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January, 1999
- On 1/1, full numbers for New Japan in 1998 were announced. A total of 647,267 fans turned out at 137 conventions, meaning the average attendance per show was 4,725. This was down from 1997, where around 708,464 fans turned out at 134 conventions, an average of 5,287 fans. Worldwide economic depression was cited as a reason for the fall in numbers. - A 62,500 sell out turned up for the annual January 4th Tokyo Dome, with some huge things going down. Kendo Kashin & Dr. Wagner Jr. downed Shinjiro Otani & Tatsuhito Takaiwa to become just the second IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Champions. In the latest match of their thrilling series, Jushin Thunder Liger successfully defended his IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title against Koji Kanemoto, Liger's 7th defense concluding after 23 minutes when he used an avalanche-style brainbuster for the win. Atsushi Onita finally debuted for New Japan, amidst much outrage and fury, facing Kensuke Sasaki. Sasaki destroyed Onita and often abandoned his own pinfall attempts, but only won by DQ when Onita blew fire in Kensuke's eyes. Sasaki demanded an explosion match against Onita on the 4/10 Tokyo Dome show. The three match New Japan vs. UFO series followed, the war taking off.
1. New Japan vs. UFO: Yuji Nagata The big rematch of Hashimoto vs. Ogawa was a disappointing no contest, with the match being thrown out when it got out of control. New Japan foreman, Riki Choshu, raced into the ring and declared that New Japan would attack UFO on both UFO's March convention at Yokohama Arena and New Japan's 4/10 Tokyo Dome show. The new nWo Japan tag team of Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima began their tandem with a bang, capturing the IWGP Tag Team Title from Genichiro Tenryu & Shiro Koshinaka, Tenzan using a diving headbutt on Koshinaka to capture the belts, he and Kojima becoming the 36th champions. The main event saw Keiji Muto win the IWGP Heavyweight Title, forcing Scott Norton to submit to a figure-four leglock after 19 minutes of combat. The balance of power shifted, worrying Chono, who is at odds with Muto. - On 1/5, Onita refused Kensuke's challenge for a rematch, saying he had no interest in facing him again. Onita said he would wrestle only Riki Choshu or Giant Baba, listing himself as being on the same level as those two. - Also on 1/5, it was announced that Masa Saito's retirement opponent on 2/14 would be Scott Norton, who is looking to bounce back from his title loss. - On 1/6, President Seiji Sakaguchi expressed negativity to the New Japan vs. UFO feud. Sakaguchi said "UFO and New Japan are oil and water", and also said he doesn't want Riki Choshu to return to the ring, after rumours of that happening, just one year after Choshu retired. - On 1/8, the internet grand prix awards for pro wrestling in 1998 were announced. All Japan's Kenta Kobashi was named MVP. New Japan did win the Best Bout though, with Chono & Tenzan vs. Tenryu & Koshinaka from 6/15/98 at Tokyo Nippon Budokan winning that prize. Scott Norton won the award of best foreigner, while Kazuyuki Fujita took the newcomer prize. - Also on 1/8, Liger ventured back into Michinoku Pro, continuing his rivalry with Super Delfin in a singles match. Liger won the bout with an avalanche-style Fisherman buster, but Delfin took the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Champion over 20 minutes. Liger said that he would only face Delfin again if Delfin won All Japan's junior title. - On 1/11, Genichiro Tenryu said he was losing interest in New Japan. Tenryu will work shows on the February tour, but said he may say farewell to New Japan soon. - Also on 1/11, contract renewal began. No major controversies yet, with Liger signing a satisfying contract. - On 1/12, Choshu ended rumours that he would unretire, saying he had no plans for a comeback. Choshu was running a training camp at Inawashiro Lake, fueling speculation that he is preparing for a return to the ring. - Also on 1/12, Sakaguchi declared that New Japan would no longer associate itself with UFO, ending that war quickly. Sakaguchi insisted that no New Japan wrestlers would be on UFO's 3/14 Yokohama Arena rally. However, he didn't rule out UFO wrestlers/fighters appearing on New Japan shows. - On 1/13, Sakaguchi said that New Japan contract signings were going smoothly, despite rumours that UFO had invited Sasaki, Nakanishi, Nagata, Kashin and Fujita to join their cause. - On 1/17, Tenryu and Onita mended their old friendship and hinted that they may team up to attack New Japan. - On 1/21, Fujinami demanded Choshu return to the ring, so that they can team up and win the IWGP Tag Team Title. - On 1/22, Hashimoto was officially suspended from the entire February series, and contract renewal talks were also suspended. - Still on 1/22, New Japan revealed that everyone except Hashimoto and Chono had signed contracts with the company. Chono, as per usual, stalled and claims WCW have offered him a big money deal. Despite fighting cancer, Osamu Nishimura was given a new contract, while Akira Nogami, still on long-term absence, also put pen to paper. Moreover, Kazuo Yamazaki, who was competing as a freelancer previously, signed an official New Japan contract. - On 1/23, it was announced that Gran Hamada would replace SASUKE as Michinoku Pro's representative on the 2/5-2/6 double header in Sapporo. - On 1/24, Fujinami pledged full support to Hashimoto, saying he understood Hashimoto's situation all too well. - On 1/25, UFO's Don Frye expressed interest in a shot at the IWGP Heavyweight Title. Frye will work the Sapporo double header, as well as the tour climax. - Also on 1/25, Chono came to terms with New Japan, signing a two year contract estimated to be worth 100,000,000 yen. Chono's return from injury will be on 2/5. - "FIGHTING SPIRIT 1999" began on 1/27 at Yoyogi National Stadium Gymnasium #2, before 3,500 fans. On the undercard, Shinjiro Otani downed IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Champion, Liger, using a Spiral bomb to finish him at just under 20 minutes. All four first round matches in the IWGP Heavyweight Title #1 Contender Tournament went down. Satoshi Kojima upset Kazuo Yamazaki, forcing the technician to submit to a cross armbreaker. Manabu Nakanishi downed Tadao Yasuda, forcing him to submit to an Argentine backbreaker. Hiroyoshi Tenzan beat Shiro Koshinaka with a diving headbutt, while the main event saw Kensuke Sasaki beat Yuji Nagata in 14 minutes with a Northern Light bomb. Semi final matches take place in Osaka on 2/11. - Masakazu Fukuda, formerly of Wrestle Yume Factory, returned to New Japan on 1/28, now an official contracted wrestler of the company. He lost to Kuniaki Kobayashi, but looks to climb the ladder in future. Brian Johnston also entered New Japan, teaming with Osamu Kido to beat Kengo Kimura & Michiyoshi Ohara. - Also on 1/28, Muto challenged WCW phenom, Bill Goldberg, to challenge him for the IWGP Heavyweight Title on the 4/10 Tokyo Dome show. Muto declared he would hold the belt until the 21st century and would use it to gain political power in New Japan. - After defeating Sasaki & Nagata in the main event of the 1/29 convention, Tenzan & Kojima declared they would ascend to the very top of New Japan and take over the company. - On 1/31, Onita warned New Japan that he would raid their 2/14 Tokyo Nippon Budokan tour climax. - Also on 1/31, the wrestling world was rocked by the death of All Japan founder and legend, Shohei "Giant" Baba. Baba died at 4:04pm, aged 61, of a hepatic insufficiency after an operation.
