[CVerse] Black Canvas Grappling: Defenders of Puroresu

[DarK_RaideR]

<div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong>BCG The Lion Rises Tour</strong></p><p><strong>

Wednesday, W3 of August 2016</strong></p><p><strong>

Kochi Halls, Shikoku</strong></p><p><strong>

Attendance: 100</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>

In a bout that had sub-par wrestling and little heat, Kiyotaka defeated Kyuichi Matsumoto in 10:15 by submission with a Kimura.</strong></p><p><strong>

Rating: </strong><strong><span style="color:#A0522D;">D-</span></strong></p><p>

Comments: <em>Another singles opener between young lions to warm up the crowd and another victory for the oldest among them in Kiyotaka, who also had improvement in his Performance skills to show for himself.</em></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>In a bout that had good wrestling and a decent reaction from the crowd, Funakoshi defeated Toshinobu Taku in 10:01 by pinfall with a Butterfly Backbreaker.</strong></p><p><strong>

Rating: </strong><strong><span style="color:#FF8C00;">C</span></strong></p><p>

Comments: <em>Having the BCG World champion and de facto ace not wrestle in the main event came as a shock to everyone and Funakoshi still stole the show, even if he only had to wrestle for ten or so minutes until he could pin Toshi Taku.</em></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>In a decent match, Yoshinaka Taku defeated Blast Ikoma in 20:36 by pinfall with a Full Nelson Bomb.</strong></p><p><strong>

Rating: </strong><strong><span style="color:#FF8C00;">C-</span></strong></p><p>

Comments: <em>Theoretically, Yoshi Taku versus Blast Ikoma should have been better than the semi-main event, given Toshi Taku's limited abilities due to physical decline and this how long that match could go on for. In reality, it wasn't. Not just because of Funakoshi's performance, but also because Yoshinaka Taku seemed a bit off his game and worse even, he and Ikoma don't seem to click between the ropes, which is a shame given Taku's potential for a run as a top-tier main eventer that could have several big matches against Ikoma.</em></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Show Rating: </strong><strong><span style="color:#A0522D;">D</span></strong></p><p>

Comments: <em>A somewhat shoggy show, with the semi outshining the main event and the latter having issues of its own, but still, this is Shikoku and the bar for gaining new fans is low, so BCG got away with more of them despite an otherwise problematic show in the region.</em></p>

[DarK_RaideR]

<div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong>BCG The Lion Rises Tour</strong></p><p><strong>

Thursday, W3 of August 2016</strong></p><p><strong>

Shizuoka Sports Hall, Chubu</strong></p><p><strong>

Attendance: 300 (sold out)</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>

In a bout that had sub-par wrestling and little heat, Motoyuki Miyake defeated Shuzo Utagawa in 10:19 by pinfall with a Knock Out Kick.</strong></p><p><strong>

Rating: </strong><strong><span style="color:#A0522D;">D</span></strong></p><p>

Comments: <em>Wrestling his first singles match in quite some time, Motoyuki Miyake defeated fellow young lion Shuzo Utagawa in a short match that did its job of showcasing the next generation and warming up the fans for the rest of the show.</em></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>In a decent match, Masayuki Shiga defeated Rokuemon Matsushita in 9:52 by pinfall with a Deadlift German Suplex.</strong></p><p><strong>

Rating: </strong><strong><span style="color:#A0522D;">D</span></strong></p><p>

Comments: <em>Miyake's regular partner was up next in a singles match, taking on the big man Rokuemon Matsushita. Despite his advanced age, Shiga showed he's worthy of respect through not only beating Matsushita, but also being able to lift him up for the Deadlift German.</em></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>In a decent match, Bunrakuken Torii defeated Quick Kick Nakao in 21:12 by pinfall with a Spinning Forearm Smash.</strong></p><p><strong>

Rating: </strong><strong><span style="color:#FF8C00;">C+</span></strong></p><p>

Comments: <em>Given a chance to headline, Quick Kick Nakao put up a solid, if unspectacular match, losing to Bunrakuken Torii after a hellacious fight.</em></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Show Rating: </strong><strong><span style="color:#A0522D;">D+</span></strong></p><p>

Comments: <em>BCG is popular in Chubu, as the sold out venue would imply and thus fans are more demanding. While the show did little to expand the promotion's fanbase in the area, at least it was still good enough to keep it stable and prevent any losses.</em></p>

[DarK_RaideR]

<div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong>BCG The Lion Rises Tour</strong></p><p><strong>

Tuesday, W4 of August 2016</strong></p><p><strong>

Hall of Nagahama, Kinki</strong></p><p><strong>

Attendance: 300 (sold out)</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>

In a decent match, American Demolition Mk.II defeated MUSCLE Serizawa and Blast Ikoma in 9:53 when Animal Harker defeated MUSCLE Serizawa by pinfall with a Stump Piledriver.</strong></p><p><strong>

Rating: </strong><strong><span style="color:#FF8C00;">C-</span></strong></p><p>

Comments: <em>The gaijin may have won the tag opener and Smith himself improved his Performance skills, but it was the losing team that displayed excellent chemistry working together. While Serizawa is still a young lion at the bottom of the card and Ikoma a main eventer, the latter has been somewhat underwhelming in main event matches, so a long run together as a team shouldn't be out of the question, especially since both are loyal to the promotion and safe from getting poached.</em></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>In a bout that had decent wrestling but didn't have much heat, Kalu Owusu defeated Gidayu Katou in 9:50 by pinfall with a Lariat Clothesline.</strong></p><p><strong>

Rating: </strong><strong><span style="color:#A0522D;">D+</span></strong></p><p>

Comments: <em>Another victory for Owusu over Katou as he keeps building on momentum, another learning experience for the young lion as he pays his dues.</em></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>In a bout that had superb wrestling and a decent reaction from the crowd, Funakoshi defeated Yoshinaka Taku in 21:44 by pinfall with a Butterfly Backbreaker.</strong></p><p><strong>

Rating: </strong><strong><span style="color:#2E8B57;">B</span></strong></p><p>

Comments: <em>Finally a main event that hit the spot, BCG played it safe for their Kinki show with the sure-fire matchup of Funakoshi versus Yoshi Taku. Everything worked out fine, both men were on top of the game and the show wrapped up with a superb showdown.</em></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Show Rating: </strong><strong><span style="color:#FF8C00;">C-</span></strong></p><p>

Comments: <em>BCG went with what works and it paid off in spectacular fashion, giving them the best show of the tour so far. Obviously, that was good enough to bring in new fans in Kinki despite inferior Production Values.</em></p>

