Scottie Posted March 26, 2023 Share Posted March 26, 2023 (edited) CURRENT CHAMPIONS GLORY CROWN 27th ChampionKOZUE KAWASHIMA [4] GLORY TAG CROWN 33rd ChampionsTHE FRONT (KAZUSHIGE MATSUKI & TETSUNORI YASUDA) INTERNATIONAL TITLE 21st ChampionJOSHUA TAYLOR [2] HISTORICAL JAPAN TITLE 43rd ChampionAVALANCHE TAKANO [3] HISTORICAL JAPAN TAG TEAM TITLES 2nd ChampionsKITA & SATO ELITE SERIES 2021 WinnerKOZUE KAWASHIMA [4] ELITE TAG SERIES 2021 WinnersTHE FRONT (KAZUSHIGE MATSUKI & TETSUNORI YASUDA) * * * * * CURRENT STABLES COYOTE CLUB MASARU UGAKI (Leader) - RYOMA MURUYAMA (Deputy) - AKIMA - BISON YANO Past Members: Brute Kikuchi (Joined BHOTWG); Gonnohyoe Kada (Free Agency). THE COALTION DANNY CAVANAGH - TIMMY WEST Past Members: Simon Flemmingway (Joined BHOTWG), Dean Daniels (Released). CRIMSON TIGERS KOZUE KAWASHIMA (Leader) - PRIDE KOISO (Deputy - Non-Wrestler) - BUSSHO MAKIGUCHI - CHOJIRO KITOAJI - HIROBUMI TAKIMOTO - TOM BARROWMAN - TSURAYUKI KAMACHI THE FRONT REAVER (Leader) - KAZUSHIGE MATSUKI - TETSUNORI YASUDA REBEL MAGNUM KOBE (Leader) - HIROTSUGU SATOU - MOTOYUKE MIYAKE Past Members: Dean Waldorf (Joined BHOTWG); Marv Statler (Joined BHOTWG); SATO (Left Stable). RONIN VII AKINORI KWAKAMI - AVALANCHE TAKANO - HARANOBU KOBAYASHI - JOSHUA TAYLOR - NORIYORI SANDA - SEIJI JIMBO - SUGURU EMOTO Past Members: William Hayes (Joined BHOTWG). TEAM NAGAHAMA DEFUNCT Past Members: Stone Yoshikawa (Joined BHOTWG); Mamoru Nagahama (Released); Tsurayuki Kamachi (Left Stable). * * * * * OOC: This will be a very basic diary. I don't plan on posting shows, but I will instead post month-by-month recaps as I go through which track how PGHW is unfolding. From time-to-time, I might do something a little more in-depth. Edited August 13, 2023 by Scottie 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scottie Posted March 26, 2023 Author Share Posted March 26, 2023 (edited) DESTINY TOUR JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2020 2020’s DESTINY Tour got underway with a series of shows, all in the Kansai region, with the highlights broadcast on J-Remote 1. Most of the tour was headlined by a series of multi-man matches, which pitted the Glory Crown Champion, Seiji Jimbo (supported by other warriors within the flatly-structured RONIN VII faction) against the nefarious Magnum Kobe (who was supported throughout the tour by his fellow REBEL stablemates, SATO, Dean Waldorf & Marv Statler). Kobe’s group had success early on in the tour, including in a televised bout in Nara which saw Kobe submit the veteran William Hayes with his patented Magnum Deathlock. That early success was enough to see Jimbo accept Kobe’s challenge for the Glory Crown - the first for the former WLW star. The two continued to do battle throughout the tour, although neither could directly score an important win over the other. Elsewhere, another huge singles bout was set for the tour-ending Night of DESTINY show, with the sensational Kozue Kawashima accepting a challenge from the tough veteran Akinori Kwakami. The rivalry stemmed from a match in Kobe, where the two actually teamed together to win a multi-match. Kwakami seemingly had the match won against Totoya Munakata - only for Kawashima to tag himself in and finish the match off. It started a heated rivalry between the two, with the match finally set late in the tour at the Doshisha Athletic Centre, as Kwakami took a pinfall win in an eight-man tag match involving Kawashima. The second reign of BISON Yano & Brute Kikuchi as Glory Tag Crown Champions was into its fifth month, as their on-again-off-again rivalry with three-time champions Bussho Makiguchi & Chojiro Kitoaji kicked off again. PGHW’s tag team division has really rested on these two main planks for the best part of the last year, with each of the four members of the “Next Generation” of PGHW stars. The showdown for the titles was set early in the tour, with rumours awash in Japanese wrestling that Brute Kikuchi had signed a deal with giants BHOTWG and was heading for the exit. PGHW has often been criticised for relying too heavily on its marquee Elite Series event, and missing the opportunity for tournaments elsewhere in the calendar. The powers that be went some way to rectifying that this year, with a mid card round robin entitled the Winter Classic. There were actual stakes to this one too: the winner from each block would earn a spot in next month’s Elite Series, while the winner of the final would take home the inaugural Winter Classic trophy. In Block A, SATO [7] overcame Eien Miyamoto [5], Haranobu Kobayashi [4], Hitomaro Suzuki [0] & Simon Flemmingway [4] to earn a spot in the Elite Series, while in Block B, the massive Gonnohyoe Kada [8] went undefeated in a group consisting of Goemon Komiya [5], Hirokazu Yamanoue [1], Hirotsugu Satou [2] and William Hayes [4]. Kada and SATO will meet for the bragging rights at Night of DESTINY. The tour came to a head on Feb. 14 in front of 21,035 fans in Osaka. The undercard consisted of a series of serviceable multi-man matches, including an enjoyable eight-man tag team match between the also rans of the Winter Classic, which saw RONIN VII warrior Kobayashi pick up the win for Block A, with the Kobayashi Plunge on the Block B runner-up, Komiya. In addition, there was an entertaining tag team sprint, which saw veteran duo Masaru Ugaki & Ryoma Muruyama defeat Dean Waldorf & Marv Statler. The focus, though, was on the final four bouts. In an entertaining “Special Singles Match”, Kozue Kawashima overcame the tough veteran Akinori Kwakami to win a brutal brawl, while the Winter Classic came to an anti-climatic end as SATO edged the giant Gonnohyoe Kada with back-to-back Wind Spirit Elbows. Then, the Glory Tag Crown changed hands, as Bussho Makiguchi sent Brute Kikuchi packing from PGHW with a Blazing Elbow to make KitoGuchi four-time champions, before Seiji Jimbo prevailed in the match of the night: a competitive 32-minute affair against Magnum Kobe. PGHW “Night of DESTINY”, 14.02.2020 (J-Remote 1) Osaka, Japan 21,035 Fans 29,570 Viewers (0.05 Rating) [80] Avalanche Takano & Noriyori Sanda defeated Mamoru Nagahama & Stone Yoshikawa (7:33) with the Full Body Powerbomb from Sanda to Nagahama. [65] Winter Classic Special Eight Man Tag Match: Eien Miyamoto, Haranobu Kobayashi, Hitomaro Suzuki & Simon Flemmingway defeated Goemon Komiya, Hirokazu Yamanoue, Hirotsugu Satou & William Hayes (8:15) with the Kobayashi Plunge from Kobayashi to Komiya. [66] Kazushige Matsugi, Reaver & Tetsunori Yasuda defeated Beast & West (Danny Cavanagh & Timmy West) & Matt Blackburn (10:01) with the Minimal Plunge from Yasuda to Blackburn. [62] Masaru Ugaki & Ryoma Muruyama defeated The Ring Generals (Dean Waldorf & Marv Statler) (11:46) with the Muruyama Launch from Muruyama to Statler. [74] Special Singles Match: Kozue Kawashima defeated Akinori Kwakami (21:57) with the Kawashima Driver 2005. [81] Winter Classic - Final Battle: SATO defeated Gonnohyoe Kada (9:56) with the Wind Spirit Elbow. [59] Glory Tag Crown: KitoGuchi (Bussho Makiguchi & Chojiro Kitoaji) defeated BISON Yano & Brute Kikuchi (c) (28:46) with the Blazing Elbow from Makiguchi to Kikuchi (Failed 4th defence -> 32nd Champions). [74] Glory Crown: Seiji Jimbo (c) defeated Magnum Kobe (32:25) with the Ocean Lock (2nd defence). [82] The attention then turns to the marquee event next month, with the 24th Elite Series taking place! During the broadcast of Night of DESTINY, the two eight-man blocks were announced (named after the legendary tag team, Codebreakers 1996): BLOCK EISAKU HOSHINO AKIMA (Akira Brave) BISON Yano Bussho Makiguchi Gonnohyoe Kada Chojiro Kitaoji Masaru Ugaki Reaver Seiji Jimbo BLOCK EISAKU KUNOMASU Akinori Kwakami Kazushige Matsuki Kozue Kawashima Magnum Kobe Noriyori Sanda Ryoma Muruyama SATO Tetsunori Yasuda * * * * * Match of the Tour: Seiji Jimbo vs. Magnum Kobe (Night of DESTINY, Feb. 14)Departures: Brute Kikuchi (BHOTWG), Totoya Munakata (BHOTWG) Edited March 26, 2023 by Scottie 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scottie Posted March 26, 2023 Author Share Posted March 26, 2023 PRIDE TOUR FEBRUARY - MARCH 2020 The second half of February saw the focus of PGHW’s shows shift to its crown jewel - the 24th Elite Series! The jam-packed field included four former Elite Series winners, three Glory Crown Champions, eight Glory Tag Team Champions and an intruder, the fearsome Samoan, AKIMA (better known to many as WLW's Akima Brave). It would seem unfair to label one block stronger than the other, but on paper there were two clear standouts in the Hoshino Block: the defending Elite Series winner and reigning Glory Crown Champion, Seiji Jimbo, and former Elite Series winner and two-time Glory Crown Champion, the ever professional Masaru Ugaki. But you’d be a fool to discount the likes of Chojiro Kitoaji (the son of former Elite Series winner, Koryusai Kitoaji), his tag team partner Bussho Makiguchi and the 6 foot 6 inch powerhouse, BISON Yano, who was freshly solo following his partner Brute Kikuchi’s departure to BHOTWG. In contrast, there was one clear stand out in the Kunomasu Block: two-time Elite Series winner and three-time Glory Crown Champion, Kozue Kawashima. But he was the marked man, in a block consisting of veteran tag team Akinori Kwakami & Noriyori Sanda, with the former coming off a bitterly contested loss to Kawashima at “Night of DESTINY”. Elsewhere, there was the unknown quantity: SATO, who had proved his worth in his win in the Winter Series, and who would find himself facing off tenth night of the tour with his stable master, Magnum Kobe. As is standard for tournaments of this kind, the Hoshino Block came down to the final match on the final night of the tournament, as Seiji Jimbo faced off against Masaru Ugaki. The pair were tied on ten points each: Jimbo lost his only match in a televised upset on in Nara, as Chojiro Kitoaji bested him with a pair of Lariats, while Ugaki was upset by the American brawler Reaver in Doshisha. In the block’s final bout, the two superstars of PGHW did battle and, for 27 minutes, it looked like they would split the points. However, with less than two minutes to go, Ugaki wrestled his way out of an attempted Jimbo Driver, and nailed the champion with the Arc Kick to seal the win and a spot in the Elite Series final. Jimbo was initially concerned about the speed of the count, but begrudgingly congratulated his rival on the win. Meanwhile, the Kunomasu Block was more even, with the bitter rivals Kawashima and Kwakami leading the back, with Magnum Kobe and the surprise veteran Noriyori Sanda not far behind. Sanda was the early surprise in the tournament, as he bested Kobe, Tetsunori Yasuda and Ryoma Muruyama in his first three bouts. But he was soon pulled in by the bigger men in the group, with defeats to Kawashima in Nara, his stablemate Kwakami and Kazushige Matsuki in Doshisha. As with the Hoshino Block, this block also came down to the very end: Kobe was already mathematically unable to qualify after a time limit draw with Kawashima on the penultimate night, which left Kwakami on ten points and Kawashima close behind on nine points. In an entertaining bout, Kawashima booked his spot in the final with a win over Maruyama - his only loss being