PGHW Origins(-ish)

Scottie · January 17, 2021

Ichihara bests Kitoaji in PGHW "Wrestling" series finale

TOKYO, Japan - Hito Ichihara prevailed over rival Koryusai Kitoaji to claim his first Glory Crown in a near 40-minute classic at PGHW "Night of WRESTLING" at Tokyo's Korakuen Hall.

It was the first meeting between the two former BHOTGW grapplers since Kitoaji bested Ichihara to claim the inaugural PGHW Glory Crown in July, with Ichihara having worked hard to return to title contention following a string of impressive wins in the back half of the year. Now looking to make his fourth defence of the Glory Crown, Kitoaji took advantage of his superior size and strength to assume control in a tense start - Ichihara left on the back foot early.

However, the challenger soon managed to stage a comeback, lifting the pace with some impressive strikes and throws to turn the match - and large portions of the crowd - his way. For just a moment, Kitoaji looked a beat too slow as his great rival came from the top rope for the first real near fall of the bout.

It was not going to be so easy for Ichihara in his second shot at the Glory Crown, as Kitoaji slowly reasserted his dominance over his smaller opponent. Taking control, Kitoaji targeted Ichihara's leg - partly to slow him down, but also to impact Ichihara's strength to hit that patented Head Drop Suplex which has brought him so much success in recent times.

After a prolonged exchange in which both grapplers traded control and came within a heart beat of victory on a number of occasions, Kitoaji saw his efforts reduced to nought as Ichihara showed incredible tenacity and spirit to lift his larger opponent up - and, after a pause, bring him crashing down on his head to claim his first Glory Crown.

A clearly emotional Ichihara was presented with the gold for the first time following the bout, and promised to be a fighting champion in 1997. Kitoaji, respectfully, gave Ichihara space to celebrate, but it is clear that this will not be the last time he would battle for PGHW glory.

In other action, the combination of experienced veterans and exciting prospects was on show:

Giant gaijin Dread put forward his case to be Ichihara's first title defence following a hard hitting victory over Danger Kumasaka. Kumasaka showed real spirit against his bigger opponent as he sought to make his own case for a shot at Hito, but he succumbed like many have - and will likely do in the future - to a devastating double-handed Dread Bomb.
Fellow foreigners Lee Wright and Ray Diaz made their sixth defence of the Glory Tag Crown with an impressive victory over promising pair Eisaku Hoshino and Eisaku Kunomasu. The exciting Japanese team managed to gain pinfall victories over the reigning champions in multi-man bouts throughout the Wrestling series, but couldn't best the more experienced duo in two-on-two actions as Wright hit Kunomasu with a devastating Spinebuster for the three-count as Diaz took care of a helpless Hoshino.
Veteran Yodo Nakane survived a spirited display from the talented Mito Miwa, finishing him with a devastating Brainbuster Suplex. The former QUEST Historical Japan champion Miwa went close to victory on a number of occasions against the former Glory Crown contender, but ultimately lacked the experience to put Nakane away. For Nakane, it was an important win as he seeks to rebuild his title credentials following a failed attempt against Kitoaji in November.
Shuji Inukai continued to impress as part of his new tag team combination with the experienced Dragon Agakawa, as his devastating Lariat produced a victory against Amiri Ngala and Dino Maldini.
Nobuatsu Tatsuko produced an incredible 21st defence of the PGHW Historical Japan title against Yoshimi Mushashibo in yet another exceptional match from the man they call "The Iron Man". Mushashibo showed on a number of occasions why he is one to watch in PGHW with an impressive display that saw him go close to ending Tatsuko's extended run, but The Iron Man's composure proved the difference as a devastating Tatsuko Driller ensured his reign would extend into a third consecutive year.
Hayate Hasegawa delivered victory for his team in an entertaining opening bout, leaving Ninsei Tanuma nursing a very sore head following a crisp Yakuza Kick.

PGHW "Night of WRESTLING", 20.12.1996 (STV)

Tokyo Korakuen Hall

2,100 Fans - Super No Vacancy

Hayate Hasegawa, Go Matsunaga, Koji Kojima & Koki Ishibashi defeated Gihei Kanasaka, Kazuo Mitsushi, Kimitada Yanagita & Ninsei Tanuma (10:02) with the Yakuza Kick from Hasegawa to Tanuma.
PGHW Historical Japan Title: "The Iron Man" Nobuatsu Tatsuko defeated Yoshimi Mushashibo (15:15) with the Tatsuko Driller (21st defence).
Shuji Inukai & Dragon Agakawa defeated Amiri Ngala & Dino Maldini (12:10) with a Lariat from Inukai to Maldini.
Yodo Nakane defeated Mito Miwa (22:45) with the Brainbuster Suplex.
PGHW Glory Tag Crown: Lee Wright & Raymond Diaz © defeated Eisaku Hoshino & Eisaku Kunomasu (20:32) with a Spinebuster from Wright to Kunomasu (6th defence).
Dread defeated Danger Kumasaka (16:54) with the Dread Bomb.
PGHW Glory Crown: Hito Ichihara defeated Koryusai Kitoaji © (36:22) with the Head Drop Suplex - Title Change (Failed 4th defence -> 2nd Glory Crown).

* * *

This will be my first foray into a TEW diary - I'm not very knowledgeable about Japanese wrestling but will do my best. Thank you to Derek B for his exceptional work on the 1997 mod, and to BestForTheBusiness who (as you will shortly see) has produced some quite stunning renders for the entire 1997 PGHW roster.

Scottie · January 17, 2021

PRIDE • GLORY • HONOR

WRESTLING

PGHW GLORY CROWN

KORYUSAI KITOAJI (3rd Champion)

def. Hito Ichihara (05.12.1997)

Previous Champions:

2. Hito Ichihara (20.12.1996 to 05.12.1997)

1. Koryusai Kitoaji (27.07.1996 to 20.12.1996)

</div>

PGHW GLORY TAG CROWN

CODEBREAKERS 1996 (EISAKU HOSHINO & EISAKU KUNOMASU) (3rd Champions)

def. Danger Kumasaka & Yodo Nakane (25.07.1997)

Previous Champions:

2. Shuji Inukai & Yodo Nakane (23.01.1997 to 19.07.1997) (titles vacated due to injury)

1. Lee Wright & Raymond Diaz (27.07.1996 to 23.01.1997)</div>

PGHW HISTORICAL JAPAN

"THE IRON MAN"

NOBUATSU TATSUKO (25th Champion)

def. Mito Miwa (26.05.1995)

Previous Champions (until 1996, the QUEST Historical Japan Title):

24. Mito Miwa (2) (06.1994 to 26.05.1995)

23. Masutaro Kataoka (2) (06.1993 to 06.1994)

22. Mito Miwa (10.1992 to 06.1993)

21. Masutaro Kataoka (07.1992 to 10.1992)

20. Lee Wright (12.1991 to 07.1992)

19. Katsuyo Nagashima (01.1991 to 12.1991)

18. Onishi Takuma (3) (06.1990 to 01.1991)

17. Daiki Amano (2) (09.1989 to 06.1990)

16. Bloody Takai (02.1989 to 09.1989)

15. Sanetomo Shiraishi (05.1988 to 02.1989)

14. Kyoshiro Kanashi (4) (06.1987 to 05.1988)

13. Fuuma Magami (3) (01.1986 to 06.1987)

12. Kyoshiro Kanashi (3) (07.1984 to 01.1986)

11. Onishi Takuma (2) (12.1983 to 07.1984)

10. Ryo Inozuki (3) (05.1982 to 12.1982)

9. Daiki Amano (06.1982 to 05.1982)

8. Kojiro Harada (10.1981 to 04.1982)

7. Onishi Takuma (12.1979 to 10.1981)

6. Kyoshira Kanashi (2) (02.1979 to 12.1979)

5. Yasunari Koga (09.1978 to 02.1979)

4. Fuuma Magami (09.1977 to 09.1978)

3. Ryo Inozuki (2) (11.1976 to 09.1977)

2. Kyoshiro Kanashi (03.1976 to 11.1976)

1. Ryo Inozuki (07.1975 to 03.1976)

</div>

ELITE SERIES

DREAD (1997 Winner)

def. Koryusai Kitoaji (19.04.1997)</div>

ELITE TAG SERIES

CLUB DREAD (LEE WRIGHT & RAYMOND DIAZ) (1997 Winner)

def. T.O.P. Team (Danger Kumasaka & Hayate Hasegawa) (17.10.1997)</div>

Scottie · January 17, 2021

PRIDE • GLORY • HONOR

WRESTLING

MANAGEMENT

Sadaharu Jimbo (Owner) - Danger Kumasaka (Head Booker)

____________________________________

ROSTER

MAJOR STARS

Danger Kumasaka - Dread - Hito Ichihara (PGHW Glory Crown) - Koryusai Kitoaji - Lee Wright - Nobuatsu Tatsuko (PGHW Historical Japan) - Yodo Nakane (PGHW Glory Tag Crown)

STARS

Eisaku Hoshino - Mito Miwa

WELL-KNOWN

Dragon Agakawa - Shuji Inukai (PGHW Glory Tag Crown) - Yoshimi Mushashibo

RECOGNISABLE

Eisaku Kunomasu - Go Matsunaga - Hayate Hasegawa - Koki Ishibashi - Ninsei Tanuma - Raymond Diaz

OTHERS

Amane Shunsen - Craig Prince - Fukusaburu Inao - Harumi Okazawaya - Heizo Yamakazi - Hirokumi Saito - Hiroyasu Gakusha

Java - Kazuo Mitsushi - Ken Shimedzu - Koichi Kajiwara - Koji Kojima - Mamoru Nagahama - Natsu Miyamae

Rolling Johnny Stones - Sotatsu Saramura - Takesi Umehara - Yoriie Ippitsusai

____________________________________

STABLES & ALLIANCES

____________________________________

ALUMNI

Amiri Ngala - Dino Maldini - Gihei Kanesaka - Kimitada Yanagita - Razor Valentine - Rico Santana - Samurai Brown

Dalton · January 17, 2021

Love the renders! I'm a HUGE fan of PGHW in 2020 but never gave them a look in 97. Excited to see what you do here!

Chisoku · January 17, 2021

Those renders are sexy. I always enjoy a good bit of Puro booking!

Historian · January 18, 2021

Best of luck here. PGHW has always been my favorite puro fed (though, DarK RaideR turned me in to a BCG guy). I'll be following intently to see how you build this.

Scottie · February 10, 2021

PGHW New Year CRASH!! to kick off RESPECT Series

TOKYO, Japan - Japanese upstart PGHW has announced the card for its first show for 1997, "New Year CRASH!!", as well as the full schedule for its first tour of the year - the RESPECT Series.

"New Year CRASH!!" will be one of three PGHW shows to be broadcast live in January on Shogun TV, and will be headlined by a special "New Year's Singles Match" between new PGHW Glory Crown Champion Hito Ichihara and fellow BHOTWG alum Shuji Inukai. Elsewhere, much of the roster will vie for a ¥5,000,000 prize in a battle royal match - in which the only way to be eliminated is by pinfall or submission.

Following the Jan. 8 card, PGHW will hold seven shows around the country as part of the RESPECT Series, along with two cards broadcast on Shogun TV - "Road to Night of RESPECT" on Jan. 17 and "Night of RESPECT" on Jan. 23. Clips from the remaining shows will also be broadcast.

PGHW "New Year CRASH!!", 08.01.1997 (STV)

Kyoto Arena<div align="left">

Fukusaburu Inao, Gihei Kanasaka & Kazuo Mitsushi vs. Hirokumi Saito, Ninsei Tanuma & Mamoru Nagahama.
Java & Kimitada Yanagita vs. Rebel Cell (Harumi Okazawaya & Sotsatsu Saramura).
Yodo Nakane, Mito Miwa & Koichi Kajiwara vs. Go Matsunaga, Yoshimi Mushashibo & Amane Shunsen.
Dragon Agakawa, Hayate Hasegawa, Koji Kojima & Koki Ishibashi vs. Nobuatsu Tatsuko, Amiri Ngala, Dino Maldini & Rico Santana.
Koryusai Kitoaji, Eisaku Hoshino & Eisaku Kunomasu vs. Dread, Lee Wright & Raymond Diaz.
Special New Year's Singles Match: Hito Ichihara vs. Shuji Inukai.
¥5,000,000 New Year Battle Royal: Including Yodo Nakane, Dragon Agakawa, Mito Miwa, Lee Wright & More!

</div></div>

PGHW RESPECT Series 1997

PGHW New Year's CRASH!! (STV)

Kyoto Arena - 08.01.1997

PGHW RESPECT Series - Night 1

Hakata Star Lane - 09.01.1997

PGHW RESPECT Series - Night 2

Kitakyushu West Japan Exhibition Hall - 10.01.1997

PGHW RESPECT Series - Night 3

Matsuyama City Community Center - 12.01.1997

PGHW RESPECT Series - Night 4

Hiroshima Sports Center - 15.01.1997

PGHW Road to Night of RESPECT (STV)

Matsumoto City Gymnasium - 17.01.1997

PGHW RESPECT Series - Night 5

Hamamatsu City Gymnasium - 18.01.1997

PGHW RESPECT Series - Night 6

Tsu Messe Wing - 19.01.1997

PGHW RESPECT Series - Night 7

Tooyooka City Gymnasium - 20.01.1997

PGHW Night of RESPECT (STV)

Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium - 23.01.1997

</div>

arlovski · February 10, 2021

With Dread, Diaz, Kunomasu, Hoshino, Mushashibo and Miwa still in or even before their prime 1997 is an amazing time to play PGHW. And needless to say the rest of the roster is great too. Very curious in what direction you will be heading.

