The Tiger and the Dragon [SAISHO, C'Verse]

[Theheel]

Main Event

Singles Match

No Time Limit

A-1 Grand Prix Finals

Lion Genji (6-0-1) versus KAZ (6-0-1)

 

Semi-Final Match

Tag Team Match

Forty-Five Minute Time Limit

Destiny Tag Team Championship

Challengers Mitsukuri & Kinoshita versus 23rd Champions The Hurt

 

Singles Match

Twenty Minute Time Limit

"Glorious" Logan Diaz versus Yasuhide Tayama

 

Singles Match

Twenty Minute Time Limit

"The Golden Lion" Ryobe Uno versus Sozen Ishinomori

 

Singles Match

Twenty Minute Time Limit

Masafumi Torii versus Frankie Perez

 

Singles Match

Twenty Minute Time Limit

Iron Hyodo versus Danjuro Kikuchi

 

Opening Match

Ten Man Tag Team Match

Twenty Minute Time Limit

Gidayu Katou, Akamatsu & Nakazawa, and Arakaki & Serizawa versus Ogai Miki, Kakinomoto & Koizumi, and Mizoguchi & Sekozawa

[Dalton]

<p>Sunday, Week 2, March 2020</p><p>

Live at Matsumoto Hall, University of Tokyo, Tohoku Region</p><p> </p><p>

Main Event</p><p>

Singles Match</p><p>

No Time Limit</p><p>

A-1 Grand Prix Finals</p><p>

<strong>Lion Genji</strong> (6-0-1) versus KAZ (6-0-1)</p><p> </p><p>

Semi-Final Match</p><p>

Tag Team Match</p><p>

Forty-Five Minute Time Limit</p><p>

Destiny Tag Team Championship</p><p>

Challengers Mitsukuri & Kinoshita versus 23rd Champions <strong>The Hurt</strong></p><p> </p><p>

Singles Match</p><p>

Twenty Minute Time Limit</p><p>

<strong>"Glorious" Logan Diaz </strong>versus Yasuhide Tayama</p><p> </p><p>

Singles Match</p><p>

Twenty Minute Time Limit</p><p>

"The Golden Lion" Ryobe Uno versus <strong>Sozen Ishinomori</strong></p><p> </p><p>

Singles Match</p><p>

Twenty Minute Time Limit</p><p>

<strong>Masafumi Torii</strong> versus Frankie Perez</p><p> </p><p>

Singles Match</p><p>

Twenty Minute Time Limit</p><p>

Iron Hyodo versus <strong>Danjuro Kikuchi</strong></p><p> </p><p>

Opening Match</p><p>

Ten Man Tag Team Match</p><p>

Twenty Minute Time Limit</p><p>

<strong>Gidayu Katou, Akamatsu & Nakazawa, and Arakaki & Serizawa</strong> versus Ogai Miki, Kakinomoto & Koizumi, and Mizoguchi & Sekozawa</p>

[Historian]

<p>SAISHO 2020 A-1 Grand Prix Finale</p><p> </p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><div style="padding: 15px; border: 3px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #c0c0c0; max-width:60%;box-shadow: 0 6px 12px ";"></p><p>

<img alt="nPDvcMs.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/nPDvcMs.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><div style="text-align:center;"><p> </p><p>

<img alt="DLeBiGm.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/DLeBiGm.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>

Matsumoto Hall, University of Tokyo, Tohoku Region</strong></span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">

</span><span style="color:#000000;"><em>Sun. W2 March 2020</em></span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;"><em>

227 Fans, an increase of 20 fans from last major show</em></span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">

</span><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>Opening Match</strong></span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">

Ten Man Tag Team Match</span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">

Twenty Minute Time Limit</span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">

</span><img alt="5OL6A2M.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/5OL6A2M.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="jgMUaav.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/jgMUaav.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="hVMQyVK.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/hVMQyVK.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="7zvsayH.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/7zvsayH.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="1MJuq49.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/1MJuq49.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">

</span><img alt="mmWyz8z.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/mmWyz8z.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">

</span><img alt="i5C4Yky.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/i5C4Yky.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="8alTEDp.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/8alTEDp.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="ZbsdXj5.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/ZbsdXj5.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="m9V2YPi.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/m9V2YPi.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="Dsjeh5f.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Dsjeh5f.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">

Gidayu Katou, Akamatsu & Nakazawa, and Arakaki & Serizawa versus Ogai Miki, Kakinomoto & Koizumi, and Mizoguchi & Sekozawa</span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">

The opening contest was a ten man tag where Gidayu Katou had the opportunity to team with two sets of former Destiny Tag Team Champions against a team of mixed veterans and Young Lions Kakinomoto and Koizumi. The match was built around allowing Katou a platform to shine. After going 0-7 in the A-1, Katou came out with something to prove. He had a lot of intensity in his strikes and definitely was able to hit a big headbutt on Ogai Miki that echoed off the lecture halls. Arakai and Serizawa also used the match as a chance to reestablish themselves as a duo after losing the Tag Titles two months ago to The Hurt. In the end of the contest, Katou’s Lariat on Kakinomoto scored the victory for his side.</span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">

In a decent match, Gidayu Katou, Akamatsu & Nakazawa and Arakaki & Serizawa defeated Ogai Miki, Kakinomoto & Koizumi and Mizoguchi & Sekozawa in 18:05 when Gidayu Katou pinned Jinzaburo Kakinomoto with a Lariat. </span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">

</span><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Match Rating</span></span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">

</span><img alt="CLoJzYE.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/CLoJzYE.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p><span style="color:#000000;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">

</span><img alt="nPDvcMs.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/nPDvcMs.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p><span style="color:#000000;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">

</span><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>Singles Match</strong></span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">

Twenty Minute Time Limit</span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">

</span><img alt="bDZ9ojl.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/bDZ9ojl.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="mmWyz8z.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/mmWyz8z.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="HDQ1SRj.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/HDQ1SRj.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">

Iron Hyodo versus Danjuro Kikuchi</span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">

The second contest of the night was a technical masterclass between Miwa protege and Club Miwa representative Iron Hyodo and Makioka-Gun representative Danjuro Kikuchi. Kikcuhi was looking to rebound here from his loss in the Roll with the Dragon Tournament and reestablish himself as a threat in the dragon division while Iron Hyodo continues to look to take steps to no longer be a young lion and prove himself among the elite of SAISHO. Kikuchi controlled most of the match -- as is the way of the non young lions, and focused on Hyodo’s left leg. Kikuchi attacked it with a variety of submission holds and moves designed to cause swelling and constrict Hyodo’s movement. Hyodo was valiant in the way he fought back, but ultimately Kikuchi locked in the </span><span style="color:#000000;"><em>Step Over Leg Bar</em></span><span style="color:#000000;"> and Hyodo was forced to submit to save his leg from more serious injury.</span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">

In a decent match, Danjuro Kikuchi defeated Iron Hyodo in 17:55 by submission with a Step Over Leg Bar. </span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">

</span><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Match Rating</span></span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">

</span><img alt="5etM6Na.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/5etM6Na.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p><span style="color:#000000;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">

</span><img alt="nPDvcMs.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/nPDvcMs.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p><span style="color:#000000;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">

</span><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>Singles Match</strong></span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">

Twenty Minute Time Limit</span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">

