[CVerse] Black Canvas Grappling: Defenders of Puroresu

DarK_RaideR · July 17, 2018

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I returned to my office and let my body sink into the chair behind my desk. TagMania 3 was over and I was happy, but exhausted. I took a deep, long breath and let it out slowly.

Before I was done exhaling, the door knocked.

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"We've been friends for too long, Yoshizawa-san" I heard Maeda say as he shut the door behind him, before taking a seat himself. "I may still be your boss, but I know you wouldn't shower me with praise to earn my favor. Not after all these years."

I let my head hang down as a smile formed on my lips. "I would never disrespect you in such fashion, Maeda-san. It is an honor to have you in the company and I thought it would be good to remind our workers just that. Morale could use a boost."

Maeda was still eyeing me like a sly fox. In my exhaustion, I had forgotten how sharp his mind is at all times. "Things happen on the road, but our rules are strict and so far have prevented the worst of it. We have plenty of respected veterans and respectful young lions. Locker room morale is fine. It's your morale that needed the boost, I'd say. Which is why I'm here. The Grand Prix is coming up, plus our March break. If something is wrong, I want to know."

He knew me so well I couldn't hide, so I might as well come clean. "The only thing wrong is me, my friend. Keeping everything running smooth takes a big toll on me, that's it. But since you're asking, I want to take the opportunity and let you know where we stand. You have a right to know, as a friend and as an owner."

<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="8jfbhLn.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/8jfbhLn.jpg" 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" /><img alt="vkE7DNZ.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/vkE7DNZ.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div>"We've lost much of our talent to hostile raids from Golden Canvas and bigger sharks like PGHW or BHOTWG have still to come knocking. Not all is lost though. We have a strong trio of loyal main eventers in Torii, Funakoshi and Ikoma. Matsushita needs some polishing still, but he should be ready to join them soon."

<div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="dQi7xWJ.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/dQi7xWJ.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="oLfE0Uv.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/oLfE0Uv.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="P2JXnpv.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/P2JXnpv.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div>"Then there's the young lions. My plan to invest in the next generation of loyal talent already seems to be paying off. Of those we signed for this tour, Itou, Katou, Matsumoto, Miyake and Serizawa are already loyal soldiers of the Black Canvas. Even better, some of them have found mentors in our veterans. Murakami has taken Katou under his wing, while Ozawa has both Matsumoto and Miyake as his proteges. I'm considering proper contracts for these rookies once the tour is over. We can afford it."

"You have a deadline till the end of 2017" Maeda interrupted to remind me. "No debt, no drop under Regional size."

"That is true" I agreed. "You gave me a month and a half, two shows' worth before we even got to this discussion and I appreciate your trust, old friend. I have a masterplan. So far it seems to be working out, even if barely." Maeda raised an eyebrow. I had piqued his interest. "It's not just Golden Canvas we're up against. PGHW and BHOTWG are too big to directly affect us, but the other members of the New Japan Movement are killing us in the Regional Wars every month. It's us against all of them. So far only GCG and EXODUS have put up better shows to beat us and both have the money to do it. GCG will soon rise to Cult size; though that'll take them out of the Regional War game, expect them to cherry pick more of our talent once they do. EXODUS are more flash than substance. Their production values are through the roof. The rest we've overtaken and that includes 5 Star Supreme Wrestling."

Maeda gave the slightest nod of approval and satisfaction. If I hadn't known him for so long, I never could have guessed. He never thought much of joshi wrestling, but there was no denying 5SSW was a major player in the business. Outperforming them was no small feat.

"During the Heritage tour, I saw our product is good enough to win us new fans, production values be damned" I continued, bolstered by my vision and Maeda's begrudging approval. "Japan's cut down to 8 regions and a weekly tour show can't cover them all in time. Not without TV coverage, at least. If I want us to stay afloat and you want us to stay Regional, we have to do a show in each one, every month. Another thing I noticed during the Heritage tour is we were breaking even, so I took the step to add another weekly show to the TagMania tour. It pushed our finances, sure, but that's because we had to make every match a tag one. Then there's the April break. I'm confident we can bounce back, so check back with me before we start May's Test of Champions tour. If it all works out, we should be able to expand our fanbase, slowly but surely, across the country. Hopefully to an extent that can get us a TV deal."

Maeda waved to get me back on the ground. "There is reason behind your plan, but like you said, we can discuss it again before the Test of Champions tour kicks off. By that time it will be less theoretical, too. But first, the Grand Prix. What do you have in mind?"

This was just like our days back in the ring. He was giving me the assist so I would deliver the killing blow.

"We have eight tour shows, so here's what I've set up: Two blocks of six competitors each, in a round robin tournament. Two points for a win, one for a draw, zero for a loss. Every tour show, we alternate between each block, so that's four tour shows for each block. Three matches per show... brings us to the Grand Prix show itself, with each competitor having fought four of his five competitors in the block up to that point. On that night, we hold the last round, which instantly gives us six matches for the Grand Prix show, plus the final, in which the leaders of each block face each other, with the winner fighting Torii over the BCG World title in Test of Champions."

"Not bad" Maeda said, leaning back into his chair to make himself comfortable. "As long as you remember to keep Torii and those not in the tournament busy in the meantime. Multi man matches should be enough. So, who have you penciled in to be in each block?"

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BCG Yoshifusa Maeda Grand Prix 2016

A Block

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Sofu Ozawa, Blast Ikoma, Naonobu Murakami

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Sharaku Okimasa, Nobuharu Yokokawa, Hitomaro Suzuki

B Block

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Masayuki Shiga, Funakoshi, Rokuemon Matsushita

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Noritoshi Miura, Yoshishada Matsuzawa, Giant Brody</div>

Voeltzwagon · July 17, 2018

Good batch of young lions to work with. I like picking up Suzuki as well when I play BCG, but he never lasts long.

Really enjoying this!

siah463 · July 18, 2018

I've been checking up on this daily, I love it so far, can't wait to see how the young lions develop.

John Lions · July 18, 2018

Woof, I did reasonably well for the tournament but biffed all the multi man matches. Excited for the Grand Prix, I'll get a better idea of who's who at the top of BCG.

DarK_RaideR · July 18, 2018

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Voeltzwagon" data-cite="Voeltzwagon" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="45613" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Good batch of young lions to work with. I like picking up Suzuki as well when I play BCG, but he never lasts long. Really enjoying this!</div></blockquote> True. I'm surprised BHOTWG or GCG haven't signed him yet, as they usually do. Maybe when GCG goes Cult. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="siah463" data-cite="siah463" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="45613" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I've been checking up on this daily, I love it so far, can't wait to see how the young lions develop.</div></blockquote> It's a long way to the top if they wanna rock and roll... Also, I signed up another favorite YL, Shuzo Utagawa and was lucky enough to have him become a BCG loyalist. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="John Lions" data-cite="John Lions" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="45613" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Woof, I did reasonably well for the tournament but biffed all the multi man matches. Excited for the Grand Prix, I'll get a better idea of who's who at the top of BCG.</div></blockquote> Poor man's G1 for now. I do the best I can with a limited roster and finances. Thanks for following and commenting everyone! It really gives me steam to keep going!