February, 1999 - On 2/1, Mitsuo Momota, Jumbo Tsuruta and Mitsuharu Misawa held a press conference to announce the death of Giant Baba. Cancer in the liver area was cited as the cause of his death. Baba had left hospital on 1/8, having temporarily recovered, but his condition worsened and he died on 1/31. Antonio Inoki expressed his sadness, saying he and Baba were both followers of the forefather of Japanese wrestling, Rikidozan. Sakaguchi called Baba's death a massive loss for the wrestling community. Choshu also praised Baba, saying it was amazing how he wrestled at his old age. Muto called for Misawa to do his best and said he wanted to exchange talent with All Japan. - On 2/2, President Sakaguchi announced that New Japan would fully support All Japan in their time of mourning. Sakaguchi hinted that New Japan and All Japan would exchange talent on their respective Tokyo Dome shows this year. It was also revealed that Chono had spoken by phone with Misawa about himself, Muto and Hashimoto appearing in All Japan. A 10-gong was held at New Japan's Aomori show to mourn Baba's death. - Still on 2/2, Muto called for an IWGP Heavyweight Title and Triple Crown unification match between he and Misawa. - On 2/3, Misawa refused New Japan's approaches about interpromotional work. - Also on 2/3, Nagata said that if he and Nakanishi couldn't win the IWGP Tag Team Title from Tenzan & Kojima on 2/5, he would cancel his contract with New Japan and leave the country. - On 2/4, Muto and Chono began their latest verbal battle, with Chono's return just one day away. Muto said that the nWo had evolved beyond Chono. Chono accepted a Handicap Match against Muto and another nWo member. - On 2/5, Inoki said that there was a possibility that UFO and All Japan would exchange talent in the future. - Still on 2/5, New Japan ran the first half of it's double header at Nakajima Sports Center, drawing a 6,000 sell out. Going into his IWGP Jr. Title challenge tomorrow, Dr. Wagner Jr. pinned Liger in a tag, hitting him with three Michinoku Driver IIs for the win. Osamu Kido celebrated his 30th anniversary in wrestling by beating Kengo Kimura with a wakigatame. UFO's Don Frye & David Beneteau beat Kazuo Yamazaki & Brian Johnston by referee stop, Frye finishing off Yamazaki. Chono's return match turned out to be a Handicap Match against Muto & Hiro Saito. During the match, Akira Nogami returned to New Japan after a long absence, sporting a new entrance theme and costume, with dyed blond hair and long black pants. Nogami KO'd Muto and drew blood from him, leading to a no contest finish. The main event saw "neo nWo", Tenzan & Kojima, make the first defense of their IWGP Tag Team Title, beating Nagata & Nakanishi in 18:47 when Kojima threw three lariats to down Nagata, who promised to leave Japan if he lost this match. - On 2/6, the second half of the Sapporo double header took place, 6,500 fans turning out today for another big show. In the opener, Kanemoto downed Kendo Kashin with a Tiger suplex hold. Otani scored a big pinfall over Gran Hamada, he and Takaiwa beating Hamada & El Samurai. Yamazaki bounced back from yesterday's loss, forcing Tenzan to submit to a cross armbreaker in a singles match today. Johnston & Kazuyuki Fujita downed Frye & Beneteau, Johnston forcing Beneteau to submit. In another epic title defense, Liger made his 8th successful defense of the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title, using an avalanche-style brainbuster after 27 minutes for the win over Dr. Wagner Jr. Otani, after his recent victory over Liger, was nominated as the next challenger. In the main event, Chono and the returning AKIRA (Akira Nogami) beat Muto & Kojima, Chono forcing his old rival Muto to submit to a Butterfly Lock. - On 2/7, it was unofficially decided (by Muto) that Muto would defend the IWGP Heavyweight Title against Chono at the Tokyo Dome on 4/10. Muto must first get past his challenger on 2/14. - On 2/8, New Japan director general, Katsuji Nagashima, said that Hashimoto couldn't work UFO's 3/14 Yokohama Arena show for legal reasons. Hashimoto is contracted to TV Asahi and UFO's show is airing on TBS, which explains why he can't appear. - Also on 2/8, Chono scoffed at the possibility of waiting until April to wrestle Muto. Chono told Muto to show up in the Tokyo Korakuen Hall parking lot tomorrow so that they could fight there. - New Japan ran it's 2/9 Korakuen Hall show, but Muto disregarded Chono's drastic challenge. In the main event, Chono knocked out his sworn friend, Hiro Saito, Yakuza kicking him in just 5 minutes for the win. Meanwhile, Liger picked up some ligament damage, the diagnosis being that he would miss around one and a half months of action. However, Liger is determined to work through the injury and appear on the 2/14 tour climax. - 4,000 fans turned out to the Osaka Maishima