PGHW - The Other Beginning

[Willsky]

TECHNICAL PROWESS

Two styles of wrestling predominated in PGHW. The first was hitting very hard. The other was wrapping your opponent up in painful holds. There were specialists in both, with many operating in a middle ground.

One of the technical specialists had always been Danger Kumasaka. He was rumoured to know every variation of every submission move on the planet, although that was surely an exaggeration. But nobody could deny he had been one of the foremost technicians in Japan for a couple of decades.

And recently he had found a new talent to develop. Walter Morgan. They tagged together with some success in the Elite Tag Series, and the relationship looked to keep Kumasaka entertained while Mushashibo was beginning to outgrow his guidance.

But there were others who boasted great grappling skills. And for any of them hoping to make a name for themselves, submitting Danger Kumasaka would be a very good way of doing it.

 

Night of KINGS, October 1998

In the opening match of Night of KINGS, Luis Figo Manico teamed with Strike Force (Dino Maldini & Pistol Pete Hall). Figo was recovering from a loss to Nobuatsu Tatsuko at Night of HONOUR, and needed a win here to get him back on track.

He got that win. The opponents were Hayate Hasegawa, Fukusaburu Inao and Walter Morgan.

Figo got the win by pinning Morgan with a big powerbomb.

 

Night of IMPACT, October 1998

At Night of IMPACT, Danger Kumasaka and Walter Morgan failed in their shot at the Glory Tag Crown titles against new champions Team MYTHOS (Mito Miwa & Sean McFly).

After the match, Kumasaka suggested Morgan take on Luis Figo Manico in singles competition at Night of COURAGE, claiming that Figo may be a good wrestler, but he couldn’t submit someone as talented on the mat as Walter Morgan.

 

Night of COURAGE, November 1998

Luis Figo Manico accepted Kumasaka’s challenge and took on Walter Morgan in what had to be considered Morgan’s best ever match.

It was a slick, technical affair with plenty of holds and counters from both men. Figo’s strategy of studying his opponent beforehand was nullified by Morgan’s ability to improvise mid-match, and for a while, they cancelled each other out.

But Figo had battled with the best in PGHW and he found a way to win, forcing his way into the Madrid Maul, in which Morgan tapped.

Kumasaka, a little annoyed his protégé had been defeated, challenged Figo to a match at Night of WRESTLING. But he wanted it to be special. He said it should be a first in PGHW, a submission match, with striking disallowed.

Figo claimed this was Kumasaka’s way of stacking the cards in his favour, but agreed to the match nonetheless, confident in his abilities to beat the veteran.

 

Night of ENDURANCE, November 1998

In the main event of the last show before Night of WRESTLING, Danger Kumasaka joined Team Dynasty (Shuji Inukai & Yoshimi Mushashibo) in taking on Luis Figo Manico and Team MYTHOS (Mito Miwa & Sean McFly).

The story of the match mostly centred around Team Dynasty’s interactions with Team MYTHOS, but Figo and Kumasaka had their moments, too.

Whenever they were both the legal men, Figo made a point of striking Kumasaka with his elbow, knee or palm. Kumasaka wanted to grapple, but Figo denied him.

This, and other factors in the match, led to Kumasaka’s team getting the win. Figo looked annoyed, but had some sharp words after the show.

Figo: Kumasaka knows I’d beat him. We drew at the Elite Series in March, and he saw then that I was getting stronger and he weaker. It’s clear that if striking was allowed, I’d easily beat him.

But I like a challenge. I’ve faced enough since joining this company. And if Kumasaka thinks he’s got the better of me on the mat, then he’s about to learn a thing or two about The Pain from Spain. He’s going to learn all about my technical prowess.

Because he may have once been Mr. Wrestling, but at Night of WRESTLING, he’ll be Mr. Submitting as I lock in the Madrid Maul and he taps out.

[Scottie]

Great little story between Kumasaka and Figo. I like the added stipulation too - backing Figo to submit the legend.

[Willsky]

HISTORY EXPLODES

For most of 1998, Team EXPLOSION stayed apart. Eisaku Hoshino and Eisaku Kunomasu fell out at the beginning of the year due to a poor run of form, and their relationship wasn’t helped when they came to blows in the Elite Series.

But absence makes the heart grow fonder and by the time September came around, Hoshino and Kunomasu found themselves back on the same page just in time for the Elite Tag Series.

They got straight back to their aggressive best in the block stage, but fell short against Team Dynasty in the semi-finals. Still, their time together had healed over many of the wounds from before and their tag team looked destined to continue.

However, it wouldn’t be Hoshino’s main priority as he now had possession of the Historical Japan title after winning it from Luis Figo Manico earlier in the year.

As he continued to put on more and more fantastic matches, would he leave Kunomasu behind? Or could the Lord of Strong Style catch up with his tag partner?

 

Night of KINGS, October 1998

Eisaku Hoshino put his Historical Japan title on the line against Raymond Diaz. Diaz was another competitor better known for his tag efforts, and he and Hoshino shared history going back to last year when Team EXPLOSION and Team STRENGTH RUSH battled for the Glory Tag Crown titles.

Hoshino had come a long way since then, though. His wild violence hadn’t abated, but he chose his moments better now, something Diaz had yet to learn.

This edge gave Hoshino the win. He hit a Godzilla Plunge (impressive on someone as big as Diaz) to get the win and keep hold of the Historical Japan title.

 

Night of IMPACT, October 1998

Eisaku Kunomasu was in singles action at Night of IMPACT. He defeated the aging Yodo Nakane with a clinical performance. While Nakane was nowhere near the man he had been a couple of years ago, it was still a strong win for Kunomasu whose Launching Knee Strike was extremely effective.

In the main event of the show, Eisaku Hoshino brought prestige to the Historical Japan title as the belt usually featured at the start or middle of the card. He battled against Shuji Inukai in a brutal bout that saw both men exchanging crunching blows.

Hoshino wanted revenge for Inukai’s Team Dynasty knocking Team EXPLOSION out of the Elite Tag Series, and he got it. He hit the Godzilla Plunge to retain.

 

Night of COURAGE, November 1998

Team EXPLOSION (Eisaku Hoshino & Eisaku Kunomasu) took on reigning Glory Tag Crown champions Team MYTHOS (Mito Miwa & Sean McFly) in another main event match.

The match had been made because Team EXPLOSION drew with Team MYTHOS in the Elite Tag Series, so the new champions thought Hoshino and Kunomasu deserved an opportunity.

It was a great showing from both teams, but in the end, Team MYTHOS got the job done when McFly hit a Delorean Driver on Kunomasu.

 

Night of ENDURANCE, November 1998

Eisaku Hoshino returned to singles competition, putting his Historical Japan title on the line against Pistol Pete Hall. The big gaijin was a fearsome opponent, and at times looked like he might end Hoshino’s run.

But Hoshino had just about enough fortitude to hold off Hall and hit another impressive Godzilla Plunge to win.

Later in the show, Eisaku Kunomasu went up against Hito Ichihara with the latter hoping to build momentum ahead of his Night of WRESTLING title match.

Nobody expected Kunomasu to win, but he went out to spoil Ichihara’s party. And he nearly did, narrowly missing the Launching Knee Strike and overall giving a great account of himself. But in the end, Ichihara hit the Head Drop Suplex for the win.

After the show, Kunomasu made a challenge. He wanted a match for the Historical Japan title. Against Eisaku Hoshino.

It was a surprising move for him to challenge his tag partner, but Hoshino took it well. He had these words in the post-match press conference.

Hoshino: I wouldn’t want anything else. Kunomasu is a badass. He doesn’t care about feelings or stepping on people’s toes. Nor do I. So sure, I’ll face him at Night of WRESTLING. But if he thinks I’ll go easy on him because we’re tag partners… nah, he’d hate that. He’d want me to give everything.

And he’ll do the same. So strap in folks, we’re gonna beat the hell out of each other.

[Willsky]

BOILING POINT

Nobuatsu Tatsuko had not enjoyed the last few months. His loss to Koryusai Kitoaji at Night of GLORY after all the build-up, all the expectation, all the frustration… it was a lot to take for a serious young man.

And he would be the first to admit his mistakes. He acted less than honourably towards Luis Figo Manico over the summer. Regardless of whether he had seen Figo’s outstretched hand or not, he made no efforts to smooth over the situation, and when Figo defeated him, he acted violently and petulantly.

In the end he got the decisive win against Figo in their third match and walked away with some measure of respect. But the Night of GLORY loss still haunted him.

The next few months were vital to his future. He needed to sort himself out or risk falling off the rails, and with the likes of Mito Miwa and Eisaku Hoshino holding gold, his status as arguably the best of many exciting prospects was slipping.

 

Night of KINGS, October 1998

Nobuatsu Tatsuko couldn’t have had a better opponent to take his frustrations out on than Lee Wright. Either a clever bit of booking or a lucky coincidence, it didn’t matter.

Lee Wright was abrasive and as tough as they come. He hit Tatsuko as hard as Tatsuko hit him, and they battered the living daylights out of each other. The crowd absolutely loved it.

And when Tatusko hit the Tatsuko Driller to win, it seemed like some steam had been let off.

 

Night of IMPACT, October 1998

Nobuatsu Tatsuko competed alongside Dread and Yoshimi Mushashibo in a trios match against Luis Figo Manico, Koryusai Kitoaji and Shimi Komatsuzaki.

Facing Figo again was one thing, but another was to share the ring with Koryusai Kitoaji – the first time since Night of GLORY.

