[CV97] Golden Canvas Grappling - Dawn of a new Golden era

[Shinsuke]

GCG Parade Of Champions, 1997/02/16

2774 Fans @ Osaka Athletic Stadium

1. Go Amori defeated Golden Scorpion (6:10) with a Piledriver.

2. Tetsuya Najahara, Kyoichi Tsukata & Toshinobu Taku defeated Naruki Miyata, Tatsuki Miyata & Strong Style Yoemon (9:26) when Tsukata defeated Yoemon with a Backdrop Suplex.

3. Yoshifusa Maeda defeated Manabu Inao (14:17) with an Octopus Hold.

4. Tasuku Shinozuka & Tasuku Iesada defeated Sadakuno Nishimuraya & Haku Suzuwara (18:57) when Shinozuka defeated Suzuwara with a Rolling Koppou Kick.

5. Black Serpent Cult Golden Canvas Farewell Match: Dick The Devastator, Saionji Omura & Rikiya Morioka and defeated Cobra, Viper & Nathan Coleman (11:09) when Morioka defeated Coleman with a Backdrop Suplex.

6. World Heavyweight Tag Team Championship: Naonobu Murkami & Shotaro Ikina [c] defeated Robert Oxford & Joel Bryant (25:40) when Ikina defeated Bryant with an Ikina Driver. [V7 defense]

7. World Heavyweight Championship: Kazu Yoshizawa [c] defeated Masayuki Shiga (33:33) with an Enzuigiri. [V4 defense]

 

* Golden Canvas Grappling celebrated their annual „Parade of Champions“ in front of dissappointing audience at the 5000-seat Osaka Athletic Stadium

 

* World Heavyweight Champion Kazu Yoshizawa managed to overcome a strong challenge by fellow technical-grappling expert Masayuki Shiga. Yoshizawa was confronted by Naonobu Murkami after his victory, hinting at a future match between the two champions.

 

* Said Murkami and his sworn friend Shotaro Ikina beat HCG representatives Oxford and Bryant and continued a successful reign as World Heavyweight Tag Team champions.

 

* An entertaining chaotic brawl saw GCG saying farewell to the ageing Black Serpent Cult tag team Cobra and Viper. One of GCG’s newest members in Rikiya Morioka (aka Matsudaira Morioka) managed to defeat young American powerhouse Nathan Coleman for the victory.

 

* The two up-and-coming Tasukus (submission expert Iesada & charismatic Shinozuka) dealt the veteran freelancers Nishimuraya and Suzuwara an unexpected defeat.

 

* GCG legend Yoshifusa Maeda continued to defy age and beat young Golden Dojo graduate Manabu Inao (aka Fukusabura Inao), who just recently returned home after a run with BHOTWG.

 

* While the show was received well by the live audience, the next in a long row of financially disappointing major events triggered a massive shake-up of Japan’s oldest wrestling promotion. President and booker Hanshiro Furusawa reportedly has resigned from his duties and chose GCG’s two most famous wrestlers to lead the company into a new Golden future: Kazu Yoshizawa and Yoshifusa Maeda.

 

* While GCG will be off-tour in march, major changes are expected for the coming months.

[Shinsuke]

