01/04/2004 Wrestling World 2004

Well, I couldn't find this topic anywhere in the board. Hope I'm right.

Credit to SSS:

There are rumours of Hogan participating on WW 2004... with Tenzan nominating Hogan and Kobashi as his challengers... I think this might imply a title match on 01/04/2004. But, I'd rather have Tenzan v Kenta Kobashi... or Kojima... oh well...

Excerpt from SSS:

... Uei was quoted as saying, "I applied a trial-and-error method, but UC and K-1 fights failed. I want [New Japan] to return to complete professional wrestling rules." The main concept of the January Tokyo Dome show is expected to be New Japan against foreign enemies from various places. Hulk Hogan is on the new 1/4 poster (above), fueling rumours that he will in fact work the show.

here's the poster from SSS:
http://www.puroresufan.com/images/tours/010404b.jpg

Also, Fujinami is retiring... hats off to him.

I think its good that Fujinami is retiring considering that he hasn't wrestled in about a year.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Sofa Kingdom

I think its good that Fujinami is retiring considering that he hasn't wrestled in about a year.

---

Unfortunatly, Fujinami is being forced to resign by Inoki,... as president of New Japan,not just as an active wrestler. Riki Choshyu has even publicly critisized Inoki and New Japan managment for the treatment of Fujinami for FORCING him to retire. I'm sure a great deal of what Choshyu said was due to political reasons, as this is almost exactly what they did to him when he was forced to resign as head booker of New Japan and forced out of the company.

I wish Fujinami the best, as he truely deserves it.


T.R!

How can you force someone to retire? Seems kinda cutthroat to me.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Kinnikuman131

How can you force someone to retire? Seems kinda cutthroat to me.

---

Yes it does, because it is. Inoki who is once again the majority stock holder in New Japan can either have him fired, or they(being Inoki and his Croonies managing New Japan) can make it look civil in front of the media and have a big farewell for the truly great Fujinami. This would save some level of face for Fujinami,and Inoki won't look like a villian.


There is question as to if Fujinami would be forced to leave New Japan all together,which would also require him to sell HIS stock in New Japan,or if they will keep him on as an advisor in some capacity or in a purley figurehead position. There is also talk(but this is not comfirmed) that others in power in New Japan who are working for a pure "wrestliing"(no MMA) style in the company(read:Chono & Lyger) may also be facing a difficult time ahead. I won't go into the rumors because they are only rumors at this time. But if Fujinami is forced out compleatly,then this wouldn't be far fetched at all.


I'm still a fan of Inoki from his early ring career(I have a three tape career retospective of him and love it),and really respect what he has done for the sport,but he seems like he needs to flex his influential muscles because he can't let go of the fact that New Japan does not,and has not for several years, revolve around him. He just can't give up the spotlight. He was involved in so much outside the ring as well. But it seems as though he is really willing to damage or even risk destoying New Japan just to see things the way he wants/envisions then to be. He still feels he IS New Japan Pro Wrestling.

Nobody wants to feel old or left out but,very respectfully said,its time for Inoki to realize things and times change and they always will.


T.R!

IMO if wrestlers like Yoshiaki Fujiwara, Masanobu Fuchi and other wrestlers 40 or older can still tick in the sport, why not Fujinami? Personally this seems like Inoki positioning himself to try and take over New Japan and create what he wants out of it.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Pheonix_Chi25

IMO if wrestlers like Yoshiaki Fujiwara, Masanobu Fuchi and other wrestlers 40 or older can still tick in the sport, why not Fujinami? Personally this seems like Inoki positioning himself to try and take over New Japan and create what he wants out of it.

---

Well, as TR said it is his company and he can do whatever he wants.

Good luck to Fujinami.

Its hard to give up the spot light, but busting everything up so that your still in view is kinda sad.

I sure hope Fujinami forms that tag team with Tanahashi... That would rock... But this would pretty much mean that Nishimura & Tenzan defeat Yoshie & Tanahashi for the tag belts...

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by edgehead1984

Well, as TR said it is his company and he can do whatever he wants.

Good luck to Fujinami.

---

I do wish luck to Fujinami and you are right it is his company, it just seems like a lot of BS to me by Inoki

Credit to SSS...

Here is the list of wrestlers participating on the 1/04 Tokyo Dome... which I assume is the Wrestling World 2004.