to his bitter rival Kwakami in televised action earlier in the tour. The Elite Series then came to its climax at Nara Baseball Stadium on Mar. 20. The undercard was filled with a series of multi-man matches involving competitors in the Elite Series, as well as the Japanese return of former GCG World Heavyweight Tag Team Champion, Dean Daniels, who bested Hirokazu Yamanoue. But the focus was undoubtedly on the main event, as Kawashima and Ugaki did battle for the 2020 Elite Series. In an exciting clash which lasted 26:44, it was Kozue Kawashima who lifted the Elite Series for a third time, thrilling the 15,000 fans in attendance with the Kawashima Driver 2005 to seal the win. PGHW “Night of PRIDE”, 20.03.2020 (J-Remote 1) Nara Baseball Stadium 15,000 Fans - No Vacancy 32,696 Viewers (0.06 Rating) [78] Ryoma Muruyama defeated Goro Hatamoto (4:40) with the Muruyama Launch. [46] Dean Daniels defeated Hirokazu Yamanoue (9:45) with the Cradle Piledriver. [53] Historical Japan Title: Avalanche Takano (c) defeated Mamoru Nagahama (9:53) with the Mountain Takano (7th defence). [62] The Coalition (Simon Flemmingway, Danny Cavanagh & Timmy West) defeated Daigo Goya, Goemon Komiya & Hirotsugu Satou (9:54) with the Suicide Solution from Flemmingway to Goya. [65] The Ring Generals (Dean Waldorf & Marv Statler) defeated RONIN VII (Eien Miyamoto & William Hayes) (9:12) with the Wheelbarrow Bomb from Waldorf to Miyamoto. [70] AKIMA & Gonnohyoe Kada defeated Team Nagahama (Stone Yoshikawa & Tsurayuki Kamachi) (10:30) with the Single Arm DDT form Kada to Yoshikawa. [67] Elite Series Special Ten Man Tag Match: BISON Yano, Bussho Makiguchi, Chojiro Kitoaji, Reaver & Seiji Jimbo defeated Akinori Kwakami, Kazushige Matsuki, Magnum Kobe, SATO & Tetsunori Yasuda (13:47) with the Lariat from Kitoaji to SATO. [71] Elite Series - Final: Kozue Kawashima defeated Masaru Ugaki (26:44) with the Kawashima Driver 2005. [83] * * * * * Match of the Tour: Kozue Kawashima vs. Maseru Ugaki (Night of PRIDE, Mar. 20) (Honourable Mention: Akinori Kwakami vs. Kozue Kawashima, Mar. 12)Arrivals: AKIMA (Akima Brave, WLW), Dean Daniels (TCW), Goro Hatamoto (Young Lion) 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scottie Posted March 27, 2023 Author Share Posted March 27, 2023 FORTITUDE TOUR MARCH - APRIL 2020 With the Elite Series in the can, PGHW moved onto its FORTITUDE Series, which would see the mettle of some of its biggest stars put to the test. Before the tour started, Nobuatsu Tatsuko announced a huge doubleheader for the series ending Night of FORTITUDE: The Glory Crown would be on the line, with Seiji Jimbo defending against PGHW Glory Tag Crown champion Chojiro Kitoaji, who had bested Jimbo in the battle of second generation stars during the group stages of the Elite Series to earn his show. Meanwhile, the bitter rivalry between Kozue Kawashima and Akinori Kwakami would come to a head, with Kawashima agreeing to put his guaranteed Elite Series title show on the line to avenge his loss to Kwakami during the block phase of that tournament. Before the series proper kicked off, the stars of PGHW collected in Nagoya for the 2020 instalment of the Nagoya Puroresu Festival. There were some entertaining multi-man bouts, as well as a successful Historical Japan Title defence by Avalanche Takano over Goemon Komiya. But the real highlight was a bruising singles bout between Kitoaji and BISON Yano, which saw the Glory Crown contender Kitoaji succeed with a Lariat after 21:07. It was fair to say that the fans are growing to view him as a real singles star. PGHW “Nagoya Puroresu Festival”, 24.03.2020 (Prime Japan TV) Nagoya Sports Stadium 10,000 Fans - No Vacancy 362,444 Viewers (0.48 Rating) [76] Historical Japan Title: Avalanche Takano (c) defeated Goemon Komiya (11:36) with the Mountain Takano (8th defence). [64] Dean Waldorf, Magnum Kobe, Marv Statler & Masatochi Kamimura defeated Danny Cavanagh, Matt Blackburn, Simon Flemmingway & Timmy West (12:27) with the Backdrop Backbreaker from Statler to Blackburn. [63] Gonnohyoe Kada & Hirobumi Takimoto defeated Dean Daniels & Hirotsugu Satou (12:40) with the Lariat from Takimoto to Daniels. [60] Akinori Kwakami, Eien Miyamoto, Haranobu Kobayashi & William Hayes defeated AKIMA, Mamoru Nagahama, Stone Yoshikawa & Tsurayuki Kamachi (18:56) with the Red Star Neckbreaker from Kwakami to Kamachi. [67] Ultimate Confrontation: Chojiro Kitoaji defeated BISON Yano (21:07) with the Lariat. [80] There were very few surprises during the balance of this shorter shorter tour, which spent most of the time building up to the big singles bouts via multi-man matches. The highlight was in the main event in Doshisha, which saw Kawashima team up with fellow Crimson Tigers Kitoaji and Bussho Makiguchi to defeat RONIN VII’s Jimbo, Kwakami & Eien Miyamoto. Meanwhile, in a televised main event in Nara, Hirobumi Takimoto defended his International Title in an ordinary bout against American Dean Daniels, who spent much of the tour teaming with (before ultimately joining forces with) fellow gai-jin stable, The Coaltion. On Apr. 10, it was time for Night of FORTITUDE from Osaka - an event made even more special by the fact that it marked PGHW's return to pay-per-view broadcast with leading provider Emperor Choice! In choice action, BISON Yano managed to get some of his heat back with a hard hitting win over Kitoaji's tag team partner, Makiguchi, while Goemon Komiya lost his final match in PGHW to talented youngster Hirotsugu Satou. Then, in a big special singles match, Kawashima retained his shot at the Glory Crown in a bitterly contested singles win over Akinori Kwakami. But it was the main event between Jimbo and Kitoaji which stole the show - the two emerging stars of PGHW doing battle for just under 28 minutes, before Jimbo secured his third title defence with a Jimbo Driver. It was an excellent match, with both workers coming out looking very strong. After the bout, Masaru Ugaki came to the ring, following his win earlier that night alongside tag team partner Ryoma Muruyama over the journeyman team of Stone Yoshikawa & Tsurayuki Kamachi. Ugaki confronted Jimbo, reminding the champion about their bout in the Elite Series which saw Ugaki pick up the win. It didn’t take long for Ugaki to make clear what he wanted: a chance to become a three-time Glory Crown Champion. PGHW “Night of FORTITUDE”, 10.04.2020 (Emperor Choice) Osaka, Japan 25,618 Fans 370,656 Viewers (0.74 Rating) [77] Hirotsugu Satou defeated Goemon Komiya (10:20) with the Scorpion Deathlock. [63] The Front (Reaver, Kazushige Matsuki & Tetsunori Yasuda) defeated RONIN VII (Avalanche Takano, Noriyori Sanda & William Hayes) (11:44) with the Fist of Fury from Matsuki to Hayes. [64] REBEL (Magnum Kobe, Dean Waldorf, Marv Statler & SATO) defeated The Coalition (Danny Cavanagh, Dean Daniels, Simon Flemmingway & Timmy West) (12:17) with the Glorious Red from Kobe to Flemmingway. [65] Coyote Club (Masaru Ugaki & Ryoma Muruyama) defeated Team Nagahama (Stone Yoshikawa & Tsurayuki Kamachi) (14:47) with the Arc Kick from Ugaki to Kamachi. [74] Ultimate Revenge Match: Bison Yano defeated Bussho Makiguchi (14:12) with the Yano Express. [77] Elite Series Title Shot: Kozue Kawashima defeated Akinori Kwakami (24:08) with the Kawashima Driver 2005. [81] Glory Crown: Seiji Jimbo (c) defeated Chojiro Kitoaji (27:44) with the Jimbo Driver (3rd defence). [86] * * * * * Match of the Tour: Seiji Jimbo vs. Chojiro Kitoaji (Night of DESTINY, Apr. 10) 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joshbrady91 Posted March 27, 2023 Share Posted March 27, 2023 Awesome stuff! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Willsky Posted March 27, 2023 Share Posted March 27, 2023 Loving this so far, keep it up! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scottie Posted March 29, 2023 Author Share Posted March 29, 2023 GLORY TOUR APRIL - MAY 2020 Those who wanted to see the big showdown between Seiji Jimbo and Masaru Ugaki would have to wait, as Nobuatsu Tatsuko announced a six-man main event for Night of Glory during the pre-tour press conference. Dubbed the “Glory Crown Scramble Match”, the tour would end in a matching pitting RONIN VII trio Jimbo, Akinori Kwakami and Noriyori Sanda against Coyote Club trio Ugaki, Ryoma Muruyama and BISON Yano. Also announced was a showdown between Kozue Kawashima and Reaver, with the former putting his Glory Crown shot on the line. It was a surprise match-up, with the two having little by way of recent background, but the two almost came to blows during the pre-tour show to establish just how much they don’t like each other. [OOC: I don’t remember why this match was set.] The eight-day tour got underway in Doshisha, with Muruyama & Ugaki joining forces to defeat Kwakami & Sanda in an excellent headlining bout. Although only highlights of the 27-minute bout were broadcast on JSV2, those who watched were treated to a special bout between four of PGHW’s now elder statesmen. The four sought to repeat the feat on the fifth night of the tour (also in Doshisha), and while the match was good - it wasn’t quite as good as their first outing. Not to be outdone, Seiji Jimbo tried to replicate the good performances from his rival Ugaki, but it wasn’t until the final tour show that he and his fellow RONIN VII warriors Kwakami, Sanda & Eien Miyamoto prevailed, besting BISON Yano, Dean Daniels, Muruyama & Ugaki. The finish came with Jimbo landing the Jimbo Driver on the veteran American Daniels, earning the pinfall and a decisive win over Ugaki heading into the Glory Crown Scramble Match. Elsewhere, Reaver continued to be built up as a threat for Kawashima’s title shot, as he won two of their three multi-man meetings - picking up pinfalls over Kawashima’s team mates Stone Yoshikawa and Timmy West. Kawashima, though, prevailed in the final tour show, teaming with Chojiro Kitoaji to beat Reaver and Simon Flemmingway. In other action, a battle of two behemoths was set for Night of DESTINY, as Coyote Club member Gonnohyoe Kada earned a shot at Hirobumi Takimoto’s PGHW International Title. The two met on a number of occasions throughout the tour, but few wrestling purists were particularly excited for their eventual showdown. The tour came to a head on May 15 at Kobe Football Stadium, as a sold out crowd of 30,000 fans packed into the arena. In an excellent undercard bout, Chojiro Kitoaji continued to rebuild himself as a threat as he picked up a pinfall win over the dangerous AKIMA in a bruising affair, while the less that is said about Takimoto’s seven-minute title defence over Kada, the better. In the first of the two marquee bouts, Kozue Kawashima took just over twenty minutes to pick up an entirely expected win over the veteran Reaver, although the bout was a hard fought and evidently entertaining affair. To many, it was Reaver’s best Japanese outing in years. Then, in a classic main event brawl, Masaru Ugaki survived a beating from Akinori Kwakami to give his test the win - earning a submission win with his Ugaki Clutch on Noriyori Sanda, all while directly staring Seiji Jimbo in the eyes. It was a great end to the tour, with a title match between Jimbo and Ugaki now confirmed for next month’s big event, Night of STRENGTH. PGHW “Night of FORTITUDE”, 15.05.2020 (Emperor Choice) Kobe Football Stadium 30,000 Fans - No Vacancy 423,288 Viewers (0.84 Rating)[81] Historical Japan Title: Hirotsugu Satou defeated Avalanche Takano (c) (12:23) with the Scorpion Deathlock (Failed 12th defence -> 41st Champion). [63] Team Nagahama (Mamoru Nagahama, Stone Yoshikawa & Tsurayuki Kamachi) defeated Dean Daniels, Hirokazu Yamanoue & Hitomaro Suzuki (9:41) with the Guillotine from Nagahama to Yamanoue. [58] The Front (Kazushige Matsuki & Tetsunori Yasuda) defeated The Coalition (Danny Cavanagh & Timmy West) (14:45) with the Fist of Fury from Matsuki to West. [60] Chojiro Kitoaji defeated AKIMA (13:41) with the Lariat. [73] REBEL (Magnum Kobe, Dean Waldorf, Marv Statler & SATO) defeated RONIN VII (Avalanche Takano, Eien Miyamoto, Haranobu Kobayashi & William Hayes) (15:51) with the Wind Sprint Elbow from SATO to Hayes. [68] International Title: Hirobumi Takimoto (c) defeated Gonnohyoe Kada (7:38) with the Gutwrench Tombstone (4th defence). [54] Elite Series Title Shot: Kozue Kawashima defeated Reaver (20:16) with the Kawashima Driver 2005. [79] Glory Crown Scramble Match: Coyote Club (BISON Yano, Masaru Ugaki & Ryoma Muruyama) defeated RONIN VII (Akinori Kwakami, Noriyori Sanda & Seiji Jimbo) (25:59) with the Ugaki Clutch from Ugaki to Sanda. [84] * * * * * Match of the Tour: Coyote Club vs. RONIN VII (Night of FORTITUDE, May 15) (Honourable Mention: Ugaki & Muruyama vs. Kwakami & Sanda, Apr. 19)Departures: Goemon Komiya (BHOTWG) 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scottie Posted April 2, 2023 Author Share Posted April 2, 2023 STRENGTH TOUR MAY - JUNE 2020 With the GLORY Series in the can, all attention turned to Night of STRENGTH, which would finally see the rivalry between Glory Crown Champion Seiji Jimbo and Masaru Ugaki come to a head. The two had a storied history, with Jimbo beating Ugaki the previous October to win the Glory Crown for the first time. And now Ugaki was out to level the score. In a televised “super show” to start the series, Ugaki repeated his success from Night of GLORY, as he combined with fellow Coyote Club members Ryoma Muruyama and Gonnohyoe Kada to beat Jimbo, Akinori Kwakami and William Hayes. (The night was billed as a “super show”, as Hirobumi Takimoto and Hirotsugu Satou also defended their International and Historical Japan titles over Simon Flemmingway and Mamoru Nagahama respectively). The two met only two more times in the balance of the tour: on the fifth night, Jimbo, Kwakami and Noriyori Sanda beat Ugaki, AKIMA and BISON Yano; while on the penultimate night, Ugaki, Muruyama and Kada bested Jimbo, Kwakami and Eien Miyamoto. While neither man got the decisive fall over the other, the momentum seemed to be sitting with the challenger. Meanwhile, Elite Series winner Kozue Kawashima continued to put his guaranteed title shot on the line, as he this time faced the dastardly Magnum Kobe. Kobe was the only man to take a point from Kawashima during the Elite Series, as the pair went to a time limit draw, and he made clear during the pre-series press conference that he intended to go one better at Night of STRENGTH. The two met in two multi-man matches during the series, with both of them ending in success for Kawashima (much to the distaste of Kobe, who spent most of the tour chastising his fellow REBEL stablemates, SATO and The Ring Generals). In addition, after losing a string of wrestlers in recent months to BHOTWG, PGHW struck its first “blow” back as it announced the signing of the giant heavyweight, Yasunobu Masuno. (In reality, his contract had expired and would not be renewed). The four-time BHOTWG World Tag Team Champion was revealed during the pre-series press conference - with his hulking figure in stark contrast to the likes of Kobe and Ugaki. He didn’t compete during the tour show portion of the series, but his debut was announced for Night of STRENGTH. YASUNOBU MASUNO 38 years old 4x BHOTWG World Tag Team Champion 1x King of Fighters Yasunobu Masuno is a big aggressive brawler who came through the youth ranks of BHOTWG. A natural heel thanks to his trademark cocky manner, the company have clearly had big plans for him since he debuted. He was primarily a tag team wrestler throughout his twenties, first teaming with Everest and then with his Black Magic team-mate Yasuhiko Taira. He started working as a singles star more often in 2000, but it was only when the NEO group caught fire that he really became seen as a truly top star. A broken leg in 2017 ended NEO and saw him out of action for a year, and since he has returned he has found it difficult to regain his former momentum. Many feel that, like his ex-partner Taira, Masuno has underachieved in his career, particularly as he's never been BHOTWG World champion. Otherwise, the series was used to build other big matches for Night of STRENGTH. Fresh off his Glory Crown jaunt, Chojiro Kitoaji rejoined his fellow tag champion Bussho Makiguchi to prepare for their first Glory Tag Crown defence against Kazushige Matsuki & Tetsunori Yasuda. Elsewhere, there was another addition to the tag team ranks, as BISON Yano secured a new tag team partner - the hulking Pacific Islander, AKIMA - as they formed the team Warwolf. The series came to a head at Takamatsu Athletics Stadium on Jun. 12 in front of a sold out crowd of 10,000 fans. In the undercard, there was a huge win for the new team Warwolf, as they bested the veteran RONIN VII pairing and one-time tag champions Kwakami & Sanda. Elsewhere, Yasunobu Masuno made a successful debut in PGHW, as he teamed with Stone Yoshikawa and Tsurayuki Kamachi to beat SATO and The Ring Generals. Masuno secured the win for his team, as he locked in the Deep Sleep on Dean Waldorf to send him into unconsciousness. Then, the big three matches delivered. First, Kozue Kawashima again retained his title shot as he beat Magnum Kobe in a frenetic (if not very short) bout. Then, KitoGuchi made the first defence of their fourth reign as tag champions, as Makiguchi pinned Matsuki following a Blazing Elbow. But the focus was of course on the main event, as Jimbo and Ugaki did battle for more than 37 minutes. In a bout that took a while to get moving, it was the champion Jimbo who prevailed - forcing Ugaki to submit to the Seiji Ocean Lock to secure his fourth defence of the Glory Crown. Jimbo celebrated a hard fought win, but was soon confronted by Kozue Kawashima. In an entertaining interaction, Kawashima made clear that has was done defending his title shot against all comers, and he was ready to cash in his shot at the Glory Crown. Despite the hard fought battle, Jimbo didn’t hesitate: accepting a handshake from Kawashima to lock in the biggest match of the year. PGHW “Night of STRENGTH”, 12.06.2020 (Emperor Choice) Takamatsu Athletics Stadium 10,000 Fans - No Vacancy 402,864 Viewers (0.80 Rating) [81] International Title: Hirobumi Takimoto (c) defeated William Hayes (10:16) with the Lariat (6th defence). [63] The Coalition (Danny Cavanagh, Simon Flemmingway & Timmy West) defeated RONIN VII (Avalanche Takano, Eien Miyamoto & Haranobu Kobayashi) (9:04) with the Suicide Solution from Flemmingway to Takano. [66] Warwolf (AKIMA & BISON Yano) defeated RONIN VII (Akinori Kwakami & Noriyori Sanda) (14:25) with the Yano Express from Yano to Sanda. [68] Yasunobu Masuno Debut Match: Yasunobu Masuno & Team Nagahama (Stone Yoshikawa & Tsurayuki Kamachi) defeated REBEL (SATO, Dean Waldorf & Marv Statler) (20:11) with the Deep Sleep from Masuno to Waldorf. [71] Elite Series Title Shot: Kozue Kawashima defeated Magnum Kobe (16:16) with the Kawashima Driver 2005. [78] Glory Tag Crown: KitoGuchi (Bussho Makiguchi & Chojiro Kitoaji) (c) defeated Kazushige Matsuki & Tetsunori Yasuda (22:28) with the Blazing Elbow from Makiguchi to Matsuki (1st defence). [82] Glory Crown: Seiji Jimbo (c) defeated Masaru Ugaki (37:47) with the Seiji Ocean Lock (4th defence). [82] * * * * * Match of the Tour: Seiji Jimbo vs. Masaru Ugaki (Night of STRENGTH, Jun. 12) (Honourable Mention: KitoGuchi vs. Kwakami & Matsuki, Jun. 12)Arrivals: Yasunobu Masuno (BHOTWG) 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CGN91 Posted April 4, 2023 Share Posted April 4, 2023 Love the format, I had the same idea for doing the tour shows for WCG. Easy to read, easy to follow - Keep it up Scottie! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scottie Posted April 5, 2023 Author Share Posted April 5, 2023 (edited) WARRIORS TOUR JUNE - JULY 2020 Although the PGHW roster was gearing up for the WARRIORS Series, there was a brief stop in Kyoto for a one-night celebration of the career of a PGHW pillar: the Shuji Inukai 30th Anniversary Show. An entertaining show saw veteran Noriyori Sanda prevail in an excellent singles match against tag champion Bussho Makiguchi; Kazushige Matsuki & Tetsunori Yasuda best the former TCW pairing Dean Daniels & Joshua Taylor; and Hirobumi Takimoto defend his International Title against former champion Ryoma Muruyama. But the focus was on the main event, as the top four stars in PGHW did battle in a sensational 30-minute bout which ended in a Time Limit Draw - on one side, it was RONIN VII members Seiji Jimbo & Akinori Kwakami, while on the other it was rival faction leaders, Crimson Tigers’ Kozue Kawashima and Coyote Club’s Masaru Ugaki. PGHW “Shuji Inukai 30th Anniversary Show”, 20.06.2020 (Prime Japan TV) Kyoto, Japan 29,252 Fans 362,108 Viewers (0.48 Rating) [81] Special Ten Man Tag Team Match: AKIMA, BISON Yano, Gonnohyoe Kada, Hirotsugu Satou & William Hayes defeated Chojiro Kitoaji, Magnum Kobe, Reaver, SATO & Simon Flemmingway (15:04) with the Yano Express from Yano to Flemmingway. [69] Special Singles Match: Noriyori Sanda defeated Bussho Makiguchi (12:10) with the Vortex Crush. [80] The Front (Kazushige Matsuki & Tetsunori Yasuda) defeated Dean Daniels & Joshua Taylor (11:43) with the Fist of Fury from Matsuki to Daniels. [71] Danny Cavanagh, Timmy West & Yasunobu Masuno defeated Team Nagahama (Mamoru Nagahama, Stone Yoshikawa & Tsurayuki Kamachi) (11:52) with the Day of Rackoning from Masuno to Nagahama. [66] International Title: Hirobumi Takimoto (c) defeated Ryoma Muruyama (12:18) with the Backdrop Driver (7th defence). [65] Special Anniversary Tag Match: Kozue Kawashima & Masaru Ugaki vs. Akinori Kwakami & Seiji Jimbo - Time Limit Draw (30:00). [86] With Inukai’s celebration in the books, the focus then turned to the series ending show: Night of WARRIORS. It had a spectacular main event announced - a truly Glorious Scramble which would see RONIN VII’s Jimbo, Kwakami & Sanda face off against Kawashima and the tag champions KitoGuchi. Other bouts announced before the tour saw two big names from Total Championship Wrestling. Joshua Taylor, who had competed at the Inukai show, would make his second appearance for PGHW in more than ten years, this time appearing alongside the recently signed Yasunobu Masuno against Magnum Kobe & SATO. Elsewhere, Major Barrowman (better known as Guide or The One Man Army) would make his first appearance since his TCW release, challenging Takimoto for the International Title. In the lead-up, there were a series of excellent bouts, highlights of which were broadcast on