Kitoaji had just dropped the Glory Crown to Dread at Night of KINGS and was also hurting from that loss.

And if fighting Lee Wright had calmed Tatsuko, this match sent him back on a spiral of frustration and fury. One moment in particular set him off. Kitoaji was the legal man and Tatsuko tagged in. Instead of facing Tatsuko, Kitoaji threw a dismissive wave and tagged out, letting Komatsuzaki enter.

Unfortunately for Komatsuzaki, Tatusko launched a savage attack on him, the momentum of which allowed Dread to later hit the Dread Bomb on Komatsuzaki for the win.

 

Night of COURAGE, November 1998

For the second show in a row, Nobuatsu Tatsuko found himself across the ring from Koryusai Kitoaji. This time it was in eight-man tag action. Tatsuko’s partners were Danger Kumasaka and Team Dynasty (Shuji Inukai & Yoshimi Mushashibo). Kitoaji teamed with Dread, Hito Ichihara and Mamoru Nagahama.

The star power alone made the match incredible, but Tatsuko’s frustrations didn’t help his team. Kitoaji managed to rile him up even with the smallest of gestures. Tatsuko made rash decisions and got caught.

Caught, decisively in a Dread Bomb which finished the match.

After the match, Tatsuko had had enough. He grabbed a microphone and demanded a match with Koryusai Kitoaji at Night of WRESTLING.

Kitoaji responded in the press conference:

Kitoaji: I beat him at Night of GLORY, didn’t I? Tatsuko has some serious reflection to do because he’s beginning to look ridiculous. He clearly has potential, but I’m worried he doesn’t have the patience to reach it. Why does he need another match against me now? He should focus on slowly building himself back up. Not demanding things like a spoilt toddler.

 

Night of ENDURANCE, November 1998

Once again, Nobuatsu Tatsuko and Koryusai Kitoaji went head-to-head in a trios match. Tatsuko partnered Dread and Mamoru Nagahama while Kitoaji had Team STRENGTH RUSH (Lee Wright & Raymond Diaz) on his side.

It was a hard, physical match. Nagahama took a lot of punishment from Wright and Diaz, while Kitoaji played the role of general. Dread was effective when in the match, but seemed reluctant to risk anything ahead of his huge Night of WRESTLING main event.

Late in the match, Tatsuko and Kitoaji found themselves both the legal men. Tatsuko wasted no time in rushing at the former two-time champion, trying to tackle him. Kitoaji sidestepped. Tatsuko tried again, but Kitoaji blocked him, striking back hard with an elbow.

As Tatsuko reeled, Kitoaji said to him “patience, boy, patience.”

This sparked a sudden rage from Tatsuko who caught Kitoaji around the waist with a spinebuster, following up with a massive Tatsuko Driller that got the three count.

The crowd was stunned. Tatsuko stormed to the back. Later, in the press conference, he had cooled down a little, but not much:

Tatsuko: Patience? Patience?! What is that supposed to mean? That I just sit around and wait my turn? Wait for success to find me? Wait for arrogant people to one day maybe give me a chance?

No. I’m done waiting. I’ve tried patience, Kitoaji. I tried it for two years when I didn’t make a single title challenge. I tried it for months keeping my mouth shut when it was obvious I was the man who deserved an opportunity ahead of Nagahama, Furuhata, Miwa, Inukai.

And I won’t be patient at Night of WRESTLING. Because we will have our match, Kitoaji, either in that ring or, in the locker room. You don’t get to choose. You don’t get to handpick your opponents anymore! I’m coming for you.

Shortly after the show, it was announced that Koryusai Kitoaji would face Nobuatsu Tatsuko at Night of WRESTLING.

[Willsky]

Night of WRESTLING, December 1998

Danger Kumasaka vs. Luis Figo Manico in a submission match

Boundary 87 (Go Matsunaga & Takeshi Umehara), Hayate Hasegawa, Fukusaburu Inao and Shimi Komatsuzaki vs. Kazuo Mitsushi, Rebel Cell (Harumi Okazawaya & Sotatsu Sarumara), Walter Morgan and Yodo Nakane

Koryusai Kitoaji vs. Nobuatsu Tatsuko

Chuichi Sanda and Team STRENGTH RUSH (Lee Wright & Raymond Diaz) vs. Mamoru Nagahama and Strike Force (Dino Maldini & Pistol Pete Hall)

Eisaku Hoshino © vs. Eisaku Kunomasu for the Historical Japan title

Team Dynasty (Shuji Inukai & Yoshimi Mushashibo) vs. Team MYTHOS (Mito Miwa & Sean McFly) © for the Glory Tag Crown titles

Dread © vs. Hito Ichihara for the Glory Crown title

[Tiberious]

Night of WRESTLING, December 1998

Danger Kumasaka vs. Luis Figo Manico in a submission match

You've been building Figo up for a while now and while Danger Kumasaka is a big name time isn't on his side.
 

Boundary 87 (Go Matsunaga & Takeshi Umehara), Hayate Hasegawa, Fukusaburu Inao and Shimi Komatsuzaki vs. Kazuo Mitsushi, Rebel Cell (Harumi Okazawaya & Sotatsu Sarumara), Walter Morgan and Yodo Nakane

Definitely a get everyone on the card type of throwaway match here. Could go either way, but I like Walter Morgan so I'll take his team to win.
 

Koryusai Kitoaji vs. Nobuatsu Tatsuko

I think Nobuatsu's impatience costs him yet again.
 

Chuichi Sanda and Team STRENGTH RUSH (Lee Wright & Raymond Diaz) vs. Mamoru Nagahama and Strike Force (Dino Maldini & Pistol Pete Hall)

Team STRENGTH RUSH would probably take Strike Force in a straight two versus two, but Nagahama is a stronger partner than Sanda.
 

Eisaku Hoshino © vs. Eisaku Kunomasu for the Historical Japan title

Tough choice but I'll go for a title change since I'm predicting the champions to retain in every other match.
 

Team Dynasty (Shuji Inukai & Yoshimi Mushashibo) vs. Team MYTHOS (Mito Miwa & Sean McFly) © for the Glory Tag Crown titles

I think Team MYTHOS will get a long reign as champions.
 

Dread © vs. Hito Ichihara for the Glory Crown title

I think Dread completes his quest and firmly cements himself as the unstoppable monster on top of the throne of PGHW.

[monrapi3]

Danger Kumasaka vs. Luis Figo Manico in a submission match (Kumasaka's too old and should be passing the torch at this point)

Boundary 87 (Go Matsunaga & Takeshi Umehara), Hayate Hasegawa, Fukusaburu Inao and Shimi Komatsuzaki vs. Kazuo Mitsushi, Rebel Cell (Harumi Okazawaya & Sotatsu Sarumara), Walter Morgan and Yodo Nakane

Koryusai Kitoaji vs. Nobuatsu Tatsuko (IT'S TATSUKO'S TIME TO SHINE)

Chuichi Sanda and Team STRENGTH RUSH (Lee Wright & Raymond Diaz) vs. Mamoru Nagahama and Strike Force (Dino Maldini & Pistol Pete Hall)

Eisaku Hoshino © vs. Eisaku Kunomasu for the Historical Japan title

Team Dynasty (Shuji Inukai & Yoshimi Mushashibo) vs. Team MYTHOS (Mito Miwa & Sean McFly) © for the Glory Tag Crown titles

Dread © vs. Hito Ichihara for the Glory Crown title

[Chaddes]

Manico

Mitsushi, Rebel Cell, Morgan and Nakane

Tatsuko

Sanda & STRENGTH RUSH

Hoshino

TEAM MYTHOS

Dread

[Scottie]

Danger Kumasaka vs. Luis Figo Manico in a submission match

A fun, rare gimmick match to start - I’m backing the younger man to prevail against the veteran.

Boundary 87 (Go Matsunaga & Takeshi Umehara), Hayate Hasegawa, Fukusaburu Inao and Shimi Komatsuzaki vs. Kazuo Mitsushi, Rebel Cell (Harumi Okazawaya & Sotatsu Sarumara), Walter Morgan and Yodo Nakane

No idea! Morgan and Nakane seem to be the biggest names, so I’ll go with them.

Koryusai Kitoaji vs. Nobuatsu Tatsuko

I think you are ready to pull the trigger on the big result - Tatsuko to win.

Chuichi Sanda and Team STRENGTH RUSH (Lee Wright & Raymond Diaz) vs. Mamoru Nagahama and Strike Force (Dino Maldini & Pistol Pete Hall)

A stab in the dark, but let’s go with the first team. Wright & Diaz have been in no man’s land lately and they are too good for that.

Eisaku Hoshino © vs. Eisaku Kunomasu for the Historical Japan title

Kunomasu is in with a real chance, but I am backing the champion to retain. He’s the bigger star.

Team Dynasty (Shuji Inukai & Yoshimi Mushashibo) vs. Team MYTHOS (Mito Miwa & Sean McFly) © for the Glory Tag Crown titles

My pick for match of the night. Team MYTHOS are a fun pairing.

Dread © vs. Hito Ichihara for the Glory Crown title

This could go either way, but I think/hope you’ll pull the trigger on Dread to complete a mammoth storyline. Ichihara can get his win back later.

