BCG: Lions of Puroresu

DarK_RaideR · June 12, 2020

Legends, they called us. The aces and faces of Golden Canvas Grappling for over two decades. Four times we won the World Heavyweight Tag Team titles together and during our friendly rivalry as singles wrestlers, I won the World Heavyweight title five times, two more than my dear friend Kazu Yoshizawa ever did. We saved it from utter collapse. Even in its darkest days, we stuck with the Roaring Lion despite lucrative offers from elsewhere, because loyalty and respect, to us, are more than just buzzwords you throw around for marketing and cheap thrills. Obviously, Hanshiro Furosawa thought otherwise.

Kazu retired from in-ring competition in 2006, at the ripe age of 54. I was two years younger, but I retired that year as well. We were both well respected and experienced, which made the company keep us around as Road Agents. Kazu only lasted a few months; he couldn't stand being around but not in the ring, plus the tour schedules kept him on the road more than he'd like. He left the business to spend time with his family, while I stuck around for a few more years, until CCG decided to join the Modern Japan Movement in 2011.

WLW and WEXXV started this thing when they decided the old ways of touring were outdated and holding back Japanese promotions. The way forward according to their gospel was TV shows and big monthly events, like promotions in the West do. At first, no one took them seriously. WLW was a silly promotion, dressing their juniors up in panda masks and whatnot. WEXVV was always a garbage promotion of blood and guts, somehow surviving on their fringe market. It was when Golden Canvas Grappling joined them that 'the Movement' was really born and our legacy really died.

I responded with utter disgust. To my eyes, this was an insult to both myself and the company's proud legacy. Not only did I resign, I also started my own promotion, Black Canvas Grappling. If this was the West, I'd be marketing it as the 'counter-alternative' to GCG's modern twist. Instead, I simply went on carrying the torch as the true spiritual successor of the Roaring Lion's tradition. But I couldn't do it all on his own. Me and Kazu always worked better as a team. So I shook heaven and earth to drag him out of retirement and into my company as the booker.

We would call ourselves The Defenders of Puroresu. We built BCG out of nothing, took it off the ground and when the tsunami hit in 2016, we perservered. Our enemies did not. WEXXV closed and Kajahara went on to sell his silly act on TV game shows. GCG soon followed, their new leader Haruki Kudo driving them to the ground in early 2017. WLW got hit with a scandal about laundering yakuza money. The Modern Japan Movement was no more.

Most people would say we won the war and it was time to go home. Kazu certainly did. But I am not most people. I am in this till the day I draw my final breath. I have been proven right and I will not rest until the Roaring Lion takes its place as the king of the jungle. I will take BCG to be the #1 promotion in Japan.

Author's Note: This is a loose continuation of my TEW16 Defenders of Puroresu diary. BCG is my favourite Japanese promotion, I am a fan of Japanese wrestling and I've been planning to give them a try in TEW20 since the game was announced. Shout out to all the wonderful people in the rendering community whose portraits, belts and logos I will be using, especially willr0ck, southside_hitmen and King Bison.

DarK_RaideR · June 12, 2020

Black Canvas Grappling

Est. 2011 in Kansai, Japan

Product: Pure Old School Wrestling (Wrestling as a Sport)

BCG World (Prestige 52)

10th Champion

SUKI (1st reign, 0 defences)

Won at BCG Test of Champions, Week 3 of May 2020

Previous Champions

Funakoshi (3x, Oct. 19 - May 20)

Mabuchi Furusawa (Dec. 18 - Oct. 19)

Razan Okamoto (May 18 - Dec. 18)

Bunrakuken Torii (2x, Jul 17 - May 18)

Funakoshi (2x, Sep. 16 - Jul. 17)

Bunrakuken Torii (Aug. 15 - Sep. 16)

Blast Ikoma (Oct. 14 - Aug. 15)

Funakoshi (May 13 - Oct. 14)

Pistol Pete Hall (Dec. 11 - May 13)

BCG World Tag Team (Prestige 40)

14th Champions

The American Cobras, Marvel Malloy & Storm Spillane (1st reign, 0 defences)

Won at BCG Test of Champions, Week 3 of May 2020

Previous Champions

Inejiro Yoshizawa & Noritoshi Miura (5x, Nov. 19 - May 20)

Kadonomaro Kamisaka & Kiyotaka (Mar. 19 - Nov. 19)

Animal Harker & Big Bruiser Findlay (Aug. 18 - Mar. 19)

Inejiro Yoshizawa & Noritoshi Miura (4x, Nov. 17 - Aug. 18)

Toshinobu Taku & Yoshinaka Taku (2x, Jan. 17 - Nov. 17)

Nobuharu Yokokawa & Sojuro Sen (2x, Mar. 16 - Jan. 17)

Toshinobu Taku & Yoshinaka Taku (Jun. 15 - Mar. 16)

Inejiro Yoshizawa & Noritoshi Miura (3x, Dec. 14 - Jun. 15)

Dynamite Narahashi & Bunrakuken Torii (Jun. 14 - Dec. 14)

Inejiro Yoshizawa & Noritoshi Miura (2x, Sep. 13 - Jun. 14)

Naonobu Murakami & Roku Sotomura (Apr. 13 - Sep. 13)

Nobuharu Yokokawa & Sojuro Sen (Sep. 12 - Apr. 13)

Inejiro Yoshizawa & Noritoshi Miura (Dec. 11 - Sep. 12)

BCG Challengers Series (Prestige 30)

16th Champion

Yoshinaka Taku (1st reign, 0 defences)

Won at BCG Sole Survivor 6, Week 4 of June 2020

Previous Champions

Naozane Goto (Dec. 19 - Jun. 20)

Yoshisada Matsuzawa (2x, Jul. 19 - Dec. 19)

Sojuro Sen (Dec. 18 - Jul. 19)

Tanyu Toshusai (2x, Jul. 18 - Dec. 18)