</span><img alt="FtCXoB1.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/FtCXoB1.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="mmWyz8z.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/mmWyz8z.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="RggdmBr.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/RggdmBr.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">

Masafumi Torii versus Frankie Perez</span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">

Our third match presented the return to Japan of Frankie Perez. Perez hasn’t worked in Japan since 2018 when WLW could no longer afford to bring the man also known as “Killswitch” overseas. The stand out Perez had a tough return match here against vicious striker Masafumi Torii. This was a hard hitting affair with both men implementing a kick-heavy offense. Perez hit a beautiful springboard knee strike to the side of Torii’s head that stumbled him and caused a cut to open up. Torii has been known to be an easy bleeder (and that’s hardway). Perez followed that knee strike up with the </span><span style="color:#000000;"><em>P-Clutch</em></span><span style="color:#000000;"> and got a submission victory in his return much to the delight of the fans who remember him from WLW.</span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">

In a bout that had good wrestling and a decent reaction from the crowd, Frankie Perez defeated Masafumi Torii in 13:35 by submission with a P-Clutch. </span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">

</span><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Match Rating</span></span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">

</span><img alt="W82UlP3.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/W82UlP3.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p><span style="color:#000000;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">

</span><img alt="nPDvcMs.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/nPDvcMs.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p><span style="color:#000000;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">

</span><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>Singles Match</strong></span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">

Twenty Minute Time Limit</span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">

</span><img alt="zlEFdiR.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/zlEFdiR.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="mmWyz8z.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/mmWyz8z.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="W8kszjM.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/W8kszjM.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">

"The Golden Lion" Ryobe Uno versus Sozen Ishinomori</span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">

Ryobe Uno had the biggest match of his young career against Sozen Ishinomori. Ishinomori was looking to rebound from his lackluster A-1 performance where he went 2-5, including a loss to Motoyuri Miyake. Ishinomori came out of the gate trying to put the pressure on Uno -- using his 330 pounds to push Uno around the ring, but Uno showed great fighting spirit as he fought from underneath and was able to hit a barrage of strikes that opened up the match and knocked Ishinomori down. Uno scored the victory after a forearm and headbutt knocked out Ishinomori and allowed Uno to get the pinfall victory.</span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">

In a bout that had a decent reaction from the crowd but sub-par wrestling, Ryobe Uno defeated Sozen Ishinomori in 11:07 by pinfall. </span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">

</span><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Match Rating</span></span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">

</span><img alt="zXosNMi.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/zXosNMi.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p><span style="color:#000000;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">

</span><img alt="nPDvcMs.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/nPDvcMs.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p><span style="color:#000000;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">

</span><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>Singles Match</strong></span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">

Twenty Minute Time Limit</span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">

</span><img alt="0dLZjOw.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/0dLZjOw.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="JtNThvF.jpg?1" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/JtNThvF.jpg?1" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="Nes2bcq.jpg?1" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Nes2bcq.jpg?1" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="mmWyz8z.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/mmWyz8z.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="H59Bwgi.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/H59Bwgi.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">

"Glorious" Logan Diaz versus Yasuhide Tayama</span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">

The Japanese debut of “Glorious” Logan Diaz was next. Logan wasn’t alone; however, as he was accompanied by two men. The two men are identified as Dreadnought and James Diaz -- James is Logan’s cousin and the son of legendary </span><span style="color:#000000;"><em>gaijin</em></span><span style="color:#000000;"> Raymond Diaz. Both Dreadnought and James are wearing shirts that read </span><span style="color:#000000;"><em>American Impact</em></span><span style="color:#000000;">, suggesting perhaps a new faction has arrived in SAISHO. Yasuhide Tayama did not look intimidated by the physical specimen that is Logan Diaz; however, Logan came out of the gate with the fire that has made him a rising star in the American independent scene. Logan looked right at home in a Japanese ring as he slammed Tayama and completely ate Tayama alive. It was an entirely one-sided affair, with Diaz not selling any of Tayama’s offense and hitting a nasty Belly to Belly Suplex to get the victory.</span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">

In a bout that had great wrestling and a decent reaction from the crowd, Logan Diaz defeated Yasuhide Tayama in 12:42 by pinfall with a Belly To Belly Suplex. </span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">

</span><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Match Rating</span></span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">

</span><img alt="CLoJzYE.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/CLoJzYE.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p><span style="color:#000000;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">

</span><img alt="nPDvcMs.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/nPDvcMs.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p><span style="color:#000000;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">

</span><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>Semi-Final Match</strong></span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">

Tag Team Match</span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">

Forty-Five Minute Time Limit</span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">

</span><img alt="wHFMnOF.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/wHFMnOF.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="wHFMnOF.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/wHFMnOF.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">

</span><img alt="jySxbAe.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/jySxbAe.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="gheMBIi.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gheMBIi.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">

</span><img alt="mmWyz8z.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/mmWyz8z.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">

</span><img alt="bBDkUjM.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/bBDkUjM.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="RbKtRI1.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/RbKtRI1.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">

Challengers Mitsukuri & Kinoshita versus 23rd Champions The Hurt</span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">

Mitsukuri & Kinoshita were making their SAISHO debuts here. The 2016 graduates of the Golden Dojo (apart of the final graduating class alongside Ryobe Uno), Mitsukuri & Kinoshita have been working as a duo in BCG to limited success. They’re only just out of young lion status and starting to establish themselves and their style. Mitsukuri & Kinoshita came out with gear that read </span><span style="color:#000000;"><em>The Golden Bulls</em></span><span style="color:#000000;"> which fits into the Golden Resurrection’s Dragon and Lion. Mitsukuri and Kinosita don’t have a lot of name value in Tohoku so the crowd wasn’t sure, at first, how to receive them, but the two big men came out of the gate bringing the pain to The Hurt. Instead of Billy and Nigel controlling the pace of the match, Mitsukuri and Kinoshita immediately isolated Billy Robinson and battered him with a barrage of slams, suplexes, and strikes. This was the most trouble we’ve seen Robinson in and it immediately got the crowd invested in Misukuri and Kinoshita as a duo. Billy took the beating but was able to catch the more inexperienced Ichiro Mitsukuri when Ichiro had his back to Billy and the Hurt took over. They immediately went to work on the arm of Mitsukuri with Nigel coming in and using his normal offense of hammerlock suplexes and slams and limb-specific focus. They made frequent tags and continued to cheat behind Watanabe’s back (being the only wrestlers on the roster who do regularly cheat). Once Svensson locked in his </span><span style="color:#000000;"><em>Hyper Extension Arm Lock</em></span><span style="color:#000000;">, it was all she wrote and Ichiro Mitsukuri was forced to submit.</span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">

In a decent match, The Hurt defeated Mitsukuri & Kinoshita in 19:09 when Nigel Svensson submitted Ichiro Mitsukuri with a Hyper Extension Arm Lock. The Hurt make defence number two of the SAISHO Destiny Tag Team titles. </span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">

</span><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Match Rating</span></span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">

</span><img alt="SOu1Rx2.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/SOu1Rx2.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p><span style="color:#000000;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">

</span><img alt="nPDvcMs.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/nPDvcMs.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p><span style="color:#000000;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">

</span><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>Main Event</strong></span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">

