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July, 1997
- On 7/1, Tatsumi Fujinami announced some information regarding his 7/22 Hakata and 7/23 Beppu Muga shows. BattlARTS' Yuki Ishikawa and Alexander Otsuka, along with Wrestle Yume Factory's Shinichi Nakano and Masakazu Fukuda were booked for the shows. Fujinami appealed to Kuniaki Kobayashi to participate on the shows too. - Fujinami and Riki Choshu teamed up on the 7/1 TV taping, defeating Tatsutoshi Goto & Akira Nogami. The former rivals cooperated well and were able to down the Heisei Ishingun duo in under 7 minutes. - On 7/2, Muta claimed that Naoya Ogawa is Antonio Inoki's "puppet play". Muta said he'd destroy Ogawa, Inoki and New Japan for the nWo. - Also on 7/2, legend, Akira Maeda, was approached by the man he had such an infamous match with years ago, Choshu. Choshu wants Maeda to make a New Japan appearance, possibly as special referee for his (Choshu's) retirement match on 1/4/98. - On 7/3, Naoya Ogawa said he had disregarded Muta's provocation and was entirely focused on facing Kazuo Yamazaki in a few days time. - A big match at the 7/4 TV taping saw a WCW vs. nWo 10 man tag, nWo Japan once more victorious. Muta, Chono, Tenzan, nWo Sting & Michael Wallstreet beat Hashimoto, Sasaki, Nakanishi, Kojima & Yasuda, Muta getting revenge for his failed IWGP Heavyweight Title challenge and pinning Hashimoto. After the match, Hashimoto was attacked and had "nWo" painted on his back. Kazuo Yamazaki gained momentum going into his match with Ogawa, making HI's Akitoshi Saito submit to a cross armbreaker in just 55 seconds. Also, in a huge upset, Tatsuhito Takaiwa defeated Shinjiro Otani, pinning him after an avalanche-style Death Valley bomb. - Kazuo Yamazaki continued his assault on 7/5, KO'ing Kuniaki Kobayashi in only 1:18. - A 10,000 sell out watched the big 7/6 TV taping at Sapporo Ice Arena, with some big things going down. El Samurai dethroned Jushin Thunder Liger, winning the J Crown from his good friend in a thrilling match. Antonio Inoki & Tiger King (Satoru Sayama) teamed again, beating Kensuke Sasaki & Kazuyuki Fujita when Inoki pinned one of his disciples, Fujita. Inoki formally declared that his world martial arts union would start soon, with shows being held in China or Hong Kong. Riki Choshu & Shinya Hashimoto beat the elite nWo team of Great Muta & Masahiro Chono, Choshu lariating Chono for the win. In the main event, Naoya Ogawa defeated Kazuo Yamazaki in a Different Style Fight Match, forcing him to submit in 8 1/2 minutes. - On 7/7, it was announced that former UFC star, Don Frye, would appear on New Japan's 8/2 Tokyo Ryogoku Kokugikan show, during the "G1 CLIMAX 1997" tour, facing Kazuyuki Fujita in a Different Style Fight Match. Frye will also appear on the 8/10 Nagoya Dome, 11/2 Fukuoka Dome and 1/4/98 Tokyo Dome shows. - On 7/8, Chono and Muta said they would be returning to America, having been called to help out the American nWo in WCW. They will appear on Monday Nitro, and while there, will talk to Hollywood Hogan and Dennis Rodman about Japanese appearances. - On 7/11, WBF boxing star, Yosuke Nishijima, made a challenge to Hashimoto, wanting to face him in New Japan. - On 7/12, Yoshiaki Yatsu requested that he be involved in one of Riki Choshu's retirement matches. - On 7/13, Hashimoto made a strange challenge of his own, calling for U.S. basketball star and nWo member, Dennis Rodman, to come to Japan and wrestle him. - Also on 7/13, but in America, Chono and Muta appeared on WCW's Bash at the Beach 1997 PPV, losing to The Steiner Brothers. - On 7/15, more matches for the 8/10 Nagoya Dome convention were announced, with the big news being that Antonio Inoki will referee the Muta vs. Ogawa match. Also, Shinjiro Otani challenges El Samurai for the J Crown, while Sasaki & Yamazaki challenge Nakanishi & Kojima for the IWGP Tag Team Title. In another big junior match, Jushin Thunder Liger faces Koji Kanemoto, with a shot at the J Crown on the line. - On 7/16, Yoshiaki Fujiwara proposed a marathon match with Choshu, saying he wants to face Choshu before his retirement "in a small building where the beat of the heart can be heard". - On 7/18, K-1 superintendent, Kazuyoshi Ishii, expressed interest in possibly getting Hashimoto and Ogawa to compete in his MMA promotion. - New Japan Director, Katsuji Nagashima, will make a courtesy visit to K-1's 7/20 Nagoya Dome show, as an alliance between the companies may be formed. K-1's Ishii proposed a Naoya Ogawa vs. Royce Gracie match for K-1's 11/9 