Arena on 2/11 for a big TV taping. Kashin & Dr. Wagner Jr. successfully defended the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Title for the first time, beating former champions, Otani & Takaiwa, when Kashin used an avalanche-style cross armbreaker on Otani. Both IWGP Heavyweight Title #1 Contender Tournament semi finals took place, finishing off the show. Kojima defeated former friend and tag partner, Nakanishi, hitting him with a lariat for the victory. And in a big main event, Sasaki continued his trek back to the top, pinning Tenzan after a Northern Light bomb. - Another TV taping took place on 2/12, 4,300 fans selling out Gifu Industrial Hall. The tournament final was also the main event, with Kensuke making it three in a row and becoming #1 contender when he used a Northern Light bomb to down Kojima. Sasaki now faces Muto on 2/14. - On 2/13, Fujinami called for Tenryu to team up with him, forming a showa generation tandem. - "FIGHTING SPIRIT 1999" concluded on 2/14 at Tokyo Nippon Budokan, 14,000 selling out the famous building for a big show. In the opener, Kanemoto, Otani, Kashin, Takaiwa & Wagner beat Liger, SASUKE, El Samurai, Masaaki Mochizuki & Masao Orihara in a 2/3 Falls Match. They won in two straight falls, Kanemoto using a cross kneelock on Liger's bad knee in the first, then Otani using his Spiral bomb on Mochizuki to seal the second. In another battle of bitter rivals, Don Frye forced Brian Johnston to submit. Masa Saito called it a day, ending a great career with a retirement match against Scott Norton. He lost the match in 6 1/2 minutes, but received a parade to celebrate his career. In the big main event, Sasaki gave Muto all he could handle in a big IWGP Heavyweight Title match. This grueling match went 28 minutes, before Muto applied a cross armbreaker and the referee stopped the match. Muto said a conclusion match with Chono would be his next defense. As warned, Atsushi Onita invaded the show, appearing after the intermission break. Onita demanded a shot at the IWGP Heavyweight Title, calling for Muto to face him. - On 2/15, Inoki announced that Naoya Ogawa would probably challenge for the NWA Heavyweight Title at UFO's 3/14 show, facing former UFC fighter, Dan Severn. - On 2/17, it was announced that three BattlARTS wrestlers would compete on the 4/10 Tokyo Dome show. They are Yuki Ishikawa, Alexander Otsuka and Minoru Tanaka. - On 2/18, President Sakaguchi announced that New Japan would run it's first ever show at the Sapporo Dome in 2001. Sakaguchi said that the building was one of the facilities to be used in the 2002 football World Cup, but said New Japan would run at the 52,300 seat building before then. - Also on 2/18, two title matches for "HYPER BATTLE 1999" were announced. On 3/17, Kanemoto, not Otani as first planned, challenges Liger for the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title. On 3/20, El Samurai & Gran Hamada challenge Kashin & Wagner for the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Title. - On 2/19, Koshinaka announced that Heisei Ishingun would hold a press conference on 2/22. With Akitoshi Saito recently leaving New Japan, the possibility of HI disbanding after many years is high. - On 2/20, Fujinami's dream of facing All Japan's Jumbo Tsuruta ended when Tsuruta announced he would retire from in-ring competition. - On 2/21, former New Japan star, Akira Maeda, retired, losing to Alexander Karelin in his retirement match. - On 2/22, Heisei Ishingun held it's press conference, with Koshinaka, Kengo Kimura, Tatsutoshi Goto and Michiyoshi Ohara in attendance. After many years as a unit, it was announced that HI would finally disband, with each wrestler following his own path. Goto & Ohara are expected to remain a team, while Koshinaka's future remains a question mark. - On 2/23, Sasaki suggested an alliance with Koshinaka. - Also on 2/23, Chono, Frye and Goldberg were listed as the leading candidates to challenge Muto for his IWGP Heavyweight Title on 4/10 at the Tokyo Dome. - On 2/24, Onita announced he would invade New Japan again some time during the March series. - Also on 2/24, it was determined that Koshinaka would return to the New Japan army, after he met with Choshu and Kensuke. Koshinaka vowed to assist New Japan crush the nWo. - On 2/25, it was announced that the new tandem of Sasaki & Koshinaka would challenge Tenzan & Kojima for the IWGP Tag Team Title on the 3/22 "HYPER BATTLE" tour climax. - On 2/27, Nagata, who was dissuaded from leaving New Japan by Sakaguchi, announced that he was going to disband his tag team with Nakanishi and form a new team with Kazuyuki Fujita. - On 2/28, Tenryu finally accepted Fujinami's request to form a tag team, saying Jumbo Tsuruta's retirement changed his mind about it. The two set their aims as the IWGP Tag Team Title, with a title shot likely in the future.