Tatsumi Fujinami, Masahiro Chono, Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Yuji Nagata, Manabu Nakanishi, Osamu Nishimura, Takashi Iizuka, Josh Barnett, Yutaka Yoshie, Hiroshi Tanahashi, Blue Wolf, Shinsuke Nakamura, Hiro Saito, Tatsutoshi Goto, Michiyoshi Ohara (I'm surprised, given that he hasn't worked a date since August), Shinya Makabe, Jushin Thunder Liger, El Samurai, AKIRA (the return!?), Tiger Mask, Heat, Masayuki Naruse, Wataru Inoue, Jado, Gedo, Katsushi Takemura, Toru Yano, Ryusuke Taguchi, Naofumi Yamamoto, Hirooki Goto, Akiya Anzawa, Tadao Yasuda, Kazunari Murakami, Makai #1, Mitsuya Nagai, Katsuyori Shibata, Ryota Chikuzen, and the one and only Hulk Hogan. In addition, several wrestlers from outside of New Japan are in heavy negotiations to be on the show, possibilities including Keiji Muto, Bob Sapp, Hiroshi Hase.

This is a jumbo, jumbo, jumbo event.

Also, all this conspiracy talk on Inoki forcing Fujinami to resign may not be so true after all.

-- from SSS
New Japan and Antonio Inoki will at last unite again! New Japan today pledged it's full support to "INOKI BOM-BA-YE 2003", most of the roster showing up with President Fujinami at Narita Airport, where they met the departing Inoki. Chono asked though, that in return for New Japan's help on 12/31, Inoki appear at the Tokyo Dome on 1/4/04 and support his company by greeting fans. Inoki hasn't attended a New Japan show since the original "ULTIMATE CRUSH" on 5/2, but said New Japan is becoming interesting at last. He welcomed New Japan wrestlers working his show to raise their reputation to a huge mainstream audience, and said his show would be connected to 1/4, one being vale tudo and the other being professional wrestling. Inoki wants every New Japan wrestler to compete on 1/4, so that he can assess them all. Inoki plans to fly out to Croatia before anything else, and talk to Mirko Cro Cop.

Director Uei said New Japan would also dispatch wrestlers to "K-1 DYNAMITE!!" on New Year's Eve, but will no longer support PRIDE in any way, so no one will be sent there. Josh Barnett, Tiger Mask, Masayuki Naruse (who took a copy of Weekly Pro, and held the cover up to Inoki, which had Takada doing his anti-Inoki speech), Toru Yano, Tsuyoshi Kosaka, and Dolgorsuren Sumiyabazar have all offered to fight on either of the shows. Chono said Inoki's show would be part of pro wrestling's rehabilitation, as it'd show that pro wrestlers never refuse a good challenge. He thinks the show can overthrow NHK's extremely popular "Red & White" New Year's Eve broadcast (which features singing from celebrities), and said the year would end not with a song, but with fighting. Nagata confidently claimed that New Japan wrestlers would finish completely undefeated on 12/31. New Japan now holds an important place in the biggest night in fighting history. Yoshihiro Takayama is leading candidate to fight the mighty Cro Cop on Inoki's show. The money offer must be really good...

Fujinami has called a meeting at New Japan's dojo for all wrestlers associated with the company. Fujinami wants to discuss the 1/4 Tokyo Dome event and ideas with all affiliated wrestlers. With Inoki consenting and encouraging Fujinami's plan from recently, it looks like much of New Japan's immense roster will be on the 1/4 show.

-- Looks like Fujinami and Inoki are good buddies as well as NJ as Inoki. If they can pull off this jumbo event, this could be a dream event. Can they put all the titles on the line here?

I opted to make a new post because my previous post was simply very long...

Anyway...

Credit to SSS:

Genichiro Tenryu has expressed his interest in joining the 1/04 event. This could be very good for the jumbo show. Is this going to last the whole day or something?

Also, Tenzan is interested in giving Chono a title shot. Since Chono is aiming at a 1/04 come-back, does this mean his come-back match could be an IWGP title shot against Tenzan? That's, of course, assuming Tenzan does romp all over Shinsuke in his V1 defense.

WOW!

I guess Tenryu's not retiring...yet. As for Tenzan/Nakamura, Tenzan will win but Nakamura san will give Tenzan hell and then some. Nakamura can go, as well as Tenzan. This should go at least 20-30 minute mark with Tenzan pulling out the win.

More news on Tenryu from SSS... Tenryu has severed ties on WJ and is looking forward to either Seiji Sakaguchi or Yuji Nagata as his opponent on the 1/04 show.

Chono has said that he'll trim the number of matches to around 15 (5 dark matches and 10 fight card event).

This may be a let down for a jumbo event, but it's a sensible decision.

I think this will turn into a 2 day 2 event affair.

Liger has challenged "Kurt Angle Jr." Takashi Suguira for a GHC Jr. Title match for the Dome show.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by edgehead1984

Liger has challenged "Kurt Angle Jr." Takashi Suguira for a GHC Jr. Title match for the Dome show.

---

Who's Kurt Angle Jr.? I'm not so adept in the NoAH roster...

I think Hogan won't be able to compete on the Dome show because of his nagging injuries. I think I read this somewhere, but I can't remember where and when... sorry. Treat this bit of info as little as a grain of salt.

Kurt Angle Jr. is Takashi Suguira he's called that because he uses the Olympic Slam as his finisher.

