PGHW Origins(-ish)

Scottie · May 3, 2021

<div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="O8jk1zk.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/O8jk1zk.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> PGHW "WARRIORS" Tour - Results, Nights 7 to 12 <div style="padding: 15px; border: 3px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #def6ff; max-width:60%;box-shadow: 0 1px 2px " ;"=""><div style="text-align:center;">PGHW “WARRIORS" Series, 06.07.1997 Kaga Sports Centre 727 Fans [71]</div> <div style="text-align:left;"><ol style="list-style-type:decimal;"><li>Go Matsunaga, Hayate Hasegawa & <img alt="QHfczkJ.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/QHfczkJ.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Hiroyasu Gakusha defeated Amane Shunsen, Fukusaburu Inao & Heizo Yamazaki (9:55) with a Spiral Bomb from Matsunaga to Yamazaki. [39] </li><li>Rebel Cell Singles Challenge #1: Danger Kumasaka defeated Sotatsu Sarumara (9:29) with the Aurora Surfboard Vice. [54] </li><li>Eisaku Hoshino, Kazuo Mitsushi & Koichi Kajiwara defeated Koryusai Kitoaji & The Rebellion (Ken Shimedzu & Natsu Miyamae) (18:20) with a Godzilla Plunge from Hoshino to Shimedzu. [61] </li><li>Rebel Cell Singles Challenge #2: Yodo Nakane defeated Harumi Okazawaya (9:15) with a Brainbuster Suplex. [67] </li><li>Club Dread (Lee Wright & Raymond Diaz) defeated Dragon Squad (Koji Kojima & Mamoru Nagahama) (11:56) with the Wright Stuff from Wright to Kojima. [65] </li><li>Dread & Java defeated Mito Miwa & Yoriie Ippitsusai (13:31) with a Spear Tackle from Java to Ippitsusai. [69] </li><li>Hito Ichihara, Shuji Inukai & Yoshimi Mushashibo defeated Nobuatsu Tatsuko, Ninsei Tanuma & Eisaku Kunomasu (20:35) with an Ankle Lock from Mushashibo to Kunomasu. [73] </li></ol> <ul><li>A fearsome duo paired up in Kaga, as Dread teamed up in tag action with powerhouse youngster Java to take on the team of Miwa & Ippitsusai. In his fourth tour with PGHW, the 24-year old Ippitsusai had great chemistry with “The Pride Warrior” Miwa, but the two were unable to best the massive gai-jin duo who won when Java nailed the brave Ippitsusai with a spear tackle. </li><li>Elsewhere, the young tag team Rebel Cell had separate singles bouts against established veterans Danger Kumasaka and Yodo Nakane. Neither were successful, but Okazawaya in particular impressed against the tag champion Nakane before succumbing to a Brainbuster Suplex. </li></ul></div> <img alt="l4lrZDM.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/l4lrZDM.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><div style="text-align:center;"> PGHW “WARRIORS" Series, 08.07.1997 Joetsu Welfare South Hall 758 Fans [70]</div> <div style="text-align:left;"><ol style="list-style-type:decimal;"><li>Go Matsunaga defeated <img alt="QHfczkJ.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/QHfczkJ.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Hiroyasu Gakusha (9:18) with a Spiral Bomb. [37] </li><li>Rebel Cell (Harumi Okazawaya & Sotatsu Sarumara) defeated Amane Shunsen & Fukusaburu Inao (10:15) with a DDT from Okazawaya to Shunsen. [41] </li><li>Danger Kumasaka, Koji Kojima & Koki Ishibashi defeated Kazuo Mitsushi, Koichi Kajiwara & Yoriie Ippitsusai (11:48) with a Koji Crossface from Kojima to Kajiwara. [50] </li><li>Mito Miwa defeated Mamoru Nagahama (13:56) with a Pride Bomber. [60] </li><li>Koryusai Kitoaji & The Rebellion (Ken Shimedzu & Natsu Miyamae) defeated Club Dread (Lee Wright & Raymond Diaz) & Takesi Umehara (15:55) with a Kitoaji Braindrop from Kitoaji to Umehara. [63] </li><li>Hito Ichihara & Yoshimi Mushashibo defeated Nobuatsu Tatsuko & Ninsei Tanuma (19:38) with the Head Drop Suplex from Ichihara to Tanuma. [70] </li><li>Dread & Codebreakers 1996 (Eisaku Hoshino & Eisaku Kunomasu) defeated Yodo Nakane, Shuji Inukai & Hayate Hasegawa (13:52) with a Nuclear Death Bomb from Hoshino to Hasegawa. [73] </li></ol> <ul><li>A mood boosting win for Codebreakers 1996, as they teamed with Dread to beat the PGHW Glory Tag Crown champions Nakane & Inukai, who teamed with Hasegawa. It was the impressive young man, Hoshino, who picked up the win with a Nuclear Death Bomb on the veteran Hasegawa. </li><li>Ichihara picked up a win over title contender Tatsuko, teaming with Mushashibo to beat “The Iron Man” and Ninsei Tanuma. </li><li>In other action, Mito Miwa beat Mamoru Nagahama; and Kitoaji teamed with The Rebellion to beat Wright, Diaz & Umehara. </li></ul></div> <img alt="l4lrZDM.jpg[" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/l4lrZDM.jpg%5B" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><div style="text-align:center;"> PGHW “WARRIORS" Series, 09.07.1997 Toyama Techno Hall 749 Fans [66]</div> <div style="text-align:left;"><ol style="list-style-type:decimal;"><li>Codebreakers 1996 (Eisaku Hoshino & Eisaku Kunomasu) & Takesi Umehara defeated Mito Miwa, Yoshimi Mushashibo & Yoriie Ippitsusai (20:47) with a Facebuster Suplex from Umehara to Ippitsusai. [70] </li><li>Rebel Cell (Harumi Okazawaya & Sotatsu Sarumara) defeated Fukusaburu Inao & Heizo Yamazaki (10:11) with a DDT from Sarumara to Yamazaki. [41] </li><li>Dragon Squad (Koji Kojima, Koki Ishibashi & Mamoru Nagahama) defeated Go Matsunaga, Kazuo Mitsushi & Koichi Kajiwara (16:24) with a Koki Revolution from Ishibashi to Matsunaga. [50] </li><li>Lee Wright & Java defeated The Rebellion (Ken Shimedzu & Natsu Miyamae) (11:27) with the Wright Stuff from Wright to Miyamae. [60] </li><li>Club Dread (Dread & Raymond Diaz) defeated Danger Kumasaka & Amane Shunsen (14:16) with a Ray Gun from Diaz to Shunsen. [67] </li><li>Nobuatsu Tatsuko, Yodo Nakane & Shuji Inukai defeated Hito Ichihara, Koryusai Kitoaji & Hayate Hasegawa (21:45) with a Tatsuko Driller from Tatsuko to Hasegawa. [66] </li></ol> <ul><li>Revenge for Tatsuko in the main event, as he teamed up for the first time with the tag champions Nakane & Inukai to beat a star-studded team of Ichihara, Kitoaji & Hasegawa. There were a couple of fun exchanges between Tatsuko and the Glory Crown champion Ichihara, but ultimately “The Iron Man” got a pinfall with over Hasegawa. It wasn’t a great night for Hasegawa, as he exchanged words after the match with Inukai after he nearly injured the tag champion with a top rope suplex. </li><li>The best match of the night was the opener - Codebreakers 1996 and Miwa & Mushashibo always put on some great bouts, and tonight was no different. Also involved were Umehara (with CB96) and Ippitsusai (with Miwa & Mushashibo). It was Umehara who picked up the win for his team, slamming Ippitsusai down with a Facebuster Suplex. </li></ul></div> <img alt="l4lrZDM.jpg[" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/l4lrZDM.jpg%5B" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><div style="text-align:center;"> PGHW “WARRIORS" Series, 11.07.1997 Omihachiman Sports Park Gymnasium 784 Fans [69]</div> <div style="text-align:left;"><ol style="list-style-type:decimal;"><li>Ninsei Tanuma & Rebel Cell (Harumi Okazawaya & Sotatsu Sarumara) defeated Amane Shunsen, Heizo Yamazaki & <img alt="QHfczkJ.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/QHfczkJ.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Hiroyasu Gakusha (9:56) with an Armbar from Okazawaya to Yamazaki. [37] </li><li>Mamoru Nagahama defeated Kazuo Mitsushi (9:37) with a Guillotine Choke. [38] </li><li>Mito Miwa & Yoriie Ippitsusai defeated Fukusaburu Inao & Java (10:29) with a Pride Bomber from Miwa to Inao. [50] </li><li>Danger Kumasaka, Go Matsunaga & Takesi Umehara defeated Yoshimi Mushashibo & Dragon Squad (Koji Kojima & Koki Ishibashi) (20:55) with a Facebuster Suplex from Umehara to Ishibashi. [55] </li><li>Club Dread (Dread, Lee Wright & Raymond Diaz) defeated Koryusai Kitoaji & The Rebellion (Ken Shimedzu & Natsu Miyamae) (18:05) with a Dread Bomb from Dread to Shimedzu. [70] </li><li>Hito Ichihara, Yodo Nakane & Shuji Inukai defeated Nobuatsu Tatsuko & Codebreakers 1996 (Eisaku Hoshino & Eisaku Kunomasu) (25:03) with a Brainbuster Suplex from Nakane to Hoshino. [72] </li></ol> <ul><li>Ichihara and Tatsuko continued to trade wins in the Shiga Prefecture, with Ichihara teaming with the tag champions to beat Tatsuko and Codebreakers 1996. It was a setback for the young team of CB96, who are angling for a title shot. Hoshino was ultimately pinned by Nakane following a Brainbuster Suplex. </li><li>Elsewhere, a good win for Dread as he teamed with Wright & Diaz to beat Kitoaji & The Rebellion. Elsehwere, Mamoru Nagahama picked up a surprising win of sorts over the veteran Mitsushi, choking him out with a Guillotine Choke. </li></ul></div> <img alt="l4lrZDM.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/l4lrZDM.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><div style="text-align:center;"> PGHW “WARRIORS" Series, 12.07.1997 Fukuchiyama Park Gymnasium 782 Fans [71]</div> <div style="text-align:left;"><ol style="list-style-type:decimal;"><li>Takesi Umehara defeated Heizo Yamazaki (6:06) with a Facebuster Suplex. [30] </li><li>Mamoru Nagahama & Natsu Miyamae defeated Kazuo Mitsushi & Koichi Kajiwara (9:09) with a Guillotine Choke from Nagahama to Kajiwara. [52] </li><li>Yodo Nakane, Shuji Inukai & Fukusaburu Inao defeated Rebel Cell (Harumi Okazawaya & Sotatsu Sarumara) & Go Matsunaga (12:21) with a Lariat from Inukai to Matsunaga. [55] </li><li>Danger Kumasaka & Java defeated Hayate Hasegawa & Yoriie Ippitsusai (13:54) with a Spear Tackle from Java to Ippitsusai. [51] </li><li>Nobuatsu Tatsuko & Ninsei Tanuma defeated Dragon Squad (Koji Kojima & Koki Ishibashi) (15:38) with a Senton Divebomb from Tanuma to Kojima. [61] </li><li>Codebreakers 1996 (Eisaku Hoshino & Eisaku Kunomasu) defeated Hito Ichihara & Amane Shunsen (15:28) with an Enigma Machine from Hoshino to Shunsen. [67] </li><li>Koryusai Kitoaji, Mito Miwa & Yoshimi Mushashibo defeated Club Dread (Dread, Lee Wright & Raymond Diaz) (23:56) with a Kitoaji Braindrop from Kitoaji to Wright. [75] </li></ol> <ul><li>Kitoaji got a measure of revenue in Fukuchiyama, as he picked up a pinfall win over Lee Wright in the main event to hand Club Dread a disappointing loss. The tension between Miwa & Mushashibo and Wright & Diaz continued, as the four nearly came to blows on multiple occasions. </li></ul></div> <img alt="l4lrZDM.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/l4lrZDM.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><div style="text-align:center;"> PGHW “WARRIORS" Series, 13.07.1997 Kasaoka Sports Center 678 Fans [69]</div> <div style="text-align:left;"><ol style="list-style-type:decimal;"><li>Dragon Squad (Koji Kojima & Mamoru Nagahama) & Koichi Kajiwara defeated Amane Shunsen, Heizo Yamazaki & <img alt="QHfczkJ.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/QHfczkJ.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Hiroyasu Gakusha (10:21) with a Guillotine Choke from Nagahama to Gakusha. [48] </li><li>Koki Ishibashi defeated Kazuo Mitsushi (11:46) with a Koki Revolution. [44] </li><li>Yodo Nakane, Shuji Inukai & Fukusaburu Inao defeated Go Matsunaga & The Rebellion (Ken Shimedzu & Natsu Miyamae) (13:36) with a Lariat from Inukai to Shimedzu. [57] </li><li>Danger Kumasaka, Mito Miwa & Yoshimi Mushashibo defeated Lee Wright, Ninsei Tanuma & Takesi Umehara (21:35) with a Yoshimi Explosion from Mushashibo to Tanuma. [68] </li><li>Nobuatsu Tatsuko & Codebreakers 1996 (Eisaku Hoshino & Eisaku Kunomasu) defeated Hito Ichihara & Rebel Cell (Harumi Okazawaya & Sotatsu Sarumara) (19:48) with a Tatsuko Driller from Tatsuko to Sarumara. [69] </li><li>Club Dread (Dread & Raymond Diaz) & Java defeated Koryusai Kitoaji, Hayate Hasegawa & Yoriie Ippitsusai (15:06) with a Spear Tackle from Java to Ippitsusai. [71] </li></ol> <ul><li>Dread & Diaz teamed up this time with Java to pick up a win over Kitoaji, Hasegawa & Ippitsusai. Kitoaji carried his team but was ably supported by some brave performances from his team mates. Ultimately, though, it was the youngster Ippitsusai who was broken in half by a Spear Tackle from Java for the second night in a row. </li><li>The productive partnership between Tatsuko & Codebreakers 1996 continued elsewhere, picking up a win over Ichihara and his young proteges Rebel Cell. Elsewhere, there was an exciting multi-man bout that saw Mushashibo pin Tanuma following another bitter encounter involving Lee Wright. </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" /></div> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="CGN91" data-cite="CGN91" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="52552" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I like the new and improved Gakusha much more <img alt=":p" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt=":cool:" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/cool.png.f00d2562b2c1d873a09323753efdb041.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> I'm so in for Hito Ichihara vs. Nobuatsu Tatsuko man. I can't see a titlechange here to be honest while Tatsuko being the Historical Japan champion and PGHW being a conservative promotion. Like I said I'm into the match itself, it will be a test for Tatsuko tho.</div></blockquote> Thanks! Tatsuko has been a revelation so far, particularly his performances in the Elite Series. His popularity has shot up over the first half of the year - from the 38-49 range in January to 53-63 in July.

Scottie · May 4, 2021

PGHW News and Notes: July 1997 - WARRIORS Tour Update

<table style="background-color: #d2d3d4; border: 3px solid #000000; width: 1000px;"><tbody><tr><td style="width: 100px;"> </td><td style="width: 156.033px;"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/lUsgztW.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></td><td style="text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Burning raid continues with veteran Mitsushi set to join for second run

Japan's largest promotion, Burning Hammer of the Wrestling Gods, continues to expand its roster, with confirmation that 45-year old journeyman Kazuo Mitsushi will join on a full-time basis. It will be Mitsushi's second run with BHOTGW, after he first toured with them way back in 1981. The 27-year veteran has already worked a handful of dates with BHOTWG, but will finish up shortly with PGHW and BBW. He's likely to work his final date with PGHW on a tour show later this week, with his opponent as yet undecided.</td><tr><td style="width: 100px;"> </td><td style="width: 156.033px;"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/7l3qGaa.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></td><td style="text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">New boy Shimedzu to joint BHOTWG; future of The Rebellion in doubt

Mitsushi isn't the only man jumping ship, as Ken Shimedzu confirmed he will join BHOTGW on an exclusive basis following conclusion of the PGHW "WARRIORS" Series. It seems Shimedzu will depart PGHW without his long-time partner Natsu Miyamae, which is a shame for many as "The Rebellion" has produced some excellent matches in their debut tour with PGHW. There are rumours that Shimedzu was unhappy with his treatment earlier in the tour after he injured veteran Dragon Agakawa. But no doubt the lure of continuous employment with Japan's biggest promotion was too much, in a real blow for PGHW's tag team ranks.</td><td style="width: 100px;"> </td></tr><tr><td style="width: 100px;"> </td><td style="width: 156.033px;"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/80XEcB9.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></td><td style="text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"> Backstage angst in PGHW?

Despite being known for a stable backstage atmosphere, rumours are creeping out of discontent within the PGHW locker room, with some veterans in particular letting their dissatisfaction show during tour bouts. "Purple Flash" Ninsei Tanuma (pictured left) and Go Matsunaga have been fingered as the biggest culprits, but for different reasons - Tanuma reportedly unhappy that he was denied a payrise, while Matsunaga still fuming at a televised loss to Craig Prince way back in May. The two have been on the receiving end of internal criticism, accused of "phoning in" performances throughout the "WARRIORS" Series. PGHW Glory Tag Crown champion Shuji Inukai has also reportedly been in an angry mood, in particular over recent "near misses" that have seen him nearly injured on a couple of occasions. Hopefully he has more professionalism than the veterans Tanuma and Matsunaga.</td><td style="width: 100px;"> </td></tr><tr><td style="width: 100px;"> </td><td style="width: 100px;"> </td></tr><td style="width: 100px;"> </td></tr><tr><td style="width: 100px;"> </td><td style="width: 156.033px;"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/AnqZcR3.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></td><td style="text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"> Four new SAISHO graduates to join PGHW tours

PGHW's dojo, PRO Wrestling SAISHO, has produced its second crop of graduates since opening mid-last year, with the most exciting prospect apparently being 18-year old Noriyori Sanda (pictured left). Sanda joins three others as part of the Class of 1997: 24-year old brawler Benjiro Minatoya; 18-year old big man Joji Ishiyama; and promising middleweight Yoshihisa Koguchi. The four follow the Class of 1996, which produced exciting youngster Yoshimi Mushashibo and Hirokumi Saito. They won't immediately join the current tour, but all four will make their debut on live TV in an exhibition bout at PGHW's "Road to Night of WARRIORS" on Jul. 19. We'll have profiles on all four ahead of their debut!

Benjiro Minatoya - Joji Ishiyama - Yoshihisa Koguchi

</td></table>

* * *

Can I please say thank you all who voted for this diary in the recent DOTM - including to name PGHW "Night of PRIDE" as the co-event of the month and the Kitoaji/Dread bout as the match of the month. That tour (although long!) finished on a note I was very happy with, and I'm very grateful to those who have read along.

CGN91 · May 4, 2021

Keep up the good work Scottie!

Man Burning isn't playing around, huh? But I'm more excited about the young guns like Sanda joining now to be honest.