March, 1999 - On 3/1, several matches were formally announced for the 4/10 Tokyo Dome show. It was decided that Don Frye would in fact challenge Keiji Muto for the IWGP Heavyweight Title, not Chono as first expected. The veteran team of Fujinami & Tenryu face the winners of Tenzan & Kojima vs. Kensuke & Koshinaka on 3/22 for the IWGP Tag Team Title. A BattlARTS participation match was announced, with Yuki Ishikawa & Alexander Otsuka, the company's two top stars, facing Kazuo Yamazaki & Kazuyuki Fujita. - Also on 3/1, a 24-year-old Rugby sensation was initiated into the New Japan dojo. Standing 6'3", Kenzo Suzuki will join New Japan and has already began light training at the dojo. The date of his debut will be announced in the coming months. - Still on 3/1, Shinjiro Otani & Tatsuhito Takaiwa lost their second tag title in two months, dropping the WAR International Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Title to Yuji Yasuraoka & Tomohiro Ishii at WAR's Korakuen Hall convention, Yasuraoka pinning Otani after 17 minutes of battle. - On 3/2, Chono declared that he would face Onita at the Tokyo Dome, but nothing was set in stone. - On 3/3, Fujinami announced that Muga's next show, titled "DREAM-2" would take place on 4/6 in Fukuoka. Involved will be Fujinami himself, Tatsuo Nakano, Hiroyoshi Kotsubo, Masashi Aoyagi, Tadahiro Fujisaki, Azteca, and Mach Junji. GAEA Japan participation is also expected. - The "HYPER BATTLE 1999" tour began on 3/3 at a sold out Niigata City Gymnasium. Masakazu Fukuda scored his first win as a New Japan wrestler, submitting Shinya Makabe in the opener. The main event saw Chono, nWo Sting & AKIRA down Tenzan, Titan & Hiro in a battle between old friends. The big news was Onita's invasion, as he stormed into the building and brawled with Chono. An explosion match was immediately determined between the two for the 4/10 Tokyo Dome show. This will be Chono's first ever explosion match, and will pit two of the most charismatic and popular wrestling icons in the country against each other. - On 3/5, Frye cancelled his match against Gerard Gordeau on the 3/14 UFO show, saying he wants to concentrate on his match with Muto right now. - Also on 3/5, Masahiro Chono vs. Atsushi Onita in a No Rope Explosive Barbed Wire Death Match was officially announced. Director Nagashima is likely to appear at Onita's 3/7 show to examine Onita's promotion and ways. - Nagashima didn't appear on Onita's 3/7 show, angering the Death Match pioneer. - On 3/8, it was announced that Chono vs. Onita will be the opening match of the Tokyo Dome show, as Onita has to be judged before he can wrestle further up the card. Another reason is that the barbed wire ropes take a while to set up, so doing that before the show allows things to run smoothly. - On 3/9, Shiro Koshinaka declared Freedom Dogs (Goto & Ohara) extermination. Koshinaka will set the plan into action on the 3/11 Kyoto show, when he teams with Tadao Yasuda against the ruffians. - Also on 3/9, Chono refused to be in the opening match of the Tokyo Dome show. He demanded his match with Onita be above Muto's match with Frye, as he doesn't want to be placed below his nemesis on the card. - Koshinaka's plan backfired on the 3/11 Kyoto show, as Goto & Ohara took just 4 minutes to defeat he and Yasuda. The finish saw Goto used a bamboo sword on Yasuda for the 3 count. - On the 3/14 UFO show at Yokohama Arena, which only sold 8,000 tickets, Naoya Ogawa captured the NWA Heavyweight Title from Dan Devern, defeating "The Beast" in under 8 minutes with a sleeper hold. - Also on 3/14, Onita listed two conditions for his match with Onita. Firstly that Michinoku Pro's head referee, Ted Tanabe, officiate the match, and secondly that Director Nagashima sit at ringside and be the match "ashtray". - On New Japan's own 3/14 show, Koji Kanemoto broke his right eardrum in a tag match, but said it wouldn't stop him from taking the IWGP Jr. Title from Liger. - On 3/15, New Japan accepted Onita's two conditions, completing the realization of Chono vs. Onita. - On 3/16, Manabu Nakanishi said that he would defeat Frye on the 3/20 Nagoya show, then re-challenge Muto for the title in a rematch from their 1/4/99 bout, where Nakanishi stretched the champion 20 minutes. - On 3/17, rumours flared of ANOTHER Tokyo Dome show possibly happening in June. Who would run the show wasn't announced, but New Japan is the rumoured company, with Hashimoto vs. Ogawa and Kenzo Suzuki's debut both rumoured features. - 5,000 fans sold out Hiroshima Sun Plaza on 3/17 for a TV taping. Don Frye's rampage continued as he forced Fujinami to submit to a cross armbreaker, gaining momentum for his match with Muto. The main event saw a classic match, as Koji Kanemoto ended Jushin Thunder Liger's long reign as champion, using a moonsault press to win a grueling match, the longest IWGP Jr. Title bout in history at 31:38. Kanemoto declared he would make a defense record of the title and hold it longer than Liger did. - On 3/20, TV Asahi accepted Onita as a man who can draw a big audience rating, giving the nod for that match to be televised nationally. - Another big TV taping occured on 3/20, with 10,000 fans selling out Nagoya Rainbow Hall. Shiro Koshinaka again beat Hiroyoshi Tenzan, pinning him with a powerbomb in a singles confrontation. Liger stepped up to the heavyweight division, teaming with Fujinami & Yamazaki against Chono, nWo Sting & AKIRA. However, Liger lost the fall, being pinned by his former junior rival, AKIRA. Frye scored yet another victory, defeating a spirited Nakanishi with a sleeper hold in under 6 minutes. The main event saw Kashin & Dr. Wagner Jr. make the second defense of their IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Title, beating El Samurai & Michinoku Pro's Gran Hamada when Kashin forced Samurai to submit. BattlARTS' Ishikawa, Otsuka and Minoru Tanaka were in attendance, inspecting New Japan's juniors. Tanaka vs. Takaiwa as a second New Japan vs. BattlARTS match was determined for the Tokyo Dome. Meanwhile, Shinjiro Otani challenged his good friend Kanemoto to an IWGP Jr. Title match at the Dome. Otani was polite in his challenge, calling Kanemoto "sir" and congratulating him on his title capture. Chono talked about his match with Onita, saying he didn't want it on TV Asahi. Chono roared "NO TV! I AM CHONO!". - On 3/21, Kanemoto was ruled out of action with a knee injury. He said he could work through it, but wants to be safe and return for an IWGP Jr. Title defense at the Tokyo Dome. - Also on 3/21, Chono nominated Choshu as the referee for his match with Onita. Knowing of Power Hall's contempt of Onita, Chono clearly had a plan with his nomination. - The "HYPER BATTLE 1999" tour climaxed on 3/22, with 