Hogan is out until March or April at the earliest.

Well I sutre hope that Liger wins, cause if he doesn't, his stock will go down...

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by edgehead1984

Liger has challenged "Kurt Angle Jr." Takashi Suguira for a GHC Jr. Title match for the Dome show.

---

The match is now official.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by niniendo warrior

Who's Kurt Angle Jr.? I'm not so adept in the NoAH roster...

I think Hogan won't be able to compete on the Dome show because of his nagging injuries. I think I read this somewhere, but I can't remember where and when... sorry. Treat this bit of info as little as a grain of salt.

---

There is a section on the NOAH board where I call Suguira "Kurt Angle Jr." I like him and his style. And if you look at it his style is somewhat reminicent to that of Kurt's. :D

Fujinami says he won't be in a match in the 01/04 dome event. He says he has a disease that prevents him from doing so and goes further by saying that he may retire without a retirement match.

Goodbye Fujinami and good luck in your future endeavors.

--------------------------
Overall update so far on Jan 4, 2004 Tokyo Dome show
--------------------------

GHC Jr. Title: Takashi Sugiura (c) vs Jushin Thunder Lyger
Kensuke Sasaki vs Yuji Nagata
NWF & IWGP Unification: Shinsuke Nakamura vs Yoshihiro Takayama

====================

Genichiro Tenryu is confirmed on the Dome show and is allowed to choose his opponent. He originally wanted Nakamura but is now considering options.

UPDATE-> Tenryu is 100% confirmed for the Dome show!

Misawa's appearance on the NJ Dome show is still a big question mark.

Keiji Mutoh's appearance is still not confirmed nor is it denied.

UPDATE-> Keiji Mutoh is 100% confirmed for the Dome show. He has been thinking about his opponent and would love to face either Shinsuke Nakamura or Hiroshi Tanahashi. The latter is more likely to happen.

ALSO! Bob Sapp is confirmed on the Dome show... This is turning big... maybe we'll see Bob Sapp vs Osamu Nishimura (JUST MY SPECULATION!)...

Credit on SSS.

final card

credit SSS:

NJPW "WRESTLING WORLD 2004", 1/4/04 (WPW/NJ+IWTV Internet)
Tokyo Dome

1. Match featuring the winners of two singles matches on 12/27 (two of Ryusuke Taguchi, Naofumi Yamamoto, Hirooki Goto & Akiya Anzawa)
2. IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Title: Jado & Gedo (c) vs. Heat & Tiger Mask
3. GHC Jr. Heavyweight Title: Takashi Sugiura (c) vs. Jushin Thunder Liger
4. U-30 Openweight Title: Hiroshi Tanahashi (c) vs. Yutaka Yoshie
5. Josh Barnett & Takashi Iizuka vs. Kazunari Murakami & Katsuyori Shibata
6. Osamu Nishimura vs. Minoru Suzuki
7. Manabu Nakanishi vs. Genichiro Tenryu
8. Yuji Nagata vs. Kensuke Sasaki
9. Masahiro Chono Return Match: Masahiro Chono & Hiroyoshi Tenzan vs. Keiji Muto & Bob Sapp
10. Unification Match - IWGP Heavyweight Title & NWF Heavyweight Title: Shinsuke Nakamura (c) vs. Yoshihiro Takayama (c)

Credit from SSS:

Notes from the 1/4 press conference, which was attended by Director Uei, Chono, Nakamura (with short hair), Nagata, and Yoshie.

- Uei said that after keeping fans waiting due to negotiations, they were able to get the card out. New Japan changed the topic from "all matches" to "main matches". Uei said there will be 90 minutes worth of dark matches before the show from 1:30pm~3:00pm involving young wrestlers, veterans, and juniors, but that the young lion opener wouldn't be a dark match, as it is significant and important to "New Japan pure pro", representing the traditional young fighters opening match.

- Chono said that although the biggest night in fighting history on 12/31 had captured so much attention, New Japan would show superior fighting, that of professional wrestling, on 1/4. Chono called Sapp a "green boy", and called him the weakest wrestler of the Team 2000 vs. Team W-1 match.

- Nagata is still not happy about Kensuke being allowed back, but is intent on liquidating him from New Japan now. There will be no outside stoppages, preventing the possibility of another infamous "Dragon Stop" (the name given to the disasterous incident where President Fujinami stopped Hashimoto vs. Choshu three years ago). Nagata said he would "crush that guy [Kensuke] perfectly" at the Tokyo Dome.

- Yoshie said that he turns 30 one day after the Tokyo Dome event, and that he would win the U-30 Openweight Title from Tanahashi, then defend it until he is no longer allowed (that being 1/5/05, when he turns 31). Yoshie brought up how Tanahashi defeated him in the G2 U-30 Climax semi final round on 4/18 at Korakuen, and is determined to avenge that loss.