Scottie · May 5, 2021

PGHW "WARRIORS" Tour - Results, Nights 13 to 16

PGHW “WARRIORS" Series, 14.07.1997

Sasebo Sports Bunka Hall

702 Fans

[71]

Rebel Cell (Harumi Okazawaya & Sotatsu Sarumara) defeated Kazuo Mitsushi & Koichi Kajiwara (9:37) with a Cloverleaf from Okazawaya to Kajiwara. [48]
Go Matsunaga & Ninsei Tanuma defeated Mito Miwa & Amane Shunsen (11:31) with a Straightjacket Suplex from Tanuma to Shunsen. [50]
Codebreakers 1996 (Eisaku Hoshino & Eisaku Kunomasu) defeated Fukusaburu Inao & Hiroyasu Gakusha (12:05) with a German Suplex Hold from Kunomasu to Inao. [60]
Yodo Nakane, Shuji Inukai & Heizo Yamazaki defeated Dragon Squad (Koji Kojima, Koki Ishibashi & Mamoru Nagahama) (16:43) with a Lariat from Inukai to Nagahama. [57]
Nobuatsu Tatsuko, Java & Natsu Miyamae defeated Hito Ichihara, Yoshimi Mushashibo & Yoriie Ippitsusai (12:51) with a Tatsuko Blind Kick from Tatsuko to Ippitsusai. [72]
Danger Kumasaka, Koryusai Kitoaji & Hayate Hasegawa defeated Club Dread (Dread, Lee Wright & Raymond Diaz) (20:56) with a Piledriver from Kumasaka to Wright. [73]

Dread continues to be unable to string wins together against his hated rival Kitoaji! This time his Club Dread was outpointed by the experience of Danger Kumasaka, who combined with Kitoaji & Hayate Hasegawa to get a pinfall win over Wright.
A very odd team combined in the second-to-last match, as Tatsuko teamed with Java & Natsu Miyamae in a good win over Ichihara, Mushashibo & Ippitsusai. Tatsuko continues to impress against the Ichihara, although he’s yet to get a pinfall win against the champ. He very cockily taunted Ichihara before nailing poor Ippitsusai with a Blind Kick to end a great match.

PGHW “WARRIORS" Series, 15.07.1997

Strait Messe Shimonoseki

685 Fans

[67]

Amane Shunsen & Hiroyasu Gakusha defeated Fukusaburu Inao & Heizo Yamazaki (10:18) with a Trap Legdrop from Shunsen to Yamazaki. [26]
Takesi Umehara defeated Sotatsu Sarumara (12:02) with a Facebuster Suplex. [37]
Nobuatsu Tatsuko & Codebreakers 1996 (Eisaku Hoshino & Eisaku Kunomasu) defeated Go Matsunaga, Kazuo Mitsushi & Koichi Kajiwara (9:49) with a Godzilla Plunge from Hoshino to Mitsushi. [52]
Yodo Nakane, Shuji Inukai & Yoriie Ippitsusai defeated The Rebellion (Ken Shimedzu & Natsu Miyamae) & Mamoru Nagahama (18:26) with a Brainbuster Suplex from Nakane to Shimedzu. [57]
Java & Ninsei Tanuma defeated Dragon Squad (Koji Kojima & Koki Ishibashi) (9:36) with a Spear Tackle from Java to Kojima. [47]
Koryusai Kitoaji & Hayate Hasegawa defeated Hito Ichihara & Harumi Okazawaya (19:29) with a Roaring Elbow from Kitoaji to Okazawaya. [59]
Club Dread (Dread, Lee Wright & Raymond Diaz) defeated Danger Kumasaka, Mito Miwa & Yoshimi Mushashibo (16:16) with the Wright Stuff from Wright to Mushashibo. [73]

The main event in Shimonoseki saw Club Dread get back on the winners list, beating the grizzled veteran Danger Kumasaka who teamed with Mito Miwa & Yoshimi Mushashibo. Club Dread were of course up to their old tricks, and despite a game effort from their opponents picked up the win after Wright nailed Mushashibo with the Wright Stuff.
Elsewhere, Hito Ichihara teamed with his protege Harumi Okazawaya, in a losing effort against his arch rival Koryusai Kitoaji and veteran Hayate Hasegawa. Elsewhere, Ninsei Tanuma teamed with Java in a winning effort over Kojima & Ishibashi - but reports are again coming in that “Purple Flash” phoned his performance in in another unprofessional display.
There was carnage elsewhere - the worst of which was a back injury to Kazuo Mitsushi, who in a couple of days time will join BHOTGW on an exclusive basis. The veteran fell awkwardly in a sloppy piece of work from the inexperienced Eisaku Kunomasu, but we understand he will work out the tour. There was less luck for the GCG young lion, Hiroyasu Gakusha, who will miss a couple of months with a torn quad.

PGHW “WARRIORS" Series, 17.07.1997

Saijo City Gymnasium

415 Fans

[71]

Go Matsunaga defeated Yoriie Ippitsusai (11:46) with a Launching Knee Strike. [34]
Amane Shunsen & Hayate Hasegawa defeated Mamoru Nagahama & Takesi Umehara (10:42) with a Yakuza Kick from Hasegawa to Nagahama. [40]
Dragon Squad (Koji Kojima & Koki Ishibashi) defeated Danger Kumasaka & Koichi Kajiwara (11:40) with a Koki Revolution from Ishibashi to Kajiwara. [50]
Nobuatsu Tatsuko, Ninsei Tanuma & Shuji Inukai defeated Koryusai Kitoaji & The Rebellion (Ken Shimedzu & Natsu Miyamae) (16:20) with a Lariat from Inukai to Shimedzu. [62]
Club Dread (Lee Wright & Raymond Diaz) & Java defeated Hito Ichihara & Rebel Cell (Harumi Okazawaya & Sotatsu Sarumara) (16:05) with a Choke Slam from Diaz to Sarumara. [62]
Dread & Codebreakers 1996 (Eisaku Hoshino & Eisaku Kunomasu) defeated Yodo Nakane, Mito Miwa & Yoshimi Mushashibo (25:35) with a Dread Bomb from Dread to Mushashibo. [77]

Just a couple of nights out from “Road to Night of WARRIORS”, and this time Dread teamed up with Codebreakers 1996 in a winning effort over Nakane, Miwa & Mushashibo. Nakane, without his fellow tag champion, got a chance to look at potential challengers Codebreakers 1996 first hand, but it was the big man Dread who picked up the win as he flattened Mushashibo with a Dread Bomb.
Nakane’s partner Shuji Inukai had more luck, as he teamed with Tatsuko & Tanuma to beat Kitoaji & The Rebellion. Inukai is not a natural fit for teaming with Tatsuko & Tanuma, but he put his differences with those men aside and picked up the pinfall win on the outgoing Ken Shimedzu.
Elsewhere, Amane Shunsen teamed with Hayate Hasegawa to beat Takesi Umehara and the Dragon Squad’s Mamoru Nagahama. Despite winning, the two were an awkward pairing and are unlikely to team up again in the future.

PGHW “WARRIORS" Series, 18.07.1997

Shiga Prefectural Bunka Industry Exchange Hall

819 Fans

[68]

Dragon Squad (Koji Kojima, Koki Ishibashi & Mamoru Nagahama) defeated Rebel Cell (Harumi Okazawaya & Sotatsu Sarumara) & Fukusaburu Inao (13:34) with a Crossface from Kojima to Okazawaya. [52]
Kazuo Mitsushi Farewell Match: Koichi Kajiwara defeated Kazuo Mitsushi (8:59) with a Running Tackle. [38]
Codebreakers 1996 (Eisaku Hoshino & Eisaku Kunomasu) defeated Amane Shunsen & Go Matsunaga (12:26) with an Enigma Machine to Shunsen. [55]
Yodo Nakane, Shuji Inukai & Heizo Yamazaki defeated Danger Kumasaka, Natsu Miyamae & Takesi Umehara (18:04) with a Brainbuster Suplex from Nakane to Miyamae. [55]
Club Dread (Lee Wright & Raymond Diaz) & Java defeated Mito Miwa, Yoshimi Mushashibo & Yoriie Ippitsusai (15:03) with a Spear Tackle from Java to Ippitsusai. [68]
Hito Ichihara, Koryusai Kitoaji & Hayate Hasegawa defeated Dread, Nobuatsu Tatsuko & Ninsei Tanuma (22:23) with an Armbar from Ichihara to Tanuma. [73]

Well, talk about throwing a spanner in the works! One of the tag champions, Shuji Inukai, suffered a serious rupture to a muscle in his upper back - which will keep him out of the rest of the tour and puts his reign with Yodo Nakane in doubt. It was an unfortunate accident - Inukai was teaming with Nakane and the youngster Yamazaki against Kumasaka, Miyamae & Umehara, and in trying to perform a throw on Umehara immediately clutched at his scapula in pain. His partner Nakane tagged himself in and finished the match quickly, with a Brainbuster Suplex.
A star-studded main event, as Ichihara & Kitoaji teamed with Hasegawa to beat Dread, Tatsuko & Tanuma.
Finally, Kazuo Mitsushi farewelled PGHW - going out on his back against the young man Kajiwara, with whom he has teamed regularly this year. After the bout, the two embraced and Mitsushi thanked the fans who had supported him during his year with PGHW.

</div>

Keep up the good work Scottie!

Man Burning isn't playing around, huh? But I'm more excited about the young guns like Sanda joining now to be honest.

No, they are killing my lower card - but it keeps things turning over, notwithstanding that they keep taking guys I need (around the "Recognisable" level) and I'm not having much elevating those from below.

CGN91 · May 5, 2021

Check your pm Scottie lol

Scottie · May 5, 2021

PGHW: Full card released for Jul. 19 "Road to Night of WARRIORS" special

TOKYO, Japan - Elite Series winner Dread and his arch nemesis Koryusai Kitoaji will have their final televised meeting before their enormous match at PGHW "Night of WARRIORS" on Jul. 25, in a big eight-man tag team main event at PGHW "Road to Night of WARRIORS" at Korakuen Hall.

The Club Dread leader will be joined by his usual comrades Lee Wright & Raymond Diaz, as well as a wildcard of sorts - Club Dread's occasional ally, the always untameable Java! Meanwhile, Kitoaji will be joined by some of the best Japan has to offer, teaming up with the veteran Hayate Hasegawa and impressive young tag team Mito Miwa & Yoshimi Mushashibo, who have themselves been engaged in a rivalry with the former tag champions Wright & Diaz.

Elsewhere, Nobuatsu Tatsuko and Hito Ichihara have exchanged victories in multi-man action this tour, and they too look to put the finishing touches on their preparation for their massive PGHW Glory Crown match at "Night of WARRIORS". The reigning champion Ichihara will be joined by impressive tag team The Rebellion, while Tatsuko will be joined by his nefarious allies Ninsei Tanuma & Takesi Umehara.

Elsewhere, the big news out of the tour show in Shiga was the injury to Shuji Inukai, one half of the PGHW Glory Tag Crown holders. He's rumoured to be out of action for a couple of months, and we understand he and his partner Yodo Nakane will address the future of the tag titles in Tokyo.

Finally, among the other action, PGHW elder Danger Kumasaka will host an exhibition match between the four new graduates from PGHW's dojo, as the massive Joji Ishiyama teams with the talented high flyer Noriyori Sanda to face a slightly older duo in Benjiro Minatoya & Yoshihisa Koguchi.

PGHW "Road to Night of WARRIORS", 19.07.1997 (STV)

Tokyo Korakuen Hall

Dragon Squad (Koji Kojima, Koki Ishibashi & Mamoru Nagahama) vs. Rebel Cell (Harumi Okazawaya & Sotatsu Sarumara) & Koichi Kajiwara.
Kumasaka Young Lions Exhibition Match: Benjiro Minatoya & Yoshihisa Koguchi vs. Joji Ishiyama & Noriyori Sanda.
Codebreakers 1996 (Eisaku Hoshino & Eisaku Kunomasu) & Fukusaburu Inao vs. Amane Shunsen, Go Matsunaga & Yoriie Ippitsusai.
Hito Ichihara & The Rebellion (Ken Shimedzu & Natsu Miyamae) vs. Nobuatsu Tatsuko, Ninsei Tanuma & Takesi Umehara.
Club Dread (Dread, Lee Wright & Raymond Diaz) & Java vs. Hayate Hasegawa, Koryusai Kitoaji, Mito Miwa & Yoshimi Mushashibo.

</div>

Scottie · May 5, 2021

PRO Wrestling SAISHO - Class of 1997

BENJIRO MINATOYA

24 years old | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) | 227 lbs (103 kg) | From Fukuoka, Japan

24-year old Benjiro Minatoya is a late-comer to the sport of wrestling, having joined PRO Wrestling SAISHO in his early twenties. Naturally charismatic and bearing distinctive make-up, the brooding young man has natural charisma and star quality. What he doesn't yet have, though, is a distinctive style: he tends towards punches and kicks, and will need to work on his technical skills if he's to survive in PGHW. Even his brawling skills clearly aren't there yet, although they do show more promise.

Rumours are that, backstage at SAISHO, he was known as a bit of a trouble-maker; something that no doubt the wiser heads in the PGHW locker room will look to keep in check.</div>

JOJI ISHIYAMA

18 years old | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) | 308 lbs (140 kg) | From Kyoto, Japan

At 6'4" and 308 lbs, you could scarcely believe that Kyoto's Joji Ishiyama is still a teenager. Probably the rawest of the four graduates in the Class of 1997, there are real question marks over Ishiyama's skills - and rumours are that he was "line ball" in terms of landing a deal with Saduharu Jimbo's promotion. No doubt his size and natural strength played a big factor in him getting a contract, but he will take a lot of work. He mainly played baseball in his high school years, but is a lifelong wrestling fan.</div>

NORIYORI SANDA

18 years old | 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) | 150 lbs (68 kg) | From Osaka, Japan

Probably the most exciting of the four graduates, Noriyori Sanda will join the growing junior ranks in PGHW, which currently consists of the likes of Kojima, Ishibashi and (for now) The Rebellion. The teenager hails from PGHW's home region, Kansai, and although only slightly built he has some real chops in the ring. He still has work to do on the basics, and lacks psychology and physical strength, but those will come with time. He's definitely one to watch.</div>

YOSHIHISA KOGUCHI

23 years old | 6 ft 1 in (185 cm) | 231 lbs (105 kg) | From Kawasaki, Japan

With his distinctive bleach blonde hair, 23-year old Yoshihisa Koguchi is a promising talent. Like Minatoya, he's a late-comer to the sport, with an extensive amateur wrestling background throughout his high school years. With clear charisma, star quality and very promising technical skills, Koguchi could have a strong future in the sport. His main points of development are his basics, psychology and selling - all of which will come with time.</div>

Scottie · May 5, 2021

PGHW "WARRIORS" Tour - Results, Night 17

PGHW "Road to Night of WARRIORS", 19.07.1997 (STV)

Tokyo Korakuen Hall

2,100 Fans - Super No Vacancy

156,020 Viewers (0.20)

[70]

Dragon Squad (Koji Kojima, Koki Ishibashi & Mamoru Nagahama) defeated Rebel Cell (Harumi Okazawaya & Sotatsu Sarumara) & Koichi Kajiwara (12:04) with a Guillotine Choke from Nagahama to Sarumara. [53]
Kumasaka Young Lions Exhibition Match: Benjiro Minatoya & Yoshihisa Koguchi defeated Joji Ishiyama & Noriyori Sanda (6:56) with a Dashing Forearm from Minatoya to Sanda. [19]
Codebreakers 1996 (Eisaku Hoshino & Eisaku Kunomasu) & Fukusaburu Inao defeated Amane Shunsen, Go Matsunaga & Yoriie Ippitsusai (14:44) with a Nuclear Death Bomb from Hoshino to Shunsen. [56]
Hito Ichihara & The Rebellion (Ken Shimedzu & Natsu Miyamae) defeated Nobuatsu Tatsuko, Ninsei Tanuma & Takesi Umehara (18:52) with a Head Drop Suplex from Ichihara to Tanuma. [65]
Club Dread (Dread, Lee Wright & Raymond Diaz) & Java defeated Hayate Hasegawa, Koryusai Kitoaji, Mito Miwa & Yoshimi Mushashibo (24:03) with the Wright Stuff from Wright to Miwa. [76]

Key events:

In the night's opening bout, Dragon Agakawa's Dragon Squad prevailed in a reasonable opener against Rebel Cell and Koichi Kajiwara, who was now without his regular partner Kazuo Mitsushi. With the injured Agakawa looking on, his young charges produced a good performance to pick up the victory - with the beefy middleweight Nagahama securing a submission win over Sarumara as his masked partners kept Okazawaya and Kajiwara from interfering.

Next up, veteran Danger Kumasaka watched on from ringside as the four newest graduates from PRO Wrestling SAISHO battled in a tag match. The match itself was not a good spectacle, but it was mercifully short. The young high flyer Noriyori Sanda did the bulk of the work for his team with the large and generally immobile Joji Ishiyama watching on from the apron. But the task proved too much for young Sanda, as he fell victim to a Dashing Forearm from Benjiro Minatoya.

After the bout, Kumasaka congratulated Minatoya and Yoshihisa Kaguchi on their win and officially welcomed them to PGHW. [21]

Next up, hot young tag team Codebreakers 1996 teamed with Fukusaburu Inao to beat the team of Go Matsunaga, Amane Shunsen & Yoriie Ippitsusai. It was a competitive match, but it was clear that CB1996 was leagues ahead of their opponents - Hoshino securing the win for his side with a big powerbomb on Shunsen.

With the ring cleared, the PGHW Glory Tag Crown holders Yodo Nakane and Shuji Inukai came to the ring to meet PGHW owner Saduharu Jimbo. A clearly distraught Inukai, who suffered a bad back injury on his last outing, announced that he and Nakane would be relinquishing their titles to Jimbo. As he started to thank the crowd for their support, the (now former) champions were interrupted by Codebreakers 1996, who had barely even made it backstage after their last bout. Hoshino said that he and Kunomasu were the clear number one contenders for the title and expected Jimbo to award the titles to them. But that prompted Nakane to intervene, noting that while Inukai wasn’t medically cleared to compete - he was. Jimbo put an end to the discussion, telling Nakane that he had a week to find himself a partner to face CB1996 at “Night of WARRIORS”, as new champions would be crowned there. [56]

In the co-main event, Glory Crown holder Hito Ichihara teamed with the impressive junior duo The Rebellion to take on Nobuatsu Tatsuko, Ninsei Tanuma and Takesi Umehara. The highlight of the match was clearly the brief showdowns between Ichihara and Tatsuko, but they were few and far between as Tatsuko, Tanuma and Umehara isolated Shimedzu and Miyamae for much of the match, using every trick in the book to keep the champion out. But the juniors showed great fight and ultimately tagged Ichihara back in; the champion overcoming the odds to hit Tanuma with a Head Drop Suplex for the pinfall.

