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July, 1998
- On the 7/2 show in Towada, two top stars were hurt. Kensuke Sasaki suffered ligament damage in his left knee, while Shinya Hashimoto was KO'd by Tatsutoshi Goto's lethal backdrop suplex. - On 7/6, Tatsumi Fujinami said that after he successfully defended his IWGP Heavyweight Title against Hiroyoshi Tenzan, he and Osamu Nishimura, Team Muga, would take Chono & Tenzan's IWGP Tag Team Title... assuming Tenryu & Koshinaka don't beat them to it. - On 7/9, it was determined that Naoya Ogawa would compete on K-1's 7/18 Nagoya Dome show, most likely against a K-1 fighter. - On 7/10, Genichiro Tenryu nominated Hashimoto as his first challenger for the J-1 Heavyweight Title on the 8/8 Osaka Dome show. Tenryu's first choice was Naoya Ogawa, but his banishment from New Japan makes that impossible. Tenryu has revived the J-1 Heavyweight Title, which was formerly held by the legendary Rikidozan. Tenryu also promised he'd capture the IWGP titles and win the G1 Climax. - On 7/13, it was announced on Samurai! TV that Ogawa's opponent on the 7/18 K-1 show would be former UWF-I matchmaker and star, Yoji Anjo. The match will have a 30 minute time limit and a free knockdown system. Victory is earned by submission or a 10 count KO. - Also on 7/13, Keiji Muto announced that he would return to WCW in America at the end of the current New Japan tour, where he will revive the Great Muta persona. Chono will join him in WCW as well, the two once more representing nWo Japan. - On 7/14, the first of a double header at Nakajima Sports Center in Sapporo took place, drawing 5,500 fans. Tenryu & Koshinaka prepared for their tag title challenge tomorrow, defeating Hashimoto & Tadao Yasuda when Tenryu pinned Yasuda. The main event saw Fujinami fight off an nWo challenge, making his second successful defense of the IWGP Heavyweight Title, making Tenzan submit to an Octopus hold. Fujinami's next defense will be at the Osaka Dome against Chono. - On 7/15, 6,000 fans sold out the Nakajima Sports Center for the "SUMMER STRUGGLE 1998" tour climax. Kensuke Sasaki preached the power of Strong Style, teaming with Kazuo Yamazaki to defeat former UFC stars, Don Frye & Brian Johnston, when Kensuke made Johnston submit to the Strangle Hold Gamma. In a thriller, Jushin Thunder Liger made his 2nd defense of the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title, using a shotei to defeat Koji Kanemoto after over 28 minutes of war. In the main event, Tenryu & Koshinaka dethroned Chono & Tenzan to become the 35th IWGP Tag Team Champions, Tenryu using a lariat on Chono after 25 minutes. Not a good tour for the nWo, but Chono has a chance to take the IWGP Heavyweight Title on 8/8. - On 7/16, Muto revealed that his left knee was again in serious pain and showed uneasiness, as he must face Tenryu in the G1 Climax. - Also on 7/16, Antonio Inoki invited karate fighter, Kazunari Murakami, to join his new UFO group. Meanwhile, Inoki will referee the Frye vs. Johnston match on UFO's 7/18 pre-debut event in Kisarazu. - On 7/17, Naoya Ogawa trained in the Fujiwara Dojo with Don Frye and Brian Johnston. Frye announced that he would continue to compete in New Japan, as well as UFO. - On 7/18, UFO held a show in Kisarazu. Naoya Ogawa and Yoji Anjo had a special "UFO opening match", Anjo losing by DQ in only 3:51. There are plans for a joint K-1/UFO show at the end of October. - On 7/20, Muta (as Muta) and Chono competed on WCW's Monday Nitro show in Salt Lake City. They faced Disco Inferno & Alex Wright, Muta making Wright to submit to a kneelock in only 2:16. Also on the show, Yuji Nagata wrestled his final match in WCW, beating Saturn with the Nagata Lock in 3:50. Saturn was KO'd after a DDT by Raven and Nagata scored the pin with his submission hold. He will now finally return to New Japan, competing on the 8/8 Osaka Dome show. - On 7/22, both the full lineups for the 8/8 Osaka Dome show and the G1 Climax were announced. At the Osaka Dome, "father and son", Muta & Kabuki face Goto & Ohara. First round G1 Climax matches are Yasuda vs. Big Titan, Kojima vs. Tenzan, Koshinaka vs. Nishimura, Sasaki vs. Ohara, Hashimoto vs. Goto, Fujinami vs. Yamazaki, Nakanishi vs. Chono, and Muto vs. Tenryu. Also, a league takes place to determine the first ever IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Title, with the final to take