- Nakamura conceded that both he and Takayama could enter 1/4 bruised and battered, as both will be in tough fights on 12/31 (though Cro Cop will not fight on 12/31 now according to a statement released today, so Takayama may have to fight someone else). Nakamura insisted he would push down Takayama and unify the belts.

This card sounds like a lot of fun...

Nakamura > Takayama (anything else wouldn't make sense)
Muto & Sapp > Chono & Tenzan (you know the rule...)
Nagata > Sasaki (he wouldn't have it any other way with reason)
Nakanishi > Tenryu (could go either way, if Tenryu signs anything is possible...)

I also expect Yoshie to defeat Tanahashi, Liger to defeat Sugiura, and Jado & Gedo to keep the titles from Heat & Tiger Mask although Tiger & Heat winning the titles wouldn't be an upset...

The way I see it:

Heat & TM IV over Jado & Gedo to get rid of these two losers and NJ for some reason likes their Jr champ to also be a Jr tag champ of late

Liger beats Sugiura to set up KENTA or Marafuji GHC reclaim match

Tanahashi over Yoshie, tough one to call as each have a lot to lose, Tanashi has less to win, but with a possible GHC match coming up, he wins this, though a Yoshi win would seem smart for NJ and its future

Another tough call, but I see Barnett over Murakami in this, or maybe Shibara over Iizuka, hmmm, no, Barnett wins, bounty next? IWGP shot? Should be a fun match either way. Shibata could get hige boost with win, and help NJ's youth movement, so that's always a possibilty

MiSuzuki rolls on with win over Nish to set up big title match between Nish/Ten and MiSuzuki and his partner, either Sapp or Nakamura down the road

Tenryu pounds the slumping Nakanishi as he has bigger fish to fry. Man has anyone sucked more than Nakanishi this past year?

In the battle between over-hyped, over-rated and over-pushed former IWGP champs, Sasaki wins to set up future put over of IWGP champ, and later lies down for Nagata too. I'm sick of both these guys and could care less who wins, but a Sasaki win here and Nakamura/Tanahashi defense of NJ somewhere soon ahead would be the smartest thing to do with Sasaki, but with NJ, the smart way isn't always seen so clearly

Sapp & Mutoh over Tenzan & Chono, with Sapp defeating Chono by exploiting his injuries. This should completely suck as far as the match goes, but draw a butt load of people who will be more entertained by their entrances than their wrestling

Go Nakamura! Everything else has been speculated on before, so we should just wait and see what happens on 12/31, then hope NJ does right on 1/4. Could turn out great and Super Nova the promotion, or possible bury any and all credibility the IWGP Title holds.

From SSS: Maybe not so related to the 01/04 show but this covers Nakamura, Tanahashi and Takayama, all of which are participants of the Dome show.

New Japan picked up numerous awards at this year's Japanese Pro Wrestling Grand Prix Awards, determined by magazine and newspaper writers. As expected, Shinsuke Nakamura won the "Best Newcomer Prize", after an incredible year, in which he became the youngest IWGP Heavyweight Champion ever and gained entrance to the G1 Climax before his rookie year was complete. Nakamura thanked the writers for his award, and said next year he would do his best to pick up a bigger award. Hiroshi Tanahashi's passion and heart in the ring was not overlooked, as he took the "Fighting Spirit Award". Tanahashi said he was climbing the stairs of a pro wrestler step by step, and next year wants to aim for the MVP award. Tanahashi said that since he will continue evolving as a pro wrestler at a quick speed, he would like continuing support from fans. Seiji Sakaguchi received a "Special Prize" for his successful comeback, which overfilled the Nagoya Rainbow Hall in September. Sakaguchi said he was proud of being able to become the center of attention for one more night at his age. Yoshihiro Takayama's exploits as Japanese wrestling's ace for much of the year, which saw him hold both the IWGP & NWF Heavyweight titles wasn't overlooked either, as he was named the MVP of the industry by writers for 2003. Takayama announced plans to advance upon the WWE in 2004.

With Nakamura aiming to get bigger awards, no doubt he has to beat Takayama next year. This IS the ONLY logical step, IMO. He loses, then screw NJ!

Tanahashi wants to be MVP and losing the U-30 title isn't a big deal to what he has already accomplished. Besides, Yutaka Yoshie is pretty much deserving of the title too (until next year, that is...)

If Nakamura beats Takayama, I want him to face Barnett. Then, I want Barnett to win. Then, Barnett faces Tenryu(?) and beats the legend... and then, beats Chono... then loses to Tenzan. THERE! I said it... Tenzan must get the gold back!!!!

Tanahashi is one of the wrestlers I really look forward to. He's performance this year is really great.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by niniendo warrior

From SSS: Maybe not so related to the 01/04 show but this covers Nakamura, Tanahashi and Takayama, all of which are participants of the Dome show.

