United Promotions Japan - Can You Hear The Thunder? [TVerse]

Tiberious · July 21, 2021

Like the shows so far, the press conferences are very nice and help get the characters across.

UPJ International Heavyweight Title Match “The God Emperor” Kintaro Kinjo © versus "The Great Rebel" Oda Yamawaki

Can't see Kinjo losing so soon.

UPJ Junior Heavyweight Title Match Kozue © versus "The Steampunk Assassin" Jin Fujiwara

I like Fujiwara a lot and an upset here would be cool, but I figure you'll hold off on dropping the title so quickly.

Blue Rhino Cup, Finals: Atonga & Ebisawa versus Strength Through Honour (Strength Ogawa & Honour Katsumoto)

In a Vacuum Atonga & Ebisawa are far more valuable to you, but given they are your champions it would make sense for their arrogance to allow Strength to Honour to get the upset here to set up a re-match for the tag titles.

UPJ Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Title Match Cameron Cody & Junichi Matsuo © versus Akito Nakada & Haruko Yamada

Nakada & Yamada aren't bad, but there is a reason no one's ever been clamoring to see them break up and test their luck as singles guys.

Kato versus "God's Favorite" Katsuhiko Ishii

This should be a real good match, but I think Kato wins to set himself up as Kintaro Kinjo's next win. Poor Ishii isn't going to be God's Favorite too much longer if he keeps losing though.

Ten Man Tag Match Hall of the United Throne (Hyotaru Ichigawa, Captain UPJ, Daijiro Otsuka, Otojiro Ikina, and Takanori Sakurai) versus HardRockCity (Juro Deguchi, Danger Asahara, TOKI INK, Hidetsugu Genji, and Joao Iwahara)

Deguchi is a class above anyone else in this match.

Ignite Muscle Army (Erik van Rijn & Bruiser Cassidy) versus Filipino Fire Power (Amado Ocampo & Apolinario)

I like Filipino Firepower, but not against that level of opponents.

SHOGUN versus Dustin LeFever

And now we get to see whether you are down with the LeFever.

Smash ‘n’ Grab (Koma Kobiashi & Koji Yamada) versus Kinjo-jidai (Waotaka Eda & Torture)

Des Miller versus Álvaro Buey III

Furosuto & Tokyo Tigers (Nakano Yuki & Ryuto Mishamoto) versus Utamara & The Neon Express (Charles Dayton & Jackson Kyle)

]I'd give commentary on these last matches, but unless you have a big upset planned they all seem fairly straightforward. In other news I'm happy my boy Lobo managed to make it onto one of the tour cards, one day he'll get onto the main show and I'll be forced to pick him no matter how ridiculous the odds that you'd book him going over are.

Willsky · July 21, 2021

Not familiar with the roster yet, so most of these are shots in the dark, especially with the non-title matches which I have very little context for. The press conference did a really great job of showing the champions and contenders, so I feel a little more confident with them!

UPJ International Heavyweight Title Match “The God Emperor” Kintaro Kinjo © versus "The Great Rebel" Oda Yamawaki

Kinjo comes across as a massive star. Can't see him losing this early on

UPJ Junior Heavyweight Title Match Kozue © versus "The Steampunk Assassin" Jin Fujiwara

Same as above

Blue Rhino Cup, Finals: Atonga & Ebisawa versus Strength Through Honour (Strength Ogawa & Honour Katsumoto)

They seem like the younger, cockier guys who'll go over strong.

UPJ Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Title Match Cameron Cody & Junichi Matsuo © versus Akito Nakada & Haruko Yamada

Gotta have some babyface winners

Kato versus "God's Favorite" Katsuhiko Ishii

Ten Man Tag Match Hall of the United Throne (Hyotaru Ichigawa, Captain UPJ, Daijiro Otsuka, Otojiro Ikina, and Takanori Sakurai) versus HardRockCity (Juro Deguchi, Danger Asahara, TOKI INK, Hidetsugu Genji, and Joao Iwahara)

Ignite Muscle Army (Erik van Rijn & Bruiser Cassidy) versus Filipino Fire Power (Amado Ocampo & Apolinario)

SHOGUN versus Dustin LeFever

Smash ‘n’ Grab (Koma Kobiashi & Koji Yamada) versus Kinjo-jidai (Waotaka Eda & Torture)

Des Miller versus Álvaro Buey III

Furosuto & Tokyo Tigers (Nakano Yuki & Ryuto Mishamoto) versus Utamara & The Neon Express (Charles Dayton & Jackson Kyle)

kanegan · July 21, 2021

I am liking the dynasty so far although disappointed that the final did not feature Filipino Fire Power

UPJ International Heavyweight Title Match “The God Emperor” Kintaro Kinjo © versus "The Great Rebel" Oda Yamawaki

UPJ Junior Heavyweight Title Match Kozue © versus "The Steampunk Assassin" Jin Fujiwara

Blue Rhino Cup, Finals: Atonga & Ebisawa versus Strength Through Honour (Strength Ogawa & Honour Katsumoto)

UPJ Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Title Match Cameron Cody & Junichi Matsuo © versus Akito Nakada & Haruko Yamada

Kato versus "God's Favorite" Katsuhiko Ishii

Ten Man Tag Match Hall of the United Throne (Hyotaru Ichigawa, Captain UPJ, Daijiro Otsuka, Otojiro Ikina, and Takanori Sakurai) versus HardRockCity (Juro Deguchi, Danger Asahara, TOKI INK, Hidetsugu Genji, and Joao Iwahara)

Ignite Muscle Army (Erik van Rijn & Bruiser Cassidy) versus Filipino Fire Power (Amado Ocampo & Apolinario)

Even though they will not win, but i can't pick against Filipino. Had a great run with them in TEW 2016 in IWJ.

SHOGUN versus Dustin LeFever

Smash ‘n’ Grab (Koma Kobiashi & Koji Yamada) versus Kinjo-jidai (Waotaka Eda & Torture)

Des Miller versus Álvaro Buey III

Furosuto & Tokyo Tigers (Nakano Yuki & Ryuto Mishamoto) versus Utamara & The Neon Express (Charles Dayton & Jackson Kyle)

Deamon · July 21, 2021

UPJ International Heavyweight Title Match “The God Emperor” Kintaro Kinjo © versus "The Great Rebel" Oda Yamawaki

Kintaro is a level above everyone right now

UPJ Junior Heavyweight Title Match Kozue © versus "The Steampunk Assassin" Jin Fujiwara

Ditto for Kozue, Jin doesn't feel like a big enough star to take the belt off him

Blue Rhino Cup, Finals: Atonga & Ebisawa versus Strength Through Honour (Strength Ogawa & Honour Katsumoto)

I'm thinking Strength Through Honour get the win here to set up a tag title challenge later

UPJ Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Title Match Cameron Cody & Junichi Matsuo © versus Akito Nakada & Haruko Yamada

Cody and Matsuo are just too good as workers at this stage to lose to a couple of older guys

Kato versus "God's Favorite" Katsuhiko Ishii

Kato wins to set up a challenge against Koji

Ten Man Tag Match Hall of the United Throne (Hyotaru Ichigawa, Captain UPJ, Daijiro Otsuka, Otojiro Ikina, and Takanori Sakurai) versus HardRockCity (Juro Deguchi, Danger Asahara, TOKI INK, Hidetsugu Genji, and Joao Iwahara)

Juro is a big star, while the others aren't

Ignite Muscle Army (Erik van Rijn & Bruiser Cassidy) versus Filipino Fire Power (Amado Ocampo & Apolinario)

Seeing Erik win here to end the tour strong after losing to Deguchi earlier

SHOGUN versus Dustin LeFever

Smash ‘n’ Grab (Koma Kobiashi & Koji Yamada) versus Kinjo-jidai (Waotaka Eda & Torture)

Des Miller versus Álvaro Buey III

Furosuto & Tokyo Tigers (Nakano Yuki & Ryuto Mishamoto) versus Utamara & The Neon Express (Charles Dayton & Jackson Kyle)

jhd1 · July 21, 2021

I too boo the Filipino Fire Power defeat Very much looking forward to this, the style of the diary is excellent. The press conferences do a very good job of building up to the big shows.