<p><strong>1997/02/21 - GCG April schedule</strong></p><p> </p><p> A few days after the annual “Parade Of Champions”, Golden Canvas Grappling announced their touring schedule for the next months. April will see a 7-date tour labeled the “<strong>Spring Battle Series</strong>” with a final big event held at the 5000-seat <strong>Tokyo Central Budokan </strong>arena in Japan’s capital.</p><p> </p><p> No matches have been announced so far as GCG is at the moment negotiating with freelance and foreign talent. Not expected to return are of course the American veterans <strong>Cobra </strong>and <strong>Viper</strong>, the Black Serpent Cult, who had been honoured with an officials GCG farewell match at the recent Parade Of Champions.</p><p> </p><p> GCG World Heavyweight Tag Team co-champion <strong>Naonobu Murkami </strong>has already issued a formal challenge to GCG World Heavyweight champion <strong>Kazu Yoshizawa </strong>and the formal announcement of a big “champion vs champion” title bout is expected to be published in a short while.</p><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="38000" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><strong>SPRING BATTLE SERIES 1997</strong><p> </p><p> <strong>GCG, 1997/04/05</strong></p><p> Tokyo Central Gymnasium, Tokyo Prefecture</p><p> </p><p> <strong>GCG, 1997/04/09</strong></p><p> Nagahama Budokan, Shiga Prefecture</p><p> </p><p> <strong>GCG, 1997/04/12</strong></p><p> Wakayama City Gymnasium, Hyogo Prefecture</p><p> </p><p> <strong>GCG, 1997/04/14</strong></p><p> Minokamo Central Gymnasium, Gifu Prefecture</p><p> </p><p> <strong>GCG, 1997/04/16</strong></p><p> Choshi City Gymnasium, Chiba Prefecture</p><p> </p><p> <strong>GCG, 1997/04/18</strong></p><p> Yoshikawa City Gymnasium, Saitama Prefecture</p><p> </p><p> <strong>GCG Spring Battle Series Final, 1997/04/20</strong></p><p> Tokyo Central Budokan, Tokyo Prefecture</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> ----------------------------</p><p> </p><p> <strong>OOC notes</strong>:</p><p> </p><p> I have been breeding over when, how and if to start writing this dynasty for quite a while now. Finally, this is a start and I will try to keep my writing brief for the moment. However, I already produced a bunch of CVerse '97 re-renders in preparation for this project and I intend to put them to good use in the future. I hope some of you will join me, Maeda, Yoshizawa and all of Golden Canvas Grappling on this journey and that we might bring good old GCG back to the top of Japanese pro wrestling on the way. <img alt=";)" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/wink.png.686f06e511ee1fbf6bdc7d82f6831e53.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p>

[Shinsuke]

<p><strong>GCG Roster Part 1</strong></p><p>

<em>April 1997</em></p><p> </p><p>

<span>http://i1352.photobucket.com/albums/q658/Shinsuke87/GCG97/CV97_KazuYoshizawa.jpg~original</span></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>“Kanzen” Kazu Yoshizawa</strong></p><p>

44 year old Kazu Yoshizawa has been a Golden Canvas Grappling pureblood for his entire career. A brillian technical grappler in his prime, Yoshizawa is still going strong, currently reigning as World Heavyweight champion for the third time. While his first two time as champion have been a little disappointing – each lasting a little less than a year – the veteran is aiming to defy his slowly declining physical abilities and prove himself a true legend with one last and strong run at the top of GCG. His long lasting nickname “Kanzen” means “perfection” and refers to his excellent craftsmanship in mat wrestling that gives him a major advantage over most opponents to this day.</p><p>

Yoshizawa has won the World Heavyweight championship in August 1996, beating Rip Chord in a memorable battle. Chord has since moved on to work full-time for HGC in the USA. Yoshizawa has already defended the championship 4 times, defeating Yoshifusa Maeda, Robert Oxford, Sadakuno Nishimuraya and most recently Masayuki Shiga.</p><p> </p><p>

<span>http://i1352.photobucket.com/albums/q658/Shinsuke87/GCG97/CV97_YoshifusaMaeda.jpg~original</span></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>“Golden Warrior” Yoshifusa Maeda</strong></p><p>

Alongside eternal rival and tag team partner, Yoshifusa Maeda is by many considered one of the best pro wrestlers in the world. Even though two decades of hard-fought battles have left their marks on his body, the “Golden Warrior” is the most respected and most popular fighter never to leave home even when BHOTWG, PGHW or the SWF tried to lure him away. A stoic, tenacious grappler with lots of hard hitting kicks and strikes up his sleave, Maeda has impressed peers and audiences alike as a young fighter and has had major influence on Japanese pro wrestling in general. A two-time World Heavyweight Tag Team champion (together with Kazu Yoshizawa) and multiple time World Heavyweight champion, Maeda is the cornerstone of GCG and might still go for the Heavyweight trophy once again despite his 42 years of age.</p><p>

Maeda already holds the record for the longest GCG World Heavyweight championship reign. Spanning from 1982 to 1988 he held on to the championship for a legendary 5 1/2 years, beating numerous challengers on the way before finally losing the belt to Sadaharu Jimbo.</p><p> </p><p>

<span>http://i1352.photobucket.com/albums/q658/Shinsuke87/GCG97/CV97_TasukuIesada2.jpg~original</span></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>“Dangerous” Tasuku Iesada</strong></p><p>