New Japan picked up numerous awards at this year's Japanese Pro Wrestling Grand Prix Awards, determined by magazine and newspaper writers. As expected, Shinsuke Nakamura won the "Best Newcomer Prize", after an incredible year, in which he became the youngest IWGP Heavyweight Champion ever and gained entrance to the G1 Climax before his rookie year was complete. Nakamura thanked the writers for his award, and said next year he would do his best to pick up a bigger award. Hiroshi Tanahashi's passion and heart in the ring was not overlooked, as he took the "Fighting Spirit Award". Tanahashi said he was climbing the stairs of a pro wrestler step by step, and next year wants to aim for the MVP award. Tanahashi said that since he will continue evolving as a pro wrestler at a quick speed, he would like continuing support from fans. Seiji Sakaguchi received a "Special Prize" for his successful comeback, which overfilled the Nagoya Rainbow Hall in September. Sakaguchi said he was proud of being able to become the center of attention for one more night at his age. Yoshihiro Takayama's exploits as Japanese wrestling's ace for much of the year, which saw him hold both the IWGP & NWF Heavyweight titles wasn't overlooked either, as he was named the MVP of the industry by writers for 2003. Takayama announced plans to advance upon the WWE in 2004.

With Nakamura aiming to get bigger awards, no doubt he has to beat Takayama next year. This IS the ONLY logical step, IMO. He loses, then screw NJ!

Tanahashi wants to be MVP and losing the U-30 title isn't a big deal to what he has already accomplished. Besides, Yutaka Yoshie is pretty much deserving of the title too (until next year, that is...)

If Nakamura beats Takayama, I want him to face Barnett. Then, I want Barnett to win. Then, Barnett faces Tenryu(?) and beats the legend... and then, beats Chono... then loses to Tenzan. THERE! I said it... Tenzan must get the gold back!!!!

Tanahashi is one of the wrestlers I really look forward to. He's performance this year is really great.

---

Still Can't believe TanaYoshie are no more :(

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Pheonix_Chi25

Still Can't believe TanaYoshie are no more :(

---

Better get used to it. I think this really had to happen so that the Tanahashi-Nagata team would become a main stay. They can then gun for the IWGP tag titles pretty soon.

Meanwhile, here's some update on the dome show... credit from SSS.

<Chono wants the main event>
At a comic book autograph session today, Chono revealed a plan today for his dream tag match on 1/4 to seize the main event slot. Chono said Takayama vs. Nakamura would degrade the Tokyo Dome main event concept, as neither is a big enough name at the moment to headline the Tokyo Dome against the other. He thinks his reunion match with Muto (and also Chono's return match from his injury), a bout also featuring Sapp and Tenzan, should be the main event due to the superior star power. When asked if a relationship between New Japan and All Japan was forming, Chono said, "It's not related. The relationship is between Muto and I." This match comes close to the 20th anniversary of Muto and Chono's debuts (against each other), and since Muto won their debut match, Chono wants to win this one.

<Nakamura Takayama match signing>
Shinsuke Nakamura or Yoshihiro Takayama. One of these two men will lead New Japan and be called the true ace by the end of "WRESTLING WORLD 2004". New Japan's two main champions attended a signing ceremony for January's historic match, when both the IWGP Heavyweight and NWF Heavyweight titles will be unified. After losing the IWGP throne to Tenzan, Takayama was planning to hand back the NWF belt, but the prospect of a unification match at the "Japanese Wrestlemania" in January gave him renewed enthusiasm to defend it. Takayama started the interview by apologizing for his lateness, saying he had to catch a taxi. Takayama pointed out how he wanted to defend the IWGP Heavyweight Title against U-30 generation members when he was champion, but didn't expect Nakamura to actually win the belt. He said after he unifies the titles, he will continue to defend NWF and make IWGP a decoration at one of New Japan's Toukon Shop branches. Nakamura said two belts would become one when he won the match. His plan is to "dissolve" the NWF Heavyweight Title into the IWGP Heavyweight Title, and strengthen the IWGP tradition by doing so. They were asked to give impressions on each other, and Takayama called Nakamura "an amazing fighter", and looks forward to facing him again. Nakamura revealed that Takayama had been his target for a while now, and with two losses to the big man in his rookie year, is looking to show his growth as a wrestler by beating him on the highest stage on 1/4. Takayama said he thinks their match will be his "heaviest title match" so far. Both men put pen to paper, making the match official.

Also, Fujinami is thinking of having a retirement match against Antonio Inoki... speculated to be either in the dome show or on Inoki-Bom-Ba-Ye at 12/31.

Inoki Vs. Fujinami, that would the bomb NW. These are two of Puro's greatest warriors, and might I add that Fujinami looks cool with the Goatee going on. I would pay to watch this one.

I'd also like to see Chono/Tenzan Vs. Sapp/Takayama, but for Chono to say Takayama Vs. Nakamura is a "disgrace", I take it as wait and see :)

It's Chono/Tenzan v Sapp/Mutoh... if I'm not mistaken. With the unification match between Tak and Nak...