6,000 fans selling out Amagasaki Memorial Park Gymnasium. Liger made short work of Kashin, bouncing back from recent defeats by making Kendo submit to his own finisher, the cross armbreaker. In an old generation vs. new generation match, veterans Fujinami & Tenryu prepared for their upcoming IWGP Tag Title match by defeating Nakanishi & Nagata, Tenryu lariating Nagata for the victory. Frye's preparation for his match with Muto was completed when he downed another New Japan wrestler, this time young lion Kazuyuki Fujita. In the main event, Tenzan & Kojima's short reign as IWGP Tag Team Champions ended, Kensuke & Koshinaka beating them when Sasaki hit Tenzan with a lariat to become the 37th champions. This sets up their first defense against Fujinami & Tenryu at the Tokyo Dome. - On 3/23, it was revealed that the mysterious June Tokyo Dome convention would not be a New Japan rally, but more likely the host of PRIDE 6, which is rumoured to have Ogawa vs. Nobuhiko Takada as it's main event. - The rumours of Bill Goldberg vs. Scott Norton at the 4/10 Tokyo Dome show were put to rest, when WCW scheduled it's Spring Stampede 1999 PPV for 4/12 at the Tacoma Dome. - Also on 3/23, Director Nagashima said he would talk to Choshu about officiating the 4/10 match between Chono and Onita, after Ted Tanabe had to cancel his role in the match. - Still on 3/23, New Japan OK'd Frye's face punch, meaning he'll be allowed to use it against Muto if he pleases. - And finally on 3/23, all eight matches of the 4/10 Tokyo Dome show were finalized. Late additions were Nakanishi & Nagata vs. Tenzan & Kojima in a generation match, Kashin & Wagner vs. the dream team of Liger & Sasuke with the IWGP Jr. Tag Title on the line, and Kanemoto vs. Otani for the IWGP Jr. Title. - On 3/25, Tenzan hinted that he was still friendly with Chono, despite remaining in Muto's nWo Japan group. Tenzan said he wanted to cooperate with Chono. After losing the tag belts, Tenzan & Kojima's relationship with Muto is on shakey ground. - Also on 3/25, after arguing in Amagasaki, Nakanishi & Nagata, who just can't get along, again split up their team. But once more they have a match planned, so will have to pair up again, to battle Tenzan & Kojima. Nagata wants to form a new generation team with Kazuyuki Fujita. Nakanishi suggested the 4/10 match be modified to have Nagata, Tenzan & Kojima vs. himself. - On 3/25, Chono announced an urgent excursion to America, with him flying there tomorrow. Chono is to meet with the U.S. Special Forces about explosives for his match with Onita. - With Hashimoto's continuing suspension from New Japan, speculation continues of his return date. The 5/3 Fukuoka show, which concludes the "STRONG ENERGY 1999" series, is the latest possibility. - On 3/26, President Sakaguchi strongly denied the possibility of Choshu officiating the upcoming explosion match between Chono and Onita. - On 3/28, Chono revealed information about his trip to America. Chono said he had purchased a 100,000,000 yen suit designed by NASA, which will cushion him from the exploding barbed wire should he hit it. Chono also made a request to Onita, asking him for 3 minutes of "Strong Style wrestling" at the start of their match. Chono's homecoming is scheduled for 4/4. - On 3/29, it was reported that Choshu might be the substitute referee in the explosion match now, which would mean he stands outside the ring. - Also on 3/29, the debut date/location of Kenzo Suzuki was announced as the 1/4/00 Tokyo Dome show. Kenzo has much training to do before he can step into the ring. - On 3/30, Goto & Ohara declared that they would perform indiscriminate acts of terrorism at the 4/10 Tokyo Dome show, boasting that they would intrude on all eight matches and make their presence felt. - Also on 3/30, the referee for the explosion match was finally announced as 11-year veteran and WAR official, Hiroyuki Unno. Unno has experience with this type of match, having officiated the famous No Rope Explosive Barbed Wire Cage Death Match between Onita and Genichiro Tenryu at Kawasaki Stadium on 5/5/94. - On 3/31, Onita accepted Chono's request for 3 minutes of "Strong Style wrestling" at the beginning of their match.
April, 1999 - On 4/1, Onita declared that he would smoke tobacco on his way to the ring at the Tokyo Dome. - Also on 4/1, the full press conference of Kenzo Suzuki's signing took place. Kenzo said that he aimed to become a wrestler like Seiji Sakaguchi, who was in attendance at the conference. Suzuki also said he wants to add muscle to his body before debuting. - On 4/5, Kensuke vowed to retire both Fujinami and Tenryu at the Tokyo Dome. - After wrestling an Exhibition Match against Tatsuo Nakano on his 4/6 Muga show, Fujinami said that he wanted to defend the IWGP Tag Team Title overseas after he and Tenryu won the belts. - On 4/7, Kojima said he would take an independent approach to things from now on. He noted that he would be 29-years-old at the end of the year, and said he wanted to win the IWGP Heavyweight Title. He introduced himself as a possible challenger for the belt on the 5/3 Fukuoka show. - Also on 4/7, Fujinami offered Muto some advice, telling him to target Don Frye's legs and attack them. The Dragon said that when he faced Frye, he noticed a weak point when attacking his legs. - 4/10 saw the much anticipated "STRONG STYLE SYMPHONY - NEW JAPAN SPIRIT 1999" at the Tokyo Dome. Due to another overwhelming success, this time with 63,500 fans showing up, New Japan immediately announced a third Tokyo Dome convention for autumn. Kenzo Suzuki introduced himself to fans, being billed as one of New Japan's greatest ever prospects. The show began with a No Rope Explosive Barbed Wire Death Match between two cult icons, Chono and Onita. They fought for 16 minutes, with both men and even referee Unno being exploded. At one point, as he was working over Onita's cut arm, Chono roared in English "THIS IS NOT WRESTLING, FUCKER!". His specially designed NASA suit didn't seem to work too well, as the explosions hurt him. The finish saw both men hit the barbed wire and drop to the mat. They were unable to answer Unno's 10 count, prompting a double KO finish, not a satisfying one for fans in attendance, who jeered the result. The two put their differences aside post-match, leaving the ring together after their war. Onita again appealed for a match with Choshu, saying he would invade the 7/20-7/21 Sapporo double header. Tenzan & Kojima bounced back from their IWGP Tag Title loss, beating fellow generation members, Nakanishi & Nagata, Tenzan using a moonsault press on Nagata. The third generation is in disarray though, as now Tenzan and Kojima are arguing, adding to the recent dissension between Nakanishi and Nagata. Tenzan