PGHW | ETERNAL VOYAGE

[Willsky]

Night of SPIRIT was awesome! Huge main event score. Interesting to see if/when Ray Diaz finally gets the W over Kunomasu. Also seems like a bunch of guys are heading out of the company - will we see some return?

In answer to your questions.

1. I like the longer writeups. Less interested in the blow-by-blow moves and more about the storytelling, so if you need to dedicate some words to that, go for it!

2. I'm not especially bothered, unless something monumental or especially hilarious happens outside of PGHW.

[Shmoe II]

2011.02.17 | A 4-time Burning World Tag Team Champion, Sessue Kawate led a troubled and controversial life but still found success in the ring.

Burning Hammer Of The Wrestling Gods earlier today announced via their official website the death of one half of the Burning World Tag Team Champions "The Snow Man" Sessue Kawate. Kawate was born in Tokyo in September 1964 and grew up as a professional wrestling fan, particularly BHOTWG and Master Kitozon. Turning professional in 1982 on his 18th birthday, Kawate got a chance at his dream in 1985 when he went on his first tour with BHOTWG. Impressing enough for a full-time contract, Sessue was seen as having huge potential - until his real life vices got in the way. In 1987 Kawate was arrested by police in Shinjuku for cocaine possession; while the financial might and connections of BHOTWG got him out of trouble (and thus saving further scrutiny for themselves) it did lead to Kawate's first dismissal.

This cycle would continue over the next decade-plus, with Kawate finding his way back to BHOTWG for months or years before a report of backstage substance use or competing under the influence would have him sent back to the independents. With each firing and re-hiring it became clear that any standout abilities Kawate possessed had been eroded by his struggles. From the early 2000s it seemed that Sessue had put those issues behind him as he carved out a solid niche in the tag division, winning the Burning World Tag Team Championships alongside Sanetomo Shiraishi three times and grabbing a fourth reign this past November with Fukusaburu Inao - a reign that was ongoing until his death this morning.

Naturally, this tragic event has already led to a questioning of the responsibility of BHOTWG management. They had fired Kawate 4 times between 1987 and 2001 but never insisted on or paid for rehabilitation. In Japan drug use is a huge taboo; it's likely that BHOTWG found it easier to cut ties or look the other way over the years as Kawate's habit worsened. Even though there is no evidence of a relapse or overdose as of writing, it's impossible to rule it out - and if Kawate was still clean at the time of death, there's no way his passing at only 46 years of age is not related to his past use. This is the latest in a devastatingly long line of examples of professional wrestling as an industry failing to look out for its workers but it is the first time BHOTWG will have to weather this kind of storm. 

Puroworld extend our condolences and sympathies to all Sessue Kawate's family and friends at this time.

[monrapi3]

1. The long sentences make it so investing. You really feel the story behind every match.

2. You can do both. I am interested in what's happening outside PGHW.

[Shmoe II]

BLOCK A

BLOCK B

  _______________________________________   PGHW returns this March with the 14th annual ELITE Series! Long considered to be the single most prestigious, intense and gruelling tournament in professional wrestling, two blocks of 8 competitors will take on the daunting task ahead; in order to win you must gain enough points from 7 bouts in just 14 days to qualify from your block. A win nets 2 points, a draw 1 and a loss 0. The leader from Block A will face the runner-up from Block B and vice-versa in the two semi-finals on Day 8 before the victors go onward to Night of PRIDE, where they will reach a mythical summit or fall before the victor. The ELITE Series takes place over just 19 days as a brutal test of will, heart and ability - the chance for one warrior to ascend beyond what is possible. The eyes of all Japanese wrestling fans are on PGHW at this time of year as they wonder who that warrior will be.   As has become tradition in the past 5 years, the winner of the ELITE Series not only gains the vaunted ELITE shield and their name in history but the chance to challenge for the Glory Crown at Night of GLORY in May - if they can defend their shot at the event between. If Glory Crown Champion Eisaku Kunomasu can accomplish the extremely rare feat of winning the Series while Champion - and winning his second Series in a row - then he will gain the right to decide his own challenger.   Since Koryusai Kitoaji lifted the first ELITE Series in 1998, the tournament has taken on a living legend while providing some of the best wrestling anywhere on the planet. This year, as we celebrate PGHW XV, this ELITE Series could be the greatest yet. Who will go beyond their limits and enter the annals of immortality?   ELITE SERIES 2011 SCHEDULE Day 1 - Tokyo Civil Stadium | 2011.03.01 Day 2 - Tochigi Sports Stadium | 2011.03.03 Day 3 - Kanagawa Sports Field | 2011.03.06 Day 4 - Nagoya Sports Stadium | 2011.03.08 Day 5 - Yamanashi Athletic Stadium | 2011.03.10 Day 6 - Tokyo Civil Stadium | 2011.03.13 Day 7 - New Mei Sports Arena | 2011.03.15 Day 8 (Semi-Finals) - Nara Baseball Stadium | 2011.03.17 Night of PRIDE (Final) - Kanagawa Stadium | 2011.03.19   _______________________________________   ELITE SERIES 2011 - PREDICTION CONTEST   ELITE SERIES 2011 Winner: ELITE SERIES 2011 Runner-up: Most points in group stage: Will any competitor finish with 0 points? If so, who? (2 points): Biggest upset:

Edited July 6 by Shmoe II

[Scottie]

Excellent show with some killer ratings! The combo between Team Energy and Miwa/Kwakami is a stacked stable - it will be interesting to see how long they lost. Also an intriguing call to go with Hayes as the new champion; surely it’s not the last time he and Kitoaji meet over that one.

My prediction is Tatsuko vs. Diaz in the final, with Tatsuko picking up the win. Art Reed to end up winless, and the biggest upset being PRIDE Koiso over Dread.

[newbiezness]

There's a problem with the pictures of the Elite Series participants.

ELITE SERIES 2011 Winner: Pride Koiso
ELITE SERIES 2011 Runner-up: William Hayes
Most points in group stage: Pride Koiso
Will any competitor finish with 0 points? If so, who? (2 points): Art Reed
Biggest upset:

[Shmoe II]

12 hours ago, Scottie said:

Excellent show with some killer ratings! The combo between Team Energy and Miwa/Kwakami is a stacked stable - it will be interesting to see how long they lost. Also an intriguing call to go with Hayes as the new champion; surely it’s not the last time he and Kitoaji meet over that one.

My prediction is Tatsuko vs. Diaz in the final, with Tatsuko picking up the win. Art Reed to end up winless, and the biggest upset being PRIDE Koiso over Dread.

Yeah I've never had a run like this ratings wise, I'm surprised myself. At the start of 2010 it was very rare for me to get over 90. I had a very lucky time decline roll - couple that with key wrestlers or younger guys gaining nicely, by the end of 2010 the huge ratings were rolling in. For my tastes looking back at early NOAH, 90s AJPW or 2015-2019 NJPW it's not unrealistic with this roster. I'm sure my luck is going to run out sometime but for now, I'll let it ride! As for the stable, for sure. It's definitely an uneasy alliance but one, at this point in Tatsuko and Miwa's careers and considering the other factions developing, I thought too interesting to not try out. Whether it can or will last is something I'm going to feel out as it goes.

25 minutes ago, newbiezness said:

There's a problem with the pictures of the Elite Series participants.

thank you for letting me know my friend! I couldn't see it on my laptop; I've changed it now, is all looking okay to you? And thanks for dropping in and getting involved!

[newbiezness]

50 minutes ago, Shmoe II said:

thank you for letting me know my friend! I couldn't see it on my laptop; I've changed it now, is all looking okay to you? And thanks for dropping in and getting involved!

No problem. I had the same problems with some of your previous shows, but the last one now looks perfect.

[monrapi3]

ELITE SERIES 2011 Winner: Masaru Ugaki ELITE SERIES 2011 Runner-up: Noriyori Sanda Most points in group stage: Masaru Ugaki Will any competitor finish with 0 points? If so, who? (2 points): Art Reed Biggest upset: Bali

[Shmoe II]

PRIDE TOUR PART ONE
MARCH 2O11

ELITE SERIES - DAY ONE
Tōkyō Civil Stadium, Tōkyō, Japan | 2011.03.01
Attendance: 14223

