Scottie Posted April 28, 2022 Author Share Posted April 28, 2022 "MR. SAISHO" KAZ KAZ is a junior heavyweight wrestler from Nagoya, who was a former trainee with BHOTWG. After spending a few years achieving very little on the independent scene, KAZ took matters into his own hands and decided to tour the wrestling world in 2005. Wrestling in as many places as he could, the experience made him a far better and more versatile worker - he supplemented an exciting aerial game with some solid technical skills, and a "Super Rana" finishing move. Upon his return to Japan in 2006, he was offered the chance to work for Pro Wrestling SAISHO, PGHW's feeder league at the time. He quickly established himself as a force in tag team and then singles action - claiming the Destiny Tag Team Crown alongside Shiba Mizoguchi and Eien Miyamoto (as part of the "Rebel Alliance"), before then claiming the Destiny Crown for the first time in December 2008 with a pinfall win over Hirokazu Yamanoue. Since then, KAZ has gone on to become one of SAISHO's biggest and most loyal stars, best performers, and a regular title holder - so much so, he is effectively "Mr. SAISHO". His record now includes six Destiny Crowns, three Destiny Tag Team Crowns and two A-1 Grands Prix. It's a record that is unparalleled. However, it has now been nearly two years since his last reign with the Destiny Crown, and he fell short in his most recent attempt against Zeshin Makioka at "Guard of Honour" in 2020. At 36, he's not got the speed or stamina he once had, and the question on everyone's lips is whether his time has now come and gone. * * * SAISHO IN FOCUS * * * Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scottie Posted May 3, 2022 Author Share Posted May 3, 2022 SAISHO “2020 A-1 Grand Prix" Series, 07.03.2020 Koriyama Minami Tohoku Comprehensive Wholesale Center Japan 63 Fans [52]Crimson Tigers (Akira Arato, Gidayu Katou & Ogai Miki) defeated The Diamond Dogs (Jimmy Stratosphere & Motty Kuroda) & Torch Nakazawa (7:56) with a Lariat from Katou to Stratosphere. [47]The Coalition (Jayson Van Pelt, Billy Robinson & Nigel Svensson) defeated Ronin VII (Fujio Narahashi, Kinji Akamatsu & Shuzo Utagawa) (11:45) with an Axe Kick from Van Pelt to Utagawa. [50]A-1 Grand Prix - Yamanoue Block: Motoyuke Miyake [2] defeated Shiba Mizoguchi [2] (11:12) with an Inside Cradle. [39]A-1 Grand Prix - Yoshikawa Block: Zeshin Makioka [4] defeated Torajiro Sekozawa [2] (12:49) with a Muscle Buster. [49]A-1 Grand Prix - Yoshikawa Block: Lion Genji [5] vs. Tobei Sugimura [1] - Time Limit Draw. [43]A-1 Grand Prix - Yamanoue Block: KAZ [4] defeated Azumamaro Kita [3] (21:41) with a Super Rana. [53] After a weaker show in Sendai, SAISHO brought its A-game to Kōriyama on the third night of the "2020 A-1 Grand Prix" Series. In a cracking main event, KAZ took what might ultimately prove a decision win, overcoming Azumamaro Kita in the main event. The crowd were evenly split between the two - but it was the two-time A-1 Grand Prix champion KAZ who edged closer to another finals appearance, pinning Kita following a Super Rana. The other Yamanoue Block bout saw an upset of sorts - with youngster Motoyuke Miyake picking up his first points, with a surprise win over former Destiny Crown Champion Shiba Mizoguchi.Elsewhere, Destiny Crown Champion Zeshin Makioka looks primed to pounce on a mistake from Lion Genji in the Yoshikawa Block. Makioka made it two-from-two as he pinned veteran Torajiro Sekozawa, although not before Sekozawa repeatedly crushed Makioka in the corner with some shoulder chargers - leaving the champion clutching his ribs. But he will be heartened by the surprise result elsewhere, as Lion Genji failed to best Ride the Tiger Champion Tobei Sugimura.It's been a tough series so far for Canada's Jayson Van Pelt, with the only gai-jin in the tournament yet to pick up a win. However, he was successful in six-man tag team action, combining with the other members of The Coalition to beat Ronin VII's Fujio Narahashi, Kinji Akamatsu & Shuzo Utagawa. SAISHO “2020 A-1 Grand Prix" Series, 10.03.2020 Sendai PIT 63 Fans [48]A-1 Grand Prix - Yamanoue Block: Fujio Narahashi [3] defeated Motoyuke Miyake [2] (11:23) with a Lariat. [53]Crimson Tigers (Akira Arato, Gidayu Katou & Ogai Miki) defeated Isoruko Arakaki, MUSCLE Serizawa & Shuzo Utagawa (8:54) with a Northern Lights Bomb from Arato to Utagawa. [44]Lion Genji, The Diamond Dogs (Jimmy Stratosphere & Motty Kuroda) & The Night Terrors (Babau & Moroi) defeated Ronin VII (Azumamaro Kita, Kinji Akamatsu & Torch Nakazawa) & The Hurt (Billy Robinson & Nigel Svensson) (12:04) with a Nightmare Scenario from Moroi to Svensson. [54]A-1 Grand Prix - Yoshikawa Block: Torajiro Sekozawa [4] defeated Jayson Van Pelt [0] (11:51) with a Dragon Duplex. [42]A-1 Grand Prix - Yamanoue Block: KAZ [5] vs. Shiba Mizoguchi [3] - Time Limit Draw. [45]A-1 