After the bout, Ichihara congratulated his partners, but was ambushed by a bitter Tatsuko - the Historical Japan champion nailing Ichihara with a Tatsuko Blind Kick before high-tailing it out of the ring before The Rebellion could intervene - much to the disgust of the crowd! [75]

That brought us to our main event, as Club Dread teamed with Java to face off against Koryusai Kitoaji, Hayate Hasegawa, Mito Miwa & Yoshimi Mushashibo. It was a bitter affair, and the final televised meeting between Dread and Kitoaji before their match at “Night of WARRIORS”, which will decide the next contender for the PGHW Glory Crown. In an almighty brawl, all competitors put in a fine performance - but the rivalry between Dread and Kitoaji overshadowed most of the match, and near the finish they spent their time brawling on the outside. Inside the ring, there was a similar rivalry between Wright & Diaz and Miwa & Mushashibo, with the end coming as Miwa was momentarily distracted by Diaz on the outside and walked into a huge Wright Stuff from Lee Wright for the pinfall.

After the bout, Dread and Kitoaji had to be physically separated by officials in a pretty unseemly affair - the two clearly ready to settle their dispute one-on-one on Jul. 25. [69]

</div>

PGHW "Night of WARRIORS", 25.07.1997 (STV)

Tokyo Nippon Budokan

Card Subject to Change

PGHW Glory Tag Crown: Codebreakers 1996 (Eisaku Hoshino & Eisaku Kunomasu) vs. Yodo Nakane & TBD.
Dread vs. Koryusai Kitoaji.
PGHW Glory Crown: Hito Ichihara © vs. Nobuatsu Tatsuko.

</div>

Scottie · May 9, 2021

PGHW "WARRIORS" Tour - Results, Nights 18-20

PGHW “WARRIORS" Series, 20.07.1997

Isuzu Motors Yamato Gymnasium

814 Fans

[72]

Mamoru Nagahama defeated Fukusaburu Inao (11:08) with a Fisherman Suplex Hold. [44]
Takesi Umehara & Koichi Kajiwara defeated Rebel Cell (Harumi Okazawaya & Sotatsu Sarumara) (13:42) with a Facebuster Suplex from Umehara to Sarumara. [40]
Codebreakers 1996 (Eisaku Hoshino & Eisaku Kunomasu) & Go Matsunaga defeated Koryusai Kitoaji, Hayate Hasegawa & Yoriie Ippitsusai (16:59) with a Launching Knee Strike from Matsunaga to Ippitsusai. [59]
Mito Miwa & Yoshimi Mushashibo defeated Yodo Nakane & Amane Shunsen (14:09) with an Exploder from Mushashibo to Shunsen. [72]
Dread, Java & Ninsei Tanuma defeated Danger Kumasaka & Dragon Squad (Koji Kojima & Koki Ishibashi) (19:28) with a Straightjacket Suplex from Tanuma to Kojima. [65]
Nobuatsu Tatsuko & Club Dread (Lee Wright & Raymond Diaz) defeated Hito Ichihara & The Rebellion (Ken Shimedzu & Natsu Miyamae) (21:04) with a Chokeslam from Diaz to Miyamae. [74]

Another big win for Tatsuko against Ichihara, as he joined with Wright & Diaz this time to beat the PGHW Glory Crown champion and lightweight duo The Rebellion. It was a valiant display from The Rebellion in a great match, but they were overpowered in the end as Diaz hit Miyamae with a Choke Slam.
Yodo Nakane’s search for a tag partner at “PGHW Night of WARRIORS” started poorly as he and Amane Shunsen lost to Miwa & Mushashibo. It was a good match, though the young Shunsen’s inexperience meant they fell short as Mushashibo pinned him following an exploder.

PGHW “WARRIORS" Series, 21.07.1997

Kawagoe Citizen Gymnasium

893 Fans

[71]

Heizo Yamazaki, Koichi Kajiwara & Yoriie Ippitsusai defeated Rebel Cell (Harumi Okazawaya & Sotatsu Sarumara) & Amane Shunsen (10:26) with a Yakuza Kick from Ippitsusai to Okazawaya. [38]
Codebreakers 1996 (Eisaku Hoshino & Eisaku Kunomasu) & Takesi Umehara defeated The Rebellion (Ken Shimedzu & Natsu Miyamae) & Mamoru Nagahama (14:05) with a Nuclear Death Bomb from Hoshino to Shimedzu. [63]
Dragon Squad (Koji Kojima & Koki Ishibashi) defeated Yodo Nakane & Fukusaburu Inao (13:32) with a Koji Crossface from Kojima to Inao. [61]
Dread, Java & Ninsei Tanuma defeated Hito Ichihara, Go Matsunaga & Hayate Hasegawa (19:32) with a Spear Tackle from Java to Matsunaga. [65]
Nobuatsu Tatsuko & Club Dread (Lee Wright & Raymond Diaz) defeated Koryusai Kitoaji, Mito Miwa & Yoshimi Mushashibo (20:29) with a Tatsuko Driller from Tatsuko to Mushashibo. [74]

Yodo Nakane’s valiant search for a tag partner to replace Shuji Inukai continued in Kawagoe, as he fell again this time alongside Fukusaburu Inao. Their opponents were the Dragon Squad’s Koji & Koki, who were cheered on from ringside by the injured veteran Dragon Agakawa. Nakane is running out of time - fast.
Elsewhere, Go Matsunaga was forced to eat the pinfall loss against Java - and he continued his recent level of unprofessionalism, barely selling the Spear Tackle after being pinned. It was a sorry end to a disjointed match, which also involved genuine stars such as Dread and Ichihara.

PGHW “WARRIORS" Series, 22.07.1997

Showa Town Gymnasium

763 Fans

[70]

Amane Shunsen & Fukusaburu Inao defeated Harumi Okazawaya & Heizo Yamazaki (10:25) with a Trap Legdrop from Shunsen to Yamazaki. [38]
Go Matsunaga defeated Sotatsu Sarumara (8:34) with a Launching Knee Strike. [41]
Dragon Squad (Mamoru Nagahama, Koji Kojima & Koki Ishibashi) defeated Ninsei Tanuma, Takesi Umehara & Koichi Kajiwara (16:03) with a Koki Revolution from Ishibashi to Kajiwara. [48]
The Rebellion (Ken Shimedzu & Natsu Miyamae) defeated Yodo Nakane & Yoriie Ippitsusai (16:08) with a Spoiler from Miyamae to Ippitsusai. [58]
Danger Kumasaka, Koryusai Kitoaji & Hayate Hasegawa defeated Nobuatsu Tatsuko & Codebreakers 1996 (Eisaku Hoshino & Eisaku Kunomasu) (14:35) with an Aurora Surfboard Vice from Kumasaka to Kunomasu. [68]
Club Dread (Dread, Lee Wright & Raymond Diaz) defeated Hito Ichihara, Mito Miwa & Yoshimi Mushashibo (16:23) with the Wright Stuff from Wright to Mushashibo. [74]

Lots to unpack in the final tour show! In the main event, Ichihara’s string of defeats extended to three as he teamed with Miwa & Mushashibo to lose the Club Dread in a fantastic main event. Club Dread were up to their old tricks, though, and the tension between Wright & Diaz and Miwa & Mushashibo threatened to reach boiling point.
Elsewhere, Nakane’s quest for a tag partner seemed to have come up short, as he and mentee Yoriie Ippitsusai lost to The Rebellion. That prompted the Codebreakers 1996 to mock the unsuccessful Nakane after the bout ([60]), only for them to be stunned as the veteran Danger Kumasaka forced Eisaku Kunomasu to submit in the middle of the ring. That brought Nakane back out who proposed a team between two of the most experienced men in PGHW - an offer that Kumasaka accepted, much to Codebreakers 1996’s disgust! [57]

</div>

<div style="padding: 15px; border: 3px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #d2d3d4; max-width:60%;box-shadow: 0 1px 2px " ;"="">

PGHW "Night of WARRIORS", 25.07.1997 (STV)

Tokyo Nippon Budokan

Go Matsunaga & Rebel Cell (Harumi Okazawaya & Sotatsu Sarumara) vs. Koichi Kajiwara, Ninsei Tanuma & Takesi Umehara.
Dragon Squad (Koji Kojima, Koki Ishibashi & Mamoru Nagahama) vs. The Rebellion (Ken Shimedzu & Natsu Miyamae) & Yoriie Ippitsusai.
Club Dread (Lee Wright & Raymond Diaz) & Java vs. Hayate Hasegawa, Mito Miwa & Yoshimi Mushashibo.
PGHW Glory Tag Crown: Codebreakers 1996 (Eisaku Hoshino & Eisaku Kunomasu) vs. Danger Kumasaka & Yodo Nakane.
Elite Series Title Shot on the Line: Dread vs. Koryusai Kitoaji.
PGHW Glory Crown: Hito Ichihara © vs. Nobuatsu Tatsuko.

</div>

Dalton · May 9, 2021

Kudos to you for booking twenty tour shows, my word.

The full body renders you posted are great!

PGHW "Night of WARRIORS", 25.07.1997 (STV)

Tokyo Nippon Budokan

Go Matsunaga & Rebel Cell (Harumi Okazawaya & Sotatsu Sarumara) vs. Koichi Kajiwara, Ninsei Tanuma & Takesi Umehara.

Dragon Squad (Koji Kojima, Koki Ishibashi & Mamoru Nagahama) vs. The Rebellion (Ken Shimedzu & Natsu Miyamae) & Yoriie Ippitsusai.

Club Dread (Lee Wright & Raymond Diaz) & Java vs. Hayate Hasegawa, Mito Miwa & Yoshimi Mushashibo.

PGHW Glory Tag Crown: Codebreakers 1996 (Eisaku Hoshino & Eisaku Kunomasu) vs. Danger Kumasaka & Yodo Nakane.

Elite Series Title Shot on the Line: Dread vs. Koryusai Kitoaji.

PGHW Glory Crown: Hito Ichihara © vs. Nobuatsu Tatsuko.

kanegan · May 9, 2021

Go Matsunaga & Rebel Cell (Harumi Okazawaya & Sotatsu Sarumara) vs. Koichi Kajiwara, Ninsei Tanuma & Takesi Umehara.

Dragon Squad (Koji Kojima, Koki Ishibashi & Mamoru Nagahama) vs. The Rebellion (Ken Shimedzu & Natsu Miyamae) & Yoriie Ippitsusai.

Club Dread (Lee Wright & Raymond Diaz) & Java vs. Hayate Hasegawa, Mito Miwa & Yoshimi Mushashibo.

PGHW Glory Tag Crown: Codebreakers 1996 (Eisaku Hoshino & Eisaku Kunomasu) vs. Danger Kumasaka & Yodo Nakane.

Elite Series Title Shot on the Line: Dread vs. Koryusai Kitoaji.

PGHW Glory Crown: Hito Ichihara © vs. Nobuatsu Tatsuko.

CGN91 · May 9, 2021

PGHW "Night of WARRIORS", 25.07.1997 (STV)

Tokyo Nippon Budokan

Go Matsunaga & Rebel Cell (Harumi Okazawaya & Sotatsu Sarumara) vs. Koichi Kajiwara, Ninsei Tanuma & Takesi Umehara.

Dragon Squad (Koji Kojima, Koki Ishibashi & Mamoru Nagahama) vs. The Rebellion (Ken Shimedzu & Natsu Miyamae) & Yoriie Ippitsusai.

Club Dread (Lee Wright & Raymond Diaz) & Java vs. Hayate Hasegawa, Mito Miwa & Yoshimi Mushashibo.

PGHW Glory Tag Crown: Codebreakers 1996 (Eisaku Hoshino & Eisaku Kunomasu) vs. Danger Kumasaka & Yodo Nakane.

Elite Series Title Shot on the Line: Dread vs. Koryusai Kitoaji.

PGHW Glory Crown: Hito Ichihara © vs. Nobuatsu Tatsuko.

Golden Guard M · May 9, 2021

Excellent tour Scottie. I'm also interested to see what the future holds for the SAISHO Class of 1997, especially Noriyori Sanda. I agree with Dalton about the Full Body Renders, they do look great!

PGHW "Night of WARRIORS", 25.07.1997 (STV)

Tokyo Nippon Budokan

Go Matsunaga & Rebel Cell (Harumi Okazawaya & Sotatsu Sarumara) vs. Koichi Kajiwara, Ninsei Tanuma & Takesi Umehara.

Dragon Squad (Koji Kojima, Koki Ishibashi & Mamoru Nagahama) vs. The Rebellion (Ken Shimedzu & Natsu Miyamae) & Yoriie Ippitsusai.

Club Dread (Lee Wright & Raymond Diaz) & Java vs. Hayate Hasegawa, Mito Miwa & Yoshimi Mushashibo.

PGHW Glory Tag Crown: Codebreakers 1996 (Eisaku Hoshino & Eisaku Kunomasu) vs. Danger Kumasaka & Yodo Nakane.

Elite Series Title Shot on the Line: Dread vs. Koryusai Kitoaji.

PGHW Glory Crown: Hito Ichihara © vs. Nobuatsu Tatsuko.

Scottie · May 21, 2021

25 JULY 1997 - Tokyo, Japan

With commentary by Keiji Takeda & Sosa Morri

_______________________________________________

Go Matsunaga & Rebel Cell (Harumi Okazawaya & Sotatsu Sarumara) vs. Koichi Kajiwara, “Purple Flash” Ninsei Tanuma & Takesi Umehara

Arguably the biggest event of PGHW’s year so far got underway with some six-man tag action, and it must be said that there wasn’t much of a story behind this one. However, it was a reasonable mix of young and old, as Matsunaga teamed with lightweight pairing Rebel Cell against the experienced Tanuma & Umehara and Kajiwara, who is looking to rebuild his place in PGHW after the departure of his regular partner Kazuo Mitsushi. In a reasonable match, it was “Purple Flash” Ninsei Tanuma who picked up the win for his team, hitting young Okazawaya with a Straightjacket Suplex for the three.

Koichi Kajiwara, Ninsei Tanuma & Takesi Umehara defeated Go Matsunaga & Rebel Cell (Harumi Okazawaya & Sotatsu Sarumara)(10:29) with a Straightjacket Suplex from Tanuma to Okazawaya. [41]

_______________________________________________

Dragon Squad (Koji Kojima, Koki Ishibashi & Mamoru Nagahama) vs. The Rebellion (Ken Shimedzu & Natsu Miyamae) & Yoriie Ippitsusai

In the second bout of the night, Dragon Agakawa led his young trio, the Dragon Squad, out to the ring against impressive tag team Shimedzu & Miyamae, who were teaming with youngster Yoriie Ippitsusai. It was likely to be one of Shimedzu’s last dates with PGHW before he joins BHOTWG on a full-time basis, but he put in a good performance with his long-time partner. But the win came when the masked Kojima caught Shimedzu in a Crossface - Shimedzu struggled to make his way to the ropes, but was thwarted as Kojima rolled him back into the middle of the ring to bring the submission.

Dragon Squad (Koji Kojima, Koki Ishibashi & Mamoru Nagahama) defeated The Rebellion (Ken Shimedzu & Natsu Miyamae) & Yoriie Ippitsusai (12:31) with a Crossface from Kojima to Shimedzu. [55]

_______________________________________________

After the bout, the victorious Dragon Squad celebrated with their mentor Dragon Agakawa, who rolled into the ring with his arm still in a sling. Agakawa said he looked forward to re-joining his young charges in the ring next tour when he returned from injury, and said the Dragon Squad had its sights set on championship gold. [34]

_______________________________________________

Club Dread (Lee Wright & Raymond Diaz) & Java vs. Hayate Hasegawa, “The Pride Warrior” Mito Miwa & Yoshimi Mushashibo

Next up, the growing rivalry between Wright & Diaz and Miwa & Mushashibo continued to hot up in a spiteful affair. The Club Dread muscle teamed up with the at times uncontrollable Java, while Miwa & Mushashibo teamed with respected - but slowing - veteran Hayate Hasegawa. But the focus was on the heated rivalry between Wright & Diaz and Miwa & Mushashibo, with the Americans using some borderline tricks to keep poor Mushashibo isolated for much of the bout. But the exciting youngster managed to fight them off with a flurry of kicks and an enormous suplex on the experienced Lee Wright.

That saw Miwa enter the ring and turn the tide his team’s way, and for a moment he looked like he could end the match as he hit Wright with a picture perfect piledriver. But the pinfall was broken up by big Ray Diaz, which started another fracas between the four. The match continued to a crescendo, with Java picking up the win as he delivered a fearsome Spear Tackle to Hasegawa while the other four competitors fought at ringside. Another big win for Java in a hot match.

Club Dread (Lee Wright & Raymond Diaz) & Java defeated Hayate Hasegawa, Mito Miwa & Yoshimi Mushashibo (15:08) with a Spear Tackle from Java to Hasegawa. [68]

_______________________________________________

PGHW GLORY TAG CROWN

Codebreakers 1996 (Eisaku Hoshino & Eisaku Kunomasu) vs. Danger Kumasaka & Yodo Nakane

The next match was the first of two title matches for the evening, but with the guarantee of new champions. It was the type of match PGHW has become known for, too: the talented upstarts, Codebreakers 1996, against two of the most experienced men on the roster, Danger Kumasaka and Yodo Nakane. CB1996 were looking to get what they considered they deserved: the PGHW Glory Tag Crown. Meanwhile, Nakane was hoping to re-claim a belt he was forced to surrender after his co-champion, Shuji Inukai, fell to injury during the tour.

The start of the bout was a tense affair, with the veterans Kumasaka & Nakane using their experience to control the early stages against the mysterious but talented Eisaku Kunomasu. The lightly built Kunomasu, although older than his partner, was the least experienced in the match, and he seemed to find it difficult early on to match it with his methodical and powerful opponents. Hoshino could only watch from the apron in frustration, as Kunomasu found himself in trouble on a couple of occasions; first, from a backbreaker from Kumasaka, and then in an abdominal stretch from Nakane.

Kunomasu showed glimpses of his ability, though, and it only took one mistake from Nakane to give him the opening he needed - slipping out the back of a vertical suplex and then landing an uppercut to the veteran. A DDT then floored the former champ, giving Kunomasu the chance to tag in his partner.

From there, the match was a decidedly more even affair - and lifted in tempo, too. Hoshino was fresh, and impressively matched it with Kumasaka & Nakane, while Kunomasu also managed to find his groove with some impressive moves. However, the early punishment wore on him, and soon enough he found himself in desperate trouble in Kumasaka’s Aurora Surfboard Vice! But just when it looked like he might submit, Hoshino came to his rescue, and for a moment the match looked like it might boil over as Nakane came in to even the score.

The closing stages saw the intensity lift, and as Hoshino and Nakane exchanged some heavy blows. It was Hoshino who struck first, though, landing his patented Godzilla Plunge on Nakane to leave both men on the match! Hoshino rose to his feet first, and was helped by his partner Kunomasu as the pair nailed Nakane with a brutal looking Enigma Machine - Hoshino getting the three count, as Kunomasu managed to cut Kumasaka off. Finally, Codebreakers 1996 were the new champions!