Tokyo Dome show. - Also on 7/20, Chono was told he'd have to return to Japan after dislocating his right leg in America. There are fears he may miss some important shows. - On 7/22, Akira Maeda said that if he has any agreement with Inoki (such as a rumoured match with Ogawa), it'll take place in RINGS and not New Japan. - Also on 7/22, Tatsumi Fujinami proposed participation on Muga shows to Ogawa. Fujinami wants "to teach the pleasant severity of pro wrestling" to Ogawa. - On 7/23, it was announced that on the 8/31 Yokohama Arena show, Choshu's final Yokohama match will have himself, Genichiro Tenryu & Tatsumi Fujinami vs. nWo Japan's Great Muta, Masahiro Chono & Hiroyoshi Tenzan. Also, Shinya Hashimoto vs. Scott Norton and Kensuke Sasaki vs. Naoya Ogawa are expected. - Also on 7/23, Fujinami had talks with Shiro Koshinaka about the reconstruction of Heisei Ishingun, which has had numerous problems lately, with members fighting among themselves. - Still in America, Muta said, "My match with Ogawa will have no chairs, no tables and no mist... only a clean fight". Meanwhile, the time of recovery for Chono's right leg injury is four to six weeks, but he disregarded the doctor's advice, saying he'd compete in the G1 Climax and aim for the IWGP Heavyweight Title. - Freelancer, Hiromichi Fuyuki, made a sudden approach at Fujinami, expressing interest in Muga participation. Fuyuki said he is eager to see what Muga has to offer. - On 7/27, after appearing in Wrestle Yume Factory and beating Masayoshi Motegi in 18 minutes, Liger said he would not go after the belts for now, but that he intends to go overseas on an expedition, travelling to WCW in America and Mexican promotions. - Chono arrived back in Japan on 7/28, wounded leg and all. Chono has invited Tatsutoshi Goto & Michiyoshi Ohara to join nWo Japan. - On 7/31, Inoki said that he expects Scott Norton to win the G1 Climax. Inoki compared Norton to two of his old rivals, Hulk Hogan and Big Van Vader.
August, 1997 - On 8/1, with Goto & Ohara's HI future in doubt, Fujinami and Kengo Kimura said they would cooperate with Heisei Ishingun. Koshinaka assured everyone that he was still the leader, but said he would "borrow Fujinami's power". - Also on 8/1, the 1997 G1 Climax began with first round matches. Satoshi Kojima, Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Scott Norton, Masahiro Chono (who was taken nearly 19 minutes by Ohara), Muta and Hashimoto advanced, Hashimoto getting another singles victory over Kazuo Yamazaki. - Kengo Kimura returned to HI on the 8/2 show, teaming with Akira Nogami & Akitoshi Saito to defeat Junji Hirata, Manabu Nakanishi & Tadao Yasuda. Also, Don Frye made his anticipated first appearance, beating Kazuyuki Fujita in a Different Style Fight Match. Sasaki beat Buff Bagwell, Tenzan beat Kojima, Norton beat Muta and Hashimoto beat Chono (taking advantage of Chono's leg injury and making him submit in under 6 minutes) to advance to the G1 semi final round. - The G1 Climax concluded at Tokyo Ryogoku Kokugikan on 8/3. Tenzan scored a huge upset, pinning Hashimoto in the semi final. However, he severely injured his right thigh muscle in the match. In the other semi final, Sasaki beat Norton in a surprisingly short match, lasting just over 5 minutes. In a heated final, Sasaki won his first G1, using a Northern Light bomb to defeat the injured Tenzan. Kensuke's mentor, Riki Choshu, showed great pride, saying Sasaki would face Hashimoto on 8/31 and become the second generation of Riki Choshu. - It was also discovered that Chono will be a long-term absentee due to his injured leg. However, Chono is keeping himself busy, hinting that nWo Japan may become it's own independent company. - On 8/4, the full lineup was determined for the 8/10 Nagoya Dome show. Due to Chono's injury, Tenzan will replace him to challenge the man he defeated yesterday, Hashimoto, for the IWGP Heavyweight Title. - On 8/5, Chono said that Tenzan would capture the IWGP Heavyweight Title and also go over to America to compete in WCW. - On 8/6, Tenzan declared that he would defeat Hashimoto in under 10 minutes. - On 8/7, Muta said he wanted Inoki to referee under the ring at the Nagoya Dome, as he could easily be biased to Ogawa. - Yet another huge company success saw 43,500 fans sell out the Nagoya Dome for the super-show. Koji Kanemoto pinned Jushin Thunder Liger in a 21 minute thriller, becoming #1 contender for the J Crown. Although they didn't meet in the Best of the Super Jr. Final as promised, Kanemoto and Otani will now meet