UPJ International Heavyweight Title Match “The God Emperor” Kintaro Kinjo © versus "The Great Rebel" Oda Yamawaki

Had the alignments have been the other way around, I'd be picking Yamawaki, but the "God Emperor" has transformed Kinjo back into a top, top name.

UPJ Junior Heavyweight Title Match Kozue © versus "The Steampunk Assassin" Jin Fujiwara

Kozue is one of my favourites, and whilst Jin will win the title eventually I can't see it happening now.

Blue Rhino Cup, Finals: Atonga & Ebisawa versus Strength Through Honour (Strength Ogawa & Honour Katsumoto)

Back-to-back wins for Atonga & Ebisawa? I think they've got more in the tank than the veterans.

UPJ Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Title Match Cameron Cody & Junichi Matsuo © versus Akito Nakada & Haruko Yamada

I can see Cody and Matsuo holding on a little longer.

Kato versus "God's Favorite" Katsuhiko Ishii

Tough one, but Kato has established himself whereas Katsuhiko is still on the rise.

Ten Man Tag Match Hall of the United Throne (Hyotaru Ichigawa, Captain UPJ, Daijiro Otsuka, Otojiro Ikina, and Takanori Sakurai) versus HardRockCity (Juro Deguchi, Danger Asahara, TOKI INK, Hidetsugu Genji, and Joao Iwahara)

HRC4LIFE

Ignite Muscle Army (Erik van Rijn & Bruiser Cassidy) versus Filipino Fire Power (Amado Ocampo & Apolinario)

Can't bet against Erik in this one.

SHOGUN versus Dustin LeFever

Dustin LeFever is the real deity in UPJ.

Smash ‘n’ Grab (Koma Kobiashi & Koji Yamada) versus Kinjo-jidai (Waotaka Eda & Torture)

I've always been a big Waotaka Eda fan, so I can't bet against him.

Des Miller versus Álvaro Buey III

Could go either way; Des is more established but Buey has a much bigger upside in the long term.

Furosuto & Tokyo Tigers (Nakano Yuki & Ryuto Mishamoto) versus Utamara & The Neon Express (Charles Dayton & Jackson Kyle)

Furosuto is head and shoulders above everyone else here, otherwise I'd be going for the Neon Express

229tman · July 21, 2021

UPJ International Heavyweight Title Match “The God Emperor” Kintaro Kinjo © versus "The Great Rebel" Oda Yamawaki

UPJ Junior Heavyweight Title Match Kozue © versus "The Steampunk Assassin" Jin Fujiwara

Blue Rhino Cup, Finals: Atonga & Ebisawa versus Strength Through Honour (Strength Ogawa & Honour Katsumoto)

UPJ Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Title Match Cameron Cody & Junichi Matsuo © versus Akito Nakada & Haruko Yamada

Kato versus "God's Favorite" Katsuhiko Ishii

Ten Man Tag Match Hall of the United Throne (Hyotaru Ichigawa, Captain UPJ, Daijiro Otsuka, Otojiro Ikina, and Takanori Sakurai) versus HardRockCity (Juro Deguchi, Danger Asahara, TOKI INK, Hidetsugu Genji, and Joao Iwahara)

Ignite Muscle Army (Erik van Rijn & Bruiser Cassidy) versus Filipino Fire Power (Amado Ocampo & Apolinario)

SHOGUN versus Dustin LeFever

Smash ‘n’ Grab (Koma Kobiashi & Koji Yamada) versus Kinjo-jidai (Waotaka Eda & Torture)

Des Miller versus Álvaro Buey III

Furosuto & Tokyo Tigers (Nakano Yuki & Ryuto Mishamoto) versus Utamara & The Neon Express (Charles Dayton & Jackson Kyle)

Big Roguey · July 21, 2021

BLUE RHINO CUP FINALS {FINALIZED CARD}

LIVE FROM SAITAMA - JANUARY 14, 2021

UPJ International Heavyweight Title Match “The God Emperor” Kintaro Kinjo © versus "The Great Rebel" Oda Yamawaki

UPJ Junior Heavyweight Title Match Kozue © versus "The Steampunk Assassin" Jin Fujiwara

Blue Rhino Cup, Finals: Atonga & Ebisawa versus Strength Through Honour (Strength Ogawa & Honour Katsumoto)

UPJ Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Title Match Cameron Cody & Junichi Matsuo © versus Akito Nakada & Haruko Yamada

Kato versus "God's Favorite" Katsuhiko Ishii

Ten Man Tag Match Hall of the United Throne (Hyotaru Ichigawa, Emperor of Japan UPJ, Daijiro Otsuka, Otojiro Ikina, and Takanori Sakurai) versus HardRockCity (Juro Deguchi, Danger Asahara, TOKI INK, Hidetsugu Genji, and Joao Iwahara)

Ignite Muscle Army (Erik van Rijn & Bruiser Cassidy) versus Filipino Fire Power (Amado Ocampo & Apolinario)

SHOGUN versus Dustin LeFever

Smash ‘n’ Grab (Koma Kobiashi & Koji Yamada) versus Kinjo-jidai (Waotaka Eda & Torture)

Des Miller versus Álvaro Buey III

Furosuto & Tokyo Tigers (Nakano Yuki & Ryuto Mishamoto) versus Utamara & The Neon Express (Charles Dayton & Jackson Kyle)

Furosuto and Utamara should swap teams before the start of the match though!

scmurph01 · July 21, 2021

UPJ International Heavyweight Title Match “The God Emperor” Kintaro Kinjo © versus "The Great Rebel" Oda Yamawaki

UPJ Junior Heavyweight Title Match Kozue © versus "The Steampunk Assassin" Jin Fujiwara

Blue Rhino Cup, Finals: Atonga & Ebisawa versus Strength Through Honour (Strength Ogawa & Honour Katsumoto)

UPJ Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Title Match Cameron Cody & Junichi Matsuo © versus Akito Nakada & Haruko Yamada

Kato versus "God's Favorite" Katsuhiko Ishii

Ten Man Tag Match Hall of the United Throne (Hyotaru Ichigawa, Captain UPJ, Daijiro Otsuka, Otojiro Ikina, and Takanori Sakurai) versus HardRockCity (Juro Deguchi, Danger Asahara, TOKI INK, Hidetsugu Genji, and Joao Iwahara)

Ignite Muscle Army (Erik van Rijn & Bruiser Cassidy) versus Filipino Fire Power (Amado Ocampo & Apolinario)

SHOGUN versus Dustin LeFever

Smash ‘n’ Grab (Koma Kobiashi & Koji Yamada) versus Kinjo-jidai (Waotaka Eda & Torture)

Des Miller versus Álvaro Buey III

Furosuto & Tokyo Tigers (Nakano Yuki & Ryuto Mishamoto) versus Utamara & The Neon Express (Charles Dayton & Jackson Kyle)

Markw · July 21, 2021

Loving this. The quick fire tour results and press conferences work really nicely. You've ended up with a completely different Blue Rhino Cup final to the one I mapped out in my UPJ save.