place at the Osaka Dome. - On 7/23, Inoki said that Ogawa would visit a Shaolin Temple in China in around a month, which may force him to cancel his proposed appearance on K-1's 8/28 show. - On 7/25, Chono demanded that Tenryu & Koshinaka's first challengers for the IWGP Tag Team Title be an nWo tandem. Chono said that if New Japan won't comply with this demand, the nWo may boycott the September tour. Meanwhile, Chono sent a love call out to Yuji Nagata, inviting him to join the nWo. - On 7/27, Nagata refused Chono's invitation to join the nWo. Moreover, he hinted that he wouldn't join up with his fellow generation wrestlers, Nakanishi and Kojima, wanting to be a lone wolf for the time being. - Also on 7/27, Tenryu called for Riki Choshu to return to the ring and compete in this year's G1 Climax. - The 1998 G1 Climax started on 7/31, with 11,000 fans turning out at Tokyo Ryogoku Kokugikan. Eight first round matches took place on the show. Yasuda upset Big Titan, Kojima pinned Tenzan, Koshinaka pinned Nishimura, Sasaki pinned Ohara, Hashimoto destroyed Goto and forced the referee to stop the match in 4 minutes, Yamazaki scored a big win over Fujinami, forcing him to submit to a cross armbreaker, Chono forced Nakanishi to submit to his Butterfly Lock, and in the big match, Tenryu powerbombed Muto in an outstanding main event to advance in the tournament. Also on the show, Yuji Nagata entered the ring wearing a suit, telling New Japan fans that he has returned.
August, 1998 - The G1 Climax continued at Tokyo Ryogoku Kokugikan on 8/1, 11,500 fans turning up today. Round 2 matches saw Kojima pin Yasuda, Yamazaki upset Kensuke with a cross kneelock, Chono use his Butterfly Lock to beat Koshinaka, and Hashimoto score a big win over Tenryu, pinning him after a DDT. - The G1 Climax concluded on 8/2, with 11,500 fans again showing up at Tokyo Ryogoku Kokugikan. Yamazaki's huge run of form continued, as he forced Chono to submit to a reverse achilles tendon hold, advancing to the final. The other semi final saw Hashimoto force Kojima submit to a cross armbreaker, setting up a big final. The IWGP Jr. Tag Title League concluded, with Kanemoto & Wagner and Otani & Takaiwa both finishing on two points, ahead of Kashin & Yasuraoka and Liger & Samurai, meaning they'll meet in the final at the Osaka Dome. An excellent G1 Climax final saw Hashimoto score his first G1 tournament win, pinning Yamazaki after a vertical drop brainbuster. It was determined on the same day that Hashimoto would challenge Tenryu for the J-1 Heavyweight Title on 8/8, a rematch from their bout yesterday. - On 8/3, after their memorable G1 Climax final, Hashimoto nominated Yamazaki as his new tag team partner. - Also on 8/3, it was announced that Great Sasuke's mystery opponent at the Osaka Dome would be Jushin Thunder Liger. - On 8/6, Kazuyuki Fujita revealed a new look going into the Osaka Dome show. He dyed his hair blond, eyebrows gold, and looks more muscular than ever. - Also on 8/6, Naoya Ogawa made an urgent homecoming from China, citing homesickness as the cause. It is rumoured that he will invade the 8/8 Osaka Dome show. - 45,000 fans showed up for "RISING THE NEXT GENERATIONS IN OSAKA DOME", with ten matches on offer. Kendo Kashin downed El Samurai in the opener, using an avalanche-style cross armbreaker for the win. Tenzan's slump continued, Koshinaka pinning him with a powerbomb. Yuji Nagata returned, but was on the losing team. He and the new look Kazuyuki Fujita teamed up, losing to Nakanishi & Kojima, Kojima using a lariat to pin Fujita. Great Muta teamed with his "father", Great Kabuki, the two beating Goto & Ohara when Kabuki pinned Goto. Both used mist and Muta cried, "Daddy, I love you!". Michinoku Pro's Great Sasuke used a huracanrana to defeat Jushin Thunder Liger. Kensuke Sasaki beat the diabolical Don Frye by DQ, after Frye used two vital part attacks. Nagata brawled with Frye, heating up issues between them. Otani & Takaiwa became the first ever IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Champions, beating Kanemoto & Wagner when Otani used a Dragon suplex hold to down Wagner. Tenryu gained revenge from the G1 Climax, powerbombing Hashimoto to successfully defend his J-1 Heavyweight Title. Finally, nWo fever reigned supreme, Masahiro Chono beginning his first ever reign as IWGP Heavyweight Champion, using an STF to beat Fujinami in just under 20 