PGHW - The Other Beginning

[Willsky]

YOSHIMI'S PATH

Throughout the spring, Yoshimi Mushashibo and his tag partner Shuji Inukai didn’t see eye to eye. Inukai wanted Mushashibo’s commitment to tag competition, while Mushashibo thought they should be able to compete in singles and tag matches. The fact was, the pair had hardly teamed together all year.

Coupled with the fact that Mushashibo was now Danger Kumasaka’s protégé, and it was easy to see why Inukai doubted his friend’s loyalty.

So they went head to head at Night of GLORY, and Mushashibo won. This meant both men would agree to compete in both singles and tag competition. Mushashibo added, magnanimously, that he would make an effort to tag with Inukai more often.

With the Elite Tag Series approaching in September, it seemed like the two were on the same page. Or at least they would have been if Danger Kumasaka wasn’t around.

 

Night of STRENGTH, June 1997

In Kyoto, the trio of Danger Kumasaka, Shuji Inukai and Yoshimi Mushashibo main-evented the show, defeating Yodo Nakane and Team VIOLENCE (Java & Dino Maldini).

Throughout the match, Danger Kumasaka and Shuji Inukai seemed reluctant to get along. The veteran, Kumasaka, obviously disapproved of Inukai’s rashness and lack of respect towards his elders. Meanwhile Inukai still remembered how Kumasaka dismissed him as a potential protégé earlier in the year. And Inukai was not the kind of man to forget a slight.

Fortunately, they didn’t let their differences affect the result of the match, as Mushashibo acted as a buffer. Inukai got the win with an Untouchable Lariat.

After the match, Kumasaka and Inukai got into an argument about something. Words were exchanged, but nothing more because at that point.

Koryusai Kitoaji appeared to challenge Mushashibo to a Glory Crown match.

Mushashibo accepted. He suggested after the show that Kumasaka and Inukai should team together at the next show, Night of WARRIORS, and learn to work together.

 

Night of WARRIORS, July 1997

Yoshimi Mushashibo main-evented the show, facing the Glory Crown champion Koryusai Kitoaji. It was a strong showing for Mushashibo, but he ended up suffering a defeat to the imperious new champ.

Earlier in the show, Danger Kumasaka and Shuji Inukai teamed together in a winning effort against Boundary 97 (Go Matsunaga & Takeshi Umehara). The result wasn’t a massive surprise, but the nature of it would have raised eyebrows.

The fact was, Inukai and Kumasaka worked brilliantly as a team. Their conflicting styles and approaches balanced out and their timing was impeccable. Inukai won the match with another devastating Untouchable Lariat, and earned an appreciative nod from Kumasaka.

By no means had this eased the tension between them, though, as they did not celebrate together, nor leave ringside as a pair.

There was plenty of chatter, though. If Inukai and Kumasaka worked that well as a team, could they become a more regular tag pairing and enter the Elite Tag Series?

 

Night of VICTORY, July 1997

Team Dynasty (Shuji Inukai & Yoshimi Mushashibo) reunited as a tag team for the first time since March. Danger Kumasaka joined them at ringside as they took on Team VIOLENCE (Java & Dino Maldini).

The pair looked great. Not quite as impressive as Inukai and Kumasaka had been at the previous show, but that was mostly due to the superior opponents. Team Dynasty reminded the world why they could be a serious threat in the tag division.

There were smiles all round. Inukai looked delighted to have wrestled alongside his friend again, and Danger Kumasaka looked on like a proud father.

Inukai would be even more pleased later when Koryusai Kitoaji would offer him a Glory Crown title shot at the next show, Night of LEGACY.

 

Night of LEGACY, August 1997

Shuji Inukai suffered a similar fate to Yoshimi Mushashibo in his bid to become Glory Crown champion against Koryusai Kitoaji. Inukai showed his capacity to take and deliver vast amounts of punishment, but couldn’t quite keep up with a man on top of his game.

With Inukai busy with that main event match, Yoshimi Mushashibo took the opportunity to team up with his mentor, Danger Kumasaka. They faced Ninsei Tanuma & Hayate Hasegawa.

Mentor and mentee had a great time. In contrast to their respective tag matches alongside Inukai, Mushashibo and Kumasaka had a very similar style of grappling and limb manipulation.

This meant their efforts to wear down Tanuma’s left shoulder joined with devastating consequences. Mushashibo got the victory with the Yoshimi Lock.

Mushashibo clearly expressed his joy at having teamed with Kumasaka and even said he’d like to do it again some time. Those in the media took this as an indication he might enter the Elite Tag Series with Danger Kumasaka as his partner instead of Shuji Inukai.

 

Night of TOUGHNESS, August 1997

Sepculation ran wild about which pairing of Danger Kumasaka, Shuji Inukai and Yoshimi Mushashibo would enter the Elite Tag Series in September.

At this show, though, they all competed together in a six-man tag main event against Hito Ichihara, Nobuatsu Tatsuko and Yodo Nakane.

It was a close-fought battle that brought the best out of all men involved. In fact, the crowd enjoyed it so much that it entered contention for PGHW match of the year. It was Shuji Inukai who once again proved himself a deadly weapon by hitting the Untouchable Lariat on Yodo Nakane for the victory.

Then all attention turned to the three men as they would have to make their decision about which two would compete in the tournament.

In the post-match press conference, Yoshimi Mushashibo was pensive.

Mushashibo: I have requested an exception to the normal tag team rulings from Saduharu Jimbo, however I understand his response. I imagined he would decline. We cannot compete as a three, alternating competitors, as that would be unfair. So we must decide.

Shuji Inukai is one of my closest friends. In wrestling, I don’t trust anyone more than him. That’s why it hurt so much to fight him at Night of GLORY. But that’s in the past. He understands why I make the decisions I do. That’s why I consider him a true ally.

Danger Kumasaka. In the last few months, I have learned more from him than I could even imagine. His experience is valuable in every aspect of this business. I have grown to treasure having him by my side and in my corner. Certainly, he would be a fearsome partner in the Elite Tag Series.

For a while I wondered if I should be the one that stands back, but I am not confident that Shuji will appreciate me forcing him to tag with Kumasaka for a whole month. In fact, he has expressed that he would withdraw if that was the case.

So which path will I take? The path of friendship, or the path of progress?

This is my decision.

Danger Kumasaka.

I am sorry. You will have to watch from the sidelines.

Because Team Dynasty is going to enter the Elite Tag Series, Yoshimi Mushashibo and Shuji Inukai. And, you know what? I think we’re going to win it!

 

[Willsky]

DREADSTORM

Nobuatsu Tatsuko failed to derail Dread’s charge of dominance at Night of GLORY. The youngster had been the first real threat to the big man’s nascent streak, and pushed him hard. But Dread had said himself that he was unstoppable when in the right mood.

And that dark cloud over his colossal head showed no signs of shifting. There were still plenty more wrestlers on the roster to defeat.

But at some point he would have to slow down, or so many thought. His size meant that at some point his knees would start to go, or his focus would slip.

And who would be the one to take advantage?

Or, would Dread continue the Dreadstorm he had started and rampage all the way through PGHW?

 

Night of STRENGTH, June 1997

Walter Morgan, a recent arrival to PGHW faced Dread. Morgan was a dour Englishman trained in the Wigan shoot-style, with some serious technical skill.

Unfortunately, Dread showed no interest in rolling around on the mat with the far smaller man and instead launched him from one end of the ring to the other, finishing him off with a Dreadsault.