[siah463]

Danger Kumasaka vs. Luis Figo Manico in a submission match

Boundary 87 (Go Matsunaga & Takeshi Umehara), Hayate Hasegawa, Fukusaburu Inao and Shimi Komatsuzaki vs. Kazuo Mitsushi, Rebel Cell (Harumi Okazawaya & Sotatsu Sarumara), Walter Morgan and Yodo Nakane

Koryusai Kitoaji vs. Nobuatsu Tatsuko

Chuichi Sanda and Team STRENGTH RUSH (Lee Wright & Raymond Diaz) vs. Mamoru Nagahama and Strike Force (Dino Maldini & Pistol Pete Hall)

Eisaku Hoshino © vs. Eisaku Kunomasu for the Historical Japan title

Team Dynasty (Shuji Inukai & Yoshimi Mushashibo) vs. Team MYTHOS (Mito Miwa & Sean McFly) © for the Glory Tag Crown titles

Dread © vs. Hito Ichihara for the Glory Crown title

[Willsky]

Night of WRESTLING, December 1998

Danger Kumasaka vs. Luis Figo Manico in a submission match

Boundary 87 (Go Matsunaga & Takeshi Umehara), Hayate Hasegawa, Fukusaburu Inao and Shimi Komatsuzaki vs. Kazuo Mitsushi, Rebel Cell (Harumi Okazawaya & Sotatsu Sarumara), Walter Morgan and Yodo Nakane

Koryusai Kitoaji vs. Nobuatsu Tatsuko

Chuichi Sanda and Team STRENGTH RUSH (Lee Wright & Raymond Diaz) vs. Mamoru Nagahama and Strike Force (Dino Maldini & Pistol Pete Hall)

Eisaku Hoshino © vs. Eisaku Kunomasu for the Historical Japan title

Team Dynasty (Shuji Inukai & Yoshimi Mushashibo) vs. Team MYTHOS (Mito Miwa & Sean McFly) © for the Glory Tag Crown titles

Dread © vs. Hito Ichihara for the Glory Crown title

 

Introduction

December had rolled around after a packed year in PGHW and it was time for the third instalment of Night of WRESTLING, the company’s biggest show of the year.

Seven matches awaited the 43,551 fans in attendance at the New Shiga Stadium, with all three belts on the line, and history in the waiting.

The finale. The climax. The resolution of rivalries and the scene of some of the best wrestling in Japan.

 

MATCH 1: Danger Kumasaka vs. Luis Figo Manico in a submission match

When Luis Figo Manico submitted technical prodigy Walter Morgan, it annoyed Danger Kumasaka. The veteran Kumasaka had recently taken Morgan under his wing and considered him in the same bracket as his other protégé, Yoshimi Mushashibo, as two of the best technicians around.

But Figo proved he was in that league, too. Danger Kumasaka suggested a submission match with no strikes allowed to really put those skills to the test. Figo agreed, but noted that if it were a normal match, Kumasaka wouldn’t stand a chance.

Regardless, the match began with some fluid, entertaining wrestling with a variety of holds and throws executed to perfection.

Figo’s style of studying his opponent beforehand was limited, as Danger Kumasaka had gained a reputation for knowing all the variations of every hold in the world. Certainly, an exaggeration, but it meant he could be very unpredictable.

But everyone knew Kumasaka liked to finish opponents with the Aurora Surfboard Vice. So when he applied it to Figo, the Spaniard looked in trouble. But he had definitely scouted that hold, and escaped relatively quickly.

Then he turned the tables and got Kumasaka in the Madrid Maul. Figo had used that move many times to finish off opponents, either in the submission form, or the faceplanting pinning variation.

Kumasaka had an answer for both. He wrestled free of the submission, and slipped away from the pin.

It looked like they would cancel each other out until Figo applied the Madrid Maul again, only this time transitioning into a Camel Clutch. He had it locked in so tight that Kumasaka, exhausted by now, couldn’t escape and was forced to tap out.

A huge victory for Figo which cemented him as a true technical wizard.

 

MATCH 2: Boundary 87 (Go Matsunaga & Takeshi Umehara), Hayate Hasegawa, Fukusaburu Inao and Shimi Komatsuzaki vs. Kazuo Mitsushi, Rebel Cell (Harumi Okazawaya & Sotatsu Sarumara), Walter Morgan and Yodo Nakane

A ten-man tag took place designed to give undercard performers a payday.

Going into the match, everyone expected Kazuo Mitsushi’s team to lose because, well, it contained Kazuo Mitsushi. The bitter veteran had lost every single match on major shows in 1998, with his last victory coming at Night of WRESTLING 1997.

But once again, this particular event proved to be his favourite as he got the victory. Admittedly he didn’t have much to do with it, as Yodo Nakane pinned Fukusaburu Inao, but a win is a win.

 

MATCH 3: Koryusai Kitoaji vs. Nobuatsu Tatsuko

This was the rematch of the Glory Crown title match at Night of GLORY in June earlier in the year.

On that occasion, Kitoaji got the victory. It was devastating for Tatsuko who had waited so long to get the title shot, with Kitoaji denying him for nearly a year.

Tatsuko couldn’t get the job done and started to lose control of his emotions, engaging in a bitter feud with Luis Figo Manico, where he showed himself to be petulant and violent, and then focusing back on Kitoaji who dropped the Glory Crown at Night of KINGS.

Kitoaji’s “advice” to Tatsuko was to be patient. But Tatsuko’s patience had run dry long ago and he demanded this match with the threat of taking it to Kitoaji in the locker room if he didn’t get it in the ring.

Before the match, the rivals cut starkly different figures. Tatsuko was a seething, raging, pacing, stampeding lion. Kitoaji was calm, almost jovial, and unfazed by his young opponent.

That changed very quickly. Tatsuko threw himself at Kitoaji with the force of a hurricane, a relentless barrage of attacks, pummelling the former two-time Glory Crown champion.

In fact, after three minutes, he nearly got the win with a Tatsuko Driller, but Kitoaji managed to kick out.

From then it was an uphill battle for Kitoaji. He weathered the storm for over fifteen minutes, slowly edging his way back into contention.

It was a shocking dynamic as for the last two and a half years, Kitoaji had always been the dominant force. Now he found himself struggling from underneath.

But finally, he recovered enough to make it an even bout, giving as good as he got.

And when Tatsuko charged at him with a shoulder tackle, Kitoaji sidestepped and the young man barrelled into the turnbuckle.

As he turned, Kitoaji said to Tatsuko “patience, boy, patience.”

That was too much. Tatsuko sprang forward. Kitoaji dodged. But Tatsuko had anticipated the dodge and had checked his surge forward. Now he stood right by a surprised Kitoaji and clocked him square in the jaw with a massive forearm.

Then it was a Tatsuko Driller. This time there was no kicking out.

Nobuatsu Tatsuko defeated Koryusai Kitoaji!

After the match, Kitoaji got to his feet and extended a hand in respect. Tatsuko looked him up and down, then slapped the hand away. He turned and walked off.

Kitoaji simply grinned.

 

MATCH 4: Chuichi Sanda and Team STRENGTH RUSH (Lee Wright & Raymond Diaz) vs. Mamoru Nagahama and Strike Force (Dino Maldini & Pistol Pete Hall)

A trios match saw two gaijin teams and two young members of the roster who had found themselves without much else to do.

For Nagahama, the highs of being Glory Tag Crown champion had faded, especially since his partner Hito Ichihara was pursuing singles gold, and for Chuichi Sanda, a pretty dismal year could be redeemed with a victory.

And alongside Lee Wright and Raymond Diaz, Sanda got the win. In fact, he got the winning pinfall over Dino Maldini. For the first time in a while, there was a smile on Sanda’s face.

As for Team STRENGTH RUSH, it had been some time since they had competed for the Glory Tag Crown, and this victory put them right back in contention.

 

MATCH 5: Eisaku Hoshino © vs. Eisaku Kunomasu for the Historical Japan title

Eisaku Hoshino was proving to be a strong champion. He had defended the belt regularly, as was expected, and against formidable opponents. He had even elevated the belt to main event status for a major show, Night of IMPACT.

And his partnership with Eisaku Kunomasu was going well, too. After months apart, they reunited for the Elite Tag Series and narrowly missed out on regaining the Glory Tag Crown titles at Night of COURAGE.

But Eisaku Kunomasu wasn’t content to live in Hoshino’s shadow. He challenged Hoshino for the belt, and Hoshino expected nothing less from his partner.

Predictably, their match was violent. Hoshino’s tenacious, unorthodox, honey badger-like offence contrasted Kunomasu’s precise, crisp attacks only in form. They were equals in delivering pain.

Hoshino spent much of the match trying to hit the Godzilla Plunge, a move that had defeated many challengers over the last few months.

But Kunomasu knew the danger of his tag partner’s biggest move, having seen it more than most. He consistently avoided it.

And it was Kunomasu’s finishing move that proved decisive – the Launching Knee Strike. Seen less often than the Godzilla Plunge, but no less effective, when it struck Hoshino’s cheek, the champion crumpled to the mat.

The referee counted to three and Eisaku Kunomasu became new Historical Japan champion!

An impressive feat for someone who had less than three years of experience in the business.

When Hoshino recovered, a moment of tension threatened to spoil the occasion. However, while clearly hurt, Hoshino found joy in his partner’s success, and the two embraced.

 

MATCH 6: Team Dynasty (Shuji Inukai & Yoshimi Mushashibo) vs. Team MYTHOS (Mito Miwa & Sean McFly) © for the Glory Tag Grown titles

In a short time, Team MYTHOS had risen right to the top of PGHW’s tag division. Miwa and McFly’s combination were outsiders for the Elite Tag Series, but when they defeated Team Dynasty in the final, they established themselves as a serious force.