minutes. Chono nominated Nagata as his first challenger, with the match unofficially arranged for 9/23 at Yokohama Arena. - On 8/9, President Seiji Sakaguchi approved future J-1 Heavyweight Title defenses by Tenryu in New Japan. - On 8/10, Liger said he would crush Naohiro Hoshikawa in their Michinoku Pro match on 8/28. - Also on 8/10, Tenryu expressed interest in having a match with Chono to unify the IWGP Heavyweight and J-1 Heavyweight Titles. - On 8/11, the four IWGP title matches for the 9/23 "BIG WEDNESDAY" show at Yokohama Arena were announced. Chono defends the Heavyweight Title against Scott Norton, despite previously naming Yuji Nagata as his first challenger. nWo Sting & Brian Adams challenge Tenryu & Koshinaka for the Tag Team Title. WCW's Kaz Hayashi is Liger's fourth challenger for the Jr. Heavyweight Title. Also, WCW's Black Tiger (Eddie Guerrero) & Chris Jericho challenge Otani & Takaiwa for the Jr. Tag Team Title. Additionally, in a special match, 2/3 of the "3 Musketeers", Muto and Hashimoto, go at it. - Also on 8/11, it was announced that the "G1 CLIMAX SPECIAL" tour would have a round-robin league, separated into two blocks, to determine a challenger for the WCW Tag Team Title. - On 8/12, Muto nominated Jinsei Shinzaki (AKA Hakushi) as Great Muta's "paint" successor. - On 8/14, both Chono and All Japan's Mitsuharu Misawa attended the opening party of the second pro wrestling photograph press club exhibition in Ginza. Chono expressed great interest in having a match with Misawa in a battle of two of pro wrestling's leading figures. - On 8/21, Kazunari Murakami formally joined Antonio Inoki's UFO movement, where he will become the training partner of Naoya Ogawa. - Naoya Ogawa won his fight on K-1's 8/28 Yoyogo show, beating an American kickboxer named Dan Ridley, using a cross armbreaker for the win.
September, 1998 - On 9/1, Satoshi Kojima was rushed to hospital after abnormalities with his left eye. It's thought that his retina was detached, and that he'll miss up to two months of action. Tadao Yasuda will replace him and team with Nakanishi in the upcoming WCW Tag Team Title contender tournament. - On 9/2, Fujinami proposed a re-training of Naoya Ogawa, which would include him working Muga shows. Fujinami wants "the future of combat sports" to know professional wrestling. - On 9/3, Muto, who secretly visited America late in August, revealed that he planned to overthrow WCW Heavyweight Champion, Bill Goldberg. Muto had negotiations with Eric Bischoff, who is expected to be at the 9/23 Yokohama Arena show, and also expressed interest in seeing a Goldberg vs. Chono double title unification match. - On 9/4, it was rumoured that UFO's "TAKE OFF" show would be shown nationally on the TBS network. - On 9/5, Muto visited Taiwan, where New Japan's weekly "World Pro Wrestling" show begins in Autumn. Muto was there on an nWo movement, but his full reasons are unknown. - On 9/8, it was decided that UFO's full debut show will take place at Tokyo Ryogoku Kokugikan on 10/25. New Japan will be competing directly with it, running at the Fukuoka International Center on the same day. - On 9/10, Osamu Nishimura pulled out of the new tour, due to a serious internal disease. He became the second person of the new generation to cancel appearances, the other being Kojima. Nishimura will take long-term absence to fight the cancer. - The "G1 CLIMAX SPECIAL" series began at Omiya Citizen Gymnasium on 9/10. Jushin Thunder Liger gained revenge from the Osaka Dome, successfully defending the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title against Great Sasuke, forcing him to submit to a cross armbreaker. The main event saw Yuji Nagata return to the tour circuit, he and Sasaki beating Muto & Hiro in the WCW Tag Team Title Contender Tournament. The show also saw Chono and Norton quarrel, adding heat to their upcoming IWGP Heavyweight Title match. - On 9/15, the main event of UFO "TAKE OFF" was announced as Naoya Ogawa vs. Don Frye. - On the 9/20 show in Ishikawa, Chono suffered a serious injury to his neck, putting his title defense against Norton on 9/23 in grave doubt. - The 9/21 show at Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium saw several happenings. Don Frye & Brian Johnston beat Fujinami & Akitoshi Saito (replacing Nishimura), Frye KO'ing Saito with mounted punches. Sasaki & Nagata beat Hashimoto & Yamazaki in