UPJ International Heavyweight Title Match “The God Emperor” Kintaro Kinjo © versus "The Great Rebel" Oda Yamawaki

Can't see Kinjo losing here, or for some time to be honest, he's just too good.

UPJ Junior Heavyweight Title Match Kozue © versus "The Steampunk Assassin" Jin Fujiwara

Big fan of Jin, and hope he continues to compete at this level, but I can't see Kozue losing the belt so soon after winning it.

Blue Rhino Cup, Finals: Atonga & Ebisawa versus Strength Through Honour (Strength Ogawa & Honour Katsumoto)

Maybe Strength and Honour win here to set up a ready made title match, but I'd keep Atonga and Ebisawa dominant.

UPJ Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Title Match Cameron Cody & Junichi Matsuo © versus Akito Nakada & Haruko Yamada

I love this team so much, hope they hold onto the belts for a while.

Kato versus "God's Favorite" Katsuhiko Ishii

Ishii is amazing but he's in Kinjo's shadow for the time being. Kato is best placed to challenge Kinjo so I can't see him losing here.

Ten Man Tag Match Hall of the United Throne (Hyotaru Ichigawa, Captain UPJ, Daijiro Otsuka, Otojiro Ikina, and Takanori Sakurai) versus HardRockCity (Juro Deguchi, Danger Asahara, TOKI INK, Hidetsugu Genji, and Joao Iwahara)

Juro's the biggest star in this match, so I've got him down to be on the winning team.

Ignite Muscle Army (Erik van Rijn & Bruiser Cassidy) versus Filipino Fire Power (Amado Ocampo & Apolinario)

Hope to see big things from EVR and Cassidy in this diary, big fan of both.

SHOGUN versus Dustin LeFever

Dustin is one of Kinjo's heirs lol, and SHOGUN's probably like third in his stable's Junior pecking order. So even though SHOGUN probably should be winning, I think it'd make sense to give Dustin the victory.

Smash ‘n’ Grab (Koma Kobiashi & Koji Yamada) versus Kinjo-jidai (Waotaka Eda & Torture)

Eda & Torture would have been my Blue Rhino Cup winners. Both great teams and too close to call really, but I hope they get the result.

Des Miller versus Álvaro Buey III

I think we'll see the upset here to get Buey's pop up. Des only has so much time left and he's not going to be a big star now, he can afford to take the loss.

Furosuto & Tokyo Tigers (Nakano Yuki & Ryuto Mishamoto) versus Utamara & The Neon Express (Charles Dayton & Jackson Kyle)

I really like Jackson Kyle, but it's Furosuto. No way he's on the losing side of this.

falling_star · July 22, 2021

Wow, I'm truly blown away by the response here! Thank you for all the predictions, and even more for the comments that have accompanied them. The Blue Rhino Cup Finals should be up this evening, so consider this a "last call" for predictions.

falling_star · July 22, 2021

Blue Rhino Cup Finals

UPJ Blue Rhino Cup Finals - January 14, 2021

Held in Saitama, Kanto, Japan in front of 48,094 fans

FUROSUTO & TOKYO TIGERS

-VERSUS-

UTAMARA & THE NEON EXPRESS

This match was a fast-paced, jaw-dropping affair with two of UPJ's masked juniors heading up trios with a hot, young tag team at their side. Tokyo Tigers were a bit surprising to see beside Furosuto as they usually appear to be more of a heel team while the icy masked man has the crowd firmly behind him. The crowd is starting to take to The Neon Express and their flashy offense, but they clearly chose the wrong horse to run with as Furosuto outperformed Utamara and everyone else in the match to pick up the win for his team by making Jackson Kyle submit to Frostbite.

Furosuto & Tokyo Tigers def. Utamara & Neon Express in 12:25 [RATING: 61]

DES MILLER

-VERSUS-

“THE PUERTO RICAN PITBULL”

ÁLVARO BUEY III

This match was a battle of the mini-hosses, the two impactful middleweights going to war with heavy blows and swift kicks before there is any wrestling on display from either man. Buey III shows more than his share of fire in the contest, controlling the middle section of the bout and looking like he may have it won at a few different points. Just as the crowd seems to clamor for the upset win from The Puerto Rican Pitbull, Miller turns the tide. After several more minutes of work, Miller explodes with devastating offense, picking up the victory himself with a Boom Goes the Dynamite.

Des Miller def. Álvaro Buey III in 10:09 [RATING: 52]

SMASH ‘N’ GRAB

-VERSUS-

WAOTAKA EDA & TORTURE

Many fans feel these two teams were victimized by the Blue Rhino-imposed split between Junior Heavyweight and Heavyweight teams this year, and they certainly performed like four men with something to prove. Kobiashi & Yamada looked good as heavy hitters, while Torture & Eda looked every bit as good taking the punishment and dealing it right back to them. There was a particularly heavy-handed chop section in the middle of the match that few a few hisses and groans for the classically quiet Japanese audience. In the end, the members of Kinjo-dai claim their first victory for The God Emperor of the evening, Eda triumphing over The Man Mountain Yamada with his vicious Eda Driver.

Waotaka Eda & Torture def. Smash ‘n’ Grab (Koma Kobiashi & Koji Yamada) in 16:12 [RATING: 65]

SHOGUN

-VERSUS-

DUSTIN LEFEVER

This was a rematch from Night Eight of the Blue Rhino Cup Tour where LeFever went over SHOGUN. This time the masked man gets the early advantage, and it soon becomes clear these two intend to match the pace of the opening contest. The crowd applauds some of SHOGUN’s aerial maneuvers, but remains silent during anything LeFever does as they hate him so. LeFever shouts at the crowd a few times, demanding they feed his ego, but they continue to remain quiet. SHOGUN and LeFever’s finish involves a game of one-upmanship as they trade dazzling maneuvers for near falls a couple of times before LeFever finishes off the masked man with an Ego Trip.

Dustin LeFever def. SHOGUN in 12:56 [RATING: 58]

IGNITE MUSCLE ARMY

(ERIK VAN RIJN & BRUISER CASSIDY)

-VERSUS-

FILIPINO FIRE POWER

Ocampo & Apolinario come out strong, capitalizing on what they've built with the crowd due to their recent showing in the Blue Rhino Cup. The HardRockCity team are a proverbial house of fire, running roughshod over the big bruisers from Ignite Muscle Army until Bruiser Cassidy emphatically turns it around for his team with a huge slam on Apolinario. As giving as Cassidy and Erik van Rijn were to Filipino Fire Power in the opening of the match, they are every bit as dominating in the second half while practically ragdolling their opponents around. Ocampo gets a big hope spot towards the end, and it looks like Fire Power may turn it around. Of note in the closing moments, van Rijn had his dreaded Van Rijn Hold locked in on Ocampo but he does not submit. However, a Running Elbow puts him down for the pin.