Codebreakers 1996 (Eisaku Hoshino & Eisaku Kunomasu) defeated Danger Kumasaka & Yodo Nakane (22:52) with an Enigma Machine to Nakane (3rd Glory Tag Crown). [72]

_______________________________________________

Dread vs. Koryusai Kitoaji

That brought us to the penultimate match of the evening, which to some was the most hotly anticipated. In one corner, it was the Elite Series winner Dread, whose faction Club Dread had been running rampant in PGHW in 1997. In the other corner, it was former champion and fan favourite Koryusai Kitoaji who many thought to be the deserving winner of the Elite Series. On the line - a shot at the Glory Crown.

Dread is accompanied out the ring by his stable mates, Wright & Diaz, who hang around for the introductions before retreating to the back. But it’s clear from the outset where the crowd’s allegiances lie, saving their biggest reaction for the lone Kitoaji as he removes his jacket.

The early stages see Kitoaji show that we won’t be easily dealt with by Dread, managing to fight his way out of the corner with some stiff forearms to the bigger man’s face. But he’s quickly put down on the mat by a back suplex from Dread, who looks to apply some sort of submission chokehold with the two men down on the mat. After positive signs early, Kitoaji finds himself unable to put the big man down and receives some thundering forearms in the corner for his troubles.

Kitoaji briefly fought his way back into the match by catching Dread with a boot to the face, and looked to go aerial in his quest to take the big man down. But Dread proved too fast again, catching Kitoaji on the jaw with another forearm and sending him crashing to the outside. Dread followed him out and, after a brief struggle through the pack of photographers, nailed Kitoaji with a Dread Bomb on the outside!

Dread continued to dominate Kitoaji physically with some stiff strikes and enormous suplexes, and before long he had Kitoaji down on the mat in a facelock. But when the match returned to standing, Kitoaji ducked under an attempted short clothesline - nailing Dread with some strikes and sending him hurtling to the outside with a Roaring Elbow which just connected! As Dread staggered to his feet, Kitoaji followed him out - diving through the ropes with a forearm, and knocking Dread painfully into the fence.

That was the opening Kitoaji needed, and as the match went back into the ring he drew audible gasps from the crowd as he hit a perfect German Suplex on the much bigger man! But the early beating stopped him from being able to make the cover quickly enough, and he could only keep Dread down for two. From there, the pair exchanged periods of control, as the match continued to heat up and both went closer to a pinfall. Dread again managed to lock Kitoaji in some painful looking holds on the ground, but the former champion fought back on each occasion to stay right in the match.

The finish came, though, as Kitoaji ducked under a clothesline attempt from Dread and hit him with a Roaring Elbow! It didn’t quite land flush, though, and the former champion bounced off the ropes looking to land the killer blow on the stunned Dread - only for the American to duck under the attempted Roaring Elbow and land an enormous Dread Bomb! An exhausted Dread then collapsed on top of Kitoaji to complete the pinfall and retain his shot at the PGHW Glory Crown in an exceptional bout!

Dread defeated Koryusai Kitoaji (27:37) with a Dread Bomb. [81]

_______________________________________________

After the bout, a tired looking Dread struggled to his feet, celebrating the victory in typically overbearing fashion. The number one contender also repeatedly asked himself “Who’s the Man”, responding each time that he was - in fact - “The Man”. [72]

_______________________________________________

PGHW GLORY CROWN

Hito Ichihara © vs. Nobuatsu Tatsuko

That brought us to the main event of “Night of WARRIORS” - a Champion vs. Champion showdown, as PGHW Glory Crown Champion Hito Ichihara faced off against Historical Japan Champion, “The Iron Man” Nobuatsu Tatsuko. It was undoubtedly to be Tatsuko’s biggest challenge yet. And the question was: was he ready for it?

After introductions, the two came face-to-face for just their second singles meeting. Their first was an underwhelming bout during the Elite Series where Ichihara prevailed. But Tatsuko has continued to grow in stature since, and the crowd was clearly keen to see how he’d go in his second chance at Ichihara.

After the bell rung, both men started cautiously. Physically bigger than Ichihara and 13 years his junior, Tatsuko circled the champion, coming in with a collar tie and looking to impose himself on the champion early. On his third attempt, he managed to back Ichihara into the corner, and immediately worked away at his midsection with some heavy elbows and knees. “The Iron Man” continued to opening stages of the bout - and his focus was clearly on Ichihara’s midsection, as he cut-off every attempted comeback with a knee or an elbow to his ribs.

But the champion soon fought his way out of a tough spot, reversing his position against the turnbuckle to rattle Tatsuko with some stiff kicks and punches of his own. Tatsuko looked to lift the pace by charging at the champion, only to be brought crashing to the mat with an armdrag - before smartly rolling out of the ring to regain his composure.

Ichihara was clearly intent on maintaining the ascendancy. And with Tatsuko looking like he would take his full twenty seconds, Ichihara grew impatient and followed him to the outside. After landing a couple of blows, though, Tatsuko muscled him with an Irish Whip into the steel barricade - again putting the champion in real pain as his ribs continued to take a battering. Moving the bout back into the ring, Tatsuko looked to impose himself on the champion - showing off his impressive technical skills, as he slammed Ichihara down with throws and suplexes - always making sure to drop a boot or two into his ribs when given the chance.

As the match wore on, Tatsuko continued to focus on Ichihara’s mid-section, next locking him into a painful looking abdominal stretch. But with the crowd growing slightly impatient with the challenger’s dominance, Ichihara slowly managed to fight his way back into the bout - and after fighting to his feet he capitalised on a mistake from Tatsuko, reversing out of a suplex attempt to push Tatsuko face-first into the turnbuckle.

The momentum behind Ichihara grew, and he soon laid into Tatsuko with his patented array of punches and kicks. He managed, somehow, to land an ugly looking vertical suplex on the challenger - but it was clear that the damage to his midsection had really taken its toll, and the champion collapsed to the mat in pain shortly after. His delay getting Tatsuko back to his feet proved just enough for “The Iron Man” to duck under a clothesline attempt, and crack Ichihara with a Tatsuko Blind Kick that landed flush on the chin!

Ichihara was smart, though, and rolled his way to the outside to avoid the pinfall attempt. He was followed to the outside by a tired Tatsuko, and after landing a couple of stomps he drew the ire of many in the crowd as he motioned for his Tatsuko Driller on the outside! After clearing the photographers out of the way, Tatsuko fought hard for the Tatsuko Driller - but was thwarted by Ichihara who somehow hit a backdrop of his own, leaving Tatsuko sore after a hard crash landing. But Ichihara too was hurt, as he collapsed holding his ribs.

Somehow the match returned to the ring, and the two tired men slugged it out in the centre with some heavy hits. Tatsuko again went to end things with a Tatsuko Blind Kick, only for Ichihara to duck underneath and look to hit has patented Head Drop Suplex - but after the punishment to his midsection, the champion couldn’t lift Tatsuko up!

In the closing stages, Tatsuko took the ascendancy again and looked for the second time to land his Tatsuko Driller - only for the valiant champion to again fight out. An enraged Tatsuko swung wildly at the champion - but an extraordinary manouvre from Ichihara saw him catch Tatsuko’s arm and lock in an armbar on the mat! Tatsuko did his best to claw free - but just as it looked like he might, the MMA expert Ichihara transitioned into a Triangle Choke, forcing the challenger to submit! An abrupt ending to an otherwise exceptional bout.

Hito Ichihara © defeated Nobuatsu Tatsuko (36:24) with a Triangle Choke (3rd defence). [82]

_______________________________________________

An exhausted Ichihara finally fought his way to his feet following the bout, and was mobbed by officials in the ring as he was handed the Glory Crown. A disappointed Tatsuko also regained his senses shortly after, and Ichihara was quick to show his appreciation for a hot bout with a handshake and embrace.

That moment was cut off quickly, though, by the re-emergence of Dread. Tatsuko slipped away quietly as the hulking Dread came out to face down the champion. Despite his obvious pain, Ichihara didn’t take a backward step. After a tense moment, the massive American took a step back and motioned for the Glory Crown as the show came to an end. [86]</div>

PGHW "Night of WARRIORS", 25.07.1997 (STV)

Tokyo Nippon Budokan

9,644 Fans

230,243 Viewers (0.30)

[79]

Koichi Kajiwara, Ninsei Tanuma & Takesi Umehara defeated Go Matsunaga & Rebel Cell (Harumi Okazawaya & Sotatsu Sarumara)(10:29) with a Straightjacket Suplex from Tanuma to Okazawaya. [41]
Dragon Squad (Koji Kojima, Koki Ishibashi & Mamoru Nagahama) defeated The Rebellion (Ken Shimedzu & Natsu Miyamae) & Yoriie Ippitsusai (12:31) with a Crossface from Kojima to Shimedzu. [55]
Club Dread (Lee Wright & Raymond Diaz) & Java defeated Hayate Hasegawa, Mito Miwa & Yoshimi Mushashibo (15:08) with a Spear Tackle from Java to Hasegawa. [68]
PGHW Glory Tag Crown: Codebreakers 1996 (Eisaku Hoshino & Eisaku Kunomasu) defeated Danger Kumasaka & Yodo Nakane (22:52) with an Enigma Machine to Nakane (3rd Glory Tag Crown). [72]
Elite Series Title Shot on the Line: Dread defeated Koryusai Kitoaji (27:37) with a Dread Bomb. [81]
PGHW Glory Crown: Hito Ichihara © defeated Nobuatsu Tatsuko (36:24) with a Triangle Choke (3rd defence). [82]

</div>

Scottie · May 25, 2021

PGHW originals to headline first anniversary card in Osaka

OSAKA, Japan - PGHW has announced a star-studded card for its first anniversary show, PGHW “One Year Anniversary!!”, which is set to take place at Osaka-jō Hall on Aug 14. The star-studded card will include a tag team main event between four PGHW originals and guest appearances from Burning and Golden Canvas wrestlers.

The main event sees old rivals Hito Ichihara & Koryusai Kitoaji team up to face Danger Kumasaka

& Yodo Nakane. All four men have seen a measure of success in their year in PGHW, with Ichihara being the current PGHW Glory Crown holder; Kitoaji a former Glory Crown holder; Kumasaka a former contender and current head booker of the promotion; and Nakane a former Glory Tag Crown holder. This time, Kumasaka & Nakane will look to put the disappointment of their recent defeat at “Night of WARRIORS” to one side and take advantage of the notoriously successful but chilly partnership between Ichihara & Kitoaji.

Elsewhere, “The Iron Man” Nobuatsu Tatsuko will look to bounce back from his disappointing loss to Ichihara at “Night of WARRIORS”, as he defends his Historical Japan title against BHOTWG’s Masutaro Kataoka. Kataoka is a former two-time Historical Japan champion himself (back when it was the QUEST Historical Japan title), having had reigns in 1992 and 1993 to 1994. Now a member of the Burning Shrine stable in BHOTWG, the 30-year old will look to pick up a big win over Tatsuko and, potentially, take the title back with him to Japan’s top promotion.

In other cross-promotional action, Mito Miwa & Yoshimi Mushashibo will team up to face veteran GCG tag-team, the Miyata Brothers. Now in their mid forties, Naruki and Tatsuko Miyata have spent most of their careers in small Japanese shows on the independent circuit, before getting a more permanent role with Golden Canvas last year. They have so far had a number of unsuccessful shots at the GCG World Heavyweight Tag titles, most recently in May, and will hope to reignite their credentials within GCG with a win over one of the most promising young teams in PGHW.

The Miyata Brothers - Masutaro Kataoka

In other action:

Fresh off a huge win over Kitoaji at “Night of WARRIORS”, Dread will look to continue his good run as he joins with regular partners Lee Wright & Ray Diaz to face Hayate Hasegawa & The Rebellions.
New tag champions Codebreakers 1996 will team up with veteran “Purple Flash” Ninsei Tanuma to face Dragon Agakawa’s Dragon Squad.
Java teams up with New Zealand’s Amiri Ngala to face the athletic young duo Rebel Cell. This marks Ngala’s first appearance with PGHW since the “RESPECT” Series back in January, which included a surprise singles classic of sorts against Kitoaji.

</div>

PGHW “One Year Anniversary!!”, 14.08.1997 (STV)

Osaka-jō Hall

Amiri Ngala & Java vs. Rebel Cell (Harumi Okazawaya & Sotatsu Sarumara).
Codebreakers 1996 (Eisaku Hoshino & Eisaku Kunomasu) & Ninsei Tanuma vs. Dragon Squad (Koji Kojima, Koki Ishibashi & Mamoru Nagahama).
Mito Miwa & Yoshimi Mushashibo vs. The Miyata Brothers (Naruki Miyata & Tatsuki Miyata).
Historical Japan Title: Nobuatsu Tatsuko © vs. Masutaro Kataoka.
Club Dread (Dread, Lee Wright & Raymond Diaz) vs. Hayate Hasegawa & The Rebellion (Ken Shimedzu & Natsu Miyamae).
Special Anniversary Tag Team Match: Danger Kumasaka & Yodo Nakane vs. Hito Ichihara & Koryusai Kitoaji.

</div>

Scottie · May 26, 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 " ;"=""><img alt="uF4xdRl.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/uF4xdRl.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

14 August 1997 - Kyoto, Japan

<img src="<a href="https://i.imgur.com/FS5MjDO.jpg" rel="external nofollow">https://i.imgur.com/FS5MjDO.jpg"</a> alt="" width="75" height="75" /> <img src="<a href="https://i.imgur.com/2exCxXZ.jpg" rel="external nofollow">https://i.imgur.com/2exCxXZ.jpg"</a> alt="" width="75" height="75" />

With commentary by Keiji Takeda & Sosa Morri

_______________________________________________

TAG TEAM MATCH

<img alt="yB4kpa7.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/yB4kpa7.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="FvgXycR.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/FvgXycR.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" />

Amiri Ngala & Java vs. Rebel Cell (Harumi Okazawaya & Sotatsu Sarumara)

A successful return to PGHW from Amiri Ngala, as he teamed with the intense Indonesian wrestler Java to beat lightweight pairing Okazawaya & Sarumara. It was Ngala’s first tour with PGHW since the start of the year, and to many he showed himself worthy of another shot as he put in the best performance of the four. His partner got the glory, though, hitting a brutal Spear Tackle on Okazawaya to pick up the win. Java is limited, but believable.

Amiri Ngala & Java defeated Rebel Cell (Harumi Okazawaya & Sotatsu Sarumara) (8:57) with a Spear Tackle from Java to Okazawaya. [53]

_______________________________________________

SIX-MAN TAG TEAM MATCH

<img alt="449Kkyw.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/449Kkyw.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="82Wsrph.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/82Wsrph.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="FvgXycR.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/FvgXycR.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

<img src="<a href="https://i.imgur.com/7XWYZt8.png" rel="external nofollow">https://i.imgur.com/7XWYZt8.png"</a> alt="" width="225" height="150" /> <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" /><img alt="XrJAaUj.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/XrJAaUj.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Codebreakers 1996 (Eisaku Hoshino & Eisaku Kunomasu) & “Purple Flash” Ninsei Tanuma vs. Dragon Squad (Koji Kojima, Koki Ishibashi & Mamoru Nagahama)

The next match saw Dragon Agakawa’s Dragon Squad do battle with the new tag team champions Hoshino & Kunomasu, who were teaming with Ninsei Tanuma. In what many expected would be an exhibition for the new PGHW Glory Tag Crown holders, Codebreakers 1996 and Tanuma dominated most of the bout, with Nagahama’s size holding him in the best stead while his partners were thrown around the ring. However, it was the masked sensation Ishibashi who picked up a shock win - reversing out of a vertical suplex and hitting Kunomasu with a Shining Wizard, before then springing to the top rope and nailing an awkward Koki Revolution for the win.

Despite their loss, Hoshino & Kunomasu put in excellent performances - the two are very good. Kojima was the best for the Dragon Squad.

Dragon Squad (Koji Kojima, Koki Ishibashi & Mamoru Nagahama) defeated Codebreakers 1996 (Eisaku Hoshino & Eisaku Kunomasu) & Ninsei Tanuma (16:32) with a Koki Revolution from Ishibashi to Kunomasu. [65]

_______________________________________________

<img src="<a href="https://i.imgur.com/top76Yp.jpg" rel="external nofollow">https://i.imgur.com/top76Yp.jpg"</a> alt="" width="100" height="100" />

After the match, a proud Dragon Agakawa came into the ring to celebrate with his team. With Codebreakers 1996 looking on from the outside, Agakawa took a microphone and proclaimed Ishibashi & Kojima the new number one contenders to the Glory Tag Crown. Hoshino & Kunomasu simply waved the challenge off, trudging to the back with Tanuma. [42]

_______________________________________________

TAG TEAM MATCH

<img alt="miPAtSY.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/miPAtSY.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="WvAznvI.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/WvAznvI.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="wq4Tg1t.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/wq4Tg1t.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="heyycOp.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/heyycOp.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

“The Pride Warrior” Mito Miwa & Yoshimi Mushashibo vs. The Miyata Brothers (Naruki Miyata & Tatsuki Miyata)

After more than 20 years’ experience in small Japanese independent promotions, The Miyata Brothers got their first big break with GCG in November last year, and have since then created a good career for themselves. Here, they got a chance against two of PGHW’s most promising youngsters, Miwa & Mushashibo. The brothers were clearly outshone by two of the sport’s brightest young stars, but the four combined for an entertaining and surprisingly lengthy bout. Ultimately, it was the hometown team that won through - Miwa hitting Naruki with his Pride Bomber for the three count.

Mito Miwa & Yoshimi Mushashibo defeated <img alt="QHfczkJ.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/QHfczkJ.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> The Miyata Brothers (Naruki Miyata & Tatsuki Miyata) (20:14) with a Pride Bomber from Miwa to Naruki. [74]

_______________________________________________

<img alt="r2rnTx4.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/r2rnTx4.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

HISTORICAL JAPAN TITLE

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

“The Iron Man” Nobuatsu Tatsuko © vs. Masutaro Kataoka

In the night’s second cross-promotional bout, “The Iron Man” Tatsuko put his Historical Japan title on the line for an incredible 27th time against former champion Masutaro Kataoka. The freelancer Kataoka is one of the few BHOTWG wrestlers who isn’t on an exclusive contract, which allows him to take matches like this. He put in a reasonable showing in a match that was, at times, slow. Still, Tatsuko showed why his star has continued to rise this year in PGHW, producing a good showing and combining well with Kataoka in a technical affair. While the bout perhaps went longer than it needed, it got very hot at the end, and after a string of reversals Tatsuko put Kataoka away with a Blind Kick followed up by a Tatsuko Driller to make sure.