Singles Match</span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">

No Time Limit</span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">

</span><img alt="hvitd16.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/hvitd16.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">

</span><img alt="4z7Twep.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/4z7Twep.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="mmWyz8z.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/mmWyz8z.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="dGR3bRw.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/dGR3bRw.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">

Lion Genji (6-0-1) versus KAZ (6-0-1)</span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">

The main event of the 2020 A-1 Grand Prix Finale was here and the people were ready for it. Over the seven tour shows leading to this moment, Lion Genji and KAZ had wrestled flawlessly. Neither had tasted defeat. The only blemish on their tournament record was when they wrestled each other and went the full thirty minute time limit. Both men had pulled victories off over Destiny Champion Zeshin Makioka. The two men are also both members of </span><span style="color:#000000;"><em>Club Miwa</em></span><span style="color:#000000;"> and their friendship has been covered recently in some of the magazines, including the </span><span style="color:#000000;"><em>Pro Wrestling Lantern</em></span><span style="color:#000000;"> and </span><span style="color:#000000;"><em>Tokyo Wrestling Digest</em></span><span style="color:#000000;">. The 227. Both men are former Destiny Champions but Lion Genji is not KAZ. KAZ is </span><span style="color:#000000;"><em>Mr. SAISHO</em></span><span style="color:#000000;">. KAZ is the former six-time Destiny Champion, the former two-time winner of the A-1 Grand Prix and three time Destiny Tag Team Champion. Lion Genji has not had the career as his friend. </span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">

The opening lock up happens and the two men press against each other, struggling for position. KAZ takes the opening headlock but Lion Genji surprises KAZ by immediately hitting a Backdrop Suplex that drives KAZ into the mat neck and shoulder first and shocks the crowd with the quickness and the viciousness of it. Even KAZ looked rattled and he took a moment to collect himself. Despite their friendship and being allies, it is clear from this opening that Lion Genji is here to wrestle to win. KAZ looks unsure of himself as Lion Genji settles into working on the lower back of KAZ with a deep abominable stretch. He hits a sidewalk backbreaker and locks in a Camel Clutch. KAZ is able to wrestle out of the hold and Mr. SAISHO rolls out of the ring and stretches his back and sells the discomfort he is in.</span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">

He returns to the ring and there is another lock up and this time KAZ surprises Genji with a hard forearm to the jaw that staggers Genji and then KAZ hits a Leaping Knee Strike that staggers Genji to the ropes. Genji stumbled back towards KAZ and KAZ hit another forearm and then a snap suplex and we settled into KAZ controlling the match. Most of the smart money in this match was on KAZ -- he had the experience and the success to back him. KAZ hit several big suplexes and Genji sold all of them, but he refused to stay down. KAZ hit a Tiger Suplex for a two-count and then KAZ went to the top and hit a beautiful Moonsault for another two-count. The crowd was alive as Genji refused to stay down. KAZ hit a Brainbuster for another near-fall and then a Shooting Star Press for another near-fall. KAZ looked impressed as Genji sat up and forced himself back to his feet. The crowd applauded the spirit of Genji and KAZ nodded his head in respect. KAZ hit the ropes and looked like he was going for a Lariat, but Genji ducked under it and locked in a Full Nelson, but he didn’t keep the Full Nelson. Instead, he went for a suplex and the crowd realized what he was doing. The </span><span style="color:#000000;"><em>Amphora Clutch Suplex</em></span><span style="color:#000000;">! One of the trademark moves of Lion Genji’s hero, Mita Miwa! KAZ stayed folded over with all of his weight on his sneck and shoulders and Genji immediately went for the cover. KAZ just barely kicked out before the three count and for the first time the fans seemed to believe that Lion Genji could really win this.</span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">

Genji pulled KAZ up to his feet and locked in the </span><span style="color:#000000;"><em>Amphora Clutch Stretch</em></span><span style="color:#000000;">, Mito Miwa’s Full Nelson. Genji had it locked in deep and KAZ looked like he was going to fade, but KAZ was able, at the last minute, to use the ropes to push himself back onto Genji for a pinfall. Watanabe slid into position and we got another deep nearfall, but Genji was still able to stay alive. Back on their feet, KAZ hit a Double Underhook Powerbomb that got another near fall. KAZ lifted Genji up and dragged him over to the corner. He lifted Genji up onto the top rope and the people knew what was coming. KAZ climbed the ropes and went for the </span><span style="color:#000000;"><em>Super Rana</em></span><span style="color:#000000;">, but Genji countered it with an Avalanche Sit-Out Powerbomb that he was unable to capitalize on by making a cover. Instead, both men were down. They were able to get to their feet before the ten count and went into a hard strike exchange. Genji got the better of the exchange and went for his </span><span style="color:#000000;"><em>Fusion Reactor</em></span><span style="color:#000000;">, but KAZ countered with a back elbow to the jaw that caused Genji to stumble away. KAZ came in with a big Rana for another near fall but still Genji kicked out. He couldn’t be kept down! KAZ lifted Genji up and Genji hit a headbutt that staggered both men, but suddenly Lion Genji hit the </span><span style="color:#000000;"><em>Fusion Reactor</em></span><span style="color:#000000;">, the Wrist-Clutch Slam, that has been his trademark. Genji fell on top of KAZ for the three count and the win in the Grand Prix.</span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">

Streamers hit the ring and Genji was awarded the trophy and also given a respectful handshake from an ice-pack holding KAZ.</span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">

In a superb match, Lion Genji defeated KAZ in 38:20 by pinfall with a Fusion Reactor. Lion Genji wins the SAISHO A-1 Grand Prix. </span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">

</span><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Match Rating</span></span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">

</span><img alt="G8bJjJl.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/G8bJjJl.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p><span style="color:#000000;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">

</span><img alt="nPDvcMs.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/nPDvcMs.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p><span style="color:#000000;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">

</span><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Overall</span></span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">

</span><img alt="vF5B8kW.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/vF5B8kW.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p><span style="color:#000000;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">

</span></p></div><p></p><p></div></p></div><p></p>

[Dalton]

Great show! Interested in where American Impact goes, and how Zeshin feels going into his future title match

[Historian]

Pro Wrestling SAISHO Offices, Tokyo, Japan

 

 

Pro Wrestling SAISHO CEO Mito Miwa held a press conference to announce the Giant Slam tour that would start at the end of March and go until Mid April. Mr. Miwa announced that the tour would be headlined by Black Iron Corps matching up against Club Miwa representatives Lion Genji and KAZ. He also announced that Destiny Champion Zeshin Makioka would not be competing on the Giant Slam as Mr. Miwa felt that it was in the best interest of the champion to let his knee heal for the tour -- as he suffered some ligament damage. He also expressed that Zeshin was very upset with his decision but Mr. Miwa felt it was in the best interest of both SAISHO and Zeshin.

 

Mr. Miwa also announced that Frankie Perez, Logan Diaz, James Diaz, and Dreadnought would all be joining SAISHO fulltime. The four men have aligned themselves with each other and will be collectively known as American Impact.

 

It was then with a heavy heart that Mr. Miwa announced that SAISHO has parted ways with Sozen Ishinomori, Yasuhide Tayama, and Masufumi Torii. He cited the reason as conduct unbecoming to professionals and conduct that was unacceptable in SAISHO as the reason. He refused to take any further questions about their releases and said that it was a personnel matter.