DarK_RaideR · July 18, 2018

<div style="text-align:center;">BCG Yoshifusa Maeda Grand Prix 2016 Tour Saturday, W2 of February 2016 Matsumoto Hall, Tohoku Attendance: 295</div> In a bout that had decent wrestling but didn't have much heat, Bunrakuken Torii, Yoriie Ippitsusai and Omezo Shikitei defeated Naozane Goto and Team Taku in 9:34 when Yoriie Ippitsusai defeated Naozane Goto by pinfall with a Yakuza Kick. Rating: D Comments: A strong start to the show with a 3 on 3 match featuring the BCG World champion, since he's not a part of the tournament. Torii was, unsurprisingly, the best man between the ropes and showed some crisp new Technical skills. Big man Naozane Goto also showed he's made progress in his Rumble skills despite ultimately taking the pin, while his fellow young lion Shikitei got the rub as far as both Rumble and Technical skills go. <div style="text-align:center;">Yoshifusa Maeda Grand Prix 2016 A Block match <img alt="tfcFhGn.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/tfcFhGn.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="stfprsK.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/stfprsK.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Hitomaro Suzuki vs Nobuharu Yokokawa</div>In the opening match of the 2016 Yoshifusa Maeda Grand Prix, Suzuki and Yokokawa clashed in a classic slow build puroresu bout full of hard strikes and intense wrestling. Despite Yokokawa's impressive array of suplexes and brainbusters, Suzuki was able to survive and take control of the match on the mat, showing some sharpened Performance skills before he managed to tap out the BCG Challengers champion in a shock but well deserved victory that not only earned him a title shot but also further established him as a dangerous competitor on the rise. In a bout that had decent wrestling but didn't have much heat, Hitomaro Suzuki defeated Nobuharu Yokokawa in 15:32 by submission with a Suzuki Lock. Rating: D Point total after the match: Suzuki 2, Yokokawa 0 <div style="text-align:center;">Yoshifusa Maeda Grand Prix 2016 A Block match <img alt="DccXUpR.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/DccXUpR.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="a92CBvx.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/a92CBvx.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Sofu Ozawa vs Sharaku Okimasa</div>With both competitors in this match specializing in technical wrestling, it was no surprise they took the slow build approach to work a hold and counterhold match as they chained together moves and reversals to captivate the audience. Sadly, the two men's styles didn't quite seem to mesh, which made for a somewhat awkward bout. Okimasa had the upper hand in terms of in-ring skill and even showed improvement in his Performance abilities, but the crafty veteran was able to come out on top thanks to his devastating Arm-Trap Belly To Back Suplex finisher. In a bout that had a decent reaction from the crowd but sub-par wrestling, Sofu Ozawa defeated Sharaku Okimasa in 15:44 by pinfall with an Arm-Trap Belly To Back Suplex. Rating: D Point total after the match: Ozawa 2, Okimasa 0 <div style="text-align:center;">Yoshifusa Maeda Grand Prix 2016 A Block match <img alt="xH5san9.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/xH5san9.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="GVOFAYk.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/GVOFAYk.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Blast Ikoma vs Naonobu Murakami</div>Golden Canvas veteran-turned-freelancer Murakami versus BCG loyalist Ikoma was the night's main event, another slowly built match that featured two heavy hitters in the ring. Definitely a strong style showdown, the final A block match was the best one on the card, as every main event should be. Murakami's calculated striking game carried him for most of the match, with Ikoma using his explosive style to pull off short but exciting comebacks, until he finally nailed the Northern Lights Bomb for the pin and his first two points in this year's tournament. In a decent match, Blast Ikoma defeated Naonobu Murakami in 15:46 by pinfall with a Northern Lights Bomb. Rating: D+ Point total after the match: Ikoma 2, Murakami 0 <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;">A Block standings Blast Ikoma: 2 Sofu Ozawa: 2 Hitomaro Suzuki: 2 Naonobu Murakami: 0 Sharaku Okimasa: 0 Nobuharu Yokokawa: 0</div></div></blockquote> Show Rating: D- Comments: Feedback was that the show good, especially for the company's size and despite limitations in Production Values. The 2016 Yoshifusa Maeda Grand Prix is off to a good start and after Suzuki's upset win, a BCG Challengers title match is also set for Test of Champions.

DarK_RaideR · July 18, 2018

<div style="text-align:center;">BCG Yoshifusa Maeda Grand Prix 2016 Tour Thursday, W3 of February 2016 Toyama Hall, Chubu Attendance: 667</div> In a bout that had decent wrestling but little heat, American Demolition defeated Shuzo Utagawa and Kyuichi Matsumoto in 10:18 when Bulldozer Brandon Smith defeated Shuzo Utagawa by pinfall with a Spike Tombstone. Rating: D Comments: Recently turned pro and signed by Black Canvas Grappling, young lion Shuzo Utagawa was teamed with Kyuichi Matsumoto and put in the opening match of the show against TagMania 3 winners American Demolition. From there, things played out just as expected, with the gaijin duo completely destroying the rookies, but the real juice of this lay under the hood. Findlay and Smith seem to be getting the hang of these matches, making them better with each execution, while the youngsters were able to learn a thing or two from the experience, in particular some Technical skills for Matsumoto and Performance skills for Utagawa. The latter seemed to be off his game in this match, but between his inexperience, working a cold crowd in the opener and the stress of his in-ring debut, it was totally understandable. <div style="text-align:center;">Yoshifusa Maeda Grand Prix 2016 B Block match <img alt="mR1hQ6m.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/mR1hQ6m.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" /> Yoshishada Matsuzawa vs Giant Brody</div>Brody was looking for a quick win in dominant fashion here, exploiting his size and unusual agility to get there, but Matsuzawa was clearly the better wrestler of the two and able to prevent his opponent's plans from coming to fruition. As the match went on, Brody started getting more sluggish as his initial burst of energy and adrenaline wore off, which in turn allowed Matsuzawa to push his chances. Still, it only took one lucky moment, one opening for Brody to hit a big move and win the match, keeping Matsuzawa at zero points, much to the dismay of the audience. In a bout that had decent wrestling but didn't have much heat, Giant Brody defeated Yoshisada Matsuzawa in 11:28 by pinfall with a Single Handed Choke Slam. Rating: D Point total after the match: Brody 2, Matsuzawa 0 <div style="text-align:center;">Yoshifusa Maeda Grand Prix 2016 B Block match <img alt="7VXjYUs.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/7VXjYUs.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="oKYyc4s.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/oKYyc4s.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Masayuki Shiga vs Noritoshi Miura</div>Having survived over 30 years in the brutal Japanese wrestling scene with companies like GCG and PGHW, Masayuki Shiga has earned his share of respect, something apparent in the reaction of both fans and his scheduled opponent. The initial trading of blows saw Miura get the best of it, but Shiga's warrior spirit shone through his physical decline and he refused to go down. Instead, Shiga's experience had him shift the game to where he's better, on the mat stretching opponents with painful holds. Miura found himself in a tight spot, but his salvation came at the form of Shiga's exhaustion, which held him back just enough for Miura to take control of the match and get some offense rolling, leading to him hitting the Storm Rider for the pin on the veteran. In a bout that had a decent reaction from the crowd but sub-par wrestling, Noritoshi Miura defeated Masayuki Shiga in 11:24 by pinfall with a Storm Rider. Rating: D- Point total after the match: Miura 2, Shiga 0 <div style="text-align:center;">Yoshifusa Maeda Grand Prix 2016 B Block match <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="vkE7DNZ.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/vkE7DNZ.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Funakoshi vs Rokuemon Matsushita</div>Standing at 6'7" and weighing 375lb, Matsushita is not a man to be taken lightly. His offence is basic and takes advantage of his massive size and power: avalanches, splashes, bear hugs, choke slams, sentons and all that. His opponent may be boasting a crisp puroresu mix of stiff strikes and a solid technical base, but it was his endurance coupled with a samurai's tenacity and warrior spirit that carried him through the match before he was able to hit back and chop down the big man with hard kicks that brought him on one knee, allowing Funakoshi to then apply various submission holds and further wear him down. Funakoshi's performance captivated the crowd and had them cheering for him from bell to bell while his style gradually exhausted the massive Matsushita, leading to the big finish of Funakoshi's inhuman feat of lifting Matsushita just enough to deliver the Butterfly Backbreaker. In a decent match, Funakoshi defeated Rokuemon Matsushita in 16:30 by pinfall with a Butterfly Backbreaker. Rating: C- Point total after the match: Funakoshi 2, Matsushita 0 <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;">B Block standings Funakoshi: 2 Noritoshi Miura: 2 Giant Brody: 2 Masayuki Shiga: 0 Rokuemon Matsushita: 0 Yoshishada Matsuzawa: 0</div></div></blockquote> Show Rating: D- Comments: Not a bad show per se, but BCG fans in Chubu have high expectations and were already treated to a sub-par event the last time the promotion was in the area. With one half of all three Grand Prix matches running out of gas before the finish, there were more things to blame than just production values and the show once again saw a reduction in BCG's fanbase in the area.

