[New Japan] 2004/11/13 Osaka Dome "Toukon Matsuri" (Fighting Spirit Festival)

[Sliced Bread #2]

Antonio Inoki stated today that he wants the fans’ opinion of what they want to see on 11/13 at the Osaka Dome and that New Japan will have some type of lottery where at least one match will be picked by the fans.

[Credit: KrisZ]

[Luds]

Hopefully, none of them will say "Give us an MMA fighter defeating Sasaki for the IWGP strap, then no show and only defend once or twice, act like an idiot, no sell, get injured and drop the strap in 6 months..."

[DANGEROUS DAN]

Sasaki as champ is a dual edged sword to me. He has the credibility, yet he is a freelancer who would/could simply vacate the strap if he doesn't want to put someone over. But really besides Tenzan, who is worthy that is under NJ contract that isn't busted up?

Chono is a tired act to me. But obviously is still over to endearing NJ fans.

Is Nagata a freelancer or is he still under contract?

[Black_Flag_Of_Ulster]

Hopefully, none of them will say "Give us an MMA fighter defeating Sasaki for the IWGP strap, then no show and only defend once or twice, act like an idiot, no sell, get injured and drop the strap in 6 months..."

Inoki might call in himself saying that and then say "See, I only gave them what they wanted!"

[Sliced Bread #2]

The fans want Nakamura vs. Sasaki for the IWGP Heavyweight Title.

[Tradewynd]

No way, the fans want the man himself to become a 3 time 3 time 3 time IWGP Heavyweight Champion...Scott Flash Norton! JURASSIC POWER 4 LIFE!

[edgehead1984]

Nagata is under contract...Inoki would fix the vote...

[Tradewynd]

Assuming that Inoki did fix the vote, do you guys think the fans would "demand" that Inoki be champion again the same way that American fans "demanded" Hogan be Champion last time? Inokimania could be running wild all over again! Maybe even a rematch with Ali for the IWGP Title in a Jungle Death Match...I'm demanding it already! Imagine the possibilities, all in the name of democracy...

If Inoki was going to break his retirement I would like to think he would smart enough to advertise it well in advance and not make it a surprise on a show that's probably going to lose New Japan a minimum of six figures without a miracle, but what do I know, the shows I book only make 4-5 figures. But, they don't call Inoki Kami-sama for nothing. Maybe when he comes out the entranceway they will even have water poured all over it so the press can claimed he walked on water before breaking his retirement, giving the magazines a headlines like "*** Walks On Water For The Second Time In History."

Nagata is under contract for now. Did he sign a long term deal when Muto jumped? Or was it just a raise for that year? Because if he didn't sign a multi-year deal he'll be a free agent at the end of January. Which means he could be free to join Kawada taking a Hustle down the King's Road...

[Pheonix_Chi25]

Nakamura Vs. Sasaki? Of all things I was hoping it would have been Tenzan getting his rightful, and well overdue, shot at the Title.

But as we all have known, this is Inoki we are talking about.

[Haiku Warrior]

Tenzen, there's one guy who should be pretty mad at someone in NJ right.

[Tradewynd]

So...why is Tenzan still with New Japan anyway? Seems lke he, Nagata and others should be looking elsewhere come Feb. 1...

[Sliced Bread #2]

why is Tenzan still with New Japan anyway?

This is like a asking how many licks it takes to make it to the Chocolate Filled Center of a Tootsie Pop... The world may never know... But seriously, alot of NJ Talent aren't being used at all...

[Tradewynd]

Obviously you didn't watch the same Saturday morning cartoons I did in the 80s (which was stuff from Japan and Transformers, for those curious). Because if you watched the good stuff (*cough* He-Man sucks *cough*) you would have seen a little boy pose that same question which no animal in the animal kingdom was wise enough to answer until he came to the wise owl. The owl took that Tootsie pop, said "Let's find out," took 3 licks, bit the rest of the thing off and came up with an answer of 3. Therefore, the makers of Tootsie pops themselves freely admit it takes but 3 licks to the center of a Tootsie pop.

Given that we know the answer is 3, and assuming your analogy is correct, which 3 will leave New Japan and where will they go? I say Nagata, Tanahashi and Blue Wolf to All Japan, maybe Nagata to NOAH unless NJ continues to give him a hige paycheck, in whcih case, pin me pay me by all means. Nagata = J.O.B. Squad Japan. I'd like to see Nagata, Tenzan and Nakamura to All Japan, but that is probably asking a bit much.

[Luds]

Tenzan & Chono are really tight. And he's very loyal. He's still in his prime, and will have his long deserved long title reign.

I want to see Tenzan vs. Kawada for the TC...

[naterob2003]

whoa guys dont talk about people leaving... . Just kidding. I have a steady belief that people will leave this year. Don't know who, don't know when, but i wont speculate.... ok it has to be nagata.