 

He then moved into happier news. He was excited to announce that SAISHO has agreed to a six-month deal with Shogun TV to broadcast both tour highlights but also to air major events. The tour highlights start with the Giant Tour and the Giant Tour Finale will be the first event broadcast in its entirety on Shogun TV. He said that it was essential for SAISHO's growth and continued independence for them to be able to get their shows to as many of the wrestling fans in Japan as they could.

 

He also talked about the success of the A-1 Grand Prix, their most successful tour in years. He said that SAISHO is only going to build off that momentum and he is excited to see the future championship matchups of Zeshin defending against KAZ and Lion Genji in the future.

 

He also announced that three veterans would be joining SAISHO for the Giant Slam tour. Taheji Konoe, Washi Heat, and White Samurai. All three men are not currently working fulltime for any promotion and Miwa announced they bring name value and skill to the SAISHO roster and is excited to see what the three men are capable of here in SAISHO.

[The Dynamite Sid]

Exciting to see Logan debut! Especially with Dreadnought and James by his side - certainly an angle that occurred to me for my own save. Might have to park that one now so as not to be accused of plagiarism!

 

Very pleased that my big fave Katou got the win at the end of the tour after getting a goose egg in the tournament.

[Historian]

Exciting to see Logan debut! Especially with Dreadnought and James by his side - certainly an angle that occurred to me for my own save. Might have to park that one now so as not to be accused of plagiarism!

 

Very pleased that my big fave Katou got the win at the end of the tour after getting a goose egg in the tournament.

 

I'm a big fan of Katou and I really have high hopes for him. It's a shame he ate the goose egg this year, but it's all part of his larger arc.

[Historian]

Giant Slam Tour Night #1

 

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Giant Slam Tour Night #1 in Matsumoto Hall, University of Tokyo, Tohoku Region

Tues. W4 March 2020

74 Fans

 

 

In a bout that had decent wrestling but didn't have much heat, Lenny Mochin defeated Jinzaburo Kakinomoto in 9:51 by pinfall with an Eye Of The Storm. 35

 

In a bout that had good wrestling and a decent reaction from the crowd, Danjuro Kikuchi defeated Jimmy Stratosphere in 18:52 by submission with a Step Over Leg Bar. 49

 

In a decent match, Gidayu Katou defeated Jayson Van Pelt in 14:25 by pinfall with a Lariat. 36

 

In a decent match, European Dragons (Nigel Svensson, Billy Robinson and Pavel Vanzycha) defeated Golden Resurrection (Azumamaro Shimizu, Ryobe Uno and Koyo Kinoshita) in 19:10 when Billy Robinson submitted Koyo Kinoshita with a Capital City Crucifix. 45

 

In a decent match, Club Miwa (KAZ, Lion Genji, Iron Hyodo and Motoyuki Miyake) defeated American Impact (Frankie Perez, Logan Diaz, James Diaz and Dreadnought) in 25:25 when Lion Genji pinned James Diaz with a Fusion Reactor. Dreadnought was the weak link, struggling to keep up with everyone else's in-ring performance. 47

 

Overall

47

 

~The Giant Slam Tour started off with with a bang, still running Matsumoto Hall which seems to be the home base of SAISHO these days. With 13.96 million people living in Tokyo, it makes sense as a place to attract the largest audience though.

 

~The European Dragons went 2-0 in their matches tonight. Lenny Mochin scored a much needed singles win and the three remaining members of European Dragons won a big six man tag team match. With the European Dragons having their eyes set on the Roll with the Dragon Championship, Pavel Vanzycha looked like he had it in for Shimizu throughout the match, but it was Billy Robinson who got the win.

 

~American Impact made their collective debut, albeit in a losing effort. Frankie Perez and Logan Diaz look like their going to fit in very nicely here in SAISHO with both men definitely being full blown tigers. KAZ and Lion Genji were on the same page after their hard hitting contest at the A-1 Grand Prix Finale and Lion Genji continues to look impressive.

 

 

</div>

[Historian]

SAISHO Giant Slam Tour Night#2

 

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Giant Slam Tour Night #2 in Matsumoto Hall, University of Tokyo, Tohoku Region

Fri. W4 March 2020

74 Fans

 

 

1. In a bout that had a decent reaction from the crowd but sub-par wrestling, American Impact (Logan Diaz, James Diaz and Dreadnought) defeated Big Boss Emperor and The Tokyo Mountains in 12:34 when Logan Diaz submitted Big Boss Emperor with a Boston Crab. In terms of in-ring work, Logan Diaz was head and shoulders above everyone else. 36

 

2. In a bout that had good wrestling and a decent reaction from the crowd, Danjuro Kikuchi defeated Jayson Van Pelt in 18:22 by submission with a Step Over Leg Bar. 47

 

3. In a bout that had a decent reaction from the crowd but sub-par wrestling, Akira Arato defeated Yuta Isono in 14:01 by pinfall with a Northern Lights Bomb. 27

 

4. In a decent match, European Dragons (Billy Robinson, Nigel Svensson, Pavel Vanzycha and Lenny Mochin) defeated Akamatsu & Nakazawa and Mizoguchi & Sekozawa in 18:10 when Nigel Svensson submitted Torajiro Sekozawa with a Hyper Extension Arm Lock. Torajiro Sekozawa was the weak link, struggling to keep up with everyone else's in-ring performance. 43

 

5. In a good match,KAZ and Lion Genji defeated The Diamond Dogs in 19:36 when Lion Genji pinned Jimmy Stratosphere with a Fusion Reactor. 49

 

Overall

48

 

~In their first tag team match together, KAZ and Lion Genji looked very impressive with a victory over former champions The Diamond Dogs.

 

~The European Dragons scored another big victory with Nigel Svensson continuing to look impressive and Lenny and Pavel continue to establish themselves with the SAISHO fanbase.

 

 

</div>

[GooverDan]

I finally took the time to see this dynasty, and it gives me strong Pro Wrestling NOAH vibes, it looks amazing and I'm already a fan of Zenshin Makioka.

 

Keep doing the good job, you're doing great.

[Historian]

SAISHO Giant Slam Night #3

 

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Giant Slam Tour Night #3 in Matsumoto Hall, University of Tokyo, Tohoku Region

Mon. W1 Apr. 2020

74 Fans

 

 

In a decent match, Shuzo Utagawa defeated Torch Nakazawa in 15:48 by submission with a Sleeper Hold. 35

 

In a decent match, European Dragons (Nigel Svensson, Billy Robinson, Pavel Vanzycha and Lenny Mochin) defeated Yuta Isono, Ogai Miki and Kakinomoto & Koizumi in 15:38 when Pavel Vanzycha submitted Jinzaburo Kakinomoto with a Cross Armlock. 44

 

In a bout that had superb wrestling and good heat, Frankie Perez defeated Gidayu Katou in 15:20 by submission with a P-Clutch. 51

 

In a bout that had great wrestling and good heat, Taheiji Konoe, Washi Heat and White Samurai defeated Jayson Van Pelt and The Diamond Dogs in 18:05 when Taheiji Konoe pinned Jayson Van Pelt with a Savage Cradle DDT. 54

 

In a bout that had great wrestling and good heat, Tobei Sugimura and Black Iron Corps defeated Club Miwa (KAZ, Lion Genji and Motoyuki Miyake) in 25:18 when Azumamaro Kita submitted Motoyuki Miyake with a Cross Arm Breaker. 55

 

Overall

54

 

~The final two matches of the night were thrilling to the SAISHO faithful. The debut of Taheiji Konoe, Washi Heat and White Samurai was well received and the 74 fans in attendance were very excited to see them in action.