Ignite Muscle Army (Erik van Rijn & Bruiser Cassidy) def. Filipino Fire Power (Amado Ocampo & Apolinario) in 13:11 [RATING: 72]

CAMERON CODY & JUNICHI MATSUO ©

-VERSUS-

AKITO NAKADA & HARUKO YAMADA

Kinjo-jidai go for their second win of the evening in this match, hoping to reclaim the Junior Heavyweight Tag Team titles that were lost at Hall of the Immortals. These four men work at lightning speed in the opening moments, bringing the most sustained applause from the audience yet during a sequence where there are several dives to the outside of the ring. After several spellbinding minutes, the pace settles into some more technical work that also brings applause from the audience. Matsuo plays face-in-peril for a large portion of the middle section, Nakada stretching him and Yamada coming in to work him before the hot tag to Cody. Cameron Cody cleans house before working towards the finish, which sees him hit an Anti-Gravity Matrix on Yamada for the win.

Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Title: Cameron Cody & Junichi Matsuo def. Akito Nakada & Haruko Yamada in 16:06 for their 3rd successful defense [RATING: 70]

HALL OF THE UNITED THRONE

(HYOTARU ICHIGAWA, CAPTAIN UPJ, DAIJIRO OTSUKA, AND VANGUARD)

-VERSUS-

HARDROCKCITY

(JURO DEGUCHI, PUNKROCKCITY, AND WILD)

This match slows the pace back down after the wild Junior Heavyweight Tag Team title match, the fans seemingly more into HardRockCity these days than the beloved Hall of the United Throne. Captain UPJ is still beloved, but the absence of Ryotaro Naruto is sorely felt on this show with Hyotaru Ichigawa leading the charge. Hidetsugu Genji and Joao Iwahara of WILD do all the bumping for HardRockCity in this one while Juro Deguchi, Danger Asahara, and TOKI INK run wild over their opponents whenever they are in the ring. The short match comes to an end when Deguchi pins Otokiro Ikina after a Hard Rock Driver.

HardRockCity (Juro Deguchi, Danger Asahara, TOKI INK, Hidetsugu Genji, and Joao Iwahara) def. Hall of the United Throne (Hyotaru Ichigawa, Captain UPJ, Daijiro Otsuka, Otojiro Ikina, and Takanori Sakurai) in 9:42 [RATING: 56]

BLUE RHINO CUP FINALS

ATONGA & TAHEIJI EBISAWA

-VERSUS-

STRENGTH THROUGH HONOUR

Atonga & Ebisawa have been supremely arrogant heading into this match while their opponents have been reserved but confident. The Ignite Muscle Army duo show why they are the UPJ International Tag Team Champions and why they won the Blue Rhino Cup last year in the early going of the match, winning striking exchanges and hitting some nasty looking suplexes along the way. Strength Through Honour prove to be a tenacious duo, however, taking all the punishment their opponents can dish out and returning it in-kind when given the chance. The wiley veterans eventually gain the upperhand, showcasing some of their classic strong style against their more modern opponents. As the closing moments begin, Ebisawa is looking for another huge suplex on Ogawa, who has been heavily worn down along with his partner. The suplex sends Strength tumbling towards his corner, and he gets a tag to Honour Katsumoto! Honour comes in strong, but Ebisawa looks to reverse his fortunes, whipping Katsumoto towards Atonga in the corner. Katsumoto and Atonga collide headfirst in a gruesome bump, but Katsumoto stumbles back and turns around to hit Ebisawa with a desperate Act of Honour! He is slow to make the pin, but elated to get the three count and the Blue Rhino Cup for his team!

Blue Rhino Cup, Finals: Strength Through Honour (Strength Ogawa & Honour Katsumoto) def. Atonga & Taheiji Ebisawa in 18:01 to win the 2021 Blue Rhino Cup [RATING: 64]

UPJ JUNIOR HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE

KOZUE ©

-VERSUS-

“THE STEAMPUNK ASSASSIN”

JIN FUJIWARA

These two entered the arena to the most extravagant entrances of the night so far, “The Steampunk Assassin” with a large, clockwork machine set on stage that launches steam and pyro and Kozue with a paparazzi-themed entrance where poses with the Junior Heavyweight Championship. The champion looks good in the beginning, seeming to have an answer to every move the challenger makes and taking the advantage with some quick strikes and joint locks. Fujiwara sells like crazy for all the stretches and holds, really playing up Kozue’s offense and getting sympathy with the crowd. The champion cannot stay in control forever, though, and Fujiwara gets a well-timed reversal on an Irish whip that allows him to connect with a huge body press. The Steampunk Assassin sells the toll Kozue’s holds have taken on him before working back towards offense of his own in the middle section of the match. The pair draw applause at several points during their work, and Fujiwara nearly picks up the victory with his Socket Wrench submission but it isn’t enough to do in Kozue. Battling to the very end, it still looks like anyone’s match as they pass the 25-minute mark and head into the finish. The champion hits his K-Drop finisher and goes for the pin, but Fujiwara unbelievably kicks out just before the referee’s hand can hit the mat for the third time. Kozue seems shell shocked to have not finished it with that, shaking his head and dragging himself to his feet to try for something else. He whips his opponent into the ropes, but The Steampunk Assassin rolls through on the return, kips up, turns, and levels Kozue with a stiff lariat! This allows Jin to ascend the ropes and finish off the champion with the Glittering Fujiwara for the win, and his first singles gold in United Promotions Japan!

UPJ Junior Heavyweight Title: Jin Fujiwara def. Kozue to win the title in 28:01 [RATING: 81]

KATO

-VERSUS-

“GOD’S FAVORITE”

KATSUHIKO ISHII

The recently-dubbed “God’s Favorite” showcases a new entrance where he appears to descend from Kintaro Kinjo’s throne room on a golden staircase into the arena. Not one for theatrics, Kato simply marches out on stage to his entrance music and then to the ring with purpose while gnawing on his mouthguard. Ishii arrogantly waves off Kato after the bell rings, turning his nose up, but his opponent stalks across the ring and unleashes with chops and kicks immediately. Kato works him over for a moment before Ishii rolls out of the ring to regroup, Kinjo-jidai’s lackey Mr. Yamashita making an appearance to towel off Ishii and hype him up to reenter the ring. Kato waits patiently, eyes locked on the pair outside the ring until Ishii climbs the ring steps and slides back into the ring between the ropes. From there, the real work begins as Kato and God’s Favorite go back-and-forth with harsh strikes, vicious kicks, and devastating throws generously mixed into the offense of both men. This match is a refreshing, slower pace after the previous bout, but it is no less thrilling to watch as they batter each other until Ishii gains a clear upperhand to work on wearing down the fierce pitbull known as Kato.

After gaining the upperhand, Ishii works up some momentum with stiff shots and the first high risk maneuvers of the bout as he takes to the skies for a falling splash for a near fall. After a few more minutes of work, God’s Favorite nails Kato with his feared Ishii Knee Drop and it looks like the match is over… until Kato kicks out at the last possible second, much to the disbelief of the announcers. Even though he kicked out, there doesn’t seem to be much life in Kato so his opponent sets up for another Knee, but the pitbull moves! Ishii sells the pain for a moment while Kato recovers, the men getting to their feet at roughly the same time-- but Kato charges in with stinging chops to the chest and kicks to the midsection, backing Ishii into the corner and going to work with the shifting momentum. It all leads to a Running Hawk that looks like Kato has won, but, just as his opponent had earlier, Ishii kicks out at the last possible tenth of a second. Kato doesn’t waste any time, pulling Ishii up and going back to work before going big with his Infinity finisher! That does it, and Kato gets the win!