the WCW Tag Team Title Contender Tournament Final, Nagata using a cross armbreaker to score a big submission win over Yamazaki. - Also on 9/21, it was revealed that Chono would miss around two months due to serious damage with his previously broken neck. As a result, the IWGP Heavyweight Title is vacated, and the main event of the 9/23 Yokohama Arena show was changed to Nagata vs. Norton in a decision match. - On 9/22, Nagata declared that he would snap Norton's arm in their match. - 14,000 fans turned out for "BIG WEDNESDAY", New Japan's major tour climax at Yokohama Arena. Sasaki & Yamazaki beat Don Frye & Igor Meindert in a Different Style Fight Tag Match when Yamazaki used a reverse achilles tendon hold on Meindert. Otani & Takaiwa made their first defense of the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Title, beating WCW's Black Tiger (Eddie Guerrero) & Chris Jericho, Otani pinning Tiger with a Dragon suplex hold. The next match saw another WCW junior fall, Kaz Hayashi failing to take the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title from Liger, being pinned after 21 minutes. Hashimoto scored a big win, pinning his long-time rival, Muto, in a special match. Tenryu & Koshinaka successfully defended the IWGP Tag Team Title, beating the nWo's nWo Sting & Brian Adams when Tenryu pinned Sting. Finally, Scott Norton became the 23rd IWGP Heavyweight Champion, destroying Yuji Nagata and pinning him after a powerbomb. - On 9/28, main matches for the "NWO TYPHOON" tour were announced. On 10/18 at Kobe World Hall, Tenryu & Koshinaka defend the IWGP Tag Team Title against Muto & Tenzan, a tough challenge. On 10/24 at Fukuoka International Center, Otani & Takaiwa defend the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Title against Kanemoto & Kashin. Liger defends the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title against good friend, El Samurai. The main event sees all-out war between New Japan and nWo Japan, with Hashimoto & Sasaki vs. Norton & Muto. The tour climax on 10/30 at Hiroshima Sun Plaza sees three junior singles matches, with Kashin vs. Dr. Wagner Jr., Kanemoto vs. Takaiwa, and Liger vs. Otani. The main event is a big one, with Norton defending the IWGP Heavyweight Title against Hashimoto. - Also on 9/28, New Japan expressed "UFO martial law", increasingly wary of the new UFO movement. Inoki wanted Ishizawa (Kashin) on the 10/24 UFO show, but New Japan refused. - On 9/30, Satoru Sayama (the original Tiger Mask) said he wanted to face Kashin on UFO's debut show, but given New Japan's stance, there isn't much chance of that happening.
October, 1998 - On 10/5, Tenryu nominated Hashimoto as his next challenger for the J-1 Heavyweight Title. His first defense was against Hashimoto, but he wants Hashimoto to re-challenge at WAR's 12/11 show. - Also on 10/5, the nWo again expressed keen interest in recruiting Nagata. Muto said that he wants new military power, but not an old wrestler, rather a young star like Nagata. - On 10/7, Nagata agreed to cooperate with the nWo conditionally, but isn't 100% sure of his future yet. - On 10/14, Satoshi Kojima announced that he would return from his left eye injury at the 10/18 Kobe World Hall show. - Also on 10/14, Tenryu went straight to New Japan foreman, Riki Choshu, petitioning for an IWGP Heavyweight Title match. Tenryu also wants Choshu to come out of retirement and face him on the 1/4/99 Tokyo Dome show. - On 10/15, young lion, Shinya Makabe, scored his first ever win, forcing Yutaka Yoshie so submit to a crab hold. This was a huge breakthrough for Makabe, as he had no prior wins, despite debuting on 2/15/97. - Also on 10/15, Muto took some risky steps, saying he wanted to trade Tenzan for Tenryu, meaning Tenryu would join nWo Japan and Tenzan would leave it. - On the 10/16 Yokkaichi show, an appalled Tenzan abandoned Muto during a six man tag match. Tenzan was amazed by Muto's comment yesterday and is understandably angry. - On the 10/17 Kishiwada show, Muto and Tenzan showed good cooperation, appearing to be on civil terms again going into their title challenge. - A major mid-tour show took place at Kobe World Hall on 10/18. Michinoku Pro's SASUKE (Great Sasuke) defeated Koji Kanemoto in a close match. Liger called for a dream team to be formed with he and SASUKE. UFO's Don Frye downed Akitoshi Saito in a Different Style Fight Match, TKO'ing him. Satoshi