Trained by Yoshizawa and Maeda, young Tasuku Iesada is Golden Canvas Grappling’s shining young star. A brilliant submission artist and able to perform at a level well beyond his 23 years of age, “Dangerous” Iesada embodies the company’s hope for a new golden age. He has yet to capture one of GCG’s championships but is expected to lead the promotion sooner rather than later. Having already challenged World Heavyweight champion Yoshizawa in late 1996 after a strong year, Iesada is looking to build his momentum back up and overcome his seniors. He has already established two dangerous submission holds as his personal signature moves, the Iesada Special I and II.</p><p> </p><p>

<span>http://i1352.photobucket.com/albums/q658/Shinsuke87/GCG97/GoAmori97Shinsuke.jpg~original</span></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Go Amori</strong></p><p>

Go Amori is a long serving, loyal member of the Golden Canvas Grappling roster. Always on step behind the greats Yoshizawa and Maeda, he has found his niche as a supporting player in trios matches. While he has never won a major championship, Amori is a dependable performer and a strong technical wrestler in his own right. At the age of 38 he has shown signs of physical decline but in times of mercenary native talent leaving for greener pastures and strong Gaijin fighters being hired by rising US companies he continues to play an important part in GCG.</p><p> </p><p>

<span>http://i1352.photobucket.com/albums/q658/Shinsuke87/GCG97/CV97_KyoichiTsukata.jpg~original</span></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Kyoichi Tsukata</strong></p><p>

46 year old Kyoichi Tsukata has been a GCG mainstay for many years and is best known for his also 30 year long partnership with Tetsuya Najahara – Team FURY. With a strong martial arts background, Tsukata is feared for his wide array of stiff kicks and to this day surprises with a level of physical fitness that one does not expect from a chubby mullet-wearing veteran who was held back from stardom by multiple nagging knee injuries in his youth.</p><p> </p><p>

<span>http://i1352.photobucket.com/albums/q658/Shinsuke87/GCG97/CV97_TetsuyaNajahara.jpg~original</span></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Tetsuya Najahara</strong></p><p>

An old school technician all the way down to his bones, Tetsuya Najahara originally retired in 1991 but was talked out of retirement in late 1996 to reform Team FURY alongside Kyoichi Tsukata when GCG hit a rough patch. While never a star wrestler of an outstanding performer, Najahara is still a well-school technical grappler who at 53 years knows better than anybody else how to torture youngsters who take him lightly. His second and probably final retirement from active competition is approaching faster every day though.</p>

[Shinsuke]

<p><strong>GCG Roster Part 2</strong></p><p>

<em>April 1997</em></p><p> </p><p>

<span>http://i1352.photobucket.com/albums/q658/Shinsuke87/GCG97/CV97_ShotaroIkina_new.jpg~original</span></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Shotaro Ikina</strong></p><p>

Popular with the fans yet not yet regarded as a top class performer, Shotaro Ikina is best know for his team with hard-hitting peer Naonobu Murkami. The duo currently holds the GCG World Heavyweight Tag Team championship after beating Gaijin tag experts Robert Oxford and Joel Bryant in June 1996. 31 years old, Shotaro Ikina has not peaked but will have to greatly improve his performances if he wants to reach higher than serving as a tag team wrestler.</p><p> </p><p>

<span>http://i1352.photobucket.com/albums/q658/Shinsuke87/GCG97/CV97_TasukuShinozuka.jpg~original</span></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>“Thunder Lizard” Tasuku Shinozuka</strong></p><p>

Quick on his feet, charismatic and somewhat lacking direction: 30 year old Tasuku Shinozuka has spent his Young Lion years wrestling as the masked Dragon Child but dropped that mask to better blend into Golden Canvas Grappling’s coverservative environment. While he is turning into a good performer, Shinozuka has yet to find his role within GCG if he wants to challenge the company’s top stars. He is a reliable and loyal member of GCG and has shown occasionally that he might become a break out star.</p><p> </p><p>

<span>http://i1352.photobucket.com/albums/q658/Shinsuke87/GCG97/CV97_NaonobuMurkami.jpg~original</span></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Naonobu Murkami</strong></p><p>

Short in height but powerful and ruthless in his style of attack, Naonobu Murkami is by far the more entertaining member of the reigning World Heavyweight Tag Team champions. While he has been with GCG for a few years, the 30 year old Murkami has never fully pledged himself to the company and is still considered an outsider by audiences. His most recent performances in Tag Team championship matches have given him credibility though and he might be on the verge of reaching for Yoshizawa’s World Heavyweight champions, actually having challenged Yoshizawa at GCG’s last big event.</p><p> </p><p>