Grand Prix - Yoshikawa Block: Zeshin Makioka [6] defeated Tobei Sugimura [1] (18:32) with a Muscle Buster. [48] With just one night to go in the tour, we're still none the wiser as to which two wrestlers will be facing off in the sixth A-1 Grand Prix final.In the Yoshikawa Block, Destiny Crown Champion Zeshin Makioka needs only a draw in his final night after defeating Tobei Sugimura in the main event in the Sendai Pit. The champion was evidently still feeling the effects of his showdown with Sekozawa in Kōriyama, with his ribs taped up significantly, but he still managed to pull through and fight through the discomfort to go three-from-three. The winner of the Yoshikawa Block will be decided on the final night of the series, with Makioka and Genji facing off.Things are far more muddied in the Yamanoue Block, with just two points separating four wrestlers. KAZ remains the most likely qualifier, although he missed his chance to secure his qualification in Kōriyama - unable to put Shiba Mizoguchi away. Elsewhere, Fujio Narahashi remained in touch with a pinfall win over fellow Ronin VII, Motoyuke Miyake.Finally, there were differing results for the tag title contenders, as Moroi & Babau were on the winning side of their multi-man bout, while elsewhere the champions Isoruki Arakaki & MUSCLE Serizawa were unable to best the Crimson Tigers. STANDINGS YAMANOUE BLOCK KAZ - 5 [2-0-1]Azumamaro Kita - 3 [1-1-1]Fujio Narahashi - 3 [1-1-1]Shiba Mizoguchi - 3 [1-1-1]Motoyuke Miyake - 2 [1-3] YOSHIKAWA BLOCK Zeshin Makioka - 6 [3-0]Lion Genji - 5 [2-0-1]Torajiro Sekozawa - 4 [2-2]Tobei Sugimura - 1 [0-2-1]Jayson Van Pelt - 0 [0-3] SAISHO “2020 A-1 Grand Prix" Series, 12.03.2020 Sendai PITA-1 Grand Prix - Yoshikawa Block: Tobei Sugimura [1] vs. Jayson Van Pelt [0].Ronin VII (Kinji Akamatsu, Shuzo Utagawa & Torch Nakazawa) & The Hurt (Billy Robinson & Nigel Svensson) vs. The Diamond Dogs (Jimmy Stratosphere & Motty Kuroda), The Night Terrors (Babau & Moroi) & Jinzaburo Kakinomoto.Coyote Company (Torajiro Sekozawa, Isoruko Arakaki & MUSCLE Serizawa) vs. Crimson Tigers (Akira Arato, Gidayu Katou & Ogai Miki).A-1 Grand Prix - Yamanoue Block: Azumamaro Kita [3] vs. Shiba Mizoguchi [3].A-1 Grand Prix - Yamanoue Block: KAZ [5] vs. Fujio Narahashi [3].A-1 Grand Prix - Yoshikawa Block: Zeshin Makioka [6] vs. Lion Genji [5]. 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Wrestling Machine Posted May 3, 2022 Share Posted May 3, 2022 Hope whoever comes out from Yoshikawa block between Zeshin or Lion may win the tournament Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scottie Posted May 5, 2022 Author Share Posted May 5, 2022 SAISHO “2020 A-1 Grand Prix" Series, 12.03.2020 Sendai PIT 63 Fans [52]A-1 Grand Prix - Yoshikawa Block: Jayson Van Pelt [2] defeated Tobei Sugimura [1] (11:57) with a Pinfall Bridge. [41]Ronin VII (Kinji Akamatsu, Shuzo Utagawa & Torch Nakazawa) & The Hurt (Billy Robinson & Nigel Svensson) defeated The Diamond Dogs (Jimmy Stratosphere & Motty Kuroda), The Night Terrors (Babau & Moroi) & Jinzaburo Kakinomoto (11:47) with a Hyper Extension Arm Lock from Svensson to Kakinomoto. [47]Coyote Company (Torajiro Sekozawa, Isoruko Arakaki & MUSCLE Serizawa) defeated Crimson Tigers (Akira Arato, Gidayu Katou & Ogai Miki) (13:46) with a Dragon Duplex from Sekozawa to Katou. [44]A-1 Grand Prix - Yamanoue Block: Azumamaro Kita [5] defeated Shiba Mizoguchi [3] (12:29) with an Uppercut. [52]A-1 Grand Prix - Yamanoue Block: KAZ [7] defeated Fujio Narahashi [3] (26:30) with a Crucifix Pin. [50]A-1 Grand Prix - Yoshikawa Block: Lion Genji [7] defeated Zeshin Makioka [6] (16:11) with a Fusion Reactor. [53] So there we have it - the 2020 A-1 Grand Prix Final is set! In a shocking upset in the main event, Lion Genji defeated Destiny Crown Champion Zeshin Makioka to earn a place in the final, as he searches for his first A-1 GP. Genji came into the bout knowing that he needed a win to qualify - and he did it in style and with time to spare, pinning the champion in just over 16 minutes. To Makioka’s credit, he was clearly still in pain after suffering an injury to his ribs earlier in the tour at the hands of Torajiro Sekozawa, but even he seemed shocked by the ease of his loss - his first singles loss in more than half a year.While Genji will be competing in his first A-1 Grand Prix final, his opponent most certainly won’t. With everything on the line in the penultimate bout, and defending champion Azumamaro Kita having put the pressure on with his strong showing against Shiba Mizoguchi, the two-time winner KAZ prevailed in a brutal scrap against Fujio Narahashi to qualify through. Fresh off the disappointment of his loss to Makioka last month, the veteran KAZ is now just a win away from earning another shot at a seventh Destiny Crown.Elsewhere, there was finally some respite for Canada’s Jayson Van Pelt, as he