for the 7-Crown, as Otani dethroned El Samurai to capture the belts. In a match that headlined to much fanfare in the 1980s, Tatsumi Fujinami met Riki Choshu, using a Dragon sleeper to win the match in only 6:48. Kensuke Sasaki & Kazuo Yamazaki beat Manabu Nakanishi & Satoshi Kojima to end the Bull Powers' reign as IWGP Tag Team Champions, G1 Champion Sasaki pinning Nakanishi. Naoya Ogawa didn't know quite what to make of Muta and it paid off for Muta, as he defeated Ogawa by TKO in a Different Style Fight Match, taking the match in only 6:39. In the main event, Hashimoto gained revenge for his G1 Climax loss to Tenzan, successfully defending his IWGP Heavyweight Title for the 7th time against the nWo Japan upstart. - After defeating Kendo Kashin in the Nagoya Dome opening match, Kazuyuki Fujita expressed interest in taking the Different Style Fight Match (MMA) route. - Humiliated by his loss to Muta, Naoya Ogawa requested a rematch against him for the 1/4/98 Tokyo Dome show. The match has been unofficially arranged. - On 8/12, it was announced that Ogawa would face a kickboxer on 9/23 at Tokyo Nippon Budokan. - Also on 8/12, the full lineup for the 8/31 Yokohama Arena show was announced. The legend team of Riki Choshu, Tatsumi Fujinami & Genichiro Tenryu face the nWo trio of Great Muta, Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Hiro Saito. Koji Kanemoto challenges his friend, Shinjiro Otani, for the J Crown. Naoya Ogawa faces a unique challenge, taking on Scott Norton in a Different Style Fight Match. And after winning both the G1 Climax and IWGP Tag Team Title, Kensuke Sasaki challenges Shinya Hashimoto for the IWGP Heavyweight Title. - On 8/13, Muta said he would face Ogawa again... if Ogawa joins the nWo. Ogawa outright refused to join the group, as he aims at becoming a fighter, not a pro wrestler. - On 8/14, Sasaki said he aims at becoming a 5-Crown king. In addition to having won the G1 Climax and IWGP Tag Title, he also aims at winning the IWGP Heavyweight Title, Super Grade Tag League and G1 Climax Special Tag Tournament on the next tour. - On 8/15, the possibility of Hashimoto and Liger going on an expedition and competing for WCW surfaced. - On 8/22, the full lineup for the 9/23 "GRAPPLE CLIMAX" show at Tokyo Nippon Budokan was announced, with a MMA theme dominant. In a rematch from 8/2, Don Frye faces Kazuyuki Fujita in a Different Style Fight Match. Shinjiro Otani faces another friend, Tatsuhito Takaiwa, who defeated him on 7/4. Great Muta & Masahiro Chono face IWGP Tag Team Champions, Kensuke Sasaki & Kazuo Yamazaki, in a non-title match. Naoya Ogawa takes on former UFC fighter, Brian Johnston, in a Different Style Fight Match. - On 8/25, it was announced that New Japan's Sony Playstation game, "Fighting Spirit 3", would hit shelves in March, 1998. The game will have several new wrestlers, including Tadao Yasuda and Naoya Ogawa, along with over 500 moves. - Also on 8/25, Chono declared that Naoya Ogawa would be banished from the New Japan ring. Chono said it is a pro wrestling ring and not a MMA ring, then said Scott Norton would destroy Ogawa. - As part of his world martial arts union, Antonio Inoki said he would tour every country in south-east Asia this autumn. - On the 8/25 WCW Monday Nitro in America, Yuji Nagata challenged Chris Jericho for the WCW Cruiserweight Title, but wasn't able to dethrone him. - Rumours are flying around that TAKA Michinoku, currently on an excursion to the WWF in America, has been contacted by the nWo with a possible invitation to join the group. - On 8/28, Kensuke Sasaki said he wanted to face his mentor, Riki Choshu, at the Tokyo Dome on 1/4/98. - On 8/29, Bad News Allen, a long-time Canadian pro wrestler with a judo background, challenged Naoya Ogawa to a match. - 18,000 fans crammed into the Yokohama Arena on 8/31 to see Riki Choshu's last match in the region. Shinjiro Otani downed his friend and partner in crime, Koji Kanemoto, to make his 1st defense of the J Crown. Choshu, Tatsumi Fujinami & Genichiro Tenryu beat Great Muta, Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Hiro Saito when Choshu lariated Hiro. Naoya Ogawa bounced back from his loss to Muta, beating Scott Norton in 6 1/2 minutes in a Different Style Fight Match. And Kensuke Sasaki's huge ascent continued, as he ended Shinya Hashimoto's near-1 1/2 year reign as IWGP Heavyweight Champion, hitting a Northern Light bomb to become the 20th champion. Kensuke is now a 3-Crown champion, having won the IWGP Heavyweight, IWGP Tag and G1 Climax titles.