Kojima returned from injury, teaming with long-time Bull Powers partner, Nakanishi, to defeat Iizuka & Nagata. The big story came later on, when Muto said of Kojima, "We are brothers!". Muto and Kojima formally united, Kojima joining nWo Japan. The possibility of an nWo split came up, with Tenzan (acting in Chono's position) and Hiro possibly splitting from Muto. The two teamed up, but failed in a challenge to take the IWGP Tag Team Title from Tenryu & Koshinaka, Koshinaka powerbombing Tenzan for the win. - On 10/20, Chono called an urgent press conference to address the Muto situation. Chono said he had trusted Muto, but due to his union with Kojima, Muto may be ousted from nWo Japan. - On the 10/23 show in Kurume, Muto and Kojima teamed for the first time, joining up with Brian Adams to defeat Fujinami, Nakanishi & Nagata in the main event. - Also on 10/23, Fujinami announced that Muga's next show would take place on 12/8 and be called "DREAM-1". It will feature wrestlers from BattlARTS, including Ryuji Hijikata, from Wrestle Yume Factory, including Masakazu Fukuda, and Muga regulars, such as Nobuyuki Kurashima and Katsushi Takemura. - UFO ran it's "TAKE OFF" show at Tokyo Ryogoku Kokugikan on 10/24, with Antonio Inoki's MMA/pro wrestling hybrid being stressed. The opener saw two well known indy wrestlers go at it, Michinoku Pro's Tiger Mask beating BattlARTS' Ikuto Hidaka with a triangle choke hold in 6 1/2 minutes. Kazunari Murakami forced Lee Young Gun to submit to a cross armbreaker in just over 1 minute. Original Tiger Mask (Satoru Sayama) beat Kevin Rosier with a cross kneelock. The semi final saw Brian Johnston vs. Gerard Gordeau go a no contest. The main event saw UFO's top star, Naoya Ogawa, defeat Don Frye in a No Rules Match by referee stop. Inoki announced that the next UFO show would take place at Osaka Castle Hall on 12/30. - Meanwhile, New Japan also ran a big show on 10/24, taking place at Fukuoka International Center. Otani & Takaiwa made the second defense of their IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Title, beating Kanemoto & Kashin when Takaiwa pinned Kashin. Jushin Thunder Liger beat El Samurai in the fifth defense of his IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title. The main event, originally Norton & Muto vs. Hashimoto & Sasaki, instead saw Muto & Kojima beat Hashimoto & Nagata when Kojima used a lariat on Nagata for the win. IWGP Heavyweight Champion, Norton, missed the show due to an injured right shoulder, which puts his first defense of the belt against Hashimoto on 10/30 in some doubt. - On 10/25, Kojima advised Muto to throw Tenzan and Hiro out of the nWo. Kojima said that if they can't accept him being in the group, they should be discarded. - Also on 10/25, Tatsumi Fujinami suggested a Choshu vs. Naoya Ogawa match for the 1/4/98 Tokyo Dome show. - On 10/26, it was determined that Nagata would face Don Frye on the big 10/30 tour climax at Hiroshima Sun Plaza in a tag match. This will be their first match, but not their first scuffle, as they argued at the Osaka Dome on 8/8. - Also on 10/26, Naoya Ogawa revealed that he had been talking to New Japan young lion, Kazuyuki Fujita, about transferring to UFO. Ogawa is very confident that he'll join. - On 10/27, Hashimoto expressed outrage at UFO for trying to steal Fujita from New Japan. Hashimoto said that UFO should develop it's own young prospects, rather than taking others. - On the 10/28 Shimonoseki show, Norton hurt his right shoulder even more, despite pinning Yasuda in the main event. - Also on 10/28, Chono set the 1/4/99 Tokyo Dome show as his tentative return date. Chono received treatment in Germany for his cervical vertebrae damage. - The "NWO TYPHOON" tour concluded on 10/30 at Hiroshima Sun Plaza. In the three junior singles matches, Wagner pinned Kashin, Takaiwa pinned Kanemoto, and Liger pinned Otani. Liger nominated Takaiwa as his next challenger for the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title, with that match set to take place on 12/4. Nagata & Kazuyuki Fujita scored a big win, beating UFO's Frye & Johnston when Nagata used a standing heel hold on Johnston. Scott Norton successfully defended the IWGP Heavyweight Title for the first time, but only after a countout over Hashimoto. During the show, Tenzan handed Kojima an nWo t-shirt, signifying that problems between the two are now over.