Big Bruiser Findlay (Dec. 17 - Jul. 18)

Rokuemon Matsushita (2x, Feb. 17 - Dec. 17)

Blast Ikoma (2x, Jul. 16 - Feb. 17)

Tanyu Toshusai (Oct. 15 - Jul 16)

Bulldozer Brandon Smith (Apr. 15 - Oct. 15)

Yoshisada Matsuzawa (Sep. 14 - Apr. 15)

Rokuemon Matsushita (Feb. 14 - Sep. 14)

Blast Ikoma (Sep. 13 - Feb. 14)

Yoriie Ippitsusai (Feb. 13 - Sep. 13)

Dynamite Narahashi (Jun. 12 - Feb. 13)

Bunrakuken Torii (Dec. 11 - Jun. 12)

BCG Yoshifusa Maeda Grand Prix (Prestige 54)

9th Winner

SUKI

Round Robin Tournament

Previous Winners

Rokuemon Matsushita (2019)

Razan Okamoto (2x, 2018)

Bunrakuken Torii (2x, 2017)

Funakoshi (3x, 2016)

Razan Okamoto (2015)

Bunrakuken Torii (2014)

Funakoshi (2x, 2013)

Funakoshi (2012)

BCG Sole Survivor (Prestige 48)

4th Winner

Rokuemon Matsushita

Four Way Elimination match prize

Previous Winners

Blast Ikoma (2019)

Mabuchi Furusawa (2018)

Razan Okamoto (2017)

DarK_RaideR · June 12, 2020

Roster

June 2020, Start of Legacy Tour

Major Stars

Big Bruiser Findlay, Bunrakuken Torii, Funakoshi, Razan Okamoto, SUKI

Stars

Mabuchi Furusawa, Rokuemon Matsushita, Tanyu Toshusai, Yoshinaka Taku

Well Known

Blast Ikoma, Dynamite Narahashi, Giant Brody, Inejiro Yoshizawa, Kadonomaro Kamisaka, Kiyotaka,

Marvel Malloy, Naozane Goto, Noritoshi Miura, Roku Sotomura, Storm Spillane,

Recognizable

Animal Harker, Ichiro Mitsukuri, Koyo Kinoshita, Masashi Urogataya, Morimasa Kato, Nobuharu Yokokawa, Omezo Shikitei,

Sharaku Okimasa, Sofu Ozawa, Sojuro Sen, Toshinobu Taku, Yoriie Ippitsusai, Yoshisada Matsuzawa

Unimportant

Danjuro Kikuchi, Monday Next, Ryobe Uno, Yuri Iliakov

Young Lions

Big Boss Emperor, Danjuro Matsuzawa, Desperado Dave Barker, Ginji Kisaka, Goro Hatamoto, Ikki Hosaka, Iron Hyodo, Kawanari Enomoto,

Namboku Atsushi, Nobuyuko Kubo, Noritaka Imakura, Shogo Awatari, Taisho Kiski, Tomiichi Okada, Yuta Isono, Yutaka Ogata

On Excursion

Suguru Emoto (MAW), Takenori Doi (NYCW)

Road Agents

Masayuki Shiga, Naonobu Murakami, Toshinobu Taku, Yoshifusa Maeda

Announcers

Goemon Inoue (Announcer), Shozo Kawamata (Colour)

Referees

Referee Tawaraya (Senior Official), Sadanobu Koruba

Show Index

<table border="0" bgcolor=#DCDCDC><tr><td align="left" width = "780"> <details><summary></summary>2020

Fighting Spirit Tour Day 1

Fighting Spirit Tour Day 2

Fighting Spirit Tour Day 3

Fighting Spirit Tour Day 4

Fighting Spirit Tour Day 5

Fighting Spirit Tour Day 6

Fighting Spirit

Grand Prix Tour Day 1

Grand Prix Tour Day 2

Grand Prix Tour Day 3

Grand Prix Tour Day 4

Grand Prix Tour Day 5

Grand Prix Tour Day 6

Grand Prix Tour Day 7

Grand Prix Tour Day 8

Grand Prix Tour Day 9

Grand Prix Tour Day 10

Yoshifusa Maeda Grand Prix 2020

Sole Survivor Tour Day 1

Sole Survivor Tour Day 2

Sole Survivor Tour Day 3

Sole Survivor Tour Day 4

Sole Survivor Tour Day 5

Sole Survivor Tour Day 6

Sole Survivor Tour Day 7

Sole Survivor Tour Day 8

Sole Survivor Tour Day 9

Sole Survivor Tour Day 10

Legacy Tour Day 7</summary></details></details></td></tr></table></details>

Historian · June 12, 2020

Give me all the front row seats.

Neoteros · June 12, 2020

The fighting spirit is strong in this one.

Munit · June 12, 2020

Beautiful and I cant wait

DarK_RaideR · June 12, 2020

Welcome everyone, thanks for the support. I'm thinking of doing a more extensive presentation of each worker, if there's interest in that?

kanegan · June 12, 2020

Love me some BCG.

kinnikuniverse · June 12, 2020

sounds good! i haven't bought TEW2020 Yet, and, judging by the demo, i think i'm gonna play BCG when i buy it. both for the product and the very solid roster.

please, some more in depth info of the wrestlers. i want to know what to do with them once i buy the game.

FINisher · June 12, 2020

WEXVV was always a garbage promotion of blood and guts, somehow surviving on their fringe market.

Careful there buddy

DarK_RaideR · June 12, 2020

Oh I love WEXXV. Maeda doesn't.

Thanks for the portraits. I left the non wrestling staff intentionally on the blue background to visually separate them from in ring competitors.

FINisher · June 12, 2020

Oh I love WEXXV. Maeda doesn't.

Thanks for the portraits. I left the non wrestling staff intentionally on the blue background to visually separate them from in ring competitors.

Thought so but I mean, c'mon, they are all in suits anyways. Also people should know who they are.