September, 1997 - On the 9/1 WCW Monday Nitro, Yuji Nagata scored a big win, pinning Dean Malenko. - Also on 9/1, the main event of the 9/23 "GRAPPLE CLIMAX" card was announced. Hashimoto takes on another fighter, Zane Frazier, in another Different Style Fight Match. Frazier KO'd Kendo Nagasaki with one punch two years ago. Also, due to Otani's win against Kanemoto, he'll now defend the J Crown against Takaiwa. - On 9/5, the schedule for New Japan wrestlers at the Tokyo Game Show was announced. Hashimoto (1pm on 9/5), Inoki, Ogawa and Sayama (1pm on 9/6), Kanemoto and Otani (1pm on 9/6), Sasaki, Nakanishi and Kojima (1pm on 9/7) will all appear. - On K-1's 9/7 Osaka Dome show, Peter Aerts appeared with an nWo t-shirt. K-1's Ishii declared that he wanted to move the talks between New Japan and K-1 forward, wanting Chono or Muta to second Aerts on K-1's 11/9 Tokyo Dome convention. - On 9/9, it was said that the outbreak of the New Japan vs. K-1 war would take place on New Japan's 10/19 Kobe World Hall show, with a K-1 fighter possibly fighting Hashimoto in the main event. - On 9/10, Atsushi Onita challenged Naoya Ogawa to a match on the 1/4/98 Tokyo Dome show. - On 9/11, Onita invited Ogawa to show up at FMW's 9/28 Kawasaki Stadium show, to watch Onita face W*ING Kanemura in a Death Match. Onita said he had reserved a seat for Ogawa. - The "G1 CLIMAX SPECIAL 1997" tour began on 9/11. Although there were no big matches, Chono declared the nWo's intent to destroy Heisei Ishingun. - On 9/12, the G1 Climax Special Tag Tournament began, Nakanishi & Kojima and Hashimoto & Yasuda both advancing. - Still on 9/12, it was announced that Shiro Koshinaka might return in October, after injuring his left achilles tendon at Tokyo Korakuen Hall on 6/22. Koshinaka aims for an early return, as HI will need his strength to counter the nWo's attacks. - On 9/13, Osamu Kido & Junji Hirata and IWGP Tag Champions, Sasaki & Yamazaki, advanced in the tag tournament, the latter duo defeating Chono & nWo Sting. - Once more the nWo struck an important victory, this time on the 9/15 Tokyo Korakuen Hall show. Muta, Chono, Tenzan, nWo Sting & Hiro Saito beat Sasaki, Hashimoto, Hirata, Takashi Iizuka & Tadao Yasuda in an Elimination Match, all nWo members except Hiro Saito remaining after almost 28 minutes of warfare. - On 9/17, Naoya Ogawa responded to Atsushi Onita's challenge, saying he wouldn't face Onita and Onita wouldn't bring his style of wrestling to New Japan. - On the 9/17 TV taping in Osaka, Muta & Tenzan and Hashimoto & Yasuda reached the tag tournament semi final round, the latter team beating Nakanishi & Kojima when Yasuda scored an upset pin on Kojima. - On 9/18, Muta & Tenzan reached the tag tournament final, beating Kido & Hirata to advance. Their opponents would be decided tomorrow. - Also on 9/18, after Riki Choshu & Kensuke Sasaki destroyed Akira Nogami & Michiyoshi Ohara, Choshu said he wouldn't face Sasaki in his retirement match, because he wants to face him earlier. Mentor and student will meet at the Fukuoka Dome on 11/2. Moreover, Choshu nominated Naoya Ogawa as his retirement match opponent. - On 9/19, Sasaki & Yamazaki advanced to the tag tournament final, beating Hashimoto & Yasuda. Therefore, there will be a New Japan vs. nWo Japan final tomorrow. Also on the 9/19 show, in a 6 man tag match, Muta accidentally spat mist at both allies, prompting some tension within the nWo. - Kensuke Sasaki added yet another championship to his growing collection on 9/20, he and Kazuo Yamazaki beating Muta & Tenzan to win the G1 Climax Special Tag Tournament, after Yamazaki used a cross armbreaker on Tenzan. Muta deliberately spat green mist in Tenzan's eyes during the match, provoking Chono to enter the ring and Yakuza kick Muta. After the match, Kensuke appealed to Muta to return to the New Japan army. - On 9/21, there was more confusion about mysterious Muta, as he teamed with nWo Sting, the two defeating Fujinami & Nogami. Muta removed his face paint, indicating that he might be leaving the New World Order, with Sting possibly following. - Also on 9/21, Hashimoto went into intense training with Kazuo Yamazaki for his upcoming fight with Zane Frazier, the two having a sparring match. - The "GRAPPLE CLIMAX" show took place at Tokyo Nippon Budokan on 9/23. With a strong MMA theme, this was the first larger New Japan show to not sell out for some time, drawing 12,800 fans in the 16,000+ seat building. Don Frye again beat Kazuyuki Fujita in a Different Style Fight Match, choking him out with a sleeper hold. Shinjiro Otani defended the J Crown for the 2nd time, using a Dragon suplex hold to down Tatsuhito Takaiwa in 15 minutes. Great Muta & Masahiro Chono beat IWGP Tag Team Champions, Kensuke Sasaki & Kazuo Yamazaki, Muta using a moonsault press on Sasaki. After the match, nWo Japan advertised a full reunion, with all tension now cast aside. Naoya Ogawa beat Brian Johnston in a Different Style Fight Match, also using a sleeper hold for the win. In the main event, Hashimoto downed Zane Frazier, using a triangle choke hold for the win 5 seconds into the third round. Hashimoto said he wanted to have Different Style Fight Matches on 10/19 in Kobe and 11/2 in Fukuoka. He still desires to face a K-1 representative in Kobe, but the companies remain in the negotiation stage. - On 9/25, Keiji Muto, yes Keiji Muto, said his work as Great Muta was done for now. Starting on the next tour, titled "NWO TYPHOON", he won't wear the paint, but will wear a "new costume of evil". - On 9/26, "NWO TYPHOON" lineups were announced. Besides tour lineups, the main matches for the 11/2 Fukuoka Dome, titled "FINAL POWER HALL IN FUKUOKA DOME", were announced. Riki Choshu faces his favourite pupil, Kensuke Sasaki, in a non-title match. Also, Hashimoto, Ogawa and Frye each respectively will have Different Style Fight Matches. Shinjiro Otani's defends the J Crown against Wild Pegasus (WCW's Chris Benoit), Otani having to tackle one of his former peers and the man who took him under his wing in the 1994 Jr. Tag League, which they won. Although there were plans earlier in the year for a singles match, Liger and Tiger King will team up instead, facing Koji Kanemoto & Tatsuhito Takaiwa. - On 9/28 at an elementary school in the Koto district, Tatsumi Fujinami taught about 100 children basic pro wrestling techniques. - On 9/29, it was announced that Liger would appear at Wrestle Yume Factory's 10/12 Hachioji show, possibly scouting their top young prospect, Masakazu Fukuda. Fukuda said he aims to compete in New Japan's junior division in the future. - On 9/30, Fujinami, who will also attend the 10/12 Yume Factory show, said he wants to start a "white revolution" against the "black nWo". This would involve Heisei Ishingun and other wrestlers.