Two weeks after that, at Night of KINGS, they became Glory Tag Crown champions. A remarkable feat.

In many ways, it mirrored Team Dynasty’s rise the year before. For much of 1997, Team Dynasty competed separately, but they joined together for the Elite Tag Series, won it, and got their hands on the Glory Tag Crown titles shortly after.

Now the two teams met again, refreshed and determined to emerge victorious at the biggest show of the year.

The match was wonderful. Sean McFly was electric with his mobility and endless energy. Yoshimi Mushashibo was majestic with his graceful grappling. Shuji Inukai was violent with his sudden, vicious offence. And Mito Miwa was proud and forceful, giving a truly complete performance.

Inukai’s Untouchable Lariat was once again the centre of Team Dynasty’s attack, but he never connected with it. Instead, it was the Pride Bomber from Mito Miwa which got the victory, thundering Mushashibo into the mat and seeing the champions retain the Glory Tag Crown.

The match was already considered the best tag team match the company had ever put on, and all four men were praised enormously for their efforts.

 

MATCH 7: Dread © vs. Hito Ichihara for the Glory Crown title

It had been a full year since Hito Ichihara challenged for the Glory Crown against Koryusai Kitoaji. That match was still considered the greatest in PGHW history and capped off an amazing rivalry.

Since then, Ichihara had found success in the tag division, teaming with Mamoru Nagahama and winning the Glory Tag Crown. They kept the belt until Night of KINGS, two months ago.

Then, with Ichihara free to compete in singles competition, it was his turn to face an unenviable task.

A task nobody else in the company had been able to complete. Twenty-nine wrestlers before him fell at the feet of the monster that now reigned supreme as Glory Crown champion.

It was time for him to face Dread.

Eighteen months ago, Dread set himself the challenge of defeating the entire PGHW roster and now he only had one left. Tatsuko had fallen, Miwa had fallen, Inukai, Mushashibo, Figo, Hoshino… and at Night of KINGS, Koryusai Kitoaji.

Now Ichihara had to fight with everything he had to avoid becoming number 30. To put an end to Dread’s reign of domination, his brutal path carved through the landscape of Japanese wrestling.

Not only that, but he had to put behind him the memories of his failure at last year’s show when he couldn’t defeat Koryusai Kitoaji in the main event of Night of WRESTLING.

The match began slowly.

Hito Ichihara was wary not to get caught in Dread’s grip early, or the match would be over soon. Instead, he kept his distance, probed and feinted, waiting, hoping for the big man to make a mistake.

Dread was in no rush either. He controlled the centre of the ring, fending off Ichihara’s attempts to take him down.

Slowly, steadily, Ichihara grew in confidence. He took more risks, and many of them paid off. With a sudden flurry, he managed to get Dread on his back with a clever trip, then applied an Ichihara Armbar.

Dread threw him off. His power was great enough not to require submission defence, and he was back on his feet. Now Ichihara was in trouble.

For the next ten, painful minutes, Dread beat Ichihara around the ring. The veteran barely held himself together as he suffered powerbombs, chokeslams, and a devastating piledriver.

But hold on he did.

And fight back he did. Perhaps knowing that this might be his final chance at a main event at Night of WRESTLING, his last opportunity to get his hands on the Glory Crown before his body aged too far, perhaps knowing that glory awaited in defeating Dread, respect and honour for matching Kitoaji’s two reigns with the Glory Crown, or perhaps it was just the fighting spirit that had always existed inside him, Ichihara surged into action.

He smashed into Dread. He cracked him with brutal forearm strikes. He drove the big man’s head into the mat over and over again. He even hit an immense German Suplex that drove the crowd mad.

But it was not enough.

Dread survived everything Ichihara could launch at him. And when Ichihara went for the Head Drop Suplex, a move that had served him so well, his legs gave out. The weight of Dread, the exhaustion of the match… the fingers of time on his body…

Dread countered into a Dreadsault and went for the pin. One… two…

Three. Dread retained the Glory Crown.

The crowd were stunned. Ichihara was broken. Dread was imperious.

Hito Ichihara became number 30.

 

 

Conclusion

At the end of the show, there was plenty of debate about which match had been the best. The tag title match exceeded expectations. The Glory Crown match, while incredible, stung with the taste of something imperceptible on the tongue.

Kitoaji and Ichihara had both lost. The two men upon whom PGHW had been built no longer ruled supreme. They had been caught up.

Now it was time for the new generation. Tatsuko, Miwa, Mushashibo, Inukai, Hoshino, Kunomasu, Figo, McFly and more to come still.

It would be up to one of them to defeat the dominant force that was Dread.

The end of year awards were as follows:

WRESTLER of the year: Dread
MATCH of the year: Nobuatsu Tatsuko def. Hito Ichihara for the Elite Series, Night of PRIDE, March
MOST IMPROVED wrestler of the year: Eisaku Kunomasu
TAG TEAM of the year: Hito Ichihara & Mamoru Nagahama

Additionally, there was some great news on the international stage as Sean McFly won the award for Best Young Wrestler in the world. The whole company saw this as a sign of his future greatness and that of the many others hot on his heels.

After the show, some wrestlers made their comments.

 

Dread: I proved you all wrong. Everyone who thought I was over the hill, everyone who said I’d never beat the entire roster. Well, I just did. So now listen carefully because I’ve proven that I speak the truth.

I am going to hold onto this belt for a VERY long time. Eventually someone will defeat me, but that day is years from now. Nobody in the world is on my level.

 

Mito Miwa (with Sean McFly by his side): If you’d told me at the start of the year that I’d be sitting here as Glory Tag Crown champion alongside Sean, I never would have believed you.

But here we are. On top of the world. We’ve achieved what many teams will never achieve. We’ve already won the two biggest prizes in tag wrestling, the Elite Tag Series and the Glory Tag Crown.

Now we’ve got our eyes on another feat. Becoming the longest reigning tag champs, setting a record that nobody will ever surpass!

 

Koryusai Kitoaji looked tired and hurt, but he was lucid in his speech and a grin still adorned his face.

Kitoaji: You may be wondering why I’m happy. I lost the match. Have I lost my mind?

No. This isn’t about me. Much as I’d like to take the credit, my role has just been a small, guiding hand in directing a force in a certain direction.

I’m not like Danger Kumasaka who puts his arm around his protégés’ shoulders. I’m not like Hito Ichihara who challenges young wrestlers mentally. I’m not a mentor.

But I am a teacher.

Yet since the day I walked into PGHW and saw Nobuatsu Tatsuko, I knew he was the one I needed to train. We are alike in many ways. In the ring, we share a similar style. And our temperaments are closely aligned.

But I saw something I didn’t like in him. He was passive. Too afraid to shout his name out loud.

Destined for greatness but shielding himself behind a veneer of being a good young man.

He was patient. Too patient. Don’t you see? What kind of man with immense talent such as his waits two years for a shot at the Glory Crown? Someone who is afraid of his fate.

But now look at him. Nobuatsu Tatsuko waits for nobody. He no longer patiently sits on the sidelines while others take his place at the top.

Is he a nice guy? No. Neither am I. We’re not supposed to be nice guys, we’re supposed to be winners. I didn’t hold the Glory Crown for a year and a half by being a soft touch.

And don’t get this twisted. Tatsuko beat me tonight. A fully deserved victory. I was ready to continue the lesson until he got it into his head that patience is not the answer. Until he found out that constant, relentless, direct violence was how you succeeded in this business.

But he showed me he has learned that.

So before I finish, I’d like to make an apology. Not to Tatsuko. Not to the fans. But to all the other hopeful young wrestlers in PGHW who hope to be the top guy. I’m sorry. I’ve unleashed the most dangerous form of Tatsuko on the world and, quite frankly, the rest of you don’t stand a chance against him.

[Scottie]

Great show! I'm glad you pulled the trigger on both Tatsuko and Dread. Kitoaji and Ichihara have shouldered the load admirably, but Dread's reign is shaping up as an interesting one. I'm excited to see who is next.

[Willsky]

REINING IT IN

Caution had slipped away. Excitement had overtaken me. Did I become complacent, or was I too focused on the business and not on the bigger picture?

I’m not saying we were short of money, but we were at the top of a slippery slope and I needed to make sure we didn’t start sliding. The hefty contracts I was handing out to our younger stars took a serious chunk of the budget, and keeping around legends like Kitoaji and Ichihara was costly, too.

But that was to be expected. Where money was pouring out was on contracts for foreign workers like Sean McFly and Dread. Now, there’s been an attitude for a long time in this country about the use of gaijin. They come in, do their thing for a year or two, then head off.

Like Dread. He worked for GCG and BHOTWG for a while, winning the top belt. Then he left for work elsewhere. That’s how it was done. They come in as monsters, then your top guy beats them and you find the next one.

I was hoping to change that. Dread, McFly and Miwa had big contracts. Raymond Diaz would have one in the future, too. Pistol Pete Hall might be around for a long time, too.

But I couldn’t keep bringing in these talented workers. Not only were they taking up chunks of the budget, but they were taking up sought-after spots on the card. PGHW was about the future of Japanese wrestling – Mushashibo, Tatsuko, Inukai, Miwa, Hoshino and Kunomasu – they were the ones who should be in the spotlight all the time.

So at the end of 1998 I decided enough was enough. I’d resist all temptations to sign up foreign workers, no matter how talented they were. I would reign in the spending and focus on the talent I already had.

Young Japanese wrestlers, sure. They’d be welcome. But no high-profile gaijin or pet projects.