Fukusaburu Inao, Gihei Kanasaka & Kazuo Mitsushi vs. Hirokumi Saito, Ninsei Tanuma & Mamoru Nagahama.

Java & Kimitada Yanagita vs. Rebel Cell (Harumi Okazawaya & Sotsatsu Saramura).

Yodo Nakane, Mito Miwa & Koichi Kajiwara vs. Go Matsunaga, Yoshimi Mushashibo & Amane Shunsen.

Dragon Agakawa, Hayate Hasegawa, Koji Kojima & Koki Ishibashi vs. Nobuatsu Tatsuko, Amiri Ngala, Dino Maldini & Rico Santana.

Koryusai Kitoaji, Eisaku Hoshino & Eisaku Kunomasu vs. Dread, Lee Wright & Raymond Diaz.

Special New Year's Singles Match: Hito Ichihara vs. Shuji Inukai.

Scottie · February 13, 2021

PGHW “New Year’s CRASH!!”

8 January 1997 - Kyoto, Japan

TAG TEAM MATCH

Rebel Cell (Harumi Okazawaya vs. Sotatsu Saramura) vs. Kimitada Yanagita & Java

In 1997’s opening bout, exciting young Indonesian wrestler Java picked up the win for his team alongside the powerful Kimitada Yanagita against the young lion pairing of Okazawaya and Saramura, “Rebel Cell”. In a bout that was at times difficult to watch, the powerhouse pair of Java and Yanagita cut Rebel Cell off at every corner as the slightly built pairing never really managed to gain control. Java ended the pain after 11 minutes as he hit Saramura with a brutal spike to the throat, a move he calls the “Greetings from the Island”.

Kimitada Yanagita & Java defeated Rebel Cell (11:37) with the Greetings from the Island from Java to Saramura [29]

SIX-MAN TAG TEAM MATCH

Gihei Kanesaka, Kazuo Mitsushi & Fukusaburu Inao vs. Ninsei Tanuma, Hirokumi Saito & Mamoru Nagahama

After being on the receiving end of a defeat in eight-man tag action at “Night of WRESTLING” in December, the tenacious Gihei Kanesaka ensured his 1997 started on the right note as he hit youngster Mamoru Nagahama with his patented “Kanesaka Krush”. In a spirited affair, the team of Tanuma, Saito and Nagahama showed glimpses of promise but ultimately fell short against the more experienced team. The experienced pair of Kanesaka and Mitsushi were the standouts.

Gihei Kanesaka, Kazuo Mitsushi & Fukusaburu Inao defeated Ninsei Tanuma, Hirokumi Saito & Mamoru Nagahama (10:09) with the Kanesaka Krush from Kanesaka to Nagahama [41]

EIGHT-MAN TAG TEAM MATCH

Dragon Agakawa, Hayate Hasegawa & Koji & Koki (Koji Kojima & Koki Ishibashi) vs. Nobuatsu Tatsuko, Amiri Ngala, Dino Maldini & Rico Santana

Dragon Agakawa was without his recent tag partner in Shuji Inukai, who was preparing for a special bout with the current PGHW Glory Crown champion later in the night. He instead teamed up with fellow veteran Hayate Hasegawa and the entertaining tag duo of Koji Kojima and Koki Ishibashi. On the other side of the ring, long-time PGHW Historical Japan Champion Nobuatsu Tatsuko teamed up with a trio of gai-jin. In an entertaining bout, Hasegawa picked up his second pinfall in as many events as he scored a Yakuza Kick against Australian Dino Maldini.

Dragon Agakawa, Hayate Hasegawa & Koji & Koki defeated Nobuatsu Tatsuko, Amiri Ngala, Dino Maldini & Rico Santana (13:29) with the Yakuza Kick from Hasegawa to Maldini [55]

SIX-MAN TAG TEAM MATCH

Dread, Lee Wright & Raymond Diaz vs. Koryusai Kitoaji, Eisaku Hoshino & Eisaku Kunomasu

In a hotly anticipated bout, Koryusai Kitoaji looked to recover from his epic defeat to Hito Ichihara in December, but faced a stern test in the form of the imposing Dread and the current PGHW Glory Crown Tag Champions Lee Wright and Ray Diaz. The tag champions had most recently defended their title against Eisaku Hoshino and Eisaku Kunomasu, who this time were teaming up with Kitoaji to get a measure of revenge.

For much of the bout, Dread and the tag champions dominated Hoshino and Kunomasu as a frustrated Kitoaji struggled to get into the ring. He eventually managed to set the crowd alight after receiving the hot tag from Hoshino and, briefly, took Dread by surprise with some high octane offence. But just when Kitoaji looked like he had the foreign trio rattled, he was blindsided in the corner by Wright which allowed Dread to recover. In what was easily the match of the night so far, a brave Kunomasu was tagged back in before quickly being disposed of by Dread.

After the match, the big American motioned for the title belt - sending a clear message to Ichihara. A disappointed Kitoaji looked on, clearly still annoyed by the actions of the tag champions.

Dread, Lee Wright & Raymond Diaz defeated Koryusai Kitoaji, Eisaku Hoshino & Eisaku Kunomasu (14:45) with the Dread Bomb from Dread to Kunomasu [66]

SIX-MAN TAG TEAM MATCH

Yoshimi Mushashibo, Go Matsunaga & Amane Shunsen vs. Yodo Nakane, Mito Miwa & Koichi Kajiwara

After the excitement of the last bout, an upset of sorts occurred in the final tag match of the evening as the impressive Yoshimi Mushashibo picked up the win for his team against opponents that included the veteran Yodo Nakane and former Historical Japan Champion Mito Miwa. It was an important win for Mushashibo who just weeks ago fell short in his shot at Tatsuko - he was the clear stand out and showed real fire as he hit his “Yoshimi Explosion” on a hapless Koichi Kajiwara.

Yoshimi Mushashibo, Go Matsunaga & Amane Shunsen defeated Yodo Nakane, Mito Miwa & Koichi Kajiwara (15:11) with the Yoshimi Explosion from Mushashibo to Kajiawara [56]

NEW YEAR’S SPECIAL SINGLES MATCH (30 MINUTE TIME LIMIT)

Hito Ichihara vs. Shuji Inukai

In a special singles bout, Hito Ichihara faced his first test following his win over Kitoaji in December against fellow BHOTGW alum Shuji Inukai. Although not a title bout, the 25-year Inukai clearly saw this as an opportunity to test his mettle against PGHW’s best - and on a couple of occasions he looked like he had Ichihara worried. Ultimately, though, Ichihara’s experienced proved too much for the up-and-comer as he fought back with a series of brutal kicks - finishing Inukai off with a Head Drop Suplex. After the bout, Ichihara showed his appreciation for Inukai’s performance with a handshake.

Hito Ichihara defeated Shuji Inukai (17:37) with the Head Drop Suplex [60]

¥5,000,000 NEW YEAR BATTLE ROYAL

Featuring: Dragon Agakawa, Yodo Nakane, Eisaku Hoshino, Lee Wright, Mito Miwa, Nobuatsu Tatsuko, Yoshimi Mushashibo, Amiri Ngala, Gihei Kanesaka, Go Matsunaga, Hayate Hasegawa, Kimitada Yanagita, Koki Ishibashi, Ninsei Tanuma, Eisaku Kunomasu, Raymond Diaz, Amane Shunsen, Fukusaburu Inao, Java & Rico Santana

The main event saw twenty men vie for a ¥5,000,000 prize in the inaugural New Year Battle Royal, where the only way to be eliminated was by pinfall and submission.

A mixture of big names and emerging wrestlers competed in what was, at times, a chaotic affair. For the most part, the slightest mistake was punished as groups of three or four wrestlers at a time ensured that the weight was so great, not even the strongest man could kick out. Among others, that caught the grizzled veteran Yodo Nakane by surprise as he was eliminated early. Elsewhere, Mito Miwa ensured the elimination of the Historical Japan Champion Nobuatsu Tatsuko.

Ultimately, the bout culminated in a final four of Dragon Agakawa and Miwa, as well as the tag champions Lee Wright and Raymond Diaz. Wright and Diaz teamed up and briefly looked to have the local pair covered, before Agakawa used his judo skills to his advantage to remove Diaz and Miwa rolled up a distracted Wright. After a few moments of circling and a few minutes of back-and-forth action, Miwa ended the rollercoaster affair with his Pride Bomber to claim the big prize and a big win in his PGHW career.

After being presented with a cheque and a trophy, a grateful Miwa thanked the crowd. He also reminded Tatsuko of what happened earlier in the bout and said he’d love to do it again with the title on the line.

Mito Miwa won the ¥5,000,000 New Year Battle Royal (11:45) by last eliminating Dragon Agakawa with the Pride Bomber [63]</div>

<div style="padding: 15px; border: 3px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #bbe3f2; max-width:60%;box-shadow: 0 1px 2px " ;"="">PGHW “New Year’s CLASH!!”, 08.01.1997 (STV)

Kyoto Arena

2,000 Fans - Super No Vacancy

95,582 viewers (0.12)

[62]

Kimitada Yanagita & Java defeated Rebel Cell (11:37) with the Greetings from the Island from Java to Saramura. [29]
Gihei Kanesaka, Kazuo Mitsushi & Fukusaburu Inao defeated Ninsei Tanuma, Hirokumi Saito & Mamoru Nagahama (10:09) with the Kanesaka Krush from Kanesaka to Nagahama. [41]
Dragon Agakawa, Hayate Hasegawa & Koji & Koki defeated Nobuatsu Tatsuko, Amiri Ngala, Dino Maldini & Rico Santana (13:29) with the Yakuza Kick from Hasegawa to Maldini. [55]
Dread, Lee Wright & Raymond Diaz defeated Koryusai Kitoaji, Eisaku Hoshino & Eisaku Kunomasu (14:45) with the Dread Bomb from Dread to Kunomasu. [66]
Yoshimi Mushashibo, Go Matsunaga & Amane Shunsen defeated Yodo Nakane, Mito Miwa & Koichi Kajiwara (15:11) with the Yoshimi Explosion from Mushashibo to Kajiawara. [56]
New Year’s Special Singles Match: Hito Ichihara defeated Shuji Inukai (17:37) with the Head Drop Suplex. [60]
¥5,000,000 New Year Battle Royal: Mito Miwa won (11:45) by last eliminating Dragon Agakawa with the Pride Bomber. [63]

</div></div>

Scottie · February 13, 2021

PGHW "RESPECT" Series

Nights 1 to 4

<div style="padding: 15px; border: 3px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #def6ff; max-width:60%;box-shadow: 0 1px 2px " ;"="">PGHW “RESPECT” Series, 09.01.1997

Hakata Star Lane

300 Fans - Super No Vacancy

[60]

Kazuo Mitsushi defeated Koichi Kajiawara (5:43) with the Emerald Fusion. [35]
Kimitada Yanagita & Java defeated Hirokumi Saito & Mamoru Nagahama (10:15) with the Yanagita Crush from Yanagita to Saito. [30]
Mito Miwa & Rebel Cell (Harumi Okazawaya & Sotatsu Saramura) defeated Amiri Ngala, Dino Maldini & Rico Santana (11:46) with the Pride Bomber from Miwa to Santana. [47]
Yodo Nakane & Shuji Inukai defeated Go Matsunaga & Amane Shunsen (13:37) with the Brainbuster Suplex from Nakane to Shunsen. [51]
Koryusai Kitoaji & Gihei Kanesaka defeated Eisaku Kunomasu & Eisaku Hoshino (15:20) with the Roaring Elbow from Kitoaji to Hoshino. [65]
Dread, Lee Wright & Raymond Diaz defeated Dragon Agakawa & Koji & Koki (Koji Kojima & Koki Ishibashi) (13:43) with the Wright Stuff from Wright to Ishibashi. [59]
Hito Ichihara, Yoshimi Mushashibo & Hayate Hasegawa defeated Danger Kumasaka, Nobuatsu Tatsuko & Ninsei Tanuma (20:51) with the Head Drop Suplex from Ichihara to Tanuma. [62]

Hito Ichihara continued his winning start to 1997 in the main event, as his team bested Danger Kumasaka (in his first bout for 1997), PGHW Historical Japan Champion Nobuatsu Tatsuko and Ninsei Tanuma.
Koryusai Kitoaji picked up his first win since dropping the Glory Crown, teaming up with Gihei Kanesaka to beat Eisaku Hoshino and Eisaku Kunomasu.