[DarK_RaideR]

<div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong>BCG The Lion Rises Tour</strong></p><p><strong>

Wednesday, W4 of August 2016</strong></p><p><strong>

Fukuoka Hall, Kyushu</strong></p><p><strong>

Attendance: 142</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>

In a poor match, Masayuki Shiga & Motoyuki Miyake defeated Yoriie Ippitsusai and Eikichi Itou in 10:08 when Motoyuki Miyake defeated Eikichi Itou by pinfall with a Knock Out Kick.</strong></p><p><strong>

Rating: </strong><strong><span style="color:#A0522D;">D-</span></strong></p><p>

Comments: <em>Back to teaming again and back to defeating Ippitsusai and a young lion, Shiga & Miyake did well enough to fire up the crowd for the show in the ten or so minutes the opener lasted.</em></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>In a bout that had decent wrestling but didn't have much heat, Partnership Of Pain defeated Toshinobu Taku and Kyuichi Matsumoto in 10:25 when Giant Brody defeated Kyuichi Matsumoto by pinfall with a Single Handed Choke Slam.</strong></p><p><strong>

Rating: </strong><strong><span style="color:#A0522D;">D</span></strong></p><p>

Comments: <em>Much like the opening bout, a regular tag team scored a win over a veteran-rookie pairing. Once again, Matsushita shone between the ropes and despite being a tad sloppy, Brody was the one to yet again score the pinfall.</em></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>In a decent match, Bunrakuken Torii defeated Quick Kick Nakao in 21:30 by pinfall with a Spinning Forearm Smash.</strong></p><p><strong>

Rating: </strong><strong><span style="color:#FF8C00;">C+</span></strong></p><p>

Comments: <em>Another chance for Quick Kick Nakao to show what he can do, another decent yet unspectacular match before losing to Torii.</em></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Show Rating: </strong><strong><span style="color:#A0522D;">D</span></strong></p><p>

Comments: <em>A solid show and more new fans for BCG in Kyushu. Now in the last week of the tour, both Owusu and Nakao seem unable to take a main event spot, so it will be interesting to see how the final match card for BCG The Lion Rises shapes out to be.</em></p>

[DarK_RaideR]

<div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong>BCG The Lion Rises Tour</strong></p><p><strong>

Thursday, W4 of August 2016</strong></p><p><strong>

Muroran Hall, Hokkaido</strong></p><p><strong>

Attendance: 174</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>

In a terrible match, Naozane Goto defeated Shuzo Utagawa in 8:03 by pinfall with a Goto Slam.</strong></p><p><strong>

Rating: </strong><strong><span style="color:#FF0000;">E</span></strong></p><p>

Comments: <em>Goto yet again squashed a fellow young lion and while his Performance skills have gotten better, his stamina hasn't. Looks like he'll have to be put in matches around five or six minutes, but at least this opener got the fans buzzing for the rest of the show.</em></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>In a decent match, Team Taku defeated Muscle Blasters in 9:33 when Yoshinaka Taku defeated MUSCLE Serizawa by pinfall with a Full Nelson Bomb.</strong></p><p><strong>

Rating: </strong><strong><span style="color:#FF8C00;">C</span></strong></p><p>

Comments: <em>Picking up on fan-introduced name "Muscle Blasters', the team of MUSCLE Serizawa and Blast Ikoma reunited to take on the BCG Tag Team champions in what would prove to be a losing effort. Looking strong in their final match before BCG The Lion Rises, Team Taku got the win and will be looking to defend their titles come Friday.</em></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>In a bout that had great wrestling and a decent reaction from the crowd, Funakoshi defeated Bulldozer Brandon Smith in 21:23 by pinfall with a Butterfly Backbreaker.</strong></p><p><strong>

Rating: </strong><strong><span style="color:#2E8B57;">B</span></strong></p><p>

Comments: <em>The show held in Hokkaido, there wasn't much room for experimenting with the main event, yet Bulldozer Brandon Smith has proven time and time again he's an excellent one between the ropes. This slowly built up match was no different and in a rare (at least these days) singles bout for Smith, he pushed the World champion to his very limits before Funakoshi finally managed to pin him.</em></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Show Rating: </strong><strong><span style="color:#FF8C00;">C-</span></strong></p><p>

Comments: <em>BCG The Lion Rises tour wrapped up nicely with their final show, gaining new fans in Hokkaido before the big monthly event.</em></p>

[DarK_RaideR]

<p></p><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="y3JoSSm.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/y3JoSSm.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><p> <strong>BCG The Lion Rises</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="45613" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><p>BCG World title match: Funakoshi vs Blast Ikoma (Yoshifusa Maeda Grand Prix Finals Rematch)</p><p> Three way match for the BCG Challengers Series title: Animal Harker vs Bulldozer Brandon Smith vs Kalu Owusu</p><p> Naozane Goto vs Shuzo Utagawa</p><p> BCG World Tag Team titles match: Team Taku vs Partnership of Pain</p><p> Bunrakuken Torii & Gidayu Katou vs Quick Kick Nakao & Kyuichi Matsumoto</p><p> Masayuki Shiga & Motoyuki Miyake vs Yoriie Ippitsusai & Eikichi Itou</p><p> Pre-show: Kiyotaka vs MUSCLE Serizawa</p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote>

[Hashasheen]

<p>Uh... Funakoshi beat Blast Ikoma twice on the tour, and Ikoma also lost two other singles matches on the tour. Why does he get a third singles match, this time for the world title? I'm surprised you're not giving the slot to Brandon Smith or Kalu Owusu, to be honest.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>

BCG World title match: <strong>Funakoshi </strong>vs Blast Ikoma (Yoshifusa Maeda Grand Prix Finals Rematch)</p><p>

Three way match for the BCG Challengers Series title: Animal Harker vs Bulldozer Brandon Smith vs <strong>Kalu Owusu</strong></p><p>

<strong>Naozane Goto </strong>vs Shuzo Utagawa</p><p>

BCG World Tag Team titles match: Team Taku vs <strong>Partnership of Pain</strong></p><p>

<strong>Bunrakuken Torii & Gidayu Katou </strong>vs Quick Kick Nakao & Kyuichi Matsumoto</p><p>

<strong>Masayuki Shiga & Motoyuki Miyake </strong>vs Yoriie Ippitsusai & Eikichi Itou</p><p>

Pre-show: <strong>Kiyotaka </strong>vs MUSCLE Serizawa</p>

[Jon The GOAT]

<p>BCG World title match:<strong> Funakoshi</strong> vs Blast Ikoma (Yoshifusa Maeda Grand Prix Finals Rematch)</p><p>