November, 1998 - Kendo Kashin worked Michinoku Pro's 11/1 Chiba show, defeating Naohiro Hoshikawa with a cross armbreaker. - In an IWGP Heavyweight Title defense on 11/3, Scott Norton defeated Van Hammer in 3:15 on WCW Monday Nitro. - Also on 11/3, responding to recent threats by Atsushi Onita, who said he would intrude on New Japan shows, Chono said he would boycott matches if Onita ever soiled a New Japan ring. - On 11/4, New Japan investigated Norton's IWGP Heavyweight Title defense in America, which was unofficial and unrecognized by the company. - Also on 11/4, President Sakaguchi didn't rule out the possibility of Onita in New Japan rings. All Japan star, Mitsuharu Misawa, ruled out Onita ever appearing in All Japan, while Choshu and Chono don't want him in New Japan, but Sakaguchi isn't so hostile. - Still on 11/4, after much provocation by Inoki's UFO, New Japan director general, Katsuji Nagashima, approved a declaration of all-out war on UFO, beginning on the 1/4/99 Tokyo Dome show. - On 11/5, Satoru Sayama, the original Tiger Mask and a member of UFO, refused New Japan's demand of him to work a show for the company. Meanwhile, Naoya Ogawa is interested in the forthcoming war, especially after previously being banished from New Japan by Sakaguchi. - On 11/6, it was announced that WCW would send representatives to compete in the 1998 Super Grade Tag League, David "Fit" Finlay and Jerry Flynn. - Also on 11/6, it was announced that Manabu Nakanishi would make his first challenge for the IWGP Heavyweight Title in Osaka on 12/4, taking on Scott Norton. Nakanishi said he had exceeded fellow generation wrestlers, Tenzan, Kojima and Nishimura, and would show "old Japanese fighting" against Norton. Also on that show, Liger defends his IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title against Takaiwa. - Still on 11/6, Naoya Ogawa listed Hashimoto, Sasaki and Fujinami as possible opponents for him on the 1/4/99 Tokyo Dome show. - On 11/8, Muto made a bombshell announcement that he would sign a deal with the TBS network next year and nWo Japan would break away from New Japan, going to TBS. - On 11/9, New Japan called an urgent meeting to discuss the problems with UFO and the looming threat of Death Match great, Atsushi Onita, who continues to try and gain entry to New Japan. - On 11/13, Director Nagashima called for Inoki to provide five wrestlers for the 1/4/99 show for a 5 vs. 5 series between New Japan and UFO. - The 1998 Super Grade Tag League started on 11/16 with a show at Yokohama Bunka Arena. This was a special show to commemorate Mr. Pete Takahashi, New Japan head referee for 25 years, who is retiring. Takahashi said he was honoured to have officiated matches with Andre, Hogan, Hansen, Jeet Singh, etc., and received a 10-gong, before being lifted on to Manabu Nakanishi's shoulders and celebrating his career. Opening day matches saw Fujinami & Hashimoto beat Nakanishi & Nagata and Tenryu & Koshinaka beat Muto & Kojima. - Also on 11/16, Inoki disregarded New Japan's demand for a 5 vs. 5 series, telling New Japan wrestlers to instead go to UFO's Osaka Castle Hall show in December. - On 11/18 at the Kyoto Prefectural Gymnasium show, after many threats, Atsushi Onita made history and finally entered the New Japan ring. Onita raced into the ring and called for Riki Choshu to meet him there. Shiro Koshinaka was held back from attacking Onita, while Choshu made his way out. Onita handed him a sheet of paper, containing a formal challenge, but an angry Choshu, outraged at Onita, attacked him to the delight of the fans. Choshu refuses to be dragged out of retirement by Onita, but Onita is expected to compete on the 1/4/99 Tokyo Dome show. Koshinaka is the favourite to face him. - On 11/19, it was announced that at WAR's 12/11 show, Tenryu & Koshinaka would face Kensuke & Yamazaki. Despite Tenryu's request though, New Japan won't allow the IWGP Tag Team Title to be defended there. Tenryu was enraged to the point that he considered cancelling the match altogether. - Also on 11/19, it was formally announced that Onita would wrestle his first ever match for New Japan at the Tokyo Dome on 1/4/99, but his opponent remains unannounced. - On 11/20, Onita demanded Choshu face him in an explosion match at the Tokyo Dome. - Also on 11/20, Nagata vs. Frye was officially announced for the 12/4 Osaka show. - On 