Kato def. Katsuhiko Ishii in 27:33 [RATING: 78]

UPJ INTERNATIONAL HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE

“THE GOD EMPEROR”

KINTARO KINJO ©

-VERSUS-

“THE GREAT REBEL”

ODA YAMAWAKI

“The God Emperor” Kintaro Kinjo’s entrance was grandiose as always while his opponent came out in a leather & chain vest to a classic American hard rock tune. After some heavily embellished ring announcing to introduce the competitors and the stakes, Kinjo and Yamawaki stare each other down in the center of the ring for a moment before laying into one another with heavy blows and quickly spilling outside the ring. They brawl around the outside for a moment in a highly unusual, more American style display that causes the crowd to gasp before taking things back into the squared circle. The momentum swings Kinjo’s way as he works over the back and neck of Yamawaki for a while, focusing on those areas as the most affected by his threatened but rarely seen Godkill finisher. The God Emperor reigns supreme early on, but The Great Rebel isn’t one to be held down for long, and he mounts a comeback as we move past the ten minute mark in the match.

Yamawaki throws some of his patented, quicksnap kicks, battering Kinjo’s legs and ribs. The God Emperor is reeling, his attempt to reverse their fortunes fails, and minutes later he finds himself in Yamawaki’s Sumida Bridge pinning combination for a two count! Yamawaki rushes to go on the offensive again after the Bridge is broken, but Kinjo pulls him headfirst into a turnbuckle. This allows both men a moment to recover, and why they meet again, it is Kinjo who takes control and he once again works on the neck and back of The Great Rebel. Yamawaki looks rough from the repeated blows, but he eventually doesn't sell a big headbutt, screaming at Kinjo for more! Another headbutt, and another no sell… Kinjo is shocked! Yamawaki fires back with a stiff chop and quicksnap kick to the midsection, then chops and axehandles at his back before hitting his Tokyo Tower finisher! Yamawaki sells the beating he has taken so far, collapsing to the mat, unable to capitalize on hitting his finisher as we cross the twenty minute mark of the match.

The Great Rebel eventually makes a cover, but he once again only gets a two count as too much time had passed between the impact and the pinfall. Not one to let himself get distracted, Yamawaki tries to go back on the offensive but it is Kinjo who bests him and regains the upperhand. Instead of working the same body parts this time, Kinjo unloads with a renewed fire and an added lip curl of disgust whenever the camera is on him. The God Emperor works his way towards executing Emperor of the Throne on The Great Rebel, but he doesn’t even attempt a pinfall! He arrogantly brushes off his shoulder, and wipes his boots on the mat near his fallen opponent before signalling for the Godkill as 30 minutes pass in the match.

Kinjo lifts Yamawaki up, but The Great Rebel shows some signs of life and fights back! They trade blows for a moment, but Kinjo fires off another devastating headbutt and immediately follows up with a Blue Flash! He takes a moment to point to his head, indicating that he outsmarted everyone, and makes the pinfall to retain in his first defense of the UPJ International Heavyweight Championship.

UPJ International Heavyweight Title: Kintaro Kinjo def. Oda Yamawaki in 33:20 to make his first defense [RATING: 72]

FINAL SHOW RATING: 73

PPV BUYRATE: 1.13

UPJ+ SUBSCRIBERS: 708,257

POST-SHOW PRESS CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS

"The God Emperor" Kintaro Kinjo in response to being asked why we did not see the Godkill tonight- "I fooled you all, especially The Great Fool himself, Oda Yamawaki. Why would I tell you my gameplan? Why would The God Emperor do himself the disservice of revealing his plans to his opponent before going to war? There was no Godkill planned for tonight; no Godkill required to dispose of The Great Fool. My reign will be long, and glorious... The Great Fool was never a threat to my throne."

Kato when a reporter tries to give him the nickname The Silver Pitbull- "No. I am Kato, no. I fight with the spirit and tenacity of a pitbull, but I do not require any nickname. I am Kato, and my opponents know when they have faced me. Ask Katsuhiko Ishii if he still feels like God's Favorite after our meeting in the ring tonight."

"The Steampunk Assassin" Jin Fujiwara on winning his first singles title in UPJ- "It is my great honor to hold this Junior Heavyweight Championship. I have held tag team gold, and I won, for the first time, the Junior Mountain Cup last year. But, to hold this belt that so many greats have held... to now be mentioned in the lineage along with Thunder Iesada and Silver Beetle? It is my great dream come true."

Honour Katsumoto on the thrill of winning the Blue Rhino Cup- "It is a great thrill, a great thrill. We knew they would overlook us, and they tried. Now they have no choice but to look right at us, because we are coming for the International Tag Team titles!"

"The Puerto Rican Pitbull" Álvaro Buey III on his lack of success recently- ”It sucks, you know? It just sucks. I’m here, putting in the work, and something’s not translating yet. But I’ll get it. I’ll get it, I can feel it. I was so close to beating Miller tonight, I know I was… he knows I was. If he don’t admit that, man… he’s lying to himself.”

</div>

falling_star · July 22, 2021

Blue Rhino Cup Finals Prediction Results

Tiberious - 9 of 11

Willsky - 6 of 11

kanegan - 7 of 11

Deamon - 9 of 11

jhd1 - 8 of 11

229tman - 9 of 11

MHero - 10 of 11

scmurph01 - 8 for 11

Markw - 8 for 11

Looks like MHero gets the first prediction win, but scmurph01 was the only person to successfully predict The Rise of Jin Fujiwara!

Wow, nine predictors for the first big show? Thank you all, and thanks to all the readers who didn't predict as well (I see that view count rising!). As I said, I'll be keeping track of prediction wins for an unannounced prize in the future (that's a fancy way of saying I'm not sure what or when yet haha).

Yokai · July 23, 2021

Missed predictions but a great show nonetheless falling_star! Excited to see where you go from here.

229tman · July 23, 2021

Dang sad my boy Kozue lost but I'm still happy with outcome

falling_star · July 23, 2021

<img alt="qndI1mz.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/qndI1mz.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

<div style="text-align:left;"><div style="text-align:center;">UPJ PRESS RELEASE - February 4, 2021

Tokyo, Kanto, Japan

THREE NEW COMPETITORS JOIN JUNIOR HEAVYWEIGHT DIVISION

<img alt="n7vFuIG.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/n7vFuIG.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="AnmnGaU.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/AnmnGaU.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="eD3tN86.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/eD3tN86.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

DAGA VERDE | DEREK GRACE | HIRYU</div>

Daga Verde is Mexican-born, Japan-bred second generation luchador who brings mat prowess along with aerial flair to the ring. He has competed the world over, including in his Mexican homeland, but will now make his home in the world famous Junior Heavyweight Division of United Promotions Japan.

Derek Grace is an American professional wrestler who has long dreamed of competing in Japan, and will now get his chance on the biggest stage the country has to offer. Grace is a veteran of the Become A Star project, and looks to translate his good fortune into success and championship gold for his new promotional home.

Hiryu is a mysterious, masked hero who comes flying into United Promotions Japan like his infamous Dragon Descent finisher. The flashy superhero will make his debut at Showdown in Gifu against a tall test: the robotic, masked Utamara. All three men will see action during the upcoming Showdown series, as well as the debuting Fergus Storm.

United Promotions Japan’s historic Junior Heavyweight division is getting bigger and better by the day, offering action unmatched anywhere else in the world! The Showdown series will conclude in Hiroshima this year, with both the Junior Heavyweight title and the International Tag Team titles on the line!