Three way match for the BCG Challengers Series title: Animal Harker vs <strong>Bulldozer Brandon Smith</strong> vs Kalu Owusu</p><p>

<strong>Naozane Goto</strong> vs Shuzo Utagawa</p><p>

BCG World Tag Team titles match: <strong>Team Taku</strong> vs Partnership of Pain</p><p>

<strong>Bunrakuken Torii & Gidayu Katou</strong> vs Quick Kick Nakao & Kyuichi Matsumoto</p><p>

<strong>Masayuki Shiga & Motoyuki Miyake</strong> vs Yoriie Ippitsusai & Eikichi Itou</p><p>

Pre-show: <strong>Kiyotaka</strong> vs MUSCLE Serizawa</p><p> </p><p>

I have to agree about the main event but I understand your choices were limited.</p>

[DarK_RaideR]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Hashasheen" data-cite="Hashasheen" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="45613" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Uh... Funakoshi beat Blast Ikoma twice on the tour, and Ikoma also lost two other singles matches on the tour. Why does he get a third singles match, this time for the world title? I'm surprised you're not giving the slot to Brandon Smith or Kalu Owusu, to be honest.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Jon The GOAT" data-cite="Jon The GOAT" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="45613" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I have to agree about the main event but I understand your choices were limited.</div></blockquote><p> For the time being, I regard the tour matches as having little to no consequence as far as the big monthly shows go. Torii's fought Funakoshi several times already recently and Yoshi Taku is busy defending the tag titles, so Ikoma was the next in line by virtue of being an established main eventer and a YMGP finalist (old school! respect! tradition!). Plus that rematch story was too good to pass by.</p><p> However, expect anyone winning the gaijin triple threat match (Quick Kick Nakao wasn't included for this exact reason) to go on and challenge the BCG World champion in either The Lion Hunts or The Lion's Roar. Given its name, I'm thinking of making it kind of a "Money in the Bank" prize or "Gift of the Gods" deal (if you're into Lucha Underground); intermediate prize that gives the holder a chance to face the World champion once he's lost the title or something. Haven't figured the exact details yet, but I'm looking to make it a stepping stone that'll help build up momentum and popularity for top challengers.</p>

[siah463]

<p>BCG World title match: <strong>Funakoshi</strong> vs Blast Ikoma (Yoshifusa Maeda Grand Prix Finals Rematch)</p><p>

Three way match for the BCG Challengers Series title: Animal Harker vs Bulldozer Brandon Smith vs <strong>Kalu Owusu</strong></p><p>

<strong>Naozane Goto</strong> vs Shuzo Utagawa</p><p>

BCG World Tag Team titles match: <strong>Team Taku</strong> vs Partnership of Pain</p><p>

<strong>Bunrakuken Torii & Gidayu Katou</strong> vs Quick Kick Nakao & Kyuichi Matsumoto</p><p>

<strong>Masayuki Shiga & Motoyuki Miyake</strong> Vs Yoriie Ippitsusai & Eikichi Itou</p><p>

Pre-show: <strong>Kiyotaka</strong> vs MUSCLE Serizawa</p>

[Hashasheen]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="DarK_RaideR" data-cite="DarK_RaideR" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="45613" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>For the time being, I regard the tour matches as having little to no consequence as far as the big monthly shows go. Torii's fought Funakoshi several times already recently and Yoshi Taku is busy defending the tag titles, so Ikoma was the next in line by virtue of being an established main eventer and a YMGP finalist (old school! respect! tradition!). Plus that rematch story was too good to pass by.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Hm. If you're regarding the tour matches as filler, why not abbreviate the shows into one update? Combined attendance records for the tour versus shows, most successful and least successful records for the tour, any news of note like injuries, debuts, departures, etc...?</p>

[DarK_RaideR]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Hashasheen" data-cite="Hashasheen" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="45613" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Hm. If you're regarding the tour matches as filler, why not abbreviate the shows into one update? Combined attendance records for the tour versus shows, most successful and least successful records for the tour, any news of note like injuries, debuts, departures, etc...?</div></blockquote><p> This is an interesting way to compound things. I'm interested to hear feedback from anyone reading the dynasty, would you prefer a single post summing up the tour and its highlights or do you like things better as they are now?</p>

[John Lions]

<p>BCG World title match: <strong>Funakoshi</strong> vs Blast Ikoma (Yoshifusa Maeda Grand Prix Finals Rematch)</p><p>

<em>As people have said above, the rematch is 100% going to Funakoshi again.</em></p><p>

Three way match for the BCG Challengers Series title: Animal Harker vs <strong>Bulldozer Brandon Smith</strong> vs Kalu Owusu</p><p>

<em>Owusu is the "safe" pick, but I think BBS winning gives you a month of tours where Funakoshi can fight Harker, Brody, Rokuemon to prepare for fighting BBS and it will guarantee you a great match as well. Smith is also an easy target for poachers so you want to get that big main event done now before he's gone</em></p><p>

<strong>Naozane Goto</strong> vs Shuzo Utagawa</p><p>

<em>Squash for the sumo man</em></p><p>

BCG World Tag Team titles match: <strong>Team Taku</strong> vs Partnership of Pain</p><p>

<em>They just won the titles back, so I can see them keeping them until Taka Sr is closer to retirement</em></p><p>

<strong>Bunrakuken Torii & Gidayu Katou</strong> vs Quick Kick Nakao & Kyuichi Matsumoto</p><p>

<em>Nakao underperformed this tour, while Torii is Torii and Katou overperformed</em></p><p>

<strong>Masayuki Shiga & Motoyuki Miyake</strong> vs Yoriie Ippitsusai & Eikichi Itou</p><p>

<em>Get a good win for the guys who can hopefully be challenging Team Taku sooner rather than later</em></p><p>

Pre-show: <strong>Kiyotaka</strong> vs MUSCLE Serizawa</p><p>

<em>Kiyotaka seems to be approaching the end of his young lion-dom so he gets the nod here</em></p>