</div>

<div style="padding: 15px; border: 3px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #def6ff; max-width:60%;box-shadow: 0 1px 2px " ;"="">PGHW “RESPECT” Series, 10.01.1997

Kitakyushu West Japan Exhibition Hall

571 Fans

[54]

Kazuo Mitsushi & Koichi Kajiwara defeated Hirokumi Saito & Mamoru Nagahama (9:35) with the Running Tackle from Kajiwara to Nagahama. [37]
Hayate Hasegawa defeated Amane Shunsen (7:21) with a Yakuza Kick. [32]
Dino Maldini & Ninsei Tanuma defeated Rebel Cell (Harumi Okazawaya & Sotatsu Saramura) (12:30) with Mounted Elbow Smashes from Maldini to Okazawaya). [40]
Dragon Agakawa & Koji & Koki (Koji Kojima & Koki Ishibashi) defeated Go Matsunaga, Kimitada Yanagita & Java (14:13) with the Dragon Driver from Agakawa to Java. [44]
Nobuatsu Tatsuko, Eisaku Kunomasu & Eisaku Hoshino defeated Koryusai Kitoaji, Mito Miwa & Gihei Kanesaka (14:45) with the Tatsuko Driller from Tatsuko to Kanesaka. [64]
Danger Kumasaka & Yoshimi Mushashibo defeated Dread & Rico Santana (14:55) with the Aurora Surfboard Vice from Kumasaka to Santana. [65]
Hito Ichihara, Yodo Nakane & Shuji Inukai defeated Lee Wright, Raymond Diaz & Amiri Ngala (18:04) with the Brainbuster Suplex from Nakane to Ngala. [53]

A star-studded headliner was disappointing from in terms of wrestling, but it saw Hito Ichihara pick up a win against a team including the PGHW Glory Crown Tag Champions Wright and Diaz - who are also notable for their alliance with Dread, a potential challenge to Ichihara's Glory Crown.
However, the big North American had his own problems, suffering his first loss of 1997. He didn't take the pinfall, but Danger Kumasaka will be happy to get a measure of revenge for his loss at "Night of WRESTLING" as he pinned Rico Santana.
Elsewhere, Nobuatsu Tatsuko was victorious in his first meeting with Mito Miwa since the latter challenged "The Iron Man" for his Historical Japan title. After the bout, Miwa and Tatsuko found themselves in a shoving match.
After facing in singles action on the first night of the tour, veteran Kazuo Mitsushi teamed up with Koichi Kajiwara in a victory over Hirokumi Saito and Mamoru Nagahama. Not only did Nagahama eat the pinfall, but he suffered a minor injury that will rule him out of the rest of the tour.

</div>

<div style="padding: 15px; border: 3px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #def6ff; max-width:60%;box-shadow: 0 1px 2px " ;"="">PGHW “RESPECT” Series, 12.01.1997

Matsuyama City Community Center*

317 Fans

[52]

Java defeated Fukusaburu Inao (8:04) with the Greetings from the Island. [33]
Amane Shunsen & Rebel Cell (Harumi Okazawaya & Sotatsu Saramura) defeated Kazuo Mitsushi, Koichi Kajiwara & Hirokumi Saito (11:55) with the Shunsen Trap Legdrop from Shunsen to Saito. [37]
Nobuatsu Tatsuko, Eisaku Kunomasu & Eisaku Hoshino defeated Dragon Agakawa, Mito Miwa & Go Matsunaga (13:46) with the Godzilla Plunge from Hoshino to Matsunaga. [56]
Hito Ichihara, Hayate Hasegawa & Kimitada Yanagita defeated Amiri Ngala, Dino Maldini & Rico Santana (15:16) with the Triangle Choke from Ichihara to Santana. [55]
Yodo Nakane & Shuji Inukai defeated Danger Kumasaka & Ninsei Tanuma (14:24) with the Untouchable Lariat from Inukai to Tanuma. [50]
Dread, Lee Wright & Raymond Diaz defeated Koryusai Kitoaji, Gihei Kanesaka & Yoshimi Mushashibo (21:06) with the Dreadsault from Dread to Mushashibo. [52]

Dread got his tour back on track, as he teamed up with Wright & Diaz to defeat Koryusai Kitoaji, Gihei Kanesaka and Yoshimi Mushashibo. Dread's Dreadsault really is a sight to behold - and, unfortunately for Mushashibo, he had the best view in the building.
There were some big names in the night's final match, and a lot of damage. After Dread almost legit injured Kitoaji (much to the latter's frustration), he suffered a hyperextended elbow of his own from Gihei Kanesaka - paying him back with interest. The destruction was topped off with a strained pectoral muscle for Yoshimi Mushashibo. Despite that, all grapplers are expected to work the remaining tour nights.
Ninsei Tanuma also suffered an injury in what otherwise might have been a good match alongside Danger Kumasaka against Yodo Nakane and Shuji Inukai. His night got worse - a brutal lariat from Inukai ended his team's hopes.

</div>

<div style="padding: 15px; border: 3px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #def6ff; max-width:60%;box-shadow: 0 1px 2px " ;"=""> PGHW “RESPECT” Series, 15.01.1997

Hiroshima Sports Center

491 Fans

[52]

Rico Santana defeated Hirokumi Saito (10:19) with a Spinning Kick. [37]
Hayate Hasegawa & Koji & Koki (Koji Kojima & Koki Ishibashi) defeated Fukusaburu Inao & Rebel Cell (Harumi Okazawaya & Sotatsu Saramura) (10:26) with the Yakuza Kick from Hasegawa to Okazawaya. [42]
Yodo Nakane, Shuji Inukai & Amane Shunsen defeated Kazuo Mitsushi, Koichi Kajiawara & Kimitada Yanagita (12:07) with the Untouchable Lariat from Inukai to Kajiwara. [49]
Danger Kumasaka, Eisaku Hoshino & Eisaku Kunomasu defeated Lee Wright, Raymond Diaz & Java (14:05) with the Godzilla Plunge from Hoshino to Java. [53]
Dread & Nobuatsu Tatsuko defeated Mito Miwa & Gihei Kanesaka (14:01) with the Dread Bomb from Dread to Kanesaka. [58]
Hito Ichihara, Koryusai Kitoaji & Yoshimi Mushashibo defeated Dragon Agakawa, Amiri Ngala & Dino Maldini (19:59) with the Roaring Elbow from Kitoaji to Maldini. [52]

Hito Ichihara put his disagreements with rival Koryusai Kitoaji aside as they teamed up with Yoshimi Mushashibo in the headliner, as his team defeated Dragon Agakawa, Amiri Ngala and Dino Maldini. There's some heat on Mushashibo, though - a botched backdrop caused a back injury to Agakawa, although he's expected to work out the tour.
Another frustrating loss for Mito Miwa as he and Gihei Kanesaka fell to Dread and Nobuatsu Tatsuko. After the show, Tatsuko said he doesn't think Mito is worthy of a title shot - which is unlikely to make the blonde one happy.
Another wrestler's tour came to an early end, as Eisaku Kunomasu will require surgery on a torn ligament in his wrist. It didn't stop he and his partners Eisaku Hoshino and Danger Kumasaka from defeating the gai-jin trio of Wright, Diaz and Java.
Gai-jin Rico Santana picked up his first singles win in PGHW, in an uninspiring match against young lion Hirokumi Saito.

</div>

Scottie · February 14, 2021

Road to "Night of RESPECT" headlined by Hito/Dread entree

NAGANO, Japan - The Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium will play host to the first showdown of the "RESPECT Series" between Hito Ichihara and Dread, as the giant American bruiser looks to solidify his case for a shot at the PGHW Glory Crown in the headliner of PGHW "Night of RESPECT" on Jan. 17.

Ichihara has already faced off against Dread's allies Lee Wright and Ray Diaz this series in a winning effort in Kitakyushu on Jan. 10, but this will be the first time he locks horns with his likely opponent at "Night of RESPECT". Joining him are emerging tag pairing Yodo Nakane and Shuji Inukai, who will also look to stake their claim to a shot at the Glory Tag Crown, and Ichihara will no doubt be looking to help them out after building a rapport with Inukai following their entertaining showing at "New Year's CRASH!!".

Elsewhere, after winning the battle royal at "New Year's CRASH!!" and calling out Nobuatsu Tatsuko, Mito Miwa has been disappointed with his results thusfar in the "RESPECT" Series which culminated in Tatsuko telling him that he needed to prove himself worthy of another shot at the Historical Japan title. He faces a stern test against respected veteran Hayate Hasegawa, who has tasted defeat just once this year.

PGHW “Road to Night of RESPECT", 17.01.1997 (STV)

Matsumoto City Gymnasium<div align="left">

Kazuo Mitsushi & Koichi Kajiwara vs. Koji & Koki (Koji Kojima & Koki Ishibashi)
Yoshimi Mushashibo, Go Matsunaga & Amane Shunsen vs. Kimitada Yanagita, Java & Rico Santana
Danger Kumasaka, Eisaku Hoshino, Ninsei Tanuma & Fukusaburu Inao vs. Dragon Agakawa, Nobuatsu Tatsuko & Rebel Cell (Harumi Okazawaya & Sotatsu Saramura)
Tatsuko's Historical Japan Challenge: Hayate Hasegawa vs. Mito Miwa
Koryusai Kitoaji & Gihei Kanesaka vs. Amiri Ngala & Dino Maldini
Hito Ichihara, Yodo Nakane & Shuji Inukai vs. Dread, Lee Wright & Raymond Diaz

</div></div>

Sco xY2Jx · February 14, 2021

Really enjoying what you're putting out here. Love me some PGHW.

Keep em' coming.

Scottie · February 15, 2021

<div style="text-align:center;"><div style="padding: 15px; border: 3px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #d2d3d4; max-width:85%;box-shadow: 0 1px 2px " ;"=""><img alt="O8jk1zk.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/O8jk1zk.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

PGHW “Road to Night of RESPECT”

17 January 1997 - Matsumoto, Japan

TAG TEAM MATCH

<img alt="lUsgztW.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/lUsgztW.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="HwdQpaC.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/HwdQpaC.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="FvgXycR.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/FvgXycR.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="DeRBiBU.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/DeRBiBU.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="jhAYkV0.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/jhAYkV0.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Kazuo Mitsushi & Koichi Kajiwara vs. Koji & Koki (Koji Kojima & Koki Ishibashi)

Mitsushi and Kajiwara have the makings of a talented pairing after the teamed up following Mitsushi's win over his younger partner in singles action at the start of the "RESPECT Series". Although they've had mixed results, they picked up one of their bigger wins as a team against the established masked duo of Koji & Koki. Kajiwara is still a work in progress, and it was the more experienced Mitsushi who picked up the win with an Emerald Fushion to end Koki Ishibashi.

Kazuo Mitsushi & Koichi Kajiwara defeated Koji & Koki (Koji Kojima & Koki Ishibashi) (10:30) with the Emerald Fushion from Mitsushi to Ishibashi [49]

SIX-MAN TAG TEAM MATCH

<img alt="WvAznvI.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/WvAznvI.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="g0bD4lV.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/g0bD4lV.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="j76HBl6.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/j76HBl6.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

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

<img alt="tIW6mIv.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/tIW6mIv.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="J00wS2j.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/J00wS2j.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="Gv2kEQO.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Gv2kEQO.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Yoshimi Mushashibo, Go Matsunaga & Amane Shunsen vs. Kimitada Yanagita, Java & Rico Santana

There was an upset of sorts in six-man tag action, as “The Dog of War” Kimitada Yanagita teamed up with gai-jin pairing Java and “The Island Boy” Rico Santana, winning against the more experienced team of Yoshimi Mushashibo, Go Matsunaga and Amane Shunsen. Mushashibo has caught some heat backstage for his style recently, but he was smooth as silk in this contest as he led his team admirably. But it was the impressive youngster Java who brought home the win for his team - a spike to the throat of Shunsen ending the bout.

Kimitada Yanagita, Java & Rico Santana defeated Yoshimi Mushashibo, Go Matsunaga & Amane Shunsen (12:40) with the Greetings from the Island from Java to Shunsen [51]

EIGHT-MAN TAG TEAM MATCH

<img alt="LmkeZUe.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/LmkeZUe.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="449Kkyw.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/449Kkyw.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="80XEcB9.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/80XEcB9.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="AJUuXVY.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/AJUuXVY.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

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

<img alt="top76Yp.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/top76Yp.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="pOADF9I.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/pOADF9I.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="dpnPxoA.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/dpnPxoA.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="UKTq7M1.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/UKTq7M1.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Danger Kumasaka, Eisaku Hoshino, Ninsei Tanuma & Fukusaburu Inao vs. Dragon Agakawa, Nobuatsu Tatsuko & Rebel Cell (Harumi Okazawaya & Sotatsu Saramura)

PGHW Historical Japan Champion Nobuatsu Tatsuko picked up the pinfall victory for his team in eight-man tag action, against a team which included locker room leader Danger Kumasaka and the emerging Eisaku Hoshino (who was without his usual tag partner, Eisaku Kunomasu, who is out with injury).

While Tatsuko could have been forgiven for having an eye on Mito Miwa’s match later tonight, he didn’t let that distract him - ending Fukusaburu Inao with the “Tatsuko Driller”. It was an impressive performance from “The Iron Man”, with team mate Dragon Agakawa only having limited involvement as he works through a back injury.

Dragon Agakawa, Nobuatsu Tatsuko & Rebel Cell (Harumi Okazawaya & Sotatsu Saramura) defeated Danger Kumasaka, Eisaku Hoshino, Ninsei Tanuma & Fukusaburu Inao (14:01) with the Tatsuko Driller from Tatsuko to Inao [49]

TATSUKO’S HISTORICAL JAPAN CHALLENGE

<img alt="W4ktYOY.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/W4ktYOY.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="FvgXycR.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/FvgXycR.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="miPAtSY.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/miPAtSY.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Hayate Hasegawa vs. Mito Miwa

After delivering victory for his team in eight-man tag action, Nobuatsu Tatsuko stayed at ringside to watch Mito Miwa face off against Hayate Hasegawa, a veteran grappler who was in good form and handpicked by Tatsuko. To “The Iron Man’s” credit, though, he did not seek to involve himself in the match.