</div>

</div></div>

falling_star · July 23, 2021

<div style="text-align:center;"><div style="width:1000px;padding:7px;border-right: 10px groove #708090;border-left: ridge 10px #708090;background:rgba(169,169,169,0.43)margin:10px;background: #F9F9F9; max-width:60%";"><img alt="qndI1mz.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/qndI1mz.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

<div style="text-align:left;"><div style="text-align:center;">UPJ Showdown in Gifu - February 6, 2021

Held in Gifu, Chubu, Japan in front of 30,000 fans

Broadcast LIVE on UPJ+</div>

<ol style="list-style-type:decimal;"><li>In a bout that had sub-par wrestling and little heat, Hiryu shockingly def. Utamara in 12:24 with a Dragon Descent [RATING: 46] </li><li>In a decent match, Flilipino Fire Power (Amado Ocampo & Apolinario) def. Vanguard (Takanori Sakurai & Otojiro Ikina) in 12:36 when Ocampo pinned Ikina after Greetings From The Islands [RATING: 60] </li><li>In a bout that had a decent reaction from the crowd but sup-par wrestling, “The Puerto Rican Pitbull” Álvaro Buey III def. Daijiro Otsuka in 12:45 with a Buey Bomb III [RATING: 49] </li><li>In a decent match, Fergus Storm def. SHOGUN in 16:03 with a Tartan Surprise [RATING: 55] </li><li>In a bout that had great heat and decent wrestling, Erik van Rijn def. Ukon Kajahara in 18:14 with a Running Elbow [RATING: 70] </li><li>In a six-man match with great heat and decent wrestling, Hall of the United Throne (Ryotaro Naruto, Hyotaru Ichigawa, and “The Steampunk Assassin” Jin Fujiwara def. Kinjo-jidai (Kintaro Kinjo, Katsuhiko Ishii, and Dustin LeFever) in 27:13 when Naruto pinned LeFever with a Naruto Driver [RATING: 68] </li><li>In a bout that had fantastic heat and decent wrestling, Kato def. Juro Deguchi in 35:49 with a Running Hawk [RATING: 53] </li></ol>

<div style="text-align:right;">SHOW RATING: 64

UPJ+ SUBSCRIBERS: 664,584</div>

POST-SHOW PRESS CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS</div>

Juro Deguchi on what went wrong in the main event- "I have been working through some injuries, and tonight Kato, tough son of a bitch that he is, injured my arm early in the fight. I think I'm going to need to take some time off and heal up, or I risk losing my status in United Promotions Japan. I can compete at less than one hundred percent, but I don't think I can compete as I am sitting here tonight."

Ryotaro Naruto on his return to the ring after being injured by Katsuhiko Ishii- "I only wish that I could have pinned Ishii himself in the match tonight instead of Kinjo's other protege. But, make no mistake, I am still coming for Katsuhiko Ishii; in fact, I want to lay out a challenge to him here tonight: meet me in Hiroshima!"

Fergus Storm on making his in-ring debut for UPJ- "Dream come true; dream come true. As I said before, it has been my dream to come here... and don't think just because I'm playing nice tonight that I've turned over a new leaf. I'm just here so Sonada-san doesn't fine me."

Hiryu on his amazing debut win against Utamara- "I am humbled to win my first match for United Promotions Japan, especially against a talent like Utamara. I look forward to a great Springtime Dash tour coming up, and hopefully many more wins in my future. Thank you."

“The Puerto Rican Pitbull” Álvaro Buey on his win tonight- "It felt good, it felt real good. I gotta feeling it's just the first of many, and there are big things on the horizon for me. Big, big things."

</div>

</div></div>

Big Roguey · July 23, 2021

Fergus "Marshawn Lynch is my idol" Storm. <img alt="

" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

falling_star · July 23, 2021

<div style="text-align:center;"><div style="width:1000px;padding:7px;border-right: 10px groove #708090;border-left: ridge 10px #708090;background:rgba(169,169,169,0.43)margin:10px;background: #F9F9F9; max-width:60%";"><img alt="qndI1mz.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/qndI1mz.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

<div style="text-align:left;"><div style="text-align:center;">UPJ Showdown in Fukuoka - February 13, 2021

Held in Fukuoka, Kyushu, Japan in front of 33,051 fans

Broadcast LIVE on UPJ+</div>

<ol style="list-style-type:decimal;"><li>In a poor match, Cameron Cody, Junichi Matsuo, and Hiryu def. Utamara & The Neon Express (Charles Dayton & Jackson Kyle) in 11:35 when Hiryu pinned Dayton after a Dragon Descent [RATING: 63] </li><li>In a bout that had decent wrestling but little heat, Fergus Storm def. Derek Grace in 13:07 with a Tartan Surprise [RATING: 61] </li><li>In a decent match, Ignite Muscle Army (Atonga, Taheiji Ebisawa, and “The Puerto Rican Pitbull” Álvaro Buey III) def. Hall of the United Throne (Otojiro Ikinda, Strength Ogawa, and Honour Katsumoto) in 17:20 when Buey III pinned Ikinda after a Buey Bomb III [RATING: 64] </li><li>Captain UPJ came out with his Hall of the United Throne teammates and cut a promo [RATING: 55] </li><li>In a bout that had good heat and decent wrestling, Kinjo-jidai (Mr. Yamashita, Waotaka Eda, and Torture) def. Hall of the United Throne (Hyotaru Ichigawa, Captain UPJ, and Daijiro Otsuka) in 19:58 when Mr. Yamashita defeated Captain UPJ with Driven Underground [RATING: 40] </li><li>In a bout that had great heat and decent wrestling, Ryotaro Naruto def. Dustin LeFever in 16:26 by pinfall with a Naruto Driver [RATING: 48] </li><li>In a bout that had great heat and decent wrestling, Kozue & Magnum Idol def. Jin Fujiwara & SHOGUN when Magnum Idol pinned SHOGUN after a Magnum Strike [RATING: 75] </li><li>In a bout that had fantastic heat and great wrestling, Erik van Rijn def. Oda Yamawaki in 33:25 by submission with a Van Rijn Hold [RATING: 72] </li></ol>

<div style="text-align:right;">SHOW RATING: 70

UPJ+ SUBSCRIBERS: 719,825</div>

POST-SHOW PRESS CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS</div>

Kozue introduced his new protege Magnum Idol to the press- “I would like everyone to meet Kozue’s new protege… it is your great honor for me to introduce to you the Magnum Idol. It is clear to me that going it alone in UPJ is all too hard, and yet, there are no factions worthy of Kozue’s presence in their ranks. So I found someone worthy of Kozue’s company and guidance, and he is here with me now in UPJ.”

Erik van Rijn on what’s next for Ignite Muscle Army- “We’ve got our eyes set on the Ozeki Summit, I can tell you that much. Kato has picked up some big wins lately, I’ve picked up some big wins lately, our boys still have the International Tag Team titles no matter what happened at the Blue Rhino Cup Finals. So, what’s next for Ignite Muscle Army? The God Emperor himself… we’ve got our sights set on Kintaro Kinjo and that International Heavyweight Championship.”

Atonga on the newest member of Ignite Muscle Army, “The Puerto Rican Pitbull” Álvaro Buey III- “We seen the fire in this one’s eyes, we seen the fight in this Puerto Rican Pitbull. Y’all saw it last week in Gifu, and y’all saw it again tonight in Fukuoka. This man got his head on straight now, it’s all business from here on out. IGNITE MUSCLE ARMY!” Ending, as always, with a bark and a hand sign, which Buey III matches this time.