[Hashasheen]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="DarK_RaideR" data-cite="DarK_RaideR" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="45613" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>This is an interesting way to compound things. I'm interested to hear feedback from anyone reading the dynasty, would you prefer a single post summing up the tour and its highlights or do you like things better as they are now?</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> By the way, if you're keeping the same format but find it it hard to consistently create fresh title challengers for either of the World Titles, then consider simply treating the titles as "trophies" as I do. </p><p> </p><p> I always think of BCG as having Dojo themeing along with sumo nods and the like, so if I'm running on a very small roster I simply don't make World title matches happen unless I'm letting the champs get pinned in an earlier show. And this works if you're repeating enough singles matches for rematches to become a concern in the title pictures. Everyone knows Funakoshi is the top dog and that Torii is second best, so it doesn't matter much if they're defending the title or not, unless it's against each other or a new rising star. The same goes for the World Tag Titles once you settle on two or three top teams, but right now in your case it's considerably more fluid. </p><p> </p><p> Meanwhile, you can pump out Challenger Series defenses on every show on every tour, and a string of frequent victories or title changes on that belt can help liven up your shows, especially if you have someone win and lose on the same tour. It can help give you a 24-7 type of feel if you're interested, and you can add a Lucha Underground style rule saying that someone who holds the title for more than x shows or x tours or something can challenge the World Champ or the World Tag Champs, even if they've dropped the belt in the interim.</p>

[DarK_RaideR]

<p></p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong>Black Canvas Grappling presents</strong></p><p><strong> </strong><img alt="y3JoSSm.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/y3JoSSm.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p><strong> BCG The Lion Rises</strong></p><p><strong> Friday, W4 of August 2016</strong></p><p><strong> Gifu Arena, Chubu</strong></p><p><strong> Attendance: 2.000 (sold out)</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="45613" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><strong>In a pre-show bout that had sub-par wrestling and little heat, Kiyotaka defeated MUSCLE Serizawa in 9:44 by submission with a Kimura.</strong><p><strong> Rating: </strong><strong><span style="color:#A0522D;">D-</span></strong></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="7VXjYUs.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/7VXjYUs.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="S5oggAX.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/S5oggAX.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="25UZG0h.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/25UZG0h.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="IV914xI.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/IV914xI.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="dQi7xWJ.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/dQi7xWJ.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><p> <strong>Masayuki Shiga & Motoyuki Miyake vs Yoriie Ippitsusai & Eikichi Itou</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p><p> Eikichi Itou is still a developing talent and he had sharpened Performance skills to show for himself in this match, but he's still not up to par with veteran Yoriie Ippitsusai, despite the latter now days being one step from retirement. Shiga and Miyake on the other hand seem to be perfecting their tag team approach, with the veteran using his grapple skills and in-ring psychology to keep the match together while Miyake riles up the fans by doing what he does best, which is get in, strike hard and get out. A solid opener to warm up the fans and a good win to top off a series of good matches for Shiga & Miyake during the tour, this one saw the PGHW veteran defeat Itou with a Figure Four.</p><p> <strong>In a poor match, Masayuki Shiga & Motoyuki Miyake defeated Yoriie Ippitsusai and Eikichi Itou in 10:08 when Masayuki Shiga defeated Eikichi Itou by submission with a Figure Four Leglock.</strong></p><p><strong> Rating: </strong><strong><span style="color:#A0522D;">D-</span></strong></p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="D4Mz47n.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/D4Mz47n.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="MkIWjY4.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/MkIWjY4.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="25UZG0h.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/25UZG0h.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="4L2GmXr.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/4L2GmXr.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="oLfE0Uv.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/oLfE0Uv.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><p> <strong>Bunrakuken Torii & Gidayu Katou vs Quick Kick Nakao & Kyuichi Matsumoto</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p><p> For all of Nakao's shortcomings during the tour, he wasn't that far ahead of his teammate in this match, making for a consistent pairing on equal terms. Their opponents were far from that though, as Torii not only outshone his young lion partner by far, but Katou was also thrown way off his game trying to keep up. At least even in this sloppy state, Katou was better than Matsumoto between the ropes so when he hit him with a Lariat for the pin, fans could still buy it as a finish.</p><p> <strong>In a bout that had decent wrestling but didn't have much heat, Bunrakuken Torii and Gidayu Katou defeated Quick Kick Nakao and Kyuichi Matsumoto in 9:56 when Gidayu Katou defeated Kyuichi Matsumoto by pinfall with a Lariat.</strong></p><p><strong> Rating: </strong><strong><span style="color:#FF8C00;">C-</span></strong></p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><img alt="SK5hp7P.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/SK5hp7P.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="SK5hp7P.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/SK5hp7P.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><p><strong> </strong><img alt="pzwPD24.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/pzwPD24.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="Sabbj9c.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Sabbj9c.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="25UZG0h.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/25UZG0h.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="XebEMH0.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/XebEMH0.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="vkE7DNZ.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/vkE7DNZ.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p><strong> BCG World Tag Team titles match</strong></p><p><strong> Team Taku vs Partnership of Pain</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p><p> There is no doubt the Partnership of Pain monster tag team has been a life saver for Brody's career with BCG, the chemistry between the two big men allowing him to perform much better than he usually does. Matsushita was still better inside the ring, though even his improved Technical skills weren't enough to help him outshine the real MVP of this match, Yoshinaka Taku. With Toshi Taku taken out of the match early courtesy of the two monsters (and to prevent him from being exposed), his son fought a heroic uphill battle for most of the remainder, telling a story that really resonated with the audience that was firmly behind him. Taking down a big man though is never an easy task, let alone two and Yoshi Taku couldn't last forever. While Partnership of Pain didn't dominate the match as they had hoped, they were still able to win it, crowning themselves the new BCG World Tag Team champions in the process.</p><p> <strong>In a decent match, Partnership Of Pain defeated Team Taku in 10:29 when Rokuemon Matsushita defeated Toshinobu Taku by pinfall with an One-Handed Choke Slam. Partnership Of Pain win the BCG World Tag Team titles. </strong></p><p><strong> Rating: </strong><strong><span style="color:#FF8C00;">C</span></strong></p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="CuHyCWZ.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/CuHyCWZ.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="25UZG0h.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/25UZG0h.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="dlVXejX.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/dlVXejX.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><p> <strong>Naozane Goto vs Shuzo Utagawa</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p><p> Moving on to singles matchups and giving the crowd a breather after the shocking finish of the tag titles match, Goto squashed Utagawa in just over five minutes, after hitting him with a series of thunderous slaps and chops at the start of the match which Utagawa sold brilliantly to showcase his improved Performance skills, stumbling around to allow for Goto's most powerful moves and a quick wrap-up.</p><p> <strong>In a poor match, Naozane Goto defeated Shuzo Utagawa in 5:42 by pinfall with a Goto Slam.</strong></p><p><strong> Rating: </strong><strong><span style="color:#A0522D;">D-</span></strong></p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><img alt="MXJ65pr.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/MXJ65pr.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><p><strong> </strong><img alt="3rJ5hD0.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/3rJ5hD0.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="25UZG0h.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/25UZG0h.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="POBEZKK.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/POBEZKK.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="25UZG0h.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/25UZG0h.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="WkiiMof.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/WkiiMof.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p><strong> Three way match for the BCG Challengers Series title</strong></p><p><strong> Animal Harker vs Bulldozer Brandon Smith vs Kalu Owusu</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p><p> This all-gaijin triple threat for the vacated BCG Challengers Series title after Yokokawa's departure was also an interesting contrast of three very different styles of brawling: Harker's scrappy fighting, Smith's big power moves and Owusu's MMA-influenced strikes. This all made for an interesting mix, even if in terms of pure in-ring product, Harker's approach seemed a bit 'unpolished' in there with the other two. Another factor that influenced the match dynamic here was Smith and Harker's tagging experience as the second incarnation of American Demolition, initially helping them take the fight to Owusu and expose his 'MMA' weakness of being used to one on one matchups, before things imploded when the time came to score the pin. Smith got the best of that exchange only for a recovered Owusu to break things up and showcase his own improvement as far as Rumble skills go. Smith only needed a good opening though to fight back and switching from strikes to power moves, he finally nailed Owusu with a Backdrop Driver to win the match and title.</p><p> <strong>In a bout that had decent wrestling but didn't have much heat, Bulldozer Brandon Smith defeated Animal Harker and Kalu Owusu in 16:26 when Bulldozer Brandon Smith defeated Kalu Owusu by pinfall with a Backdrop Driver. Bulldozer Brandon Smith wins the BCG Challengers Series title. </strong></p><p><strong> Rating: </strong><strong><span style="color:#FF8C00;">C</span></strong></p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><img alt="sz24Eba.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/sz24Eba.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><p><strong> </strong><img alt="8jfbhLn.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/8jfbhLn.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="25UZG0h.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/25UZG0h.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="xH5san9.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/xH5san9.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p><strong> BCG World title match</strong></p><p><strong> Funakoshi vs Blast Ikoma</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p><p> Revisiting their confrontation from the finals of this year's Yoshifusa Maeda Grand Prix, Funakoshi and Ikoma once again met in a BCG ring, this time in the main event and with the World title on the line. What was interesting (and the announcing team made sure to point it out) was the different trajectories the careers of these two had taken since then. Funakoshi went on to win the Grand Prix and then the title, defending it in the rematch against previous holder Torii, while Ikoma got sidelined with a shoulder injury, only to return at The Survivor and almost go from bell to bell before having the prize slip out of his hands. This all would explain Ikoma's hunger and increased aggression between the ropes, yet it all wasn't enough to defeat the samurai in Funakoshi. Soaking up unreal amounts of punishment and still fighting on, the champion retaliated on Ikoma with the stiffest of strikes, pushing the match to almost half an hour before finally scoring the pin after hitting his finisher.</p><p> <strong>In a bout that had great wrestling and a decent reaction from the crowd, Funakoshi defeated Blast Ikoma in 25:58 by pinfall with a Butterfly Backbreaker. Funakoshi makes defence number 2 of his BCG World title. </strong></p><p><strong> Rating: </strong><strong><span style="color:#2E8B57;">B-</span></strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong> Show Rating: </strong><strong><span style="color:#FF8C00;">C-</span></strong></p><p> Comments: <em>Arguably one of BCG's best shows of the year so far, the booking and execution of this show really made it feel like a big deal as part of the big three 'Lion' shows. The main event delivered, as did the risky gaijin triple threat before it for the Challengers Series title and the shocking tag title exchange, making for a good show that earned BCG new fans in the Chubu area.</em></p>

