Baba resigns; Mutoh becomes new president (2002/09/30)

[Hisaharu Tanabe]

(Well, this is nothing new, but I'll report it since it became official)

All Japan held the 30th anniversary party in Tokyo and announced the resignation of President Motoko Baba and promotion of Keiji Mutoh as the new president. As for the executive board, both Toshiaki Kawada and Masanobu Fuchi remain as the members, and Gen'ichiro Tenryu has been added as a new member. Fuchi said, "as long as Mutoh doesn't forget this is a group founded by Giant Baba, he can do anything he wants."

Mutoh also commented that he wants to have a "new generation Top Four meeting" with Masahiro Chono (New Japan executive), Mitsuharu Misawa (NOAH president), and Shin'ya Hashimoto (ZERO-ONE representative).

Hashimoto and K-1 producer Ishii also attended the party.

(source: Nikkan Sports)


42 years ago on the same day, both Giant Baba and Antonio Inoki had their debut matches.

[Stumpdriver2002]

Is Mutoh the "real" president of All Japan now, or simply a figurehead with Motoko still in charge behind the scenes? (I've heard both theories, I'm hoping soeone can clear that up) And, if Mutoh is really in power, will Motoko be taking any other administrative position within All Japan now, or has she retired for good?

[Hisaharu Tanabe]

According to her comments, Motoko will hold no responsibility in the office.

I don't know what will happen to "Giant Service" company that sells AJ merchandises, though.

[SpirituXBomba]

This would be very intersting to see How Mutoh runs the Organization now. & how he would be able to incorporate interpromotional matches with New Japan, Noah & Zero One. & quite possibly, the WWF(excuse me & Gaijin jargon)The WWE(lol). seriously, it will become quite interesting.

[Yoshimitsu]

hey, just a question is All Japan a public limited company?