In a lengthy bout which very nearly overstayed its welcome, Hasegawa’s experience came to the fore as he controlled much of the bout and routinely cut off prospective comebacks from Miwa, focussing in particular on the younger man’s knee. But after nearly twenty minutes of punishment, Miwa valiantly fought back and - notwithstanding his damaged knee - hit the “Pride Bomber” for the win.

Mito Miwa defeated Hayate Hasegawa (22:18) with the Pride Bomber [58]

* * *

After the bout, Tatsuko entered the ring and watched on as Miwa crawled back to his feet - with the assistance of the corner turnbuckle. A determined Miwa hobbled over to Tatsuko in the centre of the ring, and made clear that he believes he deserves another shot at Tatsuko - nearly two years since he dropped the former QUEST Historical Japan title to “The Iron Man”. [45]

* * *

TAG TEAM MATCH

<img alt="WbmJXRc.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/WbmJXRc.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="tBwynoL.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/tBwynoL.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="FvgXycR.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/FvgXycR.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="yB4kpa7.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/yB4kpa7.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="XCRve6a.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/XCRve6a.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Koryusai Kitoaji & Gihei Kanesaka vs. Amiri Ngala & Dino Maldini

In an entertaining and high energy bout, Koryusai Kitoaji continued his revival as he and partner Gihei Kanesaka beat the team of Amiri Ngala and Dino Maldini. Ngala and Maldini spent much of the match focusing their attention on Kanesaka, whose smaller frame made him an easier target. But a hot ending saw Kitoaji get tagged in and wrest control of the match - he ultimately hit a Backdrop on Maldini for the pin, as Kanesaka stopped Ngala from breaking it up.

Koryusai Kitoaji & Gihei Kanesaka defeated Amiri Ngala & Dino Maldini (13:44) with a Backdrop from Kitoaji to Maldini [64]

SIX-MAN TAG TEAM MATCH

<img alt="KHgEUnD.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/KHgEUnD.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="qtaByN4.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/qtaByN4.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="sXiv4nc.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/sXiv4nc.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

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

<img alt="gjVxEFk.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gjVxEFk.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="DhcxLRi.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/DhcxLRi.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="leuRIx7.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/leuRIx7.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Hito Ichihara, Yodo Nakane & Shuji Inukai vs. Dread, Lee Wright & Raymond Diaz

There was a real big match feel in the night’s headliner, with a lot on the line. On the one hand, Dread was looking to continue his destructive streak by getting his hands on the reigning PGHW Glory Crown Champion, with Hito Ichihara also looking to prove himself against the American bruiser. Meanwhile, Yodo Nakane and Shuji Inukai were also looking to put forward their case for a shot at Lee Wright and Ray Diaz’s Glory Tag Crown.

For most of the match, it was a battle between the two tag teams as Ichihara and Dread stayed on the outside. It was an exciting taste of things to come there, as the two teams looked evenly matched. Eventually, Dread found himself tagged in as he and his team dominated the smaller Inukai. After a prolonged period of punishment, though, Inukai managed to tag in Ichihara to give the crowd what they wanted - a showdown between Dread and Ichihara.

It was only a brief exchange, though: Ichihara briefly looked like he had Dread in trouble with his MMA strikes catching Dread off-guard and almost knocking him off his feet. Unfortunately, Ichihara found himself in the wrong corner - and distracted by Lee Wright - which gave Dread an opening to almost decapitate him with a clothesline.

Laughing, Dread tagged in Ray Diaz who came off the top rope for a near fall. The next portion of the match saw Ichihara claw his way back into the match against Diaz and Wright, and ultimately tagging in the game Inukai. But Inukai was soon stopped in his tracks as the giant Dread returned to the ring; hammering Inukai with forearms and then finishing him with an amazing Dreadsault.

Dread, Lee Wright & Raymond Diaz defeated Hito Ichihara, Yodo Nakane & Shuji Inukai (26:02) with the Dreadsault from Dread to Inukai [60]

* * *

After the bout, it was clear that Dread wasn’t going to give away his chance to beatdown Ichihara. As Wright and Diaz dealt with Inukai, Dread shook off Nakane before lifting up Ichihara and hitting him with a devastating Dread Bomb! An unimpressed crowd watched as Dread stood over the PGHW Glory Crown Champion, the gauntlet clearly laid down. [54]</div>

<img alt="l4lrZDM.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/l4lrZDM.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

<div style="padding: 15px; border: 3px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #bbe3f2; max-width:60%;box-shadow: 0 1px 2px " ;"="">PGHW “Road to Night of RESPECT", 17.01.1997 (STV)

Matsumoto City Gymnasium

2,000 Fans - Super No Vacancy

98,015 Viewers (0.13)

[60]

<div style="text-align:left;"><ol style="list-style-type:decimal;"><li>Kazuo Mitsushi & Koichi Kajiwara defeated Koji & Koki (Koji Kojima & Koki Ishibashi) (10:30) with the Emerald Fushion from Mitsushi to Ishibashi. [49] </li><li>Kimitada Yanagita, Java & Rico Santana defeated Yoshimi Mushashibo, Go Matsunaga & Amane Shunsen (12:40) with the Greetings from the Island from Java to Shunsen. [51] </li><li>Dragon Agakawa, Nobuatsu Tatsuko & Rebel Cell (Harumi Okazawaya & Sotatsu Saramura) defeated Danger Kumasaka, Eisaku Hoshino, Ninsei Tanuma & Fukusaburu Inao (14:01) with the Tatsuko Driller from Tatsuko to Inao. [49] </li><li>Mito Miwa defeated Hayate Hasegawa (22:18) with the Pride Bomber. [58] </li><li>Koryusai Kitoaji & Gihei Kanesaka defeated Amiri Ngala & Dino Maldini (13:44) with a Backdrop from Kitoaji to Maldini. [64] </li><li>Dread, Lee Wright & Raymond Diaz defeated Hito Ichihara, Yodo Nakane & Shuji Inukai (26:02) with the Dreadsault from Dread to Inukai. [60] </li></ol></div></div></div></div>

Scottie · February 15, 2021

PGHW "RESPECT" Series

Nights 5 to 7

<div style="padding: 15px; border: 3px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #def6ff; max-width:60%;box-shadow: 0 1px 2px " ;"="">PGHW “RESPECT” Series, 18.01.1997

Hamamatsu City Gymnasium

550 Fans

[59]

Amiri Ngala, Dino Maldini, Kimitada Yanagita & Java defeated Rebel Cell (Harumi Okazawaya & Sotsatsu Saramura), Ninsei Tanuma & Fukusaburu Inao (9:54) with the Decapitation Lariat from Ngala to Saramura. [48]
Yodo Nakane, Shuji Inukai, Mito Miwa & Amane Shunsen defeated Danger Kumasaka, Nobuatsu Tatsuko, Eisaku Hoshino & Go Matsunaga (15:23) with the Brainbuster Suplex from Nakane to Hoshino. [58]
Hayate Hasegawa & Koji & Koki (Koji Kojima & Koki Ishibashi) defeated Kazuo Mitsushi, Koichi Kajiwara & Kazuo Mitsushi (12:04) with the Yakuza Kick from Hasegawa to Kajiwara. [46]
Dread defeated Yoshimi Mushashibo (13:13) with the Dread Bomb. [56]
Hito Ichihara, Koryusai Kitoaji & Gihei Kanesaka defeated Dragon Agakawa, Lee Wright & Raymond Diaz (15:59) with the Roaring Elbow from Kitoaji to Agakawa. (61)

Hito Ichihara and Koryusai Kitoaji put their rivalry aside for the second time this tour, teaming up with Gihei Kanesaka to beat Dragon Agakawa, Lee Wright and Ray Diaz. Ichihara still looked sore following his beating at the hands of Dread and had limited involvement, leaving it to Kitoaji to pick up the win.
Not to be outdone, Dread picked up a singles win in a strong showing against youngster Yoshimi Mushashibo - finishing him with the Dread Bomb.

</div>

<div style="padding: 15px; border: 3px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #def6ff; max-width:60%;box-shadow: 0 1px 2px " ;"=""> PGHW “RESPECT” Series, 19.01.1997

Tsu Messe Wing

565 Fans

[58]

Rebel Cell (Harumi Okazawaya & Sotsatsu Saramura) defeated Amane Shunsen & Hirokumi Saito (9:58) with a Suplex from Saramura to Saito. [32]
Dino Maldini, Rico Santana & Fukusaburu Inao defeated Gihei Kanesaka, Kazuo Mitsushi & Koichi Kajiwara (12:26) with Mounted Elbow Smashes from Maldini to Kajiwara. [42]
Go Matsunaga, Kimitada Yanagita & Java defeated Hayate Hasegawa & Koji & Koki (Koji Kojima & Koki Ishibashi) (12:20) with the Yanagita Crush from Yanagita to Kojima. [46]
Koryusai Kitoaji defeated Amiri Ngala (11:58) with the Roaring Elbow. [72]
Yodo Nakane, Shuji Inukai & Eisaku Hoshino defeated Dragon Agakawa, Lee Wright & Raymond Diaz (15:32) with the Brainbuster Suplex from Nakane to Wright. [49]
Danger Kumasaka, Dread & Nobuatsu Tatsuko defeated Hito Ichihara, Mito Miwa & Yoshimi Mushashibo (21:40) with the Dread Bomb from Dread to Mushashibo. [56]

Dread and Hito Ichihara met for the second time this tour, although again they barely put their hands on each other.
A real sleeper of a match - Koryusai Kitoaji and Amiri Ngala absolutely lit up the Messe Wing in a high octane 12 minute affair. Not bad for two 40-year olds.
A strong win for Inukai and Nakane in a multi-man match against the PGHW Glory Tag Crown Champions. It was even sweeter for Nakane, as he got a pinfall win over Ray Diaz. The two teams will meet in the series final.

</div>

<div style="padding: 15px; border: 3px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #def6ff; max-width:60%;box-shadow: 0 1px 2px " ;"=""> PGHW “RESPECT” Series, 20.01.1997

Toyooka City Gymnasium

563 Fans

[55]

Amane Shunsen, Ninsei Tanuma & Koji & Koki (Koji Kojima & Koki Ishibashi) defeated Rebel Cell (Harumi Okazawaya & Sotsatsu Saramura), Kazuo Mitsushi & Koichi Kajiwara (10:27) with the Divebomb from Tanuma to Saramura. [47]
Amiri Ngala, Dino Maldini & Rico Santana defeated Hayate Hasegawa, Hirokumi Saito & Fukusaburu Inao (10:24) with the Decapitation Lariat from Ngala to Saito. [46]
Mito Miwa defeated Go Matsunaga (14:12) with the Pride Bomber. [61]
Lee Wright & Raymond Diaz defeated Kimitada Yanagita & Java (12:17) with the Ray Gun from Diaz to Java. [54]
Dread, Nobuatsu Tatsuko & Amiri Ngala defeated Koryusai Kitoaji, Yoshimi Mushashibo & Gihei Kanesaka (13:31) with the Dread Bomb from Dread to Mushashibo. [61]
Hito Ichihara, Yodo Nakane & Shuji Inukai defeated Danger Kumasaka, Dragon Agakawa & Eisaku Hoshino (20:47) with the Head Drop Suplex from Ichihara to Hoshino. [53]

It's been a tour for Yoshimi Mushashibo. The talented youngster's last three bouts have all involved Dread, and on each occasion he's been on the receiving end of the patented Dread Bomb. Another strong showing from the big man, who seems to have shaken off his injury and is ready for Ichihara.
A good win from Ichihara in the main event, as he teamed with Inukai and Nakane to beat a solid team of Kumasaka, Agakawa and Hoshino. It will give all three confidence heading into the series finale.
Mito Miwa ended his preparation for Nobuatsu Tatsuko on a high, in an entertaining win over journeyman Go Matsunaga.

</div>

<div style="padding: 15px; border: 3px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #d2d3d4; max-width:60%;box-shadow: 0 1px 2px " ;"="">PGHW “Night of RESPECT", 23.01.1997 (STV)

Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium<div align="left">

Go Matsunaga, Hirokumi Saito & Rebel Cell (Harumi Okazawaya & Sotsatsu Saramura) vs. Kazuo Mitsushi, Koichi Kajiwara & Koji & Koki (Koji Kojima & Koki Ishibashi)
Danger Kumasaka, Kimitada Yanagita, Java & Rico Santana vs. Dragon Agakawa, Hayate Hasegawa, Ninsei Tanuma & Amane Shunsen
Koryusai Kitoaji, Yoshimi Mushashibo & Gihei Kanesaka vs. Eisaku Hoshino, Amiri Ngala & Dino Maldini
PGHW Historical Japan Title: Nobuatsu Tatsuko © vs. Mito Miwa
PGHW Glory Tag Crown: Lee Wright & Raymond Diaz © vs. Yodo Nakane & Shuji Inukai
PGHW Glory Crown: Hito Ichihara © vs. Dread

</div></div>

Scottie · February 15, 2021

PGHW “Night of RESPECT”

23 January 1997 - Osaka, Japan

EIGHT-MAN TAG TEAM MATCH

Go Matsunaga, Hirokumi Saito & Rebel Cell (Harumi Okazawaya & Sotsatsu Saramura) vs. Kazuo Mitsushi, Koichi Kajiwara & Koji & Koki (Koji Kojima & Koki Ishibashi)

Just a week ago, Mitsushi and Kajiwara teamed up against Koji & Koki. This time, they teamed up with them to great effect in the night’s opening bout. Mitsushi was the stand out performer (although closely followed by the masked duo), and ended up securing the win for his team with the Emerald Fushion to Hirokumi Saito.