avoided the ignominy of ending up on zero points - besting Roll the Tiger Champion Tobei Sugimura. It’s been a tough series for Sugimura who was never really able to compete against the best, although he will take some solace from the fact he was the only member of the Yoshikawa Block to take a point from Genji. FINAL STANDINGS YAMANOUE BLOCK KAZ - 7 [3-0-1]Azumamaro Kita - 5 [2-1-1]Fujio Narahashi - 3 [1-2-1]Shiba Mizoguchi - 3 [1-2-1]Motoyuke Miyake - 2 [1-3] YOSHIKAWA BLOCK Lion Genji - 7 [3-0-1]Zeshin Makioka - 6 [3-1]Torajiro Sekozawa - 4 [2-2]Jayson Van Pelt - 2 [1-3]Tobei Sugimura - 1 [0-3-1] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CGN91 Posted May 6, 2022 Share Posted May 6, 2022 KAZ versus Lion Genji sounds like a really cool match. I was wrong before but I don't think that Genji is going to win the whole thing. He always screams gatekeeper to me and KAZ is obviously Mr. SAISHO. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scottie Posted May 12, 2022 Author Share Posted May 12, 2022 2020 A-1 GRAND PRIX The Miyagino Ward Bunka Center plays host to the 2020 A-1 Grand Prix final on Mar. 14, with a big card set! In the main event, the two group winners - KAZ and Lion Genji - will face off, with the victor to be crowned the sixth winner of the A-1 GP. Elsewhere, the tag titles are on the line; there's two special tag team matches; and a rare four-man elimination match to determine the next contender for the Ride the Tiger Title! * * * A-1 GRAND PRIX FINAL KAZ vs. LION GENJI Both KAZ and Lion Genji went through their respective blocks undefeated (three wins and a draw each), but come into the final with vastly different experience: KAZ is a two-time winner and six-time Destiny Crown Champion, while Genji is a former Destiny Crown Champion in his first GP final. It's no secret that KAZ is desperate to win the Destiny Crown for the seventh time, and having been unsuccessful in his attempt last month will be eager to gain another shot at Zeshin Makioka. Meanwhile, Genji will be keen for another shot at Makioka himself, having lost the Destiny Crown to the champion last year. The question will be whether KAZ's experience will be enough to overcome the powerful Lion Genji, who at 30 years of age is coming into the prime of his career. DESTINY TAG TEAM CROWN ISORUKO ARAKAKI & MUSCLE SERIZAWA vs. THE NIGHT TERRORS (BABAU & MOROI) Two-time Destiny Tag team Crown Champions Babau & Moroi arguably come into this bout as favourites, with the champions still looking to prove themselves as the leading tag team force. The Night Terrors were on the winning side of multi-man action twice during the "Guard of Honour" Series, but it's been much closer since - with Arakaki & Serizawa winning two of the last three multi-man encounters. The question will be whether the bulky champions can see off the varied and exciting aerial attacks from masked duo. COYOTE COMPANY (TORAJIRO SEKOZAWA & SHIBA MIZOUCHI) & OMEZO SHIKITEI vs. CRIMSON TIGERS (ZESHIN MAKIOKA, AKIRA ARATO & OGAI MIKI) Veteran Torajiro Sekozawa had a mixed A-1 Grand Prix, as he continues to re-establish himself following his long-term injury. But he did have one big achievement: injuring the ribs of Destiny Crown Champion, Zeshin Makioka, which arguably played a big part in preventing Makioka from qualifying for the A-1 GP final. Here, Makioka appears eager to get his hands on the Coyote Company leader, combining with fellow Crimson Tigers Akira Arato & Ogai Miki to face off against former Destiny Crown Champion Shiba Mizoguchi and SAISHO newcomer, the technician Omezo Shikitei who was drafted in at the last moment by Sekozawa. BLACK IRON CORPS (AZUMAMARO KITA & FUJIO NARAHASHI) vs. REBEL (JINZABURO KAKINOMOTO & NARUHIKO KOIZUMI) This one looks like a mis-match on paper - but it's a huge opportunity for young lion duo, Jinzaburo Kakinomoto & Naruhiko Koizumi, against one of the most impressive tag teams in SAISHO. Technically, the Ronin VII doesn't have a "leader" - but it's clear that the Black Iron Corps, Azumamaro Kita & Fujio Narahashi, assume a de facto leadership role within the seven. During the A-1 Grand Prix, both were frustrated by their losses to KAZ - results that kept both out of contention for the final. So here they hope to take their frustrations out on KAZ's proteges, his fellow members of REBEL. But can the young lions pull off a surprise? THE DIAMOND DOGS (JIMMY STRATOSPHERE & MOTTY KURODA) vs. THE HURT (BILLY ROBINSON & NIGEL SVENSSON) The year started poorly for The Diamond Dogs, Jimmy Stratosphere & Motty Kuroda, but things have looked up since following a win over REBEL at "Guard of Honour" and then both REBEL and The Hurt in a three-way elimination match at the "18th Anniversary Show". Here, the Gai-jin team of Robinson & Svensson look to get their revenge against the two-time Destiny Tag Team Crown Champions, and put