<span>http://i1352.photobucket.com/albums/q658/Shinsuke87/GCG97/ToshinobuTaku_altFP2.jpg~original</span></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Toshinobu Taku</strong></p><p>

Toshinobu Taku is a solid yet unspectacular technical grappler. Well schooled in mat and submission wrestler, Taku is a hard working yet unspiring performer who has been a regular outsider working for GCG in recent years. However, as one of only a few experienced competitors who are not yet physically declining, 29 year old Taku might surprise his critics and rise to the occasion within the next few years.</p><p> </p><p>

<span>http://i1352.photobucket.com/albums/q658/Shinsuke87/GCG97/CV97_MiyataNaruki.jpg~original</span></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Naruki Miyata</strong></p><p>

Grumpy veteran Naruki Miyata is best known as a tag team wrestler alongside his twin brother Tatsuki Miyata. With more than 20 years of experience between them, the Miyata Brothers are without a doubt one of the most polished teams in Japan. Both 45 years old and obviously past their prime though, the Miyatas’ have only recently been brought into GCG after decades of only working independent gigs.</p><p> </p><p>

<span>http://i1352.photobucket.com/albums/q658/Shinsuke87/GCG97/CV97_MiyataTatsuki.jpg~original</span></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Tatsuki Miyata</strong></p><p>

Like his twin brother, Tatsuki Miyata has never worked a major promotion in his long lasting career and was only picked up by GCG in 1996 when roster raids left the company desperately looking for native competitors. Apart from their excellent tag team experience, the Miyata Brothers single redeeming quality is their grizzled veteran act that works well enough when fighting Young Lions.</p>

[Shinsuke]

<p><strong>GCG Roster Part 3</strong></p><p>

<em>April 1997</em></p><p> </p><p>

<span>http://i1352.photobucket.com/albums/q658/Shinsuke87/GCG97/StrongStyleYoemon.jpg~original</span></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Strong Style Yoemon</strong></p><p> </p><p>

Hirokichi “Strong Style” Yoemon is – as the name suggests – a hard-hitting competitor who likes to incorporate MMA influenced strikes and submissions into his work. He has been working the occasional tour with Japan’s bigger pro wrestling companies but not impressed quite enough to be offered a regular deal before Golden Canvas Grappling came calling in 1996. While technically still a freelander, 25 year old Yoemon has not missed a single show since first stepping into the GCG ring. Young, physically stronger than his appearance suggests and eager to learn, Strong Style Yoemon could be a future headliner if he finally settles for a company.</p><p> </p><p>

<span>http://i1352.photobucket.com/albums/q658/Shinsuke87/GCG97/MatsudairaMorioka97.jpg~original</span></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Rikiya Morioka</strong></p><p> </p><p>

Going by the ring name Matsudaira Morioka, this young fighter has been aroung the independent scene for a few years and earned a reputation for his toughness and brutal chops. Brought into GCG at the beginning of 1997 as a full-time member of the roster, he has chosen to re-name himself to mark a new chapter in his career. Being trained by Yoshifusa Maeda himself since joining the company, Rikiya Morioka has shown a lot of promise and dedication and already significantly progressed as worker.</p><p> </p><p>

<span>http://i1352.photobucket.com/albums/q658/Shinsuke87/GCG97/CV97_ManabuInao.jpg~original</span></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Manabu Inao</strong></p><p> </p><p>

An unspectacular technical grappler, Manabu Inao only recently jumped ship from BHOTWG (where he had been working as Fukusaburu Inao) when offered a regular deal by Golden Canvas Grappling. The 21 year old youngster has chosen to pursue a pro wrestling career at a young age when he saw Kazu Yoshizawa wrestling on TV. The influence is obvious and joining GCG has given Inao the opportunity to receive first hand training from his icon. Very well schooled for a kid his age, Manabu Inao aims to break out from the Young Lion ranks and take the fight to more seasoned opponents.</p><p> </p><p>

<span>http://i1352.photobucket.com/albums/q658/Shinsuke87/GCG97/YatsuhiroAtshushi.jpg~original</span></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Yatsuhiro Atsushi</strong></p><p> </p><p>

22 year old Yatsuhiro Atsushi joined GCG in 1996 after wrestling only a couple of independent shows. Working on a more regular basis has helped Atsushi improve his basic skills and he is already a far better performer than at the time of his debut. He recently started training with veteran Go Amori and might turn out a much better prospect than anybody would have given him credit for a year ago. </p><p> </p><p>