</div>

</div></div>

falling_star · July 23, 2021

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="MHero" data-cite="MHero" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="53369" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Fergus "Marshawn Lynch is my idol" Storm. <img alt=":p" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></blockquote> I knew as soon as I had Sonada fine him for his behavior that I was going to have him say that at a press conference. <img alt=":p" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

falling_star · July 23, 2021

<div style="text-align:center;"><div style="width:1000px;padding:7px;border-right: 10px groove #708090;border-left: ridge 10px #708090;background:rgba(169,169,169,0.43)margin:10px;background: #F9F9F9; max-width:60%";"><img alt="qndI1mz.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/qndI1mz.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

<div style="text-align:left;"><div style="text-align:center;">UPJ Showdown in Okayama - February 19, 2021

Held in Okayama, Chugoku, Japan in front of 30,000 fans

Broadcast LIVE on UPJ+</div>

<ol style="list-style-type:decimal;"><li>In a bout that had great wrestling but little heat, SHOGUN def. Daga Verde in 13:30 by pinfall after a Thrust Kick [RATING: 53] </li><li>In a bout that had a decent reaction from the crowd but sub-par wrestling, Hall of the United Throne (Ryotaro Naruto, Hyotaru Ichigawa, Takanori Sakurai, and Otojiro Ikinda) def. HardRockCity (Amado Ocampo, Apolinario, Danger Asahara, and TOKI INK) in 10:36 when Naruto pinned Ocampo after a Naruto Driver [RATING: 51] </li><li>In a poor match, Utamara def. Derek Grace in 13:04 with an Utamara Bomber [RATING: 55] </li><li>UPJ Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Title Match: In a bout that had decent wrestling but didn’t have much heat, Cameron Cody & Junichi Matsuo def. The Neon Express (Charles Dayton & Jackson Kyle) in 13:10 when Cody pinned Dayton after an Anti-Gravity Matric to make their fourth title defense [RATING: 61] </li><li>In a bout that had good heat and decent wrestling, Strength Through Honour (Strength Ogawa & Honour Katsumoto) def. Waotaka Eda & Torture in 18:25 when Strength pinned Eda after a Strength of Courage [RATING: 44] </li><li>In a bout that had fantastic heat and decent wrestling, Furosuto def. Magnum Idol in 15:28 with a Final Sign of Frost [RATING: 76] </li><li>In a bout that had fantastic heat and great wrestling, Kinjo-jidai (Kintaro Kinjo, Katsuhiko Ishii, and Dustin LeFever) def. Ignite Muscle Army (Kato, Atonga, and Taheiji Ebisawa) in 35:02 when Kinjo pinned Kato following a Blue Flash </li></ol>

<div style="text-align:right;">SHOW RATING: 71

UPJ+ SUBSCRIBERS: 710,611</div>

POST-SHOW PRESS CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS</div>

"The God Emperor" Kintaro Kinjo on pinning one of his top challengers in the six-man main event- "Why must you ask me these questions with such surprise? I am The God Emperor for a reason, I have this belt with me for a reason. Kato is no challenger to my throne, and I have proven that tonight in Okayama."

Magnum Idol on his loss to Furosuto- “It’s a travesty, plain and simple.. Furosuto knew he couldn’t beat me easily, so he pulled out his super move… my head! My head still hurts! Did he mess up my face? Kozue will not be happy about this… he will not!"

Strength Ogawa on getting the win for his team heading into their Tag Team title match in Hiroshima- “It is always an honour to bring victory to my team, and especially to pick up momentum heading into our title match. It has been far too long since my partner and I have held championship gold, but that will all change next week.”

Daga Verde on his first match in UPJ- "I would be happier with a different outcome, but I am thrilled to be here all the same. I will learn from this, and I will come out better next time."

</div>

</div></div>

falling_star · July 24, 2021

<div style="text-align:center;"><div style="width:1000px;padding:7px;border-right: 10px groove #708090;border-left: ridge 10px #708090;background:rgba(169,169,169,0.43)margin:10px;background: #F9F9F9; max-width:60%";"><img alt="Vb6Winc.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Vb6Winc.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

<img alt="qndI1mz.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/qndI1mz.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

<div style="text-align:left;"><div style="text-align:center;">PRESS CONFERENCE

February 23, 2021 from Hiroshima, Chugoku, Japan

Presented by Blue Rhino, UPJ+, Future Network TV, and Fokkusutēru Whiskey

<img alt="V0nTyjK.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/V0nTyjK.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

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

<img alt="XYV8JhD.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/XYV8JhD.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="6w5IjYd.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/6w5IjYd.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

■ Kenta Sonada is the representative present for United Promotions Japan once again. He thanks everyone on behalf of UPJ and Blue Rhino for making their Showdown series a success so far, and says they couldn't be more excited to wrap up the series in Hiroshima. He says that, every year, the Blue Rhino Cup offers exciting action and that this year’s result is one of the most interesting yet. UPJ International Tag Team Champions Atonga & Taheiji Ebisawa were heavy favorites heading into the finals, but they were unable to repeat as Cup Champions. Instead, Strength Through Honour (Strength Ogawa & Honour Katsumoto) claimed the Cup and, by virtue of their victory over the champions, were awarded an International Tag Team title shot.

Sonada brings out the challengers first, followed by the champions, all four men coming out and taking a seat at the table as cameras flash and click. After a few standard questions, one reporter asks Strength Ogawa if he is starting to feel his age in the ring. Ogawa laughs and responds, “I have been feeling my age for some time, but those sweet victories always make it worth it. Victory will be especially sweet this Saturday in Hiroshima.”

Atonga chuckles at this response, and a reporter asks him if he is amused by the answer. “I’m amused by everything these old fools do. They got lucky one time… ONE TIME! Then they think they born again, brand new. But I got news for Old Man Strength & Old Foggey Honour, that young fantasy they living comes to an end this Saturday in Hiroshima. Period! Ignite Muscle Army!” A bark and a hand sign as always, Ebisawa flashing the sign as well this time.

After a few more questions, the UPJ representative thanks both teams and has them pose for further pictures before sending them away.

<img alt="j037DhE.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/j037DhE.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="MsJZWvt.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/MsJZWvt.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

■ Sonada says that Showdown in Hiroshima will feature a deeply personal match with one man out for vengeance after being put on the shelf for nearly a month. He introduces Ryotaro Naruto first, and then brings out the arrogant ”God’s Favorite” Katsuhiko Ishii. The tension in the room immediately rises as the pair sit down at the table, Ishii turning up his nose in Naruto’s direction before taking a drink of water from his bottle.

As the questions begin, Ishii loudly clears his throat every time Naruto starts to answer, interrupting numerous questions before Naruto lets out a frustrated scoff. “This guy… he thinks he’s going to get under my skin with his high and mighty routine, but I am unphased. I know what I want, what I have to have, and that is victory over God’s Favorite. This isn’t about titles or even earning title matches, this is about putting the scales even once again. Katsuhiko Ishii, you injured me… you stopped me from competing for almost a month. I have to beat you in Hiroshima, and you are going to taste defeat at my hands!”

A reporter simply asks Ishii for his response, and he lets out a full laugh. “Ryotaro Naruto is nothing but a fly buzzing around my head, and I will swat him way in Hiroshima once and for all. He is sitting right next to me, and I won’t even address him directly, because a fly is nothing to God’s Favorite. I do not acknowledge him, nor do I respect him. If he is upset about being injured in the ring, why should that be my fault? He blames me for his own shortcomings, and I have no respect for excuses. None.”