1. Kozue Kawashima def. Tetsunori Yasuda (14:28) via pinfall (Kawashima Driver '05) [81]
2. William Hayes def. Kazushige Matsuki (11:06) via pinfall (Slick Trick) [72]
3. Akinori Kwakami def. Art Reed (14:21) via pinfall (Red Star Neckbreaker) [85]
4. Masaru Ugaki def. Noriyori Sanda (15:54) via submission (Ugaki Clutch) [79]
5. Shuji Inukai def. Raymond Diaz (23:29) via pinfall (Untouchable Lariat) [89]
6. Dread def. Bali (11:28) via pinfall (Dread Bomb) [73]
7. PRIDE Koiso def. Eisaku Kunomasu (18:08) via pinfall (Koiso Kutter) [93]
8. Mito Miwa def. Nobuatsu Tatsuko (26:39) via pinfall (Amphora Clutch Bomb) [99]

GRADE: 96

The first day of March brought with it the start of the 14th ELITE Series - and what a start it was; a start so good it would be very difficult to match. Shuji Inukai made a statement of his intent to win Block B by finally putting down a seemingly distracted Raymond Diaz after falling to him in last years ELITE Series and again at Night of HONOR. Masaru Ugaki pulled off the only submission of the first round in impressive fashion against the on-fire Glory Tag Crown holder Noriyori Sanda. In the second to last bout, PRIDE Koiso finally got the chance to take on Eisaku Kunomasu for the first time since Kunomasu dethroned him. Full to the brim with drama (and the Champion clearly still nursing hurt ribs), Koiso put Kunomasu to the sword with the Koiso Kutter. In the main event, the IRONPRIDE went head-to-head in the first major test of the mantra Nobuatsu Tatsuko put forward; "iron sharpens iron." That must be true as this was one of the sharpest bouts he and Mito Miwa have ever had. The stablemates used all of their experience in wrestling each other through the years to create an all-time classic. In the end, Miwa had to use the rarely seen Amphora Clutch Bomb to take Tatsuko down and 2 points for himself.

THE WOUNDED LORD

Eisaku Kunomasu found himself in the highly competitive Block A with a problem: up against an exhaustive gauntlet in such a short time frame, the Glory Crown king and defending ELITE Series winner was still suffering the ill effects of Raymond Diaz' attack in January. The cracked ribs were clearly a factor in his first bout against PRIDE Koiso, as the normally tireless Kunomasu was left gasping for air by 15 minutes. You would hear no excuses from the "Lord of Strong Style" though, as he marched on to defeat ultra-tough Bali with an extremely intelligent low-impact gameplay two night later in Tochigi Sports Stadium to get his first points of the Series. Kunomasu's next two matches of the Series were the stuff of legend; in Kanagawa he went almost half an hour with Mito Miwa before securing victory then defeated Miwa's IRONPRIDE teammate Noriyori Sanda in Nagoya two nights later, both unbelievable bouts where Kunomasu showed why he had reigned as Glory Crown champion since August; an ability to make opponents fight to his strengths and a mental fortitude to push through the pain. Still, as the first half of the ELITE Series came to a close many were wondering how much it had taken out of the wounded Lord.

UNTOUCHABLE

By anyone else's metric, 2010 would have been just fine. Shuji Inukai is not anyone. Not satisfied with his vast list of PGHW accolades, Inukai had plainly stated he wanted to add a 3rd ELITE Series to the cabinet in search of a 3rd Glory Crown reign. Last year Inukai lost only once in the group stage to Raymond Diaz before falling to Eisaku Kunomasu in the semi-final. This year he promised he wouldn't drop a single point and when he beat "The Monster" on Day 1 - the first time in over a year he'd done so - Inukai looked a man of his word. By the time he defeated Kozue Kawashima on Day 4, Inukai had thus far lived up to his moniker - but the ELITE Series can surprise anyone, even someone "Untouchable."

A SENSE OF DREAD

Dread has long been a terror for any wrestler across the world. When he disappeared for the duration of January's tour, there were whispers; approaching 50 years old, was the nightmare finally over? When he was announced as a participant in the ELITE Series, the question was answered: until the man himself tells you, the nightmare will go on. While Dread might not be the unstoppable juggernaut he once was every single night, he is extremely difficult to stop on any night.