<span>http://i1352.photobucket.com/albums/q658/Shinsuke87/GCG97/GoldenScorpion.jpg~original</span></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Golden Scorpion</strong></p><p> </p><p>

Probably the most surprising addition to Golden Canvas Grappling is the 20 year old masked Junior Heavyweight Golden Scorpion. Though his ring name makes him a perfect fit for the company, much more seasoned wrestlers his size have failed to make it in GCG in the past. Rumor has it that Yoshifusa Maeda himself invited the youngster to join the company and encouraged him to take the chance. Since returning from an excursion to Mexico and joining GCG full-time in January 1997, the young masked man has not yet scored his first victory though.</p>

[pennyone]

I can't belive just yesterday i started a CV97 GCG game, so i will be following this thread, and a pice of advice never take your plans for granted or you will end with a Yoshifusa Maeda injured before your biggest match, o and Kazu and Maeda are like gods so use them to teach the other wrestlers

[Shinsuke]

<p>Old gods, but yeah. I guess it will take a few years before anybody is going to reach their level - if at all.</p><p> </p><p>

I will try to complete the roster overview with Gaijin workers for the next tour today or tomorrow and then get this game moving forwards a little faster. <img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/smile.png.142cfa0a1cd2925c0463c1d00f499df2.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p>

[Shinsuke]

GCG Roster – Part 4

April 1997

 

http://i1352.photobucket.com/albums/q658/Shinsuke87/GCG97/NathanColeman97.jpg~original

 

“The Pioneer” Nathan Coleman

 

Returning for yet another Golden Canvas Grappling tour is 25 year old “Pioneer” Nathan Coleman. The heavyweight grappler has been a successful college wrestler in his home state of Oklahoma and has since developed into a tough brawler. Bigger than most Japanese opponents, Coleman has shown the potential to continue the GCG tradition of strong Gaijin wrestlers though he needs more experience to fully capitalize on his physical advantages.

 

http://i1352.photobucket.com/albums/q658/Shinsuke87/GCG97/AmericanBuffalo97.jpg~original

 

American Buffalo

 

After first appearing for Golden Canvas Grappling in 1996 the tall standing American Buffalo is set to return for the next tour. Young and powerful, regular work for NYCW has helped him develop his skills in recent months and he will try to impress the Japanese audience with more than his raw strength.

 

http://i1352.photobucket.com/albums/q658/Shinsuke87/GCG97/BarryKingman97-2.jpg~original

 

Barry Kingman

 

A true second generation wrestler, Barry Kingman carries a famous name, being the son of American pro wrestling legend “Crippler” Ray Kingman. Young Barry has been well schooled in technical grappling by his father and looks like a perfect fit for Golden Canvas Grappling. He will make his first appearance in Japan – one of the few countries his famous father has actually never competed in. Only 22 years old, Kingman could be considered a Young Lion but his growing up around the pro wrestling business and long years of training might give him an advantage of fighters his age.

 

 

 

There have been some noteable changes to Golden Canvas Grappling’s body of wrestlers over the last couple of months. Famous Gaijin Tag Team “Black Serpent Cult” – Cobra and Viper – have been honoured with an official farewell-match at the recent “Parade of Champions” and as expected will soon retire from active competition for good. Their farewell-match opponents Dick The Devastator and Saionji Omura, a famous international duo in their own right, have not been announced for further GCG appearances either.

 

The “Tag Team Specialists” Robert Oxford and Joel Bryant, former GCG World Heavyweight Tag Team champions, are not going to return following their recent unsuccessful challenge for the belts they lost to Murkami and Ikina. Oxford and Bryant have announced they would focus on their work with HGC in the United States, adding their names to the long list of Gaijin workers who left the company over the last few years.

 

Veteran technician Haku Suzuwara has not been announced for upcoming shows as well as Junnosuke Fukazawa and Sofu Ozawa. Fukazawa already missed GCG’s “Parade of Champions” tour and is apparently looking to compete for one of Japan’s leading companies, BHOTWG and PGHW. Rookie Ozawa reportedly failed to impress GCG officials and was not invited back after his first tour.

 

Even though offered a new contract, Masayuki Shiga has chosen not to return to GCG after failing to win the World Heavyweight championship from Kazu Yoshizawa. Rumor has it that he is about to sign an exclusive deal with one of GCG’s thriving rivals.