hinted that he would disband his team with Kojima on the next series. The first of two New Japan vs. BattlARTS matches saw Tatsuhito Takaiwa down BattlARTS' junior phenom, Minoru Tanaka, winning a good match in just under 12 minutes. The dream team of Jushin Thunder Liger & Great Sasuke beat Kendo Kashin & Dr. Wagner Jr. to become the third IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Champions, Liger pinning Doc. In an excellent match between friends, Koji Kanemoto successfully defended his newly won IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title for the first time, beating Shinjiro Otani with a moonsault press in 24:23. In the second and final New Japan vs. BattlARTS bout, Kazuo Yamazaki & Kazuyuki Fujita beat BattlARTS' two top stars, Yuki Ishikawa & Alexander Otsuka, Yamazaki forcing Ishikawa to submit. Kensuke Sasaki & Shiro Koshinaka successfully defended their newly won IWGP Tag Team Title, fending off the strong challenge of legends, Tatsumi Fujinami & Genichiro Tenryu, Koshinaka powerbombing Fujinami for the victory. In a much heated main event, Keiji Muto defended the IWGP Heavyweight Title against Don Frye, forcing him to submit to a cross armbreaker. The fans absolutely despised Frye, hurling trash at him and filling the rampway with garbage. Frye almost began riots during the match, breaking slowly at the rope and bending the rules. The fans erupted when he submitted to Muto's jujigatame, their native hero defeating the diabolical rulebreaker from overseas. This sixteenth Tokyo Dome convention sent the total attendance for the shows into the millions, with a total of 1,010,200 fans having turned out for the Dome shows, which began in 1989. - On 4/11, Onita avoided the question about whether he is joining up with Chono, saying, "I cannot say right now". - Also on 4/11, Chono declared that his new army corps would be far bigger than the nWo ever was, and would expand overseas. With Tenzan, Onita and Frye all rumoured to be part of it, the group could make waves in the near future. - On 4/12, Naoya Ogawa said he would work an NWA tour in May to defend his recently won NWA Heavyweight Title. Kazunari Murakami will join him there, working matches. - On 4/13, Yuki Ishikawa said that BattlARTS competed well at the Tokyo Dome and that he wanted to face New Japan wrestlers again in the future. - "STRONG ENERGY 1999" began on 4/13, with a 4,300 sell out following up the Tokyo Dome success. Liger & Sasuke, the new IWGP Jr. Tag Champions, downed former champions, Otani & Takaiwa. Goto & Ohara's rampage continued, as they destroyed Chono & Wallstreet in 2 minutes, Goto lariating Wallstreet for the win. The main event saw Fujinami & Tenryu bounced back from their Tokyo Dome loss, beating Tenzan & Kojima, Tenryu pinning Tenzan after a lariat. - Also on 4/13, competitors for the 1999 Best of the Super Jr. Tournament were announced. In addition to the New Japan regulars, Gran Hamada (Michinoku Pro), Minoru Tanaka (BattlARTS), Masaaki Mochizuki (Bukoh Dojo/WAR) and Masao Orihara (freelance) were announced as combatants. Meanwhile, it was determined that three titles would be up for grabs on the current tour climax on 5/3 in Fukuoka. Kanemoto defends the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title against another friend, Tatsuhito Takaiwa. Kensuke & Koshinaka defend the IWGP Tag Team Title against Yamazaki & Nagata. And in the big one, Tenryu finally challenges for the IWGP Heavyweight Title, taking on Muto in a huge match. Should he win, Tenryu would become the first Japanese wrestler to ever hold that title and the All Japan Triple Crown. The speculated return match of Hashimoto was not announced. Onita wants to compete on the show and Chono is for the idea. - On 4/14, the possibility of Great Muta vs. Great Nita, Atsushi Onita's Muta spoof persona, arose, with Muto saying he would be very interested in the match taking place. - On 4/15, after a wild run of form, Goto & Ohara said they wanted a shot at the IWGP Tag Team Title. They called Strong Style weak and boasted that their brawling style was superior, hence their recent success. - At Korakuen Hall on 4/17, Kensuke Sasaki sent a message that he was still a singles threat by becoming one of the few men in a long time to pin Muto, doing so in a tag team main event. The opening match saw a big upset, with long-time young lion, Yutaka Yoshie, making some much needed progress by defeating El Samurai. - On 4/18, Kensuke challenged the winner of Muto vs. Tenryu for a shot at the IWGP Heavyweight Title. Sasaki is interested in a 2-crown match, which would see Tenryu's J-1 Heavyweight Title and should he win in Fukuoka, the IWGP Heavyweight Title on the line. - On 4/19, Don Frye made a top secret visit to Japan and met behind closed doors with Chono about future participation in New Japan as part of Chono's new group. - On 4/20, Muto followed Sasaki's lead, calling for Tenryu to put up his J-1 Heavyweight Title to create a unification match in Fukuoka. - On 4/21, New Japan mourned the death of former WWF and WCW superstar, Rick Rude, who died at age 40. Rude is best remembered in Japan for his classic match with Masahiro Chono in the 1992 G1 Climax final. - Also on 4/21, Tenryu refused Muto's challenge for him to put the J-1 Heavyweight Title on the line in Fukuoka. - Chono united with his "best friend" Don Frye at last, introducing him to the ring at the 4/21 Kumamoto convention. Also on the show, Yamazaki & Nagata countered the Freedom Dogs' brawling tactics, defeating them in just 2:41 when Nagata forced Ohara to submit. - On 4/23, Chono successfully negotiated series participation with Frye, and the former UFC star will work the tour from 4/24 onwards. - Don Frye debuted as a regular New Japan wrestler on 4/24 at Beppu B-Con Plaza, teaming with Chono & AKIRA in the main event to down Muto, Tenzan & Kojima, Frye using a sleeper hold on Kojima for the submission win over the nWo's strongest trio. - On 4/26, in an attempt to counter Chono's recruitment of Frye, Muto met Brian Johnston for dinner, discussing Johnston's future participation in New Japan. - After success on the 4/27 show, Chono announced that he and Frye would challenge for the IWGP Tag Team Title. - On 4/28, Koshinaka declared IWGP Grand Slam domination, saying he would follow Nobuhiko Takada's path and become just the second man to win the IWGP Heavyweight (the one that eludes him), IWGP Tag and IWGP Jr. Heavyweight titles. Shiro said he would win the G1 Climax to get his shot at the IWGP Heavyweight Title, then capture that throne from whoever holds it at the time. - Also on 4/28, Onita gave up hope of appearing on the 5/3 Fukuoka show, after receiving no formal reply from New Japan management.