[DarK_RaideR]

<p></p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong>BCG The Lion Hunts tour report</strong></p><p> </p><p> <img alt="POBEZKK.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/POBEZKK.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p></div><p></p><p></p><p> In light of Nobuharu Yokokawa's departure while still the BCG Challengers Series champion, BCG have taken the next step in evolving the title after their all-gaijin triple threat match for the vacated gold. Emphasizing the title's nature as a prize for a series of challengers, as its name implies, BCG officials have introduced a new stipulation, according to which the title holder has the option to vacate the title in exchange for a shot at the BCG World champion. Latest holder Bulldozer Brandon Smith was all to happy to make use of the new rules, this securing himself a spot to headline September's "BCG The Lion Hunts" main event against Funakoshi.</p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="4L2GmXr.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/4L2GmXr.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="Sabbj9c.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Sabbj9c.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div><p></p><p></p><p> With Torii and Ikoma already having fought Funakoshi multiple times already this year, as well as Harker and Owusu failing to capture the BCG Challengers Series title last month, the chance to hold it has been given to established worker Quick Kick Nakao and breakout young talent Yoshinaka Taku. Both men had some very good singles performances throughout the tour and this is expected to be a hotly contested bout, with the winner even having a chance to fight for the BCG World title at the promotion's biggest annual show, The Lion's Roar, in October.</p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="7VXjYUs.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/7VXjYUs.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="S5oggAX.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/S5oggAX.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div><p></p><p></p><p> With all the above, recent BCG World Tag Team champions Brody and Matsushita were denied a chance to make their first defense against either Team Taku or American Demolition Mk.II so the opportunity has been given instead to the pairing of Masayuki Shiga and Motoyuki Miyake, who have impressed with their series of matches in the last few months. The hardened veteran would like nothing more than one last run with the gold, while Miyake has topped all his fellow young lions and even a few regular midcarders in terms of in-ring performance, meaning this may just be the greatest tag title battle so far in the year.</p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="qoSn5Jh.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/qoSn5Jh.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><p> <strong>BCG The Lion Hunts</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="45613" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><p>BCG World title match: Funakoshi vs Bulldozer Brandon Smith</p><p> Bunrakuken Torii vs Kalu Owusu</p><p> BCG Challengers Series title match: Quick Kick Nakao vs Yoshinaka Taku</p><p> BCG World Tag Team titles match: Partnership of Pain vs Masayuki Shiga & Motoyuki Miyake</p><p> Muscle Blasters (Ikoma & Serizawa) vs Animal Harker & Kyuichi Matsumoto</p><p> Toshinobu Taku, Kyiotaka & Eikichi Itou vs Yoriie Ippitsusai, Gidayu Katou & Shuzo Utagawa</p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote>

[Jon The GOAT]

<p>Good, but extremely predictable show. The complicated thing about the Funakoshi/Ikoma rivalry is that Ikoma is never going to be at Funakoshi's level from an in-ring perspective, so will you keep this extremely one-sided rivalry going, or, for the sake of the story, start having Ikoma even up the odds? </p><p> </p><p>