JSV2. In Doshisha, Kawashima beat Jimbo’s stablemate Avalanche Takano in an excellent bout, and then four days later he combined with KitoGuchi to beat the RONIN VII trio Eien Miyamoto, Haranobu Kobayashi and Noriyori Sanda. Elsewhere, on a minor show in Kyoto, KitoGuchi made their second defence of the Glory Tag Crown, as they beat the veteran tag team from BCG, Toshinobu Taku & Yoshinaka Taku. It was the match of the night on a surprisingly jam-packed tour show, which was televised on Prime Japan TV. PGHW “WARRIORS” Series, 03.07.2020 (Prime Japan TV) Kyoto, Japan 355,563 Viewers (0.47 Rating)[77] Avalanche Takano defeated Simon Flemmingway (7:50) with a Piledriver. [67] Reaver defeated Gonnohyoe Kada (8:10) with the Shining Wizard. [51] RONIN VII (Akinori Kwakami, Eien Miyamoto & Noriyori Sanda) defeated Kazushige Matsuki, Tetsunori Yasuda & Matt Blackburn (12:33) with the Red Star Neckbreaker from Kwakami to Blackburn. [68] Coyote Club (AKIMA, BISON Yano, Masaru Ugaki & Ryoma Muruyama) defeated Team Nagahama (Mamoru Nagahama, Stone Yoshikawa & Tsurayuki Kamachi) & Simon Flemmingway (9:57) with the Spear Tackle from AKIMA to Flemmingway. [75] Danny Cavanagh, Timmy West & Yasunobu Masuno defeated REBEL (Dean Waldorf, Marv Statler & SATO) (13:41) with the Big Splash from Masuno to Statler. [73] Special Singles Match: Joshua Taylor defeated William Hayes (11:49) with the Butterfly Lock. [67] Glory Tag Crown: KitoGuchi (Bussho Makiguchi & Chojiro Kitoaji) defeated Team Taku (Toshinobu Taku & Yoshinaka Taku) (17:06) with the Lariat from Kitoaji to Toshinobu (2nd defence). [81] Crimson Tigers (Kozue Kawashima & Hirobumi Takimoto) defeated RONIN VII (Seiji Jimbo & Haranobu Kobayashi) (20:15) with the Kawashima Driver 2005 from Kawashima to Kobayashi. [78] In a rare occurrence, the tour concluded in Tokyo in front of a big crowd of 37,851 Fans. In an excellent undercard match, the rising star Hirotsugu Satou made his fourth defence of the Historical Japan Title, as he secured a submission win over veteran former champion William Hayes. Elsewhere, Taylor & Masuno combined for a decisive win over Kobe & SATO, with the latter pairing seemingly struggling from miscommunications, which resulted in Kobe falling victim to Masuno’s Deep Sleep finisher. The PGHW debut for Major Barrowman flatlined, as he struggled to carry the sluggish Takimoto en route to a 15 minute loss. But any disappointment associate with that match soon evaporated, in a classic main event between RONIN VII and the Crimson Tigers. The bout lasted more than 26 minutes and was full of twists, turns and near falls. But it was ultimately Kwakami who secured the win for his team, drawing a shock submission from Makiguchi with the Pain Lock. The stunning match set up two hotly anticipated matches for next month’s Night of HONOUR: KitoGuchi vs. Kwakami & Sanda for the Glory Tag Crown, and even bigger than that: the Champion Jimbo vs. the Elite Series winner Kawashima for the Glory Crown. PGHW “Night of WARRIORS”, 10.07.2020 (Emperor Choice) Tokyo, Japan 37,851 Fans 407,768 Viewers (0.81 Rating) [83] Historical Japan Title: Hirotsugu Satou (c) defeated William Hayes (9:58) with the Scorpion Deathlock (4th defence). [70] Danny Cavanagh, Dean Daniels, Simon Flemmingway & Timmy West defeated Team Nagahama (Mamoru Nagahama, Stone Yoshikawa & Tsurayuki Kamachi) & Hitomaru Suzuki (9:45) with the Sit-Out Spinebuster from Cavanagh to Yoshikawa. [65] RONIN VII (Avalanche Takano & Eien Miyamoto) defeated The Ring Generals (11:45) with the Mountain Takano from Takano to Waldorf. [69] Warwolf (AKIMA & BISON Yano) defeated Team Taku (Toshinobu Taku & Yoshinaka Taku) (11:41) with the Yano Express from Yano to Toshinobu. [62] Joshua Taylor & Yasunobu Masuno defeated REBEL (Magnum Kobe & SATO) (22:22) with the Masuno Deep Sleep from Masuno to Kobe. [75] The Front (Kazushige Matsuki, Reaver & Tetsunori Yasuda) defeated Coyote Club (Gonnohyoe Kada, Masaru Ugaki & Ryoma Muruyama) (13:37) with the Minilla Plunge from Yasuda to Kada. [74] International Title: Hirobumi Takimoto (c) defeated Major Barrowman (15:15) with the Lariat (9th defence). [57] Glory Crown and Glory Tag Crown Scramble Match: Akinori Kwakami, Noriyori Sanda & Seiji Jimbo defeated Bussho Maruyama, Chojiro Kitoaji & Kozue Kawashima (26:27) with the Kwakami Painlock from Kwakami to Maruyama. [87] * * * * * Match of the Tour: RONIN VII vs. Crimson Tigers (Night of WARRIORS, Jul. 10) (Honourable Mention: Jimbo/Kwakami vs. Kawashima/Ugaki, Shuji Inukai 30th Anniversary Show, Jun. 12).Arrivals: Joshua Taylor (TCW), Major Barrowman (TCW).Guest Appearances: Toshinobu Taku (BCG), Yoshinaka Taku (BCG). Edited April 5, 2023 by Scottie 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scottie Posted April 5, 2023 Author Share Posted April 5, 2023 On 4/4/2023 at 5:53 PM, CGN91 said: Love the format, I had the same idea for doing the tour shows for WCG. Easy to read, easy to follow - Keep it up Scottie! Thank you! I don't have the energy to do anything more than that, so let's see how it goes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scottie Posted April 14, 2023 Author Share Posted April 14, 2023 (edited) HONOUR TOUR JULY - AUGUST 2020 The second half of July saw PGHW move into its “HONOUR Series” - a tour that would be headlined by two enormous matches for the top two titles in the legendary Japanese promotion. Unsurprisingly, the focus of the tour was on the continued war between RONIN VII and Crimson Tigers, which boiled over at “Night of WARRIORS” earlier in the month. The first three meetings all went the way of Kozue Kawashima’s Crimson Tigers, including during an entertaining televised show in Osaka, which saw Kawashima pick up the win for his team via pinfall over William Hayes. PGHW “HONOUR Series”, 05.08.2020 (Prime Japan TV) Osaka, Japan 326,882 Viewers (0.48 Rating) [79] Avalanche Takano defeated Nobuyo Hikuchi (7:51) with the Mountain Takano. [62] The Front (Reaver & Kazushige Matsuki) defeated Hirokazu Yamanoue & Hirotsugu Satou (10:55) with the Tumbleweed Splash. [62] Coyote Club (AKIMA, BISON Yano & Ryoma Muruyama) defeated The Coalition (Danny Cavanagh, Dean Daniels & Timmy West) (15:58) with the Spear Tackle from AKIMA to West. [67] Magnum Kobe & SATO defeated Team Nagahama (Mamoru Nagahama & Stone Yoshikawa) (10:10) with the Wind Spirit Elbow from SATO to Yoshikawa. [65] Joshua Taylor & Yasunobu Masuno defeated The Ring Generals (Dean Waldorf & Marv Statler) (12:26) with the Butterfly Lock from Taylor to Waldorf. Special Singles Match: Masaru Ugaki defeated Eien Miyamoto (10:12) with the Ugaki Clutch. [80] Crimson Tigers (Bussho Makiguchi, Chojiro Kitoaji, Hirobumi Takimoto & Kozue Kawashima) defeated RONIN VII (Akinori Kwakami, Noriyori Sanda, Seiji Jimbo & William Hayes) (22:29) with the Kawashima Driver 2005 from Kawashima to Hayes. [81] It was a frustrating lead up for Seiji Jimbo, who struggled to build any momentum at all throughout the tour. He picked up just one win: an almost meaningless tag team victory alongside Avalanche Takano against Mamoru Nagahama and young lion Matt Blackburn. For the first time, the Glory Crown Champion was looking increasingly vulnerable. It was a similar story for the tag team challengers Akinori Kwakami & Noriyori Sanda who, like Jimbo, suffered during a tough month for RONIN. However, they at least went into “Night of HONOUR” with some momentum - combining with veteran Hirokazu Yamanoue on the penultimate night of the tour to beat the Glory Tag Crown Champions KitoGuchi and Dean Daniels. Elsewhere, Hirobumi Takimoto set his sights on a tenth defence of the International Title at “Night of HONOUR”. But the Crimson Tiger was set an incredibly hard test: the veteran technician Joshua Taylor, who held that same title 14 years ago and made his name during a stellar ten years with TCW. The two didn’t meet all tour, but Taylor showed his skills in televised action as he forced Dean Waldorf to submit to the Butterfly Lock. It would be the last appearance by The Ring Generals before their joined a slew of other experienced hands in leaving to BHOTWG. JOSHUA TAYLOR38 YEARS OLD 1x PGHW INTERNATIONAL CHAMPION 1x TCW INTERNATIONAL CHAMPION Joshua Taylor is a veteran of the squared circle who has found success both in America and Japan. His first big break was when he joined PGHW in Japan. A five year spell there saw him get to work with all-time legends like Miwa and Mushashibo on a regular basis, and as a natural result of that he rapidly turned into a very solid performer. He headed back home to America in 2009 after becoming engaged (to AAA star Tracy Brendon, who he has since married), and was quickly signed up by Total Championship Wrestling. He never really managed to catch fire with TCW despite being booked strongly, even following the loss of major names like Rocky Golden and Ricky Dale Johnson which certainly opened up some spots that he was well equipped to fill. He left TCW in June 2020 following the expiry of his contract. Taylor’s partner in that match was the monstrous Yasunobu Masuno, who was entering his second tour with PGHW since joining from BHOTWG last month. During the pre-tour press conference, REBEL leader Magnum Kobe talked an enormously big game - and was “gifted” a match against Masuno, who must be two hundred pounds heavier. Kobe had plenty on his plate all tour, as he continued to quarrel with his stablemate SATO - Kobe routinely berating SATO regardless of whether they were on the winning or losing end. On Aug. 14, the roster met in Kyoto in front of an enormous crowd of 42,744 fans. The signs were good early on the undercard, as Ryoma Muruyama & Masaru Ugaki combined in an entertaining bout to beat The Front’s Kazushige Matsuki & Tetsunori Yasuda. That was then upstaged by excellent story telling from Masuno and Kobe, which ended in Kobe submitting to the Day of Rackening. Ever the bad guy, Kobe berated SATO for some imagined slight after the bout - which finally broke his young protege, as SATO earned the crowd’s approval by snapping and hitting Kobe with the Wind Spirit Elbow. (A rare angle in this promotion). Then, in the second David vs. Goliath battle of the night, Hirobumi Takimoto looked to complete his tenth defence of the PGHW International Title against Joshua Taylor. However, unlike the last bout, it was David who prevailed here - Taylor hitting back-to-back Running Knees to the face to fell the giant Takimoto and become a two-time champion, fourteen years apart. It was the end of an at times turgid reign from the bulky Takimoto, who could never really match the workhorse requirements of the belt. That lead to the semi-main event, as KitoGuchi looked to defend their Glory Tag Crown for the third time against the former champions Kwakami & Sanda. In a brutal, lengthy bout, it was the champions who eventually prevailed against the veteran team, with Chojiro Kitoaji picking up a huge win as he levelled the grizzled Kwakami with a devastating Lariat to pick up the pinfall win. It was a long bout, and it probably didn’t quite live up to expectations, but the crowd still ate it up. It was then time for the main event, which was easily the most anticipated bout of the year so far. In one corner, it