SHARPENS IRON

The PGHW were shocked when, after a classic battle at Night of SPIRIT, Mito Miwa and partner Akinori Kwakami entered an alliance with Team Energy. In the ELITE Series press conference they announced this alliance would be known as "IRONPRIDE". In other news, both Miwa and Tatsuko would get what the latter had promised the night they formed their stable - the chance to fight amongst one another to be the best they could be. On Day 1, Tatsuko and Miwa would clash one-on-one for the first time in almost 3 years and on Day 2, the Glory Tag Crown holders would collide when Tatsuko would meet Noriyori Sanda. Meanwhile, the sole representative of IRONPRIDE in Block B would be Kwakami. In Block A, Miwa defeated Tatsuko in a contest befitting the occasion, brutal and glorious. Sanda struggled, unable to beat his accomplished partner in their bout - yet, on Day 3 he caused a massive upset defeating PRIDE Koiso; something that grew his confidence as he looked forward to testing himself against Miwa on Day 5. Meanwhile in Block B, Kwakami had an extremely promising start; halfway through he had only lost to Kozue Kawashima, and on Day 4 caused a massive upset of his own when he defeated "The Monster" Raymond Diaz, who had seemed distracted and over-aggressive to his detriment in the early stages. Whether a member of IRONPRIDE could win the Series remained to be seen - what was apparent is that Tatsuko's proposed mantra held true; they would certainly not hold anything back against one another.

BONDED IN BLOOD

Since Tetsunori Yasuda and former pro boxer Kazushige Matsuki began teaming around this time last year, a lot had changed. At the time both were seen as courageous fighters; aggressive yes, but just two young men who enjoyed the competition. The first part remains true, but it was clear that teaming together was bringing more violent impulses in both men to the front that culminated in the formation of BLOODSPORT. They have claimed that BLOODSPORT has no leader and doesn't want a leader - but in public consciousness, most see Yasuda as the figurehead. Both drawn into Block B, we would see the first meeting of two members of the faction in this ELITE Series and it was what you would expect; unrelenting, stiff, intense striking match. Most anticipated Yasuda's greater experience in wrestling to send him through this bout with the 2 points but Matsuki showed exactly why Yasuda wanted to team with him in the first place, catching Yasuda with his hands down with the Fist of Fury (step-in Left Hook), perfectly placed on Yasuda's jaw, sending the flame-haired fighter to the mat for the 3. Many in attendance wondered how this would sit with Yasuda as he gradually gathered his wits. Matsuki stood in his corner, waiting on his teammate to get back to his feet. When he did, there was a momentary tension as Matsuki stuck his hand out. Yasuda contemplated. Grabbing Matsuki's hand, Yasuda aggressively wrenched the arm ...and straight into a brotherly embrace. Yasuda was smiling, although it clearly hurt his jaw to do so, at the pure impact of the punch and the effect it had on him. Matsuki nodded back, the two men revelling in the fight.

_______________________________________

BLOCK A

BLOCK B

[Vandal]

A little late after being on vacation but I'm going with...

ELITE SERIES 2011 Winner: Pride Koiso ELITE SERIES 2011 Runner-up: Kozue Kawashima Most points in group stage: Mito Miwa Will any competitor finish with 0 points? If so, who? (2 points): No Biggest upset: Hayes over Inuaki

[Shmoe II]

PRIDE TOUR PART TWO
MARCH 2O11

The 2011 ELITE Series raged on and into its second half with everything still to fight for. Block A was a free-for-all at the top any way you looked at it whereas Block B featured an extremely close two man race where any slip would spell disaster for one but opportunity for the two following close behind.

RACE TO THE SUMMIT

2010 was a mixed bag for Team Youth Sprint. PRIDE Koiso had reigned as Glory Crown Champion for a whole year from August '09 until being unseated by Eisaku Kunomasu one year later at Night of HONOR. Alongside Kozue Kawashima, they came so close to ELITE Tag Series victory in November but they were stellar all year, earning the 2010 Tag Team of the Year award. However, awards meant nothing to men like Koiso & Kawashima without gold to show for it. In Block A, Koiso started the Series as well as you could hope by defeating Kunomasu on Day 1, yet he faltered in his next two bouts to Mito Miwa and a shocking defeat to Noriyori Sanda before rebounding against Dread.