11/21, it was announced that Shinjiro Otani & Tatsuhito Takaiwa would also wrestle on WAR's 12/11 show, facing Masaaki Mochizuki & Masao Orihara. - On 11/22, Muto rejected the possibility of Onita in a New Japan ring, calling Onita "filthy". - On the 11/22 Korakuen Hall show, Nakanishi & Nagata beat Kensuke & Yamazaki in a SG Tag League bout, Nakanishi scoring a huge upset by forcing Sasaki to submit to his Argentine backbreaker. - Also on 11/22, Chono gave up hope of competing on the 1/4/99 Tokyo Dome show, as his neck injury isn't healing fast enough. Retirement was hinted, but Chono remains intent on returning. - On 11/24, Choshu decided that his greatest pupil, Sasaki, would be the man to face Onita at the Tokyo Dome. Onita still wants an explosion match. - On 11/25, Ogawa said he wants to face Hashimoto at both UFO's 12/30 show and New Japan's 1/4 show. - Also on 11/25, Sasaki vs. Onita was officially announced. Sasaki declared that the Tokyo Dome would become Onita's graveyard, saying he would crush Onita. - Akira Nogami, under long-term absence from New Japan, appeared on a popular Fuji TV show on 11/26. Nogami, an actor as well as wrestler, suffered a left eye injury in May and hasn't wrestled since. - On 11/26, Onita accepted the match with Kensuke, but said he didn't think New Japan would allow an explosion concept. - On 11/27, Choshu received another letter from Onita, demanding a match, but outright rejected it. - On 11/28, Tenryu hinted that he would intrude on a UFO show and defend his J-1 Heavyweight Title there. - On 11/30, it was determined that the Tokyo Dome show would air from 11:55am to 1:50am on that night. - Also on 11/30, Inoki accepted New Japan's challenge for a series against UFO. New Japan responded immediately, listing Hashimoto, Yamazaki and Nagata as it's representatives. Since the matches are taking place in New Japan, 3 counts will be allowed.
December, 1998 - On 12/1, Hashimoto said that Inoki is "vulgar". Responding to Inoki's comments that he should lose weight, Hashimoto said "if I lose weight, I won't be me". Hashimoto lambasted UFO, comparing it to an indy looking for attention by provoking bigger and better promotions. - 6,500 fans sold out Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium for the big 12/2 show. UFO's Don Frye started the war against New Japan strongly, KO'ing Nagata in 9 minutes. Frye argued with UFO teammate, Brian Johnston, after the match, then brawled backstage with him. Liger made his sixth defense of the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title, pinning Tatsuhito Takaiwa after a shotei. In two big SG Tag League matches, Muto & Kojima beat Sasaki & Yamazaki and Fujinami & Hashimoto beat Tenryu & Koshinaka. Norton continued to dominate the IWGP Heavyweight Title, defeating Nakanishi in under 8 minutes in his second defense. Norton nominated Tenryu and Ogawa as his next challengers. - On 12/6, Brian Johnston apologized to New Japan and asked to join them against UFO. Johnston, a former UFC fighter, accused Frye of being in Inoki's back pocket, starting a bitter feud between the Americans. - Another sell out witnessed the tour climax on 12/6 at Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium, with the Super Grade Tag League coming to an end. The opener saw a big surprise, as Osamu Kido & Kazuyuki Fujita, a veteran and young lion, beat the IWGP Jr. Tag Team Champions, Otani & Takaiwa, Kido forcing Otani to submit to a wakigatame. Michiyoshi Ohara scored a big win, pinning WCW tough man, David Finlay, after a powerbomb. The first SG Tag League semi saw Muto & Kojima beat Tenryu & Koshinaka when Muto pinned Koshinaka. The second saw Fujinami & Hashimoto down Sasaki & Yamazaki, Fujinami forcing Yamazaki to submit. In the final, Muto & Kojima beat Fujinami & Hashimoto, Kojima scoring a huge personal victory, hitting Fujinami with a lariat for the tournament win. - On 12/7, main matches for the 1/4/99 Tokyo Dome show were officially announced. The main event sees Norton defend the IWGP Heavyweight Title against Muto. Tenryu & Koshinaka defend the IWGP Tag Team Title against the brand new team of Tenzan & Kojima. Liger defends the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title against Kanemoto. Kashin & Dr. Wagner Jr. challenge Otani & Takaiwa for the IWGP Jr. Tag Team Title. And of course, Kensuke faces