Kazuo Mitsushi, Koichi Kajiwara & Koji & Koki (Koji Kojima & Koki Ishibashi) defeated Go Matsunaga, Hirokumi Saito & Rebel Cell (Harumi Okazawaya & Sotsatsu Saramura) (10:29) with the Emerald Fushion from Mitsushi to Saito [47]

EIGHT-MAN TAG TEAM MATCH

Danger Kumasaka, Kimitada Yanagita, Java & Rico Santana vs. Dragon Agakawa, Hayate Hasegawa, Ninsei Tanuma & Amane Shunsen

More was expected out of the night’s second multi-man bout, so the fans could be forgiven for being underwhelmed by a match involving big names like Kumasaka and Agakawa. It is a sign of where the two sit at the start of 1997, with no real story to speak of. The fourteen minute bout saw all competitors get in their spots, but ultimately it was Kumasaka who picked up a rare submission win - the PGHW booker submitting young lion Amane Shunsen with his Aurora Surfboard Vice as Yanagita, Java and Santana kept the opposition at bay.

Danger Kumasaka, Kimitada Yanagita, Java & Rico Santana defeated Dragon Agakawa, Hayate Hasegawa, Ninsei Tanuma & Amane Shunsen (14:02) with the Aurora Surfboard Vice from Kumasaka to Shunsen [49]

PGHW GLORY TAG CROWN

Lee Wright & Ray Diaz © vs. Yodo Nakane & Shuji Inukai

In the first of three title bouts, gai-jin pairing Lee Wright and Ray Diaz put their Glory Tag Crown on the line against the veteran Yodo Nakane and the promising Shuji Inukai. As is their style, Wright and Diaz spent the early parts of the bout isolating Inukai in their corner, leaving a the 43-year old Nakane growing more and more frustrated on the other side of the ring. It led to a couple of near falls, but it was clear it would take more to keep “The Untouchable” Inukai down.

Inukai slowly worked his way back into the match, and ducking under a lariat attempt from Wright he took back control with a cross-body. That allowed him to get the tag to Nakane, who met a fresh Diaz with a series of heavy hits. The massive American was caught off-guard by Nakane’s onslaught, and looked enraged as Nakane sent him hurtling over the top rope with a lariat of his own.

The match grew in tempo from there, and the finish saw the crowd in raptures as Diaz looked to hit a big chokeslam on Inukai - only for “The Untouchable” to slip over his shoulder and knock him down with two consecutive lariats - ending Wright & Diaz’s reign and ensuring Nakane and Inukai would become PGHW’s second tag champs.

Yodo Nakane & Shuji Inukai defeated Lee Wright & Raymond Diaz © (23:32) with a Lariat from Inukai to Diaz to win the PGHW Glory Tag Crown [59]

PGHW HISTORICAL JAPAN TITLE

Nobuatsu Tatsuko © vs. Mito Miwa

Mito Miwa’s year started with a bang as he won the ¥5,000,000 Battle Royal at “New Year’s Clash!”, but the former two-time Historical Japan Champion faced the indignity of having to prove himself worthy at “Road to Night of RESPECT” against Hayate Hasegawa. Now he finally got his chance, but faced an uphill battle against “The Iron Man” Nobuatsu Tatsuko who was looking to make an unbelievable 22nd defence of the former QUEST title.

In a highly entertaining bout, the two showed their impressive athleticism and hard-hitting ability which left no one in doubt that they were two to watch over the coming years in PGHW. Miwa, who was instrumental in bringing Tatsuko and the Historical Japan title to PGHW, looked a beat fast on a number of occasions. However, as the minutes ticked on, the man they call “The Iron Man” worked his way back into the bout and ultimately ensured yet another defence as he put Miwa away with his piledriver, the “Tatsuko Driller”. If Mito Miwa can’t do it, can put an end to“The Iron Man’s” reign?

Nobuatsu Tatsuko © defeated Mito Miwa (22:54) with the Tatsuko Driller to retain the PGHW Historical Japan title [68]

SIX-MAN TAG TEAM MATCH

Koryusai Kitoaji, Yoshimi Mushashibo & Gihei Kanesaka vs. Eisaku Hoshino, Amiri Ngala & Dino Maldini

The crowd was given the briefest of respite in the night’s penultimate bout, but they were still treated to an entertaining affair as Koryusai Kitoaji, Yoshimi Mushashibo and Gihei Kanesaka locked horns with Eisaku Hoshino, Amiri Ngala and Dino Maldini. Kitoaji has been in reasonable touch since dropping the Glory Crown last year, and he and Mushashibo were the clear stand outs in a hotly contested and surprisingly lengthy affair. On the other side, Hoshino produced a solid performance as he continues to impress in the absence of injured partner Eisaku Kunomasu. Ultimately, it was Kitoaji who picked up the win for his team - his dynamic Roaring Elbow keeping Dino Maldini down for the count.

Koryusai Kitoaji, Yoshimi Mushashibo & Gihei Kanesaka defeated Eisaku Hoshino, Amiri Ngala & Dino Maldini (23:56) with the Roaring Elbow from Kitoaji to Maldini [67]

PGHW GLORY CROWN

Hito Ichihara © vs. Dread

The night's final bout saw a hotly anticipated showdown between local hero Hito Ichihara and the massive American Dread, in Ichihara's first defence of the PGHW Glory Crown.

The early stages of the match went as expected - Ichihara landed his shots when he could, but he found himself overpowered and outmuscled by his much larger opponent. Dread looked at times overconfident as he shrugged off many of Ichihara's strikes, and at one point raised the ire of the crowd as he lifted the Glory Crown champion over his head and dropped him to the outside. There he continued to reign down blows on Ichihara, but both men beat the 20-count back into the ring.

It seemed difficult to see how Ichihara could counter the overwhelming power of Dread. However, slowly but surely, he showed amazing willpower to fight his way back into the bout and, coming off the top rope, knocked Dread to the mat for the first time! While Dread managed to take back control briefly, it was clear that Ichihara had found his groove.

A big moment in the match came as Ichihara moved out of the way of a big Dreadsault and looked to hit his patented Head Drop Suplex on the stunned monster - but the punishment and Dread's size proved too much for Ichihara who collapsed onto the ground, giving Dread the opening to retake control with a knee to the face. But just when Ichihara looked done, Dread hoisted him up for a massive Dread Bomb only for Ichihara - somehow - to lock in a triangle choke. While Dread dropped down to the mat, the MMA trained Ichihara held on - the massive American refusing to tap out, but ultimately passing out causing the referee to stop the match.

Hito Ichihara © defeated Dread (25:30) by referee stoppage to retain the PGHW Glory Crown [67]</div>

<div style="padding: 15px; border: 3px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #9cd2e6; max-width:60%;box-shadow: 0 1px 2px " ;"="">PGHW “Night of RESPECT", 23.01.1997 (STV)

Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium

3,445 - No Vacancy

134,578 Viewers (0.17)

[66]

Kazuo Mitsushi, Koichi Kajiwara & Koji & Koki (Koji Kojima & Koki Ishibashi) defeated Go Matsunaga, Hirokumi Saito & Rebel Cell (Harumi Okazawaya & Sotsatsu Saramura) (10:29) with the Emerald Fushion from Mitsushi to Saito. [47]
Danger Kumasaka, Kimitada Yanagita, Java & Rico Santana defeated Dragon Agakawa, Hayate Hasegawa, Ninsei Tanuma & Amane Shunsen (14:02) with the Aurora Surfboard Vice from Kumasaka to Shunsen. [49]
PGHW Glory Tag Crown: Yodo Nakane & Shuji Inukai defeated Lee Wright & Raymond Diaz © (23:32) with a Lariat from Inukai to Diaz. (Failed 7th defence -> 2nd Glory Tag Crown) [59]
PGHW Historical Japan Title: Nobuatsu Tatsuko © defeated Mito Miwa (22:54) with the Tatsuko Driller (22nd defence). [68]
Koryusai Kitoaji, Yoshimi Mushashibo & Gihei Kanesaka defeated Eisaku Hoshino, Amiri Ngala & Dino Maldini (23:56) with the Roaring Elbow from Kitoaji to Maldini. [67]
PGHW Glory Crown: Hito Ichihara © defeated Dread (25:30) by Triangle Choke (1st defence). [67]

</div>

Scottie · February 16, 2021

PGHW News and Notes: January

- PGHW has announced nine dates for its "DESTINY Series", which commences at Korokuen Hall on Feb. 16 before returning to Tokyo on Mar. 1 at the Nippon Budokan. No news yet as to who PGHW Glory Crown Champion Hito Ichihara will face in the finale, though he's scheduled to team up with Dragon Agakawa and Yoshimi Mushashibo against Danger Kumasaka, Eisaku Hoshino and the returning Eisaku Kunomasu on Feb. 16.

- One man who won't be appearing in the "DESTINY Series" is American giant Dread, who was unsuccessful in dethroning Ichihara at "Night of RESPECT" on Jan. 23 (passing out in a triangle choke) and is being given the opportunity to recover from a niggling elbow injury. He's expected to return in March or April.

- New tag champions Shuji Inukai and Yodo Nakane are expected to be presented with the PGHW Glory Tag Crown at Korokuen Hall on Feb. 16, but also no word yet on who they will next face.

- PGHW has announced five new faces for the "DESTINY Series", consisting of two Japanese wrestlers and three English imports:

Takesi Umehara - Yoriie Ippitsusai - Razor Valentine - Rolling Johnny Stones - Samurai Brown

- 30-year old Takesi Umehara is the most well-known, having previously appeared in tours for BHOTGW after a four-year stint with QUEST in the late-1980s. He's a bigger man now, having eschewed a high flying approach in favour of a more brawl based approach. He's joined by youngster Yoriie Ippitsusai who has also been turning out for GCG as of late. He's solid and dependable, and has gained experience already this year against the likes of Yoshifusa Maeda and the Black Serpent Cult.

- The English imports are Rolling Johnny Stones, Razor Valentine and Samurai Brown (perhaps known to some readers as "British Samurai"). The trio are all said to be promising but raw, having plied their trade on a British circuit which gives limited opportunities at times. Although friends, Valentine and Brown have for many years been opposed to each other as bitter rivals - although it remains to be seen whether that continues in PGHW.

- On the other hand, fellow gai-jin Amiri Ngala and Dino Maldini won't appear in the "DESTINY Series", and we understand they are no longer contracted by the Japanese promotion. It is a shame for Ngala in particular, who produced some good performances including a sleeper hit against Koryusai Kitoaji.

</div>

<div style="padding: 15px; border: 3px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #bbe3f2; max-width:40%;box-shadow: 0 1px 2px " ;"="">PGHW DESTINY Series 1997

PGHW DESTINY Series - Night 1 (STV)

Tokyo Korokuen Hall - 16.02.1997

PGHW DESTINY Series - Night 2

Furukawa City Gymnasium - 18.02.1997

PGHW DESTINY Series - Night 3

Kisarazu Kurakata Sports Hall - 19.02.1997

PGHW DESTINY Series - Night 4

Kumagaya Citizen Gymnasium - 21.2.1997

PGHW DESTINY Series - Night 5

Mito Citizen Gymnasium - 22.02.1997

PGHW DESTINY Series - Night 6

Ogino Sports Park Gymnasium - 23.02.1997

PGHW DESTINY Series - Night 7

Shizuoka Citizen Gymnasium - 25.02.1997

PGHW DESTINY Series - Night 8

Ota Citizen Gymnasium - 27.02.1997

PGHW Night of DESTINY (STV)

Tokyo Nippon Budokan - 01.03.1997</div>

Historian · February 16, 2021

That Ichihara versus Dread match was wonderful. Dread has always been one of my favorite characters in the lore of the CVerse and I'm hoping to see him be very Vader-esque in PGHW. You're doing some really good stuff.

Kudos to BestforBusiness for his tremendous renders of your roster. I really love the look of the talent.

Scottie · February 17, 2021

That Ichihara versus Dread match was wonderful. Dread has always been one of my favorite characters in the lore of the CVerse and I'm hoping to see him be very Vader-esque in PGHW. You're doing some really good stuff.

Kudos to BestforBusiness for his tremendous renders of your roster. I really love the look of the talent.

Thank you for the kind words! I probably didn't want Dread facing Ichihara this early, but I was kind of locked in by the backstory and it certainly gives Ichihara some credit. I hope to find ways to use him going forward.

And yes, BestforBusiness's work is exceptional. These new signings are my second rate attempt to replicate his work - but I love the style, and kind of wished all of the C-Verse was rendered in that way!