 

Night of WARRIORS, July 1997

Dread took on the young lion Hirokumi Saito at Night of WARRIORS in one of the most one-sided matches in the company’s history. Saito had clear potential, but at just 21, he lacked experience and enough training to stand even an outside chance.

But Dread had requested the match as there was talk of Saito going out on excursion to Canada in the next month, and he wanted to make sure he missed nobody on the roster.

 

Night of VICTORY, July 1997

Torajiro Sekozawa was another youngster lined up for an excursion to Canada. He got his chance at a famous upset against Dread in Kobe, with over 14,000 fans in attendance.

It was a night to forget for him, though. Dread showed no mercy in systematically destroying the GCG graduate.

 

Night of LEGACY, August 1997

“Hurricane” Harumi Okazawaya was next on Dread’s list. Nobody expected the youngster to win, especially not in singles action, as he had been almost exclusively competing in tag matches with his Rebel Cell partner Sotatsu Sarumara.

Needless to say, Dread won the match. But despite his dominance, each of Dread’s victims came out of the match with a lesson learned, earning some measure of respect just for having the guts to spend time between the ropes with such a fearsome competitor.

 

Night of TOUGHNESS, August 1997

The other half of Rebel Cell, Sotatsu Sarumara took on Dread next, with the outcome of the match a near guarantee. Sarumara was yet to make a real impact in PGHW, with the fans caring little about his armlock variations.

Dread also cared little, and pounded Sarumara into a mess, finishing him off with the Dread Bomb.

Dread’s mood had been dark but focused during the previous five nights. He never seemed to enjoy dominating weaker wrestlers, only taking pleasure in the fact he continued to prove his doubters wrong.

But these were small fry. It was time for a real threat to step up to the plate. Yodo Nakane agreed.

Nakane had found PGHW a welcome home since struggling with injury in GCG. At the tail end of his career, he had a few years left to really cement his legacy. Defeated Dread would go a long way to doing just that.

He confronted Dread after the show and challenged him at Night of HONOUR.

Nakane: People may see me as an outside bet to defeat you, Dread. But I know better. Have I held top titles like you? No. Have I main evented the biggest shows on two continents? No. But that means nothing when we get in the ring.

You lack passion. This is all about proving a point, about showing the world how great you are. But those doubters are just straw men. You’ve imagined them in order to give you some purpose. Because you can’t find the passion in yourself to wrestle for the joy of it, for the people who watch and for the feeling of honour that fills the heart of a true lion.

That’s why at Night of HONOUR, I’ll show you who the honourable man is.

[Willsky]

PRIDE COMES BEFORE

Since winning the Historical Japan title at Night of FORTITUDE in April, Mito Miwa had defended the belt against three very different opponents – the fellow prodigy, Yoshimi Mushashibo, the company man Dragon Agakawa, and the nostalgic veteran Kyoshiro Kanashi.

But three successful defences don’t make a great champion. After all, the man who he beat for the belt, Nobuatsu Tatsuko boasted over 40 defences across nearly two years. So Miwa prepared himself for the long haul – no matches ducked, no shows missed, no challengers brushed aside.

But could The Pride Warrior maintain such a schedule? Or was it possible that one of those nights he’d make a costly error, or get caught out by an unorthodox opponent.

Miwa understood his situation. And he knew that a truly great champion would always find a way to win.

 

Night of STRENGTH, June 1997

Mito Miwa’s reign continued with a relatively straightforward match against Kazuo Mitsushi. The badass veteran had struggled to get victories in the twilight of his career, but his aggressive style and refusal to back down meant he was a hero to a particular portion of the crowd.

Nonetheless, Miwa hit the Pride Bomber for a solid victory. His body language after the match suggested he had never really felt threatened.

 

Night of WARRIORS, July 1997

With his tag partner competing earlier in the show, Lee Wright challenged Mito Miwa for the Historical Japan title.

Lee Wright had actually held the belt back in 1991 to 1992 in a solid reign that was his only singles championship on record. During that time, he regularly toured with GCG and BHOTWG as well as featuring on the independent scene where, for seven months, he held the title.

As always, Miwa welcomed the nod to history. But while he showed respect for the past, he didn’t allow it any mercy. Wright is a tough opponent for anyone, but Miwa survived the American’s assault without much issue and got the win with the Pride Bomber.

Wright’s partner, Raymond Diaz, also suffered a defeat. He took on the recent arrival Luis Figo Manico in an exhibition singles match. “The Pain from Spain” showed why he was one of the biggest stars in Europe and hit a Madrid Maul to maintain his 100% winning record since joining the company.

 

Night of VICTORY, July 1997

Hayate Hasegawa was next to step up to Mito Miwa with the Historical Japan title on the line. Hasegawa made his name in QUEST, but always fell short of winning the company’s top belt. This match was considered to be his last shot to add it to his two QUEST tag championships.

He failed. Miwa looked in imperious form. You could see in his eyes that he fully expected to win every time he stepped in the ring, no matter the opponent.

However, he mentioned after the show that he was tired of facing veteran opponents and wanted some younger talents to have a go at the title.

 

Night of LEGACY, August 1997

Miwa’s call for young challengers was heeded by Java. Rumours had spread by this point that HGC were interested in signing the young Indonesian, and many expected him to leave the company in the next couple of months.

Despite this, Java looked determined to get his hands on some gold on his way out. He brought a different problem for Miwa, and that was size. Veterans he could handle, but massive chunks of flesh were harder to withstand.

But withstand he did, and after getting cut open by a vicious strike to the brow, he hit the Pride Bomber to win.

Standing tall with crimson on his face, Miwa took yet another step forwards and upwards.

 

Night of TOUGHNESS, August 1997

Eisaku Hoshino challenged Mito Miwa for the Historical Japan title at the end of August. Hoshino had lost the Glory Tag Crown at the previous show and was keen to get some measure of momentum before the Elite Tag Series began, so he offered a serious threat to Miwa.

Hoshino was one of those fighters that, in spite of a caustic, spiky exterior and unorthodox style, through his tenacity and never-say-die attitude, he always had the fans in his corner by the end of a match.

And he took Miwa to the limit. Miwa would later say that Hoshino’s challenge had been the toughest since he won the belt from Tatsuko. But ultimately, it was an unsuccessful challenge, as Miwa reversed a Godzilla Plunge into the Pride Bomber.

After the match, Miwa’s celebrations were interrupted by Luis Figo Manico.

Manico had kept up his 100% winning streak in singles action, defeating Eisaku Kunomasu earlier in the show. He now had several high-profile wins and considered himself ready for a shot at the Historical Japan title. He had these words for Miwa:

Figo: I have proved myself. Twelve singles matches and twelve victories. You claim you are a proud champion, well you have yet to prove yourself against The Pain from Spain.

Miwa seemed nonplussed and accepted the challenge, saying in the press conference after the show:

Miwa: Honestly, I haven’t seen any of Figo’s matches yet. The record looks good, and he certainly looks the part, but I think he needs to realise that I don’t have to prove myself against him, but the other way around. I am the champion for a reason. I will defeat him, just like I have the other eight men who have challenged me. This reign will not end so soon.

 

[Willsky]

KITOAJI'S CROWN

At Night of GLORY, Koryusai Kitoaji defeated Hito Ichihara in an unforgettable main event to regain the PGHW Glory Crown. It started his second reign with the belt, and the third reign in the title’s history since its inception just under a year ago.

