his way up to his feet and then powerbomb Shimedzu against the turnbuckle. Shimedzu then staggered forward and Watson moved for the ONE STOP PUNCH but once again Shimedzu found a way to duck out of the way at the last split second and Watson ended up punching the turnbuckle. Shimedzu then rebounded back off the ropes to connect with LIFE FLASHER to the back off the head, before lifting a disorientated Watson up for the SKULL DROP ! (Spike Brainbuster).......

And instead of waiting for Terakado to apply the ten count, Shimedzu stayed on Watson to lock on the INSURREXION DEVICE.

Despite being dropped on his head before being entrapped in Shimedzu's signature submission the Calgary Assassin still seemed to have a little bit of fight left, but that bit of fight left in him appeared to be fading fast.....

Terakado lifted Watson's arm up.....

It limply dropped to the mat......

Terakado took a second look.......

Still no response........

Terakado gave it one last check...........

Watson was gone ! Terakado immediately called for the bell and it was Shimedzu who would be facing Tadiyuki Kikkawa for the King of Fighters title, denying Mike Watson the rematch he was so desperate for. Had Watson connected with the One Stop Punch then the outcome would have been very different but Shimedzu had obviously done his homework and each time the Calgary Assassin went for his knockout finisher, Shimedzu was able to move out of the way before Watson could connect.

Result: Shimedzu [w] bt Mike Watson [L] in 15:08 via submission (Insurrexion Device)

Rating: B-

Post Match Comments:

Shimedzu: For years myself and Miyamae-san have been written off, written off that we can't compete with the big boys but tonight I proved I CAN hang with the so called big boys, and soon enough I'm sure Miyamae-san will prove so too. Kikkawa-san I saw off Watson, and sure you'll be an even tougher proposition when I face you for your beloved King of Fighters Championship....but I do not fear you, I do not fear you at all.

Mike Watson (in English): Get outta my face, do you think I'm any mood to talk right, just **** off, just **** right off !

Match 8: Tadiyuki Kikkawa & Tasuku Iesada vs

Black Cobra & Yasuhiko Taira

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q236/Tigerkinney/TadiyukiKikkawa.jpg?t=1268429634 & http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q236/Tigerkinney/TasukuIesada.jpg?t=1268429656

vs

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q236/Tigerkinney/DuaneStone_alt1.jpg?t=1268429483 & http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q236/Tigerkinney/YasuhikoTaira-1.jpg?t=1268429453

Not much more than pride on the line in this main event but a victory for the Black Heart Brethren duo of Cobra and Taira would not only give them a confidence boost but also put a dent in the 'unstoppable' aura surrounding Team INSPIRE and in particular Tadiyuki Kikkawa.

Iesada and Cobra started things off and engaged in the sort of hold for hold, counter for counter ending up in a stalemate chain wrestling that is somewhat par for the course, before turning things over to their considerably bigger tag team partners. There was nothing pretty about Kikkawa and Taira's plan of attack as they just went at each other hammer and tongs with neither of the two 'Bulls' backing down.

Eventually Taira had enough of just trading fore-arms and shoulder barges with Kikkawa and went to the eyes, before attempting to plant Kikkawa with a vertical suplex but the King of Fighters was able to block and then went to the eye-raking well himself before attempting to suplex Taira but the 'Bulldozer' stood firm and then drove Kikkawa into the BHB corner with a shoulder barge before turning it back over to Cobra.

Cobra nailed Kikkawa with a running drop-kick as Taira held Kikkawa in place. The Black Heart Brethren duo then continued to work over Kikkawa, until the Team INSPIRE leader was able to break free when Cobra accidently connected with a leaping fore-arm on Taira and was then planted with a belly to back suplex by Kikkawa.

Kikkawa then got the tag into Iesada , who was able to prevent Cobra from tagging out and then plant the gaijin super Junior with a German Suplex for a two count. Iesada then sent Cobra into the Team INSPIRE corner and it was now Cobra's turn to play Spencer Marks as Taira looked on in frustration.