May, 1999 - On 5/1, Muto sent a message to All Japan ace, Mitsuharu Misawa. Muto told Misawa to take the belt from Vader at All Japan's 5/2 Tokyo Dome show, so that the two could meet in an all-star decisive battle, with the world's two most prestigious heavyweight titles on the line. - On 5/2, Great Sasuke appeared at All Japan's Giant Baba memorial Tokyo Dome convention, turning heads by carrying New Japan's IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Title belt over his shoulder. In the main event, Misawa defeated Vader to capture the Triple Crown, bringing the Tokyo Dome to it's feet. The possibility of Misawa vs. Muto grew once again as a result. - On 5/3, after seeing Sasuke on All Japan's show, Liger said he was open to defending the IWGP Jr. Tag Title on All Japan soil. - "STRONG ENERGY 1999" concluded on 5/3 at Fukuoka International Center, with yet another sell out on hand, this time 7,500 fans. Koji Kanemoto took his friend, Tatsuhito Takaiwa, to school, making a successful defense of his IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title by making Takaiwa submit to a basic (Boston) crab hold. Kanemoto was receptive to the possibility of defending his title against All Japan's junior ace, Yoshinari Ogawa. Tenzan & Kojima continued to team up, defeating Chono & AKIRA today when Tenzan pinned AKIRA. After the match, Chono humbly requested a handshake and reformation with the two young stars. Tenzan and Kojima reluctantly agreed... then betrayed Chono! Kojima hits a Koji Cutter, before Tenzan KO'd his mentor with a diving headbutt. Tenzan and Kojima banded together with Muto, remaining nWo 4 life. Sasaki & Koshinaka made their second defense of the IWGP Tag Team Title, fending off the challenge of Yamazaki & Nagata, Kensuke lariating Yamazaki for the victory. Sasaki acknowledged Nagata's growth in strength, but said he and Koshinaka aren't ready to drop the belts. In a historic and grand match, Genichiro Tenryu for the first time in his illustrious career challenged for the IWGP Heavyweight Title, facing Keiji Muto. However, he failed to become the first native to hold both the IWGP Heavyweight and Triple Crown titles, as he lost an epic 25 minute war to Muto, who hit a moonsault press for the third defense. Tenryu debuted two new moves, a spider (top-rope/avalanche-style) German suplex and a Frankensteiner. Muto declared that his V4 defense would be against Triple Crown Champion, Mitsuharu Misawa, the second time in the year he has said such a thing. - On 5/6, Tenryu revealed that he had been negotiating with Bill Goldberg to compete in WAR. Tenryu said he would be willing to put up the historic J-1 Heavyweight Title against the WCW ace, but admitted there was little chance of the match happening unless Goldberg's contract with WCW collapsed. - On 5/8, Kanemoto said he wanted to win a junior Triple Crown of the IWGP Jr. Title (which he already has), the Best of the Super Jr. Tournament, and the All Japan World Jr. Heavyweight Title. - On 5/10, it was announced that WCW's Meng (formerly Prince Tonga/Haku) would work the next tour, forming a tag team with Tenryu. - On 5/11, more information about the "BEST OF THE SUPER JR. 1999" tour was announced. Shiro Koshinaka faces arch-rival, Tatsutoshi Goto, in a singles match on the 6/8 Tokyo Nippon Budokan show, while Yuji Nagata faces his old friend, but a man he hasn't gotten along with lately, Manabu Nakanishi, in their first singles match for five years. No IWGP Heavyweight Title match, since the tour is junior-centric. - On 5/12, after Chono threatened to gain trademark rights for nWo Japan, Tenzan said he would "strip the nWo logo off Chono". Tenzan sent a scary warning, telling Chono he would attack in the city of Tokyo on a moonlit night. Tenzan confirmed that Muto had said he would hand over the belt to Tenzan... in 2001. - On 5/13, Atsushi Onita said farewell to New Japan, giving up hope of facing Riki Choshu. - Also on 5/13, at a wrestling photography convention, Muto and Misawa shook hands in public, taking one step closer to interpromotional work. Muto expressed his dream of having a New Japan/All Japan/WWF joint super-show. - On 5/14, Chono invited Onita back to New Japan, saying he had the power to make things happen. - On 5/15, Muto said he believed Kendo Kashin would win the upcoming Best of the Super Jr. Tournament, praising his technique. - On 5/17, Kazuo Yamazaki said he would be out of action long-term due to bronchiectasis and a lung sprain. Yamazaki said he had been vomiting blood and the diagnosis for recovery was six months. - Also on 5/17, Hashimoto finally announced when and who he would go up against in his return match. He will face Tenryu in their latest war on 6/8 at Budokan. Having dropped almost 20kg, Hashimoto is happy with his condition and is ready to return. - The "BEST OF THE SUPER JR. 1999" tour began on 5/19 at Kuku City Gymnasium. Kazuyuki Fujita was not in action, as he was ruled out of the entire series due to injury. After watching Kanemoto down Masaaki Mochizuki in the BOSJ group stages, Muto hinted that he would invite the IWGP Jr. Champion to join the nWo. The other BOSJ match saw Kanemoto's best friend, Otani, defeat Dr. Wagner Jr. - On 5/20, while appearing on a variety TV show, Misawa said he aimed to face both Muto and Hashimoto, remaining open to talent exchange, unlike earlier in the year. - On 5/21, Chono and Onita met for dinner at a Chinese restaurant near Korakuen Hall. After discussions, Onita declared anew his desire for a match with Choshu, saying he wasn't finished with New Japan yet. - On 5/22, RINGS star, Yoshihisa Yamamoto, challenged Naoya Ogawa to a fight on RINGS' 8/19 Yokohama convention. - On 5/24, Tenryu