But Kitoaji’s achievement was overshadowed by the nature of his victory. As many would comment after the show, it wasn’t Kitoaji’s victory, but Ichihara’s loss. Ichihara took to the skies and failed miserably.

Kitoaji, clearly sensing this narrative would dominate, made a point of emphasising that it was he who pushed Ichihara into taking such a risk. Kitaoji’s ego bristled at the thought of him not receiving the plaudits he deserved.

Nonetheless, his attempts to put himself in the spotlight mostly failed. Everybody was talking about Hito Ichihara. Yes, Kitoaji had been victorious, yes he had deserved to win, and yes he was setting the bar extremely high in PGHW. But Ichihara had fallen. And that was more exciting.

But Kitoaji was not one to sit about and sulk. Instead, he would press on with his title reign with the intention of making it (and himself) the most talked about thing in the company once again.

 

Night of STRENGTH, June 1997

At Night of STRENGTH, Koryusai Kitoaji teamed with Nobuatsu Tatsuko, and Team STRENGTH RUSH (Lee Wright and Raymond Diaz) to take on Ninsei Tanuma, Hayate Hasegawa and Boundary 97 (Takeshi Umehara & Go Matsunaga).

On paper, the match was rather one-sided, and that’s how it turned out in practice. Tatsuko impressed as always, and Kitoaji nodded his approval as the younger man hit the Tatsuko Driller to get the victory.

However, if Tatsuko had expected Kitoaji to offer him a shot at the Glory Crown, he would have been disappointed. Instead, Kitoaji waited until the end of the show.

In the main event, Danger Kumasaka, Shuji Inukai and Yoshimi Mushashibo defeated Yodo Nakane and Team VIOLENCE (Java & Dino Maldini).

Both Mushashibo and Inukai impressed in that match, and Kitoaji said so after the bell. At Night of GLORY, Mushashibo had defeated his tag partner Inukai and later made a challenge to Kitoaji, so the champion addressed that.

Kitoaji: Mushashibo, you do not ask for a title shot. You ask for nothing. Instead, you must earn it by proving yourself worthy in my eyes. That is my way and that is how it will be. No begging, no requesting, no sucking up.

But you have earned an opportunity. You have won several high-profile matches recently and I consider you a suitable contender. So, at Night of WARRIORS, take your shot. And when you fail, do not plead for another chance, but improve yourself and come back stronger.

 

Night of WARRIORS, July 1997

Yoshimi Mushashibo challenged Koryusai Kitoaji for the Glory Crown. It was the first time the two had met in singles competition and the anticipation was palpable.

Mushashibo had shown he was on the cusp of stepping up to the main event scene. With Danger Kumasaka coaching him from his corner, many thought that guidance may propel Mushashibo to a massive win.

And for stretches of the match, Mushashibo looked capable of doing just that. His technical skills had developed to the point where only Danger Kumasaka could claim to be superior, and Kitoaji certainly couldn’t match him on the mat.

But Kitoaji had more to his game that grappling. Famous for his strong-style strikes, he battered Mushashibo whenever he could, and finally that was too much for the young man to handle. A Kitoaji Braindrop got the job done, cementing Kitoaji’s first defence of the reign.

Mushashibo made sure to show his respect in defeat, and Kitoaji recognised the talents of the challenger.

 

Night of VICTORY, July 1997

Koryusai Kitoaji teaned with Ninsei Tanuma and Yodo Nakane in the main event in a winning effort against Danger Kumasaka, Nobuatsu Tatsuko and Go Matsunaga.

While Nobuatsu Tatsuko impressed in defeat, he was once again overlooked by Kitoaji. Instead, the champion focused on a competitor from earlier in the night. He spoke in the post-show conference about how impressed he had been with Shuji Inukai who had teamed with Yoshimi Mushashibo to beat Team VIOLENCE (Java & Dino Maldini).

And so the challenge was made for Night of LEGACY.

 

Night of LEGACY, August 1997

In his two previous encounters with Koryusai Kitoaji, Shuji Inukai had shown clear signs of development. Their first meeting had been in the blocks of the Elite Series, and the second was the final of the number one contender’s tournament that took place at Night of SUCCESS. Kitoaji’s victory in that match earned him the title shot at Night of GLORY where he won the Glory Crown.

Now, Inukai hoped to do one better and defeat the champion. His direct aggression matched that of Kitoaji, and the match became a series of thumping blows and precise, cracking strikes.

Both men’s chests were red with welts, and they each suffered contusions and bruises on their faces and shoulders. The intensity was extreme.

And it turned out to be too extreme for Inukai, who, after refusing to give up after taking enough damage to fell a dozen men, couldn’t escape the Kitoaji Braindrop that earned the champion his second successful defence.

Kitoaji made an effort to congratulate Inukai on his efforts and talk up his future prospects.

 

Night of TOUGHNESS, August 1997

Koryusai Kitoaji competed in an 8-man tag match alongside Team VIOLENCE (Java & Dino Maldini) and Mamoru Nagahama. They defeated the team of Walter Morgan, Torajiro Sekozawa and Boundary 97 (Go Matsunaga & Takeshi Umehara).

The standout performer of the match was Mamoru Nagahama, whose physical capabilities and slickness visibly impressed the Glory Crown champion.

It may have been a surprise to some that Kitoaji would offer a title shot to a man who had yet to really break out, but those who had watched Nagahama’s trajectory in the last six months would agree that he was due an opportunity of some sort.

Just a month beforehand, at Night of VICTORY, he had nearly upset Hito Ichihara in a very competitive outing. While he lost that match, he earned many plaudits for his hard work and spirit. And on tour, he had picked up a string of victories over his peers which had seen him rise up the card.

While some may argue there were other more deserving contenders (Nobuatsu Tatsuko chief among them), Nagahama had certainly earned his shot.

The 22-year-old had these words after the show.

Nagahama: I’m grateful to Kitoaji for recognising what I have achieved. I am certain that this title match will be the biggest match of my life, and also the toughest. Kitoaji is the top of this industry and I will have to bring everything I have to stand a chance. But I will do that. He has risked his reputation by making this challenge, so I will show him, and everyone else, that his judgement was correct.

Kitoaji was in a rare, cheerful mood.

Kitoaji: This is what PGHW is about. Wrestlers achieving based on merit. Nagahama has shown his worth, he has earned this title shot. No, he doesn’t have much hope of beating me. But very few in this company do. For someone like him, just being in a title match is an achievement in itself.

 

[Scottie]

Nagahama is an unexpected challenger! I like that you are keeping things fresh with that, the next big show will be interesting.

[Willsky]

On 6/30/2023 at 11:12 AM, Scottie said:

Nagahama is an unexpected challenger! I like that you are keeping things fresh with that, the next big show will be interesting.

Not one of the usual challengers, certainly!

[Willsky]

HONOUR AMONG TEAMS

Earlier in the year saw the first ever Elite Series tournament for singles competitors, won by current Glory Crown champion, Koryusai Kitoaji.

In September, the first Elite Tag Series would take place, and expectations were high.

Two of the top teams in the company had battled over the Glory Tag Crown for the last few months: Team STRENGTH RUSH (Lee Wright & Raymond Diaz) who were the inaugural title holders, and the newly minted Team EXPLOSION of Eisaku Hoshino and Eisaku Kunomasu who won the belts at Night of PRIDE in March.