October, 1997 - On 10/2, it was decided that Naoya Ogawa's 11/2 opponent would be a member of Gerald Gordeau's army corps. - On 10/3, Ultimo Dragon challenged Shinjiro Otani for a shot at the J-Crown. Although Otani's challenger (Wild Pegasus) is already determined for 11/2, the possibility of changing that match exists. - On 10/4, Kendo Kashin declared that Jushin Thunder Liger and El Samurai are "has-beens" and said he is the new generation of junior heavyweights. - On 10/6, Genichiro Tenryu nominated Naoya Ogawa as a possible opponent for him at WAR's November show. - On 10/7, Chono declared the IWGP titles worthless and said the nWo would paint them black and make them mean something again. - On 10/8, Bad News Allen, who visited Japan to compete for Tokyo Pro, rejected the Tokyo Pro army corps (including Takashi Ishikawa and Shigeo Okumura), saying he was joining New Japan. - Also on 10/8, a big main event for the 11/2 Fukuoka Dome show was announced, with Tenryu & Fujinami facing Muto & Chono. Naoya Ogawa's Different Style Fight Match opponent was announced as Erwin Vreeker, while Don Frye's is Kazuo Yamazaki. - On 10/9, it was announced that five young men would form a "road" for Riki Choshu's retirement on 1/4/98. Candidates include Kazuyuki Fujita, Tatsuhito Takaiwa, Osamu Nishimura and Yuji Nagata, the latter two of whom are still overseas on excursions. - On 10/10, the "NWO TYPHOON" tour began, with Chono & Hiro beating Goto & Nogami and Muto, Tenzan, nWo Sting & Wallstreet beating Sasaki, Yamazaki, Hirata & Iizuka to begin the series with a bang for nWo Japan. Chono has been scouting Nogami for possible membership in the nWo. - The mixed martial arts company, PRIDE, debuted at the Tokyo Dome on 10/11, with former IWGP Jr. and Heavyweight Champion, Nobuhiko Takada, losing to Rickson Gracie. - As promised, Liger and Fujinami appeared at Wrestle Yume Factory's 10/12 show, scouting the promotion. Liger wrestled young Masakazu Fukuda and praised him after the match. The possibility of Fukuda competing in New Japan's junior division is more likely than ever now. Fujinami suggested a joint event with Muga and Yume Factory teaming up in future. - Also on 10/12, at a fighting festival, Koji Kanemoto became Tiger Mask for the first time in three years, teaming with Tiger Mask II (played by All Japan's Yoshinobu Kanemaru and not Mitsuharu Misawa) against the original Tiger Mask (Satoru Sayama) and Tiger Mask IV (of Michinoku Pro). The main event saw Super Tiger (Sayama) and Yoshiaki Fujiwara go to a no contest. There is talk that the the two will have a rematch on the 1/4/98 Tokyo Dome show. - At New Japan's 10/12 show, held at Tokyo Korakuen Hall, Tatsutoshi Goto & Michiyoshi Ohara betrayed Heisei Ishingun. Chono's plot to destroy HI gained steam, the two abandoning their former friends. However, it's not certain if they're with the nWo yet - On 10/13, Goto & Ohara didn't compete. Shiro Koshinaka banished them from HI. On the other hand, Chono said that if they wanted to enter nWo Japan, they'd have to bring him Koshinaka's head. - Also on 10/13, Naoya Ogawa introduced himself to Rickson Gracie. Ogawa said both men have similar fighting roots, with judo and jujitsu backgrounds. - On WCW's 10/13 Monday Nitro, Yuji Nagata pinned Chris Jericho, revenge for his 8/25 loss to the same man. - On 10/15, Hashimoto's 11/2 opponent was announced as German kickboxer, Herbert Numerich. - On 10/16, nWo Japan's Hiro Saito seconded Goto & Ohara for their match. However, Chono denied Goto & Ohara had entered the nWo, saying he was uninterested in having them join now. - Also on 10/16, as part of the "Airforce Wars J" junior series, Koji Kanemoto pinned Kendo Kashin. Kashin destroyed Kanemoto's arm during the match though. After Kanemoto won, Kashin tore his own mask off and asked for a match where the only way to end it was by submission. - Still on 10/16, Chono hinted that he would boycott his and Muto's IWGP Tag Title shot against Sasaki & Yamazaki on 10/19, saying he had no interest in New Japan's titles. - Due to TAKA Michinoku joining the WWF, prompting the revival of the WWF's junior division, the WWF wants it's Light Heavyweight Title back, meaning the formerly 8-Crown, turned 7-Crown, will now be a 6-Crown. - Chono & Muto captured the IWGP Tag Team Title on 10/19, beating Sasaki & Yamazaki to become the 33rd champions. Muto staked his claim for a shot at Kensuke's IWGP Heavyweight Title, making him submit to a figure-four leglock after 24 1/2 minutes. The new champions disrespected the belts, painting them black. Despite earlier reports, there was no sign of K-1 fighters at the show, Hashimoto wrestling in a 6 man tag. - On the 10/20 WCW Monday Nitro, Yuji Nagata continued his run of form, pinning Mexican star, Juventud Guerrera. - On 10/22, it was revealed that Chono would challenge Sasaki for the IWGP Heavyweight Title on 10/31 at Hiroshima Sun Plaza. Chono said that when he wins the belt, he'll hand his tag title over to