Historical Japan Title: Nobuatsu Tatsuko © defeated <img alt="ScBduyW.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/ScBduyW.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Masutaro Kataoka (27:48) with a Tatsuko Driller (27th defence). [77]

_______________________________________________

SIX-MAN TAG TEAM MATCH

<img src="<a href="https://i.imgur.com/UFtuSqn.png" rel="external nofollow">https://i.imgur.com/UFtuSqn.png"</a> alt="" width="225" height="150" /> <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" />

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

<img alt="W4ktYOY.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/W4ktYOY.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="7l3qGaa.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/7l3qGaa.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="X9pled1.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/X9pled1.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Club Dread (“The Man” Dread, Lee Wright & Raymond Diaz) vs. Hayate Hasegawa & The Rebellion (Ken Shimedzu & Natsu Miyamae)

After a relatively slow bout, it was all action in the penultimate match as Club Dread battled Hasegawa & The Rebellion. The result was, in fairness, never really in doubt - aside from few comeback spots, Hasegawa and The Rebellion were battered from pillar to post in a fast-paced and stiff affair. Now calling himself “The Man” (following his confrontation with Ichihara at “Night of WARRIORS”), Dread looked slightly off but still produced the best performance of the night. He was ably supported by his team mates, and it was Diaz who picked up the win for his team with a Choke Slam on Shimedzu at the twelve minute mark. This was also Shimedzu’s last bout with PGHW, with his contract expiring the next day.

Club Dread (Dread, Lee Wright & Raymond Diaz) defeated Hayate Hasegawa & The Rebellion (Ken Shimedzu & Natsu Miyamae) (12:27) with a Choke Slam from Diaz to Shimedzu. [74]

_______________________________________________

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

Danger Kumasaka & Yodo Nakane vs. Hito Ichihara & Koryusai Kitoaji

That brought us to the final match of the evening - a Special Anniversary Tag Match between four PGHW originals. Despite some of the rivalries in the bout, there wasn’t a great deal of heat in the match for the most part as all four men got in most of their trademark spots in a match that kept the crowd happy. Still, the match became very competitive towards the end, with Ichihara in particular striking with particular vigour. The finish came as Ichihara landed two vertical suplexes in a row on Kumasaka but, when going for the third, was caught in an inside cradle by the canny Kumasaka for a surprise pinfall. Ichihara could only look on in frustration and perhaps a tinge of admiration after the bout, while his partner and historical rival Kitoaji kicked at the apron.

Special Anniversary Tag Team Match: Danger Kumasaka & Yodo Nakane defeated Hito Ichihara & Koryusai Kitoaji (24:14) with an Inside Cradle from Kumasaka to Ichihara. [70]

_______________________________________________

<img src="<a href="https://i.imgur.com/WQ89Cwe.jpg" rel="external nofollow">https://i.imgur.com/WQ89Cwe.jpg"</a> alt="" width="100" height="100" />

With confetti raining down, Saduharu Jimbo, legendary owner PGHW, came down to the ring to make a rare appearance. Jimbo thanked the appreciative crowd for all their support for the first year of PGHW, and also thanked the four pillars in the ring for their service. Jimbo described the first year of PGHW as a real success and truly some of the most rewarding years in his long career. The show ended on a high note, with the four combatants putting their differences aside to salute the crowd along with Jimbo. [71]</div>

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<div style="padding: 15px; border: 3px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #9cd2e6; max-width:60%;box-shadow: 0 1px 2px " ;"=""><div style="text-align:center;">PGHW “One Year Anniversary!!”, 14.08.1997 (STV)

Osaka-jō Hall

12,476 Fans

206,524 Viewers (0.27)

[70]</div>

<div style="text-align:left;"><ol style="list-style-type:decimal;"><li>Amiri Ngala & Java defeated Rebel Cell (Harumi Okazawaya & Sotatsu Sarumara) (8:57) with a Spear Tackle from Java to Okazawaya. [53] </li><li>Dragon Squad (Koji Kojima, Koki Ishibashi & Mamoru Nagahama) defeated Codebreakers 1996 (Eisaku Hoshino & Eisaku Kunomasu) & Ninsei Tanuma (16:32) with a Koki Revolution from Ishibashi to Kunomasu. [65] </li><li>Mito Miwa & Yoshimi Mushashibo defeated <img alt="QHfczkJ.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/QHfczkJ.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> The Miyata Brothers (Naruki Miyata & Tatsuki Miyata) (20:14) with a Pride Bomber from Miwa to Naruki. [74] </li><li>Historical Japan Title: Nobuatsu Tatsuko © defeated <img alt="ScBduyW.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/ScBduyW.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Masutaro Kataoka (27:48) with a Tatsuko Driller (27th defence). [77] </li><li>Club Dread (Dread, Lee Wright & Raymond Diaz) defeated Hayate Hasegawa & The Rebellion (Ken Shimedzu & Natsu Miyamae) (12:27) with a Choke Slam from Diaz to Shimedzu. [74] </li><li>Special Anniversary Tag Team Match: Danger Kumasaka & Yodo Nakane defeated Hito Ichihara & Koryusai Kitoaji (24:14) with an Inside Cradle from Kumasaka to Ichihara. [70]</li></ol></div></div></div>

Scottie · May 27, 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:center;">Ichihara/Dread showdown to headline Sep. 13 "KINGS" Series finale</div>

<div style="text-align:left;">OSAKA, Japan - A long awaited rematch between Hito Ichihara and Dread for the PGHW Glory Crown will cap off the fifteen night "KINGS" Series on Sep. 13 in Osaka.

The pair have met three times in singles action this year, with a victory each and one draw. Their first meeting was at "Night of RESPECT" in January, where Ichihara shockingly choked out Dread with a Triangle Choke, keeping the humiliated giant out of action until he and Lee Wright & Ray Diaz emerged following the main event at "Night of DESTINY" to beat down Ichihara and form the dominant gai-jin stable "Club Dread". Since then, they met twice in the inaugural Elite Series - their first bout resulting in a time limit draw, while their second at "Night of PRIDE" resulting in a shock ten minute win by Dread, although that came following Ichihara's gruelling round robin draw with Koryusai Kitoaji moments before.

The arch enemies will get their chance to face off in multi-man action in televised bouts before then, though: on Aug. 29 in Tokyo, Club Dread will face the team of Ichihara, Mito Miwa & Yoshimi Mushashibo, with the latter pair having formed a bitter rivalry in recent months with Wright & Diaz. Later, on Sep. 2 in Nakajima, Ichihara will team up with Kitoaji - who is reeling from his own loss to Dread at "Night of WARRIORS" - to take on the former tag champions Wright & Diaz.

The card for the televised event on Aug. 29 has already been announced. Aside from the multi-man main event, "The Iron Man" Nobuatsu Tatsuko defends his Historical Japan title for the 28th time against former Rebellion member, Natsu Miyamae; Dragon Agakawa returns from injury to team with Koji Kojima & Koki Ishibashi against tag champions Codebreakers 1996 & Takesi Umehara; and gai-jin duo Craig Price and Johnny Stones return to PGHW touring action after some months off, teaming up with Koryusai Kitoaji against Rebel Cell & Yodo Nakane.

A full tour list, as well as the currently announced bouts, is set out below.</div></div>

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<div style="padding: 15px; border: 3px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #d2d3d4; max-width:60%;box-shadow: 0 1px 2px " ;”=""><img alt="IPm1xKm.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/IPm1xKm.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

PGHW - “KINGS SERIES 1997”

PGHW “KINGS” Series, 24.08.1997

Saitama Sports Centre

_____

PGHW “KINGS” Series, 26.08.1997

Tokamachi City Gymnasium

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PGHW “KINGS” Series, 27.08.1997

Yoshidamachi General Gymnasium

_____

PGHW “KINGS” Series, 28.08.1997

Kamisato Townsman Gymnasium

_____

PGHW “KINGS” Series, 29.08.1997 (STV)

Tokyo Korakuen Hall

<div style="text-align:left;"><ol style="list-style-type:decimal;"><li>Fukusaburu Inao vs. Noriyori Sanda. </li><li>Joji Ishiyama vs. Mamoru Nagahama. </li><li>Koichi Kajiwara & Yoriie Ippitusai vs. Amane Shunsen & Yoshihisa Koguchi. </li><li>Rebel Cell (Harumi Okazawaya & Sotatsu Sarumara) & Yodo Nakane vs. Koryusai Kitoaji, Craig Prince & Johnny Stones. </li><li>Danger Kumasaka, Go Matsunaga & Hayate Hasegawa vs. Ninsei Tanuma, Hirokumi Saito & Java. </li><li>Dragon Squad (Dragon Agakawa, Koji Kojima & Koki Ishibashi) vs. Codebreakers 1996 (Eisaku Hoshino & Eisaku Kunomasu) & Takesi Umehara. </li><li>Historical Japan Title: Nobuatsu Tatsuko © vs. Natsu Miyamae. </li><li>Club Dread (Dread, Lee Wright & Raymond Diaz vs. Hito Ichihara, Mito Miwa & Yoshimi Mushashibo.</li></ol></div>

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PGHW “KINGS” Series, 30.08.1997

Tokyo Korakuen Hall

_____

PGHW “KINGS” Series, 31.08.1997

Iwate Multi-Purpose Exhibition Hall

_____

PGHW “Road to Night of KINGS”, 02.09.1997 (STV)

Nakajima Sports Center

<div style="text-align:left;"><ol style="list-style-type:decimal;"><li>Dread vs. Mito Miwa. </li><li>Club Dread (Lee Wright & Raymond Diaz) vs. Hito Ichihara & Koryusai Kitoaji.</li></ol></div>

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PGHW “KINGS” Series, 04.09.1997

Nemuro Youth Center

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PGHW “KINGS” Series, 05.09.1997

Kushiro Welfare Gymnasium

_____

PGHW “KINGS” Series, 06.09.1997

Muromachi City Gymnasium

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PGHW “KINGS” Series, 07.09.1997

Kitami Sports Center

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PGHW “KINGS” Series, 10.09.1997

Natori Citizen Gymnasium

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PGHW “KINGS” Series, 11.09.1997

Tooyooka City Gymnasium

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PGHW “Night of KINGS”, 13.09.1997 (STV)

Osaka-jō Hall

<div style="text-align:left;"><ol style="list-style-type:decimal;"><li>Club Dread (Lee Wright & Raymond Diaz) vs. Mito Miwa & Yoshimi Mushashibo. </li><li>PGHW Glory Crown: Hito Ichihara © vs. Dread.</li></ol></div></div></div>

Scottie · June 1, 2021

PGHW "KINGS" Tour - Results, Nights 1 to 8

PGHW “KINGS” Series, 24.08.1997

Saitama Sports Centre

1,102 Fans

[68]

Joji Ishiyama Trial Match #1: Java defeated Joji Ishiyama (3:45) with a Spear Tackle. [10]
Rebel Cell (Harumi Okazawaya & Sotatsu Sarumara) defeated Hirokumi Saito & Yoshihisa Koguchi (11:38) with a German Suplex Hold from Okazawaya to Koguchi. [25]
Codebreakers 1996 (Eisaku Hoshino & Eisaku Kunomasu) & Takesi Umehara defeated Amane Shunsen, Noriyori Sanda & Yoriie Ippitsusai (12:06) with a Facebuster Suplex from Umehara to Sanda. [49]
Craig Prince & Johnny Stones defeated Go Matsunaga & Koichi Kajiwara (12:43) with a Katahajime from Prince to Kajiwara. [45]
Koryusai Kitoaji & Hayate Hasegawa defeated Nobuatsu Tatsuko & Natsu Miyamae (21:13) with a Roaring Elbow from Kitoaji to Miyamae. [64]
Club Dread (Dread, Lee Wright & Raymond Diaz) defeated Dragon Squad (Dragon Agakawa, Koji Kojima & Mamoru Nagahama) (14:59) with the Wright Stuff from Wright to Nagahama. [67]
Hito Ichihara, Mito Miwa & Yoshimi Mushashibo defeated Danger Kumasaka, Yodo Nakane & Ninsei Tanuma (18:01) with an Explosion from Mushashibo to Tanuma. [73]

A good start to the tour for both title contenders: Ichihara tramed with Miwa & Mushashibo to beat the experienced team of Kumasaka, Nakane & Tanuma in the match of the night, while Club Dread beat fellow faction Dragon Squad (with Agakawa returning from injury).
An interesting pairing elsewhere, as Tatsuko teamed with former Rebellion member Natsu Miyamae in a losing effort against Kitoaji. Elsewhere, new pairing Prince & Stones had a good win over Matsunaga & Kajiwara.
The least impressive of the new SAISHO graduates, Ishiyama, had the first of his trial matches. It was a shocker - he was flattened by Java in less than four minutes in one of the worst matches of the year.

PGHW “KINGS” Series, 26.08.1997

Tokamachi City Gymnasium

978 Fans

[61]

Joji Ishiyama Trial Match #2: Fukusaburu Inao defeated Joji Ishiyama (6:06) with a La Magistral Cradle. [21]
Hirokumi Saito, Koichi Kajiwara & Yoshihisa Koguchi defeated Amane Shunsen, Benjiro Minatoya & Noriyori Sanda (8:01) with a Running Tackle from Kajiwara to Sanda. [23]
Codebreakers 1996 (Eisaku Hoshino & Eisaku Kunomasu) & Takesi Umehara defeated Mamoru Nagahama & Rebel Cell (Harumi Okazawaya & Sotatsu Sarumara) (13:22) with a Launching Knee Strike from Kunomasu to Sarumara. [46]
Dragon Squad (Dragon Agakawa, Koji Kojima & Koki Ishibashi) defeated Nobuatsu Tatsuko, Craig Prince & Johnny Stones (18:14) with a Dragon Driver from Agakawa to Stones. [54]
Hito Ichihara & Yoshimi Mushashibo defeated Danger Kumasaka & Go Matsunaga (15:35) with an Explosion from Mushashibo to Matsunaga. [64]
Dread & Natsu Miyamae defeated Yodo Nakane & Yoriie Ippitsusai (15:21) with a Dread Bomb from Dread to Ippitsusai. [65]
Koryusai Kitoaji, Hayate Hasegawa & Mito Miwa defeated Lee Wright, Raymond Diaz & Ninsei Tanuma (16:49) with a Yakuza Kick from Hasegawa to Tanuma. [63]

A good win from Kitoaji, Hasegawa & Miwa in the main event, beating Wright & Diaz who teamed with Tanuma. The match was marked by tensions between Miwa and Wright & Diaz ahead of their “Night of KINGS” bout on Sep. 13.
A good rebound from the Dragon Squad, as they defeated Tatsuko, Prince & Stones. Agakawa was clearly happy to be back in the ring, winning the bout for his team with a Dragon Driver on Johnny Stones.

PGHW “KINGS” Series, 27.08.1997

Yoshidamachi General Gymnasium

1,000 Fans - Super No Vacancy

[71]

Joji Ishiyama Trial Match #3: Hayate Hasegawa defeated Joji Ishiyama (6:08) with a Yakuza Kick. [28]
Craig Prince & Johnny Stones defeated Benjiro Minatoya & Noriyori Sanda (7:45) with a Stunner from Prince to Minatoya. [32]
Go Matsunaga, Ninsei Tanuma & Takesi Umehara defeated Yodo Nakane, Amane Shunsen & Yoriie Ippitsusai (14:14) with a Spiral Bomb from Matsunaga to Shunsen. [48]
Dragon Agakawa & Mamoru Nagahama defeated Danger Kumasaka & Natsu Miyamae (14:40) with a Dragon Driver from Agakawa to Miyamae. [52]
Nobuatsu Tatsuko & Java defeated Koji Kojima & Koki Ishibashi (14:53) with a Tatsuko Driller from Tatsuko to Ishibashi. [62]
Dread & Codebreakers 1996 (Eisaku Hoshino & Eisaku Kunomasu) defeated Hito Ichihara & Rebel Cell (Harumi Okazawaya & Sotatsu Sarumara) (18:31) with a Nuclear Death Bomb from Hoshino to Okazawaya. [71]
Koryusai Kitoaji, Mito Miwa & Yoshimi Mushashbo defeated Lee Wright, Raymond Diaz & Fukusaburu Inao (18:28) with a Pride Bomber from Miwa to Inao. [75]

A sensational main event, as Wright & Diaz grew increasingly frustrated in another loss to Miwa & Mushashibo. The weakest link here was the young man Fukusaburu Inao, who ate the pinfall.
In their first meeting of the tour, Dread got a win over PGHW Glory Crown Champion Hito Ichihara - he teamed with the tag champions Hoshino & Kunomasu to beat Ichihara & Rebel Cell.
A surprise loss for Kojima & Ishibashi, as they failed to beat Tatsuko & Java. It could do their title chances some damage, although Tatsuko was the beneficiary of a distraction from Java on the apron.
Elsewhere, a minor injury to the veteran Hasegawa - he suffered a sore achilles in his win over young lion Ishiyama, in the latter’s best performance so far in his trial series (still not very good).

PGHW “KINGS” Series, 28.08.1997

Kamisato Townsman Gymnasium

1,107 Fans

[65]

Amane Shunsen, Hirokumi Saito & Koichi Kajiwara defeated Rebel Cell (Harumi Okazawaya & Sotatsu Sarumara) & Benjiro Minatoya (7:45) with a Trap Legdrop from Shunsen to Minatoya. [26]
Joji Ishiyama Trial Match #4: Takesi Umehara defeated Joji Ishiyama (5:38) with a Facebuster Suplex. [19]
Dragon Squad (Koji Kojima, Koki Ishibashi & Mamoru Nagahama) defeated Fukusaburu Inao, Noriyori Sanda & Yoriie Ippitsusai (11:01) with a Guillotine Choke from Nagahama to Sanda. [44]
Codebreakers 1996 (Eisaku Hoshino & Eisaku Kunomasu) & Ninsei Tanuma defeated Craig Prince, Johnny Stones & Yoshihisa Koguchi (14:05) with a Senton Divebomb from Tanuma to Koguchi. [51]
Koryusai Kitoaji, Mito Miwa & Yoshimi Mushashibo defeated Nobuatsu Tatsuko, Fukusaburu Inao & Natsu Miyamae (18:26) with a Braindrop from Kitoaji to Inao. [66]
Hito Ichihara & Dragon Agakawa defeated Go Matsunaga & Java (15:06) with a Dragon Driver from Agakawa to Matsunaga. [55]
Club Dread (Dread, Lee Wright & Raymond Diaz) defeated Danger Kumasaka, Yodo Nakane & Hayate Hasegawa (16:03) with a High Big Boot from Diaz to Hasegawa. [68]

Kojima & Ishibashi bounced back from their loss in Yoshidamachi, teaming with fellow Dragon Squad member Nagahama to beat Inao, Sanda and Ippitsusai. They have their sights set on Codebreakers 1996, who teamed with Tanuma to beat Prince, Stones and young lion Koguchi.
Elsewhere, a rare loss for Java, who has been one of the most well-protected wrestlers in the organisation. He teamed with Matsunaga in a defeat against veteran pairing Ichihara & Agakawa.