Kikkakwa & Iesada then methodically worked over Cobra as they looked to wear down the smallest man in the match. Somewhat hypocritically Taira did not take too kindly to the Team INSPIRE duo's use of phantom tags and cheap shots but as is always the case all his protestations to referee Omura Umeki were doing were only helping to place Cobra in more trouble.

After Iesada planted Cobra with a Northern Lights Suplex, Taira had seen enough and broke up the pin attempt but the World Tag Team Champion then got ordered back to his corner by Umeki as the Team INSPIRE duo took the opportunity to put the boots to Cobra once again and after making a phantom tag Kikkawa had Cobra set up for the Kikkawa Driver but with one last ounce of energy left Cobra managed to counter into a swinging DDT spiking Kikkawa into the canvas.

Kikkawa however still managed to tag out to Iesada first but Cobra stunned Iesada by snapping of a spinning headscissors and then drilling a suddenly disorientaed Iesada into the canvas with a brainbuster before slumping to the mat, too worn down to follow up with a cover or to stay on the offensive.

Cobra then managed to beat Iesada in the race to see who could tag out first, and a fired up Taira came in like an unstoppable juggernaut, levelling Iesada with a series of clotheslines before drilling the Super 10 Cup winner into the mat with a vertical suplex.

Iesada managed to kick out of that but Taira then drilled Iesada with the TYPHOON SUPLEX (Rotating vertical suplex).....

One......

Two.....

Thr.....

Kikkawa dived in to make the save and then clubbed away at Taira, before attempting to send the big man into the corner but the World Tag Team champion managed to reverse the attempt and then follow in with The FLATTENER (Running Clothesline into the corner) before Black Cobra re-entered the ring and nailed Kikkawa with a running drop-kick. Of course neither Cobra nor Kikkawa were the legal men in the match and Umeki soon restored some form of order by ordering them back to their corner and whilst Taira and Cobra had combined to neutralize Kikkawa, it gave Iesada time to recover and the Super 10 Cup winner nailed Taira with a drop-kick but Taira shock it off and levelled Iesada with a fore-arm smash before setting up for powerbomb......

But Iesada countered into a victory roll and then applied his IESADA SPECIAL (Cross Arm Breaker) submission. However Taira wasn't worn down enough and powered his way back up to a vertical base before dropping Iesada over the top-rope with a back body drop. Black Cobra then entered the ring and then launched himself at Iesada, wiping out the 2009 Super 10 Cup winner with a suicide dive.

With order quickly breaking down Kikkawa re-entered the ring and went right after Taira. The King of Fighters being the fresher of the two men at that point began to assert his advantage and after pumelling Taira with a flurry of fore-arm shots was able to level the Tag champion with a KIKKAWA LARIAT.

But referee Umeki refused to count the cover, realising that Kikkawa was not the legal man, and when Kikkawa stood up to argue with Umeki, he was nailed with a missile drop kick from Black Cobra. Kikkawa then staggered back up to his feet but got planted into he mat with a head-scissors take down from Cobra, who then quickly transitioned into his ALABASTER AGONY submission hold.

But Cobra soon realised that the submission hold would not count and he released the hold however what it did was allow Taira to recover, but the big man was soon taken down with a chop block from behind by Iesada. Iesada then followed in with a running knee strike and then slapped on the IESADA SPECIAL once again, but Black Cobra had climbed up to the top-rope and then came crashing down upon Iesada with the FROM CANADA WITH LOVE (Swandive Headbutt to break up the submission).

Black Cobra then nailed Iesada with an Enziguri before drilling the 2009 Super 10 Cup winner with a Brainbuster. A recovered Taira then whipped Iesada into the corner and once again the BHB pair combined to deliver the running drop-kick/Flattener sequence. Iesada then staggered, right into a SAMSON SLAM (Pumphandle Fall Away Slam) from Taira......

One......

Two....

Thr......