Happy to see Matsushita & Brody find some chemistry. Always awesome when you've got a guy like Brody who is pretty mediocre, if not underwhelming, but finds excellent chemistry and can be pushed.</p><p> </p><p>

Big fan of the father/son combo with the Takus. Yoshinaka is one of my favorite BCG guys next to Torii & Funakoshi.</p><p> </p><p>

Fine Goto squash. Haven't been 100% following, but Goto makes a lot of sense to give a lengthy streak too for a big showdown with Funakoshi. </p><p> </p><p>

Bulldozer win is sensible, I think he's got a short-term future with BCG though, inevitable that a BHOTWG comes calling for his services. Owusu and Harker probably have longer term futures with the company if you continue calling them in for tours. </p><p> </p><p>

--</p><p> </p><p>

BCG World title match: <strong>Funakoshi </strong>vs Bulldozer Brandon Smith: Brandon would be a perfect champion to overcome Funakoshi if I thought he would stay long term.</p><p>

<strong>Bunrakuken Torii </strong>vs Kalu Owusu</p><p>

BCG Challengers Series title match: <strong>Quick Kick Nakao</strong> vs Yoshinaka Taku: Yoshinaka is tremendous and should win but I think you're better off holding back on Funakoshi vs. Taku and having Nakao win it so he can give Funakoshi a good defense. </p><p>

BCG World Tag Team titles match: <strong>Partnership of Pain</strong> vs Masayuki Shiga & Motoyuki Miyake: Although Shiga getting a reign would be great. </p><p>

<strong>Muscle Blasters (Ikoma & Serizawa)</strong> vs Animal Harker & Kyuichi Matsumoto</p><p>

<strong>Toshinobu Taku, Kyiotaka & Eikichi Itou</strong> vs Yoriie Ippitsusai, Gidayu Katou & Shuzo Utagawa</p><p> </p><p>

No Naozane Goto this show?</p>

[John Lions]

<p>BCG World title match: <strong>Funakoshi</strong> vs Bulldozer Brandon Smith</p><p>

<em>This a tough one but I might even be tempted to go with a draw here, I think this is a money match and a clean with from Funakoshi makes it tougher to drag it out over a couple tours like it deserves. Going to stick with the safe prediction for now though but I don't think it will be clean as a whistle</em></p><p>

Bunrakuken Torii vs <strong>Kalu Owusu</strong></p><p>

<em>Think Owusu needs to be built up as a credible new guy at the top, Torii can always recover but two big losses in a row for Owusu could kill his chance of building up any momentum</em></p><p>

BCG Challengers Series title match: Quick Kick Nakao vs <strong>Yoshinaka Taku</strong></p><p>

<em>Was surprised by the tag title decision, I thought you gave it to Demolition Mark II to let Yoshinaka go on his singles run but then you gave it back to them, then to the Partnership. Makes sense since with the huge loss of talent you needed Bulldozer to step up in singles action. I can see Yoshinaka losing to be forced to "chase" for a while but I think he's already ready, Nakao has looked pretty mediocre</em></p><p>

BCG World Tag Team titles match: <strong>Partnership of Pain</strong> vs Masayuki Shiga & Motoyuki Miyake</p><p>

<em>There can't be FOUR straight tag title swaps, can there????</em></p><p>

<strong>Muscle Blasters</strong> (Ikoma & Serizawa) vs Animal Harker & Kyuichi Matsumoto</p><p>

<em>Muscle Blasters are looking good, so I see them getting built up. Matsumoto is the clear fall guy here</em></p><p>

Toshinobu Taku, Kyiotaka & Eikichi Itou vs <strong>Yoriie Ippitsusai, Gidayu Katou & Shuzo Utagawa</strong></p><p>

<em>In a match chock full of young lions, the clear standouts are Katou (who just pinned Nakao) and Utagawa</em></p>

[siah463]

<p>BCG World title match: <strong>Funakoshi</strong> vs Bulldozer Brandon Smith</p><p>

Bunrakuken Torii vs <strong>Kalu Owusu</strong></p><p>

BCG Challengers Series title match: Quick Kick Nakao vs <strong>Yoshinaka Taku</strong></p><p>

BCG World Tag Team titles match: <strong>Partnership of Pain</strong> vs Masayuki Shiga & Motoyuki Miyake</p><p>

<strong>Muscle Blasters (Ikoma & Serizawa)</strong> vs Animal Harker & Kyuichi Matsumoto</p><p>

<strong>Toshinobu Taku, Kyiotaka & Eikichi Itou</strong> vs Yoriie Ippitsusai, Gidayu Katou & Shuzo Utagawa</p>

[DarK_RaideR]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Jon The GOAT" data-cite="Jon The GOAT" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="45613" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>No Naozane Goto this show?</div></blockquote><p> Goto is hell backstage to begin with; he spent the first part of the tour causing problems, getting punished, then causing bigger problems because he was mad. I've been giving him weekly leaves, which has improved his mood and kept him away from bringing everyone's morale down.</p>

[DarK_RaideR]

<p></p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong>Black Canvas Grappling presents</strong></p><p><strong>

</strong><img alt="qoSn5Jh.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/qoSn5Jh.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p><strong>

BCG The Lion Hunts</strong></p><p><strong>

Friday, W4 of September 2016</strong></p><p><strong>

Kyoto Arena, Kinki</strong></p><p><strong>

Attendance: 2.000 (sold out)</strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>

</strong><img alt="pzwPD24.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/pzwPD24.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="32BXfva.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/32BXfva.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="dQi7xWJ.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/dQi7xWJ.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="25UZG0h.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/25UZG0h.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="IV914xI.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/IV914xI.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="MkIWjY4.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/MkIWjY4.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="dlVXejX.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/dlVXejX.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p><strong>

Toshinobu Taku, Kiyotaka & Eikichi Itou vs Yoriie Ippitsusai, Gidayu Katou & Shuzo Utagawa</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p><p>

Not the most action packed match on the card, but then again undercard multi man matches never are. Still, this 3 vs 3 got the crowd going to make for a strong start to the show, with Taku and Kiyotaka carrying everyone else from bell to bell, while Katou did the heavy lifting for his team. The finish held special importance though, as Kiyotaka locked Ippitsusai in a Kimura for the submission, defeating the veteran to signal his transition from young lion to full fledged wrestler, something the other participants acknowledged and emphasized afterwards by congratulating him.</p><p>