 

~With Miyake having announced that he will be challenging Tobei Sugimura at Giant Slame Finale for the Ride the Tiger Championship, the two men were in action against each other. Black Iron Corps will also be taking on KAZ and Lion Genji at Giant Slam so we got a preview of two matches here.

 

</div>

[Historian]

SAISHO Giant Slam Tour Night #4

 

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Giant Slam Tour Night #4 in Matsumoto Hall, University of Tokyo, Tohoku Region

Thur. Wk. 1 April 2020

74 Fans

 

 

In a decent match, American Impact (Logan Diaz, James Diaz and Dreadnought) defeated Big Boss Emperor and The Tokyo Mountains in 13:26 when Logan Diaz submitted Big Boss Emperor with a Boston Crab. In terms of in-ring work, Logan Diaz was head and shoulders above everyone else. 39

 

In a bout that had great wrestling and a decent reaction from the crowd, Danjuro Kikuchi defeated Shiba Mizoguchi in 19:26 by submission with a Step Over Leg Bar. 50

 

In a bout that had good wrestling and a decent reaction from the crowd, Arakaki & Serizawa defeated The Diamond Dogs in 13:33 when Isoruko Arakaki pinned Motty Kuroda with an Arakaki Spike. 52

 

In a bout that had good wrestling and a decent reaction from the crowd, Club Miwa (Lion Genji, KAZ, Motoyuki Miyake and Iron Hyodo) defeated European Dragons (Pavel Vanzycha, Lenny Mochin, Nigel Svensson and Billy Robinson) in 23:18 when Lion Genji pinned Lenny Mochin with a Fusion Reactor. Iron Hyodo was the weak link, struggling to keep up with everyone else's in-ring performance. 45 -- KAZ broke his nose in this match

 

In a bout that had superb wrestling and great heat, Tobei Sugimura and Black Iron Corps defeated White Samurai, Washi Heat and Taheiji Konoe in 25:26 when Azumamaro Kita submitted Taheiji Konoe. 51

 

Overall

50

 

~ This show featured a rematch between American Impact and Big Boss Emperor & The Tokyo Mountains. Once again American Impact was successful.

 

~KAZ broke his nose after a hard forearm series from Nigel Svensson, but will not miss any time.

 

 

</div>

[Historian]

SAISHO Giant Slam Tour Night #5

 

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Giant Slam Tour Night #5 in Matsumoto Hall, University of Tokyo, Tohoku Region

Sun. W1 April 2020

78 Fans

 

 

1. In a bout that had a decent reaction from the crowd but sub-par wrestling, The Tokyo Mountains defeated Dreadnought and James Diaz in 9:38 when Kawanari Enomoto pinned Dreadnought with a Belly To Belly Suplex. James Diaz carried the match in terms of in-ring performance. 32
    
   
2. In a decent match, Pavel Vanzycha defeated Jayson Van Pelt in 17:58 by submission with a Cross Armlock. 42
    
   
3. In a bout that had good wrestling and a decent reaction from the crowd, Frankie Perez defeated Yuta Isono in 14:22 by submission with a P-Clutch. 52
    
   
4. In a decent match, Golden Resurrection (Azumamaro Shimizu, Ryobe Uno and Koyo Kinoshita) defeated Makioka-Gun (Danjuro Kikuchi, Shuzo Utagawa and Noritaka Imakura) in 18:02 when Azumamaro Shimizu submitted Noritaka Imakura with a Figure Four Necklock. 42
    
   
5. In a bout that had great wrestling and good heat, Club Miwa (KAZ, Lion Genji and Motoyuki Miyake) defeated Tobei Sugimura and Black Iron Corps in 24:54 when Lion Genji pinned Tobei Sugimura with a Fusion Reactor. 56
   

 

Overall

55

 

~The main event saw another rematch on the tour, this time between the six men who will headline the Giant Slam Tour Finale with KAZ and Lion Genji preparing to take on Black Iron Corps and Tobei Sugimura preparing to put the Ride the Tiger title on the line against Motoyuki Miyake. Unlike the first encounter, which saw Sugimura and Black Iron Corps reign supreme, this time it was Lion Genji hitting the Fusion Reactor on Tobei Sugimura for the win.

 

~Pavel Vanzycha scored a much needed singles victory over slumping Jayson Van Pelt. Vanzycha has made it clear that he would like to challenge for the Roll with the Dragon Championship down the line and scoring a big singles win will only help his cause.

 

 

</div>

[Historian]

SAISHO Giant Slam Tour Night #7

 

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Giant Slam Tour Night #6 in Matsumoto Hall, University of Tokyo, Tohoku Region

Tue. W2 April 2020

77 Fans

 

 

1. In a bout that had good wrestling and a decent reaction from the crowd, Danjuro Kikuchi defeated Motty Kuroda in 17:45 by submission with a Step Over Leg Bar. 47
    
   
2. In a good match, Taheiji Konoe defeated Gidayu Katou in 13:41 by pinfall with an Animalistic Gore. 49
    
   
3. In a decent match, American Impact (Frankie Perez, Logan Diaz, James Diaz and Dreadnought) defeated Akamatsu & Nakazawa and Mizoguchi & Sekozawa in 17:43 when Frankie Perez submitted Torajiro Sekozawa with a P-Clutch. 50
    
   
4. In a bout that had great wrestling and a decent reaction from the crowd, European Dragons (Nigel Svensson, Pavel Vanzycha, Billy Robinson and Lenny Mochin) defeated Black Iron Corps and Arakaki & Serizawa in 24:46 when Nigel Svensson submitted Isoruko Arakaki with a Hyper Extension Arm Lock. 52
   

 

Overall

51

 

~The European Dragons rebounded from a loss to Club Miwa two shows ago with a big win in the main event. Arakaki and Serizawa are preparing for a title rematch at Giant Slam against The Hurt so it was a showcase of the kind of action we can expect when they face off.

 

~Frankie Perez continues to impress since returning to Japan and has made it clear he plans on challenging for the Destiny Championship down the line. With his championship pedigree, one can almost certainly assume Perez is in line for a title shot while Logan Diaz is certainly building a case for challenging for the Ride the Tiger Championship.

 

~Gidayu Katou was impressive even in loss against veteran Taheiji Konoe. He gave Konoe all he could handle and the crowd was very impressed with the young man who has high hopes for his career.