 

Finally, youngsters Kenichi Komagata and Kenta Matsuo have been let go at the beginning of the year. However, the official press release indicated that they would eventually be invited back one they had gathered some more experience working the independent scene.

[Shinsuke]

<p>GCG schedule April / May / June, Spring Battle Series cards [predictions welcome]</p><p> </p><p> <strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">GCG schedule until July, main matches for Spring Battle Series</span></strong></p><p> <em>04/1997</em></p><p> </p><p> One challenge was issued by <strong>Naonobu Murkami </strong>who wanted to fight <strong>Kazu Yoshizawa </strong>for the <strong>World Heavyweight Championship </strong>– two championship matches have been announced. Before Murkami gets to fight Yoshizawa for Golden Canvas Grappling’s highest prize, he will have to put the <strong>World Heavyweight Tag Team championship </strong>on the line when he and <strong>Shotaro Ikina </strong>take on Yoshizawa and his protégé <strong>Tasuku Iesada </strong>in Tokyo on April 20.</p><p> </p><p> Murkami’s title shot has been scheduled for GCG’s annual “Roaring Lion Festival” in June. This means that confrontations between Murkami and Yoshizawa will dominate the company’s lineups for the next three months.</p><p> </p><p> Apart from the “Spring Battle Series” leading into the World Tag Team Championship match and the 8-show “Roaring Lion Series” leading towards the “Roaring Lion Festival”, two stand-alone shows have been scheduled. GCG will first celebrate the Japanese holyday “Golden week” with a special show in Osaka on 05/04 and later follow up on the long June tour with the “Roaring Generation Special” in Tokyo.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="38000" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><strong><em>SPRING BATTLE SERIES 1997</em></strong><p> </p><p> <strong>GCG, 1997/04/05</strong></p><p><strong> Tokyo Central Gymnasium, Tokyo Prefecture</strong></p><p> 1. Rikiya Morioka & Manabu Inao vs Nathan Coleman & American Buffalo</p><p> 2. Naruki Miyata, Tatsuki Miyata & Go Amori vs Tetsuya Najahara, Kyoichi Tsukata & Tasuku Shinozuka</p><p> 3. Kazu Yoshizawa, Yoshifusa Meada & Tasuku Iesada vs Shotaro Ikina, Naonobu Murkami & Toshinobu Taku </p><p> </p><p> <strong>GCG, 1997/04/09</strong></p><p><strong> Nagahama Budokan, Shiga Prefecture</strong></p><p> 1. Naruki Miyata & Tatsuki Miyata vs Tetsuya Najahara & Tasuku Shinozuka </p><p> 2. Kazu Yoshizawa, Yoshifusa Meada & Tasuku Shinosuka vs Shotaro Ikina, Naonobu Murkami & Toshinobu Taku</p><p> </p><p> <strong>GCG, 1997/04/12</strong></p><p><strong> Wakayama City Gymnasium, Hyogo Prefecture</strong></p><p> 1. Yoshifusa Maeda & Manabu Inao vs Nathan Coleman & American Buffalo </p><p> 2. Kazu Yoshizawa, Tasuku Iesada & Tasuku Shinozuka vs Shotaro Ikina, Naonobu Murkami & Toshinobu Taku</p><p> </p><p> <strong>GCG, 1997/04/14</strong></p><p><strong> Minokamo Central Gymnasium, Gifu Prefecture</strong></p><p> 1. Naruki Miyata & Tatsuki Miyata vs Yoshifusa Maeda & Manabu Inao</p><p> 2. Kazu Yoshizawa, Tasuku Iesada & Tasuku Shinozuka vs Shotaro