DarK_RaideR · July 18, 2018

BCG Yoshifusa Maeda Grand Prix 2016 Tour

Saturday, W3 of February 2016

Kochi Halls, Shikoku

Attendance: 197

In a bout that had decent wrestling but didn't have much heat, Omezo Shikitei and Team Taku defeated Yoriie Ippitsusai, Bunrakuken Torii and Kiyotaka in 9:50 when Omezo Shikitei defeated Kiyotaka by submission with a Cross Armbreaker.

Rating: D+

Comments: Featuring a slightly different mix than last week's A block show opener, this match was good enough to warm up the audience in attendance. Torii and Yoshi Taku were the MVPs for their respective teams, while Shikitei picked up a valuable win over Kiyotaka as he slowly seems to be outgrowing his young lion status. His somewhat expanded moveset and flashier ring gear certainly seems to suggest so.

In a poor match, Animal Harker defeated Kadonomaro Kamisaka in 10:58 by pinfall with a Stump Piledriver.

Rating: D-

Comments: Not as good as the opener, this match saw Harker and Kamisaka square off in a rather hard hitting bout. Harker was clearly looking to overpower Kamisaka from the get-go, but between his own sloppiness and Kamisaka's considerable fighting skill, the match was way more split between the middle than Harker would have wanted, even if he ultimately managed to win it thanks to his spine crushing Stump Piledriver finisher.

Yoshifusa Maeda Grand Prix 2016

A Block match

Blast Ikoma vs Sharaku Okimasa

With two points to his name already, Ikoma theoretically entered this match at an advantageous position, psychological if nothing else. On the other hand, Okimasa was chasing the points that eluded him during the first night of the A Block, a situation that forced him to be more aggressive in his strategy than usual, while allowing him to showcase improved Rumble and Performance skills. This increased intensity played to the setup and Ikoma's explosive offense, making for a pretty good chemistry between the two that lifted the match, same way Ikoma lifted Okimasa for the Northern Lights Bomb in the end, scoring another two points while keeping the technician at zero.

In a decent match, Blast Ikoma defeated Sharaku Okimasa in 10:34 by pinfall with a Northern Lights Bomb.

Rating: D+

Point total after the match: Ikoma 4, Okimasa 0

Yoshifusa Maeda Grand Prix 2016

A Block match

Naonobu Murakami vs Nobuharu Yokokawa

The night' second tournament match had a different, though equally interesting story to tell. Both Murakami and Yokokawa came into with not only zero points, but also surprise disappointing losses during the first night of the A Block; veteran Murakami to the young Ikoma and Yokokawa to hot prospect Hitomaru Suzuki. That said, they were out to earn more than just their first two points in the Grand Prix, they were out for redemption. That played into the match execution as well, with both men trading super, super stiff blows as they struck each other down, before the slams and suplexes began in this slowly built up spectacle. Though offense was equally shared between competitors, Murakami seemed to be getting the better of the exchange, with some sharper Performance skills to boot. For a while, it seemed that Yokokawa was staring at another loss and title challenge, a prospect that probably woke him up long enough for a desperate comeback leading into a Stump Puller and the victory.

In a decent match, Nobuharu Yokokawa defeated Naonobu Murakami in 16:25 by submission with a Stump Puller.

Rating: D+

Point total after the match: Yokokawa 2, Murakami 0

Yoshifusa Maeda Grand Prix 2016

A Block match

Sofu Ozawa vs Hitomaro Suzuki

Both wrestlers walked into the main event with 2 points to their name already, but Suzuki also had youth on his side as well as a wave of momentum from his shock victory over BCG Challengers champion Nobuharu Yokokawa during the first night of the A Block. Both men took a slow paced approach and used psychology to build tension and tell the story of Ozawa looking to teach the youngster a lesson in humility while Suzuki tried to top his night one victory with another big win, this time over an established veteran. Even when Ozawa took things to the mat, a style that fits his skills as well as his diminishing stamina due to age, Suzuki was able to answer, trying but never managing to lock in his own submission finisher, the Suzuki Lock. Despite visibly tiring by that point, Ozawa's experience helped him avoid a submission predicament until he was able to hit Suzuki with the Arm-Trap Belly To Back Suplex for the win.

In a decent match, Sofu Ozawa defeated Hitomaro Suzuki in 15:48 by pinfall with an Arm-Trap Belly To Back Suplex.

Rating: D+

Point total after the match: Ozawa 4, Suzuki 2

A Block standings
Sofu Ozawa: 4
Blast Ikoma: 4
Hitomaro Suzuki: 2
Nobuharu Yokokawa: 2
Naonobu Murakami: 0
Sharaku Okimasa: 0

Show Rating: D-

Comments: Low attendance and low expectations meant that BCG had little they needed to do in order to gain new fans in the area. Still, they went ahead to deliver a show full of solid matches from start to finish, making up for their inferior production values and perhaps the blunder that was night one of the B Block a few days earlier.

DarK_RaideR · July 18, 2018

BCG Yoshifusa Maeda Grand Prix 2016 Tour

Thursday, W4 of February 2016

Shimonoseki Hall, Chugoku

Attendance: 254

In a bout that had decent wrestling but didn't have much heat, American Demolition defeated Naozane Goto and Eikichi Itou in 10:25 when Bulldozer Brandon Smith defeated Eikichi Itou by pinfall with a Spike Tombstone.

Rating: D+

Comments: Another victory for TagMania 3 winners American Demolition against a team they did not dominate like they usually do. Goto and Itou gave it their all to fight back against the gaijin and although former sumoka Goto had the safety of his weight to prevent Smith and Findlay from being able to lift him for the Spike Tombstone, Heavyweight Eikichi Itou fell to the double team finisher to wrap up a good opener that got fans going, thanks in particular to Bulldozer Brandon Smith's elevated Performance skills.

Yoshifusa Maeda Grand Prix 2016

B Block match

Masayuki Shiga vs Yoshisada Matsuzawa

Both Shiga and Matsuzawa suffered defeat during their opening round of matches, but what it came down to was how much of the damage they had sustained carried over into this one. With Shiga having controlled most of his match against Miura while Matsuzawa spent most of his against Giant Brody on the defensive, the scales were tipped in favor of the veteran who put up a great display for a man in his 50s, striking down his opponent before defeating him with a heroic Deadlift German.

In a decent match, Masayuki Shiga defeated Yoshisada Matsuzawa in 9:22 by pinfall with a Deadlift German Suplex.

Rating: D

Point total after the match: Shiga 2, Matsuzawa 0

Yoshifusa Maeda Grand Prix 2016

B Block match

Funakoshi vs Giant Brody

Knowing Funakoshi's style, Giant Brody utilized an unorthodox tactic to defeat him and climb to the top of the scorecard; instead of his usual power moves or unusual agility, the big American sought to beat the BCG Samurai in a grappling contest. Although this allowed him to show off the improvement he has made in terms of Technical skills, it was a poorly thought approach. No stranger to holds and counterholds, Funakoshi was quick to solve the gaijin's riddle and hit him with the Butterfly Backbreaker in a little over five minutes.

In a decent match, Funakoshi defeated Giant Brody in 6:48 by pinfall with a Butterfly Backbreaker.

Rating: C-

Point total after the match: Funakoshi 4, Giant Brody 2

Yoshifusa Maeda Grand Prix 2016

B Block match

Noritoshi Miura vs Rokuemon Matsushita

Despite different outcomes in their first round matches, both men came into this one with much damage inflicted already. Miura had been stretched thin by Masayuki Shiga while Matsushita still had bruises to show where Funakoshi's thunderous kicks connected with his flesh a week earlier. Given Miura's strike-based style, this match was mostly fought standing and in close quarters, an approach that heavily favored the thick-skinned big man Matsushita. What worked against him was his own stamina however, allowing Miura who had survived another beating to hit the Storm Rider out of nowhere for his second win in the tournament.