Despite the excellence of these two teams, the rest of the tag division was lacking. Team VIOLENCE of Java and Dino Maldini had shown flashes of aggressive potential, but often lacked focus. Hayate Hasegawa and Ninsei Tanuma were a tough proposition, but could never get it done when fighting for the title, and both Boundary 97 and Rebel Cell had struggled to get any momentum.

But there was another tag team lurking in a cloud of young egos. Team Dynasty. Yoshimi Mushashibo and Shuji Inukai. While Mushashibo had defeated his partner, meaning he could still pursue singles competition, he had told Inukai that he would be willing to fight by his side when the time was right. And what better time than the Elite Tag Series?

At Night of HONOUR, the tournament would see its semi-final and final matches, with qualifying block matches taking place throughout the month of September.

Who would triumph – one of the big names who had been duking it out for the Glory Tag Crown? Would an underperforming duo step up to the plate? Or could the part-time prodigies come together for victory?

And along the way, would Team EXPLOSION keep hold of the Glory Tag Crown?

 

Night of STRENGTH, June 1997

At Night of STRENGTH, Team EXPLOSION (Eisaku Hoshino & Eisaku Kunomasu) defended their title against Rebel Cell (Harumi Okazawaya & Sotatsu Sarumara).

Despite being similar ages, Team EXPLOSION had shown much more talent and potential than their challengers, and they made clear how different the teams were in a decisive victory, hitting an Eisaku Explosion.

Elsewhere on the show, Team STRENGTH RUSH (Lee Wright & Raymond Diaz) partnered with Koryusai Kitoaji and Nobuatsu Tatsuko to beat the foursome of Boundary 97 (Go Matsunaga & Takeshi Umehara) and Hayate Hasegawa & Ninsei Tanuma.

 

Night of WARRIORS, July 1997

The unusual pairing of Yodo Nakane and Kazuo Mitsushi challenged Team EXPLOSION (Eisaku Hoshino & Eisaku Kunomasu) with the Glory Tag Crown on the line.

Nakane and Mitsushi struggled to find any chemistry and instead opted to hit the young champions as hard as they can. They found out that Hoshino and Kunomasu can hit back even harder, and the Eisaku Explosion finished off the challengers.

Mitsushi and Nakane made it clear they didn’t enjoy the experience and wouldn’t tag together again.

Team VIOLENCE (Java & Dino Maldini) saw victory, teaming with Hito Ichihara and Nobuatsu Tatsuko to beat Ninsei Tanuma & Hayate Hasegawa and Rebel Cell (Harumi Okazawaya & Sotatsu Sarumara).

Another interesting tag match took place, with Boundary 97 (Go Matsunaga & Takeshi Umehara) going up against the duo of Danger Kumasaka and Shuji Inukai.

Kumasaka and Inukai demolished Boundary 97 and some suggested that Kumasaka and Inukai might end up forming a team for the Elite Tag Series, although that story is told better in “Yoshimi’s Path”.

 

Night of VICTORY, July 1997

Team Dynasty (Shuji Inukai & Yoshimi Mushashibo) were reunited as a pair for the first time in months. They earned a hard-fought victory against Team VIOLENCE (Java & Dino Maldini).

The Glory Crown champions Team EXPLOSION (Eisaku Hoshino & Eisaku Kunomasu) fell to a defeat in trios action. They counted themselves unlucky to be partnered with Kazuo Mitsushi against the fearsome gaijin triplet of Luis Figo Manico and Team STRENGTH RUSH (Lee Wright & Raymond Diaz).

Mitsushi proved to be the weak link and Team STRENGTH RUSH demanded a shot at the Glory Tag Crown at the next show. Team EXPLOSION accepted.

 

Night of LEGACY, August 1997

In the opening match, Yoshimi Mushashibo and Danger Kumasaka beat Ninsei Tanuma and Hayate Hasegawa without too many issues. This was the third combination of Kumasaka, Mushashibo and Inukai to have wrestled in the lead up to Night of HONOUR, and all three looked impressive.

Team STRENGTH RUSH and Team EXPLOSION renewed their rivalry for the Glory Tag Crown in a typically ferocious match. The challengers brought everything they had, and the champions struggled to match their intensity.

But as the match progressed, the pace slowed and a slugging match began, often with all four men in the ring at the same time. The referee struggled to keep control of things.

It was in this confusion that Raymond Diaz avoided the Eisaku Explosion and countered with a Ray Gun. This set up the challenger’s new finisher, Too Hot to Handle, that ended up with Diaz pinning Kunomasu for the three count!

Team STRENGTH RUSH became new Glory Tag Crown champions!

 

Night of TOUGHNESS, August 1997

In the last show before the Elite Tag Series, teams were looking to pick up momentum. None more so than Team EXPLOSION who wanted to bounce back after dropping the titles. For reasons only understood by them, though, they decided the best way to do this was in singles action.

Eisaku Kunomasu lost to Luis Figo Manico, while Eisaku Hoshino failed in his Historical Japan title shot against Mito Miwa. This put Team EXPLOSION in a bit of a hole before the biggest tag tournament of the year.

Team STRENGTH RUSH, by contrast, looked strong as they made the first defence of their second reign with the Glory Tag Crown. They battled to victory over Ninsei Tanuma & Hayate Hasegawa.

Team VIOLENCE (Java & Dino Maldini) picked up some speed in an 8-man tag, at the expense of Boundary 97 (Go Matsunaga & Takeshi Umehara), although it did help that they had Koryusai Kitoaji on their team.

And in the main event, the last match before the tournament, Danger Kumasaka, Shuji Inukai and Yoshimi Mushashibo scored a big win over Hito Ichihara, Nobuatsu Tatsuko and Yodo Nakane.

Team Dynasty set their stake out as serious contenders for the Elite Tag Series!

[Willsky]

PGHW Night of HONOUR, September 1997

Elite Tag Series Semi-Final 1: Team Dynasty (Shuji Inukai & Yoshimi Mushashibo) vs. Team VIOLENCE (Java & Dino Maldini)

Elite Tag Series Semi-Final 2: Team EXPLOSION (Eisaku Hoshino & Eisaku Kunomasu) vs. Team STRENGTH RUSH (Lee Wright & Raymond Diaz)

Dread vs. Yodo Nakane

Hayate Hasegawa, Noriyori Sanda & Rebel Cell (Harumi Okazawaya & Sotatsu Sarumara) vs. Walter Morgan, Torajiro Sekozawa & Boundary 97 (Go Matsunaga & Takeshi Umehara)

Luis Figo Manico vs. Mito Miwa © for the Historical Japan title

Chuichi Sanda, Hito Ichihara & Nobuatsu Tatsuko vs. Danger Kumasaka, Kazuo Mitsushi & Roka Furuhata

Koryusai Kitoaji © vs. Mamoru Nagahama for the Glory Crown title

Winner of Semi-Final 1 vs. Winner of Semi-Final 2 for the PGHW Elite Tag Team Series titles

[monrapi3]

Elite Tag Series Semi-Final 1: Team Dynasty (Shuji Inukai & Yoshimi Mushashibo) vs. Team VIOLENCE (Java & Dino Maldini)

Elite Tag Series Semi-Final 2: Team EXPLOSION (Eisaku Hoshino & Eisaku Kunomasu) vs. Team STRENGTH RUSH (Lee Wright & Raymond Diaz)

Dread vs. Yodo Nakane

Hayate Hasegawa, Noriyori Sanda & Rebel Cell (Harumi Okazawaya & Sotatsu Sarumara) vs. Walter Morgan, Torajiro Sekozawa & Boundary 97 (Go Matsunaga & Takeshi Umehara)