Dalton · June 13, 2020

Ooooo. I like this. Following.

broke_and_tired · June 13, 2020

Can't wait to see how this goes.

Munit · June 13, 2020

Welcome everyone, thanks for the support. I'm thinking of doing a more extensive presentation of each worker, if there's interest in that?

Yes also Bunrakuken Torii to the moon. Idk what it is about him but hes my favorite Japanese worker of all time. When I first started playing the CVERSE and booked Japan, I believed I did BCG and he did me no harm at all. Not sure how he is in the default.

FINisher · June 13, 2020

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Munit" data-cite="Munit" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="50750" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Yes <img alt=":)" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/smile.png.142cfa0a1cd2925c0463c1d00f499df2.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> also Bunrakuken Torii to the moon. Idk what it is about him but hes my favorite Japanese worker of all time. When I first started playing the CVERSE and booked Japan, I believed I did BCG and he did me no harm at all. Not sure how he is in the default.</div></blockquote> In my BCG save he's 5-10 points above everyone else (including Funakoshji etc. other ME's) in match performance. <img alt=":cool:" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/cool.png.f00d2562b2c1d873a09323753efdb041.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

DarK_RaideR · June 13, 2020

Yes also Bunrakuken Torii to the moon.

It's funny, he's a great worker but in my previous save he was cursed to have bad chemistry with everyone in my Main Event/Upper Midcard so now I'm a little biased, but we'll see.

I've written up the upper half of the card, still need to write out the bottom half and post it. 2020 starts with the Heritage tour already underway so no press conference, but I will put up something regarding my opening business decisions and the card announced for Heritage before I get to the actual shows.

1PWfan · June 13, 2020

BCG are my current favourite Puro fed, looking forward to this.

DarK_RaideR · June 13, 2020

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Bunrakuken Torii

30 years old, 11 years Pro, 8 years with BCG (loyal)

Muscular Middleweight Impactful Wrestler</div>

"Machine Gun" Bunrakuken Torii is a rising star in Japan and one of the first break-out stars that Black Canvas Grappling unearthed. An athletic 240lber, Torii gained his nickname because of his rapid fire forearm attacks, used especially when he's backed an opponent into a corner and can really unleash hell; the forearm is actually the basis of a large percentage of his moves, including a sweet flying forearm from the top rope and his finisher, the spinning forearm smash. Known for his warrior spirit, Torii has become one of BCG's biggest stars and was the first wrestler to win the BCG Quadruple Crown during his amazing 2014-2015 period where he was absolutely on fire.

Maeda’s notes: Torii is the total package. He has the skills, the charisma, the star power and he’s loyal. His only drawback is he can’t talk, but given the match-heavy nature of our product that’s never going to come up. A true jack of all trades in the main event scene, he’s not our top guy in any aspect, but he has no glaring weaknesses either.

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Funakoshi

32 years old, 13 years Pro, 8 years with BCG (loyal)

Bulky Middleweight Impactful Wrestler</div>

If you were somehow able to take the concept of puroresu and use it to create a human being, you would likely come up with Funakoshi; his short, thick torso and powerful thighs give him good power and endurance, his tenacity allows him to keep on fighting to the very end, his technical skills ally well with his strong striking, and he has the fighting spirit of an ancient samurai. Part of the initial Black Canvas Grappling roster, Funakoshi seems to have found his natural home and has become a major success story - defeating the legendary Pistol Pete Hall for the BCG World championship in May 2013 being the key moment that effectively cemented his position as a 'made man' and the star of the company. A sure-fire future Hall of Famer, Funakoshi is the rock that BCG is built upon.

Maeda’s notes: We run a performance-oriented promotion and Funakoshi has been our best performer, with the possible exceptions of Pistol Pete Hall in the early days and, perhaps lately, Furusawa. His career speaks volumes of him and his importance to BCG, plus he’s told me he’s looking to eventually mentor others so I’m hoping he picks someone special.

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Mabuchi Furusawa

33 years old, 12 years Pro, 2 years with BCG

Toned Light Heavyweight Regular Wrestler</div>

Mabuchi Furusawa is the youngest son of the Japanese legend Hanshiro Furusawa, the former owner and two-time champion of Golden Canvas Grappling. Whether Mabuchi can ever hope to match his father's career achievements is questionable, but what is for sure is that he is a very similar worker and is rapidly becoming a great worker in his own right. As you'd expect, Mabuchi was signed to a deal by GCG as soon as was possible, and he had a very successful run with them right up until their collapse. Within days of GCG's closure Furusawa was announced as having signed with BCG, a company that many feel is his spiritual home. His rapid ascent has continued in his new home and he is considered one of their crown jewels.

Maeda’s notes: I admit it, I signed Mabuchi to stick it to his dad, but let’s be honest, he always belonged to a pre-2011 GCG so he fits here like a glove. I’d say the same for Gakusha, he hurt me once when he chose to not join me when I started BCG and now he did it again by joining Burning Hammer over us after GCG folded.

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Razan Okamoto

28 years old, 10 years Pro, 8 years with BCG (loyal)

Muscular Lightweight Regular Wrestler</div>

One of the bright young stars of Japanese wrestling, Razan Okamoto was discovered by Black Canvas Grappling and has been wrestling for them since their first show. A quick, athletic wrestler, Okamoto's big strength is actually on defence - his selling is extraordinary, he simply has the natural ability to suck people into caring about him. That, plus his cheeky charisma, makes him a natural fan favourite and have allowed him to become an established presence at the top of the card. Many people see him as a BCG Hall of Famer in the making.

Maeda’s notes: Razan is one of our smallest workers and knows how to use that to gain sympathy as well as underdog comebacks. He is creative, he knows how to use social media to promote himself, he can push merch, he has all the materials needed to be our future ace if he can just manage to top the other main eventers.