In a bout that had decent wrestling but didn't have much heat, Noritoshi Miura defeated Rokuemon Matsushita in 11:14 by pinfall with a Storm Rider.

Rating: D-

Point total after the match: Miura 4, Matsushita 0

B Block standings
Noritoshi Miura: 4
Funakoshi: 4
Masayuki Shiga: 2
Giant Brody: 2
Rokuemon Matsushita: 0
Yoshisada Matsuzawa: 0

Show Rating: E+

Comments: Somehow, BCG's booking team managed to botch this show even more than night one of the B block. Although they did limit match duration to prevent exposing their less durable workers, they got the main event wrong, keeping Funakoshi in the semi while extending the main long enough to kill Matsushita's stamina. That all came on top of the usual Production Value problem, but in a rare lucky moment, the promotion's fan base in the area is limited and loyal enough to stick with them after such a show, though any dreams of expansion are straight out of the window.

DarK_RaideR · July 18, 2018

<div style="text-align:center;">BCG Yoshifusa Maeda Grand Prix 2016 Tour Saturday, W4 of February 2016 Fukuoka Hall, Kyushu Attendance: 243</div> In a bout that had decent wrestling but didn't have much heat, Team Taku defeated Bunrakuken Torii and MUSCLE Serizawa in 9:38 when Yoshinaka Taku defeated MUSCLE Serizawa by pinfall with a Taku Tag Treatment. Rating: D+ Comments: As expected, Yoshi Taku did most of the work to make up for his father who's nearing retirement, while the BCG World champion Torii was, of course, the MVP for his team in comparison to young lion Serizawa who got pinned. <div style="text-align:center;">Yoshifusa Maeda Grand Prix 2016 A Block match <img alt="stfprsK.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/stfprsK.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="a92CBvx.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/a92CBvx.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Nobuharu Yokokawa vs Sharaku Okimasa</div>It's no surprise Okimasa still hasn't been able to pick up any points in the tournament; after big timers Ikoma and Ozawa, he was now faced with the BCG Challengers champion. He had taken a beating for sure, but had nothing to lose. Yokokawa on the other hand was off to a bad start after losing to Suzuki, something that fuelled him to defeat Naonobu Murakami afterwards. With much damage sustained as well but no leeway to lose any more points or offer another title shot to a challenger, Yokokawa was all business against what theoretically should have been an easy match for him. Both wrestlers paced themselves throughout the bout, selling the exhaustion and toll of the tournament so far between hitting moves and getting hit back. Okimasa's combination wrestling was a hit with the audience, but it was Yokokawa who ended up winning thanks to an unyielding fighting spirit. In a bout that had decent wrestling but didn't have much heat, Nobuharu Yokokawa defeated Sharaku Okimasa in 16:09 by submission with a Stump Puller. Rating: D Point total after the match: Yokokawa 4, Okimasa 0 <div style="text-align:center;">Yoshifusa Maeda Grand Prix 2016 A Block match <img alt="xH5san9.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/xH5san9.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="DccXUpR.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/DccXUpR.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Blast Ikoma vs Sofu Ozawa</div>With four points each so far, both men had no quarter to give; they needed to win this. Not only would the winner top the score, he would also have the advantage in case of a tie break down the road. The situation made for a hard hitting, intense match both in terms of story and physicality, but the setup favored Ikoma's explosive style as opposed to Ozawa's clinical dismantling of opponents, so after clearly wrestling better than his opponent, Ikoma hit him with the Northern Lights Bomb and the pin in a well deserved victory. In a decent match, Blast Ikoma defeated Sofu Ozawa in 10:44 by pinfall with a Northern Lights Bomb. Rating: D+ Point total after the match: Ikoma 6, Ozawa 4 <div style="text-align:center;">Yoshifusa Maeda Grand Prix 2016 A Block match <img alt="tfcFhGn.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/tfcFhGn.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="GVOFAYk.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/GVOFAYk.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Hitomaro Suzuki vs Naonobu Murakami</div>So far, neither man had the performance they were hoping for in the Grand Prix. After a big win and title shot over Yokokawa, Suzuki lost two points to veteran Ozawa whereas Murakami, despite theoretically being one of the favorites in his block, was still stuck with no points after two straight losses. To make matters worse for the veteran, both matches against Ikoma and Yokokawa had taken their toll on his body, allowing Suzuki to take greater risks with his offense as the match slowly escalated to bigger and harder moves. Things felt like they could go either way at any time and both men certainly were hungry enough for the win to stay in the fight no matter what, but with neither managing to score a win by the twenty minute time limit, they were forced to split the spoils at one point each in this year's first draw in the tournament. In a decent match, Hitomaro Suzuki drew with Naonobu Murakami in 20:00 when the time limit expired. Rating: D+ Point total after the match: Suzuki 3, Murakami 1 <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;">A Block standings Blast Ikoma: 6 Sofu Ozawa: 4 Nobuharu Yokokawa: 4 Hitomaro Suzuki: 3 Naonobu Murakami: 1 Sharaku Okimasa: 0</div></div></blockquote> Show Rating: D- Comments: Good enough to attract new fans to BCG despite Production Value penalties, the show was considered a success as the promotion rolled into its monthly break for March. <div style="text-align:center;">Mid-tournament break. Grand Prix matches will resume in April</div>

siah463 · July 18, 2018

Damn, you're really putting in work, hope you don't get burned out anytime soon because I'm really enjoying the journey so far.

DarK_RaideR · July 18, 2018

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="siah463" data-cite="siah463" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="45613" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Damn, you're really putting in work, hope you don't get burned out anytime soon because I'm really enjoying the journey so far.</div></blockquote> Thanks! I'm getting the hang of touring promotions, booking BCG is easy and I have some experience in Dynasty writing so pumping out content is probably simpler than you'd expect. Comments, suggestions, encouragement and feedback are always appreciated though. Knowing people are reading this is the best prevention of burnout <img alt=":rolleyes:" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/rolleyes.png.4b097f4fbbe99ce5bcd5efbc1b773ed6.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

DarK_RaideR · July 19, 2018

<div style="text-align:center;">BCG Yoshifusa Maeda Grand Prix 2016 Tour Thursday, W1 of April 2016 Gunma Hall, Kanto Attendance: 300 (sold out)</div> In a decent match, Team Taku defeated Bunrakuken Torii and Omezo Shikitei in 9:45 when Yoshinaka Taku defeated Omezo Shikitei by pinfall with a Taku Tag Treatment. Rating: D+ Comments: Still outgrowing his young lion status, Shikitei got the rub to learn about Technical and Performance skills while still being the one to take the pin, since the match featured title holders in all the other spots. <div style="text-align:center;">Yoshifusa Maeda Grand Prix 2016 B Block match <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="mR1hQ6m.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/mR1hQ6m.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Rokuemon Matsushita vs Yoshisada Matsuzawa</div>First Grand Prix match since the March break featured the only two men still without a point in the B block. Well rested and finally faced with an opponent that didn't boast vastly more experience than himself, Matsushita was at last able to dominate the match and score a quick pin through sheer overwhelming force. In a bout that had decent wrestling but didn't have much heat, Rokuemon Matsushita defeated Yoshisada Matsuzawa in 6:25 by pinfall with an One-Handed Choke Slam. Rating: D Point total after the match: Matsushita 2, Matsuzawa 0 <div style="text-align:center;">Yoshifusa Maeda Grand Prix 2016 B Block match <img alt="7VXjYUs.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/7VXjYUs.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" /> Masayuki Shiga vs Giant Brody</div>Likewise, the night's second Grand Prix match featured opponents with the same amount of points, 2 each for Shiga and Brody. Despite now being past his 50s, Shiga is known for being one of the toughest veterans in the game and the monthly break only helped his recovery. Showing grit and consistency, Shiga was further aided by Brody's apparent sloppiness, exploiting the gaijin's weakness to wrap up the match in just over six minutes to earn two more valuable points. In a bout that had a decent reaction from the crowd but sub-par wrestling, Masayuki Shiga defeated Giant Brody in 6:27 by pinfall with a Deadlift German Suplex. Rating: D- Point total after match: Shiga 4, Brody 2 <div style="text-align:center;">Yoshifusa Maeda Grand Prix 2016 B Block match <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="oKYyc4s.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/oKYyc4s.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Funakoshi vs Noritoshi Miura</div>Also tied in points at the top of the scoreboard, Funakoshi and Miura clashed in the night's main event in what was probably the turning point in the race between them, a literal tie breaker. Despite being rather one-dimensional in comparison to his opponent, Miura did his one thing well and he pushed the more versatile Funakoshi to the limit. Showing a fighting spirit to match his rival's documented "never give up" attitude, Miura kept on kicking out of pin attempts after devastating moves. He took Funakoshi's best strikes and submissions, never ever backing up from the fight. Things escalated as Funakoshi hit harder and harder, resorted to bigger and bigger moves (though never managing to hit his Butterfly Backbreaker finisher), but despite clearly being the better wrestler, he never managed to take out Miura in time before the twenty minute limit time bell rang. Now at five points each and with Shiga close behind at four, everything was up for debate as the B Block got even more competitive than it was before. In a bout that had good wrestling and a decent reaction from the crowd, Funakoshi drew with Noritoshi Miura in 20:00 when the time limit expired. Rating: C+ Point total after the match: Funakoshi 5, Miura 5 <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;">B Block standings Noritoshi Miura: 5 Funakoshi: 5 Masayuki Shiga: 4 Giant Brody: 2 Rokuemon Matsushita: 2 Yoshisada Matsuzawa: 0</div></div></blockquote> Show Rating: D+ Comments: Thanks to an amazing main event, the show earned BCG plenty of new fans in the all important Kanto area despite the promotion's hit due to Production Values, something their competitors keep exploiting by upgrading theirs to widen the gap.