I think Chono's statements regarding the unification title match as a 'disgrace' is not nice. The fact that the title match is in the main event points to the significance of those belts.

But, I like the developments so far and Fujinami against Inoki is going to be a biggy, IF it ever pushes through.

Here's an update credit of SSS:
<NOTE: only an excerpt>
New Japan completed it's year with the traditional "DREAM * WIN" event at Korakuen Hall. As always, the show strongly emphasized New Japan's youth system, with a U-30 generation member featured in every match. Antonio Inoki made his first public appearance in a New Japan ring since the 5/2 Tokyo Dome show (and first appearance at a New Japan Korakuen show in about fifteen years), surprising fans by showing up after the second match! Inoki said to his disciple, President Fujinami, "Shall we have your retirement match at Bom-Ba-Ye?", and handed him a ticket. Fujinami smiled, and in return handed Inoki a ticket for New Japan's 1/4 Tokyo Dome show. It's still not clear where Fujinami will retire, but he will be at "INOKI BOM-BA-YE", while Inoki will be at "WRESTLING WORLD 2004". Inoki said that New Japan's Tokyo Dome show would "rise" just like the fighting arts shows on 12/31, and rounded off his interview with a customary "1-2-3-DAA!"...

UPDATE on Nishimura v Minoru Suzuki from SSS:

Osamu Nishimura and Minoru Suzuki held a press conference this afternoon to discuss their Tokyo Dome singles match on 1/4. Both men received teachings from Strong Style legend, Karl Gotch, and as a result respect each other. They shook hands firmly, and spoke to the media. Suzuki said he and Nishimura share the same lineage, but sees some inconsistencies in Mr. Muga's beliefs. He spoke of how Nishimura declares the Makai Club "evil" commonly, yet doesn't do the same for young people (wrestlers?) with pierced ears and tattoos. Suzuki said the "starting point" of pro wrestling fighting was his style, and plans to use it to defeat Nishimura on 1/4. He thinks he knows Nishimura's weak points, and plans to utilize his Gotch training to exploit them. The press mentioned that Nishimura had mastered a "tie style" backslide and aims to use it, but Suzuki isn't concerned. He said that since Nishimura's arms are soft, he'll use armbarring techniques for submissions. He hasn't ruled out using his reverse drop/sleeper hold combination to end the match, but thinks an armbar will get the job done. Finally, Suzuki said he is willing to enter "Nishimura World" and beat Nishimura in what will be one of the oldest style matches in recent history.

Despite their similar training from Gotch, Nishimura thinks they wrestle completely different technical styles, saying there is a "180 degree difference". Although he preaches "Gotch-ism", Nishimura explained that his training overseas was was not only from Gotch, but also from Dean Malenko and the late Hiro Matsuda, who he was the last student of. Of course, despite their different styles, they both understand the fundemental qualities of Gotch-ism, and Nishimura said they would unite to put on a great match. Nishimura said another difference between he and Suzuki is that he goes for pinfalls, and Suzuki only ever pins if his opponent refuses to submit to his sleeper hold. Regarding his "tie style" backslide, Nishimura said he got inspiration for it while receiving a "tie style" massage. He wants to debut the move at the Tokyo Dome. Two of the premier technical wrestlers on the planet will meet at the Tokyo Dome, which Karl Gotch successor will leave victorious?

The card for the competition of Wrestling World 2004

Hustle-1 2004

1. Mil Mascaras, Dos Caras, Dos Caras Jr. & Sicodelico Jr. vs. Tom Howard, Steve Corino, Low-Ki & Dusty Rhodes
2. Four Way Dance: MIKAMI vs. Jun Kasai vs. Mikey Whipwreck vs. King Adamo
3. Zebra Man vs. Ikuto Hidaka
4. Shinjiro Otani & Masato Tanaka vs. The Predator & Kevin Randleman
5. Satoshi Kojima vs. Joe Son
6. Toshiaki Kawada vs. Mark Coleman
7. Shinya Hashimoto vs. Vader
8. Naoya Ogawa vs. Bill Goldberg


Ogawa vs. Goldberg, who will be the first to sell a move???

Hashimoto vs. Vader, IT'S VADER TIME!!!!! Hashimoto better lose...

Why does Mutoh/Hashimoto/DSE feel that Kawada must go against another shooter. When will it end???

if i were in tokyo that day id say screw New Japan, let it be 1989 again! Vader vs. Hashimoto, never thought i'd see that agin. Any bets?

Personally, I would rather see Vader stiff Goldberg mercilessly, but thats just me;)

Vader vs. Hashimoto sounds cool though

Results so far on the Wrestling World 2004.

credit to SSS:

Nakamura vs. Ignashov was officially ruled a no contest by K-1 at the Tokyo Dome! They are going to begin negotiations on a rematch in Spring.