</div>

PGHW “KINGS” Series, 29.08.1997 (STV)

Tokyo Korakuen Hall

2,000 Fans - No Vacancy

155,951 Viewers (0.20)

[73]

Fukusaburu Inao defeated Noriyori Sanda (8:28) with a La Magistral Cradle. [29]
Joji Ishiyama Trial Match #5: Mamoru Nagahama defeated Joji Ishiyama (6:55) with a Guillotine Choke. [24]
Koichi Kajiwara & Yoriie Ippitsusai defeated Amane Shunsen & Yoshihisa Koguchi (11:15) with a Yakuza Kick from Ippitsusai to Koguchi. [23]
Danger Kumasaka, Go Matsunaga & Hayate Hasegawa defeated Ninsei Tanuma, Hirokumi Saito & Java (15:23) with a Yakuza Kick from Hasegawa to Saito. [44]
Historical Japan Title: Nobuatsu Tatsuko © defeated Natsu Miyamae (13:46) with a Blind Kick (28th defence). [62]
Koryusai Kitoaji, Craig Prince & Johnny Stones defeated Yodo Nakane & Rebel Cell (Harumi Okazawaya & Sotatsu Sarumara) (15:03) with a Brainbuster from Stones to Sarumara. [56]
Dragon Squad (Dragon Agakawa, Koji Kojima & Koki Ishibashi) defeated Codebreakers 1996 (Eisaku Hoshino & Eisaku Kunomasu) & Takesi Umehara (15:41) with a Crossface from Kojima to Umehara. [63]
Hito Ichihara, Mito Miwa & Yoshimi Mushashibo defeated Club Dread (Dread, Lee Wright & Raymond Diaz) (20:05) with a Head Drop Suplex from Ichihara to Wright. [81]

In the first televised card of the tour, Ichihara, Miwa & Mushashibo received a big confidence boost for their Sep. 13 matches, picking up a win over Club Dread. It was easily the match of the tour, and it was Ichihara who picked up the win for his team as he landed the Head Drop Suplex on Lee Wright - all while keeping eye contact on his “Night of KINGS” opponent Dread! Dread was fuming at the end, and the show ended with all six men brawling! [73]
In other action, Dragon Squad picked up a surprise win over Codebreakers 1996 & Takesi Umehara. That was enough to earn the masked duo a title show at “Road to Night of KINGS” on Sep. 2, with a clearly pleased Agakawa in their corner.
In other action, Tatsuko defeated his tag partner from earlier in the tour, Natsu Miyamae, to make his 28th defence of the Historical Japan title. The impressive “Iron Man” has been a little lost since his defeated to Ichihara recently, but has started to build an interesting rivalry with former Glory Crown champion Kitoaji in tour matches.

</div>

PGHW “KINGS” Series, 30.08.1997

Tokyo Korakuen Hall

1,000 Fans

[67]

Joji Ishiyama Trial Match #6: Harumi Okazawaya defeated Joji Ishiyama (5:57) with a German Suplex Hold. [16]
Craig Prince, Johnny Stones & Heizo Yamazaki defeated Amane Shunsen, Hirokumi Saito & Sotatsu Sarumara (9:56) with a Brainbuster from Stones to Sarumara. [30]
Dragon Agakawa & Mamoru Nagahama defeated Koichi Kajiwara & Takesi Umehara (9:56) with a Dragon Driver from Agakawa to Umehara. [37]
Koji Kojima & Koki Ishibashi defeated Hayate Hasegawa & Natsu Miyamae (15:27) with a Koki Revolution from Ishibashi to Miyamae. [45]
Dread, Lee Wright & Java defeated Danger Kumasaka, Mito Miwa & Noriyori Sanda (18:18) with the Wright Stuff from Wright to Sanda. [60]
Koryusai Kitoaji & Yoshimi Mushashibo defeated Ninsei Tanuma & Raymond Diaz (13:35) with an Explosion from Mushashibo to Tanuma. [66]
Nobuatsu Tatsuko & Codebreakers 1996 (Eisaku Hoshino & Eisaku Kunomasu) defeated Hito Ichihara, Yodo Nakane & Yoriie Ippitsusai (22:13) with a Tatsuko Driller from Tatsuko to Ippitsusai. [71]

Some good preparation for their Sep. 2 title match, as Kojima & Ishibashi defeated Hasegawa & Miayamae in tag action. Their stable mates Agakawa & Nagahama were also victorious, beating Kajiwara & Umehara.

PGHW “KINGS” Series, 31.08.1997

Iwate Multi-Purpose Exhibition Hall

896 Fans

[67]

Heizo Yamazaki & Takesi Umehara defeated Benjiro Minatoya & Fukusaburu Inao (9:09) with a Facebuster Suplex from Umehara to Minatoya. [36]
Joji Ishiyama Trial Match #7: Sotatsu Sarumara defeated Joji Ishiyama (8:05) with a DDT. [24]
Koji Kojima & Koki Ishibashi defeated Go Matsunaga & Amane Shunsen (14:30) with a Crossface from Kojima to Shunsen. [47]
Dread, Craig Prince & Johnny Stones defeated Mito Miwa, Yoshimi Mushashibo & Noriyori Sanda (15:47) with a Dread Bomb from Dread to Sanda. [65]
Lee Wright & Raymond Diaz defeated Dragon Agakawa & Mamoru Nagahama (14:43) with a Choke Slam from Diaz to Nagahama. [59]
Hito Ichihara & Java defeated Koryusai Kitoaji & Natsu Miyamae (18:09) with a Spear Tackle from Java to Miyamae. [61]
Nobuatsu Tatsuko & Codebreakers 1996 (Eisaku Hoshino & Eisaku Kunomasu) defeated Danger Kumasaka, Yodo Nakane & Yoriie Ippitsusai (16:13) with a Godzilla Plunge from Hoshino to Ippitsusai. [70]

It’s normally a treat when Ichihara and Kitoaji meet in tour action, although on this occasion they were let down by their unusual tag partners - Ichihara teaming with sometimes Club Dread ally Java for the first time in their win over Kitoaji and former Rebellion member Miyamae.
Another trial match, another defeat for Ishiyama -this time against Sotatsu Sarumara. His performances are getting steadily better, but one can’t help but thinking these trials came too soon.

</div>

PGHW “Road to Night of KINGS”, 02.09.1997 (STV)

Nakajima Sports Center

9,906 Fans

156,887 Viewers (0.20)

[67]

Takesi Umehara defeated Yoshihisa Koguchi (5:26) with a Facebuster Suplex. [16]
Dragon Agakawa & Mamoru Nagahama defeated Koichi Kajiwara & Noriyori Sanda (10:02) with a Dragon Driver from Agakawa to Sanda. [36]
Joji Ishiyama Trial Match #8: Amane Shunsen defeated Joji Ishiyama (8:53) with a Trap Legdrop. [16]
Koryusai Kitoaji, Go Matsunaga & Hayate Hasegawa defeated Nobuatsu Tatsuko, Natsu Miyamae & Java (15:17) with a Launching Knee Strike from Matsunaga to Miyamae. [49]
Danger Kumasaka & Yodo Nakane defeated Craig Prince & Johnny Stones (14:45) with a Brainbuster Suplex from Nakane to Stones. [52]
Dread, Lee Wright & Ninsei Tanuma defeated Mito Miwa, Yoshimi Mushashibo & Yoriie Ippitsusai (17:21) with the Wright Stuff from Wright to Ippitsusai. [72]
Hito Ichihara defeated Raymond Diaz (20:51) with a Head Drop Suplex. [68]
PGHW Glory Tag Crown: Codebreakers 1996 (Eisaku Hoshino & Eisaku Kunomasu) defeated Koji Kojima & Koki Ishibashi (24:06) with a Godzilla Plunge from Hoshino to Ishibashi (1st defence). [69]

Glory Tag Crown Champions Codebreakers 1996 made their first defence of their title, in a middling match with Dragon Squad’s Kojima & Ishibashi. Despite lasting 24 minutes, the match took a while to get going, with the champions not really being believably threatened by their smaller masked foes. Still, the ending was a hot and despite an eager Agakawa cheering them on at ringside, Hoshino hit the Godzilla Plunge on Ishibashi to complete his team’s first defence.
After the bout, though, the announcers confirmed the rumours - PGHW's next tour would be the long-awaited debut of the PGHW Elite Tag Series! In big news, it was announced that the Glory Tag Crown match later that night (which ended up being Codebreakers 1996) would compete, as well as the mammoth team of Hito Ichihara & Koryusai Kitoaji!
In other action, Ichihara continued to cause his challenger Dread some consternation as, for the second time this tour, he picked up a televised win on a Club Dread member. This time it was the giant Raymond Diaz who, despite dominating large portions of the match due to his size and strength advantage, was stunned by Ichihara’s strength - the champion managing to lift him up for a Head Drop Suplex.
Earlier, Dread had picked up a victory of his own, teaming with Wright & Tanuma to beat Miwa, Mushashibo & Ippitsusai. The brave Miwa & Mushashibo found themselves routinely being attacked on the apron by Lee Wright, who continues to look for ways to assert himself ahead of their Sep. 13 showdown.
Not a lot else to write home about, although Kumasaka & Nakane returned to the winner’s list as they beat Prince & Stones in an unattractive match. However, it wasn’t as bad as the eighth Ishiyama singles match of the tour - he was well beaten by lightweight Amane Shunsen in a rough bout.

</div>

Scottie · June 10, 2021

PGHW "KINGS" Tour - Results, Nights 9 to 14

PGHW “KINGS” Series, 04.09.1997

Nemuro Youth Center

818 Fans

[70]

Joji Ishiyama Trial Match #9: Mito Miwa defeated Joji Ishiyama (3:06) with the Pride Bomber. [50]
Java defeated Noriyori Sanda (4:16) with a Power Bomb. [21]
Dragon Squad (Dragon Agakawa, Koji Kojima & Koki Ishibashi) defeated Danger Kumasaka, Yodo Nakane & Fukusaburu Inao (20:18) with a Crossface from Kojima to Inao. [58]
Yoshimi Mushashibo defeated Go Matsunaga (14:51) with an Ankle Lock. [70]
Codebreakers 1996 (Eisaku Hoshino & Eisaku Kunomasu) defeated Hayate Hasegawa & Koichi Kajiwara (9:07) with an Enigma Machine to Hasegawa. [61]
Nobuatsu Tatsuko & Natsu Miyamae defeated Hito Ichihara & Harumi Okazawaya (15:28) with a Spoiler from Miyamae to Okazawaya. [70]
Club Dread (Dread, Lee Wright & Raymond Diaz) defeated Koryusai Kitoaji, Craig Prince & Johnny Stones (17:51) with the Wright Stuff from Wright to Stones. [72]

One of the first meetings between Dread and Kitoaji since their showdown at “Night of WARRIORS” in the main event. They didn’t interact much, but it’s clear there is still hostility in the air. Kitoaji was ably assisted by Craig Prince & Johnny Stones, but ultimately his team fell short against Club Dread.
A couple of surprisingly good matches elsewhere in PGHW’s return to Hokkaido: Tatsuko & Miyamae beat Ichihara and his protege Okazawaya; and Mushashibo carried veteran Matsunaga to a good match, winning with an Ankle Lock.

PGHW “KINGS” Series, 05.09.1997

Kushiro Welfare Gymnasium

816 Fans

[62]

Joji Ishiyama Trial Match #10: Koichi Kajiwara defeated Joji Ishiyama (6:43) with a Running Tackle. [15]
Ninsei Tanuma & Takesi Umehara defeated Amane Shunsen & Benjiro Minatoya (5:55) with a Straightjacket Suplex from Tanuma to Minatoya. [30]
Dragon Squad (Koji Kojima, Koki Ishibashi & Mamoru Nagahama) defeated Natsu Miyamae, Noriyori Sanda & Yoriie Ippitsusai (9:32) with a Guillotine Choke from Nagahama to Sanda. [46]
Craig Prince, Johnny Stones & Yoshihisa Koguchi defeated Rebel Cell (Harumi Okazawaya & Sotatsu Sarumara) & Fukusaburu Inao (12:28) with a Brainbuster from Stones to Sarumara. [32]
Dread & Go Matsunaga defeated Mito Miwa & Yoshimi Mushashibo (13:59) with a Dreadsault from Dread to Mushashibo. [65]
Lee Wright, Raymond Diaz & Java defeated Hito Ichihara, Danger Kumasaka & Hayate Hasegawa (14:44) with a Choke Slam from Diaz to Hasegawa. [57]
Codebreakers 1996 (Eisaku Hoshino & Eisaku Kunomasu) & Nobuatsu Tatsuko defeated Dragon Agakawa, Koryusai Kitoaji & Yodo Nakane (21:36) with a Godzilla Plunge from Hoshino to Agakawa. [65]

A sad result in the main event - veteran Yodo Nakane took an awkward tumble, and dislocated a hip. That will keep him out for a month and, sadly, the first Elite Tag Series.
In other action, despite being given a prime teaming with Dread, Go Matsunaga completely phoned it in as he continues to be miserable in PGHW. It was similar from Tanuma, despite the fact he picked up a pinfall win over young lion Benjiro Minatoya.

PGHW “KINGS” Series, 06.09.1997

Muromachi City Gymnasium

1,104 Fans

[69]

Rebel Cell (Harumi Okazawaya & Sotatsu Sarumara) & Fukusaburu Inao defeated Amane Shunsen, Benjiro Minatoya & Hirokumi Saito (9:19) with a La Magistral Cradle from Inao to Minatoya. [27]
Joji Ishiyama Trial Match #11: Yoriie Ippitsusai defeated Joji Ishiyama (5:57) with a Yakuza Kick. [20]
Go Matsunaga & Noriyori Sanda defeated Takesi Umehara & Heizo Yamazaki (11:52) with a Spiral Bomb from Matsunaga to Yamazaki. [32]
Dragon Squad (Dragon Agakawa, Koji Kojima & Mamoru Nagahama) defeated Codebreakers 1996 (Eisaku Hoshino & Eisaku Kunomasu) & Ninsei Tanuma (16:06) with a Dragon Driver from Agakawa to Tanuma. [53]
Mito Miwa & Yoshimi Mushashibo defeated Craig Prince & Johnny Stones (16:37) with a Pride Bomber from Miwa to Stones. [67]
Lee Wright & Raymond Diaz defeated Danger Kumasaka & Natsu Miyamae (13:35) with a Choke Slam from Diaz to Miyamae. [66]
Hito Ichihara, Koryusai Kitoaji & Hayate Hasegawa defeated Dread, Nobuatsu Tatsuko & Java (18:15) with a Roaring Elbow from Kitoaji to Java. [74]

In one of their last meetings ahead of their title match, Ichihara got the wood over Dread as his team won in the main event. It was a star-studded match and one of the better matches of the tour, notwithstanding the limitations of Hasegawa and Java. It was also a nice preview of the Ichihara & Kitoaji combination, which will look to win the Elite Tag Series next month.

PGHW “KINGS” Series, 07.09.1997

Kitami Sports Center

828 Fans

[68]

Joji Ishiyama Trial Match #12: Raymond Diaz defeated Joji Ishiyama (2:49) with a Power Slam. [47]
Benjiro Minatoya & Koichi Kajiwara defeated Noriyori Sanda & Yoshihisa Koguchi (5:58) with a Running Tackle from Kajiwara to Koguchi. [23]
Dragon Squad (Koji Kojima, Koki Ishibashi & Mamoru Nagahama) defeated Amane Shunsen, Fukusaburu Inao & Yoriie Ippitsusai (9:54) with a Koki Revolution from Ishibashi to Inao. [49]
Nobuatsu Tatsuko, Java & Natsu Miyamae defeated Go Matsunaga & Rebel Cell (Harumi Okazawaya & Sotatsu Sarumara) (15:28) with a Spear Tackle from Java to Okazawaya. [55]
Dread & Lee Wright defeated Danger Kumasaka & Takesi Umehara (14:13) with a Dreadsault from Dread to Umehara. [65]
Hito Ichihara & Craig Prince defeated Koryusai Kitoaji & Hayate Hasegawa (19:50) with a German Suplex Hold from Prince to Hasegawa. [63]
Codebreakers 1996 (Eisaku Hoshino & Eisaku Kunomasu) & Ninsei Tanuma defeated Dragon Agakawa, Mito Miwa & Yoshimi Mushashibo (15:55) with a Godzilla Plunge from Hoshino to Agakawa. [71]

An otherwise rough show in Hokkaido was almost saved by the main event, as tag champions CB1996 teamed with Ninsei Tanuma to beat Agakawa, Miwa & Mushashibo. Agakawa and his Dragon Squad have tussled with Hoshino & Kunomasu all tour, and it seems like this will continue into “Night of KINGS”, although on this occasion it was the veteran who fell to Hoshino’s Godzilla Plunge as his team mates were distracted by Kunomasu and Tanuma.