Hiroyoshi Tenzan. - On the 10/23 Kumamoto show, Kendo Kashin forced J Crown Champion, Shinjiro Otani, to submit to a cross armbreaker in only 5:40, setting up a match for the title between the two rivals. - On 10/23, Chono said that after he wins the IWGP Heavyweight Title, he'll face WCW Heavyweight Champion and nWo leader, Hollywood Hogan, to determine a true world champion. - On 10/26, Yuji Nagata made his first PPV appearance in WCW, competing on their Halloween Havoc 1997 show and defeating fellow Japanese star, Ultimo Dragon. - On 10/27, while teaming with Chono in an 8 man tag match, Goto & Ohara argued with the nWo Japan leader. Chono has said that Goto & Ohara may enter the "nWo minor leagues", which apparently offended the two. - An eventful tour climax took place at Hiroshima Sun Plaza on 10/31. Shinjiro Otani, Koji Kanemoto & Tatsuhito Takaiwa beat Jushin Thunder Liger, El Samurai & Kendo Kashin in an excellent Elimination Match, Otani pinning Liger and Samurai in succession for the eventual win. Tatsumi Fujinami, Kengo Kimura, Kuniaki Kobayashi, Akira Nogami & Akitoshi Saito beat Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Michael Wallstreet, Hiro Saito, Tatsutoshi Goto & Michiyoshi Ohara in a 2/3 Falls Match, Fujinami assisting HI and making Ohara submit to a Dragon sleeper to seal the final fall. Keiji Muto & nWo Sting beat Shinya Hashimoto & Tadao Yasuda, Muto pinning Hashimoto after a Frankensteiner in 21 minutes. In the main event, Kensuke Sasaki made his 1st defense of the IWGP Heavyweight Title, using a Northern Light bomb to finish off Masahiro Chono after 22 minutes. Kensuke has now defeated two of the "Three Musketeers", Hashimoto and Chono, in consecutive title matches. The only one left to beat is Muto.
November, 1997 - More rumours are flying around about Choshu's retirement match(es) on 1/4/98. The five young men to face Choshu are now rumoured as Yuji Nagata, Osamu Nishimura, Tatsuhito Takaiwa, Kendo Kashin and Kazuyuki Fujita. There is also the possibility of Choshu teaming with his old friend and tag partner, Masa Saito, or Naoya Ogawa. - On 11/1, it was announced that a secondary New Japan TV show would begin on 11/7, called "Strong Style", which will be a 90 minutes show at 8pm every Friday on 24/7 combat channel, Samurai! TV. The intention of the program is to give young wrestlers and veterans in opening matches the chance to be on TV, as they rarely make the TV Asahi national show. - On 11/2, it was announced that New Japan's new "Fighting Spirit" game for the Nintendo 64 would go on shelves on 1/4/98, the same day as the Tokyo Dome convention. - Still on 11/2 and a great year for successful major shows continued, 48,000 fans selling out the Fukuoka Dome for Riki Choshu's final appearance in the region. Jushin Thunder Liger & Tiger King beat Koji Kanemoto & Tatsuhito Takaiwa, Liger pinning Takaiwa. Shinjiro Otani made his 3rd defense of the J Crown, pinning WCW's Wild Pegasus (Chris Benoit) in a 15 minute thriller. Don Frye beat Kazuo Yamazaki in a Different Style Fight Match, as Yamazaki's lack of luck against MMA fighters continues. Naoya Ogawa made short work of Erwin Vreeker in another Different Style Fight Match, making him submit in under 4 minutes. Kensuke Sasaki scored a huge win in a massive half year for him, defeating his mentor, Riki Choshu, pinning him after a barrage of lariats. Shinya Hashimoto beat Herbert Numerich with a grounded armlock in the third Different Style Fight Match of the show. In the main event, Keiji Muto & Masahiro Chono beat Tatsumi Fujinami & Genichiro Tenryu in 21 1/2 minutes, Chono forcing Fujinami to submit to an STF. Following the match, the nWo occupied the ring and preached their dominance in full force. - Also on 11/2, it was announced that Osamu Nishimura would return to New Japan on the 1/4/98 Tokyo Dome show, after an extended excursion to Germany, where he added bulk to his body. - On 11/3, Naoya Ogawa announced he would depart his teacher, Antonio Inoki, for now, going on a solo excursion to find new techniques. Ogawa called Inoki's words "a whip of love", and will go to the Rey Gance Dojo in America and Gracie Dojo in Brazil. - On 11/4, Inoki revealed plans to hold New Japan shows in India (3/98) and China (5/98) next year. Inoki is in talks with the respective governments about possible rallies there. - On 11/5, Akira Maeda said that if Hashimoto would fight Rickson Gracie and Nobuhiko Takada (in a rematch of their 1996 classic), he may may face Hashimoto before retiring. - On 11/5, the J Crown was finally disbanded. All titles, other than the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight belt, which Shinjiro Otani will continue to hold, were returned to their home organizations, ending an ambitious venture, which worked successfully until predictable problems arose. - On 11/12, Choshu finally made his "Riki Road Final Message 5" opponents official. They are Jushin Thunder Liger, Tatsuhito Takaiwa, Takashi Iizuka, Yutaka