themselves back into title contention. Can their grizzled technical style match the innovation of The Diamond Dogs? ELIMINATION MATCH DAIGO GOYA vs. GIDAYU KATOU vs. JAYSON VAN PELT vs. MOTOYUKI MIYAKE Ride the Tiger Champion Tobei Sugimura doesn't appear on tonight's card due to his EXODUS 2010 commitments, but he will shortly find out who the next challenger for his title is in a rare four-way elimination match at "2020 A-1 Grand Prix". It's an interesting field: Jayson Van Pelt is a two-time Ride the Tiger Champion, who earlier this year fell short in his first shot at the Destiny Crown but bounced back with a singles win over Sugimura during the A-1 Grand Prix; Motoyuke Miyake has been a break out star this year, and will be hoping to get a measure of revenge against his Ronin VII teammate who won the title off him late last year; Gidayu Katou is a highly rated youngster, who boasts an awesome Lariat and equally impressive Moonsault; and young lion Daigo Goya is a natural crowd favourite, who normally plies his trade with some of Japan's best in PGHW. Either way - it's bound to be a fantastic showdown! SAISHO “2020 A-1 GRAND PRIX", 14.03.2020 Miyagino Ward Bunka CenterRide the Tiger - Contender Elimination Match: Daigo Goya vs. Gidayu Kitou vs. Jayson Van Pelt vs. Motoyuki Miyake.Special Tag Team Match: The Diamond Dogs (Jimmy Stratosphere & Motty Kuroda) vs. The Hurt (Billy Robinson & Nigel Svensson).Special Tag Team Match: Black Iron Corps (Azumamaro Kita & Fujio Narahashi) vs. REBEL (Jinzaburo Kakinomoto & Naruhiko Koizumi).Coyote Company (Torajiro Sekozawa & Shiba Mizoguchi) & Omezo Shikitei vs. Crimson Tigers (Zeshin Makioka, Akira Arato & Ogai Miki).Destiny Tag Team Crown: Isoruko Arakaki & MUSCLE Serizawa © vs. The Night Terrors (Babau & Moroi).A-1 Grand Prix - Final: KAZ vs. Lion Genji. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scottie Posted May 12, 2022 Author Share Posted May 12, 2022 LION GENJI Lion Genji is a 2008 graduate of the Tokyo Wrestling Dojo. An all-rounder who can both brawl and grapple, after graduation he worked the independent scene for several years and gained a reputation for being a solid and reliable performer with a big upside. He eventually caught the eye of GCG, who were actively looking to recruit younger wrestlers to balance out their ageing roster, and they signed Genji in 2014. He had a fine few years with the company, highlighted by winning the GCG Openweight title in late 2016 - besting fellow prospect Masashi Urogataya with what by that point had become his patented finisher, the Fusion Reactor (a Gotch Piledriver). Unsurprisingly he was in high demand after GCG collapsed. However, in a surprising move of sorts, he eventually chose to sign with Pro Wrestling SAISHO in October 2017 so that he could work under his hero, Mito Miwa. Picking up where he left off in GCG, Lion Genji proved himself to Miwa - and in just over a year claimed the Destiny Crown, with a win over Azumamaro Kita (a rivalry which continues to this day). Lion Genji now stands as the exception in the upper card. While his rivals are all backed by factions, Genji is the sole lone wolf - preferring to operate alone, although not opposed to teaming up with others when it suits him. He has his sights firmly set on another reign with the Destiny Crown - and a win in the A-1 Grand Prix would no doubt put him in the box seat for that. Although never seeking the approval of the crowd, SAISHO fans are grudgingly respectful of him. * * * SAISHO IN FOCUS * * * KAZ versus Lion Genji sounds like a really cool match. I was wrong before but I don't think that Genji is going to win the whole thing. He always screams gatekeeper to me and KAZ is obviously Mr. SAISHO. Thanks for the feedback! I'm still getting used to these characters - and I've of course managed to start a rivalry between Lion Genji and Azumamaro Kita, who are both labelled in the database as "100% Heel"! Lucky there's no face/heel divide, even if the fans detest them both. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scottie Posted May 20, 2022 Author Share Posted May 20, 2022 SAISHO “2020 A-1 GRAND PRIX” RESULTS - BIG ENDING TO GP FINAL SENDAI, Japan - "Mr. SAISHO" himself, KAZ, has earned himself another chance at a record 7th reign as Destiny Crown Champion, besting Lion Genji at the Miyagino Ward Bunka Center to claim his third A-1 Grand Prix. Despite his previous success in the tournament, the 36-year old came in as a slight underdog, with Genji in red hot form and having defeated the (albeit injured) Destiny Crown Champion Zeshin Makioka during the A-1 GP Series. And with a size advantage and perhaps even a touch more speed, in the early stages Genji looked to be a very good chance of claiming his first A-1 Grand Prix. However, it was the veteran KAZ who fought back valiantly, using all of his guile and experience to win his