PGHW “KINGS” Series, 10.09.1997

Natori Citizen Gymnasium

860 Fans

[70]

Joji Ishiyama Trial Match #13: Lee Wright defeated Joji Ishiyama (3:50) with a Running Knee. [50]
Rebel Cell (Harumi Okazawaya & Sotatsu Sarumara) & Yoshihisa Koguchi defeated Amane Shunsen, Benjiro Minatoya & Heizo Yamazaki (9:53) with a Kneebar from Okazawaya to Yamazaki. [28]
Craig Prince, Koichi Kajiwara & Johnny Stones defeated Fukusaburu Inao, Natsu Miyamae & Yoriie Ippitsusai (10:52) with a Katahajime from Prince to Inao. [50]
Mito Miwa, Noriyori Sanda & Yoshimi Mushashibo defeated Go Matsunaga, Hirokumi Saito & Ninsei Tanuma (13:48) with a Pride Bomber from Miwa to Saito. [63]
Java & Takesi Umehara defeated Koji Kojima & Koki Ishibashi (14:12) with a Facebuster Suplex from Umehara to Ishibashi. [58]
Hito Ichihara & Koryusai Kitoaji defeated Nobuatsu Tatsuko & Raymond Diaz (24:09) with a Roaring Elbow from Kitoaji to Diaz. [70]
Dread & Codebreakers 1996 (Eisaku Hoshino & Eisaku Kunomasu) defeated Danger Kumaasaka, Dragon Agakawa & Mamoru Nagahama (15:40) with a Godzilla Plunge from Hoshino to Nagahama. [72]

In the penultimate card before “Night of KINGS”, Dread teamed with Codebreakers 1996 to beat the experienced duo of Danger Kumasaka and Dragon Agakawa, who were teaming with youngster Mamoru Nagahama. It was the second pinfall win in a row from Hoshino, who this time hit the bulky young man Nagahama with his Godzilla Plunge.
In the second-to-last match, Ichihara & Kitoaji teamed up in a preview of their Elite Series pairing, beating “The Iron Man” Nobuatsu Tatsuko & Raymond Diaz. Although Tatsuko & Diaz at times made an awkward pairing, the match was heated - with Ichihara & Kitoaji not quite yet on the same page, and obvious tension between Kitoaji & Tatsuko. Kitoaji won it for his team - hitting the big American Ray Diaz with a Roaring Elbow.[/LiST]

PGHW “KINGS” Series, 11.09.1997
Tooyooka City Gymnasium
1,000 Fans - Super No Vacancy
[62]

Amane Shunsen & Benjiro Minatoya defeated Heizo Yamazaki & Yoshihisa Koguchi (7:47) with a Trap Legdrop from Shunsen to Koguchi. [17]
Joji Ishiyama Trial Match #14: Hirokumi Saito defeated Joji Ishiyama (8:05) with a Cross Arm Suplex. [14]
Ninsei Tanuma & Yoriie Ippitsusai defeated Koichi Kajiwara & Takesi Umehara (12:56) with a Yakuza Kick from Ippitsusai to Kajiwara. [33]
Club Dread (Dread, Lee Wright & Raymond Diaz) defeated Craig Prince, Go Matsunaga & Johnny Stones (11:47) with a Dreadsault from Dread to Stones. [55]
Nobuatsu Tatsuko, Java & Fukusaburu Inao defeated Koryusai Kitoaji, Hayate Hasegawa & Noriyori Sanda (15:47) with a Tatsuko Driller from Tatsuko to Sanda. [56]
Dragon Squad (Dragon Agakawa, Koji Kojima & Mamoru Nagahama) defeated Codebreakers 1996 (Eisaku Hoshino & Eisaku Kunomasu) & Natsu Miyamae (15:12) with a Dragon Driver from Agakawa to Miyamae. [62]
Danger Kumasaka, Mito Miwa & Yoshimi Mushashibo defeated Hito Ichihara & Rebel Cell (Harumi Okazawaya & Sotatsu Sarumara) (21:17) with an Aurora Surboard Vice from Kumasaka to Sarumara. [66]

Not the best card to finish the tour, but it looked like some of the big names were trying to conserve energy. There was, however, an unfortunate incident in the main event, as Sotatsu Sarumara awkwardly dumped Mito Miwa to the outside - Miwa landing uncomfortably and hurting his back. He’s still likely to compete at “Night of KINGS”, albeit in a diminished state.
In other action, Dread picked up a pinfall win in his last match ahead of his “Night of KINGS” title match against Ichihara - landing a Dreadsault on poor Johnny Stones to give his team the win. It was an ugly affair - most obviously because of the continued disgruntled approach of Go Matsunaga, who seems to be putting in less and less effort by the day.

</div>

Scottie · June 10, 2021

PGHW: Sep. 13 card finalised, headlined by Ichihara/Dread decider

OSAKA, Japan - Hito Ichihara and Dread will soon face off for the PGHW Glory Crown for the second time, as they headline the Sep. 13 "Night of KINGS" card from the Osaka-jō Hall in Osaka.

The two have scarcely met throughout August and September in the "KINGS" Series, but when they have it has been clear that each is primed and ready to go for their title rematch. The Elite Series winner, Dread, has been intent on avenging his loss earlier in the year, where he was choked out by Ichihara and humiliated in the process, and has spent much of the last six months preparing for this match. For his own part, the champion has signalled he is ready for the fight - gaining pinfall wins over Dread's stablemates Lee Wright and Raymond Diaz in televised action throughout the tour.

In other action, another "Club Dread" rivalry comes to a head as Wright & Diaz face-off against exciting young Japanese team Mito Miwa & Yoshimi Mushashibo. The gai-jin duo have been painted as bullies for much of their rivalry with Miwa & Mushashibo, cutting corners where possible to pick up wins. Miwa & Mushashibo will this time look to prove that they can overcome the nefarious tactics of Club Dread, although they will no doubt be hampered slightly by the back injury suffered by Miwa in the final match of the tour.

Elsewhere, Koryusai Kitoaji will team up with regular partner, the veteran Hayate Hasegawa, against Historical Japan champion Nobuatsu Tatsuko and the unpredictable Java. Kitoaji and Tatsuko have faced off in a number of hotly contested bouts this tour, including at "Road to Night of KINGS" where they came to blows. In other action, the full "Dragon Squad" will face tag champions Codebreakers 1996, who are teaming with the experienced Ninsei Tanuma & Takesi Umehara in a 4 vs. 4 Elimination Match. Dragon Agakawa's squad have been in a hot rivalry with Codebreakers 1996, and will look to push their case for another title shot after Kojima & Ishibashi's unsuccessful attempt on Sep. 2.

Rounding out the card, Danger Kumasaka will team with young lion Joji Ishiyama against GCG's Naruki & Tatsuki Miyata. The bulk youngster Ishiyama has had a rough initiation to PGHW, losing all fourteen of his trial matches, but this time he will team up with one of the most experienced men on the roster in the form of Kumasaka. Finally, five teams will compete in a tag team battle royal for a spot in next month's inaugural Elite Tag Series. The rules of that match are, at this point, fuzzy.

</div>

PGHW “Night of KINGS”, 13.09.1997 (STV)

Osaka-jō Hall

Elite Tag Series Qualifier - Tag Team Battle Royal: Craig Prince & Johnny Stones vs. Fukusaburu Inao & Koichi Kajiwara vs. Natsu Miyamae & Yoriie Ippitsusai vs. Noriyori Sanda & Yoshihisa Koguchi vs. Rebel Cell (Harumi Okazawaya & Sotatsu Sarumara).
Danger Kumasaka & Joji Ishiyama vs. The Miyata Brothers (Naruki Miyata & Tatsuki Miyata).
4 vs. 4 Elimination Match: Codebreakers 1996 (Eisaku Hoshino & Eisaku Kunomasu), Ninsei Tanuma & Takesi Umehara vs. Dragon Squad (Dragon Agakawa, Koji Kojima, Koki Ishibashi & Mamoru Nagahama).
Koryusai Kitoaji & Hayate Hasegawa vs. Nobuatsu Tatsuko & Java.
Club Dread (Lee Wright & Raymond Diaz) vs. Mito Miwa & Yoshimi Mushashibo.

</div>

* * *

Thank you all for the votes in the recent DOTM contest - it's appreciated. This has been a tricky tour to book with some injuries derailing my plans, but hopefully the Japanese promotion can produce a good series finale.

kanegan · June 11, 2021

Elite Tag Series Qualifier - Tag Team Battle Royal: Craig Prince & Johnny Stones vs. Fukusaburu Inao & Koichi Kajiwara vs. Natsu Miyamae & Yoriie Ippitsusai vs. Noriyori Sanda & Yoshihisa Koguchi vs. Rebel Cell (Harumi Okazawaya & Sotatsu Sarumara).

Danger Kumasaka & Joji Ishiyama vs. The Miyata Brothers (Naruki Miyata & Tatsuki Miyata).

4 vs. 4 Elimination Match: Codebreakers 1996 (Eisaku Hoshino & Eisaku Kunomasu), Ninsei Tanuma & Takesi Umehara vs. Dragon Squad (Dragon Agakawa, Koji Kojima, Koki Ishibashi & Mamoru Nagahama).

Koryusai Kitoaji & Hayate Hasegawa vs. Nobuatsu Tatsuko & Java.

Club Dread (Lee Wright & Raymond Diaz) vs. Mito Miwa & Yoshimi Mushashibo.

Scottie · June 26, 2021

13 September 1997 - Osaka, Japan

With commentary by Keiji Takeda & Sosa Morri

_______________________________________________

ELITE TAG SERIES - QUALIFYING BATTLE ROYAL

Craig Prince & Johnny Stones vs. Fukusaburu Inao & Koichi Kajiwara vs. Natsu Miyamae & Yoriie Ippitsusai vs. Noriyori Sanda & Yoshihisa Koguchi vs. Rebel Cell (Harumi Okazawaya & Sotatsu Sarumara)

The opening match saw five teams compete for the final spot in the inaugural Elite Tag Series. The match was fought on usual PGHW battle royal rules, with only pinfalls and submissions counting, although the elimination of one participant also resulted in the elimination of their partner.

After an early brawl, it was the young lion pairing of Sanda & Koguchi who were first out after young Sanda was pinned by no less than three opponents, with their fellow lightweight pairing Rebel Cell following soon after. That led to a protracted three-way brawl between the remaining teams, with Inao & Kajiwara the next to be eliminated as opponents Miyamae and Stones combined with a double suplex on Inao for the pinfall. That led to a more conventional showdown between Miyamae & Ippitsusai and the gai-jin duo Prince and Stones, and after a couple of near falls the Canadian Prince caught young Ippitsusai in a Katahajime chokehold for the submission win - sending Prince and Stones into the Elite Tag Series!

Craig Prince & Johnny Stones won (14:31), last eliminating Natsu Miyamae & Yoriie Ippitsusai with a Katahajime from Prince to Ippitsusai. [52]

_______________________________________________

TAG TEAM MATCH

Danger Kumasaka & Joji Ishiyama vs. The Miyata Brothers (Naruki Miyata & Tatsuki Miyata)

Young lion Joji Ishiyama had had the roughest of tours, facing fourteen opponents in singles matches and not making it past ten minutes against any of them! But his persistence was rewarded by the respected veteran Danger Kumasaka, as he was given the opportunity to team up with the booker against journeyman tag pairing Naruki & Tatsuki Miyata. The GCG pairing were making their second PGHW appearance after a loss at the first anniversary show, and they acquitted themselves well here against Kumasaka & Ishiyama.

The young lion Ishiyama got the chance to show what he’d learned throughout the tour, with Kumasaka content to spend much of the match on the apron. But despite getting a surprising amount of offence the youngster again fell short of ten minutes, caught in an STF hold by Naruki and forced to submit. A tough tour for the bulky teenager from Kyoto, but clearly a great learning experience.

The Miyata Brothers (Naruki Miyata & Tatsuki Miyata) defeated Danger Kumasaka & Joji Ishiyama (9:52) with an STF from Naruki to Ishiyama. [43]

_______________________________________________

4 VS. 4 ELIMINATION MATCH

Codebreakers 1996 (Eisaku Hoshino & Eisaku Kunomasu), “Purple Flash” Ninsei Tanuma & Takesi Umehara vs. Dragon Squad (Dragon Agakawa, Koji Kojima, Koki Ishibashi & Mamoru Nagahama)

The next bout saw a 4 vs. 4 Survival Match between Dragon Agakawa’s Dragon Squad and the PGHW Glory Tag Crown champions Codebreakers 1996, who were teaming with grizzled pairing Ninsei Tanuma & Takesi Umehara. The veteran Agakawa had developed a dislike towards the young tag champions, and despite his team of Koji & Koki unsuccessfully seeking to dethrone the champions at “Road to Night of KINGS”, he clearly wasn’t willing to give up yet.

The match started poorly for the Dragon Squad, though, as Ishibashi went for an attempted Koki Revolution from the top rope - only to be outfoxed by the “Purple Flash” Tanuma, who rolled out of the way and hit him with a Running Lariat for a quick three count. In a fast-paced start, each team continued to trade eliminations in a short period - Umehara next to fall as he was choked out by Nagahama, only for Nagahama to be eliminated shortly after through a Nuclear Death Bomb from Hoshino.

The first big surprise happened at the 11 minute mark, with Agakawa squaring things at 2-2 with a pinfall on Eisaku Kunomasu, one half of the tag team champions. That soon became a 2-1 advantage for Dragon Squad as Ninsei Tanuma was rolled up by Koji Kojima after being distracted by Agakawa on the apron. Facing two opponents, Eisaku Hoshino worked hard against Agakawa & Kojima and, despite being outnumbered, somehow managed to pick up a pinfall on Kojima as he struck with a Northern Lights Suplex.

That left the exciting young man Hoshino one-on-one with the veteran Agakawa. But after trading offence, the exertion of battling alone for nearly ten minutes got to Hoshino - Agakawa capitalising on a slight mistake, to hit Hoshino with a Dragon Driver for the victory. A disappointing defeat for the tag champions, but also a sign of real intent from Agakawa as he managed to keep his troupe together to pick up the win.

Dragon Squad (Dragon Agakawa, Koji Kojima, Koki Ishibashi & Mamoru Nagahama) defeated Codebreakers 1996 (Eisaku Hoshino & Eisaku Kunomasu), Ninsei Tanuma & Takesi Umehara (20:47). [58]

- Tanuma defeated Ishibashi (4:11) with a Running Lariat.

- Nagahama defeated Umehara (8:27) with a Gullotine Choke.

- Hoshino defeated Nagahama (8:50) with a Nuclear Death Bomb.

- Agakawa defeated Kunomasu (11:10) with a DDT.

- Kojima defeated Tanuma (13:01) with an Inside Cradle.

- Hoshino defeated Kojima (17:27) with a Northern Lights Suplex.

- Agakawa defeated Hoshino (20:47) with a Dragon Driver.

- Agakawa was the Remaining Survivor.

_______________________________________________

TAG TEAM MATCH

Koryusai Kitoaji & Hayate Hasegawa vs. “The Iron Man” Nobuatsu Tatsuko & Java

The next bout of the evening saw the continuation of the emerging rivalry between Koryusai Kitoaji and “The Iron Man” Nobuatsu Tatsuko. The question here was where Tatsuko could tame the unpredictable beast that is Java, with Kitoaji opting for a more predictable partner as he teamed with his long-time ally Hasegawa.

Tatsuko & Java controlled the early portions of the match, ganging up against the veteran Hasegawa and combining surprisingly well. A frustrated Kitoaji could only watch on as his partner struggled against the numbers, but he did what he could to keep the crowd energised. He eventually got his chance in the ring, as Hasegawa dodged a shoulder charge from Java in the corner to get the tag, and the match started to lift.

Despite having all the talent in the world, Tatsuko was happy to play dirty from the apron - stopping a couple of comebacks from Kitoaji with cheap shots and allowing Java to regain control. Eventually, the two found themselves squaring off in the ring - and a frustrated Tatsuko came off second best in a couple of technical exchanges, which saw him respond by kicking the barricade outside of the ring.

Despite his imposing presence, Java started being worn down as the match went on - and despite their age, both Hasegawa & Kitoaji started to catch on and run the big man ragged. He was clearly not used to matches of this length, and suddenly the Tatsuko/Java team looked in trouble. “The Iron Man” could only watch on in horror as Kitoaji impressively hoisted Java overhead with a suplex, and then put him down on the canvas again with a Roaring Elbow. Despite trying to break the pin, Tatsuko was cut off by Hasegawa - allowing Kitoaji to win the match for his team, and hand Java a very rare loss.

Koryusai Kitoaji & Hayate Hasegawa defeated Nobuatsu Tatsuko & Java (20:13) with a Roaring Elbow from Kitoaji to Java. [62]

_______________________________________________

Kitoaji & Hasegawa embraced after the match, and while Hasegawa headed to the back, Kitoaji addressed the upcoming Elite Tag Series. He said he was honoured to team with his long-time rival Hito Ichihara, but warned Ichihara that this partnership didn’t mean he had forgotten about his defeat nearly a year ago.

But as Kitoaji started to thank the crowd, a still angry Tatsuko came back into the ring and confronted Kitoaji with a shove. Kitoaji tried to calm him down, but after a brief pause was clobbered with a lariat! Tatsuko continued to shout at the hurt Kitoaji before finally walking off - clearly enraged by his team’s loss. [68]

_______________________________________________

TAG TEAM MATCH

Lee Wright & Raymond Diaz vs. “The Pride Warrior” Mito Miwa & Yoshimi Mushashibo

The penultimate bout saw a bitter rivalry come to a head, as Club Dread’s Wright & Diaz faced off with arguably Japan’s most promising young tag team, Mito Miwa & Yoshimi Mushashibo.

Miwa & Mushashibo had fallen short in their biggest matches this year, including where shots at the tag titles were on the line. But after being terrorised by the nefarious tactics of Wright & Diaz, they were looking to put a stop to that. Here in Osaka, they came out of the blocks hard - surprising the giant gai-jin duo with some fast-paced offence and technical brilliance.

But as they so often do, Wright & Diaz found a way back in - Mushashibo went for an ambitious top rope manouvre, only to be caught by Diaz who crushed him into the ground with a running powerslam. Miwa wasn’t spared punishment either - and with a back injury suffered late in the tour causing him clear issues, he found himself on the receiving end of some powerful strikes from Wright.

Despite being outsized by their American opponents, the fighting spirit of Miwa & Mushashibo continued to shine through as time and time again they got out of seemingly hopeless situations. Wright, the most experienced man in the match, grew frustrated as his inability to keep them down - and started throwing more reckless shots.

The end of the match came as Miwa managed to get the tag and landed a string of impressive moves on the giant Diaz. Those moves staggered the big man, and a running bulldog managed to keep him down on the mat for a near fall. But as he bounced off the ropes, he was met by a surreptitious knee from Wright - right into his bad back. That was all Diaz needed, and after another running powerslam he lifted Miwa off the mat by the throat - and planted him with a vicious Choke Slam! Mushashibo willed his partner to kick out, but he couldn’t - the young Japanese pair falling just short again of a big win!

Lee Wright & Raymond Diaz defeated Mito Miwa & Yoshimi Mushashibo (24:07) with a Choke Slam from Diaz to Miwa. [76]

_______________________________________________

PGHW GLORY CROWN

The crowd’s disappointment at Miwa & Mushashibo’s defeat - although evident - quickly evaporated, as the stage was set for the big PGHW Glory Crown match between Hito Ichihara and Dread.

The story between Ichihara & Dread really began at “NIght of RESPECT” in January, where Ichihara shocked the world by making “The Man” pass out in a triangle choke. After taking time off, Dread returned in February to form “Club Dread” with Wright & Diaz, and has since been on a months’ long tear which saw him win the Elite Series and defend his guaranteed title shot against Koryusai Kitoaji.

The crowd was electric for this bout, which had a proper big match feel. The two came face-to-face in the middle of the ring as the introductions were made - and the enormous size difference was clear, with the hulking Dread looking to some like he was born on a different planet to his more experienced and lithe opponent.

It was a typically cautious start from both men - each trying to find the measure of the other. The champion Ichihara made the first real move, bouncing off the ropes and looking to knock Dread off his feet with a shoulder block - but it barely even moved the challenger. Another attempt was countered by a knee to the midsection, as the giant took the ascendancy early.

Known for his stiffness, Dread left little doubt about his strength in the minds of the 16,000 fans - crunching Ichihara with some powerful strikes and rag dolling him around the ring. But the champion signalled his tactics early, stopping “The Man’s” momentum with a sliding heel strike to the knee. The champion was clearly well aware of his size and strength disadvantage, and he used his MMA background as a way of checking that - focusing his attentions on Dread’s right knee at every opportunity.

Soon, the match found its way to the outside, where Dread again found himself in control - using the apron to his advantage to continue to work on Ichihara’s midsection. Winded, Ichihara fought back as he moved out of the way of a charge from Dread; the American unable to stop himself from hitting the barricade.