 

</div>

[Historian]

SAISHO Giant Slam Tour Night #7

 

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Giant Slam Tour Night #7 in Matsumoto Hall, University of Tokyo, Tohoku Region

Thur. W2 April 2020

79 Fans

 

 

1. In a bout that had a decent reaction from the crowd but sub-par wrestling, Shuzo Utagawa defeated Iron Hyodo in 17:43 by submission with a Sleeper Hold. 32
    
   
2. In a bout that had great wrestling and a decent reaction from the crowd, Gidayu Katou defeated Logan Diaz in 13:10 by pinfall with a Lariat. 54
    
   
3. In a decent match, Akamatsu & Nakazawa and Arakaki & Serizawa defeated Naruhiko Koizumi, Big Boss Emperor and The Tokyo Mountains in 14:41 when MUSCLE Serizawa pinned Big Boss Emperor with a MUSCLE Lariat. 40
    
   
4. In a good match, Taheiji Konoe, Washi Heat and White Samurai defeated American Impact (Frankie Perez, James Diaz and Dreadnought) in 21:24 when Taheiji Konoe pinned James Diaz with an Animalistic Gore. Dreadnought was the weak link, struggling to keep up with everyone else's in-ring performance. 52
   

 

Overall

51

 

~Katou scored a big win over gaijin Logan Diaz. The two men had a fantastic match that really showed that both of them could be potential main event players here in SAISHO. Katou was very pleased to score the victory after his recent struggles.

 

~This was the final show on the tour before the finale.

 

</div>

[The Dynamite Sid]

Katou! Katou! Katou! Katou!

[Historian]

 

The Giant Slam Tour culminates at Matsumoto Hall this Saturday with a major show -- and SAISHO's first full-length event to ever be broadcast thanks to our new broadcast partner Shogun TV. It's been an incredible tour with seven action-packed shows that have been building to this night.

 

In our main event, Club Miwa's KAZ and Lion Genji -- the two finalists from the A-1 Grand Prix and two men who surely have their eyes set on challenging Zeshin Makioka for the Destiny Champion team up to challenge Black Iron Corps. Both members of Black Iron Corps would like a chance to once again be Destiny Champion but both would also like a chance to win the Destiny Tag Team Titles for the first time as a team. A victory here could help them earn a shot at the Destiny Tag Team Titles in the future.

 

Both the Ride the Tiger and the Roll with the Dragon Championships will also be on the line. Tobei Sugimura defends the Rider the Tiger Championship against former champion Motoyuki Miyake, who is looking to regain the title he lost to Tobei in December of last year. Azumamaro Shimizu looks to make his first successful title defense of the Roll with the Dragon Championship when he takes on dangerous grappler Danjuro Kikuchi.

 

Arakaki & Serizawa look to regain the Destiny Tag Team Titles against The Hurt, who have looked unstoppable in tag team action so far in 2020. Will Arakaki & Serizawa be able to get back the Tag Titles? Or will the Hurt continue to surge?

 

All of that and so much more at the Giant Slam Tour Finale!

 

Giant Slam Tour Finale

Saturday Week 2, April 2020

Live at Matsumoto Hall, University of Tokyo, Tohoku Region

Broadcast on: Shogun TV in the Graveyard Slot

 

Main Event

Tag Team Match

Forty-Five Minute Time Limit

Club Miwa [KAZ & Lion Genji] versus Black Iron Corps

 

Semi Main Event

Singles Match Match

Thirty Minute Time Limit

Ride the Tiger Championship

Challenger Motoyuki Miyake versus 16th Champion Tobei Sugimura

 

Singles Match

Thirty Minute Time Limit

Roll with the Dragon Championship

Challenger Danjuro Kikuchi versus 1st Champion "The Golden Dragon" Azumamaro Shimizu

 

Tag Team Match

Sixty Minute Time Limit

Destiny Tag Team Championship

Challengers Arakaki & Serizawa versus 23rd Champions The Hurt

 

Ten Man Tag Team Match

Twenty Minute Time Limit

Torajiro Sezowaza, Washing Heat, White Samurai & The Diamond Dogs versus American Impact & Jayson Van Pelt

 

Opening Match

Tag Team Match

Twenty Minute Time Limit

The Golden Bulls versus European Dragons (Mochin & Vanzycha)

 

 

[Sco xY2Jx]

Giant Slam Tour Finale

Saturday Week 2, April 2020

Live at Matsumoto Hall, University of Tokyo, Tohoku Region

Broadcast on: Shogun TV in the Graveyard Slot

 

Main Event

Tag Team Match

Forty-Five Minute Time Limit

Club Miwa [KAZ & Lion Genji] versus Black Iron Corps

 

Semi Main Event

Singles Match Match

Thirty Minute Time Limit

Ride the Tiger Championship

Challenger Motoyuki Miyake versus 16th Champion Tobei Sugimura

 

Singles Match

Thirty Minute Time Limit

Roll with the Dragon Championship

Challenger Danjuro Kikuchi versus 1st Champion "The Golden Dragon" Azumamaro Shimizu

 

Tag Team Match

Sixty Minute Time Limit

Destiny Tag Team Championship

Challengers Arakaki & Serizawa versus 23rd Champions The Hurt

 

Ten Man Tag Team Match

Twenty Minute Time Limit

Torajiro Sezowaza, Washing Heat, White Samurai & The Diamond Dogs versus American Impact & Jayson Van Pelt

 

Opening Match

Tag Team Match

Twenty Minute Time Limit

The Golden Bulls versus European Dragons (Mochin & Vanzycha)

[GooverDan]

Giant Slam Tour Finale

Saturday Week 2, April 2020

Live at Matsumoto Hall, University of Tokyo, Tohoku Region

Broadcast on: Shogun TV in the Graveyard Slot

 

Main Event

Tag Team Match

Forty-Five Minute Time Limit

Club Miwa [KAZ & Lion Genji] versus Black Iron Corps

 

Semi Main Event

Singles Match Match

Thirty Minute Time Limit

Ride the Tiger Championship

Challenger Motoyuki Miyake versus 16th Champion Tobei Sugimura

 

Singles Match

Thirty Minute Time Limit

Roll with the Dragon Championship

Challenger Danjuro Kikuchi versus 1st Champion "The Golden Dragon" Azumamaro Shimizu

 

Tag Team Match

Sixty Minute Time Limit

Destiny Tag Team Championship

Challengers Arakaki & Serizawa versus 23rd Champions The Hurt

Ten Man Tag Team Match

Twenty Minute Time Limit

Torajiro Sezowaza, Washing Heat, White Samurai & The Diamond Dogs versus American Impact & Jayson Van Pelt

 

Opening Match

Tag Team Match

Twenty Minute Time Limit

The Golden Bulls versus European Dragons (Mochin & Vanzycha)

[kanegan]

Main Event

Tag Team Match

Forty-Five Minute Time Limit

Club Miwa [KAZ & Lion Genji] versus Black Iron Corps

Semi Main Event

Singles Match Match

Thirty Minute Time Limit

Ride the Tiger Championship

Challenger Motoyuki Miyake versus 16th Champion Tobei Sugimura

 

Singles Match

Thirty Minute Time Limit

Roll with the Dragon Championship

Challenger Danjuro Kikuchi versus 1st Champion "The Golden Dragon" Azumamaro Shimizu

 

Tag Team Match

Sixty Minute Time Limit

Destiny Tag Team Championship

Challengers Arakaki & Serizawa versus 23rd Champions The Hurt

 

Ten Man Tag Team Match

Twenty Minute Time Limit

Torajiro Sezowaza, Washing Heat, White Samurai & The Diamond Dogs versus American Impact & Jayson Van Pelt

 

Opening Match

Tag Team Match

Twenty Minute Time Limit

The Golden Bulls versus European Dragons (Mochin & Vanzycha)