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Blast Ikoma

31 years old, 12 years Pro, 8 years with BCG (loyal)

Toned Middleweight Impactful Wrestler</div>

Noburo 'Blast' Ikoma is a Japanese worker who got his nickname from his high-impact suplexes, his favourite trick being to suplex his opponent into the turnbuckles at pace for a visually devastating attack. After gaining a few years of experience on the independent circuit Ikoma got his first big break when he was signed to be part of the original Black Canvas Grappling roster. A regular title holder who is versatile enough to have a good match with absolutely anyone, Ikoma is firmly established as one of BCG's top stars.

Maeda’s notes: Ikoma was good for when we started, but he couldn’t keep up as others broke through and has fallen behind to more or less a gatekeeper role these days.

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Rokuemon Matsushita

30 years old, 9 years Pro, 8 years with BCG (loyal)

Bulky Big Heavyweight Powerhouse</div>

The charismatic Rokuemon Matsushita is a massive Japanese worker who was discovered by Black Canvas Grappling while he was just a rookie. Standing 6'7 tall and at 375lb, Matsushita towers over most opponents and uses his bulk well, dominating with weight-based moves like avalanches, splashes, and bear hugs. He definitely has the potential to be something special and BCG have been very careful to build him up slowly but surely - nobody else on the roster has enjoyed quite such protective booking as Matsushita. All that effort has worked though, as he's now a regular in the main event scene and poised to become one of their big stars in the near future.

Maeda’s notes: You can’t teach size and Matsushita has it in spades. What he needs to be taught is how to sell. If he can tackle that and build up a gas tank to last for a proper, full-on match, he’s going to be a star. Until then, he’ll be just outside the main event scene and I don’t know how to get my point across because he’s so touchy about everything.

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SUKI

33 years old, 15 years Pro, 2 years with BCG

Muscular Middleweight Regular Wrestler</div>

SUKI (Ryunosuke Matsuki) is a gifted wrestler who was trained in the Golden Canvas Grappling dojo. Having gained experience by working the independent scene for a few years, SUKI joined the main GCG roster in 2008 and quickly established himself as one of the brightest young prospects in the company. Originally a slim 218lbs, he also bulked up to a more substantial 240lbs over the course of his GCG career, allowing him to stand toe-to-toe with some of the bigger men on the roster. By the time GCG collapsed SUKI was a two-time World champion, two-time Openweight champion, and was clearly being positioned as the next 'ace' of the company. Post-GCG, SUKI was one of the few members of the roster to sign with their rivals, BCG, and has become one of their biggest draws.

Maeda’s notes: People expected a GCG invasion angle after the collapse but even if I wanted to do it, I couldn’t do it with just two wrestlers. Damn Burning Hammer got enough bodies to put together a devoted stable, but I went for quality over quantity. Fans still see him as “the GCG guy” though and he has yet to win them over, but that only makes for more exciting matches when he’s facing one of our long time workers.

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Big Bruiser Findlay

34 years old, 13 years Pro, 5 years with BCG

Bulky Big Heavyweight Brawler</div>

Findlay O'Farraday is a big brawler from Cobb County, Georgia. The 300lb southerner made his name in Mid Atlantic Wrestling where he was the most dominant wrestler in the company's history, winning multiple titles during his career there. Towards the end of his seven year stint with MAW he also started working regularly for BCG in Japan, having been recommended by the legendary Pistol Pete Hall who had seen him in action and been extremely impressed by his physicality. Working as Big Bruiser Findlay, he has slowly been built up as the main gaijin threat and become renowned for his ultra-physical matches.

Maeda’s notes: I always expected Burning Hammer to sign Findlay away, especially since he’s admitted he’s in this for the money, but it was USPW who swept in to grab Bulldozer Brandon Smith. Wasn’t glad to lose a solid worker, but at least I don’t have to build up a new monster gaijin heel.

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Giant Brody

33 years old, 10 years Pro, 4 years with BCG

Muscular Big Heavyweight Powerhouse</div>

Leon "Giant" Brody is a 6'9, 326lb monster of a man. At first glance he may appear to be a generic brawler, using the same stand-up slugfest style as many of his peers, but upon closer inspection you can see that he has surprising agility for a big guy and that there are some decent high risk moves in his arsenal (including a truly wicked plancha dive). Brody was under a development deal with the SWF between 2009 and 2012 but was eventually released and told to go and gain experience working the independent scene. Since then he has been working regularly for FCW in Puerto Rico and with Black Canvas Grappling in Japan. The SWF's interest in him seems to have cooled as it has been a long time since he was with them, but he's having a decent career regardless.

Maeda’s notes: We are the only promotion in Japan, alongside PGHW, to not feature Junior Heavyweights, so size is always a plus and Brody has size to spare. As a bonus, he can move and even fly, if needed. Which is not, but it’s still something to mock the likes of WLW and EX2010 with.

<div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="Yh83ksE.jpg" data-src="<a href="https://i.imgur.com/Yh83ksE.jpg" rel="external nofollow">https://i.imgur.com/Yh83ksE.jpg"</a> src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="7EcqJGE.jpg" data-src="<a href="https://i.imgur.com/7EcqJGE.jpg" rel="external nofollow">https://i.imgur.com/7EcqJGE.jpg"</a> src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Inejiro Yoshizawa & Noritoshi Miura

33/32 years old, 15/14 years Pro, 8 years with BCG

Light Heavyweight Regular Wrestler/Brawler</div>

Inejiro Yoshizawa (no relation to the legendary Kazu Yoshizawa) and Noritoshi Miura are known mostly for their tag team work. Originally called The Apocalypse Riders and wearing face paint and armour (a name and gimmick given to them during a one-shot appearance for WLW), Yoshizawa was called Spirit Of The Lizard and Miura Spirit of the Shark and the duo primarily worked the independent scene. In late 2011 they joined Black Canvas Grappling as part of the debut roster, a move that saw them revert to their real names and adopt a more serious attitude - the change marked a new beginning for them, one they embraced fully as they are now regarded as BCG's best specialist tag team.