DarK_RaideR · July 19, 2018

<div style="text-align:center;">BCG Yoshifusa Maeda Grand Prix 2016 Tour Saturday, W1 of April 2016 Muroran Hall, Hokkaido Attendance: 267</div> In a bout that had decent wrestling but didn't have much heat, Bulldozer Brandon Smith defeated Yoriie Ippitsusai in 6:20 by pinfall with a Tombstone Piledriver. Rating: D- Comments: With BHOTWG signing Big Bruiser Findlay during the March break, Smith did his usual dominant gaijin monster heel routine as a singles wrestler this time. His victim was 43 year old Yoriie Ippitsusai, a veteran with the experience that allowed him to sell his age and Smith's offense nicely to get the crowd warmed up for the Grand Prix matches. <div style="text-align:center;">Yoshifusa Maeda Grand Prix 2016 A Block match <img alt="tfcFhGn.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/tfcFhGn.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="a92CBvx.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/a92CBvx.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Hitomaro Suzuki vs Sharaku Okimasa</div>Not really rushing to push himself, Suzuki took things easy at first, teasing his opponent to come closer before pummeling him with stiff kicks. Okimasa eventually managed to grab hold of a limb and take Suzuki down to the mat, the style and pace of the match fitting him as a combination wrestler. No stranger to wrestling while lying on his back, Suzuki fought back, treating fans to a ground based grappling spectacle as it became apparent he and Okimasa have some pretty good chemistry between them that elevated each other's style and the match altogether. Using this fact to go with the flow of the bout, Okimasa was able to evade the Suzuki Lock and trap his opponent in a Scorpion Deathlock instead, forcing the title contender to tap out while earning his first two points in this year's tournament. In a bout that had decent wrestling but didn't have much heat, Sharaku Okimasa defeated Hitomaro Suzuki in 16:03 by submission with a Scorpion Deathlock. Rating: D+ Point total after the match: Suzuki 3, Okimasa 2 <div style="text-align:center;">Yoshifusa Maeda Grand Prix 2016 A Block match <img alt="DccXUpR.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/DccXUpR.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="GVOFAYk.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/GVOFAYk.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Sofu Ozawa vs Naonobu Murakami</div>Revitalized after the break and with his spirits lifted after pushing Hitomaro Suzuki to a time limit draw, Murakami entered this match against fellow veteran Sofu Ozawa with much wind in his sails and a fire in his heart. Showing improvement in his Performance skills to boot, Murakami hit hard and hit often, avoiding Ozawa's submission holds to finally hit him with a Belly To Belly Suplex for the pin, not only scoring points for himself but halting Ozawa's ascent up the leaderboard as well. In a decent match, Naonobu Murakami defeated Sofu Ozawa in 10:42 by pinfall with a Belly To Belly Suplex. Rating: D Point total after the match: Ozawa 4, Murakami 3 <div style="text-align:center;">Yoshifusa Maeda Grand Prix 2016 A Block match <img alt="xH5san9.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/xH5san9.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="stfprsK.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/stfprsK.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Blast Ikoma vs Nobuharu Yokokawa</div>Most intriguing match of the night, the main event had more things going on than just two of the best men on the card battle each other. From Ikoma's side, he now had a comfortable point lead after Ozawa's defeat, but with Yokokawa just two points behind him, a loss here would tie them in points and put Yokokawa on the lead as per tie breaker rules. Then there was the BCG title as well, with a shot on the line should Ikoma manage to pin the champion. All these layers of story and intrigue added plenty of heat to the match from before the opening bell even. Giving fans enough time to wrap their minds around everything as well as guess what the possible outcomes could mean, the two wrestlers paced themselves slow, trading chops and blows at first in a conflict of warrior spirits, before they actually locked up for submissions or bigger moves. This would ultimately come back to haunt them however, as neither man had done enough damage to secure a pinfall or submission by the twenty minute limit, resulting in a draw between them. In a decent match, Blast Ikoma drew with Nobuharu Yokokawa in 20:00 when the time limit expired. Rating: C- Point total after the match: Ikoma 7, Yokokawa 5 <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;">A Block standings Blast Ikoma: 7 Nobuharu Yokokawa: 5 Sofu Ozawa: 4 Hitomaro Suzuki: 3 Naonobu Murakami: 3 Sharaku Okimasa: 2</div></div></blockquote> Show Rating: D Comments: Much like the first B Block show after the promotion's monthly March break, the show earned them several new fans in an important region thanks to a big main event that had them look past Production Value limitations.