[Historian]

SAISHO Giant Slam Finale

 

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Giant Slam Tour Finale

Matsumoto Hall, University of Tokyo, Tohoku Region

Sat. Wk. 2, April 2020

236 Fans, an increase of 9 fans from previous Finale

Broadcast on Shogun TV

 

Opening Match

Tag Team Match

Twenty Minute Time Limit

The Golden Bulls versus European Dragons (Mochin & Vanzycha)

 

The Giant Slam Tour Finale started off with a highly competitive tag team match up between The Golden Bulls and two representatives of the European Dragons. The Golden Bulls, representing Golden Resurrection were looking for a chance to redeem themselves after their loss at the A-1 Grand Prix to The Hurt by beating The Hurt’s stable mates Lenny Mochin and Pavel Vanzycha. Mochin and Vanzycha came out of the gate trying to grapple with the two bigger men while Mitsukuriand Kinoshita tried to use their size and power advantage to control the pace of the match. It was a real clash of tigers and dragons in the tag team division. Vanzycha and Mochin isolated Koyo Kinishita and really focused on his arm - which seems to be the European Dragon style. Mochin came off the second rope with a double axe handle to the shoulder after a tag and Kinoshita sold it like his arm had just been knocked out of socket. Mitsukuri was able to get the tag and it became all high-impact offense as Mitsukuri hit a series of vicious suplexes and slams and forearms. Vanzycha ate an S.T.O. from Mitsukuri and Mitsukuri got the win for his team.

 

In a decent match, The Golden Bulls defeated Lenny Mochin and Pavel Vanzycha in 17:50 when Ichiro Mitsukuri pinned Pavel Vanzycha with a S.T.O..

 

Match Rating

 

 

Ten Man Tag Team Match

Twenty Minute Time Limit

Torajiro Sezowaza, Washi Heat, White Samurai & The Diamond Dogs versus American Impact & Jayson Van Pelt

 

Canadian Jayson Van Pelt joined American Impact in this big ten man tag team match against Torajiro Sezowaza, Washi Heat, White Samurai, and the Diamond Dogs. All ten men were looking for an impressive night of wrestling and to score a W in the victory column. It was an open match with a lot of chances for all of the veterans to get some shine. James Diaz and Dreadnought, as the two young lions in the match, took the brunt of the offense from the other side. Despite both men’s size, they sold for everyone, including the Diamond Dogs who got a chance to recapture some tag team magic since they have been in a bit of a slump lately. Ultimately, White Samurai hit the Art of War on Dreadnought to get the pin for the team of all veterans.

 

In a bout that had good wrestling and a decent reaction from the crowd, Torajiro Sekozawa, White Samurai, Washi Heat, Jimmy Stratosphere and Motty Kuroda defeated Frankie Perez, James Diaz, Dreadnought, Logan Diaz and Jayson Van Pelt in 18:04 when White Samurai pinned Dreadnought with The Art Of War.

 

Match Rating

 

 

Tag Team Match

Sixty Minute Time Limit

Challengers Arakaki & Serizawa versus 23rd Champions The Hurt

 

The Destiny Tag Team Championship match -- the first of three championship matches -- was up next. The former champions, Isoruko Arakaki and MUSCLE Serizawa were challenging the team that beat them -- and the team that has looked unstoppable so far through 2020, The Hurt. As a duo, The Hurt have yet to taste defeat and both men have been on a roll with Nigel Svensson coming into his own as the leader of the European Dragons. The Hurt continued with their normal fair of hammerlock suplexes, arm bars, and stiff strikes to the arm -- this time focusing on Arakaki. Arakai and Serizawa were able to get off some big offense of their own -- relying on their power and hard strikes. Serizawa rocked Billy Robinson with a forearm that looked like it left Robinson seeing stars. Serizawa also hit a big Press Slam on Robinson for a near fall, but ultimately, Nigel Svensson locked in the Hyper Extension Arm Lock on the already worked-over arm of Arakaki and forced the submission and get the third defense of the Destiny Tag Team Championship.

 

In a bout that had great wrestling and a decent reaction from the crowd, The Hurt defeated Arakaki & Serizawa in 17:58 when Nigel Svensson submitted Isoruko Arakaki with a Hyper Extension Arm Lock. The Hurt make defence number three of the SAISHO Destiny Tag Team titles.

 

Match Rating

 

 

Singles Match

Thirty Minute Time Limit

Challenger Danjuro Kikuchi versus 1st Champion "The Golden Dragon" Azumamaro Shimizu

 

Azumamaro Shimizu had the opportunity to make his first defense of the Roll with the Dragon Championship. The self-styled Golden Dragon was up against quality technician Danjuro Kikuchi. The match was slow and a good technical battle. The two men jockeyed for control and worked a series of holds and counter-holds, showcasing a good command of submission wrestling. Shimizu spent the time he was on offense working on the neck of Danjuro Kikuchi, trying to soften him up for the Figure Four Neklock while Danjuro went to work on Shimizu’s left leg -- both trying to take away the Figure Four Necklock but also trying to weaken him for a Step Over Leg Bar. Neither man was able to lock in their trademark hold and as the match built the crowd was more and more invested. Shimizu hit a vicious German Suplex that dropped Danjuro Kikuchi right on his neck and then locked in the Figure Four Necklock. Danjuro was forced to submit and give Shimizu his first successful title defense.

 

In a bout that had great wrestling and good heat, Azumamaro Shimizu defeated Danjuro Kikuchi in 21:42 by submission with a Figure Four Necklock. Azumamaro Shimizu makes defence number one of the SAISHO Roll with the Dragon title.

 

Match Rating

 

 

Semi Main Event

Singles Match Match

Thirty Minute Time Limit

Challenger Motoyuki Miyake versus 16th Champion Tobei Sugimura

 

The Ride the Tiger Championship was on the line next as Tobei Sugimura put the title on the line against the man he beat to win the championship from back in December -- Motoyuki Miyake. This was a very hard hitting affair with both men using devastating strikes on one another. Both men kicked the holy hell out of each other with violent kicks that echoed off the walls of the lecture hall. Sugimura hit a series of kicks to Miyake’s chest that left Miyake gasping for air and with deep red marks across it. Miyake kicked at the legs of Sugimura and Sugimura had to limp through the match. Sugimura tried to hit a springboard knee, but Miyake countered it with a vicious Knock Out Kick that landed flush on the temple of Sugimura. Sugimura collapsed to the mat and Miyake was able to get the pinfall victory and once again be Ride the Tiger Champion.

 

In a bout that had great wrestling and a decent reaction from the crowd, Motoyuki Miyake defeated Tobei Sugimura in 14:48 by pinfall with a Knock Out Kick. Motoyuki Miyake wins the SAISHO Ride The Tiger title.