was Seiji Jimbo: the nephew of the legendary PGHW founder Sadaharu Jimbo, who was four defences into his first reign as champion. In the other corner, it was the three-time Glory Crown Champion Kozue Kawashima, who had earlier in the year won the Elite Series and defended his title shot against the likes of Kwakami, Reaver and Magnum Kobe. In a terrific, 33-minute bout which could really have gone either way, it was the champion Jimbo who turned a bad tour around to cement his place as a bona fide star of PGHW; reversing out of the Kawashima Driver 2005 and then landing his Jimbo Driver to secure the pinfall and his fifth successful defence. PGHW “Night of HONOUR”, 14.08.2020 (Emperor Choice) Kyoto, Japan 42,744 Fans 407.859 Viewers (0.81 Rating) [87] Historical Japan: Hirotsugu Satou (c) defeated Reaver (13:44) with the Scorpion Deathlock (5th defence). [48] Warwolf (AKIMA & BISON Yano) & Hirokazu Yamanoue defeated The Coalition (Danny Cavanagh, Dean Daniels & Timmy West) (10:24) with the Yano Express from Yano to Daniels. [62] Masaru Ugaki & Ryoma Muruyama defeated The Front (Kazushige Matsuki & Tetsunori Yasuda) (12:20) with the Elevated DDT from Ugaki to Yasuda. [70] Special Singles Match: Yasunobu Masuno defeated Magnum Kobe (20:01) with the Day of Rackening. [74] International Title: Joshua Taylor defeated Hirobumi Takimoto (c) (7:56) with the Flying Knee (Failed 10th defence -> 21st Champion). [70] Glory Tag Crown: Bussho Makiguchi & Chojiro Kitoaji (c) defeated Akinori Kwakami & Noriyori Sanda (34:07) with the Lariat from Kitoaji to Kwakami (3rd defence). [84] Glory Crown: Seiji Jimbo (c) defeated Kozue Kawashima (33:14) with the Jimbo Driver (5th defence). [92] It was an easy match of the year in PGHW to cap off the show of the year. Finally, PGHW seemed to be heading back to the heights of golden eras past. Unfortunately, the last five months would do their best to de-rail that good work. And while no truly big stars departed, the exodus of mid card talent to BHOTWG throughout August hurt too. * * * * * Match of the Tour: Seiji Jimbo vs. Kozue Kawashima, Aug. 14. Departures: Gonnohyoe Kada (Free Agency); Dean Waldorf (BHOTWG); Marv Statler (BHOTWG); Simon Flemmingway (BHOTWG); Stone Yoshikawa (BHOTWG); William Hayes (BHOTWG). Edited April 14, 2023 by Scottie 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Willsky Posted April 15, 2023 Share Posted April 15, 2023 Loving the diary so far. It's brutal to lose so many to BHOTWG, but what I like about Japanese wrestling is you can always keep hold of your biggest, loyal stars. So more of Jimbo and Kawashima! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scottie Posted April 23, 2023 Author Share Posted April 23, 2023 (edited) LEGACY TOUR AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2020 Just days after securing his fifth defence of the Glory Crown, in the main event of one of the best PGHW shows in years, Seiji Jimbo was again the focus of the "LEGACY" Series starting press conference. With many clamouring for a rematch of the "Night of HONOUR" classic against Kozue Kawashima, it was instead announced that Shuki Inukai had gone a different way: Jimbo was defend the Glory Crown against the 38-year old giant, former four-time BHOTWG World Tag Team Champion Yasunobu Masuno. It was a surprising decision. Masuno had competing only sparingly on tour shows so far, and his only singles match was against Magnum Kobe at "Night of HONOUR", in a surprisingly well-received bout. Still, there were concerns that Masuno wasn't yet well known enough to the vocally loyal PGHW fans to compete for one of the most prestigious titles in pro-wrestling. This series, Masuno competed more regularly on tour shows: towering over most of his PGHW foes and picking up pinfall wins in multi-man action over the likes of RONIN VII members Eien Miyamoto and Haranobu Kobayashi. He then competed in a televised singles win over Kobayashi on Sep. 3, before Jimbo combined with Kobayashi to get a measure of revenge on Sep. 7 with a win over Masuno and Tom Barrowman (who had mercifully abandoned the Major Barrowman moniker). It was the final meeting between Jimbo and Masuno ahead of their Glory Crown bout, as the pair both sat out the final tour show before "Night of LEGACY". TOM BARROWMAN43 YEARS OLD 1x TCW INTERNATIONAL CHAMPION5x TCW WORLD TAG TEAM 4x DAVE TAG TEAM Thom Barrowman is an energetic brawler who is best known for having been Guide, the long-time partner of Scout as the tag team The New Wave. While his partner provided scientific excellence, Barrowman brought an intense brawling style into the mix, using his natural athletic ability to turn his own body into a weapon of destruction. The New Wave dominated the tag team scene of both DAVE and TCW, racking up nine tag team title reigns in the fifteen years they were together. Having achieved everything they could as a unit, they split up in 2017 and feuded for a while. Post-split, Barrowman was repackaged as One Man Army and, for a while, seemed to be enjoying life as a singles act. He was soon let go from TCW following the expiry of his contract, and has reverted to his old moniker, Guide, on the American independent circuit. He's also been accepting bookings in Japan, under the guise of Major Barrowman or, simply, Tom Barrowman. Elsewhere, tag champions Bussho Muruyama and Chojiro Kitoaji prepared for one of their biggest tests as champions yet, with a title defence set down for "Night of LEGACY" against three-time champions Masaru Ugaki and Ryoma Muruyama. After failing to win a third reign as Glory Crown champion a few months ago, Ugaki looked keen to re-connect with his fellow Coyote Club member and long-time partner, Muruyama. The highest profile meeting between the two teams was on the televised Sep. 7 show, as the challengers combined with SATO and newcomer Eddie Howard to best the champions, Magnum Kobe and Hirobumi Takimoto. Speaking of Kobe and SATO, the two agreed to meet at "Night of LEGACY" in a real "Master vs. Apprentice" type battle. Last month, SATO had clearly had enough of the constant putdowns from his REBEL stable-leader Kobe: turning on him after Kobe's loss to Masuno and nailing him with the Wind Spirit Elbow. Kobe spent much of the tour continuing to demean SATO, with both men clearly intent on winning in the blow off bout. Finally, the RONIN VII stable was reduced to six last month following the departure of William Hayes to BHOTWG. That just wouldn't do for their existing contingent, as they swiftly announced Hayes' replacement: the new International Champion Joshua Taylor! Taylor spent most of the tour teaming up with his newfound stablemates, ahead of a title defence at "Night of LEGACY" against fellow TCW alumnus, Dean Daniels. RONIN VII would soon need to find a new seventh member, as Eien Miyamoto followed Hayes to BHOTWG mid-tour. * * * * * The tour then came to a head in front of a sold-out crowd of 30,000 fans at Miyazaki Stadium. On a crowded undercard, Tom Barrowman combined with fellow newcomer Eddie Howard to best Mamoru Nagahama and returning PGHW veteran Kimitada Yanagita in a pedestrian affair; while the crowd was positively deflated as Magnum Kobe won the blow-off bout against SATO, with a roll-up. It was a result that really threatened to stop the momentum of the latter in its tracks. Next up, Kozue Kawashima bounced back from his failure to wrest the Glory Crown from Jimbo last month, in an excellent Special Singles Match against the Historical Japan Champion, Hirotsugu Satou. Satou is seen by many as a star in the making and has been gathering a big following, and Kawashima took him here to his best singles performance yet. After the bout, Kawashima showed his respect to Satou, shaking his hand in congratulation. Then, in the first title match of the evening, Joshua Taylor made his first defence of the International Title as he forced Dean Daniels to submit to the Butterfly Lock. The match was too long by far, and the crowd was grateful for its finish. Mercifully, things picked up in the tag bout as KitoGuchi made its fourth defence of the title in an excellent bout against Masaru Ugaki & Ryoma Muruyama, although one can only speculate about whether it would have been better with a less deflated lead up. That left only the main event, with Glory Crown Champion Seiji Jimbo defending against the invader from BHOTWG, Yasunobu Masuno. The size different was stark: Jimbo is no small man, but he paled into comparison against the monstrous Masuno. Despairingly, the bout underwhelmed. The two never clicked, with Masuno's slower style clashing badly against Jimbo's style, which thus far has been tested against mostly men of a similar height and weight. The bout lumbered towards 20 minutes, with the challenger Masuno controlling most of it. As it reached its crescendo, Jimbo looked to lock in his patented Ocean Lock - only for Masuno to stagger out of it and crush Jimbo in the corner against the turnbuckle. Then, Masuno locked in the Deep Sleep - a simple standing sleeper, which he then amplified as Jimbo fell to the mat with the crushing grip of his legs. Inexplicably, Jimbo passed out. PGHW “Night of LEGACY”, 11.09.2020 (Emperor Choice) Miyazaki Stadium 30,000 Fans - No Vacancy 316,151 Viewers (0.63 Rating) [69] RONIN VII (Avalanche Takano & Harunobu Kobayashi) defeated Hirobumi Takimoto & Tsurayuki Kamachi (10:04) with the Kobayashi Plunge from Kobayashi to Kamachi. [70] Eddie Howard & Tom Barrowman defeated Kimitada Yanagita & Mamoru Nagahama (9:51) with the Crash and Burn from Howard to Nagahama. [62] The Front (Kazushige Matsuki, Reaver & Tetsunori Yasuda) defeated RONIN VII (Akinori Kwakami & Noriyori Sanda) & Suguru Emoto (12:07) with the Fist of Fury from Matsuki to Emoto. [67] Warwolf (AKIMA & BISON Yano) defeated Beast & West (Danny Cavanagh & Timmy West) (13:38) with the Yano Express from Yano to West. [65] Grudge Match: Magnum Kobe defeated SATO (19:53) with a Roll-Up. [71] Special Singles Match: Kozue Kawashima defeated Hirotsugu Satou (15:05) with the Kawashima Driver 2005. [78] International Title: Joshua Taylor (c) defeated Dean Daniels (20:07) with the Butterfly Lock (1st defence). [65] Glory Tag Crown: Bussho Makiguchi & Chojiro Kitoaji (c) defeated Masaru Ugaki & Ryoma Muruyama (32:25) with the Lariat from Kitoaji to Ugaki (4th defence). [79] Glory Crown: Yasunobu Masuno defeated Seiji Jimbo (c) (21:52) via Technical Submission - Deep Sleep (Failed 6th defence -> 25th Champion). [67] The crowd were stunned. It was a rare Technical Submission to end a poor main event. Worse still, it was the invader Masuno - unproven to the PGHW crowd and a mainstay of the BHOTWG tag division - who had ended one of the most promising title reigns in recent years. Needless to say, the natives were restless. * * * * * Match of the Tour: Masaru Ugaki & Ryoma Muruyama vs. Kozue Kawashima & Hirobumi Takimoto, Aug. 28.Arrivals: Eddie Howard; Kimitada Yanagita; Motoyuke Miyake; Suguru Emoto; Tom Barrowman (One Man Army / Guide).Departures: Eien Miyamoto (to BHOTWG). Edited April 24, 2023 by Scottie 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CobheadJake Posted April 24, 2023 Share Posted April 24, 2023 I love this! I think, if done right like this, monthly recaps are such a good and easy read and PGHW is the perfect company to do it with! Putting the belt on Mason is surprising but I like how you're telling a story with it both in wrestling and out. Maybe he has a bit of an EVIL style title reign, only to be sent back down the card again soon. Or, he pulls magic out of the bag somehow! I'm hoping you can find some more guys to fill your roster out again, losing so many to BHOTWG. Eddie Howard is a nice gaijin pickup! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scottie Posted April 25, 2023 Author Share Posted April 25, 2023 (edited) KINGS TOUR SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2020 Late September saw the commencement of Yasunobu Masuno's reign as the 25th Glory Crown Champion in PGHW's 24-year history. His first defence was announced very quickly - at the pre-series press conference - as the grizzled Akinori Kwakami challenged Masuno for the Glory Crown at "Night of KINGS", with Kwakami keen to avenge the defeat of his fellow RONIN VII warrior, Seiji Jimbo, at "Night of LEGACY". AKINORI KWAKAMI39 YEARS OLD2015 ELITE SERIES2011 ELITE TAG SERIES 3x GLORY TAG CROWN 1x PGHW INTERNATIONAL3x HISTORICAL JAPAN The veteran Akinori Kwakami is a tough wrestler, well known for the amount of punishment he can endure, who came through the PGHW dojo system. Debuting for the company in 1999, he was slowly inched further and further up the card as his skills improved until getting a substantial boost when he was teamed up with the legendary Mito Miwa - they made an excellent duo and it gave Kwakami a huge rub. Although he has never become a truly great singles star (his 2015 Elite Series win remains his only major solo honour) he is a big star to the PGHW faithful and has been an important part of the post 'golden generation' landscape for the company. It wasn't the only big match announced for "Night of KINGS", as PGHW also announced a Special Singles Match as the semi main event: a showdown between Crimson Tigers' Chojiro Kitoaji and Coyote Club leader Masaru Ugaki. The two did battle in the Glory Tag Crown match at "Night of LEGACY", and were clearly keen to settle the score in singles action and propel themselves back into the Glory Crown equation after unsuccessful shots at Jimbo earlier in the year. The other big announcement was the addition of a new title - well, two new titles: the PGHW Historical Japan Tag Team Titles. The decision made sense with PGHW adding a series of midcard tag teams throughout the year, and seven of those (plus the BCG invitees Nobuharu Yokokawa & Sojuro Sen) would do battle in an eight-man tournament to crown the inaugural champions at "Night of KINGS". The tour was short and sharp - seven tour shows leading up to the series finale in Osaka. The champion Masuno competed every night, mainly facing off against Kwakami who was being built up as a genuine contender for the Glory Crown. On the tour's second night, Kwakami combined with his long-term partner Noriyori Sanda to beat Masuno and Reaver, though it was the latter who took the fall against Kwakami's brutalist style. Still, Masuno got a measure of revenge on the tour's fifth night: combining with SATO to beat Sanda and the latest addition to RONIN VII, the tattooed 25-year old newcomer, Suguru Emoto. In other action throughout the tour, Seiji Jimbo looked to bounce back from his disappointing loss to Masuno, by combining throughout the tour with his fellow RONIN VII - a decision he described as effectively going back to his roots. His long-term rival Kozue Kawashima was vocal about Jimbo's "humiliating" loss to a BHOTWG invader (passing out to a sleeper hold, no less), and the two seemed destined for another big showdown. As it happens, they were instead destined to meet in a multi-man bout pitting Jimbo, Sanda & Joshua Taylor against Kawashima, Bussho Makiguchi & Hirobumi Takimoto at "Night of KINGS". Finally, the competitors for the Historical Japan Tag Titles were set. In the top half of the bracket, the hard-hitting pair Danny Cavanagh & Timmy West bested RONIN VII's Haranobu Kobayashi & Suguru Emoto in the first round, and then the BCG invitees Yokokawa & Sen in the semi-finals. In the other half, the combination of AKIMA & BISON Yano (known as Warwolf) beat Takimoto & Tsurayuki Kamachi in the first round and then surprised the experienced duo Kazushige Matsuki & Tetsunori Yasuda in an excellent tour show main event. * * * * * The series then concluded in Osaka, with a packed crowd despite an underwhelming main event. On the undercard, there was a ten-man brawl among the tournament also rans, which saw youngster Haranobu Kobayashi pick up the pinfall over the veteran "Dog of War" Kimitada Yanagita. Elsewhere, Magnum Kobe again got the wood over SATO (further crippling the latter's momentum), as he combined with Historical Japan Champion Hirotsugu Satou to beat SATO and his new partner KITA (better known to some as former SAISHO wrestler Azumamaro Kita). Then, there was another debut, as the hard-hitting 30-year old Michio Gensai made his debut following his departure from BHOTWG. Gensai is a powerfully built man who held the BHOTWG Japan Title early this year. He won impressively in less than ten minutes, beating Hitomaro Suzuki with a Spike Slam. Gensai's debut was then followed by an impressive win from AKIMA & BISON Yano, who beat Beast & West to become the first Historical Japan Tag Team Champions. The focus, of course, was on the main three bouts. The first was an entertaining affair, which saw the RONIN VII trio of Seiji Jimbo, Joshua Taylor & Noriyori Sanda prevailed over Kozue Kawashima, Bussho Muruyama & Hirobumi Takimoto. The most surprising aspect was the loser: the tag champion Muruyama submitting to the Ocean Lock in a clear message from the former Glory Crown Champion. It was better news for his partner, Chojiro Kitoaji, who was mighty impressive in an excellent bout against former Glory Crown Champion Masaru Ugaki. It's been a breakout year from Kitoaji, who despite a failed shot at the Glory Crown has cemented himself as a leading player in PGHW. That then led to the main event, where PGHW doubled down on Yasunobu Masuno as he forced the ultra tough Akinori Kwakami to submit to the Masuno Deep Sleep. The match was poor, with neither man really hitting his stride. But the story was ultimately solid: Kwakami saw what happened to Jimbo last month, and accepted his fate as he submitted to Masuno's deep choke hold. PGHW “Night of KINGS”, 09.10.2020 (Emperor Choice) Osaka Japan 41,865 Fans 330,624 Viewers (0.66 Rating) [71] Historical Japan Tag Team Title Special Scramble: Eddie Howard, Haranobu Kobayashi, Kazushi Matsuki, Tom Barrowmam & Tetsunori Yasuda defeated Kimitada Yanagita, Mamoru Nagahama, Nobuharo Yokokawa, Sojoru Sen & Tsurayuki Kamachi (10:57) with the Kobayashi Plunge from Kobayashi to Yanagita. [59] Motoyuki Miyake, Reaver & Ryoma Muruyama defeated Avalanche Takano, Goro Hatamoto & Suguru Emoto (9:44) with the Muruyama Launch from Muruyama to Hatamoto. [56] Hirotsugu Satou & Magnum Kobe defeated KITA & SATO (17:17) with the Magnum Deathlock from Kobe to KITA. [71] Michio Gensai Debut Match: Michio Gensai defeated Hitomaro Suzuki (9:50) with the Avalanche Spike Slam. [71] Historical Japan Tag Team Title: Warwolf (AKIMA & Bison Yano) defeated Beast & West (Danny Cavanagh & Timmy West) (16:25) with the Yano Express from Yano to West (1st Champions). [69] RONIN VII (Joshua Taylor, Noriyori Sanda & Seiji Jimbo) defeated Coyote Club (Bussho Makiguchi, Kozue Kawashima & Hirobumi Takimoto) (20:21) with the Seiji Ocean Lock from Jimbo to Makiguchi. [81] Special Singles Match: Chojiro Kitoaji defeated Masaru Ugaki (24:46) with the Lariat. [83] Glory Crown: Yasunobu Masuno (c) defeated Akinori Kwakami (19:47) with the Yasuno Deep Sleep (1st defence). [69] * * * * * Match of the Tour: Chojiro Kitoaji vs. Masaru Ugaki, Oct. 9.Arrivals: KITA (Azumamaro Kita); Michio Gensai (from BHOTWG).Departures: Dean Daniels (Contract Expiry); Mamoru Nagahama (Contract Expiry).Guest Appearances: Nobuharu Yokokawa; Sojuro Sen. Edited April 25, 2023 by Scottie 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scottie Posted April 25, 2023 Author Share Posted April 25, 2023 19 hours ago, CobheadJake said: I love this! I think, if done right like this, monthly recaps are such a good and easy read and PGHW is the perfect company to do it with! Putting the belt on Mason is surprising but I like how you're telling a story with it both in wrestling and out. Maybe he has a bit of an EVIL style title reign, only to be sent back down the card again soon. Or, he pulls magic out of the bag somehow! I'm hoping you can find some more guys to fill your roster out again, losing so many to BHOTWG. Eddie Howard is a nice gaijin pickup! Thank you for the feedback! I sort of dug myself into a hole with Masuno, so I'll be finding out at the same time as everyone else how I dig myself out of it... BHOTWG has taken a big chunk of my midcard. I find it quite easy to build people up to be Major Stars from the Star territory, though it's more challenging to build people up from Unimportant (where a large chunk of my roster is sitting)! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scottie Posted May 6, 2023 Author Share Posted May 6, 2023 (edited) COURAGE TOUR OCTOBER - NOVEMBER 2020 There was a change in tack in the COURAGE Series, as the focus shifted from the new reign of Yasunobu Masuno to the 24th instalment of PGHW's annual Elite Tag Series. In contrast to the expansive singles format, just eight of PGHW's premiere teams competed in a round robin format here, with the winners* earning a guaranteed shot at the Glory Tag Crown. The exception of course was the defending Glory Crown Champions, KitoGuchi, who were looking to win the tag series for a fourth time and cement themselves as one of the best tag teams in PGHW history. ELITE TAG SERIES - GROUPS COYOTE CLUB (Masaru Ugaki & Ryoma Muruyama) - Glory Tag [3], Elite Tag [2]CRIMSON TIGERS (Kozue Kawashima & Tom Barrowman)THE FRONT (Kazushige Matsuki & Tetsunori Yasuda)KITOGUCHI (Bussho Makiguchi & Chojiro Kitoaji) - Glory Tag [4], Elite Tag [3]REBEL (Hirotsugu Satou & Magnum Kobe)RONIN VII - SQUAD 1 (Akinori Kwakami & Noriyori Sanda) - Glory Tag [1]RONIN VII - SQUAD 2 (Joshua Taylor & Saduharu Jimbo)WARWOLF (AKIMA & BISON Yano) - Historical Japan Tag Team [1] However, KitoGuchi were not the only teams who had previously been successful in this arena. There was some serious competition: two time Elite Tag Series winners Masaru Ugaki & Ryoma Muruyama posed a real threat, with Ugaki in particular looking to avenge his loss to Chojiro Kitoaji last month. Elsewhere, two teams competed from RONIN VII: the former tag champions, Akinori Kwakami & Noriyori Sanda, and the former Glory Crown Champion and the current International Champion, Seiji Jimbo & Joshua Taylor. It was a strong field. The COURAGE Series got underway in Osaka, with a trio of excellent bouts. The Historical Tag Team Champions Warwolf [2] opened proceedings with a win over the newly formed team of Magnum Kobe & Hirotsugu Satou; in an excellent bout, the tag champions KitoGuchi [2] bested the veterans Kazushige Matsuki & Tetsunori Yasuda [0]; and in the main event, Kozue Kawashima & Tom Barrowman [2] prevailed in an upset of sorts over Ugaki & Muruyama [0]. The series continued on in much the same vein, with the focus being primarily on the quality of matches rather than storylines. In short, it makes writing a recap very challenging. In the first televised show of the series from Kyoto, Kawashima & Barrowman [4] picked up another big win in the main event against Jimbo & Taylor [4], to hand the latter pair their first defeat of the tour. Meanwhile, the former champions Kwakami & Sanda [6] shot to the head of the leaderboard with their third win of the tournament over the tag champions, KitoGuchi [4], in a huge upset. But disaster struck in a non-televised bout on the tour's sixth show, as a six-man bout involving Ryoma Muruyama ended in near tragedy. The veteran Muruyama was paired with long-time partner Ugaki and young lion Matt Blackburn, but an attempted jumping clothesline resulted in him shattering his knee completely in disastrous scenes. It was a devastating result for a man normally so protective of his knees - and the eighteen month injury called into question whether "The Rocket" would ever be able to continue his illustrious 23-year professional career. While it was terrible news for Muruyama, it also meant he and Ugaki forfeited the rest of their matches in the series. RYOMA MURUYAMA41 Years Old 2x Elite Tag Series 3x Glory Tag Crown 1x PGHW International 1x PGHW International Tag Team Ryoma "The Rocket" Muruyama is a PGHW star who came up through their dojo system. When he debuted for them in 2003, Muruyama stood out from his peers in that he was a flashy high flyer, not the solid 'striking, suplex and submission' style that the company was famous for. Over the years he has evolved his style (partly to protect his knees from further damage) and has bulked up in weight, and now is far more similar to the other wrestlers near the top of the PGHW tree. He has become particularly famous for his team with Masaru Ugaki, which has become one of the best in Japan, although Muruyama has perhaps fallen into the trap of being overshadowed by his more-talented partner. Unfortunately, Muruyama suffered a terrible knee injury once again in late 2020, and it's not clear whether he will return to in-ring action in 2022. By the series' second televised tour show, it was really down to three teams: with KitoGuchi, Taylor & Jimbo and Kwakami & Sanda all tied on eight points each. It proved to be an important night. First, KitoGuchi stormed to 10 points with a win in the hard-hitting match of the tour against the Historical Japan Tag Team Champions, Warwolf. Then, they were joined by Taylor & Jimbo who prevailed over their fellow RONIN VII warriors Kwakami & Sanda in an excellent 20 minute affair. The final night of the tour then saw Taylor & Jimbo [12] seal top spot in the tag series and a spot in the final with an excellent win over KitoGuchi [10] - the second loss of the tour for the tag team champions. It left the champions with a nail biting wait, as Kwakami & Sanda had a chance in the main event to sneak into the final on the back of their win earlier in the tour over the tag champions. Unfortunately, they couldn't quite do it: Kwakami & Sanda [9] were unable to put Matsuki & Yasuda [5] away and were forced to split the points. It means that the final would be a showdown between the reigning tag champions KitoGuchi and the group stage winners Seiji Jimbo & Joshua Taylor. It was going to be a fight for the ages. * * * * * 25,079 fans turned out to "Night of COURAGE" at Yamagata Football Stadium to see the tournament come to a head. This also marked the first PPV broadcast internationally via PGHW's new streaming platform, PGHW Global. There wasn't a great deal to write home about on the undercard, which consisted of a number of tag team matches. Though, of note, was the main show debut of the mysterious new American brawler, Mutant. The enormous 360 pound powerhouse made light work of Matt Blackburn in a rare squash match in the night's second match, although it's clear he has a lot to do to prove himself to the PGHW faithful. The match was a stinker. Elsewhere, there was a stable war between the Coyote Club and the Crimson Tigers, as Ugaki's coyotes prevailed over Kawashima's tigers in an entertaining scrap. But the focus was of course on the main event, with the Elite Tag Series on the line. In a bout that just failed to live up to expectations, KitoGuchi won the Elite Tag Series for a fourth time, as Bussho Makiguchi hit Joshua Taylor with the Blazing Elbow to pick up the pinfall at the 27 minute mark. It was a disappointing result for Taylor and his partner Seiji Jimbo, although they were respectful in defeat as KitoGuchi celebrated. With four Elite Tag Series under their belt, KitoGuchi have clearly turned their attention to next year's tournament with the record of five wins set by Shuji Inukai & Yoshimi Mushashibo in their sights. PGHW “Night of KINGS”, 13.11.2020 (Emperor Choice/PGHW Global) Yamagata Football Stadium 25,079 Fans 312,585 Viewers (0.62 Rating) [77] Avalanche Takano & Suguru Emoto defeated Eddie Howard & Michio Gensai (11:48) with the Mountain Takano from Takano to Howard. [61] Mutant Debut Match: Mutant defeated Matt Blackburn (2:22) with The Tina-Turner. [15] Goro Hatamoto, KITA & SATO defeated Masatochi Kamimura, Motoyuke Miyake & Tsurayuki Kamachi (10:24) with the Wind Spirit Elbow from SATO to Kamimura. [54] Beast & West (Danny Cavanagh & Timmy West) defeated REBEL (Hirotsugu Satou & Magnum Kobe) (13:05) with the Power Press from West to Satou. [69] Coyote Club (AKIMA, BISON Yano & Masaru Ugaki) defeated Crimson Tigers (Hirobumi Takimoto, Kozue Kawashima & Tom Barrowman) (19:20) with the Yano Express from Yano to Barrowman. [73] Kazushige Matsuki, Tetsunori Yasuda & Yasunobu Masuno defeated Akinori Kwakami, Haranobu Kobayashi & Noriyori Sanda (20:05) with the Day of Rackening from Masuno to Kobayashi. [75] Elite Tag Series - Final: KitoGuchi (Bussho Makiguchi & Chojiro Kitoaji) defeated Joshua Taylor & Seiji Jimbo (27:11) with the Blazing Elbow from Makiguchi to Taylor. [80] * * * * * Match of the Tour: Bussho Makiguchi & Chojiro Kitoaji vs. AKIMA & BISON Yano, Nov. 7 (Honourable Mention: Kozue Kawashima & Tom Barrowman vs. Joshua Taylor & Seiji Jimbo, Nov. 1).Arrivals: Mutant.Departures: Eddie Howard (to TCW); Reaver (Free Agent - Walked out). Edited May 7, 2023 by Scottie 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CobheadJake Posted May 6, 2023 Share Posted May 6, 2023 Ahh no, that's a shame about Muruyama! I always used to like using him as he was a bit different than the rest of the roster! Interesting to see KitoGuchi win, but the two losses should lead to a couple of interesting title defences soon at least. Hopefully we go long enough into this to see what kind of future Mutant has with PGHW! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scottie Posted May 7, 2023 Author Share Posted May 7, 2023 (edited) WRESTLING TOUR NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2020 A mammoth year for PGHW came to an end in their final series of the year - the eight night "WRESTLING Series", which included one televised show on Prime Japan TV (from Osaka) and the year-ending show "Night of WRESTLING" broadcast on Emperor Choice (at the Muroran Baseball Stadium in Hokkaido). Both shows would also be streamed internationally via the PGHW Global subscription service. Before the series began, the usual pre-series press conference saw some big bouts announced. First, Kozue Kawashima announced that he was setting his sights on defending the Elite Series early next year and reclaiming the Glory Crown. He said that, to prepare, he was going to have a Special Singles bout each month in the lead-up, starting with independent mainstay and Mexican legend, Pablo Rodriguez. The other bouts announced for "Night of WRESTLING" were equally as big. In a further bout following their two bouts last month, Seiji Jimbo & Joshua Taylor challenged KitoGuchi to a rubber match - this time with the Glory Tag Crown on the line! Elsewhere, Yasunobu Masuno agreed to defend his title against another competitor from the RONIN VII stable: this time, it was the fan favourite and tag team specialist Noriyori Sanda. While Sanda had an army of stablemates in his corner, it seemed that Masuno decided he needed some back up as he continued his reign as champion - resurrecting The Front (a stable headed by Reaver before his departure last month) and enlisting the help of existing members and feared tag team Kazushige Matuski & Tetsunori Yasuda, former BHOTWG hard man Michio Gensai and - in a shock - the new gai-jin monster Mutant. His new squad got off to a shaky start, as they ending up on the losing end of the final match of the series' first show in Osaka. Teaming with Matsuki & Yasuda, Masuno was frustrated as Sanda teamed with Akinori Kwakami & Haranobu Kobayashi to pick up the victory. But things got better throughout the tour for Masuno's men, including a televised win on the series' fifth night over a RONIN VII trio. It was a night that also saw the tag challengers Jimbo & Taylor pick up a huge multi-man win over the champions, as Jimbo pinned Bussho Makiguchi with the Jimbo Driver. PGHW “WRESTLING Series”, 04.12.2020 (Prime Japan TV/PGHW Global)Osaka286,444 Viewers (0.38 Rating)[76] Hitomaro Suzuki defeated Goro Hatamoto (7:51) with an Axe Kick. [52] Hirokazu Yamanoue, Masaru Ugaki & Masatochi Kamimura defeated Beast & West (Danny Cavanagh & Timmy West) & Tsurayuki Kamachi (10:38) with the Ugaki Clutch from Ugaki to Kamachi. [67] The Front (Kazushige Matsuki & Michio Gensai) defeated KITA & SATO (14:12) with the Fist of Fury from Matsuki to KITA. [73] RONIN VII (Haranobu Kobayashi, Joshua Taylor & Seiji Jimbo) defeated Crimson Tigers (Bussho Makiguchi, Chojiro Kitoaji & Kozue Kawashima) (15:45) with the Jimbo Driver from Jimbo to Makiguchi. [82] Historical Japan Tag Team: Warwolf (AKIMA & BISON Yano) defeated Crimson Tigers (Hirobumi Takimoto & Tom Barrowman) (14:33) with the Big Boot from Yano to Barrowman (1st defence). [75] The Front (Mutant, Tetsunori Yasuda & Yasunobu Masuno) defeated RONIN VII (Akinori Kwakami, Noriyori Sanda & Suguru Emoto) (17:32) with the Big Splash from Masuno to Emoto. [75] Otherwise, in the opener, Hitomaro Suzuki tore his rotator cuff in a bout against young lion Goro Hatamoto, which will keep him out for about 6 months. * * * * * A sell-out crowd of 30,000 fans packed into the Muroran Baseball Stadium in Hokkaido for the year-ending "Night of WRESTLING" show on Dec. 11. There wasn't a great deal to write home about on the undercard. Kazushige Matsuki & Tetsunori Yasuda re-established their credentials in the tag division with a hotly contested win over KITA & SATO, while Hirotsugu Satou picked up an exceptional win over Magnum Kobe to defend his Historical Japan Title for a seventh occasion. It was a disappointing end to the year for Kobe, who was competing for the Glory Crown back in February. The first of the trio of big matches then took place, as Kozue Kawashima met the Mexican star, Pablo Rodriguez, for the first time in their respective