Ikina, Naonobu Murkami & Strong Style Yoemon</p><p> </p><p> <strong>GCG, 1997/04/16</strong></p><p><strong> Choshi City Gymnasium, Chiba Prefecture</strong></p><p> 1. Kyoichi Tsukata, Rikiya Morioka & Manabu Inao vs Nathan Coleman, American Buffalo & Barry Kingman </p><p> 2. Yoshifusa Maeda & Tasuku Shinozuka vs Naonobu Murkami & Strong Style Yoemon</p><p> 3. Kazu Yoshizawa & Tasuku Iesada vs Shotaro Ikina & Toshinobu Taku </p><p> </p><p> <strong>GCG, 1997/04/18</strong></p><p><strong> Yoshikawa City Gymnasium, Saitama Prefecture</strong></p><p> 1. Kyoichi Tsukata, Rikiya Morioka & Golden Scorpion vs Nathan Coleman, American Buffalo & Barry Kingman</p><p> 2. Yoshifusa Maeda & Tasuku Shinozuka vs Tetsuya Najahara & Go Amori </p><p> 3. Kazu Yoshizawa, Tasuku Iesada & Manabu Inao vs Shotaro Ikina, Naonobu Murkami & Toshinobu Taku</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong>GCG Spring Battle Series Final, 1997/04/20</strong></p><p><strong> Tokyo Central Budokan, Tokyo Prefecture</strong></p><p> 1. Kyoichi Tsukata & Rikiya Morioka vs Nathan Coleman & American Buffalo</p><p> 2. Yoshifusa Maeda & Tasuku Shinozuka vs Toshinobu Taku & Strong Style Yoemon </p><p> 3. <strong>World Heavyweight Tag Team Championship</strong>: Naonobu Murkami & Shotaro Ikina [c] vs Kazu Yoshizawa and Tasuku Iesada</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong>GCG Golden Week Grappling, 1997/05/04</strong></p><p><strong> Takaishi Civic Hall, Osaka Prefecture</strong></p><p> 1. <strong>Golden Week Special Generations Trios Match</strong>: Kazu Yoshizawa, Yoshifusa Maeda & Go Amori vs Tasuku Iesada, Manabu Inao & Rikiya Morioka</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <em><strong>ROARING LION SERIES 1997</strong></em></p><p> </p><p> <strong>GCG, 1997/05/28 (TV)</strong></p><p> Sagamihara Municipal Gymnasium, Kanagawa Prefecture</p><p> </p><p> <strong>GCG, 1997/05/31</strong></p><p> Kasama Citizen Gymnasium, Ibaraki Prefecture</p><p> </p><p> <strong>GCG, 1997/06/03</strong></p><p> Oyama Bunka Center, Tochigi Prefecture</p><p> </p><p> <strong>GCG, 1997/06/06 (TV)</strong></p><p> Tokyo Central Gymnasium, Tokyo Prefecture</p><p> </p><p> <strong>GCG, 1997/06/09</strong></p><p> Katagami Community Hall, Akita Prefecture</p><p> </p><p> <strong>GCG, 1997/06/12 (TV)</strong></p><p> Asahikawa Community Hall, Hokkaido Prefecture</p><p> </p><p> <strong>GCG, 1997/06/14 </strong></p><p> Nara Central Gymnasium, Nara Prefecture </p><p> </p><p> <strong>GCG, 1997/06/18</strong></p><p> Suzuka Exhibition Hall #3, Mie Prefecture </p><p> </p><p> <strong>GCG Roaring Lion Festival, 1997/06/22</strong></p><p><strong> Osaka Athletic Stadium, Osaka Prefecture</strong></p><p> 1. <strong>World Heavyweight Championship</strong>: Kazu Yoshizawa [c] vs Naonobu Murkami</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong>GCG Roaring Generation Special, 1997/06/28</strong></p><p> Tokyo Central Gymnasium, Tokyo Prefecture </p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong>OOC</strong></p><p> Took me a little longer to put this post together but here we go. Feel free to drop in predictions for the April series.</p>