Scottie · February 21, 2021

<div style="text-align:center;"><div style="padding: 15px; border: 3px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #def6ff; max-width:60%;box-shadow: 0 1px 2px " ;”=""> PGHW "DESTINY" Series

PGHW “DESTINY” Series, 16.02.1997 (STV)

Tokyo Korokuen Hall

2,000 Fans Super No Vacancy

97,141 Viewers (0.12)

[59]

<div style="text-align:left;"><ol style="list-style-type:decimal;"><li>Yodo Nakane & Shuji Inukai defeated Koji & Koki (Koji Kojima & Koki Ishibashi) (9:46) with a Lariat from Inukai to Kojima. [62] </li><li>Kazuo Mitsushi, Koichi Kajiwara & Takesi Umehara defeated Amane Shunsen, Fukusaburu Inao & Mamoru Nagahama (9:49) with the Mitsushi Stretch from Mitsushi to Nagahama. [48] </li><li>Hayate Hasegawa & Rebel Cell (Harima Okazawaya & Sotatsu Sarumara) defeated Rico Santana, Razor Valentine & Samurai Brown (12:07) with the Yakuza Kick from Hasegawa to Brown. [41] </li><li>Koryusai Kitoaji, Gihei Kanesaka & Go Matsunaga defeated Raymond Diaz, Kimitada Yanagita & Java (22:01) with the Kanesaka Krush from Kanesaka to Java. [61] </li><li>Hito Ichihara, Mito Miwa & Yoshimi Mushashibo defeated Danger Kumasaka, Eisaku Hoshino & Eisaku Kunomasu (26:20) with a Roll-Up from Ichihara to Kumasaka. [59]</li></ol></div>

<div style="text-align:left;"><ul><li>Hito Ichihara continued to pick up victories, surprising veteran Danger Kumasaka in the televised with a flash pinfall. Ichihara tried to show respect to Kumasaka after the match with a handshake, but a humiliated Kamasaka slapped him with an open palm and stormed out to end the broadcast! </li><li>Yodo Nakane and Shuji Inukai celebrated capturing the PGHW Glory Tag Crown in the opening bout in an exciting affair against Koji & Koki. Saduharu Jimbo made a rare appearance after the match to congratulate them as part of the title ceremony. </li></ul></div>

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PGHW “DESTINY” Series, 18.02.1997

Furukawa City Gymnasium

520 Fans

[58]

<div style="text-align:left;"><ol style="list-style-type:decimal;"><li>Amane Shunsen & Koji & Koki (Koji Kojima & Koki Ishibashi) defeated Rebel Cell (Harima Okazawaya & Sotatsu Sarumara) & Fukusaburu Inao (9:47) with the Shunsen Trap Legdrop from Shunsen to Sarumara. [46] </li><li>Mito Miwa, Yoshimi Mushashibo & Yoriie Ippitsusai defeated Hirokumi Saito, Razor Valentine & Samurai Brown (9:31) with a Lariat from Miwa to Saito. [53] </li><li>Dragon Agakawa, Kazuo Mitsushi & Koichi Kajiwara defeated Nobuatsu Tatsuko, Mamoru Nagahama & Rico Santana (14:55) with the Dragon Driver from Agakawa to Santana. [54] </li><li>Kimitada Yanagita & Java defeated Hayate Hasegawa & Takesi Umehara (14:22) with the Greetings from the Island from Java to Umehara. [46] </li><li>Hito Ichihara, Koryusai Kitoaji & Gihei Kanesaka defeated Lee Wright, Raymond Diaz & Ninsei Tanuma (15:39) with the Roaring Elbow from Kitoaji to Tanuma. [60] </li><li>Danger Kumasaka, Eisaku Hoshino & Eisaku Kunomasu defeated Yodo Nakane, Shuji Inukai & Go Matsunaga (20:27) with the Aurora Surfboard Vice from Kumasaka to Matsunaga. [59] </li></ol>

<ul><li>In the headliner, a furious Danger Kumasaka picked up the win for his team as he forced Go Matsunaga to tap to his patented Aurora Surfboard Vice. He had to be forced to break the hold after the match. </li></ul></div>

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PGHW “DESTINY” Series, 19.02.1997

Kisarazu Kurakata Sports Hall

652 Fans

[60]

<div style="text-align:left;"><ol style="list-style-type:decimal;"><li>Rico Santana defeated Mamoru Nagahama (5:45) with a Superkick. [42] </li><li>Go Matsunaga & Koji & Koki (Koji Kojima & Koki Ishibashi) defeated Razor Valentine, Samurai Brown & Yoriie Ippitsusai (10:07) with the Spiral Bomb from Matsunaga to Ippitsusai. [44] </li><li>Raymond Diaz, Kazuo Mitsushi & Koichi Kajiwara defeated Rebel Cell (Harima Okazawaya & Sotatsu Sarumara) & Fukusaburu Inao (9:33) with a Running Tackle from Kajiwara to Inao. [44] </li><li>Yodo Nakane, Shuji Inukai & Hayate Hasegawa defeated Eisaku Hoshino, Eisaku Kunomasu & Amane Shunsen (15:37) with a Brainbuster Suplex from Nakane to Shunsen. [53] </li><li>Rolling Johnny Stones Debut Match: Lee Wright defeated Rolling Johnny Stones (6:42) with the Wright Stuff. [54] </li><li>Hito Ichihara, Koryusai Kitoaji & Gihei Kanesaka defeated Dragon Agakawa, Kimitada Yanagita & Java (19:33) with the Head Drop Suplex from Ichihara to Yanagita. [58] </li><li>Danger Kumasaka & Nobuatsu Tatsuko defeated Mito Miwa & Yoshimi Mushashibo (23:32) with the Aurora Surfboard Vice from Kumasaka to Mushashibo. [62] </li></ol>

<ul><li>Another big win for the veteran Danger Kumasaka, who made the promising Yoshimi Mushashibo submit to the Aurora Surfboard Vice. </li><li>In a missed opportunity against a star-studded team including Hito Ichihara and Koryusai Kitoaji, Java's disappointment was compounded with an injured pectoral muscle. He's expected to miss a few nights, but is likely to return before the end of the tour. </li><li>Young Englishman Rolling Johnny Stones made his debut, putting up a valiant effort in a loss to former PGHW Glory Tag Crown champion Lee Wright. </li></ul></div>

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PGHW “DESTINY” Series, 21.02.1997

Kumagaya Citizen Gymnasium

650 Fans

[67]

<div style="text-align:left;"><ol style="list-style-type:decimal;"><li>Takesi Umehara defeated Rolling Johnny Stones (10:23) with a Facebuster Suplex. [48] </li><li>Mito Miwa & Koji & Koki (Koji Kojima & Koki Ishibashi) defeated Kimitada Yanagita, Razor Valentine & Samurai Brown(16:11) with the Pride Bomber from Miwa to Brown. [57] </li><li>Dragon Agakawa & Ninsei Tamura defeated Nobuatsu Tatsuko & Yoriie Ippitsusai (12:48) with the Dragon Driver from Agakawa to Ippitsusai. [49 </li><li>Yodo Nakane, Shuji Inukai & Go Matsunaga defeated Kazuo Mitsushi, Koichi Kajiwara & Amane Shunsen (13:02) with a Lariat from Inukai to Kajiwara. [47] </li><li>Koryusai Kitoaji & Gihei Kanesaka defeated Eisaku Hoshino & Eisaku Kunomasu (14:04) with the Kanesaka Krush from Kanesaka to Kunomasu. [72] </li><li>Danger Kumasaka, Lee Wright & Raymond Diaz defeated Hito Ichihara, Yoshimi Mushashibo & Hayate Hasegawa (23:31) with the Aurora Surfboard Vice from Kumasaka to Hasegawa. [67] </li></ol>

<ul><li>A heck of a show! The highlight was clearly the tag match between Kitoaji & Kanesaka against Kunomasu & Hoshino - it only lasted fourteen minutes, but it was all action. </li><li>Danger Kumasaka put Hito Ichihara on notice, as he picked up his third straight submission win - this time over the respected Hayate Hasegawa. He had some help, though, with former tag champs Wright & Diaz in his corner. </li><li>A tough night for Amane Shunsen who suffered a dislocated shoulder. It will keep him out of the rest of this tour and potentially the next. </li></ul></div>

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PGHW “DESTINY” Series, 22.02.1997

Mito Citizen Gymnasium

660 Fans

[62]

<div style="text-align:left;"><ol style="list-style-type:decimal;"><li>Hayate Hasegawa, Kazuo Mitsushi & Koichi Kajiwara defeated Rebel Cell (Harima Okazawaya & Sotatsu Sarumara) & Mamoru Nagahama (7:58) with the Emerald Fushion from Mitsushi to Nagahama. [46] </li><li>Rico Santana defeated Fukusaburu Inao (9:50) with a Super Kick. [41] </li><li>Kimitada Yanagita, Ninsei Tanuma & Takesi Umehara defeated Rolling Johnny Stones, Razor Valentine & Samurai Brown (11:07) with a Facebuster Suplex from Umehara to Stones. [43] </li><li>Raymond Diaz defeated Yoriie Ippitsusai (5:22) with the Ray Gun. [24] </li><li>Nobuatsu Tatsuko, Eisaku Hoshino & Eisaku Kunomasu defeated Dragon Agakawa & Koji & Koki (Koji Kojima & Koki Ishibashi) (14:32) with the Godzilla Plunge from Hoshino to Kojima. [56] </li><li>Danger Kumasaka & Lee Wright defeated Mito Miwa & Yoshimi Mushashibo (16:07) with the Aurora Surfboard Vice from Kumasaka to Miwa. [65] </li><li>Koryusai Kitoaji, Gihei Kanesaka & Go Matsunaga defeated Hito Ichihara, Yodo Nakane & Shuji Inukai (24:03) with the Roaring Elbow from Kitoaji to Inukai. [64] </li></ol>

<ol style="list-style-type:decimal;"><li>The first title match is now set for PGHW "Night of DESTINY". In the headliner, Kitoaji & Kanesaka continued their good form as a pairing, with Kitoaji getting the pinfall over one half of the tag champions, Inukai. After the match, Kitoaji said he feels ready for his first title match since losing to Ichihara last December and issued a challenge on behalf of himself and Kanesaka against Nakane & Inukai. The tag champions were up for the challenge! </li><li>Elsewhere, in a very short match, Ray Diaz demolished young lion Yoriie Ippitsusai in singles action. It was an ugly affair, and one that is unlikely to be repeated anytime soon. </li></ol></div>

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PGHW “DESTINY” Series, 23.02.1997

Ogino Sports Park Gymnasium

683 Fans

[68]

<div style="text-align:left;"><ol style="list-style-type:decimal;"><li>Go Matsunaga & Ninsei Tanuma defeated Rebel Cell (Harima Okazawaya & Sotatsu Sarumara) & Mamoru Nagahama (10:04) with a Straightjacket Suplex from Tanuma to Sarurmara. [46] </li><li>Rico Santana, Rolling Johnny Stones & Yoriie Ippitsusai defeated Hayate Hasegawa, Fukusaburu Inao & Hirokumi Saito (9:45) with a Super Kick from Santana to Saito. [40] </li><li>Mito Miwa defeated Takesi Umehara (9:36) with the Pride Bomber. [52] </li><li>Kimitada Yanagita, Razor Valentine & Samurai Brown defeated Raymond Diaz, Kazuo Mitsushi & Koichi Kajiwara (10:50) with the Yanagita Crush from Yanagita to Diaz. [48] </li><li>Koryusai Kitoaji & Gihei Kanesaka defeated Koji & Koki (Koji Kojima & Koki Ishibashi) (12:24) with the Kanesaka Krush from Kanesaka to Kojima. [70] </li><li>Yodo Nakane, Shuji Inukai & Dragon Agakawa defeated Nobuatsu Tatsuko, Eisaku Hoshino & Eisaku Kunomasu (19:38) with the Dragon Driver from Agakawa to Kunomasu. [61] </li><li>Danger Kumasaka & Lee Wright defeated Hito Ichihara & Yoshimo Mushashibo (17:37) with a DDT from Kumasaka to Mushashibo. [70] </li></ol>

<ol style="list-style-type:decimal;"><li>Danger Kumasaka again picked up a victory in the headliner, this time with a pinfall over Ichihara's ally Yoshimi Mushashibo. Kumasaka clearly hadn't forgotten his humiliation on the opening night of the tour, and decided to lock in the Aurora Surfboard Vice on Mushashibo after the match. Ichihara eventually managed to save Mushashibo, and challenged Kumasaka to a one-on-one bout at "Night of DESTINY". Kumasaka gleefully accepted and promised to match the champion tap. </li><li>In another great showing, Kitoaji & Kanesaka proved their title credentials with an exciting win over Koji & Koki. Not to be outdone, Inukai & Nakane teamed with Dragon Agakawa to beat Tatsuko, Kunomasu & Hoshino. </li></ol></div>

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PGHW “DESTINY” Series, 25.02.1997

Shizuoka Citizen Gymnasium

589 Fans

[66]

<div style="text-align:left;"><ol style="list-style-type:decimal;"><li>Rolling Johnny Stones defeated Fukusaburu Inao (8:29) with a Brainbuster. [42] </li><li>Rico Santana & Yoriie Ippitsusai defeated Rebel Cell (Harima Okazawaya & Sotatsu Sarumara) (8:11) with a Super Kick from Santana to Samumara. [40] </li><li>Mito Miwa, Hayate Hasegawa & Takesi Umehara defeated Go Matsunaga & Koji & Koki (Koji Kojima & Koki Ishibashi) (12:08) with the Pride Bomber from Miwa to Matsunaga. [54] </li><li>Lee Wright & Raymond Diaz defeated Razor Valentine & Samurai Brown (7:05) with the Ray Gun from Diaz to Valentine. [55] </li><li>Dragon Agakawa, Yodo Nakane & Shuji Inukai defeated Nobuatsu Tatsuko, Kimitada Yanagita & Java (15:55) with the Dragon Driver from Agakawa to Tatsuko. [56] </li><li>Hito Ichihara, Koryusai Kitoaji & Gihei Kanesaka defeated Eisaku Hoshino, Eisaku Kunomasu & Ninsei Tanuma (21:31) with the Ichihara Armbar from Ichihara to Kunomasu. [62] </li><li>Danger Kumasaka defeated Yoshimi Mushashibo (20:10) with a Sunset Flip. [69] </li></ol>