Luis Figo Manico vs. Mito Miwa © for the Historical Japan title

Chuichi Sanda, Hito Ichihara & Nobuatsu Tatsuko vs. Danger Kumasaka, Kazuo Mitsushi & Roka Furuhata

Koryusai Kitoaji © vs. Mamoru Nagahama for the Glory Crown title

Winner of Semi-Final 1 (Team Dynasty) vs. Winner of Semi-Final 2 (Team EXPLOSION) for the PGHW Elite Tag Team Series titles

[Scottie]

PGHW Night of HONOUR, September 1997

Elite Tag Series Semi-Final 1: Team Dynasty (Shuji Inukai & Yoshimi Mushashibo) vs. Team VIOLENCE (Java & Dino Maldini)

Elite Tag Series Semi-Final 2: Team EXPLOSION (Eisaku Hoshino & Eisaku Kunomasu) vs. Team STRENGTH RUSH (Lee Wright & Raymond Diaz)

Dread vs. Yodo Nakane

Hayate Hasegawa, Noriyori Sanda & Rebel Cell (Harumi Okazawaya & Sotatsu Sarumara) vs. Walter Morgan, Torajiro Sekozawa & Boundary 97 (Go Matsunaga & Takeshi Umehara)

Luis Figo Manico vs. Mito Miwa © for the Historical Japan title

Chuichi Sanda, Hito Ichihara & Nobuatsu Tatsuko vs. Danger Kumasaka, Kazuo Mitsushi & Roka Furuhata

Koryusai Kitoaji © vs. Mamoru Nagahama for the Glory Crown title

Winner of Semi-Final 1 (Team Dynasty) vs. Winner of Semi-Final 2 (Team STRENGTH RUSH) for the PGHW Elite Tag Team Series titles

[SomeLazyMagic]

Elite Tag Series Semi-Final 1: Team Dynasty (Shuji Inukai & Yoshimi Mushashibo) vs. Team VIOLENCE (Java & Dino Maldini)

Elite Tag Series Semi-Final 2: Team EXPLOSION (Eisaku Hoshino & Eisaku Kunomasu) vs. Team STRENGTH RUSH (Lee Wright & Raymond Diaz)

Dread vs. Yodo Nakane

Hayate Hasegawa, Noriyori Sanda & Rebel Cell (Harumi Okazawaya & Sotatsu Sarumara) vs. Walter Morgan, Torajiro Sekozawa & Boundary 97 (Go Matsunaga & Takeshi Umehara)

Luis Figo Manico vs. Mito Miwa © for the Historical Japan title

Chuichi Sanda, Hito Ichihara & Nobuatsu Tatsuko vs. Danger Kumasaka, Kazuo Mitsushi & Roka Furuhata

Koryusai Kitoaji © vs. Mamoru Nagahama for the Glory Crown title

Winner of Semi-Final 1 (Team Dynasty) vs. Winner of Semi-Final 2 (Team EXPLOSION) for the PGHW Elite Tag Team Series titles

[Willsky]

PGHW Night of HONOUR, September 1997

Elite Tag Series Semi-Final 1: Team Dynasty (Shuji Inukai & Yoshimi Mushashibo) vs. Team VIOLENCE (Java & Dino Maldini)

Elite Tag Series Semi-Final 2: Team EXPLOSION (Eisaku Hoshino & Eisaku Kunomasu) vs. Team STRENGTH RUSH (Lee Wright & Raymond Diaz)

Dread vs. Yodo Nakane

Hayate Hasegawa, Noriyori Sanda & Rebel Cell (Harumi Okazawaya & Sotatsu Sarumara) vs. Walter Morgan, Torajiro Sekozawa & Boundary 97 (Go Matsunaga & Takeshi Umehara)

Luis Figo Manico vs. Mito Miwa © for the Historical Japan title

Chuichi Sanda, Hito Ichihara & Nobuatsu Tatsuko vs. Danger Kumasaka, Kazuo Mitsushi & Roka Furuhata

Koryusai Kitoaji © vs. Mamoru Nagahama for the Glory Crown title

Winner of Semi-Final 1 vs. Winner of Semi-Final 2 for the PGHW Elite Tag Team Series titles

 

MATCH 1: Elite Tag Series Semi-Final 1: Team Dynasty (Shuji Inukai & Yoshimi Mushashibo) vs. Team VIOLENCE (Java & Dino Maldini)

When Yoshimi Mushashibo elected to tag with Shuji Inukai in the Elite Tag Series, they immediately became one of the favourites to win the whole thing.

And in the block stage, they looked strong, topping Block A ahead of Team EXPLOSION and going on to face the runners up in Block B, Team VIOLENCE of Java & Dino Maldini.

By this time, it was confirmed that Java would be leaving PGHW to join HGC in a matter of days, so those in the loop had more than an inkling about the result.

And they were proved right as Inukai hit the Untouchable Lariat on the big Indonesian to get the win and propel Team Dynasty into the final.

 

MATCH 2: Elite Tag Series Semi-Final 2: Team EXPLOSION (Eisaku Hoshino & Eisaku Kunomasu) vs. Team STRENGTH RUSH (Lee Wright & Raymond Diaz)

These teams had become bitter rivals in 1997 and they met once again, this time, for a change, without the Glory Tag Crown titles on the line, but in a massive, unpredictable, semi-final.

Team EXPLOSION had faltered heading into the tournament, with singles losses in the previous show, Night of TOUGHNESS. Team STRENGTH RUSH, by contrast, looked in their best form yet and proudly displayed the Glory Tag Crown titles to the men they vanquished for them a month ago.

As usual, the action was intense, and this time it got blood. Raymond Diaz got his lip cut open from a Kunomasu strike, and Hoshino had blood pouring out of his ear by the end of the match.

Hoshino wouldn’t care about the injury, though, as his team got the victory. They isolated Lee Wright and hit him with an Eisaku Explosion for the three count.

They went on to face Team Dynasty in the final.

 

MATCH 3: Dread vs. Yodo Nakane

Yodo Nakane was the latest man to stand up to Dread’s destructive tear through the roster. So far, the big man had 8 straight victories. However, most of those wins had been against wrestlers further down the card, with the notable exception of Nobuatsu Tatsuko.

Nakane had claimed that Dread lacked passion and this goal of defeating everyone was just a mental trick to motivate himself. Nakane would show him what true fighting spirit looked like.

And he certainly brought spirit. There was fire in the eyes of the 44-year-old as he took the fight to Dread. But passion alone was not enough.

Nakane was known for his brainbuster suplex, a move that required lifting the opponent up and dumping him on his head. Dread proved too large for that.

Dread had no such problem lifting Nakane up, and he did so emphatically when hitting the Dread Bomb to win.

 

MATCH 4: Hayate Hasegawa, Noriyori Sanda & Rebel Cell (Harumi Okazawaya & Sotatsu Sarumara) vs. Walter Morgan, Torajiro Sekozawa & Boundary 97 (Go Matsunaga & Takeshi Umehara)

This match was essentially an excuse for some of the midcarders and tag teams who didn’t qualify for the final stages of the Elite Tag Series to get on the card.

Walter Morgan again showed off his technical abilities, and the fresh young lion Noriyori Sanda made his first high-profile appearance. It would also be his first major victory as his team got the win thanks to Hasegawa pinning Torajiro Sekozawa.