[Steerpike]

<p>GCG, and in extension BCG, have always been favorites of mine to play in the C-Verse puroresu regions; it was always about the underdog story with them and I liked trying to book them back to stardom. It didn't always succeed though, but that is another story entirely. But all that is why I can't wait to read more of this! 90's GCG is surely an even bigger challenge than "regular" GCG so I am very intrigued as to which direction you are going to push things.</p><p> </p><p>

As for predictions (at least for the larger stakes matches), I doubt you are going with any dual champions so Murkami and Ikina are going to retain the titles and so is Yoshizawa.</p><p> </p><p>

Good luck! I can't wait to read some more and hopefully you don't run out of money.</p>

[Shinsuke]

<p><strong>Spring Battle Series 1997 Days 1 & 2 results</strong></p><p>

<em>April 1997</em></p><p> </p><p> </p><p>

<span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:8px;"><strong>GCG, 1997/04/05 (TV)</strong></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:8px;"><strong>

1000 Fans @ Tokyo Central Gymnasium, Tokyo Prefecture</strong></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:8px;">

1. Strong Style Yoemon defeated Golden Scorpion </span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:8px;"><strong>(9:12)</strong></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:8px;"> by submission with a Yoemon Stretch Clutch.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:8px;">

2. Barry Kingman defeated Yatsuhiro Atsushi </span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:8px;"><strong>(6:42)</strong></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:8px;"> by submission with a Kingman Krippler.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:8px;">

3. Nathan Coleman & American Buffalo defeated Rikiya Morioka & Manabu Inao </span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:8px;"><strong>(12:45)</strong></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:8px;"> when Coleman defeated Morioka by pinfall with an Axe Bomber.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:8px;">

4. Tetsuya Najahara, Kyoichi Tsukata & Tasuku Shinozuka defeated Naruki Miyata, Tatsuki Miyata & Go Amori </span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:8px;"><strong>(17:34)</strong></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:8px;"> when Shinozuka defeated Amori by pinfall with a Diving Headbutt.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:8px;">

5. Shotaro Ikina, Naonobu Murkami & Toshinobu Taku defeated Kazu Yoshizawa, Yoshifusa Maeda & Tasuku Iesada </span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:8px;"><strong>(27:23)</strong></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:8px;"> when Murkami defeated Iesada by pinfall with a Lariat.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:8px;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:8px;">

</span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:8px;"><strong>GCG, 1997/04/09 (TV)</strong></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:8px;"><strong>

2000 Fans @ Nagahama Budokan, Shiga Prefecture</strong></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:8px;">

1. American Buffalo defeated Yatsuhiro Atsushi </span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:8px;"><strong>(5:43)</strong></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:8px;"> by pinfall with a Stampede Powerslam.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:8px;">

2. Go Amori defeated Golden Scorpion in </span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:8px;"><strong>(9:23)</strong></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:8px;"> by pinfall with a Cobra Twist.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:8px;">

3. Nathan Coleman & Barry Kingman defeated Rikiya Morioka & Manabu Inao (14:21) when Kingman defeated Inao by pinfall with a Black Out.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:8px;">

4. Kyoichi Tsukata defeated Strong Style Yoemon </span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:8px;"><strong>(16:39)</strong></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:8px;"> by pinfall with a Backdrop Suplex.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:8px;">

5. Naruki Miyata & Tatsuki Miyata defeated Tetsuya Najahara & Tasuku Shinozuka </span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:8px;"><strong>(16:19)</strong></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:8px;"> when Naruki defeated Najahara by submission with a Wakigatame.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:8px;">

6. Kazu Yoshizawa, Yoshifusa Maeda & Tasuku Iesada defeated Shotaro Ikina, Naonobu Murkami & Toshinobu Taku </span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:8px;"><strong>(25:40)</strong></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:8px;"> when Iesada defeated Taku by submission with an Iesada Special.</span></span></p><p> </p><p> </p><p>

Golden Canvas Grappling started out on their “Spring Battle Series” with two strong showings in the Tokyo and Shige prefectzres, selling out the Tokyo Central Gymnasium and the Nagahama Budokan respectively.</p><p> </p><p>

Team Murkami and Team Yoshizawa set out on the road to two championship battles by trading victories in six man tag team matches.</p><p> </p><p>

Gatekeeper Kyoichi Tsukata managed to defeat the 22 years younger Strong Style Yoemon in yet another impressive demonstration of his iron will and physical shape.</p><p> </p><p>

Gaijin Nathan Coleman, American Buffalo and Barry Kingman all startet out strong, winning all of their four matches on the first two days of the tour. The rivalry between Coleman and young hard-hitter Rikiya Morioka that began in January has been resumed after Morioka’s victory in trios action at the “Parade Of Champions”. Coleman already revenged said defeat by downing Morioka on day 1 with a mighty Axe Bomber.</p>

[Tiberious]

Just wanted to let you know I'm following and enjoying this diary, though I'm going to hold off on doing any predictions.

 

GCG in 97 is in a pretty sorry state, with it's too biggest stars on the wrong side of 40 and no one else really ready to step up to match them. Iesada is your only real star prospect, and that's only if he stays loyal and doesn't jump ship. Beyond that your dojo should produce some future stars, but they'll need some time to develop and your interim top stars are somewhat lackluster.

 

It's certainly hard mode compared to PGHW and BHOTWG, who each have have a good dozen stars and future stars loyal to them.