Kawashima on the other hand was seen as a very strong competitor in Block B but not a lock to qualify over Shuji Inukai, who defeated him on Day 4, with Raymond Diaz and Akinori Kwakami also more seasoned. Kawashima was participating in only his 4th ELITE Series after all, while fantastic, experience in this tournament is often crucial. After suffering defeat to Inukai, Kawashima watched Inukai picking up point after point and knew he could not afford any more mistakes if he wished to qualify.

PRIDE Koiso reasserted himself with a spectacular victory over Masaru Ugaki on Day 5 but Day 6 brought a challenge Koiso had always struggled with: a match with his mentor, Nobuatsu Tatsuko. Now, Koiso had defeated Tatsuko before - a couple of times - but no matter how far Koiso came in PGHW, you could see the conflict in his eyes at having to inflict damage on a man who he admired, in crucial moments looking less like PRIDE Koiso and more like young Yasanobu. Master and pupil had what would end up being the best match of the entire 2011 ELITE Series, bringing 15000 in the Tokyo Civil Stadium to the very edge of their seat ...but eventually, Koiso took one second too long to deliver his fabled Koiso Kutter. His mentor had no such hesitation. A Tatsuko Driller (Steiner Screwdriver) later, Nobuatsu had edged his way to the top of Block A. With Ugaki and Miwa scheduled to face one another on Day 7, a dejected Koiso was mathematically unable to escape his block. In his final bout, this lack of motivation would cost him against a highly focussed Bali, who had been unable to pick up a victory to that point (not uncommon in a competitors first ELITE Series appearance), made sure to at least end his disappointing journey with points on the board - picking up the biggest win of his career in another classic, Bali finally had 2 points. Koiso just looked on, vacant.

Kawashima meanwhile stuck to the plan: no mistakes. Falling to Inukai seemed to light a fire in the young warrior as he crushed International Champion William Hayes and Kazushige Matsuki in the following rounds. This all led up to Day 7; Inukai still hadn't dropped points whereas Kawashima had only dropped points to him and remained second in Block B. Sitting on 10 points, Kawashima's opponent on the last day was the last man you would want to see; "The Monster" Raymond Diaz. If Diaz was to win he would also reach 10 points and, as the winner of the head to head, would leapfrog Kawashima to qualification. The stakes were high. Diaz, the 2008 ELITE Series winner and 2010 Finalist, had been a victim of his own rage a few times in this years tournament but was still seen as a huge favourite. He had been through the fire many times and Kawashima, though fearless, was just too fresh. When the time came, Kawashima battled with all he had but Diaz was an overwhelming force - until Kawashima invoked some of Eisaku Kunomasu's signature manoeuvres. Incensed, "The Monster" began to chase Kawashima with reckless abandon - and ended up crashing into the guardrails, splitting his forehead open. With Diaz' own blood obscuring his vision, Kawashima began to break down the bigger man. When he hoisted the 150kg Diaz onto his shoulder and hit the Kawashima Driver '05, the capacity crowd in Nishinomiya erupted. Kozue Kawashima had reached his first ELITE Series semi-final.

FLIP A COIN

Block A in the 2011 ELITE Series was a testament to the PGHW roster; featuring the Glory Crown Champion, Glory Tag Crown Champions and 4 former ELITE Series winners, as well as the incredible force of Dread and Bali. Rather unsung in this group was Masaru Ugaki. The young technician had often been called the "Promised Prince" by puroresu magazines due as Yoshimi Mushashibo's lone protégé and had started to live up to that potential in recent years. An ELITE Tag Series 2008 victory at only 23 years old had been a coming out party, and reigning with Ryoma Muruyama as Glory Tag Crown champions for over a calendar year had cemented Ugaki as worthy of the hype. Ugaki earned his first ELITE Series appearance in 2010 where he impressed but finished in the middle of his block. In later 2010, despite falling short in the ELITE Tag Series and then losing the championships to Team Energy, Ugaki rebounded with a truly special performance against Team Toronto - singlehandedly dragging his team back from the brink to victory. Thus, Ugaki found himself in his second ELITE Series tournament. When the blocks were drawn, Ugaki was drawn to Block A. Considering the field, most thought the brooding Masaru wouldn't fare much better than last year.