 

MATCH 5: Luis Figo Manico vs. Mito Miwa © for the Historical Japan title

Mito Miwa was in impressive form. Ever since defeating Nobuatsu Tatsuko for the Historical Japan title in April, he had defended it eight times against a wide variety of opponents.

Now he came up against a threat that was less familiar. Known simply as Figo by the Japanese fans, the Pain from Spain had a 100% singles record since joining PGHW in April.

Both with six months of success under their belt, the match promised to be closely fought.

Figo was predominantly known as a technical wrestler, but could just as comfortably slug it out with the best of them. Mito Miwa was similarly versatile, and the match transitioned from a grappling contest into a striking battle.

The Pain from Spain lived up to his nickname. For the first time he got a real chance to show the company what he was made of, and he would have impressed many in the arena and at home.

But Mito Miwa was late to catch on. He was guilty of underestimating Figo somewhat, perhaps buoyed by the feeling of historical significance in this title reign he believed would last for a long time. He had even said after the last show that he hadn’t watched any of Figo’s matches.

And that was his downfall. He never really accepted that Figo could possibly defeat him, and neither did the crowd, so when the challenger hit the Madrid Maul and pinned Miwa for the three count, a shocked silence fell on the arena.

Luis Figo Manico became the new Historical Japan champion!

When Mito Miwa regained his senses, he couldn’t believe it. He questioned the referee and paced around the ring in disbelief.

Figo, exhausted and triumphant, carried a wide grin on his way to the back.

 

MATCH 6: Chuichi Sanda, Hito Ichihara & Nobuatsu Tatsuko vs. Danger Kumasaka, Kazuo Mitsushi & Roka Furuhata

This exhibition match saw two new signings make their debut. Chuichi Sanda was a highly-rated 26-year-old who had previously wrestled in QUEST and BHOTWG, but decided to join the exciting project under Sadaharu Jimbo on a permanent contract.

Roka Furuhata, on the other hand, was a temporary signing. He carried a lot more name value, having been a mainstay at BHOTWG for over 15 years, but had decided to branch out as a freelancer.

Sanda teamed with former Glory Crown champion Hito Ichihara and former Historical Japan champion Nobuatsu Tatsuko. They faced Furuhata’s team with Danger Kumasaka and Kazuo Mitsushi.

Mitsushi’s presence on a team was becoming like a curse, as it seemed to guarantee a loss, as was the case here. Tatsuko pinned Mitsushi after hitting the Tatsuko Driller.

 

MATCH 7: Koryusai Kitoaji © vs. Mamora Nagahama for the Glory Crown

This was by far and away the biggest match of Mamoru Nagahama’s fledgling career. Koryusai Kitoaji had picked him out as his next challenger, a decision that prompted plenty of controversy.

Critics claimed that Nagahama hadn’t beaten anyone significant yet, while others countered that this was the kind of opportunity afforded to those who worked hard.

What nobody expected was for Nagahama to defeat Kitoaji.

And he didn’t. But he did give a great account of himself, withstanding some of Kitoaji’s most dangerous strikes and slams. Of course, Kitoaji dominated, but Nagahama showed the kind of spirit that would see him rise in the future.

A Kitoaji Braindrop got the job done for the champion. Many hoped he would choose someone who posed more of a threat as his next challenger.

 

MATCH 8: Elite Tag Series Final: Team Dynasty (Shuji Inukai & Yoshimi Mushashibo) vs. Team EXPLOSION (Eisaku Hoshino & Eisaku Kunomasu)

Despite their faltering form prior to the tournament, Team EXPLOSION had made it to the final. Hoshino & Kunomasu were two of the company’s most anticipated talents. Yet across the ring from them were two young men who many thought would have even brighter futures.

The stakes were high. The winning team would not only go down in history as the first team to win the Elite Tag Series, but they’d also get a shot at Team STRENGTH RUSH’s Glory Tag Crown titles in the near future.

Not to mention the glory of winning the main event of such a huge show in front of over 22,000 fans.

Hoshino and Kunomasu came out of the gate hot. Hoshino’s wounded ear had been bandaged up but after only five minutes, the dressing had come loose and crimson spilled down his neck. If anything, that spurred him on to be more violent.

Shuji Inukai matched their intensity, and even surpassed it. Inukai’s reputation for being able to take the hardest of hits and get straight back up was deserved, and he showed it in this match, receiving a serious beating from Team EXPLOSION, but surviving to tag in his team mate.

When Mushashibo got into the action, he deliberately slowed the pace. He knew his strengths and weaknesses, and a mat-based match suited him better. Kunomasu was happy to go along with this and surprised a lot of people by going hold-to-hold with Mushashibo.

This spanner in the works nearly cost Mushashibo, as Kunomasu managed to work his way into a pinning predicament. It was a narrow escape for Mushashibo and all thanks to Shuji Inukai’s intervention.

Mushashibo looked stunned that someone had outwrestled him. But while he hesitated, Inukai took over. He launched himself at Kunomasu in a flurry of attacks, forcing him to tag out to Hoshino.

Hoshino and Inukai went at it strike for strike, with blood now streaming out of Hoshino’s head. After one heavy elbow strike, Inukai looked like he might fall unconscious, but he rallied, returning fire with an Untouchable Lariat straight into a pin!

One…two…three!!

Team Dynasty won the first ever Elite Tag Series!

Danger Kumasaka came to the ring to celebrate with Inukai and Mushashibo as they held the trophies aloft. And after all their squabbling, Shuji Inukai extended a hand to Danger Kumasaka, and they shook with a generous bow on both sides. Mushashibo grabbed them both in a hug as the show went off the air.

 

Conclusion

A huge night for Team Dynasty, who established themselves as a huge player in the tag division.

After the show, PGHW announced that, as well as the signings of Roka Furuhata and Chuichi Sanda, the company would be saying goodbye to a few talents.

Firstly, Hirokumi Saito, Torajiro Sekozawa, Fukusaburu Fukuzawa (a recent graduate) and Noriyori Sanda would all be heading to Canadian Golden Combat on excursion to develop their skills on weekly television.

Dragon Agakawa would also depart, as would Ninsei Tanuma who was headed for BHOTWG. And finally, as had previously been announced, Java left the company to join HGC full time.

It had been a strange few months for Hito Ichihara. Taking a step away from the spotlight had allowed him to compete with and against other members of the roster, and Mamoru Nagahama was someone who had impressed. After the show, Ichihara said this:

Ichihara: It’s rare to find someone as hard-working as Nagahama. I think we all saw tonight what he will be capable of in the future, and I’m excited for that. In fact, I would like to be part of that development. I make this offer with no pressure to accept, purely as an opportunity for you. Become my tag partner. This will not exclude either of us from pursuing singles ambitions… I think Team Dynasty has proved that’s a possible reality. But I think, together, we can compete in the division, and perhaps you will become a better competitor by my side.

The offer was enthusiastically accepted by Nagahama. Critics of Ichihara doubted the former champion’s commitment to such a project, though. At some point, his focus would return to Kitoaji’s Glory Crown, and he would need no distractions then.

In the singles division, the company was still reeling from Figo’s title victory over Mito Miwa. The defeated Miwa spoke after the show.

Miwa: I don’t know what to say. This is an upset. I will make no excuses for my loss. I took Figo for granted, and that was a mistake. I showed disrespect before the match, saying I didn’t know much about him, and that led to my fall.

So, thank you, Figo. You got what you deserve, and you taught me a lesson. Next time I face you, I will not be so careless.