way back into the bout. And in the ultimate surprise, he reversed out of a roll-up attempt from Genji - catching him with a Super Rana for the pinfall. The crowd made no mistake about where its allegiance sat, raining down cheers on KAZ as he continues to search for a seventh Destiny Crown. Genji, meanwhile, was furious with the result - only briefly congratulating KAZ before storming to the back bitterly disappointed. It's only been one month since KAZ was overpowered by Makioka. Now the question is - does he have what it takes to beat him? BAD BLOOD CONTINUES TO BOIL BETWEEN MAKIOKA AND SEKOZAWA As champion, Zeshin Makioka expects to have rivals on all fronts - and that was the case here as he faced down two other A-1 GP competitors Torajiro Sekozawa & Shiba Mizoguchi in multi-man action. There has been some bad blood between Makioka and the leader of the Coyote Company, Sekozawa, after Sekozawa injured Makioka's ribs during the A-1 GP - arguably costing him a spot in the final. Here, Makioka teamed with fellow Crimson Tigers, Akira Arato & Ogai Miki, against Sekozawa, Mizoguchi and newcomer Omezo Shikitei. Shikitei put in a surprisingly impressive performance, getting exchanges with all three opponents including the champion, but all eyes were on Makioka and the veteran Sekozawa's rivalry. Ultimately, though, Makioka wasn't involved in the finish - finding himself tied up with Mizoguchi as Sekozawa got a rare submission, latching a brutal Raised Crab on young Arato. NIGHTMARE NIGHT FOR ARAKAKI & SERIZAWA While their fellow Coyote Company stablemates had a good win, Isoruko Arakaki & MUSCLE Serizawa weren't so lucky, failing in their fifth defence of the Destiny Tag Team Crown Titles in a loss against The Night Terrors. The masked American duo's speed proved too good in an entertaining bout, with the highflying pair managing to catch Arakaki & Serizawa off-guard on a number of occasions with the help of an attack from the top turnbuckle and the ring ropes. Arakaki & Serizawa did their best and managed to get a few near falls, but the end came a little unexpectedly as the orange-clad Moroi stunned Serizawa with the "Sleep Paralysis" to secure a third reign with the Destiny Tag Team Crown for The Night Terrors. REVENGE FOR RONIN VII; TOP FLIGHT TAG ACTION; NEXT CONTENDER FOR ROLL THE TIGER DECIDED In other action, experienced duo Azumamaro Kita & Fujio Narahashi made very light work of the young lion duo Jinzaburo Kakinomoto & Naruhiko Koizumi. It was a mis-match on paper, designed to get Kita & Narahashi a measure of revenge against Kakinomoto & Koizumi's mentor, KAZ. And revenge they got, picking up the win in just over five minutes. Elsewhere, there was a longer affair between The Hurt and The Diamond Dogs in what turned out to be the match of the night. With both teams looking to put their name forward as the next competitors for the Destiny Tag Team Crown, the gelled beautifully in a sixteen minute bout. Ultimately, it was Billy Robinson who picked up the win for the foreign duo, getting a submission from Motty Kuroda. Robinson & Svensson's win capped off a great night for The Coalition, as Canada's Jayson Van Pelt secured a shot at Tobei Sugimura's Ride the Tiger Title, winning a four man elimination match. It was a surprising result of sorts, as the final elimination saw Van Pelt defeat talented youngster Motoyuke Miyake - but only after Miyake earlier eliminated the other two competitors. Perhaps that story isn't yet finished. SAISHO “2020 A-1 GRAND PRIX", 14.03.2020 Miyagino Ward Bunka Center 210 Fans [51]Ride the Tiger - Contender Elimination Match: Jayson Van Pelt defeated Daigo Goya, Gidayu Kitou & Motoyuki Miyake (22:01). [47]Special Tag Team Match: The Hurt (Billy Robinson & Nigel Svensson) defeated The Diamond Dogs (Jimmy Stratosphere & Motty Kuroda) (15:51) with a Capital City Crucifix from Robinson to Kuroda. [56]Special Tag Team Match: Black Iron Corps (Azumamaro Kita & Fujio Narahashi) defeated REBEL (Jinzaburo Kakinomoto & Naruhiko Koizumi) (5:23) with a Cross Arm Breaker from Kita to Kakinomoto. [28]Destiny Tag Team Crown: The Night Terrors (Babau & Moroi) defeated Isoruko Arakaki & MUSCLE Serizawa © (19:58) with a Sleep Paralysis from Babau to Serizawa (Failed 5th Defence -> 23rd Champions. [53]Coyote Company (Torajiro Sekozawa & Shiba Mizoguchi) & Omezo Shikitei defeated Crimson Tigers (Zeshin Makioka, Akira Arato & Ogai Miki) (17:57) with a Raised Crab from Sekozawa to Arato. [50]A-1 Grand Prix - Final: KAZ defeated Lion Genji (26:03) with a Super Rana. [52] *** POST-SHOW INTERVIEWS: "There's still fight in this old dog! I've got his number and I'm coming for his title!" Torajiro Sekozawa might need to take a number, but feels confident that he's ready for a shot at Zeshin Makioka's Destiny Crown. "Don't underestimate us! Tonight, we showed that we're a force to be reckoned with. And we're only just getting started!" The Coalition had a great night with two wins from their two bouts, and de facto leader Jayson Van Pelt clearly thinks there's big things to come. "We won't stop until we are back in our rightful place - at the top of SAISHO!" Ronin VII tag team Azumamaro Kita & Fujio Narahashi were flying high - notwithstanding a mismatch of sorts against the young lion duo Kakinomoto & Koizumi. In a rambling interview, they made clear that they each have one eye on getting revenge against the A-1 GP winner KAZ, and one eye on the Destiny Crown Champion Makioka. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scottie Posted June 4, 2022 Author Share Posted June 4, 2022 SAISHO "GRAND SLAM VII" The seventh instalment of one of Pro Wrestling SAISHO's events, "GRAND SLAM VII", takes place from Sendai on Apr. 11, and the tour ending press conference hosted by "The Pride Warrior" Mito Miwa confirmed all three titles will be on the line - plus more! * * * * * DESTINY CROWN ZESHIN MAKIOKA vs. TORAJIRO SEKOZAWA The main event sees Zeshin Makioka put his Destiny Crown on the line, as he faces off against the veteran leader of the Coyote Company, Torajiro Sekozawa! Sekozawa has been a thorn in Makioka's side since injuring his ribs during last month's "2020 A-1 Grand Prix" Series, and then submitting Makioka's stable mate Akira Arato at the tour ending event. The pair have continued to battle in multi-man action this tour, with Sekozawa edging the rivalry 2-1 in multi-man action. With four defences under his belt, Makioka looks strong - and has proved himself as a fighting champion this tour, despite his apparent discomfort. But clearly Sekozawa has got under his skin this past month - and the proof was in the pudding at the press conference as Makioka went very close to coming to blows with his challenger. DESTINY TAG TEAM CROWN THE NIGHT TERRORS (BABAU & MOROI) vs. THE DIAMOND DOGS (JIMMY STRATOSPHERE & MOTTY KURODA) vs. THE HURT (BILLY ROBINSON & NIGEL SVENSSON) Fresh off claiming the Destiny Tag Team Crown for the third time at "2020 A-1 Grand Prix", The Night Terrors, Babau & Moroi, show they fear no one. making their first defence here at "Grand Slam VII" in a three-way tag team match. Their opponents are both former tag team champions, with The Diamond Dogs champions on two occasions and the The Hurt, Robinson & Svensson, having claimed the titles once previously. The two teams met in the match of the night at "2020 A-1 Grand Prix", with The Hurt coming up victorious there. But it will take a lot to knock off the now three time Destiny Tag Team Crown Champions, with Babau & Moroi having won all three of their conventional tag team matches this year. RONIN VII (AZUMAMARO KITA, FUJIO NARAHASHI & SHUZO UTAGAWA) vs. REBEL (KAZ, JINZABURO KAKINOMOTO & NARUHIKO KOIZUMI) Fresh off winning the A-1 Grand Prix for the third time, "Mr. SAISHO" KAZ has his sights firmly set on the Destiny Crown. But he's also taken umbrage at the Black Iron Corps, Azumamaro Kita & Fujio Narahashi, who he considers the worst kind of sore losers. After the pair both lost their singles matches to KAZ during the A-1 GP, they combined at the final show of that tour to dismantle his young proteges, Jinzaburo Kakinomoto & Naruhiko Koizumi. Here, KAZ teams up with his proteges to get a measure of revenge against Kita & Narahashi, who are joined with 23-year old fellow Ronin, the talented technician Shuzo Utagawa. LION GENJI & OMEZO SHIKITEI vs. AKIRA ARATO & GIDAYU KATOU After losing last month's A-1 GP final, Lion Genji has been a man on a mission this tour - showing real ferocity throughout the series. Somewhat curiously (given his reputation as a "lone wolf" of sorts), he's been joined on a number of occasions by SAISHO newcomer, the meticulous technician Omezo Shikitei, who made his debut last month. Here, they team up again - facing Akira Arato & Gidayu Katou. Although undoubtedly two of the most promising young SAISHO wrestlers, Arato & Katou have struggled to make their mark this year - primarily spending their time playing second fiddle to their Crimson Tigers leader, Zeshin Makioka. Out of his shadow here, they'll be hoping to prove their mettle. RONIN VII (MOTOYUKE MIYAKE, KINJI AKAMATSU & TORCH NAKAZAWA) vs. COYOTE COMPANY (SHIBA MIZOGUCHI, ISORUKO ARAKAKI & MUSCLE SERIZAWA) After a red hot start to the year, Motoyuke Miyake's momentum came to a screeching halt during the A-1 GP, as he picked up just two points. Since then, he's continued to struggle to find a place in the SAISHO upper card - a big change since facing off with the likes of KAZ in special singles action earlier this year. Still, he has a big chance to prove himself here, against the former Destiny Crown Champion Shiba Mizoguchi. Mizoguchi was furious during the A-1 GP, as he lost to Miyake in singles action - Miyake's only win of the