Maeda’s notes: Great team, mediocre individuals. No surprise they are in their fifth title reign already, they and Team Taku are the foundational rocks of the division and with Toshinobu Taku nearing retirement I’ll be leaning even more on these guys, so I need to build up more teams, fast.

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Tanyu Toshusai

30 years old, 8 years Pro, 6 years with BCG

Toned Middleweight Regular Wrestler</div>

Tanyu Toshusai is the nephew of the legendary Japanese wrestler Yoshinaka Toshusai. His uncle is one of the few men to have won world titles in both GCG and BHOTWG and was a superb worker when in his prime. Tanyu, the son of Yoshinaka's younger brother Keiji, is rapidly turning into a high quality worker in his own right. His first big break happened in 2013 when he was signed by Black Canvas Grappling. Since then he has gone on to be a stalwart for the company, and although he hasn't quite cracked the main event scene he is nonetheless a valuable member of the roster and a regular producer of excellent matches when given the right opponent.

Maeda’s notes: Tanyu is solid, might even say he’s future ace material,but I’m worried about where his loyalties lie. Don’t want to invest too heavily in him, only to have him sign an exclusive deal with PGHW or Burning Hammer.

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Yoshinaka Taku

28 years old, 9 years Pro, 8 years with BCG (loyal)

Toned Light Heavyweight Regular Wrestler</div>

Yoshinaka Taku is a Japanese wrestler, the son of the veteran Toshinobu Taku. The youngster first came to fame in December 2011, just over a year after his debut, when he was picked up to be part of the initial Black Canvas Grappling roster - probably as a favour to his dad, who was also working for them. He initially spent most of his time teaming with his father, a useful way of building his skills and confidence, achieving the rare feat of being part of a father-son championship winning tag team in 2015. More recently he has been working solo more and more often, and is widely tipped for a future starring role in the company.

Maeda’s notes: Future starring role indeed. Yoshi is now where Torii and Okamoto used to be. He needs some more experience as a singles competitor, but I have great hopes for him.

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Animal Harker

34 years old, 11 years Pro, 4 years with BCG

Toned Light Heavyweight Brawler</div>

Scott "Animal" Harker is a wild brawler from Dallas, Texas, who some see shades of the late great Wild Man Sullivan in. The 280lb bruiser is fairly limited in terms of technique, but makes up for that with an intense attack style and a willingness to take a beating. He also seems to have a natural ability to get a crowd on his side, as even though he hardly ever touches a microphone he always seems to have the fans rooting for him. He has become known for his work with two companies in particular, NYCW and BCG. Mostly a solo act, he did however have a good few years teaming with Tennessee William in NYCW as The Southern Stars. Together they won the tag titles three times before William brutally turned heel on Harker.

Maeda’s notes: You wouldn’t know just by looking at him, but Harker is one of the most stylistically diverse workers around. He’s got a natural comedy vein (which he used with NYCW to play a simpleton) but can also nail the old Southern Wrasslin’ bloody brawls if he wanted to be a deathmatch wrestler. Lucky for us, he loves the business and real wrestling, so he’s happy to work in BCG and showcase his proper wrestling abilities.

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Dynamite Narahashi

36 years old, 18 years Pro, 8 years with BCG

Toned Middleweight Regular Wrestler</div>

Moromao "Dynamite" Narahashi is an energetic worker who got the nickname "Dynamite" thanks to his deadly Narahashi Cutter, probably the most explosive finishing move in Japanese wrestling history. A lot was expected from Narahashi early on in his career, not least after he was voted Rookie Of The Year by the press in 2004 following a great year of matches in BHOTWG. The weight of expectation clearly became a burden though and his career dipped dramatically after, resulting in him quietly leaving the company a few years later. He resurfaced as part of BCG initial roster in 2011 and has done a good job of rebuilding his career with them, now being valued as a hard working and dedicated member of the crew.

Maeda’s notes: Narahashi was with Burning Hammer during his peak and apparently missed his chance, but that doesn’t mean we can’t benefit from his exposure and keep a solid hand in the midcard. On top of that, he’s pretty easy going, which makes doing business with him as well as having him in the locker room a pleasure.

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Kadonomaro Kamisaka

30 years old, 8 years Pro, 6 years with BCG

Light Heavyweight Impactful Wrestler</div>

"Serene K" Kadonomaro Kamisaka is a Japanese wrestler who is noted for his complete expressionlessness, giving the exact same blank look whether he's on the attack, defence, or giving an interview. He is a very scrappy, tenacious fighter; he tends to batter his opponents with forearm blows in order to soften them up for one of his many neck-busting suplexes. The opponent's neck is generally his target throughout matches as he works towards his Triangle Choke finisher. He joined BCG in late 2013 and has fit in well as a solid, dependable midcard wrestler.

Maeda’s notes: Were this any other promotion, Kamisaka would be given a gimmick of not registering pain, made to look invulnerable or downright creepy. BCG doesn’t deal in gimmickry. He can still sell, but his wrestling won’t have fans rooting for him. Plus he tends to eat up lesser performers and look dominant when he’s not supposed to. Useful, but tricky.

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Kiyotaka

30 years old, 7 years Pro, 6 years with BCG

Toned Middleweight Technician</div>

Known only by one name, much like Madonna, Prince, and Garfield, Kiyotaka has been wrestling since he graduated from the Tokyo Wrestling Dojo in 2012. Very much a grappler's grappler, his style consists of getting hold of his opponent and putting them on the mat where he can work them over with painful holds and submission attempts. He got his first big break in 2013 when he was signed by BCG and his all-business approach has ensured that the fans have quickly grown to respect him, even if his lack of charisma means they haven't totally embraced him as anything other than a midcard workhorse.

Maeda’s notes: Is it any wonder Kiyotaka teams with “Serene K”?