With reigning Glory Crown holder Eisaku Kunomasu entering this years gauntlet compromised by injury, IRONPRIDE stablemates Nobuatsu Tatsuko and Mito Miwa were seen as favourites to qualify alongside PRIDE Koiso from the block. Their track records in PGHW have more than earned them that confidence and both men had seen somewhat of a renaissance in the last year. Their stated plan was to both qualify, win their semi-finals and meet once again in the final. After the amazing contest on Day 1, many salivated at the thought of a rematch of the 2006 Finals. "The Pride Warrior" Miwa picked up 6 points from 8 by Day 4. On that same day, "Iron Man" Tatsuko walked out for the main event against Masaru Ugaki. After defeating Ugaki's Team Cloud Sword in the ELITE Tag Series and for the Glory Tag Crown in December, Tatsuko's confidence was sky high. Ugaki was determined to do more than make up the numbers; over the next half hour, he displayed the resilience, skill and toughness that had made his mentor a legend in resisting Tatsuko's unrelenting attack, finding incredibly minor opponents and exploiting them and putting the legendary "Iron Man" in danger. As the clock ticked down, Tatsuko started building momentum but Ugaki survived - the 30 minute time limit enforced in all Group Stage bouts expired as Ugaki collapsed to the mat. This was the most gutsy performance of his young career; Tatsuko acknowledged it, patting Ugaki on the back as he held him to only 1 point.

Approaching Day 7, it seemed IRONPRIDE would have their goal manifest. Tatsuko, on 9 points, had already qualified - the only question was would it be in first or second? His old rival Mito Miwa had battled his way to 8 points - if he was to win on the final day he would end at the top of Block A. His opponent on Day 7? Masaru Ugaki. Just 2 nights before, Ugaki had scored the biggest win of his singles career, becoming only the 4th man in PGHW history to submit Eisaku Kunomasu; certainly the Glory Crown champion was still struggling with his ribs yet to actually submit him in the ELITE Series? A true feather in the cap surely, nonetheless this was an incomplete journey. Ugaki would have to climb another improbable peak only two days later by toppling another one of PGHW's pillars.

The air in the New Mei Sports Arena was thick with anticipation as Mito Miwa and Masaru Ugaki opened the final night of the Group Stage. Miwa was favoured unquestionably but Ugaki had proven more than anyone could have imagined in the past two weeks and the uncertainty was palpable. To the surprise of the crowd, Ugaki took control early with smooth chain wrestling sharpened by the Series. Miwa couldn't get a grasp on his highly focussed competitor, finding himself trapped on the mat or having his big suplexes or slams countered into different holds. Inevitably, Miwa did find daylight and smashed Ugaki with a Pride Bomber. Even more surprisingly, Ugaki kicked out. Miwa took over, although Ugaki was always threatening. With very little to separate them, they started throwing everything at each other. Both escaped attempts at their opponents signature submission moves and started throwing forearms with ruthless intent. Miwa got the best of that exchange but another big forearm seemed to inspire Ugaki - Arc Kick! Miwa was out on his feet, but fired up with that trademark Fighting Spirit, aiming for the Pride Bomber. Ugaki just ducked and as Miwa turned, he found Ugaki's shin on his temple with a second Arc Kick. Ugaki had another famous victory and, against the odds, qualified from Block A.

Later that night, Tatsuko fell to Kunomasu but already had 9 points to qualify - the same point total as Ugaki. Normally in this situation, the competitor who had won their head-to-head round would qualify as top of the group ...but Tatsuko and Ugaki had fought to a draw. Having never happened before, ELITE Series President Koryusai Kitoaji provided the fairest solution possible; flipping a 10円 coin. Tatsuko called - and lost. Amazingly, Masaru Ugaki would go top of Block A.

The semi-final stage was set. On one side we would see two PGHW Pillars fight to reach the ELITE Series Finals once more when Block B winner Shuji Inukai faced Block A runner-up Nobuatsu Tatsuko. On the other would be the two men heralded as the leaders of the next generation giving everything for the chance at the ultimate glory as Block A winner Masaru Ugaki was set to face Kozue Kawashima.