series. Here, Mizoguchi is joined by Isoruko Arakaki & MUSCLE Serizawa, who are hoping to redeem themselves after losing the tag titles to The Night Terrors last month. But it won't be easy - in addition to Miyake, their opponents include Kinji Akamatsu & Torch Nakazawa, the veteran tag team that Arakaki & Serizawa only just bested earlier this year at "Battleground Japan". RIDE THE TIGER TITLE TOBEI SUGIMURA vs. JAYSON VAN PELT Both Tobei Sugimura and Jayson Van Pelt produced sorry displays during the A-1 GP, finishing last and second last in the "Yoshikawa Block". It was a particularly disappointing tour for Sugimura, who failed to win a bout and claimed just one point. His series also included a loss against the Canadian Van Pelt, who bested him on the final night of the block matches with a flash pinfall. Van Pelt then won a four-man match to earn this title shot, where he'll be hoping to capitalise on his good recent results against Sugimura, as he continues to bounce back from his failed attempt at the Destiny Crown earlier this year. The silent assassin Sugimura will no doubt have learned from his most recent defeat against Van Pelt - but can he best the Canadian's aerial offence and prevent Van Pelt from becoming a three-time champion? SAISHO “GRAND SLAM VII", 11.04.2020 Miyagino Ward Bunka CenterRide the Tiger: Tobei Sugimura © vs. Jayson Van Pelt.Ronin VII (Motoyuke Miyake, Kinji Akamatsu & Torch Nakazawa) vs. Coyote Company (Shiba Mizoguchi, Isoruko Arakaki & MUSCLE Serizawa).Lion Genji & Omezo Shikitei vs. Akira Arato & Gidayu Katou.Destiny Tag Team Crown: The Night Terrors (Babau & Moroi) © vs. The Diamond Dogs (Jimmy Stratosphere & Motty Kuroda) vs. The Hurt (Billy Robinson & Nigel Svensson).Ronin VII (Azumamaro Kita, Fujio Narahashi & Shuza Utagawa) vs. REBEL (KAZ, Jinzaburo Kakinomoto & Naruhiko Koizumi).Destiny Crown: Zeshin Makioka © vs. Torajiro Sekozawa. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CGN91 Posted June 5, 2022 Share Posted June 5, 2022 SAISHO “GRAND SLAM VII", 11.04.2020 Miyagino Ward Bunka Center Ride the Tiger: Tobei Sugimura © vs. Jayson Van Pelt. Ronin VII (Motoyuke Miyake, Kinji Akamatsu & Torch Nakazawa) vs. Coyote Company (Shiba Mizoguchi, Isoruko Arakaki & MUSCLE Serizawa). Lion Genji & Omezo Shikitei vs. Akira Arato & Gidayu Katou. Destiny Tag Team Crown: The Night Terrors (Babau & Moroi) © vs. The Diamond Dogs (Jimmy Stratosphere & Motty Kuroda) vs. The Hurt (Billy Robinson & Nigel Svensson). Ronin VII (Azumamaro Kita, Fujio Narahashi & Shuza Utagawa) vs. REBEL (KAZ, Jinzaburo Kakinomoto & Naruhiko Koizumi). Destiny Crown: Zeshin Makioka © vs. Torajiro Sekozawa. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scottie Posted June 5, 2022 Author Share Posted June 5, 2022 SAISHO “GRAND SLAM VII” RESULTS - MAKIOKA SURVIVES COYOTE ONSLAUGHT SENDAI, Japan - He was made to fight for it, but Zeshin Makioka completed an impressive fifth defence of the Destiny Crown, besting calculating veteran Torajiro Sekozawa in the main event of Pro Wrestling SAISHO's "Grand Slam VII" from the Miyagino Ward Bunka Center in Sendai. After more than a month of being tormented by the veteran Sekozawa, Makioka was clearly intent on imposing himself on the bout earlier - taking out his frustration on the two-time former champion. However, although coming into the twilight of his career and lacking the physicality of Makioka, Sekozawa showed incredible smarts - focusing on the Makioka's ribs, as he has done since injuring them during the A-1 Grand Prix group matches. Since returning from injury earlier this year, Sekozawa has only rarely taken part in singles action - and there's been a few ugly affairs during that time. But here he produced a strong effort despite a slow start, clearly positioned as the bad guy as the crowd edged firmly behind Makioka. After just over twenty minutes, Makioka secured the title defence - fighting out of a Boston Crab from Sekozawa to force him into the corner. Then, showing impressive strength despite clear pain on his face, he lifted him up for a Muscle Buster to complete the match - a huge win for the champion. His relief was only short-lived: almost immediately after the bout, Makioka was joined in the ring by Lion Genji. Genji, who was the only man to beat Makioka during the A-1 Grand Prix, said the time has come for him to reclaim what is his - challenging Makioka to a re-match for the title (with Makioka having claimed the title from Genji last year). After spending late last year trying to prove himself to Mito Miwa, Makioka is making a name for himself as a fighting champion. And despite the pain he was in, he was always going to accept Genji's challenge - telling "The Lone Wolf" that he's on. TERROR REIGNS SUPREME IN TAG ACTION For the second big show in a row, tag wrestling stole the show - this time, seeing the reigning Destiny Tag Team