Atsushi Onita. In addition, three unannounced New Japan vs. UFO makes take place. Ogawa's sudden refusal to compete and Johnston's desire to represent New Japan are holding up formal announcements. - Also on 12/7, Muto declared that Chono was no longer needed and that the nWo was destined to split into two halves in the near future. - On 12/8, the professional wrestling grand-prix awards were announced. All Japan's Kenta Kobashi won the MVP award, with Chono finishing second, despite missing several months because of injury. Muto won the Outstanding Performance award, while Nagata won the Technique Prize. Mr. Takahashi won a Service Prize for his years of being a top referee. - Also on 12/8, it was announced that New Japan veteran and star of yesteryear, Masa Saito, would retire on 2/14/99. His opponent is undecided, but the Muta name is being thrown around as a possibility. - Still on 12/8, the three New Japan vs. UFO matches for 1/4 were formally announced. The big one is Hashimoto vs. Ogawa, the revival of that massive feud from 1997. Other matches pit Brian Johnston representing New Japan, facing Don Frye, and Yuji Nagata facing David Beneteau. - On 12/9, Atsushi Onita barged into New Japan offices, saying he wanted a direct response from Choshu. Choshu wasn't present, but Director Nagashima heard Onita's words, the Death Match pioneer saying he wants Choshu, not Kensuke. - Also on 12/9, the main event of UFO's 12/30 Osaka Castle Hall show was announced as Ogawa vs. Gerard Gordeau. Also on the show, Don Frye faces Kazunari Murakami. - Kensuke Sasaki appeared on Samurai! TV on 12/10, saying that he would use no fancy moves to defeat Onita, or even his lariat. Kensuke said he would defeat Onita with one slap to the face. - Several New Japan wrestlers competed on WAR's 12/11 year end show. Otani & Takaiwa became 2-Crown tag champions, beating Masaaki Mochizuki & Masao Orihara to win the WAR International Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Title. Takaiwa Death Valley bombed Mochizuki for the win at 15:57. The main event saw Tenryu & Koshinaka beat Sasaki & Yamazaki, Tenryu pinning Yamazaki. - On 12/13, Liger appeared on Michinoku Pro's Osaka show, teaming with SASUKE to face Super Delfin & Gran Naniwa. The match passed 20 minutes, concluding when SASUKE pinned Delfin. However, a big brawl erupted between Liger and Delfin, prompting Liger to tell Delfin to challenge him for the IWGP Jr. Title on 1/4. With Kanemoto already challenging for the belt though, this was most likely a "heat of the moment" comment. - On 12/14, Tenzan flew to Germany and the CWA promotion (the place where Tenzan went on a learning excursion some years back) for a match, saying before he left that 1999 would be the year that he finally wins the IWGP Heavyweight Title. Tenzan also said that he and Kojima would bring the tag belts to nWo Japan on 1/4. - On 12/21, it was formally determined that Brian Johnston would enter New Japan on a regular basis from the 1/4 Tokyo Dome show and onward, competing on the "FIGHTING SPIRIT 1999" tour. - On 12/22, it was announced that "FIGHTING SPIRIT 1999" would have a tournament to determine a #1 contender for the IWGP Heavyweight Title. First round matches have Kensuke vs. Nagata, Koshinaka vs. Tenzan, Hashimoto vs. Nakanishi, and Kojima vs. Yamazaki. The winner of the tournament faces the winner of Muto vs. Norton from the Tokyo Dome. - On 12/23, Hashimoto refused to be part of the IWGP Heavyweight Title Tournament. - Also on 12/23, it was decided that there would be a Tokyo Dome show on either 4/10 or 4/11/99. With All Japan and PRIDE running Tokyo Dome show around the same time, competition will be fierce. - On 12/24, Kensuke demanded an ambulance be brought to the Tokyo Dome in preparation to take Atsushi Onita away after their singles match. - On 12/25, after refusing to take part in the IWGP tournament, Hashimoto was suspended indefinitely, with the suspension beginning on "FIGHTING SPIRIT 1999". - UFO ran it's Osaka Castle Hall show on 12/30, selling out just 50% of the building with 8,000 fans. Don Frye used an Antonio Inoki signature move, the ground Cobra Twist, to defeat Kazunari Murakami in the semi final. In the main event, Naoya Ogawa headed into the new year with a win, downing Gerard Gordeau in 5:46 by referee stop.
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