Kikkawa dove in to make the save at the last split second but then dumped out of the ring with a clothesline from Taira. Taira then proceeded to use his own tag partner as a weapon, powerbombing Cobra onto Iesada but the 2009 Super 10 Cup winner got the knees up and Kikkawa then entetered the ring to level Taira with a KIKKAWA LARIAT !

Iesada managed to get Kikkawa legally tagged into the match and the King of Fighters levelled Taira with another Kikkawa Lariat, but the Bulldozer showed great fighting spirit by getting back to his feet, and then levelling Kikkawa with a lariat of his own before lifting Kikkawa up for the WRECKING BALL (Muscle Buster) but Kikkawa managed to work his way out of the predicament and then entrap Taira into the KIKKAWA DEATH CHOKE (Straight Jacket Hold)

Taira tried to power his way back up to his feet but Kikkawa had the hold locked on tight but Cobra wasn't going to let his partner fade away and the veteran gaijin super Junior broke up the submission with a basement drop-kick, nailing Kikkawa in the face.

Iesada then re-entered the ring and with Taira too worn down it soon became a two on one situation in favour of Team INSPIRE, but despite the odds being stacked against him Cobra reeled off a headscissors/swinging DDT combination to put himself in the driving seat.

With Iesada rolling out of the ring after being spiked on his head, Cobra then headed up top and nailed Kikkawa with a missile drop-kick before turning the King of Fighters over into the STONE HOLD (Sharpshooter)......

But Kikkawa managed to power out of the hold and then kick Cobra off, sending the Junior Division veteran crashing into his own partner and knocking Taira off the apron in the process.

Kikkawa then lifted Black Cobra up for the KIKKAWA DRIVER (Wrist Clutch Death Valley Driver) but Cobra managed to counter that into a crucifix bomb but as they got back to their feet it was Kikkawa who would remain in control nailing Cobra with a big boot, and then lifting Cobra up into the KIKKAWA DRIVER for a second time......

This time Kikkawa drilled Cobra into the canvas.......

One.....

Two........

Taira tried to make the save but Iesada was able to hold the Bulldozer back....

Three !

Team INSPIRE had shown their dominance once again but it was not plain sailing for them and Cobra more than held his own with the 'big boys' in what was a thrilling main event that started slowly but built up to an exciting climax.

Result: Tadiyuki Kikkawa [w] & Tasuku Iesada bt Black Cobra [L[ & Yasuhiko Taira in 28:02 via pinfall (Kikkawa Driver)

Rating: A

Post Match Comments:

Tadiyuki Kikkawa: I suppose those who witnessed Watson-san's failure were thinking that Team INSPIRE would be in for a bad night, but once again we show our Strength, our unbreakable strength and despite Watson-san's failure earlier Team INSPIRE stay together as a team, because Team INSPIRE is a family, because through thick and thin we will have each others backs.

Yasuhiko Taira: Tonight Team INSPIRE were not stronger than the Black Heart Brethren, tonight the luck was on their side, but soon their luck will run out and when it does and they so happen to the BHB again...we will DESTROY them !

_____________________________________________________

Overall: B+

Onodera's Viewpoint: Solid show tonight, lifted by a main event that was perhaps even better than I expected. But that should come as no surprise when you have Kikkawa-san, Iesada-san and Black Cobra in the ring, and for all his limitations Taira-san is at the very least becoming carriable to good matches.

The semi main event was of course the KOF tournament final, and though it was hardly a classic again, it was at least a better match than the semi-final matches, though that might had to do more with the crowd being in to it a little more this time, with them clearly behind Shimedzu-san. On paper Kikkawa-Shimedzu has all the ingredients to be a quality match up and I am hoping it can make up for the generally disappointing nature of the King of Fighters rules matches throughout the month.

Bigpapa42 · May 30, 2010

Great show, TK.

Tigerkinney · May 30, 2010

Great show, TK.

Glad you enjoyed it, and thanks for the nom in the DOTM (thanks to Dragonmack too of course for that), much appreciated as always.

Tigerkinney · May 30, 2010

Predictions Contest:

Predictions League

Stage 2