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Naozane Goto

27 years old, 5 years Pro, 5 years with BCG (loyal)

Bulky Big Heavyweight Regular Wrestler</div>

Naozane Goto is a former sumo competitor who has since switched to professional wrestling. Weighing in at 380lbs, he is not a small man by any means but he is not unhealthily fat either, he simply has a naturally bulky physique. His attacking style is based around that size, combined with his surprising agility, and centers around moves like big splashes, high velocity reverse avalanches, and belly to belly suplexes. He joined BCG after turning pro and is slowly being built up as a star, with the company's management clearly seeing his combination of size and charisma as being very marketable.

Maeda’s notes: Grooming this guy as Matsushita’s eventual successor. I should probably talk to him about using a more classic Powerhouse style.

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Nobuharu Yokokawa

40 years old, 18 years Pro, 8 years with BCG

Bulky Middleweight Regular Wrestler</div>

Nobuharu Yokokawa is a journeyman professional who was a fixture on the Japanese independent scene for many years. In 2011 he was hired by Black Canvas Grappling, the first time he had gained employment with a 'big name' group, and - perhaps thanks to the guidance of the legendary Yoshifusa Maeda - has started putting on the best performances of his career. In particular, he has developed a nasty streak to his in-ring work that really adds to his aura. A staple of the BCG undercard, he has been a good servant for the company thus far.

Maeda’s notes: Yokokawa is the definition of “worker”. He’s consistent, reliable and holding back on tours so he can avoid piling on damage or burning up spots so he can go all out at the big shows. He’s not in it for money or fame, he’s here to do the work and collect his paycheck.

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Roku Sotomura

41 years old, 23 years Pro, 7 years with BCG

Middleweight Technician</div>

The veteran Roku "The Rock" Sotomura is a fine technical wrestler from Japan who doesn't get the attention that his skills deserve, probably because his low-intensity low-impact style can come across as very dull; Sotomura is sometimes jokingly called "The Master Of The Chinlock" by his peers, due to his love of a nice tight rest hold. After initially making a name for himself via a two year stint with INSPIRE, he has gone on to become better known for his lengthy run as a midcard mainstay for Black Canvas Grappling.

Maeda’s notes: Guys like Roku are where the stereotype of skilled but bland technical wizard originated from. That’s alright, not everyone has to be a star and Roku is a solid hand who can put on a good match and teach the essentials to the next generation.

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Sharaku Okimasa

33 years old, 13 years Pro, 8 years with BCG

Middleweight Technician</div>

Sharaku Okimasa is a relatively bland Japanese worker who is best known for his long stint with Black Canvas Grappling; he has been with them since their very first show. A technician, Okimasa is perfectly adequate in terms of in-ring skills but lacks the fire or charisma that would allow him to be anything more than a solid midcarder.

Maeda’s notes: Okimasa is another guy who’ll never be a star, but he knows to put the work in and keep his head down. Let the Americans try to make a star out of everyone, we know the work ethic is where it’s at.

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Sofu Ozawa

47 years old, 28 years Pro, 6 years with BCG

Middleweight Regular Wrestler</div>

Sofu Ozawa, who sometimes also works as Tsunami Ozawa, is a veteran all-rounder who can always be relied upon to put on a solid performance but who has equally always lacked the spark that would make him something other than a reliable midcarder. After a long career on the independent scene, in 2013 he finally joined a 'name' group when he became a member of the BCG roster. A perfect fit for his style of ring work, Ozawa has done well in BCG in what is almost certainly his last few years as an active wrestler before retirement.

Maeda’s notes: Poor choice of a nickname, especially in the post-2016 Japan. Ozawa has provided that veteran experience so far, but he’s next in line to pass the torch and join Shiga and Murakami in retirement.

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Sojuro Sen

35 years old, 15 years Pro, 8 years with BCG

Flabby Middleweight Brawler</div>

Sojuro Sen is a tough-as-nails competitor from Japan, best known for having been with Black Canvas Grappling since their debut show. Noted for his ferocious knife edge chops, Sen loves blasting away at his opponent's chest until it looks like hamburger meat. He has adopted an over-the-shoulder backbreaker as his finisher of choice and somehow gotten it over big time despite how archaic it is. The wiley, cranky veteran has become a staple of the BCG midcard.

Maeda’s notes: He may be a pain in the butt to deal with, but he’s solid and tough, which is all I could ask from him when it comes to playing his part.

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Toshinobu Taku

52 years old, 34 years Pro, 8 years with BCG

Bulky Middleweight Regular Wrestler</div>

The veteran Toshinobu Taku is a solid technical worker who has drifted on and off the roster of nearly every company in Japan at some point. Although ultra-solid and dependable, Taku's issue has always been that he is just too dull to become a star. In December 2011 he joined Black Canvas Grappling and, possibly realising that it was likely to be his last chance to make a mark on pro wrestling, debuted in the best shape of his career and with a new fire to his ring-work. He also began teaming a lot with his son, Yoshinaka Taku, and they achieved the rare feat of being father-son tag team champions in 2015. Now past 50, Taku is slowing down and talk of retirement is in the air.

Maeda’s notes: Did I say Ozawa’s next in line for retirement? Toshi might hang up the boots first, actually. If I’m honest, his greatest gift to BCG has been his son. They were a great duo as Team Taku and he’s leaving behind a future star, for sure.

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Yoriie Ippitsusai

47 years old, 26 years Pro, 8 years with BCG

Middleweight Regular Wrestler</div>

A Japanese veteran, Yoriie Ippitsusai is Mr. Dependable, the man who will always deliver a solid no-frills performance, a trait that makes him very valuable for helping build up less experienced workers. Having drifted around the independent scene and smaller groups for most of his career, Ippitsusai got a big break when BCG hired him in December 2011. Although now getting to the tail end of his career, he's still a useful member of the roster and an invaluable voice of experience.