Crown Champions, The Night Terrors, making their first title defence. Facing off against two sets of former champions in a triangle match, the masked duo were sensational in a superb match which eventually won the crowd over. Opposing them were The Diamond Dogs, Jimmy Stratosphere & Motty Kuroda, as well as The Hurt, Billy Robinson & Nigel Svensson. The gai-jin duo Robinson & Svensson's grizzled style stood in stark contrast to the high flying skills of their two opponents, and they spent the early parts of the match in control. However, they were surprisingly the first team to be cut down - both opposing teams combining to isolate Svensson, and allowing Stratosphere to come off the top rope to eliminate The Hurt. That left just under ten minutes of exciting high flying action between The Night Terrors and The Diamond Dogs. But although the dogs went close on a number of occasions, they ultimately fell just short - Moroi coming off the top rope himself with a big splash to pick up the pinfall and complete their first defence. SAISHO leader Mito Miwa has not been as hesitant in booking triangle matches as some of his more traditional Japanese compatriots, and we were grateful for that here after it produced the match of the night. KAZ TO PUT IT ALL ON THE LINE A-1 Grand Prix winner KAZ has continued to have a real thorn in his side in the form of the Black Iron Corps, teaming up with fellow REBEL faction members Jinzaburo Kakinomoto & Naruhiko Koizumi in a losing effort against Azumamaro Kita, Fujio Narahashi & Shuzo Utagawa. Kita & Narahashi were cast as "dishonourable losers" following their proverbial dummy spit at "2020 A-1 Grand Prix", where they dismantled the young lions Kakinomoto & Koizumi in a measure of revenge for their own singles defeats to KAZ during the A-1 GP. The going was much tougher here, with "Mr. SAISHO" KAZ clearly inspiring the young lions in an entertaining bout. But ultimately the numbers proved too much - and it was surprisingly KAZ who took the pinfall, as Kita clubbed him with a jumping front kick, and Narahashi felled him with a brutal lariat for the pinfall. After the bout, Narahashi goaded KAZ into doing the unthinkable - agreeing to put his Destiny Awaits title shot on the line next month at "Mega Explosion" in a special singles match against Narahashi. NEW TIGER IN TOWN Elsewhere, Jayson Van Pelt became a three-time Roll the Tiger Champion, ending a lacklustre reign from "The Silent Assassin" Tobei Sugimura. In an at times awkward bout, the Canadian Van Pelt ensured his Coalition wouldn't leave Sendai empty handed, felling Sugimura with an Axe Kick to pick up the pinfall and the title inside fifteen minutes. SAISHO “GRAND SLAM VII", 11.04.2020 Miyagino Ward Bunka Center 210 Fans [52]Ride the Tiger: Jayson Van Pelt defeated Tobei Sugimura © (13:41) with an Axe Kick (Failed 2nd defence -> 17th Champion). [45]Ronin VII (Motoyuke Miyake, Kinji Akamatsu & Torch Nakazawa) defeated Coyote Company (Shiba Mizoguchi, Isoruko Arakaki & MUSCLE Serizawa) (17:40) with a Knock Out Kick from Miyake to Mizoguchi. [46]Lion Genji & Omezo Shikitei defeated Akira Arato & Gidayu Katou (22:09) with a Fusion Reactor from Genji to Katou. [49]Destiny Tag Team Crown: The Night Terrors (Babau & Moroi) © defeated The Diamond Dogs (Jimmy Stratosphere & Motty Kuroda) & The Hurt (Billy Robinson & Nigel Svensson) (20:12) (1st defence). [55]Ronin VII (Azumamaro Kita, Fujio Narahashi & Shuza Utagawa) defeated REBEL (KAZ, Jinzaburo Kakinomoto & Naruhiko Koizumi) (16:17) with a Lariat Clothesline from Narahashi to KAZ. [43]Destiny Crown: Zeshin Makioka © defeated Torajiro Sekozawa (24:22) with a Muscle Buster (5th defence). [53]*** POST-SHOW INTERVIEWS: "We're sick of being ignored, and seeing people like KAZ get all the chances. I won't stop until that title is around my waist!" - Standing alongside Azumamaro Kita, the usually reserved Fujio Narahashi clearly views Destiny Awaits as his chance to break through the glass ceiling. "No way! It's been a difficult start to my year, but I'm honoured to be champion again. I said The Coalition was just getting started, and I meant it!" - Fresh off winning the Ride the Tiger Title, Canada's Jayson Van Pelt was clearly surprised and humbled when told his third reign was the most in the belt's eight-year history. "It's been about five long months, and I'm ready to reclaim what's mine. I've beaten him once before, and I will beat him again." - With his apparent ally Omezo Shikitei standing next to him, Lion Genji's sights are firmly set on Zeshin Makioka. *** PREDICTIONS: CGN91 - 4/6 SAISHO “Mega Explosion", 29.05.2020 Miyagino Ward Bunka Center Card subject to changeDestiny Crown - Title Shot: KAZ vs. Fujio Narahashi.Destiny Crown: Zeshin Makioka © vs. Lion Genji. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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