<strong>In a poor match, Toshinobu Taku, Kiyotaka & Eikichi Itou defeated Yoriie Ippitsusai, Gidayu Katou & Shuzo Utagawa in 10:08 when Kiyotaka defeated Yoriie Ippitsusai by submission with a Kimura.</strong></p><p><strong>

Rating: </strong><strong><span style="color:#A0522D;">D</span></strong></p><p> </p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><img alt="xH5san9.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/xH5san9.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="P2JXnpv.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/P2JXnpv.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="25UZG0h.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/25UZG0h.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="3rJ5hD0.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/3rJ5hD0.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="oLfE0Uv.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/oLfE0Uv.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><p><strong>

Muscle Blasters vs Animal Harker & Kyuichi Matsumoto</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p><p>

For all of Ikoma and Serizawa's chemistry, Harker and Matsumoto were the polar opposite, being completely off key when called to work together as a team. While this did bring the match down a bit, it also served as an interesting juxtaposition that was exploited for in-ring storytelling, leading to a justified win for the undeniably better of two teams.</p><p>

<strong>In a bout that had decent wrestling but didn't have much heat, Muscle Blasters defeated Animal Harker and Kyuichi Matsumoto in 9:38 when MUSCLE Serizawa defeated Kyuichi Matsumoto by pinfall with a MUSCLE Lariat.</strong></p><p><strong>

Rating: </strong><strong><span style="color:#A0522D;">D+</span></strong></p><p> </p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><img alt="SK5hp7P.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/SK5hp7P.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="SK5hp7P.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/SK5hp7P.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><p><strong>

</strong><img alt="XebEMH0.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/XebEMH0.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="vkE7DNZ.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/vkE7DNZ.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="25UZG0h.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/25UZG0h.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="7VXjYUs.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/7VXjYUs.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="S5oggAX.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/S5oggAX.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p><strong>

BCG World Tag Team titles match</strong></p><p><strong>

Partnership of Pain vs Masayuki Shiga & Motoyuki Miyake</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p><p>

First title match of the night and first title defense for the monster champions against the ever improving duo of Shiga and Miyake. The veteran's toughness and the youngster's tenacity prevented the Powers of Pain from scoring a quick, dominant win, looking instead to tire the two big men and wear them out. While smart, the tactic failed due to a combination of Shiga's declining physical skill and Miyake's lack of experience, leading to Rokuemon Matsushita chokeslaming the veteran for the win while making a statement.</p><p>

<strong>In a bout that had decent wrestling but didn't have much heat, Partnership Of Pain defeated Shiga & Miyake in 9:53 when Rokuemon Matsushita defeated Masayuki Shiga by pinfall with an One-Handed Choke Slam. Partnership Of Pain make defence number 1 of their BCG World Tag Team titles.</strong></p><p><strong>

Rating: </strong><strong><span style="color:#FF8C00;">C-</span></strong></p><p> </p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><img alt="MXJ65pr.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/MXJ65pr.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><p><strong>

</strong><img alt="4L2GmXr.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/4L2GmXr.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="25UZG0h.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/25UZG0h.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="Sabbj9c.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Sabbj9c.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p><strong>

BCG Challengers Series title match</strong></p><p><strong>

Quick Kick Nakao vs Yoshinaka Taku</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p><p>

With the new rules in effect regarding the Challengers Series title and Bulldozer Brandon Smith already vacating it for a chance to wrestle Funakoshi for the World title, the belt was up for grabs again. Wrestling for the prize was established outsider Quick Kick Nakao and home grown youngster Yoshinaka Taku. Despite being only 24 years of age, Taku has already held tag gold in BCG alongside his father and that was apparent in the match, as he rose up to the occasion and didn't feel like a rookie at all, eventually defeating Nakao for his first ever singles title win.</p><p>

<strong>In a decent match, Yoshinaka Taku defeated Quick Kick Nakao in 16:09 by pinfall with a Full Nelson Bomb. Yoshinaka Taku wins the BCG Challengers Series title. </strong></p><p><strong>

Rating: </strong><strong><span style="color:#FF8C00;">C</span></strong></p><p> </p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><img alt="D4Mz47n.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/D4Mz47n.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="25UZG0h.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/25UZG0h.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="WkiiMof.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/WkiiMof.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><p><strong>

Bunrakuken Torii vs Kalu Owusu</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p><p>

No title was on the line for the semi main event and without much at stake or any storyline heat behind it, the match still made an impact, not only for the solid in-ring action but also for its controversial booking. Coming in with the aura of an INSPIRE veteran, Owusu failed to capture the BCG Challengers Series title so part of the fans expected him to win this match in order to stay in the game, yet he once again lost in what many saw as a vengeful traditionalist attempt to bury the legitimacy of the entire MMA crossover idea.</p><p>

<strong>In a bout that had good wrestling and a decent reaction from the crowd, Bunrakuken Torii defeated Kalu Owusu in 21:06 by pinfall with a Spinning Forearm Smash.</strong></p><p><strong>

Rating: </strong><strong><span style="color:#2E8B57;">B-</span></strong></p><p> </p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><img alt="sz24Eba.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/sz24Eba.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><p><strong>

</strong><img alt="8jfbhLn.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/8jfbhLn.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="25UZG0h.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/25UZG0h.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="POBEZKK.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/POBEZKK.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p><strong>

BCG World title match</strong></p><p><strong>

Funakoshi vs Bulldozer Brandon Smith</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p><p>

The entire show had been a climax and the main event was no different, with the two competitors managing to somehow outperform Torii and Owusu before them. Coming to his own as a singles wrestler, Smith showed what he can do, his versatility on display as he moved with grace a man his size shouldn't posess, not to mention his crisp technical skills on display. Funakoshi won, but Smith made him work very hard for it, pushing an extremely even match past the twenty minute mark before a heroic Butterfly Backbreaker put Smith out.</p><p>

<strong>In a bout that had superb wrestling and a decent reaction from the crowd, Funakoshi defeated Bulldozer Brandon Smith in 22:36 by pinfall with a Butterfly Backbreaker. Funakoshi makes defence number 3 of his BCG World title. </strong></p><p><strong>

Rating: </strong><strong><span style="color:#2E8B57;">B</span></strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>

Show Rating: </strong><strong><span style="color:#FF8C00;">C</span></strong></p>

[Hashasheen]

I'm perfectly happy with Owusu losing. I like the guy, but he's here to put over natives. Maybe down the line he could sniff a World Title run, but there's more veteran gaijin on the roster who could handle a title run. Kiyotaka vs. Ipputsuai is a definite singles match for the next show to further elevate Kiyotaka. And that's a good strong number in Kinki.