DarK_RaideR · July 19, 2018

<div style="text-align:center;">BCG Yoshifusa Maeda Grand Prix 2016 Tour Thursday, W2 of April 2016 Matsumoto Hall, Tohoku Attendance: 277</div> In a bout that had decent wrestling but didn't have much heat, Team Taku defeated Bunrakuken Torii and Kiyotaka in 9:52 when Yoshinaka Taku defeated YL Kiyotaka by pinfall with a Full Nelson Bomb. Rating: D+ Comments: This time teaming with the most experience of the young lions, Torii had a chance to showcase his own improved Performance skills. Once again, it was blatant from the setup of the match that Kiyotaka would be the one to take the pin, but everything worked like clockwork and the match did what it was there to do, warm up the crowd for the main course of Grand Prix matches. <div style="text-align:center;">Yoshifusa Maeda Grand Prix 2016 B Block match <img alt="7VXjYUs.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/7VXjYUs.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="vkE7DNZ.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/vkE7DNZ.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Masayuki Shiga vs Rokuemon Matsushita</div>Enjoying a 2 point lead ahead of his opponent, Shiga had the luxury of losing this match. Of course, he's not that kind of person and neither did he enter the tournament to not win it; at just one point away from the top, a victory here could put him in the lead and if the rest of the matches worked his way, he could end up topping the B Block. Matsushita's size and power posed a major problem though, an obstacle that the veteran would first have to overcome. Known for his resilience and tenacity, Shiga pushed through the pain and physical decline, bolstered by the March break and prospect of topping the scorecard until his experience finally gave him the advantage after Matsushita made a rookie mistake in his chase of a quick, dominant win. Fans were on the edge of their seats as Shiga struggled to perform his final feat of superhuman power, but when he finally managed to get Matsushita up for the Deadlift German, the place went wild. In a decent match, Masayuki Shiga defeated Rokuemon Matsushita in 6:30 by pinfall with a Deadlift German Suplex. Rating: D Point total after the match: Shiga 6, Matsushita 2 <div style="text-align:center;">Yoshifusa Maeda Grand Prix 2016 B Block match <img alt="oKYyc4s.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/oKYyc4s.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" /> Noritoshi Miura vs Giant Brody</div>Miura fought a hellacious battle during the latest B Block show and though he didn't manage to get the win, he and Funakoshi shared points to tie on top of the leaderboard. This meant he had zero leeway going into this match against the gaijin big man. Despite undeniable improvement in his Performance skills, Brody still needs to work on his consistency, a fact made painfully obvious as he once again seemed to be off his game, allowing Miura to pin him after connecting with the Storm Rider. In a bout that had decent wrestling but didn't have much heat, Noritoshi Miura defeated Giant Brody in 7:01 by pinfall with a Storm Rider. Rating: D- Point total after the match: Miura 7, Brody 2 <div style="text-align:center;">Yoshifusa Maeda Grand Prix 2016 B Block match <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="mR1hQ6m.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/mR1hQ6m.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Funakoshi vs Yoshisada Matsuzawa</div>Despite being stuck at zero points, Matsuzawa had showcased great wrestling skills throughout the tournament and as one of those not limited by size, stamina or age in the B Block, he had a good chance of forcing Funakoshi to a draw or even scoring a huge surprise win over him. With nothing to lose, Matsuzawa was aggressive in the match, well aware that staying on the defensive against Funakoshi was a game he couldn't hope to win. Despite his best efforts though, Funakoshi wouldn't be denied the two points here, going above and beyond to show he's been working on his Performance skills during the break, before destroying Matsuzawa with the Butterfly Backbreaker. In a bout that had good wrestling and a decent reaction from the crowd, Funakoshi defeated Yoshisada Matsuzawa in 16:17 by pinfall with a Butterfly Backbreaker. Rating: C+ Point total after the match: Funakoshi 7, Matsuzawa 0 <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;">B Block standings Noritoshi Miura: 7 Funakoshi: 7 Masayuki Shiga: 6 Giant Brody: 2 Rokuemon Matsushita: 2 Yoshisada Matsuzawa: 0</div></div></blockquote> Show Rating: D+ Comments: Despite a strong main event, the rest of the show wasn't as amazing, keeping the grade down in the D range alongside Production Value penalties. Still, it was good enough to convert more Tohoku fans into BCG faithful

DarK_RaideR · July 19, 2018

<div style="text-align:center;">Black Canvas Grappling presents <img alt="1V04m46.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/1V04m46.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> <img alt="aPbvajc.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/aPbvajc.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Yoshifusa Maeda Grand Prix 2016</div> <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;">Pre-show: Eikichi Itou vs Masafumi Torii Bunrakuken Torii, Omezo Shikitei, Motoyuki Miyake and MUSCLE Serizawa vs Naozane Goto, Kyuichi Matsumoto and Team Taku Yoriie Ippitsusai and Kadonomaro Kamisaka vs Gidayu Katou and Shuzo Utagawa Bulldozer Brandon Smith vs Kiyotaka YMGP B Block match: Rokuemon Matsushita (2 points) vs Giant Brody (2 points) YMGP A Block match: Naonobu Murakami (3 points) vs Sharaku Okimasa (2 points) YMGP B Block match: Noritoshi Miura (7 points) vs Yoshisada Matsuzawa (0 points) YMGP A Block match: Noboharu Yokokawa (5 points) vs Sofu Ozawa (4 points) YMGP B Block match: Funakoshi (7 points) vs Masayuki Shiga (6 points) YMGP A Block match: Blast Ikoma (7 points) vs Hitomaro Suzuki (3 points) YMGP Final: Winner of A Block vs Winner of B Block</div></div></blockquote>

John Lions · July 19, 2018

Pre-show: Eikichi Itou vs Masafumi Torii

Both Young Lions so I give it to the big heavyweight over the lightweight, though I like Torii better

Bunrakuken Torii, Omezo Shikitei, Motoyuki Miyake and MUSCLE Serizawa vs Naozane Goto, Kyuichi Matsumoto and Team Taku

Torii just lost a tag match to Team Taku, and I like Shikitei, Miyaki, and Serizawa more than the guys on the other side. Get Torii some momentum heading into a clash with the YMGP winner

Yoriie Ippitsusai and Kadonomaro Kamisaka vs Gidayu Katou and Shuzo Utagawa

Guys on the losing side are still young but I like their upside

Bulldozer Brandon Smith vs Kiyotaka

Without his partner, Smith should be prime for a run at the Challenger series title

YMGP B Block match: Rokuemon Matsushita (2 points) vs Giant Brody (2 points)

Brody has been underwhelming and Rokuemon could use a win against another hoss to show he has what it takes

YMGP A Block match: Naonobu Murakami (3 points) vs Sharaku Okimasa (2 points)

Okimasa just got a big win and has performed fairly well in his matches despite losing, I think he gets the rub here over the veteran

YMGP B Block match: Noritoshi Miura (7 points) vs Yoshisada Matsuzawa (0 points)

Tough call for me, I'm going to go with the surprise result (Sports Entertainment brain working here not Puro). I think Miura has done very well and he's pretty much penciled as a no-brainer to win this match, so I think he wins and Shiga holds Funakoshi to a draw. Funakoshi will be your megastar so I think keeping the slow burn on him will make his title match and win that much sweeter (this could also go the other way, with Matsuzawa shocking everyone by holding Miura to a draw)

YMGP A Block match: Noboharu Yokokawa (5 points) vs Sofu Ozawa (4 points)

No particular reason, Yokokawa is younger and I like him more than Ozawa

YMGP B Block match: Funakoshi (7 points) vs Masayuki Shiga (6 points)

Calling this as a draw, see above note

YMGP A Block match: Blast Ikoma (7 points) vs Hitomaro Suzuki (3 points)

Ikoma makes his way cleanly to the finals

YMGP Final: Blast Ikoma vs Noritoshi Miura

Stick with the "sure thing" here and go for the easy, hard hitting rematch, but it gives you a chance to see how Miura does on a big stage and if he's worthy for a top tier singles push

Not sure if this the correct way to look at it right now, but from my limited BCG experience I pretty much see the singles scene as Torii, Funakoshi, Ikoma, and then everyone else. That's partly why I think Miura could use the rub to get to the YMGP finals and get his name in that group. I don't know what BCG looks like at the start of the CornellVerse game but that's my impression looking at things.

siah463 · July 21, 2018

Pre-show: Eikichi Itou vs Masafumi Torii

Bunrakuken Torii, Omezo Shikitei, Motoyuki Miyake and MUSCLE Serizawa vs Naozane Goto, Kyuichi Matsumoto and Team Taku

Yoriie Ippitsusai and Kadonomaro Kamisaka vs Gidayu Katou and Shuzo Utagawa

Bulldozer Brandon Smith vs Kiyotaka

YMGP B Block match: Rokuemon Matsushita (2 points) vs Giant Brody (2 points)

YMGP A Block match: Naonobu Murakami (3 points) vs Sharaku Okimasa (2 points)

YMGP B Block match: Noritoshi Miura (7 points) vs Yoshisada Matsuzawa (0 points)

YMGP A Block match: Noboharu Yokokawa (5 points) vs Sofu Ozawa (4 points)

YMGP B Block match: Funakoshi (7 points) vs Masayuki Shiga (6 points) DRAW

YMGP A Block match: Blast Ikoma (7 points) vs Hitomaro Suzuki (3 points)