<ul><li>Kumasaka sent another warning to Ichihara in the headliner, with a victory over Yoshimi Mushashibo in an exciting bout. It's been a rough start to the year for Ichihara's ally - after being bashed around by Dread in January, he's spent most of February being beaten up by Kumasaka. </li><li>Frustration for Kitoaji ahead of his title bout, after an awkward landing has left him with a painful back injury. He won't miss any action, but it's likely to affect his wrestling going forward - and word is he is not happy with Eisaku Hoshino. </li></ul></div>

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PGHW “DESTINY” Series, 27.02.1997

Ota Citizen Gymnasium

678 Fans

[61]

<div style="text-align:left;"><ol style="list-style-type:decimal;"><li>Rico Santana defeated Yoriie Ippitsusai (8:29) with a Super Kick. [38] </li><li>Razor Valentine, Samurai Brown & Rolling Johnny Stones defeated Fukusaburu Inao, Hirokumi Saito & Mamoru Nagahama (7:37) with the Samurai Secret Stretch from Brown to Saito. [40] </li><li>Yodo Nakane & Shuji Inukai defeated Rebel Cell (Harima Okazawaya & Sotatsu Sarumara) (9:44) with a Brainbuster Suplex from Nakane to Okazawaya. [51] </li><li>Dragon Agakawa, Go Matsunaga & Takesi Umehara defeated Nobuatsu Tatsuko, Kazuo Mitsushi & Koichi Kajiwara (13:40) with the Dragon Driver from Agakawa to Kajiwara. [51] </li><li>Kimitada Yanagita & Java defeated Koji & Koki (Koji Kojima & Koki Ishibashi) (12:51) with the Greetings from the Island from Java to Kojima. [51] </li><li>Hito Ichihara, Mito Miwa & Yoshimi Mushashibo defeated Eisaku Hoshino, Eisaku Kunomasu & Ninsei Tanuma (20:20) with the Pride Bomber from Miwa to Tanuma. [64] </li><li>Danger Kumasaka, Lee Wright & Raymond Diaz defeated Koryusai Kitoaji, Gihei Kanesaka & Hayate Hasegawa (21:25) with the Wright Stuff from Wright to Hasegawa. 62] </li></ol>

<ul><li>More frustration for Nobuatsu Tatsuko, who this tour has been on the losing end of a number of matches involving the 52-year old Dragon Agakawa. Before this show, Agakawa was announced as Tatsuko's opponent at "Night of DESTINY", and Tatsuko's marathon title reign could be at risk if tonight's loss alongside Mitsushi & Kajiwara is anything to go by. </li></ul></div></div></div>

Scottie · February 21, 2021

<div style="text-align:center;"><div style="padding: 15px; border: 3px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #d2d3d4; max-width:60%;box-shadow: 0 1px 2px " ;"=""><div style="text-align:left;">Scene set for PGHW "DESTINY" Series finale

TOKYO, Japan - Reigning champion Hito Ichihara will make his second defence of the PGHW Glory Crown on Mar. 1 as he faces off against former Burning World Tag Team champion Danger Kumasaka in the main event of PGHW "Night of DESTINY" at the Nippon Budokan.

Kamasaka has been on a tear since a humiliating defeat to Ichihara on the televised card on Feb. 16, submitting the likes of Yoshimi Mushashibo and Mito Miwa with his devastating "Aurora Surfboard Vice", and he's promised to make Ichihara tap. But Ichihara is clearly his biggest test, having forced the monster Dread to pass out with a triangle choke at PGHW "Night of RESPECT" on Jan. 23 and whose MMA background will hold him in great stead to ward off Kamasaka's grip.

In other action, Koryusai Kitoaji teams up with Gihei Kanesaka in his first title shot since dropping the Glory Crown to Ichihara on Dec. 20. Kitoaji and Kanesaka face off against PGHW Glory Tag Crown Champions Yodo Nakane and Shuji Inukai in their first defence. Kitoaji and Kanesaka produced some convincing wins throughout the tour, including in the only meeting involving Inukai and Nakane in six-man tag action in Mito on Feb. 22. But Nakane and Inukai have been equally impressive action of late since capturing the titles in January.

Finally, in other action Nobuatsu Tatsuko defends his PGHW Historical Japan title for an amazing 23rd occasion against Dragon Agakawa; Wright & Diaz and Hoshino & Kunomasu will team up in an eight-man survivor match against Miwa & Mushashibo and the impressive masked pairing of Koji & Koki; and the maniacal pairing of Java and Kimitada Yanagita meet Rebel Cell.</div>

<div style="text-align:center;">PGHW "Night of DESTINY", 01.03.1997 (STV)

Tokyo Nippon Budokan</div>

<div style="text-align:left;"><ol style="list-style-type:decimal;"><li>Rico Santana, Kazuo Mitsushi & Koichi Kajiwara vs. Go Matsunaga, Ninsei Tamura & Fukusaburu Inao </li><li>Razor Valentine, Samurai Brown & Rolling Johnny Stones vs. Hayate Hasegawa, Takesi Umehara & Yoriie Ippitsusai </li><li>Kimitada Yanagita & Java vs. Rebel Cell (Harima Okazawaya & Sotatsu Sarumara) </li><li>Survivor Style Elimination Match: Lee Wright, Raymond Diaz, Eisaku Hoshino & Eisaku Kunomasu vs. Mito Miwa, Yoshimi Mushashibo & Koji & Koki (Koji Kojima & Koki Ishibashi) </li><li>PGHW Historical Japan: Nobuatsu Tatsuko © vs. Dragon Agakawa </li><li>PGHW Glory Tag Crown: Yodo Nakane & Shuji Inukai © vs. Koryusai Kitoaji & Gihei Kanesaka </li><li>PGHW Glory Crown: Hito Ichihara © vs. Danger Kumasaka </li></ol></div>

</div>

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Dalton · February 21, 2021

Rico Santana, Kazuo Mitsushi & Koichi Kajiwara vs. Go Matsunaga, Ninsei Tamura & Fukusaburu Inao

Razor Valentine, Samurai Brown & Rolling Johnny Stones vs. Hayate Hasegawa, Takesi Umehara & Yoriie Ippitsusai

Kimitada Yanagita & Java vs. Rebel Cell (Harima Okazawaya & Sotatsu Sarumara)

Survivor Style Elimination Match: Lee Wright, Raymond Diaz, Eisaku Hoshino & Eisaku Kunomasu vs. Mito Miwa, Yoshimi Mushashibo & Koji & Koki (Koji Kojima & Koki Ishibashi)

PGHW Glory Tag Crown: Yodo Nakane & Shuji Inukai © vs. Koryusai Kitoaji & Gihei Kanesaka

Scottie · February 22, 2021

PGHW “Night of DESTINY”

1 March 1997 - Tokyo, Japan

SIX-MAN TAG TEAM MATCH

Go Matsunaga, Ninsei Tanuma & Fukusaburu Inao vs. Kazuo Mitsushi, Rico Santana & Koichi Kajiwara

Hawaii’s Rico Santana continued to add to his good results as of late, as he picked up the win for his team in the night’s opening bout. Teaming with the veteran-young lion duo of Mitsushi & Kajiwara, Santana went toe-to-toe with the likes of Matsunaga and Tanuma before hitting Fukusaburu Inao with a super kick to pick up the win. Mitsushi was also singled out for his good work.

Kazuo Mitsushi, Rico Santana & Koichi Kajiwara defeated Go Matsunaga, Ninsei Tanuma & Fukusaburu Inao (10:17) with a Super Kick from Santana to Inao. [49]

SIX-MAN TAG TEAM MATCH

Hayate Hasegawa, Takesi Umehara & Yoriie Ippitsusai vs. Razor Valentine, Samurai Brown & Rolling Johnny Stones

The British trio of Valentine, Brown and Stones have had mixed results in their first tour with PGHW, and that continued here as they lost to local team Hasegawa, Umehara and Ippitsusai. Umehara and Ippitsusai were also looking to cap off their first tours with PGHW with a win, and their chances were bolstered with the respected veteran Hasegawa in their corner.

23-year old Rolling Johnny Stones showed real promise in a standout performance, but he was ultimately on the receiving end of a brutal Yakuza Kick from Hasegawa to end the match.

Hayate Hasegawa, Takesi Umehara & Yoriie Ippitsusai defeated Razor Valentine, Samurai Brown & Rolling Johnny Stones (10:46) with the Yakuza Kick from Hasegawa to Stones. [43]

SURVIVOR STYLE ELIMINATION MATCH

Lee Wright, Raymond Diaz, Eisaku Hoshino & Eisaku Kunomasu vs. Mito Miwa, Yoshimi Mushashibo & Koji & Koki (Koji Kojima & Koki Ishibashi)

A different style of elimination match that North American audiences might be used to - this was actually comprised of a series of 2 vs. 2 matches, with the wrestler taking the fall replaced by another member of their team.

The bout started with Hoshino & Kunomasu vs. Koji & Koki, the latter pair having impressed throughout the tour and being rewarded with one of their biggest matches in PGHW. In a helter-skelter affair, it was Hoshino who picked up the first fall as he hit the Godzilla Plunge on Ishibashi. Ishibashi was then replaced by Mito Miwa, who went toe-to-toe with Hoshino before hitting a splash from the top rope on Kunomasu to level the match at 3 vs. 3.

That brought in the giant Ray Diaz, who aggressively pursued his smaller opponents. Hoshino was content to sit on the outside, as Diaz picked up the second pinfall with a massive one-handed chokeslam against the outmatched Kojima. It looked like the American giant was going to deliver his team the win as he almost immediately hit Mushashibo with a choke slam too - but Mushashibo showed tremendous spirit to kick out!

The teams continued to battle at breakneck speed, before Mushashibo - who has so often been on the receiving end of beat downs this tour - hit a huge dropkick on Diaz and then stunned the giant with a double-knee facebreaker. This allowed him to hit a cross-body on Diaz, which kept the big man down and brought the bout to a final fall.

Mushashibo and Miwa had teamed up a number of times this tour, and ultimately that experience won the day against the team of Wright and Hoshino who had not. Lee Wright looked frustrated as he struggled against his faster opponents, and could only watch on in disgust as Hoshino was kept down for the count by Miwa to end an entertaining and high octane bout.

Mushashibo was the clear star - a deserved end to a tough tour for the youngster, who is looking to rebuild his 1997.

Mito Miwa, Yoshimi Mushashibo & Koji & Koki (Koji Kojima & Koki Ishibashi) defeated Lee Wright, Raymond Diaz, Eisaku Hoshino & Eisaku Kunomasu (20:25). [66]

TAG TEAM MATCH

Kimitada Yanagita & Java vs. Rebel Cell (Harima Okazawaya & Sotatsu Sarumara)

After that exciting (and slightly confusing) affair, the tempo came down a bit as the powerful pairing of Java and Kimitada Yanagita made short work of slightly built tag duo Rebel Cell. Okazawaya and Sarumara spent most of the bout being overpowered by Java and Yanagita, with only brief sparks of promise as they used their high flying skills to their advantage. Ultimately, though, Yanagita picked up the fall on Okazawaya with a brutal spinebuster.

Kimitada Yanagita & Java defeated Rebel Cell (Harima Okazawaya & Sotatsu Sarumara) (14:13) with a Spinebuster from Yanagita to Okazawaya. [43]

PGHW GLORY TAG CROWN

Next up, Koryusai Kitoaji looked to capture PGHW gold for the first time since dropping the Glory Crown to Hito Ichihara in December. He teamed up with regular partner Gihei Kanesaka against the team of Inukai and Nakane, who were making their first defence of the Glory Tag Crown.

The match promised a lot and, unfortunately, underdelivered due to a combination of Inukai’s underperformance (he did most of the heavy lifting for his team) and the niggling back injury that has been plaguing Kitoaji as of late. Still, the teams put on a good show in an evenly contested match that saw Kitoaji and Kanesaka go close on a number of occasions to winning the bout.

The ending came as Kanesaka had Inukai locked in a headlock which threatened to end the champions’ reign before it started, before Inukai managed to fight out and floor Kanesaka with a lariat. Inukai crawled to his corner to tag in partner Nakane, who lifted the tempo against a staggered Kanesaka. While Kanesaka went for a haymaker lariat of his own in a desperate attempt, Nakane ducked under and then hit him with a punishing Brainbuster Suplex for the three count.

Yodo Nakane & Shuji Inukai © defeated Koryusai Kitoaji & Gihei Kanesaka (24:13) with a Brainbuster Suplex from Nakane to Kanesaka (1st defence). [56]

PGHW HISTORICAL JAPAN TITLE

Looking to make his 23rd defence of the Historical Japan Title, Tatsuko faced off against 52-year old former Burning Tag Team Champion Dragon Agakawa. Throughout the tour, Agakawa had been on the winning side of a number of tag matches involving “The Iron Man”, including by picking up a pinfall win over Tatsuko on Feb. 25.