Attention turned to Koryusai Kitoaji, with many wanting to know who he’d pick as his next challenger for the Glory Crown. He refused to give an answer.

Kitoaji: There are many good competitors who have shown their ability in the last few months. But to pick one right now would be…

He was briefly interrupted by a journalist muttering “Nobuatsu Tatsuko”

Kitoaji: Tatsuko? Why do you say his name? Do you think he deserves a title shot? Why? What has he done recently that stands above anyone else? Why do you not say Dread, or Figo, or Nakane?

When I consider Tatsuko worthy of a title shot, he will get one, and that’s my final word.

[Scottie]

Good show! Ichihara and Nagahama is an interesting team - I’m looking forward to see how they compete. It’s a welcome addition to a tag division that’s been dominated by a few teams.

Where is Agakawa off to?

[monrapi3]

LETS GO!!!!! TEAM DYNASTY W!!!

also damn i didnt expect Miwa to lose the Historical Japan title to Figo

[Willsky]

7 hours ago, Scottie said:

Good show! Ichihara and Nagahama is an interesting team - I’m looking forward to see how they compete. It’s a welcome addition to a tag division that’s been dominated by a few teams.

Where is Agakawa off to?

Glad you enjoyed it. It's definitely part of building out the tag division which is a big focus of the next year. Can't remember where Agakawa went to, but he was performing dreadfully and after I used him to put over some up-and-comers he was getting a bit annoyed. Time for him to leave.

37 minutes ago, monrapi3 said:

LETS GO!!!!! TEAM DYNASTY W!!!

also damn i didnt expect Miwa to lose the Historical Japan title to Figo

Inukai and Mushashibo are the real deal! Miwa losing was one of thoses surprises that I enjoyed coming up with - massively elevates a new guy (Figo is a big favourite of mine) without severely damaging Miwa.

[SomeLazyMagic]

6 hours ago, Willsky said:

Glad you enjoyed it. It's definitely part of building out the tag division which is a big focus of the next year. Can't remember where Agakawa went to, but he was performing dreadfully and after I used him to put over some up-and-comers he was getting a bit annoyed. Time for him to leave.

Inukai and Mushashibo are the real deal! Miwa losing was one of thoses surprises that I enjoyed coming up with - massively elevates a new guy (Figo is a big favourite of mine) without severely damaging Miwa.

As someone who just let Figo go in my long-term game, it feels somewhat like karma that his victory was the only match I predicted wrong here 😅. What a great surprise though, I'm excited to see what you do with his run.

[Willsky]

1 hour ago, SomeLazyMagic said:

As someone who just let Figo go in my long-term game, it feels somewhat like karma that his victory was the only match I predicted wrong here 😅. What a great surprise though, I'm excited to see what you do with his run.

You let him go? Outrageous! In the 97 database he's great at pretty much everything, so he's destined for some strong booking from me at least! 😂

[SomeLazyMagic]

3 hours ago, Willsky said:

You let him go? Outrageous! In the 97 database he's great at pretty much everything, so he's destined for some strong booking from me at least! 😂

Oh he's amazing, that's why I didn't let him go until 2002 in my save! I've already gotten everything I could and then some out of him, now he's free to dedicate the rest of his career to dominating the European scene while I bring in some new stars

[Willsky]

THE MADRID MAULER

Few can deny the impact Luis Figo Manico had had since his arrival in PGHW in mid-1997.

“The Pain from Spain” was a complete unknown in Japan before signing, although he had picked up plenty of praise working in Europe. Mature beyond his years, Figo had a knack for storytelling, both in ring and out. Rumours of him starting his own promotion were quite common, with talks of a potential league system not seen since the days of Jack Classic chief among them.

However, Figo’s signing with PGHW put to rest any immediate plans of this kind. It seemed the Spaniard was intent on broadening his horizons around the world, and where better to learn puroresu than at PGHW?

And he had taken to it like a duck to water. Since his debut, he maintained a 100% winning record in singles competition. While some brushed the feat off, claiming he only faced youngsters and old men, he silenced doubters with a monumental victory over Mito Miwa to win the Historical Japan title, becoming only the second gaijin to hold the belt (after Lee Wright five years ago).

Miwa accepted he was guilty of having underestimated Figo. Nobody could argue that Figo deserved the victory, but now the spotlight was firmly upon him. He was no longer an unknown. He had a target on his back, and there were always challengers looking for a slice of golden history of their own.

 

Night of KINGS, October 1997

In his first defence of the Historical Japan title, Luis Figo Manico took on Walter Morgan. The young Brit had joined the company at the same time as Figo, with much less impact. However, following a series of impressive performances, he certainly deserved a go at the title.

Figo was not going to fall victim to the mistake of his predecessor, though. Despite having a punishing, direct style, Figo was a student of the game, always analysing his opponents.

In this way, he was fully prepared for Morgan and defeated him with a Madrid Maul.

 

Night of IMPACT, October 1997

Another new name, this one even newer than Figo himself, challenged for the Historical Japan title. Chuichi Sanda faced Luis Figo Manico. Sanda had recently departed from BHOTWG and was seeking new horizons.

The horizon might have been hazy for him, though, as he got on the sharp end of a Madrid Maul which resulted in Figo making his second successful title defence.

 

Night of COURAGE, November 1997

Eisaku Kunomasu was next to challenge Figo. The former Glory Tag Crown holder posed Figo’s biggest challenge yet. And Kunomasu was out for revenge. At Night of TOUGHNESS, the show before Figo won the Historical Japan title, these two clashed, with Figo coming out on top.

Kunomasu brought a ton of energy and intensity, as always. And the match received plenty of plaudits for its excitement and storytelling, with Figo battling from underneath.

And his battle was successful, as he once again used the Madrid Maul to come out on top.

 

Night of ENDURANCE, November 1997

With three defences under his belt, Luis Figo Manico faced his sternest challenge so far. A veteran and accomplished professional – Yodo Nakane. Nakane may have slipped down the rankings over the course of 1997, but there was no denying he was still in the upper echelons of talent and ferocity.

A win here for Figo would be on a similar level to his victory over Mito Miwa.

This time, though, Nakane was not going to underestimate him. Figo put on his best showing so far in the company, once again proving to the hard-to-please PGHW fanbase that he had what it took to fit in with the puroresu style.

He matched Nakane hold for hold and strike for strike, finally getting the win with, as usual, the Madrid Maul.

The Madrid Maul is a violent manoeuvre. It begins with a full nelson hold, which is often enough to submit the opponent. But should he need more, Figo could position his knees in the opponent’s back and drive them to the mat face first. From there, he could reposition and slam the opponent’s head into the canvas to get a TKO. Or, flip them over and straddle their shoulders for a pin.

It was this latter strategy that got him the victory against Nakane. Figo stood tall, pleased to have captured another strong win.

After the show, he was challenged to a title match at Night of WRESTLING. Mamoru Nagahama was the contender. The young man had proved himself full of potential in the last few months, impressing both Koryusai Kitoaji and Hito Ichihara and even getting himself a shot at the Glory Crown.

So there was no question of his credentials when he stepped up to Figo. Figo was confident, though:

Figo: I’m still 100% in singles competition. Nagahama will be a tough test, but I’ve beaten Mito Miwa to get here. I’ve beaten Yodo Nakane. And I will beat Mamoru Nagahama as I continue to represent Madrid with pride.

[Scottie]

Another big bout for Nagahama. Figo’s run has been super impressive though, there are some big names there!