YMGP Final: Noritoshi Miura vs Blast Ikoma

DarK_RaideR · July 23, 2018

<div style="text-align:center;">Black Canvas Grappling presents <img alt="1V04m46.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/1V04m46.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> <img alt="aPbvajc.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/aPbvajc.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Yoshifusa Maeda Grand Prix 2016 Friday, W2 of April 2016 Osaka Athletic Stadium, Kinki Attendance: 2.859</div> In a pre-show bout that had terrible wrestling and non-existent crowd heat, Eikichi Itou defeated Masafumi Torii in 9:52 by pinfall with an Itou Bomb. Rating: E- Comments: Fans who were early to their seats were treated to a dark match between regular young lion Eikichi Itou and local rookie Masafumi Torii. Doubling as a potential audition for Torii, the match dragged in the middle with a noticable lack of flow between the two, but given the low expectations of a pre-show bout between young lions, it wasn't half bad either. <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="8705zCX.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/8705zCX.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="P2JXnpv.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/P2JXnpv.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Bunrakuken Torii, Omezo Shikitei, Motoyuki Miyake and MUSCLE Serizawa <img alt="25UZG0h.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/25UZG0h.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> <img alt="CuHyCWZ.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/CuHyCWZ.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" /><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" /> Naozane Goto, Kyuichi Matsumoto and Team Taku</div> Team Taku and Bunrakuken Torii have more or less been been involved in every opener of the B Block shows during the build up tour in various 3 vs 3 matches, so keeping up this tradition and making it bigger for the final show, they clashed in a 4 vs 4 match to open the show strong. Naozane Goto was the only one to not make the most of his time in the ring, as he seemed a bit more plodding than usual, while Shikitei made the most of it, even scoring the submission on Matsumoto to further build momentum as he sheds his young lion skin match by match. In a bout that had decent wrestling but didn't have much heat, Bunrakuken Torii, Omezo Shikitei, YL Motoyuki Miyake and YL MUSCLE Serizawa defeated YL Naozane Goto, YL Kyuichi Matsumoto and Team Taku in 9:42 when Omezo Shikitei defeated YL Kyuichi Matsumoto by submission with a STF. Rating: D+ <div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="IV914xI.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/IV914xI.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="5gSOwr6.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/5gSOwr6.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="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" /> Yoriie Ippitsusai and Kadonomaro Kamisaka vs Gidayu Katou and Shuzo Utagawa</div> Katou and Utagawa showed heart and passion, but for all their young lion fire, weren't destined to win this match. Still, they made quite the impression for the five or six minutes it lasted, with Katou especially outperforming everyone else to show great potential for the future. In a bout that had sub-par wrestling and little heat, Yoriie Ippitsusai and Kadonomaro Kamisaka defeated YL Gidayu Katou and YL Shuzo Utagawa in 6:10 when Kadonomaro Kamisaka defeated YL Gidayu Katou by submission with a Triangle Choke. Rating: D- <div style="text-align:center;"><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="32BXfva.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/32BXfva.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Bulldozer Brandon Smith vs Kiyotaka</div>Top of the young lion pack, Kiyotaka still had few chances to defeat the main gaijin monster (after Big Bruiser Findlay's departure) but he did put up a fight, keeping the match from getting overly one sided against him. Fans warmed to Kiyotaka and for a moment it looked like he really had a chance, before Smith recovered to hit the Tombstone Piledriver for the win. In a bout that had decent wrestling but didn't have much heat, Bulldozer Brandon Smith defeated YL Kiyotaka in 10:18 by pinfall with a Tombstone Piledriver. Rating: D+ <div style="text-align:center;">Yoshifusa Maeda Grand Prix B Block match <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="XebEMH0.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/XebEMH0.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Rokuemon Matsushita (2 points) vs Giant Brody (2 points)</div>With no hope of winning their block at this point, the two biggest men in it clashed for a different prize: supremacy. Japanese big man versus gaijin monster was the story here and the duo really rocked the house in telling the story, no thanks to the great chemistry they seem to have trading blows with each other in the middle of the ring. Matsushita was the one to win this though, much to the delight of fans in attendance who got their little rush of traditional wrestling-fuelled patriotism to fire them up for the rest of the Grand Prix matches. In a bout that had decent wrestling but didn't have much heat, Rokuemon Matsushita defeated Giant Brody in 5:32 by pinfall with an One-Handed Choke Slam. Rating: D+ Final Points: Matsushita 4, Brody 2 <div style="text-align:center;">Yoshifusa Maeda Grand Prix A Block match <img alt="GVOFAYk.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/GVOFAYk.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="a92CBvx.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/a92CBvx.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Naonobu Murakami (3 points) vs Sharaku Okimasa (2 points)</div>Two men whose skills and status probably had them hoping for a better performance in this year's tournament, Murakami and Okimasa took their time to build up their match and showcase their best of ability in their final Grand Prix bout. Despite Okimasa obviously improving his combo and mat grappling Technical skills, veteran Murakami had both the grit and experience to see him through, sealing what might be his final Grand Prix appearance with a win. In a bout that had decent wrestling but didn't have much heat, Naonobu Murakami defeated Sharaku Okimasa in 15:34 by pinfall with a Belly To Belly Suplex. Rating: C- Final Points: Murakami 5, Okimasa 2 <div style="text-align:center;">Yoshifusa Maeda Grand Prix B Block match <img alt="oKYyc4s.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/oKYyc4s.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="mR1hQ6m.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/mR1hQ6m.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Noritoshi Miura (7 points) vs Yoshisada Matsuzawa (0 points)</div>Theoretically a no-brainer, Miura was the hot favorite to win this one as he topped the scoreboard, as opposed to Matsuzawa who hadn't yet managed to score even a single point. That's exactly what he did here though, outwrestling Miura in a slow built spectacle that told the story of the man's determination against another's arrogance. Despite being unable to score a pinfall or submission, Matsuzawa stayed in the fight for the whole twenty minutes to force a time limit draw. Now at 8 points, Miura still had a chance to win the B Block, but the only way for that to happen was if Shiga beat Funakoshi in the remaining bout. In a bout that had decent wrestling but didn't have much heat, Noritoshi Miura drew with Yoshisada Matsuzawa in 20:00 when the time limit expired. Rating: D+ Final Points: Miura 8, Matsuzawa 1 <div style="text-align:center;">Yoshifusa Maeda Grand Prix A Block match <img alt="stfprsK.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/stfprsK.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="DccXUpR.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/DccXUpR.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Noboharu Yokokawa (5 points) vs Sofu Ozawa (4 points)</div> Pressure was on Yokokawa for this one, as he still had a chance to top the A Block by winning this match to tie Ikoma and hope he'd lose his upcoming match. That was of course on top of preventing Ozawa from earning a shot at his BCG Challengers title, while the veteran on the other side had nothing to lose and everything to gain. This translated to their in-ring styles accordignly, as Ozawa paced himself to methodically grapple his opponent while Yokokawa upped his aggression and intensity to beat down Ozawa. In terms of in-ring work, Yokokawa was the better man so by the time he hit the Stump Puller to force a tap out, his victory felt well deserved. In a decent match, Nobuharu Yokokawa defeated Sofu Ozawa in 11:24 by submission with a Stump Puller. Rating: D+ Final Points: Yokokawa 7, Ozawa 4 <div style="text-align:center;">Yoshifusa Maeda Grand Prix B Block match <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="7VXjYUs.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/7VXjYUs.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Funakoshi (7 points) vs Masayuki Shiga (6 points)</div>Thanks to Miura and Matsuzawa's draw earlier, everything was still up for grabs in this match; Funakoshi needed the win and although Shiga would still not advance to the final after a victory due to having lost his tie breaker with Miura, he had a chance to prove he could still hang out with the best of them at the top despite being long past his prime. The two men fed off the energy of the crowd to adapt and fully call the match in the ring, a fact that may have been to blame for throwing Shiga really off his game, so bad that Funakoshi needed less than ten minutes before he was able to deliver his finisher and win the match, topping the B Block to advance to the Grand Prix finals. In a bout that had good heat and decent wrestling, Funakoshi defeated Masayuki Shiga in 9:28 by pinfall with a Butterfly Backbreaker. Rating: C Final Points: Funakoshi 9, Shiga 6 <div style="text-align:center;">Yoshifusa Maeda Grand Prix A Block match <img alt="xH5san9.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/xH5san9.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="tfcFhGn.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/tfcFhGn.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Blast Ikoma (7 points) vs Hitomaro Suzuki (3 points)</div>Much like the match that preceded this, it was a case of Ikoma needing nothing but the win to meet Funakoshi in the finals. A loss would have him tie with Yokokawa and with the match between them having ended as a draw, Yokokawa would be the one to advance due to being a title holder. Hitomaro Suzuki on the other hand had no chance of making it to the final, but after a solid series of performances in his first Grand Prix, including a shock victory over Yokokawa, he posed a serious obstacle for Ikoma to overcome, one that could cost him valuable points in search of a win over one of BCG's top guys. To make matters worse, both were equally good throughout the match and it really could have gone either way, a fact the two took advantage of to pace themselves and really stretch things out to maximize the drama. Desperately gunning for a win, Ikoma finally exploded to hit the Northern Lights Bomb and keep Suzuki down for the count, but with fifteen minutes past in the match already, he had set himself up for a very hard fight against Funakoshi in the final bout. In a decent match, Blast Ikoma defeated Hitomaro Suzuki in 15:57 by pinfall with a Northern Lights Bomb. Rating: C- Final Points: Ikoma 9, Suzuki 3 <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;">Final scores A Block Blast Ikoma: 9 Nobuharu Yokokawa: 7 Naonobu Murakami: 5 Sofu Ozawa: 4 Hitomaro Suzuki: 3 Sharaku Okimasa: 2 B Block Funakoshi: 9 Noritoshi Miura: 8 Masayuki Shiga: 6 Rokuemon Matsushita: 3 Giant Brody: 2 Yoshisada Matsuzawa: 1</div></div></blockquote> <div style="text-align:center;">Yoshifusa Maeda Grand Prix Final <img alt="xH5san9.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/xH5san9.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="8jfbhLn.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/8jfbhLn.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Blast Ikoma vs Funakoshi</div>Both men having gone through brutal matches throughout the tournament, Funakoshi seemingly had it somewhat easier as he managed to win his final match of the same night against Shiga much faster than Ikoma did against Suzuki, meaning he was not only fresher but also with less sustained damage to carry over from earlier in the show. The two competitors really sold the story and their characters through supreme wrestling skills, great in-ring psychology and a pace that allowed them to constantly escalate towards a climatic finish. Ikoma fought through the pain and exhaustion, using brief offensive explosions to make the best of any second wind he could get, whereas Funakoshi refrained from getting too cocky, instead respecting his opponent's grit and giving him time to get back on his feet. This honourable demeanor made Funakoshi a hit with the fans as much as Ikoma's warrior spirit endeared him to the audience as well, making for a grand main event of drama, story and in-ring brilliance until Funakoshi finally got the pin in dramatic fashion, just fifteen seconds before the time limit to win the third Yoshifusa Maeda Grand Prix in his career. In a bout that had good wrestling and a decent reaction from the crowd, Funakoshi defeated Blast Ikoma in 20:45 by pinfall with a Butterfly Backbreaker. Funakoshi wins the BCG Yoshifusa Maeda Grand Prix title for a third time in his career. Rating: B- <div style="text-align:center;">2016 Yoshifusa Maeda Grand Prix Winner <img alt="aPbvajc.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/aPbvajc.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> <img alt="8jfbhLn.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/8jfbhLn.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Funakoshi</div> Show Rating: C- Comments: Topping his big win, Funakoshi was praised backstage for his stellar in-ring performance, with Bunrakuken Torii and Yoshinaka Taku also receiving compliments for their work in the 4 vs 4 opener and performances throughout the YMGP Tour