Yoshie and Kazuyuki Fujita. Return matches for Osamu Nishimura, Yuji Nagata and Shiro Koshinaka are also planned. - Also on 11/12, Kendo Kashin hinted that he would start a new group, possibly involving outside wrestlers. He didn't rule out Liger and Samurai joining, as long as they understand who the leader is. - On 11/13, Keiji Muto requested New Japan rename the upcoming "Super Grade Tag League" to "nWo Tag League". - The "SUPER GRADE TAG LEAGUE 1997" tour began on 11/18 in Kanagawa. Muto & Chono defeated WCW's High Voltage, while Sasaki & Yamazaki downed Kojima & Yasuda. - On 11/19, the Weekly Fight magazine released some information on the 1/4/98 card. As expected, Kensuke Sasaki's likely challenger for the IWGP Heavyweight Title was listed as Keiji Muto. The leading candidates for being Shinya Hashimoto's Different Style Fight Match opponent are Igor Meindert and Dennis Lane. There was talk of Osamu Nishimura changing his ring name, but he was opposed to the idea. - On 11/20, Chono said that after the SG Tag League, he may enter the "Euro Catch Festival", held by Germany's CWA promotion. Chono wants to expand the nWo's influence to other countries. - On 11/22, Goto & Ohara betrayed the nWo, attacking Muto & Chono after that tandem defeated Fujinami & Kengo Kimura in the SG Tag League. - On 11/23, Muto & Chono met Goto & Ohara in the SG Tag League and made the two pay for their betrayal, brutally punishing them and defeating them in just under 7 minutes. - Also on 11/23, at WCW's World War 3 1997 PPV, Yuji Nagata scored his second consecutive PPV victory, again defeating Ultimo Dragon. - On 11/25, Sasaki vs. Muto for the IWGP Heavyweight Title and Hashimoto vs. Dennis Lane in a Different Style Fight Match were made official for 1/4/98. Also, Shiro Koshinaka's opponent for his return match was announced as Chono. - On 11/26, Muto and Chono hinted that they might leave New Japan after the annual contract expiry date (1/4). - On 11/27, Muto announced his plans for the IWGP Heavyweight Title for after he beats Kensuke. He mentioned Bret Hart, Hollywood Hogan, Randy Savage and The Giant as possible challengers. - During an all-nWo SG Tag League match on 11/30, featuring Muto & Chono vs. Tenzan & nWo Sting, Goto & Ohara attacked Hiro Saito (who was stood at ringside) with a cane and kidnapped him. Muto eventually pinned Sting with a Frankensteiner, giving the nWo bosses the victory.
December, 1997 - On 12/1, Chono said he'd make short work of Koshinaka on 1/4/98. He also said that even though Hiro was kidnapped by Goto & Ohara yesterday, he was able to contact Hiro by phone and he escaped their clutches. - On 12/3, it was revealed that Naoya Ogawa is learning pro wrestling techniques for his match with Don Frye on 1/4/98, as Frye also uses some (such as using the ropes). - On 12/5, former WWF Heavyweight Champion, Bret Hart, having just moved to WCW, made a formal request to wrestle in New Japan, as part of the New Japan/WCW relationship. - On 12/6, Goto & Ohara said they wouldn't reconstruct with Heisei Ishingun, but would go after the IWGP Tag Team Title. The duo tentatively named themselves "Freedom Dogs". - On 12/7, Hashimoto said that he would soon freeze his Different Style Fight Match route and return to the pro wrestling route, saying pro wrestling is more interesting. - Also on 12/7, at the Ray Gance Dojo in America, Naoya Ogawa said he had learned four suplexes (side, front, double-arm and Fisherman). The nWo's Curt Hennig was rumoured to have taught these moves to Ogawa, hinting that Ogawa may join the New World Order soon. - On 12/8, the "SUPER GRADE TAG LEAGUE 1997" tour climax took place, selling out Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium. In the necessary semi final, Shinya Hashimoto & Manabu Nakanishi beat Kensuke Sasaki & Kazuo Yamazaki when Hashimoto used a wakigatame on Yamazaki. Shinjiro Otani defended his IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title for the 4th time, pinning Kendo Kashin with a Dragon suplex hold. Otani said he might face Great Sasuke on 1/4/98, with the belt on the line. In the final of the Super Grade Tag League, Muto & Chono downed Hashimoto & Nakanishi, Muto forcing Hashimoto to submit to a figure-four leglock after almost 24 minutes of action, giving the IWGP Tag Team Champions the annual tag tournament also. - On 12/9, Chono weighed up his future options, with his contract expiring on 1/4. New Japan and WCW are the lead candidates for his services, although he didn't rule out becoming a freelancer. Chono will talk with Eric Bischoff while he's in America. - On 12/10, it was revealed that the nWo t-shirt had caused record sales in a little less than one year, selling 600,000,000 yen worth of units. Since each t-shirt costs 3,000 yen, that translates to 200,000 shirts being sold since the formation earlier in the year. - Also on 12/10, the 1997 pro wrestling grand prix awards were announced, with New Japan wrestlers earning the following awards.