ELITE SERIES - DAY SEVEN
New Mei Sports Arena, Nishinomiya, Japan | 2011.03.15
Attendance: 10000 (Sell Out)

1. Masaru Ugaki def. Mito Miwa (22:38) via pinfall (Arc Kick) [97]
2. Shuji Inukai def. Kazushige Matsuki (7:43) via pinfall (Untouchable Lariat) [77]
3. Tetsunori Yasuda def. Art Reed (13:12) via pinfall (Minilla Plunge) [78]
4. Akinori Kwakami def. William Hayes (17:03) via submission (Kwakami Pain Lock) [79]
5. Kozue Kawashima def. Raymond Diaz (15:23) via pinfall (Kawashima Driver '05) [86]
6. Dread def. Noriyori Sanda (10:27) via pinfall (Repeater Dread Bomb) [78]
7. Bali def. PRIDE Koiso (22:11) via pinfall (Koiso Kutter) [98]
8. Eisaku Kunomasu def. Nobuatsu Tatsuko (26:25) via pinfall (Kombination) [94]

GRADE: 94

_______________________________________

ELITE SERIES SEMI-FINALS - DAY EIGHT
Nara Baseball Stadium, Nara, Japan | 2011.03.17
Attendance: 14747

SEMI FINAL #1
KOZUE KAWASHIMA vs. MASARU UGAKI

The idea of "PGHW XV" was truly alive in our first semi-final match. Beloved as the Pillars are, it is accepted that this time will not last forever. The next icons of PGHW must be nurtured but when the time comes, it rests on their shoulders to prove they belong. Kozue Kawashima and Masaru Ugaki had proven through this ELITE Series they were both worthy of taking up the mantle. The chance for both men to reach their first ever ELITE Series Final was not lost on either man - this is a hallowed ground few ever reach.

Ugaki started where he left off against Mito Miwa on Day 7 by dominating the early going with incredible chain wrestling and working over Kawashima on the mat, wearing down the neck and shoulders for the deadly Ugaki Clutch. Kawashima battled back, the fire that SUMMIT was known for beginning to take shape. Kawashima crashed into Ugaki's jaw and neck with sickening thuds from forearm and open-palm strikes before a half-nelson suplex that dropped Ugaki on his head. Dazed, Ugaki found himself set up for the final blow but slipped out into a rear-naked choke. Kawashima eventually used the corner to break the hold and kept the pressure on. Ugaki took a last gasp with an attempt at the Arc Kick that had beaten Mito Miwa but Kawashima caught it, turning into a Dragon Screw. Ugaki pulled himself up with difficulty. Though both men had a tough path, the announcers contemplated if Ugaki suffered as a result of the stacked competition in Block A or whether Kawashima was just a little more experienced and complete as Kozue pulled Ugaki into position - the Kawashima Driver '05 connected and the SUMMIT deputy had booked his ticket to Night of PRIDE.

KOZUE KAWASHIMA def. MASARU UGAKI (18:46)

_______________________________________

SEMI FINAL #2
SHUJI INUKAI vs. NOBUATSU TATSUKO

In the main event, two old foes would meet once again. After a self-professed disappointing 2010, "Untouchable" Shuji Inukai was in search of his 3rd ELITE Series victory, blitzing through Block B with a perfect 14 points. His adversary would be Nobuatsu Tatsuko, who had a tumultuous and gritty journey through Block A, finishing joint top and qualifying as runner-up on a coin flip. Tatsuko had an amazing last few months alongside Noriyori Sanda in the tag ranks; having just turned 40, the "Iron Man" wanted to show he could still stand on his own at the very highest level - and the highest level in professional wrestling is to win the ELITE Series. Tatsuko won the 2005 edition only 2 months after his singular Glory Crown reign ended; this year was time for him to enter the rare air occupied by the likes of Kitoaji, Mushashibo and indeed, Inukai by becoming a multiple winner of the ELITE Series and Glory Crown.

Two of PGHW's great Pillars stood in the centre of the ring at Nara Baseball Stadium, soaking in the moment. With their wealth of experience, they still knew that these moments are to be savoured. When the action began however, there was no time to breathe and take it in; instead, they both tried to end the match as soon as possible. Both men knew they'd have a heavy task to defeat the younger man Kawashima in the Finals. The longer the match duration and greater the damage received, the more difficult it would become. After the initial jostling for position, Inukai threw caution to the wind with an uncharacteristically early Untouchable Lariat that Tatsuko barely escaped. Tatsuko himself would try to set up a Tatsuko Driller with only 10 minutes gone, which Inukai countered with a knee to the top of the head before twisting Tatsuko into a Falcon Arrow that got a 2 count.