The gathered reporters gasp in shock as Ishii stands up and pours his bottle of water over Naruto’s head! Kenta Sonada has to separate them after that, and lets Ishii know he is very unhappy with this course of action. Ishii simply laughs, turning away from Sonada and the wet Naruto and walking off stage. Sonada takes a moment to calm Naruto before sending him backstage, and apologizing to the press for that display. He tries to turn the moment around with a joke about how much more dangerous his new job is than his old one.

<img alt="LnTOWUx.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/LnTOWUx.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="9nNccDu.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/9nNccDu.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="sm8I3wA.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/sm8I3wA.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

■ Sonada announces that the main event at Showdown in Hiroshima will be a Junior Heavyweight Championship rematch from the Blue Rhino Cup Finals, seeing former champion Kozue get a chance to regain his title from new champion “The Steampunk Assassin” Jin Fujiwara. He introduces the challenger first, who comes out with Magnum Idol by his side; they are wearing nearly matching outfits, and both look very finely coiffed. The champion is out second, wearing his goggles and black button-up shirt with a clockwork heart charm on his necklace.

The first reporter asks Fujiwara if he is nervous about making his first defense, and the champion shakes his head. “No, nerves cannot factor into the equation in this business. I am never nervous to step into the ring and compete, and certainly not with a competitor, talented as he may be, that I have already bested. That’s not arrogance, it’s just the way I have always viewed things. I am not nervous, I am eager… eager to step into the ring and perform for the fans, eager to prove why I am now the best Junior Heavyweight in United Promotions Japan.” Kozue and Idol whisper to each other, Kozue nodding in agreement as the press watch for a moment before asking more questions.

Eventually, a reporter asks Kozue if he feels ready for his rematch. “Kozue is always ready. Kozue has never not been ready. What happened in Saitama was a mistake, plain and simple. An error of fate. It will not happen again, and Kozue will right the fates when Kozue reclaims his Junior Heavyweight Championship. Kozue is new and improved with Magnum Idol by Kozue’s side, and the odds tip in Kozue’s favor with this new package deal: Magnum Idol and Kozue.”

After a few more questions, the pair pose for photos with Magnum Idol just offset near Kozue and leave the stage.

Kenta Sonada thanks everyone for coming on behalf of their sponsors once again, adding that UPJ+ is sure to hit their mark of one million subscribers by November. He says that the official card is available now on their website, and in a press release available for the reporters on their way out.

</div>

SHOWDOWN IN HIROSHIMA {FINALIZED CARD}

LIVE FROM HIROSHIMA ON UPJ+ - FEBRUARY 27, 2021

UPJ Junior Heavyweight Title Match “The Steampunk Assassin” Jin Fujiwara © versus Kozue

Six Man Tag Kinjo-jidai (“The God Emperor” Kintaro Kinjo, Waotaka Eda, and Torture) versus Hall of the United Throne (Hyotaru Ichigawa, Takanori Sakurai, and Otojiro Ikina)

“God’s Favorite” Katsuhiko Ishii versus Ryotaro Naruto

UPJ International Tag Team Title Match Atonga & Taheiji Ebisawa © versus Strength Through Honour

Six Man Tag Ignite Muscle Army (Kato, Erik van Rijn, and Álvaro Buey III) versus HardRockCity (Juro Deguchi, Danger Asahra, and TOKI INK)

Furosuto versus Fergus Storm

</div>

</div></div>

Tiberious · July 24, 2021

I feel like having Fujiwara win it and then immediately lose it back to Kozue would really kill his credibility as a top star.

Six Man Tag Kinjo-jidai (“The God Emperor” Kintaro Kinjo, Waotaka Eda, and Torture) versus Hall of the United Throne (Hyotaru Ichigawa, Takanori Sakurai, and Otojiro Ikina)

This could be a handicap match and I'd still go for Kinjo here.

“God’s Favorite” Katsuhiko Ishii versus Ryotaro Naruto

Ishii could really use a big win after being the set up guy for Kinjo, while Naruto's best days are behind him.

I could see Strength through Honour being transitional champions if you were looking to push Atonga & Ebisawa as singles challengers, but it seems way too soon for that; especially since they already beat them once.

Six Man Tag Ignite Muscle Army (Kato, Erik van Rijn, and Álvaro Buey III) versus HardRockCity (Juro Deguchi, Danger Asahra, and TOKI INK)

Poor Deguchi needs some R&R.

Furosuto versus Fergus Storm

Should be a good match, but Furosuto is just too good to lose here. I imagine he'll be challenging for the belt sooner or later.

Yokai · July 24, 2021

UPJ Junior Heavyweight Title Match “The Steampunk Assassin” Jin Fujiwara © versus Kozue

Love me some Kozue but too soon for Fujiwara to lose the belt.

Six Man Tag Kinjo-jidai (“The God Emperor” Kintaro Kinjo, Waotaka Eda, and Torture) versus Hall of the United Throne (Hyotaru Ichigawa, Takanori Sakurai, and Otojiro Ikina)

Only way I could see Kinjo losing is to set up a title match down the road but none of these guys are at his level.

“God’s Favorite” Katsuhiko Ishii versus Ryotaro Naruto

One guy headed up the card and another aging down. Ishii gets a rebound win after his loss to Kato.

UPJ International Tag Team Title Match Atonga & Taheiji Ebisawa © versus Strength Through Honour

Strength Through Honour could win so the other two can move on to singles runs but feels too soon for that.

Six Man Tag Ignite Muscle Army (Kato, Erik van Rijn, and Álvaro Buey III) versus HardRockCity (Juro Deguchi, Danger Asahra, and TOKI INK)

Keep EVR’s momentum going.

Furosuto versus Fergus Storm

Fergus is great but seems like no chance he wins here. Furosuto should be challenging for the belt soon.

scmurph01 · July 24, 2021

Six Man Tag Kinjo-jidai (“The God Emperor” Kintaro Kinjo, Waotaka Eda, and Torture) versus Hall of the United Throne (Hyotaru Ichigawa, Takanori Sakurai, and Otojiro Ikina)

“God’s Favorite” Katsuhiko Ishii versus Ryotaro Naruto

Six Man Tag Ignite Muscle Army (Kato, Erik van Rijn, and Álvaro Buey III) versus HardRockCity (Juro Deguchi, Danger Asahra, and TOKI INK)

Furosuto versus Fergus Storm

Willsky · July 24, 2021

I don't think he drops the belt straight back

Six Man Tag Kinjo-jidai (“The God Emperor” Kintaro Kinjo, Waotaka Eda, and Torture) versus Hall of the United Throne (Hyotaru Ichigawa, Takanori Sakurai, and Otojiro Ikina)

Not very familiar with the other team, so I gotta pick Kinjo-jidai

“God’s Favorite” Katsuhiko Ishii versus Ryotaro Naruto

Ishii is horrible so I hope Naruto wins to teach him a lesson

Why not have them win again?

Six Man Tag Ignite Muscle Army (Kato, Erik van Rijn, and Álvaro Buey III) versus HardRockCity (Juro Deguchi, Danger Asahra, and TOKI INK)

Ignite Muscle Army have been more prominent so far, so I see them winning

Furosuto versus Fergus Storm

Storm seems like a gaijin you're pushing, so he gets a good debut showing, but not a win yet.

Sign In

United Promotions Japan - Can You Hear The Thunder? [TVerse]

Recommended Posts

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Top Posters In This Topic

Popular Days

Top Posters In This Topic

Popular Days

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Join the conversation