Kobashi challenged for title.

[edgehead1984]

Bison Smith has issued a challenge to Kobashi for his GHC Heavyweight title.

What do you think his chances are of actually getting the shot.

[GlobalHonored]

Very Good. There are only so many match ups for Kobashi, so Smith would br a fine challenger, giving Kobash another defense and prolonging his run and delaying the Aki match, and also giving a big push for Smith to emerge as a top gaijin, which they desperately need. The questionable challenger thing worked out very well for Honda. Also helps the whole GWA thing that Misawaw & Kobashi proposed to make their titles globally defended.

[Jason]

I don't really like this. Bison hasn't even beat any of the second tier guys, let alone someone of Kobashi's stature. He's probably good enough where Kobashi could at least get a respectable title match out of him, but if they are going to try to push Bison as the gaijin monster, he's simply not there yet.

[Luds]

Originally posted by Jason
I don't really like this. Bison hasn't even beat any of the second tier guys, let alone someone of Kobashi's stature. He's probably good enough where Kobashi could at least get a respectable title match out of him, but if they are going to try to push Bison as the gaijin monster, he's simply not there yet.

I agree, Bison isn't ready yet for this push. I can't see him at that level yet.

[GlobalHonored]

The problem is- No one is at Kobashi's level right now. Akiyama & Takayama are the only guys even close, but NOAH for business purposes needs to hold off those match ups for big future shows b/c after that, there's not much left. Honda has been developed into a major player this year so he would be a worthy challenger once Aki gets the belt. Nagata is nice to prolong this Kobashi run. This is likely the last title run for Kobashi, and so far it has been the best thing NOAH has done in their history as he has almost single-handedly carried them to the top. NOAH is super hot right now with Honda and the Juniors really lifting their game and with Yone back and Shiga to follow, the future is looking brighter but the current is where its at. Kobashi is a deity right now in Puro and deserves to be for all the years that he's been the man, and a top notch worker. The scary thing is, after wrestler of the year type performances in '93, '96 & '97, he seems to be even better in '03 after multiple career ending injuries and amazing comebacks when puro is supposed to be on decline. Smith is just being sent to the slaughter but it does make sense to get Kobashi another defense and hold off a super-match for a bigger tour or payday. And like I said, working with Kobashi in a Title match worked wonders for the thought-to-be-dramatically-over-matched-and-un-deserved Honda. Hopefully it will do the same for Bison, who I personally think is very talented.

[Jason]

Although I agree that Bison has shown some improvement this year, I still think its a pointless match that doesn't do much for either guy, nor will raise much interest among fans.

If there needs to be a transitional challenger in between the big ones, why not Saito? The guy is certainly higher up on the card than Bison, it hasn't been done yet, and can be a nice segway into Kobashi vs. Akiyama.

[GlobalHonored]

I think Saito will be a challenger, the one just before Aki, so they'll save that lead in too. Nagata is likely next for Kobashi, which will also lead into Aki in a way since Nagata-Aki will have fought twice recently by then. They need someone for this next tour though if they want a title defense on it. Could have been Taue but they used him to put Nagata over. SO now they need another paper challenger. It needn't be a gold mine match but just a chance for fans to see their champ in action. Bison matches up with Kobashi better than anyone on the roster when it comes to size and build, although that's about it for comparisons, and again, like I said, it helps push the whole Global WA thing that makes NOAH a worldwide organization, not strictly Japan based since Bison is a U.S. wrestler for Pro Wrestling IRON.

[edgehead1984]

I agree with Global, NOAH needs a good heavyweight gaijin right now, and a title shot for Smith is a start to push him as that top gaijin.

[edgehead1984]

Kobashi has said that Smith will receive a shot during NOAH's next tour.

[Luds]

This really bites. Smith isn't ready for that push. I'm sure Kobashi will carry him to a decent match but still... it's too much.

[Pheonix_Chi25]

[COLOR=silver][FONT=franklin gothic medium]Smith will get it, but Kobashi will destory him with about nine Burning Lariats and an Orange Bomb or Burning Hammer. He may use the Diamond Head for insurance.

BTW: Ray Gordy is in NWA Wildside

[edgehead1984]

He has been given the title shot.

[Pheonix_Chi25]

This really bites. Smith isn't ready for that push. I'm sure Kobashi will carry him to a decent match but still... it's too much.

If even that Luds. This will be like the Vader/Kobashi Champions Carnival match, except the difference is Vader actually put on a good show, but what can you do.

[Luds]

If even that Luds. This will be like the Vader/Kobashi Champions Carnival match, except the difference is Vader actually put on a good show, but what can you do.

I think that Scorpio would deserve a title match more than Smith...

[edgehead1984]

He has been given the title shot.

Which will take place on August 26th.