NJPW "WRESTLING WORLD 2004", 1/4/04 (WPW/NJ+IWTV Internet)
Tokyo Dome

1. Hirooki Goto beat Naofumi Yamamoto (6:21) with a crab hold.
2. Katsushi Takemura beat El Samurai (6:53) with a moonsault press.
3. Makai #1, Mitsuya Nagai, Ryushi Yanagisawa & Ryota Chikuzen beat Enson Inoue, Hiro Saito, Tatsutoshi Goto & Michiyoshi Ohara (11:55) when Nagai used the Hyper Knee Tiger on Goto.
4. Shinya Makabe & Toru Yano beat Blue Wolf & Wataru Inoue (10:18) when Makabe used a German suplex hold on Inoue.
5. Masayuki Naruse beat Tadao Yasuda (2:09) by DQ.
5a. Masayuki Naruse beat Tadao Yasuda (0:30) by referee stop.
6. Ryusuke Taguchi beat Akiya Anzawa (4:53) with a dropkick.
7. IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Title: Jado & Gedo (c) beat Heat & Tiger Mask (17:15) when Gedo used a Superfly splash on Heat (1st defense).
8. GHC Jr. Heavyweight Title: Jushin Thunder Liger beat Takashi Sugiura (c) (17:52) with an avalanche-style brainbuster to become the 8th champion.
9. U-30 Openweight Title: Hiroshi Tanahashi (c) beat Yutaka Yoshie (17:06) with a Dragon suplex hold (6th defense).

no results yet for the rest.
10. Josh Barnett & Takashi Iizuka vs. Kazunari Murakami & Katsuyori Shibata
11. Osamu Nishimura vs. Minoru Suzuki
12. Manabu Nakanishi vs. Genichiro Tenryu
13. Yuji Nagata vs. Kensuke Sasaki
14. Masahiro Chono Return Match: Masahiro Chono & Hiroyoshi Tenzan vs. Keiji Muto & Bob Sapp
15. Unification Match - IWGP Heavyweight Title & NWF Heavyweight Title: Shinsuke Nakamura (c) vs. Yoshihiro Takayama (c)

This is a great show indeed. Watched some of the images... looks great.

I don't see what's so special about Bob Sapp. I watched a Muto/Sapp match and it completely sucked (moreso on Bob's end then on Keiji's). He's like Japan's version of Mark Henry.

more results:

credit sss:

Fan voting (through their phones) progress from 1/4: High evaluation for Gedo & Tiger Mask. Super evaluation for Liger. An amazing 95%+ positive evaluation for Josh. Negative evaluation for K-1 producer.

Fujinami appeared in his ring gown, and asked for Inoki to come out and continue their 12/31 situation. Inoki didn't show up, leaving Fujinami with a sad expression on his face. Ring announcer Tanaka announced that Fujinami would go to hospital tomorrow and have an operation. Inoki appeared on the monitor and told Fujinami to heal up and get back in the ring. Tanahashi entered the ring and pleaded with Fujinami not to retire. Fujinami declared a full comeback revival! The Dragon will not retire, and will return to New Japan action when he has recovered! He left the ring to his famous "Dragon Suplex" theme, and the legend will return in 2004!

Nakanishi is entering in Chono-style tights, sporting a new look. THE WILD BEAST IS BACK!!! Kensuke fought a "large heel fight", and beat Nagata into a bloody mess. Nagata morphed into killer mode, destroying Kensuke with a high kick, and using a prolonged Nagata Lock III for the victory. Said to be awesome. HUGE pop for Muto when he entered the ring. Chono entered with a new remixed theme to mark his return.

10. Josh Barnett & Takashi Iizuka beat Kazunari Murakami & Katsuyori Shibata (16:04) when Barnett used a Captured buster on Murakami.
11. Osamu Nishimura beat Minoru Suzuki (9:39) with a backslide.
12. Manabu Nakanishi beat Genichiro Tenryu (10:20) with a Fisherman suplex hold.
13. Yuji Nagata beat Kensuke Sasaki (12:10) by referee stop.

14. Masahiro Chono Return Match: Keiji Muto & Bob Sapp beat Masahiro Chono & Hiroyoshi Tenzan (21:00) when Sapp used a powerbomb on Tenzan.