Maeda’s notes: Yoriie is aware of his role and will go out of his way to make younger guys in the ring with him look like a million yen. Wish a few others of the old guard did the same.

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Yoshisada Matsuzawa

36 years old, 15 years Pro, 8 years with BCG

Muscular Middleweight Regular Wrestler</div>

A solid professional, Yoshisada Matsuzawa drifted around the Japanese independent scene for many years prior to being signed by Black Canvas Grappling in December 2011 to be part of their very first show. Having impressed with his work ethic and attitude, he was kept around and has gone on to be one of the staples of the company's midcard. Not a spectacular wrestler by any means, what Matsuzawa brings to the table is professionalism and reliability. Since joining BCG he has also displayed a hitherto unsuspected level of charisma and is the one member of the roster who may occasionally throw in a cheeky comedy spot to pop the crowd (and the boys).

Maeda’s notes: Not exactly our comedy guy, but his humor’s a welcome break from our overall ultra serious style, both on and off the stage.

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Ichiro Mitsukuri

22 years old, 3 years Pro, 2 years with BCG

Muscular Light Heavyweight Powerhouse</div>

A 2016 graduate of GCG's dojo, Ichiro Mitsukuri is a promising young wrestler who worked opening matches for the company during its final year in business. A muscular 280lber who likes to bully opponents with raw power, Mitsukuri's performances showed enough promise that he was signed up by Black Canvas Grappling after GCG went bust. He has continued to impress and improve in his new home and has also formed a very promising tag team with another young wrestler who graduated in the same class as him, Koyo Kinoshita.

Maeda’s notes: He and Koyo bring the power to the undercard. They came with some experience as a team too, so they’re a pretty safe gamble, giving me a team to build up and two powerhouses for the midcard after Goto moves on.

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Koyo Kinoshita

21 years old, 3 years Pro, 2 years with BCG

Muscular Light Heavyweight Brawler</div>

One of the final two graduates from GCG's dojo system, "Big K" Koyo Kinoshita is a well-muscled brawler who likes to pummel opponents with brute strength. Having paid his dues working opening matches for the company, after GCG's collapse Kinoshita was signed by BCG. Considering him a good prospect for the future he was put in a tag team with the man he graduated with, Ichiro Mitsukuri, and the two rookies have continued to develop their skills. Many feel that Kinoshita could be a big star one day.

Maeda’s notes: I am one of those who share the feeling, but for now let’s just see how he develops.

<div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="UObjI4d.jpg" data-src="<a href="https://i.imgur.com/UObjI4d.jpg" rel="external nofollow">https://i.imgur.com/UObjI4d.jpg"</a> src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="R4exbHB.jpg" data-src="<a href="https://i.imgur.com/R4exbHB.jpg" rel="external nofollow">https://i.imgur.com/R4exbHB.jpg"</a> src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

The American Cobras (Marvel Malloy & Storm Spillane)

28 years old, 8 years Pro, 2 years with BCG

Muscular Lightweight Technician Flyer/Toned Lightweight Impactful Wrestler</div>

James 'Marvel' Malloy and Jake "Storm" Spillane are two Floridian wrestlers and best friends since childhood who team together as The American Cobras. Spillane is the heavy hitter while Malloy is a high flyer who is noted for his aggressive style of attack, both obviously fans of Japanese wrestling as they use lots of cutting edge moves they have clearly gotten from tapes of PGHW, WLW, and co. The Cobras were signed by CZCW in 2013, where their fantastic matches with a variety of opponents led to them to becoming break-out stars, winning the CZCW tag titles and being the first ever COTT World Tag Team champions. They have gone on to become one of the most in-demand teams in North America, working regularly not only for CZCW but also for OLLIE in Mexico and BCG in Japan. One of the busiest and most in-demand tag teams on the world stage, it is surely a matter of when, not if, that a major company locks them down to a big money exclusive deal.

Maeda’s notes: I have high hopes for the Cobras, I just wish I can make something out of them before some big name promotion comes in with promises of big money and TV deals to sign them away on exclusive deals.

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Suguru Emoto

23 years old, 3 years Pro, 2 years with BCG

Muscular Light Heavyweight Brawler</div>

Suguru Emoto is a young Japanese wrestler who is notable for his dyed yellow hair. A big tough kid, he likes to brawl it out and is never shy about trading hands. He joined Black Canvas Grappling in 2017, one of the last signings made by Kazu Yoshizawa during his reign as booker. Emoto has started his career with BCG strongly and looks like a really promising prospect for the future.

Maeda’s notes: Kazu saw something in this kid and I’ll agree he already has the feel of a future star. Matter of fact, I should look into sending him off on excursion.

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Ginji Kisaka

20 years old, 1 year Pro (Young Lion), 1 year with BCG (True born)

Muscular Light Heavyweight Brawler</div>

A big tough brawler, Ginji Kisaka graduated from the Roaring Lion Dojo in 2018. Known for his highly aggressive style, Kisaka likes to wade in and overwhelm opponents with chops, headbutts, and kicks, before kicking it up a gear and using big suplexes and slams to set up his Butterfly Powerbomb finish. Having spent the first year of his career as a young boy and thus losing almost every bout, Kisaka is now starting to come into his own and move up the BCG rankings.

Maeda’s notes: I’m probably looking at another solid midcarder, but only time will tell. Ginji needs to learn how to sell and how to get fans invested in him, but is otherwise a decent young lion who might turn out alright.

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Ikki Hosaka

18 years old, Rookie year (Young Lion) BCG True Born

Toned Lightweight Regular Wrestler</div>

A BCG true born, Ikki Hosaka came through the company's Roaring Lion Dojo. As with the vast majority of graduates from that facility, Hosaka is a very strong athlete who has been taught the fundamentals of professional wrestling very well. A little on the small side, Hosaka uses his relatively small stature to his advantage by being a nimble presence in the ring, often using evasion tactics to outsmart or disorientate his opponents.