Oh, except one guy. The last one. This guy was a bit special. SWF weren’t willing to offer him a big contract, but I knew he was special.

Not a household name yet, but already catching the eye at just 20 years old.

A kid called Tommy Cornell.

[Willsky]

THE LORD OF STRONG STYLE

Of all the talented prospects in PGHW, Eisaku Kunomasu was perhaps the most underrated. Was it because he was an unknown before joining in 1996? That he had no previous experience?

Or was it that his calm, icy demeanour often prevented him standing out among a raft of feisty and strong-willed peers.

Because it certainly wasn’t a difference in talent. He had everything needed to become a truly great wrestler and now he had a few years of experience under his belt, he was beginning to catch up with the others.

A massive step on his journey was defeating Eisaku Hoshino for the Historical Japan title at Night of WRESTLING in December 1998. Hoshino, his team-mate in Team EXPLOSION had welcomed the challenge and celebrated his friend’s success.

But now Kunomasu had the spotlight on him, with challengers coming thick and fast. How would he cope? Would he rule like the Lord of Strong Style he claimed to be? Or had he not quite reached the level of experience required to be a great champion?

 

Night of RESPECT, January 1999

Eisaku Kunomasu faced a tough challenge in Chuichi Sanda in his first defence of the Historical Japan title. Chuichi Sanda had suffered a dismal 1998, but a few good wins at the tail end of the year had boosted his momentum.

Sanda started out as a young wrestler in QUEST before it closed down, so he knew how important the Historical Japan title was. Some thought he had the potential to compete with the talented youngsters of PGHW, but so far, he was yet to show that.

And he failed to do so once again. Admittedly it was a better performance than expected, but it was not enough to resist a Launching Knee Strike from Kunomasu that got the three count.

 

Night of ENERGY, January 1999

Eisaku Kunomasu took on another former QUEST wrestler in the shape of Go Matsunaga. The veteran had challenged for the Historical Japan title on many occasions, but had never had the joy of holding it.

Kunomasu wasn’t the charitable sort. He wasn’t going to hand Matsunaga the title for the feel-good factor. Instead he handed him a defeat with the Launching Knee Strike.

 

Night of DESTINY, February 1999

The tradition of defending the Historical Japan title whenever possible was something Eisaku Kunomasu relished. At Night of DESTINY, he took on Yodo Nakane, a highly experienced competitor who was by far his biggest test yet.

And Nakane even hit his famous finished, the Brainbuster Suplex, on Kunomasu. But the champion kicked out with a split-second to spare, stunning Nakane and the crowd.

From then on, he surged back into the match and another Launching Knee Strike finished off the veteran.

 

Night of BATTLE, February 1999

Walter Morgan was next to step up to Eisaku Kunomasu and challenge for the Historical Japan title.

Morgan often proved a difficult opponent because what he did, he did exquisitely well. If he managed to get you on the mat and start smothering you with his unparalleled ground game, it was almost impossible to escape.

However, good competitors knew how to avoid falling into his traps. And in all other aspects, Morgan was sorely lacking. When the Lord of Strong Style started throwing strikes, Morgan couldn’t resist. The Launching Knee Strike was becoming an unstoppable trend as it finished off yet another opponent.

 

Kunomasu had hopes of success in the Elite Series tournament in March, but he also commented that he would be willing to defend the Historical Japan title at a later date against anyone who defeated him during the tournament.

[siah463]

Love seeing Kunomasu taking on all challengers. I'm interested in seeing who dethrones Dread, it could really be a crowning moment for a young guy to beat him, rooting for Hoshino personally.

[Willsky]

THE HANDS OF TIME

For two-and-a-half years, Hito Ichihara and Koryusai Kitoaji ruled PGHW. They battled over the Glory Crown and kept the young blood at bay.

But time has a funny way of catching up with you.

Both Kitoaji and Ichihara had been wrestling since the age of 18 and now, at 42 years old, 24 years of intense competition was beginning to catch up to them.

Not only had they both suffered defeat against Dread, but Nobuatsu Tatsuko had beaten Kitoaji at Night of WRESTLING while Hito Ichihara had lost the Glory Tag Crown to youngsters Mito Miwa and Sean McFly.

Of course, Ichihara and Kitoaji knew this day would come. They could see it arriving. Everything and everyone eventually fades to dust. But it is only human to try to resist.

And they were not the kind to let their position at the top fall easily.

 

Night of RESPECT, January 1999

At Night of RESPECT, Hito Ichihara found himself across the ring from an old foe, Koryusai Kitoaji. Ichihara had on his team Mamoru Nagahama and Walter Morgan, while Kitoaji partnered with Danger Kumasaka and Luis Figo Manico.

Throughout the match, the younger wrestlers tried to outperform the veterans. Figo got into a feisty grappling contest with Hito Ichihara while Mamoru Nagahama took it to Koryusai Kitoaji.

In the end, it was Ichihara’s team that got the win when Ichihara himself pinned Danger Kumasaka after a Head Drop Suplex.

 

Night of ENERGY, January 1999

Off the back of the Night of RESPECT match, Luis Figo Manico and Hito Ichihara went head-to-head.

The match was only second on the card but it was arguably the best match PGHW had put on since Ichihara against Kitoaji at Night of WRESTLING, 1997. The crowd were blown away.

Figo showed that he was ready for a true main event push, while Ichihara defied his age by pulling out another brilliant Head Drop Suplex to win.

The next match on the show saw Koryusai Kitoaji team up with Mamoru Nagahama to defeat Danger Kumasaka and Walter Morgan.

Kitoaji was impressed by Nagahama’s determination and challenged him to a singles match at Night of DESTINY.

 

Night of DESTINY, February 1999

Some disappointing news came through a few days before Night of DESTINY. On tour, Luis Figo Manico suffered a complete posterior cruciate ligament tear that would put him out of action for around six months.

The injury ruled him out of the Elite Series and put a halt to his meteoric rise.

On the show itself, Koryusai Kitoaji defeated Mamoru Nagahama. The match was nowhere near as good as Ichihara and Figo’s battle. Since losing the Glory Crown, Kitoaji hadn’t looked himself, and it seemed his age-decline was in full force.

He struggled to hit the Kitoaji Braindrop, but when he did, it was enough to put Nagahama away.

 

Night of BATTLE, February 1999

On the last show before the Elite Series, Hito Ichihara and Koryusai Kitoaji once again did battle in a trios match. Ichihara shared the corner with Team Dynasty (Shuji Inukai & Yoshimi Mushashibo) while Kitoaji partnered with Dread and Eisaku Hoshino.

For Ichihara and Kitoaji, this was a tough match. They competed as best they could, but throughout they were reminded that this new wave of youngsters was now at their level, if not higher.

Yoshimi Mushashibo especially impressed and got the win by pinning Kitoaji. It was a huge occasion for Mushashibo, but another blow to Kitoaji’s confidence and momentum.

Both legends hoped the Elite Series would bring them success.

[Willsky]

MYTHICAL REIGN

By now, Team MYTHOS were no longer considered a “new” tag team. They had won the Elite Tag Series and the Glory Tag Crown and sat firmly at the top of the tag division.

Mito Miwa and Sean McFly had come across this incredible chemistry in the middle of 1998 and after their Night of WRESTLING victory over Team Dynasty, Miwa said their aim was to become longest-reigning Glory Tag Crown champions.

The current record reign was held by Team STRENGTH RUSH and stood at 9 months. That meant Team MYTHOS would have to reach July 1999.

No mean feat. Made even harder by the wealth of high-quality tag teams in the division now. Would Miwa and McFly make it to July? And what would Team STRENGTH RUSH do to protect their record?

 

Night of RESPECT, January 1999

Team Strike Force (Dino Maldini & Pistol Pete Hall) impressed at Night of WRESTLING and so earned a shot at the Glory Tag Crown titles against holders Team MYTHOS (Mito Miwa & Sean McFly).

Maldini had showed signs of improvement under the mentorship of Pistol Pete Hall, but he was yet to reach a truly competitive level. Hall did his best to upset the champions, but Sean McFly’s Delorean Driver on Maldini got the job done.

Elsewhere on the show, Rebel Cell were victorious as part of an eight-man tag match and outlined their hopes for a Glory Tag Crown shot.

 

Night of ENERGY, January 1999

Rebel Cell (Harumi Okazawaya & Sotatsu Sarumara) were granted their title shot at Night of ENERGY. Team MYTHOS (Mito Miwa & Sean McFly) didn’t seem overly concerned by the challengers.

But Rebel Cell showed they had improved over the last couple of years and nearly scored a shocking win when Okazawaya rolled up Miwa.

It wasn’t enough. Miwa kicked out, tagged in McFly and a Delorean Driver finished the job.

 

Night of DESTINY, February 1999

Team MYTHOS put the tag titles on the line again, this time against Boundary 97 (Go Matsunaga & Takeshi Umehara).

Boundary 97 proved once again why they were one of the worst tag teams in PGHW. As individuals, they were competent wrestlers, and they had some clever double-team moves. But they had been granted many shots at the Glory Tag Crown and had never taken them.

This was no different. McFly’s Delorean Driver was once again the decisive move, and Boundary 97 looked bereft of confidence.

Later in the show, Team STRENGTH RUSH (Lee Wright & Raymond Diaz) impressed in an eight-man tag alongside Hayate Hasegawa & Fukusaburu Inao as they defeated Strike Force (Dino Maldini & Pistol Pete Hall) and Rebel Cell (Harumi Okazawaya & Sotatsu Sarumara)

Wright and Diaz could have relied on their reputation to get a tag title shot, but this victory added to their cause, and Team MYTHOS accepted their challenge for Night of BATTLE.