[DarK_RaideR]

<p></p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong>BCG The Lion's Roar tour report</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> Tuesday Week 1 show highlights:</p><p> - Masayuki Shiga & Motoyuki Miyake defeated BCG World champion Funakoshi and one half of former BCG World Tag Team champions Toshinobu Taku when Masayuki Shiga pinned Toshinobu Taku after a Deadlift German Suplex.</p><p> </p><p> Wednesday Week 1 show highlights:</p><p> - Muscle Blasters defeated the BCG World Tag Team champions Partnership Of Pain when Blast Ikoma defeated Giant Brody by submission.</p><p> - Current BCG Challengers Series champion Yoshinaka Taku defeated former title holder Bulldozer Brandon Smith in 21:18 by pinfall with a Full Nelson Bomb.</p><p> </p><p> Thursday Week 1 show highlights:</p><p> - Kiyotaka defeated Yoriie Ippitsusai by submission with a Kimura to cement the end of his young lion phase. Unfortunately, the two seemed to have bad chemistry in the ring, so more singles encounters between them are unlikely to happen.</p><p> </p><p> Wednesday Week 2 show highlights:</p><p> - The main event was a Triple Threat match for the BCG Challengers Series title, in which Yoshinaka Taku succesfully defended his title by defeating Blast Ikoma and Bunrakuken Torii in 23:01 after he hit Blast Ikoma with a Full Nelson Bomb.</p><p> - In the opening match of the show, Yoriie Ippitsusai and Eikichi Itou defeated Gidayu Katou and Kiyotaka when Yoriie Ippitsusai defeated Gidayu Katou by pinfall with a Yakuza Kick. Despite losing the match, Katou and Kiyotaka displayed chemistry as a team, which saw them teaming up again for the rest of the tour.</p><p> </p><p> Tuesday Week 3 show highlights:</p><p> - Shiga & Miyake defeated Muscle Blasters in a closely contended match after Motoyuki Miyake hit MUSCLE Serizawa with a Knock Out Kick.</p><p> </p><p> Wednesday Week 3 show highlights:</p><p> - Team Taku reunited to fight and defeat Muscle Blasters, with Toshinobu Taku scoring the pin on MUSCLE Serizawa after he and his son hit him with a Taku Tag Treatment.</p><p> - In a bout that had superb wrestling and a decent reaction from the crowd, BCG's top two figures Funakoshi and Bunrakuken Torii clashed, with Funakoshi scoring the pinfall in 25:11 after a Butterfly Backbreaker on Torii.</p><p> </p><p> Thursday Week 3 show highlights:</p><p> - In the opening match, Naozano Goto squashed promising rookie Akira Arato, who was signed for a one-night tryout deal.</p><p> - Kiyotaka & Katou wrestled the BCG World Tag Team champions Partnership of Pain, losing to them in roughly 10 minutes.</p><p> </p><p> Tuesday Week 4 show highlights:</p><p> - Team Taku reunited once more to wrestle Shiga & Miyake, with the former champions once again hitting the Taku Tag Treatment for the win on Miyake.</p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="rZ2TwRt.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/rZ2TwRt.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><p> <strong>BCG The Lion's Roar</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="45613" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><p>BCG World title match: Funakoshi vs Yoshinaka Taku</p><p> BCG Challengers Series title match: Animal Harker vs Bunrakuken Torii</p><p> Bulldozer Brandon Smith vs Kalu Owusu vs Quick Kick Nakao</p><p> BCG World Tag Team titles match: Partnership of Pain vs Muscle Blasters</p><p> Kiyotaka & Gidayu Katou vs Masayuki Shiga & Motoyuki Miyake</p><p> Toshinobu Taku, Eikichi Itou & Shuzo Utagawa vs Yoriie Ippitsusai, Naozano Goto & Kyuichi Matsumoto</p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote>

[Hashasheen]

<p>BCG World title match: <strong>Funakoshi </strong>vs Yoshinaka Taku</p><p>

BCG Challengers Series title match: <strong>Animal Harker </strong>vs Bunrakuken Torii</p><p>

Bulldozer Brandon Smith vs <strong>Kalu Owusu </strong>vs Quick Kick Nakao</p><p>

BCG World Tag Team titles match: <strong>Partnership of Pain </strong>vs Muscle Blasters</p><p>

Kiyotaka & Gidayu Katou vs <strong>Masayuki Shiga & Motoyuki Miyake</strong></p><p>

Toshinobu Taku, Eikichi Itou & Shuzo Utagawa vs <strong>Yoriie Ippitsusai, Naozano Goto & Kyuichi Matsumoto</strong></p><p> </p><p>

How are you finding the new style, creatively speaking? </p><p> </p><p>

I think Taku has a future as a World Champion, just not this early into the dynasty. Harker is a fresher face to challenge Funakoshi, that's for certain. And Kalu Owusu in the match beforehand can get a win and make a case for a fresh job to Torii, or a leapfrog over Torii given Torii's record vs. Funakoshi so far.</p><p> </p><p>

I think Kiyotaka has a good chance to make a run through the next few months to reach a chance to challenge Funakoshi. Or maybe him and Katou mount a serious run at the tag titles instead of Katou can shed his young lion bearings. Shiga isn't going to be around forever I know, so Miyake might need to start looking for a new partner in crime.</p>

[John Lions]

<p>BCG World title match: <strong>Funakoshi</strong> vs Yoshinaka Taku</p><p>

<em>Funakoshi will have a nice long reign here to pull BCG up after the tsunami.</em></p><p>

BCG Challengers Series title match: Animal Harker vs <strong>Bunrakuken Torii</strong></p><p>

<em>I don't think Harker is at the level to be beating a guy like Torii yet given his performances.</em></p><p>

Bulldozer Brandon Smith vs <strong>Kalu Owusu</strong> vs Quick Kick Nakao</p><p>

<em>Get Owusu a win where Smith can walk out without taking the pinfall</em></p><p>

BCG World Tag Team titles match: <strong>Partnership of Pain</strong> vs Muscle Blasters</p><p>

<em>Don't think it's time for them to drop the titles yet</em></p><p>

Kiyotaka & Gidayu Katou vs <strong>Masayuki Shiga & Motoyuki Miyake</strong></p><p>

<em>Shiga and Miyake have been building up a head of steam on the past couple tours</em></p><p>

Toshinobu Taku, Eikichi Itou & Shuzo Utagawa vs <strong>Yoriie Ippitsusai, Naozano Goto & Kyuichi Matsumoto</strong></p><p>

<em>No horse in this race, so just flipping a coin here</em></p>