Last match left:

15. Unification Match - IWGP Heavyweight Title & NWF Heavyweight Title: Shinsuke Nakamura (c) vs. Yoshihiro Takayama (c)

Final Result... credit from SSS:

NJPW "WRESTLING WORLD 2004", 1/4/04 (WPW/NJ+IWTV Internet)
Tokyo Dome

1. Hirooki Goto beat Naofumi Yamamoto (6:21) with a crab hold.
2. Katsushi Takemura beat El Samurai (6:53) with a moonsault press.
3. Makai #1, Mitsuya Nagai, Ryushi Yanagisawa & Ryota Chikuzen beat Enson Inoue, Hiro Saito, Tatsutoshi Goto & Michiyoshi Ohara (11:55) when Nagai used the Hyper Knee Tiger on Goto.
4. Shinya Makabe & Toru Yano beat Blue Wolf & Wataru Inoue (10:18) when Makabe used a German suplex hold on Inoue.
5. Masayuki Naruse beat Tadao Yasuda (2:09) by DQ.
5a. Masayuki Naruse beat Tadao Yasuda (0:30) by referee stop.
6. Ryusuke Taguchi beat Akiya Anzawa (4:53) with a dropkick.
7. IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Title: Jado & Gedo (c) beat Heat & Tiger Mask (17:15) when Gedo used a Superfly splash on Heat (1st defense).
8. GHC Jr. Heavyweight Title: Jushin Thunder Liger beat Takashi Sugiura (c) (17:52) with an avalanche-style brainbuster to become the 8th champion.
9. U-30 Openweight Title: Hiroshi Tanahashi (c) beat Yutaka Yoshie (17:06) with a Dragon suplex hold (6th defense).
10. Josh Barnett & Takashi Iizuka beat Kazunari Murakami & Katsuyori Shibata (16:04) when Barnett used a Captured buster on Murakami.
11. Osamu Nishimura beat Minoru Suzuki (9:39) with a backslide.
12. Manabu Nakanishi beat Genichiro Tenryu (10:20) with a Fisherman suplex hold.
13. Yuji Nagata beat Kensuke Sasaki (12:10) by referee stop.
14. Masahiro Chono Return Match: Keiji Muto & Bob Sapp beat Masahiro Chono & Hiroyoshi Tenzan (21:00) when Sapp used a powerbomb on Tenzan.


Inoki appeared before the main event, posing, I believe, as a camera man.

NAKAMURA SEALS ANTONIO INOKI'S NWF HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE AND BECOMES THE UNDISPUTED ACE AS IWGP HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION!

15. Unification Match - IWGP Heavyweight Title & NWF Heavyweight Title: Shinsuke Nakamura (c) beat Yoshihiro Takayama (c) (13:55) with a chickenwing armlock (1st defense) to become the 18th NWF Heavyweight Champion.

This is what I expected if NJPW had any respect left for Nakamura and the IWGP title. Hoorah!!!

Congratulations to Nakamura for sealing the two belts together, now the big question is, WHO'S NEXT.

Also Liger adds another belt to his pantheon, congratulations.

What is Chono thinking letting Sapp get the victory!!!!

BTW here's the Hustle-1 results from puroresupower.com

1. Low Ki defeated King Adamo, Kyohei Mikami, & Jun Kasai in 7 minutes, 3 seconds when Ki used a Ki-Crusher on Kasai for the win.

2. Zebraman defeated Ikuto Hidaka in 6 minutes, 54 seconds with a Zebra Bomb.

3. Satoshi Kojima & Kaz Hayashi defeated Dos Caras Jr. & El Solar in 13 minutes, 53 seconds when Kojima used a lariat on Solar for the win.

4. The Predator & Kevin Randleman defeated Masato Tanaka & Shinjiro Ohtani in 14 minutes, 41 seconds when Predator used a King Kong Buster on Tanaka for the win.

5. Giant Silva defeated Kohei Sato & Katsuhisa Fujii in 2 minutes, 18 seconds when Silva used a chokeslam on Sato for the win.

6. Shin'ya Hashimoto defeated Vader by countout in 9 minutes, 59 seconds.

7. Mil Mascaras, Dos Caras Sr., & Sicodelico Jr. defeated Dusty Rhodes, Tom Howard, & Steve Corino in 13 minutes, 10 seconds when Mascaras used a flying body attack on Corino for the three count.

8. Toshiaki Kawada defeated Mark Coleman in 6 minutes, 7 seconds by referee stoppage with a heel-hold for the referee stoppage.

9. Bill Goldberg defeated Naoya Ogawa in 12 minutes, 49 seconds after a Jackhammer and spear.

Credit from SSS:

Nakamura has ended the existence of the NWF title as this seems to be absorbed already in the IWGP title, supposedly raising its rank. Josh Barnett got a lot of praise for his match as fans were given the chance to evaluate each match through their phones. K-1 producer apologized and looked to negotiate for a rematch between Alexey Ignashov and Shinsuke Nakamura. Tatsumi Fujinami will not retire as he was convinced by Inoki and Tanahashi to come back. Keiji Mutoh hinted at more returns to NJPW while Tenzan vowed revenge on Sapp.

Inoki also appeared before the mainevent. This appears to unify both Inoki and NJPW (my opinion).

Praised by many to be the best Dome show in a long time, the Wrestling World 2004 is a success.

Wow, Ogawa doing the job!

I think that it's worth seing the event