Agakawa has spent most of the year fighting off a back injury which has seen him limited in the ring, so it probably wasn’t an ideal situation for the veteran to be engaging in one-on-one action with the younger Tatsuko who was clearly operating at a higher tempo. Agakawa spent a lot of the match trying to wear Tatsuko down with submission holds. But he was ultimately overmatched following a slow affair, as Tatsuko ensured yet another defence of the title with the Tatsuko Driller.

PGHW GLORY CROWN

There was no love lost between Ichihara and Kumasaka in the night’s main event. The two were rivals in the late 1980s and early 1990s as part of the legendary BHOTWG tag team scene, but now in their forties found themselves as singles opponents.

As is typical for Ichihara’s matches, the start of the bout was marked by a lengthy feeling out process as the two looked to find their groove. Unsurprisingly, it was the bigger man Kumasaka who took control early as he overpowered Ichihara and immediately worked on his back - partly to soften him up for his patented “Aurora Surfboard Vice”, and also to take Ichihara’s Head Drop Suplex out of the equation.

Kumasaka continued to control the flow early, getting the crowd offside as he used the ropes for leverage to drop some boots into Ichihara. But the fighting champion soon found his way back into the match, answering with some stiff kicks to Kumasaka’s midsection before coming off the ropes with an elbow to the face. That forced an aggrieved Kumasaka out of the ring to recover his composure. In a see-sawing contest, Kumasaka continued to wear down Ichihara with some backbreaking manoeuvres, but Ichihara himself continued to fight back with his arsenal of strikes and suplexes - although it was clear that the latter were causing him severe discomfort.

As the match moved towards, Agakawa put Ichihara down with a scoop slam and looked to lock in the Aurora Surfboard Vice which had forced the likes of Miwa and Mushashibo to submit over the past few weeks. But despite sitting on Ichihara’s back, he couldn’t hook both arms as the champion scrambled free. A frustrated Kumasaka overextended with a lariat, allowing Ichihara to go for the Head Drop Suplex - but it was clear that it was without its usual power, and that was just enough for Kumasaka to kick out.

The battle continued between the two weary men, and soon enough Kumasaka again looked for his surfboard vice. But he was frustrated again by Ichihara’s resilience and he again looked to punish him with a lariat. Again at missed, and this time Ichihara decided to take Kumsaka down and lock in his Ichihara Armbar. Kumasaka struggled briefly, but there was nowhere to go - the challenger forced to submit in humiliating style before his arm was broken.

After the bout, an exhausted Ichihara needed to use the ropes for support as he celebrated his second defence and was awarded a trophy. In a tense moment, a furious Kumasaka met Ichihara in the middle of the ring - and it wasn’t clear whether they were going to trade further blows or embrace. However, before they had the chance to decide -

Lee Wright and Ray Diaz slide into the ring and started beating up Ichihara! However, after a few moments of indecision, Kumasaka pulled Wright back and levelled him with a right hand - as he and Ichihara looked to fight back against the Americans! But just as they looked set to kick the former PGHW Glory Tag Crown Champions out of the ring -

The monster they call Dread came running down to the ring!

The big man sized up both Kumasaka and Ichihara briefly, before levelling both with a double clothesline. The numbers were now too much for champions and challenger as they were overawed by the massive Dread and his cronies - the show ending with Dread hitting massive Dread Bombs, first on Kumasaka and then on Ichihara, as the gai-jin trio stood tall. [62] </div>

<div style="padding: 15px; border: 3px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #9cd2e6; max-width:60%;box-shadow: 0 1px 2px " ;"="">PGHW “Night of DESTINY", 01.03.1997 (STV)

Tokyo Nippon Budokan

4,487 Fans

165,303 Viewers (0.22)

[67]

Rico Santana, Kazuo Mitsushi & Koichi Kajiwara defeated Go Matsunaga, Ninsei Tamura & Fukusaburu Inao (10:17) with a Super Kick from Santana to Inao. [49]
Hayate Hasegawa, Takesi Umehara & Yoriie Ippitsusai defeated Razor Valentine, Samurai Brown & Rolling Johnny Stones (10:46) with the Yakuza Kick from Hasegawa to Brown. [43]
Survivor Style Elimination Match: Mito Miwa, Yoshimi Mushashibo & Koji & Koki (Koji Kojima & Koki Ishibashi) defeated Lee Wright, Raymond Diaz, Eisaku Hoshino & Eisaku Kunomasu (20:25). [66]
- Hoshino & Kunomasu defeated Kojima & Ishibashi (4:25) with the Godzilla Plunge from Hoshino to Ishibashi.
- Kojima & Miwa defeated Hoshino & Kunomasu (5:11) with a Top Rope Splash from Miwa to Kunomasu.
- Hoshino & Diaz defeated Koji Kojima & Mito Miwa (1:15) with a Choke Slam from Diaz to Kojima.
- Miwa & Mushashibo defeated Hoshino & Diaz (4:21) with a Crossbody from Mushashibo to Diaz.
- Miwa & Mushashibo defeated Hoshino & Wright (5:13) with the Pride Bomber from Miwa to Hoshino.
Java & Kimitada Yanagita defeated Rebel Cell (Harima Okazawaya & Sotatsu Sarumara) (14:13) with the Yanagita Crush from Yanagita to Okazawaya. [43]
PGHW Glory Tag Crown: Yodo Nakane & Shuji Inukai © defeated Koryusai Kitoaji & Gihei Kanesaka (24:13) with the Brainbuster Suplex from Nakane to Kanesaka (1st defence). [56]
PGHW Historical Japan Title: Nobuatsu Tatsuko © defeated Dragon Agakawa (19:45) with the Tatsuko Driller (23rd defence). [57]
PGHW Glory Crown: Hito Ichihara © defeated Danger Kumasaka (25:38) with the Ichihara Armbar (2nd defence). [71]

Predictions:

Dalton 2/7

</div>

Scottie · February 22, 2021

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<div style="text-align:left;">PGHW announces monster "PRIDE" series; stage set for 14-man "Elite Series"

TOKYO, Japan - PGHW has dropped its schedule for a bumper "PRIDE" tour which will run throughout March and April.

The tour will be headlined by a mammoth round-robin series called the "Elite Series", which will involve fourteen wrestlers including all current champions as well as the likes of Koryusai Kitoaji, Dread and Yodo Nakane. That gives rise to some mouthwatering bouts, including a showdown between Dread and Hito Ichihara as well as a rematch between Kitoaji and Ichihara in their first meeting since December last year.

The top two wrestlers will then meet at the Nippon Budokan on Apr. 19 for the honour of being crowned the winner of the first PGHW Elite Series. It's not yet known what the winner will get beyond a trophy, although it must be expected that if someone other than Hito Ichihara takes away the gold, they will find themselves in prime position to face the reigning PGHW Glory Crown Champion.

The competitors are:

<ol style="list-style-type:decimal;"><li>Dragon Agakawa </li><li>Dread </li><li>Hayate Hasegawa </li><li>Eisaku Hoshino </li><li>Hito Ichihara </li><li>Shuji Inukai </li><li>Koryusai Kitoaji </li><li>Danger Kumasaka </li><li>Mito Miwa </li><li>Yoshimi Mushashibo </li><li>Yodo Nakane </li><li>Nobuatsu Tatsuko </li><li>Lee Wright </li><li>Kimitada Yanagita</li></ol>

The Elite Series matches for the televised tour opener on Mar. 22 have also been announced, and there are some exciting bouts to start the tour.</div>

<div style="text-align:center;">PGHW "PRIDE" Tour, 22.03.1997 (STV)

Tokyo Korokuen Hall</div>

<div style="text-align:left;"><ol style="list-style-type:decimal;"><li>Razor Valentine, Samurai Brown & Rolling Johnny Stones vs. Koji Kojima, Koki Ishibashi & Mamoru Nagahama. </li><li>Raymond Diaz, Java & Rico Santana vs. Eisaku Kunomasu, Kazuo Mitsushi & Koichi Kajiwara. </li><li>Elite Series Six Man Preview: Danger Kumasaka, Shuji Inukai & Kimitada Yanagita vs. Dragon Agakawa, Mito Miwa & Yoshimi Mushashibo. </li><li>Elite Series: Nobuatsu Tatsuko vs. Hayate Hasegawa. </li><li>Elite Series: Koryusai Kitoaji vs. Lee Wright. </li><li>Elite Series: Dread vs. Yodo Nakane. </li><li>Elite Series: Hito Ichihara vs. Eisaku Hoshino. </li></ol></div>

</div>

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Historian · February 23, 2021

Razor Valentine, Samurai Brown & Rolling Johnny Stones vs. Koji Kojima, Koki Ishibashi & Mamoru Nagahama.

Raymond Diaz, Java & Rico Santana vs. Eisaku Kunomasu, Kazuo Mitsushi & Koichi Kajiwara.

Elite Series Six Man Preview: Danger Kumasaka, Shuji Inukai & Kimitada Yanagita vs. Dragon Agakawa, Mito Miwa & Yoshimi Mushashibo.

Elite Series: Nobuatsu Tatsuko vs. Hayate Hasegawa.

Elite Series: Koryusai Kitoaji vs. Lee Wright.

Elite Series: Dread vs. Yodo Nakane.

Elite Series: Hito Ichihara vs. Eisaku Hoshino.

Scottie · February 24, 2021

<div style="text-align:center;"><div style="padding: 15px; border: 3px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #d2d3d4; max-width:60%;box-shadow: 0 1px 2px " ;"="">PGHW PRIDE Tour - Dread stands tall in Elite Series Opener

<div align="left">TOKYO, Japan - Former SWF, Burning and GCG World Champion Dread has emerged as an early favourite in the inaugural PGHW Elite Series, with an impressive win in the headliner of the televised PGHW show at Korakuen Hall.

In his first match of the series, Dread battled veteran and PGHW Glory Tag Crown Champion Yodo Nakane, winning a hard-hitting and exciting battle in impressive style with a moonsault.

However, what happened after the match had the crown buzzing, as Dread drew the ire of the crowd as he started to stomp on his defeated foe following the match. That drew the other half of the PGHW Glory Tag Crown Champions to the ring to make the save, as Shuji Inukai leapt to the defence of his partner.

But he too was overawed by the numbers, as Lee Wright and Ray Diaz - who less than a month ago helped Dread beat down Hito Ichihara and Danger Kumasaka at "Night of DESTINY" - came to their ally's side, both adorned in a t-shirt bearing the words "Club Dread". After a brief delay, Ichihara and sometimes rival Kumasaka came rushing to the ring to make the save, but not before Dread and his gang escaped a confrontation.

It was an unedifying end to a night that started so graciously, as PGHW figurehead Sadaharu Jimbo was joined in the ring by the 14 competitors to unveil the PGHW Elite Series trophy. The legend spoke of what an honour it would be to win this inaugural series, promising the fans some of the best wrestling action the world has on offer.

In other Elite Series action:<ul><li>PGHW Glory Crown Champion Ichihara bested youngster Eisaku Hoshino in what was a surprisingly disappointing bout. Despite Ichihara's class and Hoshino's undoubted talent, the two didn't seem to click which led to a clunky affair. Ichihara ultimately prevailed with a Head Drop Suplex. </li><li>Former PGHW Glory Crown Champion Koryusai Kitoaji defeated Club Dread member Lee Wright with a Roaring Elbow following a competitive contest. Kitoaji is still carrying a back injury, but one would be forgiven for assuming he's fully fit as he went toe-to-toe with the New Yorker. </li><li>PGHW Historical Japan Champion Nobuatsu Tatsuko defeated the experienced Hayate Hasegawa in a reasonable contest.</li></ul>

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<div style="padding: 15px; border: 3px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #bbe3f2; max-width:60%;box-shadow: 0 1px 2px " ;"=""><div style="text-align:center;">PGHW "PRIDE" Tour, 22.03.1997 (STV)

Tokyo Korokuen Hall

2,000 Fans Super No Vacancy

145,153 Viewers (0.19)

[75]</div>

<div style="text-align:left;"><ol style="list-style-type:decimal;"><li>Razor Valentine, Samurai Brown & Rolling Johnny Stones defeated Koji Kojima, Koki Ishibashi & Mamoru Nagahama (8:05) with the [] from Valentine to Nagahama. [50] </li><li>Eisaku Kunomasu, Kazuo Mitsushi & Koichi Kajiwara defeated Raymond Diaz, Java & Rico Santana (13:31) with the a Shining Wizard from Kunomasu to Santana. [50] </li><li>Elite Series: Nobuatsu Tatsuko defeated Hayate Hasegawa (11:54) with the Tatsuko Driller. [59] </li><li>Elite Series: Koryusai Kitoaji defeated Lee Wright (9:42) with the Roaring Elbow. [71] </li><li>Elite Series Six Man Preview: Dragon Agakawa, Mito Miwa & Yoshimi Mushashibo defeated Danger Kumasaka, Shuji Inukai & Kimitada Yanagita (13:42) with the Pride Bomber from Miwa to Yanagita. [66] </li><li>Elite Series: Hito Ichihara defeated Eisaku Hoshino (16:10) with the Head Drop Suplex. [64] </li><li>Elite Series: Dread defeated Yodo Nakane (14:47) with the Dreadsault. [78] </li></ol>

Predictions:

<ul><li>Historian (4/7)</li></ul></div></div>

<img alt="l4lrZDM.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/l4lrZDM.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

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

<img alt="DhcxLRi.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/DhcxLRi.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="gjVxEFk.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gjVxEFk.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="leuRIx7.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/leuRIx7.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

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