Maeda’s notes: Could this be the next Razan Okamoto? Dojo trainers tell me they share a lot of similar traits. If he can stay injury free and develop his skills, he might prove to be a diamond in the rough.

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Nobuyuki Kubo

19 years old, Rookie year (Young Lion) BCG True Born

Middleweight Regular Wrestler</div>

Nobuyuki Kubo is a 2019 graduate of BCG's Roaring Lion Dojo. A good prospect, he's everything a modern worker should be - he's athletic, agile, and well-versed in both grappling and striking. He's particularly noted for using a lot of knee strikes in his ring work, including his finisher which is a brutal running knee to the side of a downed opponent's head.

Maeda’s notes: If Hosaka bares a lot of similarities to Okamoto, I’m told Kubo does the same with Torii. So proud of this dojo.

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Takenori Doi

21 years old, 2 years Pro (Young Lion), 1 year with BCG (True Born)

Toned Middleweight Striker</div>

Takenori Doi is a fiery Japanese wrestler who is closely associated with Black Canvas Grappling, who he has worked for since 2018. Known primarily for two things, his excellent cardio and brutal Charging Knee Strike finisher, Doi made an immediate impact on the roster with some fantastic matches and is now rightly seen as potential future BCG star.

Maeda’s notes: Right now the senior of our young lions, Doi might also be the most promising one. It’ll take another year or two before he leaves on excursion, but he is bound to be a major player down the line.

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Yutaka Ogata

20 years old, 1 year Pro (Young Lion), 1 year with BCG (True Born)

Flabby Middleweight Impactful Wrestler</div>

A rookie from Japan, Yutaka Ogata was the first ever graduate from BCG's new Roaring Lion Dojo. Relatively short (5'8) and stocky (240lbs), Ogata is very much an old school Japanese wrestler who likes to mix up sharp strikes with classic grappling techniques. It is too early to tell how his career will go, especially as he is still being used in the 'young boy role' with BCG, but the early signs are promising.

Maeda’s notes: Clearly a pattern here, but other than the body type, Ogata is far from even being regarded as a spiritual successor to Funakoshi. Let’s just wait and see how he develops.

DarK_RaideR · June 14, 2020

BCG Heritage 2020 - Night 1, Wed. W1 Jan. 2020

Kobe @ Kansai, Japan

575 Fans

Pre-show

1. Yoshinaka Taku, Yokokawa & Sen def. Ikki Hosaka and The American Cobras (10m 26s) when Yoshinaka Taku pinned Ikki Hosaka with a Full Nelson Bomb. [43]

2. Miura & Yoshizawa def. Mitsukuri & Kinoshita (10m 10s) when Noritoshi Miura pinned Koyo Kinoshita with The End Of The World. [47]

Main Show

- Yoshifusa Maeda himself welcomed fans and wished them a happy new year [69]

1. Razan Okamoto and Tanyu Toshusai def. Dynamite Narahashi and Yoshisada Matsuzawa (15m 53s) when Razan Okamoto pinned Dynamite Narahashi with a Brainbuster Suplex. [60]

2. Giant Brody and The Wild Ones (Harker & Findlay) def. Naozane Goto, Rokuemon Matsushita and Blast Ikoma (15m 55s) when Animal Harker pinned Blast Ikoma with a Stump Piledriver. [49]

3. Funakoshi and Bunrakuken Torii def. Mabuchi Furusawa and SUKI (21m 28s) when Funakoshi pinned SUKI with a Butterfly Backbreaker. [55]

- A rare appearance on a tour show from Yoshifusa Maeda and what a match to follow it up with! Fans in Kobe were treated to a show stealing opener and cheered all four men in it once the match was over, thanking them for their effort.

- Team BCG versus Team GCG in the main event, two opposite sides of the coin in terms of teamwork. Furusawa and SUKI really hit it off, showcasing an intrinsic understanding of each other, whereas Torii and Funakoshi only threw each other off. Despite this, the homegrown team managed to get the win thanks to the BCG World champion's dreaded Butterfly Backbreaker, while fans and analysts left the show wondering whether the losers would be seen teaming up more often in the future.

</div>

LaEstrella · June 14, 2020

I like the design for the match card, looks really good. Really suits BCG.

Bigelow Cartwheel · June 14, 2020

Nice to see you back DR. This is looking pretty rad.

Hashasheen · June 14, 2020

You're picking up those two unsigned GCG guys, right? Can't leave those young boys out in the cold...

Dalton · June 14, 2020

Effective first show. I'm surprised to see the main event only get a 55, but eh. I can see the beginnings of a few good stories just from that match alone. GCG guys worked well together, so those two sticking together (and adding a few more Golden boys?) could be in the future plans. And Funakoshi and Torii not meshing well could totally lead to a feud down the line. Second match had three gaijins teaming, sooo gaijin faction?

I've seen a similar type of format for tour shows in other puro dynasties and it is by far the easiest style to read and I assume the quickest and easiest to write, so kudos to you for employing it!

PS I'm sad Blast Ikoma was the one pinned by Harker

DarK_RaideR · June 14, 2020

I like the design for the match card, looks really good. Really suits BCG.

I've seen a similar type of format for tour shows in other puro dynasties and it is by far the easiest style to read and I assume the quickest and easiest to write, so kudos to you for employing it!

Thank you both. Won't lie, I've used the visual in prior diaries but the writing style is straight outta CGN's longoing White Canvas diary which, if you haven't looked up already, you totally should.

Nice to see you back DR. This is looking pretty rad.

Good to see you around, BC. Waiting for the LondonVerse and/or Rockverse to drop so I can run a OWC-style diary

You're picking up those two unsigned GCG guys, right? Can't leave those young boys out in the cold...

Maybe, maybe not. January is more or less a trial month to see how the finances go, fish for chemistry etc.

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BCG: Lions of Puroresu

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