[MidKnightDreary]

Caught up from the beginning! Great great dynasty and format

[Willsky]

21 hours ago, Scottie said:

Another big bout for Nagahama. Figo’s run has been super impressive though, there are some big names there!

Nagahama is in the category of "not quite there yet", but this could be his opportunity!

15 hours ago, MidKnightDreary said:

Caught up from the beginning! Great great dynasty and format

Thanks. Glad you like it. I find the format easier to write than individual shows because the individual storylines don't get mixed up. There's plenty more to come, too. I've already written up to the end of 1999!

[MidKnightDreary]

4 hours ago, Willsky said:

Nagahama is in the category of "not quite there yet", but this could be his opportunity!

Thanks. Glad you like it. I find the format easier to write than individual shows because the individual storylines don't get mixed up. There's plenty more to come, too. I've already written up to the end of 1999!

I honestly might borrow this format. It's so good!

[Willsky]

5 hours ago, MidKnightDreary said:

I honestly might borrow this format. It's so good!

Go for it! It works great with puro diaries - yet to try it with a more entertainment-based product and TV, but I'm sure it can be done. One of the downsides is accidentally spoiling the result of one story by mentioning it in another, seeing as they run concurrently but are posted one after the other. I don't THINK that's happened to me yet, at least not for something big like a title change, but I could be wrong!

[Willsky]

JUSTICE FOR THE DYNASTY

Ever since Yoshimi Mushashibo and Shuji Inukai renewed their tag team intentions, they sprang to the top of the division. They quickly turned the dual dominance of Team STRENGTH RUSH and Team EXPLOSION into a trio of serious players.

They proved this in style by winning the first ever Elite Tag Series. While Mushashibo may have been reluctant to commit full-time to tag exploits, his motivation to team with Inukai was certainly high after that feat, and the team looked forward to their shot at the Glory Tag Crown.

They would have to face Team STRENGTH RUSH, who were on their second run with the titles. Lee Wright and Raymond Diaz were hardly the most forgiving duo. While they hadn’t said it outright yet, it was clear they resented the “part-time” Team Dynasty having such success.

 

Night of KINGS, October 1997

Just two weeks after winning the Elite Tag Series, Team Dynasty (Shuji Inukai & Yoshimi Mushashibo) got their opportunity to face Team STRENGTH RUSH (Lee Wright & Raymond Diaz) for the Glory Tag Crown titles.

There was plenty of excitement going into the bout. Many expected Team Dynasty to continue their surge to the top, but a few believed Wright & Diaz would step up and defend.

Inukai’s style matched that of his opponents. Hard-hitting, refusing to back down, absorbing punishment and dishing it out in equal measure.

Yoshimi Mushashibo stood out like a sore thumb with his smooth, technical wrestling and patient approach. Words like “artist” and “sophisticated” often surrounded Mushashibo.

So when Raymond Diaz struck him square in the face with a monstrous elbow, he span, reeling into the referee. The referee fell in a heap, face down.

To his credit, Mushashibo sucked up the pain and hit back with a stiff elbow of his own. An elbow that must have taken Diaz by surprise as he lost balance and tumbled out of the ring.

Across from him, Lee Wright charged into the action, without having made a tag. He bowled Mushashibo over and started pummeling him. All the while, the referee remained down on the mat.

Wright continued his onslaught until Diaz had recovered, then the pair of them hit the Too Hot to Handle on Mushashibo. Wright shook the referee into awareness, and the official made the three count. Team STRENGTH RUSH retained.

Fans were not happy. In PGHW’s 15 months of existence, there had been no shenanigans or underhanded tactics. Everybody knew to respect the “right way” laid out by Sadaharu Jimbo.

Yet here, Lee Wright had seemingly entered the ring without being the legal man. In most other companies, this was a normal part of proceedings, but not in PGHW. So the retaining champions drew plenty of ire from the crowd.

 

Night of IMPACT, October 1997

With a controversial win under their belt, Team STRENGTH RUSH (Lee Wright & Raymond Diaz) extended their title reign with a relatively comfortable victory over Hayate Hasegawa and Fukusaburu Inao.

This time there was no hint of wrongdoing, although the fans hadn’t forgotten about the injustice suffered by Team Dynasty.

Team Dynasty (Shuji Inukai & Yoshimi Mushashibo) meanwhile, looked frustrated and suffered another loss. This time, it was tagging alongside Danger Kumasaka in a main event match versus Koryusai Kitoaji, Nobuatsu Tatsuko and Roka Furuhata.

After the show, Inukai and Mushashibo let the world know they were not happy about the events of Night of KINGS and suggested Team STRENGTH RUSH offer them a rematch.

 

Night of COURAGE, November 1997

Once again, Team STRENGTH RUSH (Wright & Diaz) put their titles on the line. This time it was against the formidable opposition of Hito Ichihara and Mamoru Nagahama.

Luckily for them, the young Nagahama was having an off-night and got caught in the Too Hot to Handle, meaning the champions retained.

Team Dynasty (Inukai & Mushashibo) teamed with Danger Kumasaka in another trios match, this time vanquishing Yodo Nakane, Hayate Hasegawa and Fukusaburu Inao.

Team STRENGTH RUSH reacted to Team Dynasty’s suggestion of a rematch after the show, with Wright giving a typically blunt speech.

Wright: We beat you. Get over it. Not our fault the referee didn’t do his job. But we’re not stupid enough to think you won’t earn your way back into contention. Problem is, there’s another team we think could contend. Team EXPLOSION. So how about this. Night of ENDURANCE, you and Team EXPLOSION fight. Winner faces us at Night of WARRIORS.

 

Night of ENDURANCE, November 1997

It was rare for the tag titles not to be on the line on a major show, but at Night of ENDURANCE, Team STRENGTH RUSH (Wright & Diaz) took part in trios action alongside Mamoru Nagahama. They defeated the team of Chuichi Sanda and Boundary 97 (Go Matsunaga & Takeshi Umehara).

Later, with a Glory Tag Crown title shot at Night of WRESTLING on the line, Team Dynasty (Inukai & Mushashibo) took on Team EXPLOSION (Eisaku Hoshino & Eisaku Kunomasu).

It was a much-anticipated rematch of the Night of HONOUR main event when Team Dynasty won the Elite Tag Series. And the action didn’t disappoint.

Hoshino and Kunomasu hadn’t been on the greatest run since dropping the Glory Tag Crown back at Night of LEGACY in August, but they came out firing here.

However, with injustice boiling in their veins, Team Dynasty were on another level. Mushashibo got the win when he submitted Hoshino with a Yoshimi Lock.

After the show, Team Dynasty had words for Team STRENGTH RUSH:

Mushashibo: It has been weeks since I even considered singles competition. Not because I suddenly want to be a full-time tag wrestler, but because I feel wronged. And my friend, Shuji, has been wronged. That irritates me. Whether you technically broke the rules or not is besides the point. You acted against Jimbo’s “right way”.

Inukai: Yoshimi is too kind. You cheated. Because you were afraid of us. You sacrificed whatever morals you had maintained in this company to keep gold around your waist, but you lost something else, something more important. Respect.

Mushashibo: At Night of WRESTLING, we expect better from you. Fight hard, yes. Fight smart, yes. But fight fair. Do not take us down the slippery slope of rules manipulation.

Inukai: Or do. We’ll beat you anyway. We know what you’re about now, and that motivates us further. One of you will suffer the Untouchable Lariat and there’s no shortcuts to get you out of that!