Despite the carnage, the two made it back into the ring to beat the 20-count, and Ichihara was clearly growing in confidence. Another baseball slide into the injured leg of Dread put the challenger down on one knee, and Ichihara managed his first pinfall attempt (a one-and-a-half count) with an enziguiri.

The match continued in this way, with each man focusing on the injury of the other - while at the same time being worn down by their own problems. Ever the optimistic, Ichihara fought hard to hit Dread with a vertical suplex, but couldn’t manage to lift him up - Dread using all of his strength to lift Ichihara overhead, before staggering forward and dropping him onto the ropes and bouncing to the outside. But Ichihara was ready for the big man this time, and some stiff uppercuts saw him manage to take some control back and return the match to the ring.

Back in the ring, the tiring Ichihara continued to grow in confidence. He staggered the big man in the corner with his trademark kicks and then, despite the punishment to his ribs, managed to land a belly-to-belly suplex of sorts (more of a slam) - much to the amazement of the crowd. But the move clearly took the wind out of him, and he was almost beaten to his feet by Dread who - stunned by the suplex - levelled Ichihara with a lariat that sent him crashing into the canvas.

After exchanging more offence and a couple of near falls each, Ichihara tried for his patented Head Drop Suplex - but this time Dread was able to stay on his feet and counter with a vertical suplex of his own. Incredibly, Ichihara kicked out - but that was surely only because of Dread’s delay in making the cover, with the big man clearly hobbled by his injured knee.

With nearly half an hour gone, Dread saw an opening to hit his Dread Bomb on Ichihara. The champion fought free, but after trying to put Dread down with a rope assisted lariat, he again found himself precariously placed for the big man’s signature move. But Dread was forced to fight against the incredible willpower of Ichihara and his injured leg, with Ichihara managing to keep his feet firmly planted on the mat.

Dread tried again to lift Ichihara up - and this time got him onto his shoulders. But finally the punishment to his knee proved too much, as he staggered and fell backwards onto the mat. With his shoulders pinned by Ichihara’s knees, and the champion leaning back to hook a leg, there was nothing the giant could do - Ichihara grabbing the pinfall win to end a great bout.

_______________________________________________

For once, Dread left his conqueror alone and quietly slipped out of the ring and to the back. An exhausted Ichihara made it to his feet and thanked the crowd for their support. He again talked about what an honour it is to represent everything that PGHW stands for, and promised that he and Kitoaji would put their differences aside to win the first Elite Tag Series next month. [82]</div>

PGHW “Night of KINGS”, 13.09.1997 (STV)

Osaka-jō Hall

16,000 Fans - Super No Vacancy

238,636 Viewers (0.31)

[75]

Elite Tag Series - Qualifying Battle Royal: Craig Prince & Johnny Stones won (14:31), last eliminating Natsu Miyamae & Yoriie Ippitsusai with a Katahajime from Prince to Ippitsusai. [52]
The Miyata Brothers (Naruki Miyata & Tatsuki Miyata) defeated Danger Kumasaka & Joji Ishiyama (9:52) with an STF from Naruki to Ishiyama. [43]
4 vs. 4 Survival Match: Dragon Squad (Dragon Agakawa, Koji Kojima, Koki Ishibashi & Mamoru Nagahama) defeated Codebreakers 1996 (Eisaku Hoshino & Eisaku Kunomasu), Ninsei Tanuma & Takesi Umehara (20:47). [58]
Koryusai Kitoaji & Hayate Hasegawa defeated Nobuatsu Tatsuko & Java (20:13) with a Roaring Elbow from Kitoaji to Java. [62]
Lee Wright & Raymond Diaz defeated Mito Miwa & Yoshimi Mushashibo (24:07) with a Choke Slam from Diaz to Miwa. [76]

</div>

Scottie · August 6, 2021

PGHW News and Notes: September 1997

<table style="background-color: #d2d3d4; border: 3px solid #000000; width: 1000px;"><tbody><td style="width: 100px;"> </td><td style="width: 156.033px;"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/jhAYkV0.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></td><td style="text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"> TALENTED JUNIOR DEPARTS FOR BURNING

High flyer Koki Ishibashi has officially worked his last date with PGHW in Osaka, with his full-time contract with Japanese heavyweights BHOTWG starting overnight. Last month we reported that the 27-year old, who is best known for pairing with fellow masked junior Koji Kojima, had signed a two-year deal with the Tokyo-based outfit, making his debut earlier this month on the Quest Tour. He worked out his dates on PGHW's most recent KINGS Tour, making a quiet exit as the first elimination in a 4 vs. 4 match alongside the rest of the Dragon Squad faction. No word on how that faction will continue, with leader Dragon Agakawa, Kojima and big youngster Mamoru Nagahama still with PGHW.</tr><td style="width: 100px;"> </td><td style="width: 156.033px;"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/O8jk1zk.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></td><td style="text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"> DATES SET FOR INAUGURAL ELITE TAG SERIES, NEW BROADCAST DEALS IN PLACE

It's good news for PGHW fans, with the Osaka-based outfit announcing an increased in televised shows during next month's "COURAGE" Series. While Shogun TV will still broadcast some shows throughout the tour and tour highlights, PGHW has reached terms with the Japanese Sports Vision empire to broadcast big events on Japanese Sports Vision 2 and smaller events on Japanese Sports Vision 3.

It's perfect timing for PGHW to get more eyeballs on its product, too, with the first ever Elite Tag Series set to be held throughout the "COURAGE" Series. While the full line-up of competitors has not yet been announced, we do know that the dream pairing of Glory Crown Champion Hito Ichihara and his great rival Koryusai Kitoaji will be teaming up. The only other confirmed duo so far is young gai-jin duo Craig Prince & Johnny Stones, who won their way into the series with a Battle Royal win, but we expect some other big names for the tour. Sadly, the former tag champions Yodo Nakane & Shuji Inukai won't be competing, with both out injured.

PGHW's "COURAGE" Series will run from Sep. 27 to Oct. 17, with six cards broadcast in full:

PGHW COURAGE Series, 27.09.1997 (STV) @ Tokyo Korakuen Hall
PGHW COURAGE Series, 28.09.1997 (JSV3) @ Tokyo Korakuen Hall
PGHW COURAGE Series, 05.10.1997 (STV) @ Miyagi Prefectural Sports Center
PGHW COURAGE Series, 09.10.1997 (STV) @ Nakajima Sports Center
PGHW COURAGE Series, 10.10.1997 (JSV3) @ Nakajima Sports Center
PGHW Night of COURAGE, 17.10.1997 (JSV2) @ Osaka-jō Hall

</tr></table>

Scottie · August 6, 2021

PRESS CONFERENCE

PGHW "COURAGE" Series - The Elite Tag Series

21.09.1997 from Osaka, Japan

For the first time, PGHW is holding a televised pre-tour press conference from a small conference hall in Osaka. There's no surprise as puroresu legend Saduharu Jimbo is hosting - as we hope to finally find out which teams will be competing in the inaugural Elite Tag Series.

Jimbo thanks the gathered fans and journalists, and says that after the success of the inaugural Elite Series earlier this year, it made sense for PGHW to crown the top tag team in all of Japan! The four-time GCG World Heavyweight Champion confirmed that ten teams would compete in a single group, with the top two teams at the end of the round robin facing off at "Night of COURAGE" on Oct. 17 at Osaka-jō Hall.

Without further ado, Jimbo introduced the first team in the Elite Tag Series:

Fresh off their win at "Night of KINGS", the former PGHW Glory Tag Crown Champions Lee Wright & Ray Diaz came out on the stage! Despite being introduced as Club Dread, the veteran Wright said neither he nor Diaz had spoken to their fearless leader since his loss to Hito Ichihara at "Night of KINGS" - and Jimbo confirmed that even he hadn't spoken to the giant Dread: "The Man" had simply disappeared!

Still, Wright confirmed that he and Diaz were resolute about winning the Elite Tag Series - just as Dread won the Elite Series - and they would focus their efforts on reclaiming the Glory Tag Crown.

Jimbo agreed that Wright & Diaz were as good a chance as any, but reminded them how close they went to losing at "Night of KINGS". And, indeed, they would face that test again - because the next competitors in the Elite Tag Series were:

Mito Miwa & Yoshimi Mushashibo! The team now known as Team Electric got a thunderous ovation from the small crowd in the cramped conference hall. The long-standing tension between them and Club Dread was palpable - and if anyone thought there was some reduction in tensions after their most recent meeting, it was very clear they were wrong.

Mushashibo explained that both he and Miwa were fighting through injuries, but would not miss the chance to prove themselves as the best young tag team in the world. He reminded the fans - and their rivals - how they were only stopped at "Night of KINGS" due to Wright's unlawful interference, but they would show that they had the will to send the North Americans packing.

Jimbo needed to intervene quickly to prevent the first two teams from beating each other up right here in the conference hall, and quickly sought to calm the situation by introducing the next two teams:

We already knew about the second team, the Commonwealth Connexion of Canada's Craig Prince and the UK's Johnny Stones. But we didn't yet know about the reigning Historical Japan Champion Nobuatsu Tatsuko and his unpredictable partner Java!

All four men come out onto the stage, with Java looking distinctly out of place wearing his in-ring attire, while his partner in a suit and the other gai-jin wrestlers in street clothes. Commonwealth Connexion don't get the chance to speak (neither of them speak Japanese), but the intense Tatsuko explains that he already went close to winning an Elite Series once (in singles action earlier this year) and, with the massive Java by his side, this time he would be unstoppable.

Very quickly, "The Iron Man" gets into a bit of a verbal fight with Team Electric, Miwa & Mushashibo, who take umbrage with Tatsuko's confidence. But they are clearly wary of the enormous figure of Java who stands behind Tatsuko, which luckily for Jimbo avoids another altercation.

Jimbo explains that we already have four great teams, but there are six equally great competitors to come! Jimbo explains that, while he's retired himself, one of his contemporaries is still an active competitor and will compete with those he mentors:

There is some confusion on the stage, as all three remaining members of the Dragon Squad make their way out onto the stage! Led by the evergreen 52-year old Dragon Agakawa, Koji Kojima & Mamoru Nagahama join their mentor on the stage as two of the least experienced (and, arguably, least credentialed) men out there.

Agakawa explains that, while his squad has gotten smaller (through the loss of Koki Ishibashi, who has headed to BHOTWG), the Dragon Squad is a force to reckon with here in the Elite Tag Series - not least because all three men will be competing!

Needless to say, the other eight men on the stage are outraged by the announcement - but Jimbo quickly clarifies that this simply means that any two members of the Dragon Squad can compete on any night as part of the Elite Tag Series. That scarcely mollifies the other competitors, but it's clear there is enough respect for both Jimbo and Agakawa for those on stage not to say anything (although it may also be that there are a few non-native Japanese speakers, who don't necessarily understand what is being said!).

Before the others can complain any further, Jimbo explains that the Elite Tag Series will bring together some of the best tag teams in Japan - not just in PGHW! That leads to the announcement of the next two teams:

The first team, The Miyata Brothers, will be known to PGHW audiences, with the veteran GCG pairing having most recently competed in a winning effort at "Night of KINGS". The other duo, Team Hunger, is less recognisable, but they are soon announced as BBW team Asato Matsubara & Tetsu Onodera.

Jimbo introduces Team Hunger as two of the most experienced men on the tag circuit, and that's borne out by their ages - Matsubara at 44, and Onodera at 46. Still, they are former QUEST Historical Tag Team Champions and BBW Dynasty Warriors, and have over twenty years' experience together. The older man, Onodera, is a man of few words - he says he's honoured to be invited to compete in the inaugural Elite Tag Series, noting that he and Matsubara have competed all over Japan and the world. He says that, while they now compete in BBW, they have technical skills too - and they are eager to show them in this tournament.

That leaves us with just three teams left to be announced (and we know one of them already!), and Jimbo introduces the next:

It's another very experienced pairing - Danger Kumasaka & Hayate Hasegawa! There is a great ovation for the two Japanese veterans, whose appearance causes a commotion on the stage. Kumasaka explains that he and Hasegawa have taken on the name T.O.P. Team - standing for Tough, Old and Proud!

Kumasaka says he hasn't had much of a chance to team with Hasegawa - and, indeed, has been on the opposite side of the ring many times - but he knows Hasegawa's credentials as a tag wrestler and thinks they will make an excellent pairing. Hasegawa agrees, noting that there is incredible respect between him and Kumasaka, and he believes the two have the experience to win the entire series!

There are some words exchanged between T.O.P. Team and The Miyata Brothers (the latter having beaten Kumasaka and a young lion at "Night of KINGS"), while Lee Wright can't help but reminding Kumasaka and Hasegawa that old doesn't necessarily mean good. Again, before tensions can boil over, Jimbo confirms what we already knew - the entry of the next team:

It's the biggest reaction of the night, as the reigning PGHW Glory Crown Champion Hito Ichihara and his great rival Koryusai Kitoaji come to the stage. Known as Honor Guard, the pair have a lot of history with each other - and also with many of the other competitors on the stage - and there are a series of both positive and negative reactions as they make their way out.

Ichihara says he has spent the last weeks recovering from his brutal brawl with Dread at "Night of KINGS", and he says he is honoured to be teaming up with his oldest rival Kitoaji. Ichihara emphasises the respect he holds for Kitoaji - the man he vanquished nearly a year ago to win the title - and hopes they can put their differences aside to win the Elite Tag Series.

Kitoaji says that the respect he holds for Ichihara is mutual, and he's happy to work with Ichihara to win the tag series - noting he should have won the singles Elite Series earlier this year. But he tells Ichihara not to forget that Kitoaji will not rest until he wins back the Glory Crown - and the pair teaming up does not change that!

While Ichihara & Kitoaji shake hands in a sign of unity, again, Wright intervenes with some unhelpful questions about how the two can possibly co-exist. He's not alone in that view, as "The Iron Man" Tatsuko and even Danger Kumasaka express their doubts.

Finally, Jimbo interrupts to confirm that, like the Elite Series, the winner of the Elite Tag Series will earn a shot at the PGHW Glory Tag Crown. That is, of course, unless the next - and final - team wins the series:

Wow! The final competitors in the Elite Tag Series are the reigning PGHW Glory Tag Crown Champions - Codebreakers 1996, Eisaku Hoshino & Eisaku Kunomasu!

The two come out to a mixed reaction from the crowd, with the fans in attendance well aware of their sometimes dishonourable means of winning matches. Dressed in his patented bandana, Hoshino is brash, while his mysterious partner Kunomasu scarcely utters a word - some wonder whether he's taken a vow of silence.

Hoshino doesn't hold back either, proclaiming that he and Kunomasu are the best tag team in the world, and they will prove it here. He says that it's a shame that the former tag champions, Yodo Nakane & Shuji Inukai, didn't have the guts to compete (they are, of course, injured) - because it would have given CB96 the chance to beat them too.

Hoshino promises that he and Kunomasu will win the series, and being perfectly honest he can't figure out whether that means that they will never need to defend their titles again. Jimbo assures him that there's a long time to go in the tournament, but he's excited to see what the champions can do.

Finally, as the press conference winds up, Jimbo announces that the first tour show - on Sep. 27 at Korakuen Hall - will see all ten teams compete for the first time as follows:

Honor Guard (Hito Ichihara & Koryusai Kitoaji) vs. Team Iron Will (Java & Nobuatsu Tatsuko)

Club Dread (Lee Wright & Raymond Diaz) vs. Commonwealth Connexion (Craig Prince & Johnny Stones)

Codebreakers 1996 (Eisaku Hoshino & Eisaku Kunomasu) vs. The Miyata Brothers (Naruki Miyata & Tatsuki Miyata)

T.O.P. Team (Danger Kumasaka & Hayate Hasegawa) vs. Team Electric (Mito Miwa & Yoshimi Mushashibo)

Dragon Squad (Dragon Agakawa & Koji Kojima) vs. Team Hunger (Asato Matsubara & Tetsu Onodera)

Jimbo poses for photos with all twenty competitors, and we are officially less than one week away from the Elite Tag Series!

</div>

Scottie · August 7, 2021

PGHW "COURAGE" Series, 27.09.1997 (STV)

Tokyo Korakuen Hall

2,100 Fans - Super No Vacancy

146,698 Viewers (0.19)

[68]

Sadaharu Jimbo welcomes the crowd and presents the inaugural Elite Tag Series trophies. [78]
Noriyori Sanda Trial Match #1: Takesi Umehara defeated Noriyori Sanda (8:11) with a Facebuster Suplex. [28]
Natsu Miyamae, Ninsei Tanuma & Koichi Kajiwara defeated Amane Shunsen, Go Matsunaga & Yoriie Ippitsusai (10:26) with a Bulldog DDT from Tanuma to Shunsen. [43]
Elite Tag Series: Dragon Squad (Dragon Agakawa & Koji Kojima) [2] defeated Team Hunger (Asato Matsubara & Tetsu Onodera) [0] (10:06) with a Dragon Driver from Agakawa to Onodera. [53]
Elite Tag Series: Team Electric (Mito Miwa & Yoshimi Mushashibo) [2] defeated T.O.P. Team (Danger Kumasaka & Hayate Hasegawa) [0] (17:53) with an Explosion from Mushashibo to Hasegawa. [62]
Elite Tag Series: Codebreakers 1996 (Eisaku Hoshino & Eisaku Kunomasu) [2] defeated The Miyata Brothers (Naruki Miyata & Tatsuki Miyata) [0] (10:51) with an Uppercut from Hoshino to Naruki. [69]
Codebreakers 1996 deliver a short promo, noting that as tag champions they intend to prove themselves the best in world. [65]
Elite Tag Series: Club Dread (Lee Wright & Raymond Diaz) [2] defeated Commonwealth Connexion (Craig Prince & Johnny Stones) [0] (8:01) with a Choke Slam from Diaz to Stones. [60]
Elite Tag Series: Honor Guard (Hito Ichihara & Koryusai Kitoaji) [2] defeated Team Iron Will (Nobuatsu Tatsuko & Java) [0] (15:05) with a Roaring Elbow from Kitoaji to Java. [69]

* * *

POST-SHOW INTERVIEWS:

"I know people have doubts over our ability to co-exist, but we showed tonight that we are a real force when we put our efforts together." - Hito Ichihara, on his first night win alongside Koryusai Kitoaji.

"I'm furious! I can't believe I lost to Kitoaji again! We will bounce back." - A very unhappy Nobuatsu Tatsuko, as he and Java were on the receiving end of another loss to the former champion Kitoaji.

"It's fair to say that I am not happy about being excluded from the Elite Tag Series. This has been a frustrating year for me, but I know I need to keep producing results like that and the attention will come." - "Purple Flash" Ninsei Tanuma, following his team's six-man tag win earlier in the night.

"I am humbled by the opportunity. Tonight was disappointing, but this tour is a long one, and I have plenty of time to prove that I belong." - Optimism from young lion Noriyori Sanda, following his singles loss to veteran Takesi Umehara.

</div>

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