 

Night of BATTLE, February 1999

If anyone wanted to end Team MYTHOS’s reign early it was Team STRENGTH RUSH (Lee Wright & Raymond Diaz) who held the record for longest reign.

They had a great opportunity to do that at Night of BATTLE as it’s certain Mito Miwa and Sean McFly had one eye on the upcoming Elite Series tournament.

However, Raymond Diaz would also compete in the tournament, so the distraction applied to him, too. And it was he who made the critical mistake, charging at McFly who carefully dodged and propelled the big man into the turnbuckle head first.

This left Wright essentially on his own, and a Pride Bomber followed by a Delorean Driver put him away.

Team MYTHOS extended their reign to five and a half months – the third longest in the belt’s short history.

[Willsky]

THE NEW WAVE

When Dread defeated Hito Ichihara at Night of WRESTLING, it completed his incredible mission of defeating every member of the roster in singles competition.

He held the Glory Crown and looked frankly untouchable. With Koryusai Kitoaji and Hito Ichihara defeated he now reigned supreme, breaking the duopoly that had existed at the top of PGHW since its inception.

Dread himself said that his reign would be very long. And who could argue?

Well, quite a few people. A whole cadre of young stars wanted to be “the one” to finally unseat Dread from his throne and carve their own place in history.

This cadre was well known to fans of PGHW. They had started in the promotion as prospects, potential waiting to be formed into greatness. Now they were near completion.

Mito Miwa, Nobuatsu Tatsuko, Yoshimi Mushashibo, Shuji Inukai, Eisaku Hoshino and Eisaku Kunomasu. The New Wave of talent in PGHW.

It was inevitable that they would all become major champions at some point. But who? And how long would it be before they overthrew Dread?

 

Night of RESPECT, January 1999

Night of WRESTLING had seen the biggest win in Nobuatsu Tatsuko’s career. He defeated Koryusai Kitoaji with remarkable intensity and aggression. That was enough to earn him a match for the Glory Crown against Dread.

Tatsuko’s temperament was now an advantage for him rather than a weakness. His channelled focus stood him in good stead, and plenty of people thought he might end Dread’s reign.

However, when he went for the Tatsuko Driller, he couldn’t quite lift the bulk of Dread’s body into position and the hesitation allowed Dread to escape and reverse it into a Dread Bomb. Tatsuko kicked out of that, but then fell foul of a Dreadsault which ended the match.

After the show, Tatsuko had words in the press conference.

Tatsuko: This will not deter me. I know what I must do now. Get stronger, faster, better. Dread is beatable and I will be the one to beat him. I will not wait around for another opportunity, but take it at the next opportunity. So, Dread, know that I’m not done with you.

 

Night of ENERGY, January 1999

Nobuatsu Tatsuko followed up on his strong words with a strong win over Pistol Pete Hall at Night of ENERGY. In many ways, Hall matched Dread’s size and style, but Tatsuko managed to support Hall’s whole bodyweight in order to hit the Tatsuko Driller.

In the main event, Dread teamed up with Team Dynasty (Shuji Inukai & Yoshimi Mushashibo) to face Eisaku Hoshino and Team STRENGTH RUSH (Lee Wright & Raymond Diaz).

A notable encounter took place between Dread and Raymond Diaz with the two colossal gaijin ramming into each other, neither able to take the other off their feet.

Mushashibo and Inukai proved decisive in the match, with Mushashibo slowing down Hoshino and Inukai hitting the Untouchable Lariat on Lee Wright to get the victory.

After the match, Dread was impressed with Inukai’s performance and challenged him to try to hit the Untouchable Lariat on him at Night of DESTINY, with the Glory Crown on the line.

 

Night of DESTINY, February 1999

Nobuatsu Tatsuko suffered an injury on tour, so was ruled out of Night of DESTINY and Night of BATTLE. However, he was expected to return for the Elite Series. During his recovery, it was noted that he was spending a lot of time in the gym.

Dread and Shuji Inukai main-evented the show, with Dread defending the Glory Crown. It was a fierce, brutal match with the much larger Dread getting cut down by the impact of Inukai’s offence.

The previous two times these two had met, Dread had come away impressed. And he was nearly defeated this time as Inukai hit the Untouchable Lariat, sending Dread stumbling backwards into the ropes and crashing to the mat.

Inukai, however, couldn’t get the pin because of Dread’s position under the ropes. This allowed Dread time to recover, avoid another Untouchable Lariat and hit a Dread Bomb for the win.

 

Night of BATTLE, February 1999

Dread competed in a trios main event alongside Koryusai Kitoaji and Eisaku Hoshino to take on Hito Ichihara and Team Dynasty (Shuji Inukai & Yoshimi Mushashibo).

It was the last show before the Elite Series, so everybody was looking to impress. Hoshino was on fire throughout and nearly landed the Godzilla Plunge on Ichihara, but it was Yoshimi Mushashibo who came out of the match looking strongest. He caught Koryusai Kitoaji in a Yoshimi Lock and after some serious struggling, Kitoaji had to tap out.

It was a monumental moment for Mushashibo going in to the biggest tournament of the year.

[Willsky]

THE PROSPECT

PGHW made several signings during 1998, with foreign workers coming in to bolster what was already an impressive roster.

Sean McFly, Walter Morgan and Pistol Pete Hall joined Dread, Luis Figo Manico, Raymond Diaz, Lee Wright and Dino Maldini as the gaijin found across the card, and it was known that Sadaharu Jimbo was keen to limit the number of stars that could take away spots from homegrown talent.

But there was just one name he really wanted to get hold of. And at the tail end of 1998, he did just that.

 

Night of RESPECT, January 1999

Eisaku Hoshino lost the Historical Japan title to his tag partner Eisaku Kunomasu at Night of WRESTLING. Now, with no belt to defend and no team mate to fight alongside, he found himself with no immediate direction.

So, always looking for a fight, he walked out to the ring at Night of RESPECT and issued a challenge to anyone on the roster who thought they were tough enough to face him.

He was answered.

A young man, just twenty years old, barely known in Japan at the time, but with a solid reputation in the UK and USA, a mess of black hair and a cheeky grin.

Tommy Cornell.

Hoshino and Cornell agreed to the match and the fans got to see what this new signing was all about. They were impressed. As was Hoshino. The youngster seemed to have a great sense of timing and opportunity, while boasting impressive technical skills and a rugged brawling style that caught Hoshino off guard.

After twenty minutes of seriously impressing the audience, Cornell fell foul of a Godzilla Plunge which got Hoshino the win.

But Tommy Cornell had done himself proud in the match and earned a lot of respect.

 

Night of ENERGY, January 1999

In the opening match of the show, Tommy Cornell made his second appearance. This time it was in an eight-man tag match alongside Chuichi Sanda, Hayate Hasegawa and Fukusaburu Inao.

They took on, and beat, the foursome of Dino Maldini, Kazuo Mitsushi, Takeshi Umehara and Yodo Nakane.

Tommy Cornell got the pinfall victory on Kazuo Mitsushi using a Guilt Trip (legsweep DDT). That infuriated the bitter veteran (who looked destined to lose almost every match of 1999, too).

Mitsushi challenged Cornell to a singles match at Night of DESTINY, claiming the youngster couldn’t handle life in PGHW.

 

Night of DESTINY, February 1999

Kazuo Mitsushi took on Tommy Cornell. Mitsushi may have lost almost all his major matches in the last two years, but he still hit hard and made life difficult for his opponents.

Unfortunately for him, though, Tommy Cornell was no ordinary wrestler. He took everything Mitsushi could throw at him and responded with another Guilt Trip (legsweep DDT) to win the match.

Between Night of DESTINY and Night of BATTLE, news came in that Luis Figo Manico had suffered a Posterior Cruciate Ligament Tear and would be out of the Elite Series tournament.

It was announced that his replacement would be the winner of a match between Chuichi Sanda and Tommy Cornell at Night of BATTLE.

 

Night of BATTLE, February 1999

Chuichi Sanda competed in the Elite Series in 1998 and finished sixth out of the eight competitors in Block B, getting just a single win all tournament.

Yet that was far more experience in PGHW competition that Tommy Cornell could offer.

Regardless, Tommy Cornell wanted to make a name for himself in Japan, and this match against Sanda would guarantee him seven matches against high-profile opposition which, even if he lost all seven of them, would elevate his stock.

Sanda fought hard, enjoying his best form in PGHW to date, but he couldn’t escape the Guilt Trip which got Cornell the three count and a spot in the biggest tournament of the year!

 

Ahead of the Elite Series, the blocks were announced:

Block A:

Dread
Eisaku Hoshino
Hito Ichihara
Mamoru Nagahama
Mito Miwa
Raymond Diaz
Tommy Cornell
Walter Morgan

Block B:

Danger Kumasaka
Eisaku Kunomasu
Koryusai Kitoaji
Nobuatsu Tatsuko
Pistol Pete Hall
Sean McFly
Shuji Inukai
Yoshimi Mushashibo

[Scottie]

VERY interested to see how Dread goes in the Elite Series. He either goes unbeaten in his block (and then either wins or loses the final) or conveniently gets “injured”. 
 

I’m thinking he makes the final, but you’ve got a big call to make from there…

[Willsky]

23 hours ago, Scottie said:

VERY interested to see how Dread goes in the Elite Series. He either goes unbeaten in his block (and then either wins or loses the final) or conveniently gets “injured”. 
 