MVP: Masahiro Chono Some of the awards almost won were Fighting Spirit Award (Kensuke Sasaki), Technique Prize (Shinjiro Otani, Hiroyoshi Tenzan, El Samurai and Kendo Kashin), Outstanding Performance Award (Kensuke Sasaki), Newcomer Prize (Naoya Ogawa), Best Tag Team (Muto & Chono and Goto & Ohara) and Best Bout (Hashimoto vs. Choshu, Ogawa vs. Hashimoto, El Samurai vs. Kanemoto, Ogawa vs. Yamazaki and Ogawa vs. Muta), all being nominated. - On 12/11, relations were broken off with Michinoku Pro's Great Sasuke, due to his tie-up with ECW. New Japan said that unless he cancels relations with ECW, he can't appear on the New Japan Tokyo Dome show. His match with Otani on 1/4 will be changed to Ultimo Dragon vs. Otani. - On 12/12, it was announced that New Japan would run at the Tokyo Dome three times in 1998, in January, April and some time in Autumn. - Chono flew to America on 12/14, still considering his future. He's having contract negotiations with both New Japan and WCW. - On WCW's 12/15 Monday Nitro, Yuji Nagata failed in an attempt to win the WCW Television Title from Disco Inferno, being pinned. Chono also appeared on the show, as part of an nWo interview parade, but didn't wrestle. Chono said he would send Tenzan over to America to represent nWo Japan in the near future. - On 12/16, Naoya Ogawa returned to Japan and denied for the time being that he had joined the nWo. - On 12/17, New Japan expressed outrage at Chono, who handed his IWGP Tag Title belt to Eric Bischoff and returned home without it. The company ordered the nWo to return the belt home. - Also on 12/17, it was determined that Chono and Osamu Nishimura would participate in the 12/20 "CWA MEGA WRESTLING NIGHT", held in Bremen, Germany. - On 12/19, Kazuyuki Fujita said that he would score an upset victory over Choshu on 1/4/98, which would elevate him. - On 12/20, the Daily publication reported that WCW offered Chono US$1,000,000 per year to join the company. - On 12/22, Hashimoto expressed discontent with New Japan for putting him in a Different Style Fight Match on 1/4 against Dennis Lane, as he clearly said he wanted to return to pro wrestling. Hashimoto hinted that he would leave New Japan following the show. - On 12/23, Yuji Nagata's younger brother, Katsuhiko Nagata, won the Japanese Greco-Roman Wrestling Championship, performing brilliantly in the 69kg category. - Also on 12/23, All Japan star, Kenta Kobashi, said that he wants to face Hashimoto on All Japan's 5/1/98 Tokyo Dome show. - Still on 12/23, Kensuke Sasaki, currently studying Muay Thai, made the bold announcement that he would defeat Muto by KO on 1/4/98. - Osamu Nishimura made his homecoming to Japan on 12/25, preparing for his return match at the Tokyo Dome. Chono offered an invite into the nWo. Because Fujinami wasn't at the airport to welcome him, Nishimura hasn't denied entering the nWo and may become the latest member. - According to a scoop at Sponichi, Antonio Inoki's retirement show will be at the Tokyo Dome on 4/4/98, which would be exactly three months after his fellow legend, Riki Choshu, retired. Names being thrown around as possible opponents include Naoya Ogawa, Shinya Hashimoto, Tatsumi Fujinami, Hollywood Hulk Hogan and Rickson Gracie. - On 12/31, New Japan announced plans to run it's first ever show at the Tokyo National Stadium in October, 1998. The building seats 80,000 fans, so would need a stacked lineup to fill it up. Talk of New Japan, nWo, WCW and K-1 athletes being on the show erupted, with the much speculated Hashimoto vs. K-1 fighter match possibly occuring. - Also on 12/31, Chono made some comments on 4/4/98, the proposed date for Inoki's retirement. Chono laughed it off, saying nWo Japan would hold their own show on that day. He said he and his teammates would become the leaders of the Japanese wrestling industry in 1998 and warned New Japan to be ready for another dominant year for the nWo.
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