Voeltzwagon · July 23, 2018

Really fine show with a great main event. Those two hopefully will stay healthy because they are sorely needed.

DarK_RaideR · July 23, 2018

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="John Lions" data-cite="John Lions" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="45613" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Not sure if this the correct way to look at it right now, but from my limited BCG experience I pretty much see the singles scene as Torii, Funakoshi, Ikoma, and then everyone else. That's partly why I think Miura could use the rub to get to the YMGP finals and get his name in that group. I don't know what BCG looks like at the start of the CornellVerse game but that's my impression looking at things.</div></blockquote> Interesting way of thinking. Gives me a lot to comment on and much of it I'd like to incorporate on my next "Yoshizawa and Maeda behind the scenes" narrative, so thanks for the inspiration. Few comments on that though: - My BCG looks nothing like the start of the game, since half their roster always gets raided by rivals GCG or top players BHOTWG, leaving them with the loyalists and declining veterans. It's why I've flooded the roster with young lions, in hopes of building up the next generation of loyalists I can invest in without fear of having them snatched away. - Picking up from the previous point, Funakoshi, Ikoma and Torii are BCG's "Holy Trinity" of skilled, popular and loyal Main Eventers. Miura is capable, but not loyal. His regular tag partner was already signed off and after losing Big Bruiser Findlay which messed up my TagMania winning team, I wasn't going to risk having the same happen with Miura. I think Miura has entered a transitional phase where he needs to prove himself before getting a serious push, creatively presented as a journey of rediscovering himself as a singles wrestler after losing his tag partner. - The GP was a great chance to see how people carry themselves in singles matches while scouting out chemistry as well, same way TagMania was earlier. My biggest concern since the raids has been a solid midcard backbone to bridge the gap between young lions and loyal/declining main eventers. Okimasa, Matsuzawa and Shikitei have proven they can be just that, along with Yokokawa (who's nearing his 40s but still hasn't hit decline). Smith will likely take over as main gaijin monster heel after Findlay's departure, while Brody has been the greatest disappointment due to bad performances, inconsistency, a lack of stamina and many other big men, japanese or gaijin, better suited to fill his role. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Voeltzwagon" data-cite="Voeltzwagon" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="45613" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Really fine show with a great main event. Those two hopefully will stay healthy because they are sorely needed.</div></blockquote> Thanks, figuring out all the participants, matchups and outcomes to keep things interesting has been a complicated but very rewarding experience (hooray for spreadsheets!), hopefully the 2017 YMGP will be even better thanks to a better roster and me knowing more about them. Like I said, Funakoshi and Ikoma along with Torii are my "Holy Trinity" for the future until the whole "loyalty and mentorship" project pays off.

Voeltzwagon · July 23, 2018

As far as talent goes have you considered foreign workers that normally aren't grabbed by the larger companies? I am thinking of the likes of Lenny Mochin and Austin Smooth who might be worth signing for a tour or two to see how they do.

DarK_RaideR · July 23, 2018

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Voeltzwagon" data-cite="Voeltzwagon" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="45613" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>As far as talent goes have you considered foreign workers that normally aren't grabbed by the larger companies? I am thinking of the likes of Lenny Mochin and Austin Smooth who might be worth signing for a tour or two to see how they do.</div></blockquote> I've done a quick BCG run in the past, just as an experiment to get the hang of touring promotions (which admittedly, I still haven't quite gotten). Smooth had become a regular and so had Ray Snow and Darin Flyn. Also had a great run with Avalanche Takano once he was back from his IPW excursion and Haranobu Kobayashi, who for some reason PGHW were dumb enough to let go. Was also lucky enough to have both Takano and Kobayashi become BCG loyalists so I'm hoping to repeat that, especially since I've picked up some great re-renders from the forums here! For now, I'm still in the middle of a roster restructuring and keeping a tight leash over my spending, but expect an influx of gaijin workers pretty soon!

siah463 · July 23, 2018

No matter what puro company I'm doing I usually bring in Pavel Vanzycha, his Puro and technical ability are great.

DarK_RaideR · July 23, 2018

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="siah463" data-cite="siah463" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="45613" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>No matter what puro company I'm doing I usually bring in Pavel Vanzycha, his Puro and technical ability are great.</div></blockquote> Good pick as well. I have him filed under "hugely perf>pop guy" in by book next to fellow European Nigel Svensson who starts the game working for SAISHO.

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