I’m thinking he makes the final, but you’ve got a big call to make from there…

It certainly was a tricky one to navigate especially after the insane run he's been on!

[Willsky]

THE ELITE SERIES 1999

The third edition of the Elite Series took place in March 1999, with a tremendous roster of sixteen top class wrestlers.

It was by far the most unpredictable tournament, with all blocks containing multiple wrestlers who could be considered favourites to qualify, and picking a winner for the whole tournament was a real challenge.

Block A consisted of:

Dread
Eisaku Hoshino
Hito Ichihara
Mamoru Nagahama
Mito Miwa
Raymond Diaz
Tommy Cornell
Walter Morgan

Dread stood out as the most dangerous member of Block A. The Glory Crown champion hadn’t suffered singles defeat in nearly two full years on his rampage to defeat everyone on the roster.

Behind him, Hito Ichihara was always a threat, having qualified from the Block stage in both 1997 and 1998. Mito Miwa also qualified last year, as did Eisaku Hoshino, with both men losing out at the semi-final stage. They would hope to go one further this time.

Mamoru Nagahama, Raymond Diaz and Walter Morgan were outside bets. Nagahama had done little to show he would take a massive step forward in singles competition, while Diaz and Morgan were still developing.

All of them, as well as last minute addition, Tommy Cornell, would hope to finish well in the group and perhaps even push for qualification out of the block.

Block B consisted of:

Danger Kumasaka
Eisaku Kunomasu
Koryusai Kitoaji
Nobuatsu Tatsuko
Pistol Pete Hall
Sean McFly
Shuji Inukai
Yoshimi Mushashibo

Nobuatsu Tatsuko stood out as an early tournament favourite. He won the Elite Series in 1998 and had enjoyed some great form lately.

He would have to beat Koryusai Kitoaji again. The two-time Glory Crown champion may not have been at his best, but he was still a serious contender against anyone.

Then there were three young studs hoping to improve on their performance last year and qualify: Eisaku Kunomasu, Shuji Inukai and Yoshimi Mushashibo.

The three of them would surely hope to qualify, or even win the group ahead of Tatsuko or Kitoaji.

The fact that Sean McFly, Danger Kumasaka and Pistol Pete Hall were considered the three outsiders for qualification was a testament to how stacked Block B was. Really, on this side of the draw, anyone could beat anyone.

 

PGHW Elite Series: DAY 1

Block A Results

Dread def. Mamoru Nagahama
Tommy Cornell def. Walter Morgan
Eisaku Hoshino def. Raymond Diaz
Mito Miwa def. Hito Ichihara

Dread and Eisaku Hoshino scored strong, but expected victories and began the tournament on a positive note. Tommy Cornell scored a great win over fellow Englishman Walter Morgan, and looked delighted.

In the main event of the show, Mito Miwa got what was surely his biggest victory yet over former Glory Crown holder Hito Ichihara. It was another example of the young cohort overtaking the old guard.

Block B Results

Danger Kumasaka def. Eisaku Kunomasu
Pistol Pete Hall def. Sean McFly
Koryusai Kitoaji and Shuji Inukai went to a time-limit draw
Nobuatsu Tatsuko def. Yoshimi Mushashibo

Block B saw some surprising results. Danger Kumasaka defeated reigning Historical Japan champion Eisaku Kunomasu, while Pistol Pete Hall defeated one half of the Glory Tag Crown holders, Sean McFly.

Kitoaji and Inukai went to a draw, which neither was particularly happy with, and in the match of the night, Tatsuko just about edged the win over a very competitive Yoshimi Mushashibo. The Tatsuko Driller proved decisive.

 

PGHW Elite Series: DAY 2

Block A Results

Raymond Diaz def. Tommy Cornell
Dread def. Walter Morgan
Mito Miwa def. Mamoru Nagahama
Hito Ichihara def. Eisaku Hoshino

Tommy Cornell couldn’t continue his winning start as he fell to the power of Raymond Diaz. There were routine wins for Dread and Mito Miwa, too, with both rising to the top of the table.

Hito Ichihara bounced back from his loss to Miwa with an excellent performance against Hoshino who looked to have the match won on several occasions, only for Ichihara to hang on and hit the Head Drop Suplex for the win.

Block B Results

Yoshimi Mushashibo def. Danger Kumasaka
Shuji Inukai def. Sean McFly
Eisaku Kunomasu def. Pistol Pete Hall
Nobuatsu Tatsuko def. Koryusai Kitoaji

Mushashibo got a good victory over his mentor, Danger Kumasaka to make up for his loss in the last round. Inukai and Kunomasu scored their first wins too, over McFly and Pistol Pete Hall respectively.

The main event and big attraction of the round was a rematch of the rivalry that dominated 1998 – Tatsuko against Kitoaji. Tatsuko surged to a powerful victory, with the Tatsuko Driller getting the three count. Another massive win for Tatsuko.

 

PGHW Elite Series: DAY 3

Block A Results

Mamoru Nagahama def. Walter Morgan
Hito Ichihara def. Tommy Cornell
Dread def. Raymond Diaz
Eisaku Hoshino and Mito Miwa went to a time-limit draw

Nagahama picked up points against Walter Morgan, and Hito Ichihara got another victory, overcoming the energy of Tommy Cornell. Dread and Raymond Diaz had a hoss fight in which Dread got the victory, but seemed to tweak his back slightly. He didn’t look pleased at the end of the match.

Hoshino and Miwa were both competing for qualification and cancelled each other out. Hoshino actually hit the Godzilla Plunge, but hesitated on the cover and Miwa managed to kick out. Time ran out before anyone could get a decisive blow.
 

Block B Results

Nobuatsu Tatsuko def. Sean McFly
Koryusai Kitoaji def. Danger Kumasaka
Shuji Inukai def. Pistol Pete Hall
Yoshimi Mushashibo def. Eisaku Kunomasu

Tatsuko got another good win, beating Sean McFly. Kitoaji and Inukai also saw victory and moved on up the table.

The main event of the round pitted Yoshimi Mushashibo against Eisaku Kunomasu. The pair had wrestled in singles competition just once before, with Mushashibo winning in the Elite Series 1998. The result was the same again, with Mushashibo using the Yoshimi Lock to tap out the Historical Japan champion.

 

PGHW Elite Series: DAY 4

Block A Results

Mito Miwa def. Tommy Cornell
Raymond Diaz def. Walter Morgan
Eisaku Hoshino def. Mamoru Nagahama
Dread def. Hito Ichihara

Tommy Cornell found himself gaining respect in defeat once again as Mito Miwa overcame him with a Pride Bomber. Raymond Diaz and Eisaku Hoshino advanced their causes, too, with good victories.

The main event was a rematch of the Night of WRESTLING 1998 main event in which Hito Ichihara became number 30 in a Glory Crown title match against Dread. Unfortunately for Ichihara, the result was a repeat, despite Dread having a dodgy back – Dread hit the Dread Bomb to make it four wins from four.

Block B Results

Sean McFly def. Danger Kumasaka
Nobuatsu Tatsuko def. Pistol Pete Hall
Yoshimi Mushashibo def. Koryusai Kitoaji
Shuji Inukai def. Eisaku Kunomasu

Sean McFly got his first points of the tournament, defeating Danger Kumasaka who looked tired at this stage. Tatsuko beat Pistol Pete Hall as expected, but Yoshimi Mushashibo’s win over Koryusai Kitoaji was a massive result that sent shockwaves through the company. Mushashibo looked fantastic in victory.

Shuji Inukai and Eisaku Kunomasu did battle in the best match of the night. The intensity both of the brought was on another level. There wasn’t much wrestling, but plenty of slapping, chopping, striking and battering. Inukai hit the Untouchable Lariat for a great win.

 

Mid-point round-up

Block A Table

8 Dread
7 Mito Miwa
5 Eisaku Hoshino
4 Hito Ichihara
4 Raymond Diaz
2 Mamoru Nagahama
2 Tommy Cornell
0 Walter Morgan
 

Block B Table

8 Nobuatsu Tatsuko
7 Shuji Inukai
6 Yoshimi Mushashibo
3 Koryusai Kitoaji
2 Danger Kumasaka
2 Eisaku Kunomasu
2 Pistol Pete Hall
2 Sean McFly


Block A was still wide open at this stage. Dread looked set to qualify, but the other position was up for grabs, with Hito Ichihara, Eisaku Hoshino, Raymond Diaz and Mito Miwa all there or thereabouts.

Walter Morgan had disappointed so far, not gaining a single point, while Nagahama and Cornell were doing about as expected.

In Block B, three wrestlers had moved well ahead of the pack. Tatsuko had won four from four and Shuji Inukai was only a point behind. Those two and Yoshimi Mushashibo would surely contest the two qualification positions.

It was becoming a disastrous tournament for Koryusai Kitoaji who had only won one match so far. He hoped that against weaker opponents in the second half of the fixtures he could climb up the order and maybe steal qualification.

For Kumasaka, Kunomasu, Hall and McFly, qualification was very unlikely, but they would all compete hard to avoid finishing last

[Willsky]

THE ELITE SERIES 1999 (PART 2)

The Elite Series was in full flow, with both blocks having classic matches and dominant performances. Nobuatsu Tatsuko and Dread were looking like real favourites, but plenty others remained in contention.