Though both legendary competitors were intent to get to Night of PRIDE as healthy and fresh as possible, the quality of opponent was just too high. Before they knew it, the 14373 in the stadium were watching a war of attrition. Had this been a Group Stage bout it would have reached time limit draw but in the semi-finals there must be a winner. More than anything else, both men wanted to be that winner tonight. In a match between true legends of Japanese wrestling, the margin for victory would always be slim. Inukai perhaps absorbed more punishment in this match than in all his matches through the group, his signature ability to withstand an inhuman amount of pain on display. Tatsuko moved forward like a bull, eating  hard strike to deliver two of his own. Eventually it was just too much as "Iron Man" finally dug deep to deliver the Tatsuko Driller and defeat Inukai. Nobuatsu Tatsuko had reached his 5th ELITE Series Final but still had work to do against the hungry, talented Kozue Kawashima at Night of PRIDE.

NOBUATSU TATSUKO def. SHUJI INUKAI (37:55)

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Following this devastating defeat, Inukai sat bewildered in the centre of the ring. He had stormed through his group undefeated but for the second year in a row he had been Dbeaten at the semi-final stage. His DYNASTY teammates Masaru Ugaki and Ryoma Muruyama made their way out to give some consolation to the PGHW icon, as Inukai returned the favour to Ugaki who had fallen in his semi-final also. Suddenly, however, they had a scourge making their way to the ringside area: DREAD:0 had arrived. The 6-man unit of Dread, Bryan Holmes, Danger Kumasaka, Masayuki Shiga and Naga-Mori spaced themselves around the ring. Dread, in a moment scarcely seen, took a microphone. "Inukai! My condolences. I know it hurts. Hurting people is my business. It is my ikigai. And I do it better than anyone in wrestling history has done it. Just ask your student Ugaki." Ugaki, who had suffered one of his group defeats to Dread stood firm, too smart to make any kind of aggressive move with the numbers against them but wanting to. "The ELITE Series is prestigious, yes. I wished to claim it myself - I did not. But you, a "Pillar" of this company, sits here with tears in your eyes. Needing comfort. Needing help. You feel sad? You know what I feel: anger. Rage. Hate. And I need to express my feelings ..."

Dread and his army slowly took steps towards the apron. The hulking gaijin pulled himself up as DYNASTY readied themselves - when the opening chords of music that had not been heard for quite some time hit. DREAD:0 turned to the ramp with the same disbelief as almost 15000 fans -

YOSHIMI MUSHASHIBOO!!!

The crowd are beside themselves as are the announcers. "I have never been one who loved talking unless there is a need so I will keep it brief. Dread, it looks like you and your friends came for a fight with my friends. After 19 months lost to time ...I am quite looking forward to a fight. Pick 3 of your thugs and the complete DYNASTY will see you for a fight in Kanagawa at Night of PRIDE."

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PRIDE TOUR | TOP 7 MATCHES

1. Nobuatsu Tatsuko def. PRIDE Koiso [99] | 2011.03.13 | Tokyo Civil Stadium
2. Mito Miwa def. Nobuatsu Tatsuko [99] | 2011.03.01 | Tokyo Civil Stadium
3. Bali def. PRIDE Koiso [98] | 2011.03.15 | New Mei Sports Arena
4. Masaru Ugaki def. Mito Miwa [97] | 2011.03.15 | New Mei Sports Arena
5. Eisaku Kunomasu def. Mito Miwa [96] | 2011.03.06 | Kanagawa Sports Field
6. Nobuatsu Tatsuko draw Masaru Ugaki (time limit) [96] | 2011.03.08 | Nagoya Sports Stadium
7. PRIDE Koiso def. Masaru Ugaki [96] | 2011.03.10 | Yamanashi Athletic Stadium

[newbiezness]

@Shmoe II I'm sorry to tell you again I can't see the pictures of the last show, but I thought you may want to know it.