 

Match Rating

 

 

Main Event

Tag Team Match

Forty-Five Minute Time Limit

Club Miwa [KAZ & Lion Genji] versus Black Iron Corps

 

The main event was an absolutely superb performance from all four men. Clun Miwa’s KAZ and Lion Genji took on Black Iron Corps. All four men would like to be challengers for the Destiny Championship down the line. Lion Genji is the 2020 winner of the A-1 Grand Prix, Black Iron Corps would like a tag title shot -- there was just so much at play. The match started slow with neither team wanting to make a mistake. The clear advantage at the beginning of the match was the more experienced duo of Black Iron Corps. While KAZ has extensive tag team experience, he and Lion Genji have only teamed a few times whereas Black Iron Corps have several years of experience together as a duo. Kita and Narahashi isolated Genji early on and hit him with several big slams and hard strikes. KAZ got the tag and he came in and hit his trademark fast-paced, high impact offense to take control for his team. It was great back and forth action that had several false finishes but in the end, the Black Iron Lariat spelled the end for Club Miwa when Azumamaro Kita was able to get the pin on Lion Genji.

 

In a bout that had superb wrestling and great heat, Black Iron Corps defeated KAZ and Lion Genji in 29:03 when Azumamaro Kita pinned Lion Genji with a Black Iron Lariat. Lion Genji was the weak link, struggling to keep up with everyone else's in-ring performance.

 

Match Rating

 

 

Overall

 

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[Historian]

From the offices of Pro Wrestling SAISHO in Tokyo, Japan

 

 

 

Pro Wrestling SAISHO CEO Mito Miwa held the press conference to announce the Mega Explosion Tour. Miwa was very pleased with how the Giant Slam Tour went and how well received the tour highlights and the finale were by Shogun TV. Mega Explosion Tour will be the longest tour of 2020 with twelve tour shows leading up to the Mega Explosion Finale on Saturday of Week 4 of May. Mito Miwa also announced that Zeshin Makioka will defend the Destiny Championship at the Mega Explosion Finale against the leader of American Impact, Frankie Perez.

 

 

Frankie Perez took over. Killswitch is very confident that he will end Zeshin's reign as Destiny Champion and bring the Destiny Championship to the United States and be the first gaijin Destiny Champion in SAISHO history. Frankie Perez also announced that American Impact was bringing in Ox Mastadon from America to join them. The big 400 pounder is the protege of Dread and has not ever made a Japanese appearance, but Frankie is excited to unleash him on SAISHO.

 

 

Nigel Svensson took over and was very arrogant about The Hurt retaining the Destiny Tag Team Championship. He stated that he knows that they will have to defend against the Golden Bulls at Mega Explosion Finale, but he is confident The Hurt will defeat them again like they did before. He also announced that the European Dragons have brought in eighteen-year-old grappler Aurelian Bradley from England to join their outfit.

 

 

Mito Miwa then announced the signing of a group of four Samoans that are currently calling themselves Samoan Impact. Massacre will see his return to Japan here and be joined by fellow APW wrestlers Brisbane Devil and King Malietoa. They will be joined by recently released SWF wrestler Charger Siaki, brother of King Malietoa.

 

 

It was also announced by Azumamaro Kita the formation of the Lethal Strong Brigade, made up of himself, his tag team partner Fujio Narahashi, Gidayu Katou, Tobei Sugimura, and Akira Arato. Kita was excited to announce his own faction, but was cut off by:

 

 

MUSCLE Serizawa announced the formation of Generation First Time with his partner Isoruku Arakaki, Torch Nakazawa, and Kinji Akamatsu.

 

 

Big Boss Emperor also announced Modern Day Warriors faction with fellow WWA: Japan Dojo students (where modern-day warriors are trained), Goro Hatamoto, Kawanari Enomoto, Naruhiko Koizumi, and Shogo Awatari.

[Historian]

Mega Explosion Tour Night #1

 

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Mega Explosion Tour Night #1 in Matsumoto Hall, University of Tokyo, Tohoku Region

Mon. W4 April 2020

77 Fans

 

 

1. In a bout that had a decent reaction from the crowd but sub-par wrestling, Iron Hyodo defeated Yuta Isono in 9:35 by submission with a Sleeper Hold. 32
    
   
2. In a bout that had great heat and good wrestling, The Diamond Dogs defeated White Samurai and Washi Heat in 19:45 when Jimmy Stratosphere pinned White Samurai with a surprise roll up. 36
    
   
3. In a decent match, American Impact (Ox Mastadon, Logan Diaz, James Diaz and Dreadnought) defeated Modern Day Warriors (Goro Hatamoto, Naruhiko Koizumi, Shogo Awatari and Kawanari Enomoto) in 14:57 when Ox Mastadon pinned Goro Hatamoto with a Ten Ton Splash. In terms of in-ring work, Logan Diaz was head and shoulders above everyone else. 40
    
   
4. In an exceptional match, Frankie Perez defeated Taheiji Konoe in 12:58 by submission with a P-Clutch. [b50[/b]
    
   
5. In a bout that had good wrestling and a decent reaction from the crowd, European Dragons (Billy Robinson, Nigel Svensson, Pavel Vanzycha and Lenny Mochin) defeated Golden Resurrection (Azumamaro Shimizu, Ryobe Uno, Ichiro Mitsukuri and Koyo Kinoshita) in 25:33 when Nigel Svensson submitted Ryobe Uno with a Hyper Extension Arm Lock. 48
   

 

Overall

47

 

~ White Samurai broke his jaw in the match against the Diamond Dogs. The Diamond Dogs were ecstatic after getting a big win over the two veterans who they teamed with at Giant Slam.

 

~Ox Mastadon, the protege of legendary gaijin wrestler Dread, made his debut in the American Impact versus Modern Day Warriors match. While Logan Diaz was the standout individual performer, Ox was given the win.

 

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[Historian]

SAISHO Mega Explosion Tour Night #2

 

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Mega Explosion Tour Night #2 in Matsumoto Hall, University of Tokyo, Tohoku Region

Thur. W4 April 2020

81 Fans

 

 

In a decent match, Generation First Time (Arakaki & Serizawa and Akamatsu & Nakazawa) defeated Ogai Miki, Yuta Isono and Mizoguchi & Sekozawa in 20:02 when MUSCLE Serizawa pinned Yuta Isono with a MUSCLE Lariat. 43

 

In a bout that had decent wrestling but little heat, Pavel Vanzycha defeated Doctor Tecnico in 19:16 by submission with a Cross Armlock. 39

 

In a bout that had great wrestling and good heat, American Impact (Frankie Perez, Logan Diaz and Ox Mastadon) defeated Taheiji Konoe, Washi Heat and White Samurai in 12:31 when Frankie Perez pinned White Samurai with a Perfect Parity. 51

 

In a bout that had good wrestling and a decent reaction from the crowd, Lethal Strong Brigade (Azumamaro Kita, Fujio Narahashi, Akira Arato and Gidayu Katou) defeated Samoan Impact (Massacre, Charger Siaki, King Malietoa and Brisbane Devil) in 25:27 when Azumamaro Kita submitted Brisbane Devil with a Cross Arm Breaker. 51

 

Overall

51

 

~Luchador Doctor Tecnico made his debut here. The young Mexican technician is coming over for the Mega Explosion Tour. Mito Miwa continues to look for quality dragons to bring on full time and Tecnico was impressive in his loss to Pavel.

 

~We saw the debut of Samoan Impact against Lethal Strong Brigade in the main event. It was a really good, physical match and was definitely the match of the night. It was a good debut for Samoan Impact, with three of them having never wrestled in Japan before. All of them should fit right in and continue the legacy of dominant Samoan wrestlers in Japan.

 

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[Dalton]

Go Logan! Go Siaki!