Block A Table

8 Dread
7 Mito Miwa
5 Eisaku Hoshino
4 Hito Ichihara
4 Raymond Diaz
2 Mamoru Nagahama
2 Tommy Cornell
0 Walter Morgan

Block B Table

8 Nobuatsu Tatsuko
7 Shuji Inukai
6 Yoshimi Mushashibo
3 Koryusai Kitoaji
2 Danger Kumasaka
2 Eisaku Kunomasu
2 Pistol Pete Hall
2 Sean McFly

PGHW Elite Series: DAY 5

Block A Results

Raymond Diaz def. Mamoru Nagahama
Hito Ichihara def. Walter Morgan
Eisaku Hoshino def. Tommy Cornell
Dread def. Mito Miwa

Raymond Diaz, Hito Ichihara and Eisaku Hoshino all got good wins to boost their hopes of qualification, with the three at the bottom of the order suffering defeat again.

The match with the biggest impact was Dread defeating Mito Miwa. This result meant Miwa’s lead over the chasing pack disappeared and any one of them could get to the semi-final stage.

10 Dread
7 Eisaku Hoshino
7 Mito Miwa
6 Hito Ichihara
6 Raymond Diaz
2 Mamoru Nagahama
2 Tommy Cornell
0 Walter Morgan

 

Block B Results

Koryusai Kitoaji def. Eisaku Kunomasu
Pistol Pete Hall def. Danger Kumasaka
Yoshimi Mushashibo def. Sean McFly
Nobuatsu Tatsuko and Shuji Inukai went to a time-limit draw

Round 5 was a good day for Yoshimi Mushashibo as he picked up vital points by beating Sean McFly. Kitoaji and Pistol Pete Hall also picked up good wins, with Kitoaji pinning the Historical Japan champion.

However, the main event was where Mushashibo delighted most, as Tatsuko and Inukai saw out a time-limit draw, meaning there was very little difference between the top three.

9 Nobuatsu Tatsuko
8 Shuji Inukai
8 Yoshimi Mushashibo
5 Koryusai Kitoaji
4 Pistol Pete Hall
2 Danger Kumasaka
2 Eisaku Kunomasu
2 Sean McFly

 

PGHW Elite Series: DAY 6

Block A Results

Hito Ichihara def. Raymond Diaz
Tommy Cornell def. Mamoru Nagahama
Mito Miwa def. Walter Morgan
Dread def. Eisaku Hoshino

Hito Ichihara dealt Raymond Diaz’s hopes of qualification a massive blow as he got the win over the big youngster. Cornell picked up his second victory, surprising Nagahama, and Mito Miwa recovered from his loss to Dread with a strong win over Walter Morgan.

Eisaku Hoshino hoped to advance his chances at the top, but he went up against Dread. The big man’s back was still giving him trouble, but not quite enough to prevent him hitting the Dread Bomb to get the win.

12 Dread
9 Mito Miwa
8 Hito Ichihara
7 Eisaku Hoshino
6 Raymond Diaz
4 Tommy Cornell
2 Mamoru Nagahama
0 Walter Morgan

 

Block B Results

Koryusai Kitoaji def. Sean McFly
Shuji Inukai def. Danger Kumasaka
Eisaku Kunomasu and Nobuatsu Tatsuko went to a time-limit draw
Yoshimi Mushashibo def. Pistol Pete Hall

Kitoaji and Inukai both got good wins to advance their causes, with Inukai moving on to ten points, still not having suffered defeat in the tournament.

Eisaku Kunomasu showed signs of life in holding Nobuatsu Tatsuko to another time-limit draw, while Yoshimi Mushashibo got a win over Hall to make it three at the top all on ten points.

Kitoaji’s hopes of qualifying were dashed. The final spots would be contested on the last day, with Mushashibo set to take on his tag partner Shuji Inukai, with the winner of that match surely qualifying and the loser likely getting knocked out.

10 Nobuatsu Tatsuko
10 Shuji Inukai
10 Yoshimi Mushashibo
7 Koryusai Kitoaji
4 Pistol Pete Hall
4 Eisaku Kunomasu
2 Danger Kumasaka
2 Sean McFly

 

PGHW Elite Series: DAY 7

Block A Results

Mito Miwa def. Raymond Diaz
Eisaku Hoshino def. Walter Morgan
Dread def. Tommy Cornell
Hito Ichihara def. Mamoru Nagahama

Mito Miwa’s victory over Raymond Diaz confirmed him as the second qualifier from Block A. After that, the other matches were only about the pride of finishing as high up the table as possible.

Ichihara and Hoshino did their bit, getting wins over Nagahama and Morgan respectively. Meanwhile, despite still nursing a back injury, Dread made it seven wins from seven as Tommy Cornell battled bravely in defeat.

Block A Final Standings

14 Dread
11 Mito Miwa
10 Hito Ichihara
9 Eisaku Hoshino
6 Raymond Diaz
4 Tommy Cornell
2 Mamoru Nagahama
0 Walter Morgan

Dread exceeded even the high expectations people had of him. He didn’t drop a single point, and all that with some kind of muscular problem in his lower back.

Mito Miwa was delighted to advance from the block stage for the second year running. Interestingly, he finished on the same number of points in Block A in 1998, only this time he was one position ahead of Hito Ichihara rather than one position behind.

Hoshino was disappointed not to advance, while Raymond Diaz and Tommy Cornell gave good accounts of themselves. Nagahama and Morgan cannot have been pleased with their final positions.

Block B Results

Koryusai Kitoaji def. Pistol Pete Hall
Nobuatsu Tatsuko def. Danger Kumasaka
Eisaku Kunomasu def. Sean McFly
Yoshimi Mushashibo def. Shuji Inukai

Kitoaji defeating Pistol Pete Hall and Kunomasu winning against McFly had no impact on the qualification spots, but were good for the confidence of the victors.

Tatsuko’s victory over Danger Kumasaka ensured his progression from the block stage.

That left the main event of Team Dynasty partners Shuji Inukai and Yoshimi Mushashibo, with the winner qualifying. It was a great match – arguably match of the tournament so far. It saw friendship and rivalry clash, ultimately resulting in Mushashibo ducking an Untouchable Lariat and transitioning into the Yoshimi Lock for the submission win.

12 Nobuatsu Tatsuko
12 Yoshimi Mushashibo
10 Shuji Inukai
9 Koryusai Kitoaji
6 Eisaku Kunomasu
4 Pistol Pete Hall
2 Danger Kumasaka
2 Sean McFly

 

Nobuatsu Tatsuko repeated the feat of finishing top of Block B, just like he did in 1998. This time, though, he only managed it due to his head-to-head record with Mushashibo, who he defeated in the first round. Shuji Inukai was furious to have missed out right at the last.

In the end, nine points wasn’t too embarrassing for Koryusai Kitoaji, but his ego certainly took a beating. Kunomasu would have been annoyed not to have finished at least in the top half, while it was a tournament to forget for Hall, Kumasaka and McFly.

The semi-finals were set. The first would see Dread taking on Yoshimi Mushashibo, while the second pitted Mito Miwa against Nobuatsu Tatsuko, an exact repeat of the same stage in 1998.

[Willsky]

Night of PRIDE 1999

 

As usual, Night of PRIDE was dominated by the climax of the Elite Series, with four men hoping to get their hands on the prestigious prize. The rest of the card was filled with big tag matches featuring members of all levels of the roster as well as a Historical Japan title match.

Match Card

Mito Miwa vs. Nobuatsu Tatsuko in Semi Final 1 of the Elite Series

Dread vs. Yoshimi Mushashibo in Semi Final 2 of the Elite Series

Boundary 97 (Go Matsunaga & Takeshi Umehara) and Walter Morgan vs. Hayate Hasegawa, Fukusaburu Inao and Yodo Nakane

Hito Ichihara, Mamoru Nagahama and Team STRENGTH RUSH (Lee Wright & Raymond Diaz) vs. Rebel Cell (Harumi Okazawaya & Sotatsu Sarumara) and Strike Force (Dino Maldini & Pistol Pete Hall)

Eisaku Kunomasu © vs. Shuji Inukai for the Historical Japan title

Danger Kumasaka, Eisaku Hoshino and Kazuo Mitsushi vs. Koryusai Kitoaji, Sean McFly and Tommy Cornell

Winner of Semi Final 1 vs. Winner of Semi Final 2 for the Elite Series Trophy

[monrapi3]

Match Card

Mito Miwa vs. Nobuatsu Tatsuko in Semi Final 1 of the Elite Series

Dread vs. Yoshimi Mushashibo in Semi Final 2 of the Elite Series (It hurts to say this but.. I don't think Yoshimi's gonna be the one to break Dread's streak)

Boundary 97 (Go Matsunaga & Takeshi Umehara) and Walter Morgan vs. Hayate Hasegawa, Fukusaburu Inao and Yodo Nakane

Hito Ichihara, Mamoru Nagahama and Team STRENGTH RUSH (Lee Wright & Raymond Diaz) vs. Rebel Cell (Harumi Okazawaya & Sotatsu Sarumara) and Strike Force (Dino Maldini & Pistol Pete Hall)

Eisaku Kunomasu © vs. Shuji Inukai for the Historical Japan title

Danger Kumasaka, Eisaku Hoshino and Kazuo Mitsushi vs. Koryusai Kitoaji, Sean McFly and Tommy Cornell

Winner of Semi Final 1 (Nobuatsu Tatsuko) vs. Winner of Semi Final 2 (Dread) for the Elite Series Trophy (This would set the huge Tatsuko vs. Dread rematch, now which is for the Glory Crown title, for the next event)