careers. Now 45, Rodriguez has lost a step - and is relatively unknown to the Japanese audience. Still, the crowd were hot for this 20 minute bout, which ended with Kawashima busting out the Double K Killer for the pinfall win. It was a tough bout to follow, but KitoGuchi, Seiji Jimbo and Joshua Taylor were clearly up to the task as they produced an even better match than last month's battle at Yamagata Football Stadium. With the teams splitting their two bouts during the Elite Tag Series (although KitoGuchi winning the decisive series ending bout), it was no surprise that this was a hotly contested bout. After a great build up, the match came to an end somewhat abruptly (which took the sheen of the match) - Bussho Makiguchi hitting Taylor with the Blazing Elbow to secure a fifth defence of the Glory Tag Crown for the champions. That left just one bout for PGHW in 2020, as Yasunobu Masuno met Noriyori Sanda. Sanda was the clear underdog - he was half Masuno's size and had never prevailed in his few shots at the Glory Crown previously. The early stages went as one would expect, as the monstrous Masuno dominated the slighter Sanda, but soon the challenger built up a head of steam and managed to work his way back into the bout with quick moves and endless determination. But it wouldn't be enough, as Masuno caught him with the Day of Racketing (Torture Rack) to draw the submission and secure his second defence of the Glory Crown. It was his best defence yet. PGHW “Night of WRESTLING”, 11.12.2020 (Emperor Choice/PGHW Global) Muroran Baseball Stadium 30,000 Fans - No Vacancy 329,292 Viewers (0.65 Rating) [78] The Front (Michio Gensai & Mutant) defeated RONIN VII (Avalanche Takano & Haranobu Kobayashi) (10:30) with the Avalanche Spike Slam from Gensai to Kobayashi. [66] Coyote Club (AKIMA, BISON Yano & Masaru Ugaki) defeated Crimson Tigers (Hirobumi Takimoto, Tom Barrowman & Tsurayuki Kamachi) (14:02) with the Samoan Suplex from AKIMA to Barrowman. [72] The Front (Kazushige Matsuki & Tetsunori Yasuda) defeated KITA & SATO (13:40) with the Fist of Fury from Matsuki to KITA. [72] Beast & West (Danny Cavanagh & Timmy West) defeated RONIN VII (Akinori Kwakami & Suguru Emoto) (11:38) with the Power Press from Cavanagh to Emoto. [62] Historical Japan: Hirotsugu Satou (c) defeated Magnum Kobe (18:06) with the Scorpion Deathlock (7th defence). [72] Special Singles Match: Kozue Kawashima defeated Pablo Rodriguez (20:54) with the Double K Killer. [79] Glory Tag Crown: Bussho Makiguchi & Chojiro Kitoaji (c) defeated Joshua Taylor & Seiji Jimbo (24:46) with the Blazing Elbow from Makiguchi to Taylor (5th defence). [81] Glory Crown: Yasunobu Masuno (c) defeated Noriyori Sanda (20:22) with the Day of Rackening (2nd defence). [79] * * * * * Match of the Tour: RONIN VII (Haranobu Kobayashi, Joshua Taylor & Seiji Jimbo) vs. Crimson Tigers (Bussho Makiguchi, Chojiro Kitoaji & Kozue Kawashima), Dec. 4 Edited May 7, 2023 by Scottie 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scottie Posted May 7, 2023 Author Share Posted May 7, 2023 21 hours ago, CobheadJake said: Ahh no, that's a shame about Muruyama! I always used to like using him as he was a bit different than the rest of the roster! Interesting to see KitoGuchi win, but the two losses should lead to a couple of interesting title defences soon at least. Hopefully we go long enough into this to see what kind of future Mutant has with PGHW! Thank you for reading! I was also sad to see Muruyama get injured, though I was struggling how best to use him in some capacity other than playing second fiddle to Ugaki. I'm only a few months ahead in game time, but thankfully managed to fight off a predator to Mutant's contact! So he will be around a little longer yet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CobheadJake Posted May 7, 2023 Share Posted May 7, 2023 Wouldn't have expected Masuno's best match yet to be against Sanda, but I'm glad he had a better match! Bringing in one-offs for 'dream matches' like Pablo Rodriguez is a great thing to do on occasion. Interesting, I'm glad Mutant gets some more time to show out, especially now he is in a stable too. I really enjoy these write-ups!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CGN91 Posted May 7, 2023 Share Posted May 7, 2023 Thank god Masuno found some rhythm recently with having a pretty good match with Sanda. I have to say I like Masuno as the big heavyweight guy he is thanks to his transfer to WCG in my save back then. However he isn't that good at the beginning and he needs some improvement. This technical submission stuff is aggravating but also interesting at the same time, I mean think about doing a filler title defense against an even more unproven guy like.. let's say Goro Hatamoto. Jesus christ. It would be cooler if you pick an option that you book a no contest on the fly or just changing the title like it happened to you. I had this situation in WCG as well when Motoyuki Miyake won the IC title and he was just out of his young boy phase.. Nevertheless: Love reading your write-ups! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kanegan Posted May 8, 2023 Share Posted May 8, 2023 I am loving these write ups. Masuno as a champion is a very interesting choice and his rating against Sanda genuinely surprised me. Keep it up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scottie Posted May 15, 2023 Author Share Posted May 15, 2023 2020 GLOBAL AWARDS WRESTLER OF THE YEAR AARON ANDREWS (TCW) A huge year for TCW's "Ace" was capped off with recognition as wrestler of the year, as Aaron Andrews twice reigned as TCW World Heavyweight Champion. Although it was a rocky start in which he lost the crown to Jay Chord at Malice in Wonderland, Andrews reclaimed his title for a fourth time at Destructive Energy, as he prevailed over his hated rival Chord in an I Quit Match. Andrews continued to prevail through the rest of the year, including title defences over Wolf Hawkins and Mighty Mo. All up, he ended with a record of 39-7 in his strongest year yet. ________________________________________________ TAG TEAM OF THE YEAR THE GOLDEN KINGS (MULTIMILLIONARO & PHARAOH KING) (EILL) It was a heck of a year for the experienced EILL tag team, as they claimed the Campeonatos de Parejas EILL in September and held it throughout the balance of the year. Not only were they successful, they churned out high quality matches - with the best being a 4.75 star rated bout against Masked Lightning at Aniversario XXII (only losing the 0.25 stars for the disqualification finish). They had 20 bouts for a return of 15-5. ________________________________________________ YOUNG WRESTLER OF THE YEAR HURICAN (EILL) The masked luchador, named after the Mayan god of storm and winds, had a breakout year, even if it wasn't completely successful in a win-loss sense. At just 22 years of age, he has endless talent and charisma and continues to gain popularity among the Mexican fans. His best bout was a televised multi-man match in November, teaming with his partner Itzamna and El Leon in a winning effort over Gino Montero and Boom-Boom Angel. He finished his year with a record of 22-27. ________________________________________________ VETERAN WRESTLER OF THE YEAR RICH MONEY (USPW) At 46 years of age, Rich Money is still going strong as he claimed the veteran award for the second straight year (the first man ever to do it!). Now heading towards 30 years of experience, the 46-year old's record breaking third reign as USPW World Champion extended into September with defences over the likes of Nicky Champion (including a match of the year contender on free TV in January), Tyson Baine and Valiant. His reign came to an end to Joss Thompson in a four-way bout at United States of Pain!, and despite his failure to beat Thompson one-on-one the following month he will no doubt be entering 2021 looking to secure a fourth reign as champion. ________________________________________________ FEMALE WRESTLER OF THE YEAR LAUREN EASTER (CWA) The American wrestler continues to thrive with the Canadian Wrestling Alliance, where she can show her impressive technical skills against the likes of Brooke Tyler, Nadia Snow and Laura Flame. She competed 46 times for 31 wins in 2020, including four unsuccessful shots at the CWA Women's Title. Despite that, she's a workhorse in the division and many expect the four-time NOTBPW Women's Champion will soon add CWA gold to her resume. ________________________________________________ INDEPENDENT WRESTLER OF THE YEAR FUYUKO HIGA The mysterious joshi had a good year, as she competed in 98 bouts. While most of those bouts were with 5SSW, Higa continued to compete on small independent shows where she was a clear attraction. Her best bout came at Dynamo Tag VI, but she will no doubt be looking in 2021 to add some gold to her resume after nine unsuccessful title matches in 2020. ________________________________________________ COMPANY OF THE YEAR TOTAL CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING A huge year for TCW, which went from strength-to-strength and closed the gap on big players SWF and USPW. The year was dominated by the huge rivalry between Aaron Andrews and Jay Chord, although Wolf Hawkins set up a big 2021 as he won the Night of Kings for the second year running. 2021 shapes up to be a different year, after Chord abandoned ship to USPW in November, joining the experienced hands in One Man Army, Joshua Taylor and Dazzling Dave Diamond as 2020 departures. But they did add to their hand too - signing the likes of Petr Novak, Sterling Whitlock, Ernest Youngman and Texas Pete. ________________________________________________ MOST IMPROVED COMPANY OF THE YEAR UNITED STATES PRO WRESTLING The Titanic promotion kept its spot on the top of the wrestling world and added some huge names in the process. In chronological order: Rogue, Valiant, Tommy Cornell, Remo Richardson, Hollywood Bret Starr, Jay Chord and Sean McFly. It makes for a bloated roster of stars, although Joss Thompson remains on top of the heap after unseating Rich Money. It is hard to see how anyone can top USPW in the future, particularly when they managed to strengthen their hand so significantly in 2020. ________________________________________________ MATCH OF THE YEAR GREG GAUGE VS. WOLF HAWKINS, TCW KING OF KINGS A certifiable five star banger at King of Kings, which saw Hawkins book a place in the King of Kings Semi-Finals (where he bested Sammy Bach and then Tana the Mighty to win the title). This match, though, was the highlight, with Gauge very nearly claiming the upset on a number of occasions in a high octane match that never looked like slowing down. ________________________________________________ SHOW OF THE YEAR TCW DESTRUCTIVE ENERGY The best show of the year, though, was two months earlier, as Aaron Andrews reclaimed the World Title by forcing Jay Chord to quit. Elsewhere, Wolf Hawkins & Doc Hammond combined to beat Tana the Mighty & Sammy Bach; Petr Novak, Mighty Mo & Killer Shark beat Mr Amazing & The 100% Boyz (Danny Fonzarelli & Matt Hocking); and Benny & The Foxx retained the tag titles over The Elite. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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