sent a love-call to his good friend, Onita, saying the two should team up and challenge for the IWGP Tag Team Title at some point. - Also on 5/24, New Japan mourned the death of another U.S. wrestling star, as former IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Champion, Owen Hart, died in a stunt accident at the WWF PPV in Missouri, falling around 15 meters from a suspended wire. - On 5/25, Sasaki welcomed the possibility of Tenryu & Onita challenging he and Koshinaka for the IWGP Tag Team Title. - Still on 5/25, Kendo Kashin said that if he won the BOSJ tournament, he would donate his cash prize to the children of ravaged Kosovo. - On 5/26, it was announced that Kenzo Suzuki could leave for Calgary, Canada, at the end of June to bulk up. He is also expected to train in Germany's CWA promotion, before returning home to debut. - Still on 5/26, Inoki gave the "GO" sign for Ogawa vs. Yamamoto to take place on RINGS' 8/19 show. - Also on 5/26, Chono sent feelers to Meng about joining his new generation group, which is expected to officially form in the near future. - On 5/27, President Sakaguchi returned home from America with translator, Masa Saito, where they met with WCW president, Eric Bischoff. Sakaguchi said New Japan's relationship with WCW was still strong and that talent exchange would continue. - On 5/28, Hashimoto resigned his role as wrestler's chairman, and Junji Hirata will take over the position. - After teaming with Meng to defeat Chono & nWo Sting on 5/28, Manabu Nakanishi said he wanted to form the new Natural Powers with Meng. Chono is also scouting Meng for his group, so the Tongan may have some deciding to do. - 6,300 fans sold out Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium for a big mid-tour convention on 5/31. Chono, Frye & nWo Sting beat Muto, Tenzan & Kojima when Chono used an STF on Kojima. After the match, Chono declared that his group would be called Team 2000, and that Onita would also be a part of it. Two major BOSJ matches closed the show, both tremendous bouts. BattlARTS' Minoru Tanaka scored a big upset, making Otani submit to a cross armbreaker, while Jushin Thunder Liger gained revenge over Koji Kanemoto, forcing him to submit after 20 minutes of war.
June, 1999 - Tatsuhito Takaiwa ensured that Kanemoto would advance to the BOSJ final on 6/4, scoring a huge pinfall victory over Liger when he used a German suplex hold to seal the win. - On 6/6, Kanemoto's fellow finalist was determined, as Kendo Kashin forced Dr. Wagner Jr. to submit to an avalanche-style cross armbreaker, setting up a confrontation with the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Champion in the final. - 13,600 fans sold out Tokyo Nippon Budokan for the tour climax on 6/8. Before the show began, a 10 count gong was held in the memory of Owen Hart, who himself competed in the Best of the Super Jr. Tournament once. Shiro Koshinaka downed former HI ally turned bitter rival, Tatsutoshi Goto, powerbombing him for the 3 count. Yuji Nagata downed Manabu Nakanishi in their first match for five years, forcing Nakanishi to submit to a crab hold. Kensuke Sasaki defeated Meng with the Strangle Hold Beta. Muto & Kojima scored a huge tag win, beating Chono & Frye when Kojima lariated Chono for the 3 count. A trimmer Shinya Hashimoto made his return to a huge response, but lost to Genichiro Tenryu in his return match, falling to a level chop. And in the 1999 Best of the Super Jr. final, Kendo Kashin defeated IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Champion, Koji Kanemoto, using an avalanche-style cross armbreaker to win his first BOSJ tournament. Kashin threw away his gifts and sent his cash prize of 5,000,000 yen to the children of Kosovo. Tatsuhito Takaiwa won the Weekly Pro Award, Shinjiro Otani won the Weekly Gong Award, and Minoru Tanaka won the Weekly Fight Award. - On 6/10, main matches for the "SUMMER STRUGGLE 1999" series were announced. On the 6/25 tour opener at Korakuen Hall, long-time referee Katsuhisa Shibata, who's son will debut later in the year, will retire. On 6/27 at Gran Ship Shizuoka, Koji Kanemoto defends the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title against BattlARTS' Minoru Tanaka, while Goto & Ohara finally get their shot at the IWGP Tag Team Title, as they face Kensuke & Koshinaka. On 7/13 in Morioka, Otani & Takaiwa look to regain the IWGP Jr. Tag Team Title when they face Liger & Sasuke. 7/20 and 7/21 sees a Sapporo double header at Nakajima Sports Center. 7/20 sees Satoshi Kojima get his wish, as he challenges his mentor, Keiji Muto, for the IWGP Heavyweight Title. Only a Super Junior Battle Royal was announced for the 7/21 show, featuring the pre-debuts of Katsuyori Shibata and Wataru Inoue. - On 6/13, while meeting Eric Bischoff in America, Chono hinted that he would teach Kojima the weaknesses of Muto, despite Kojima being on Muto's side and opposite him. - On 6/15, Onita spoke up again about his involvement in New Japan. Onita said he wanted to face the winner of Muto vs. Kojima on 7/20 for the IWGP Heavyweight Title on 7/21. Onita is going to skip high school, where he is re-studying, to enter Sapporo. - According to Weekly Pro Magazine, New Japan has been planning to run at the Jingu Stadium lately in the year, not the Seibu Dome as rumoured. A press conference will take place on 6/17. - On 6/17, it was formally announced that New Japan would run at the Jingu Baseball Stadium on 8/28. The building, where UWF-I ran in the past, seats 46,000 fans. The leading candidate for main event is Muta vs. Nita in an explosion match. - On 6/17, New Japan outright refused Onita's IWGP challenge. - On 6/18, Onita said the only way he would dress up as Nita and help draw a big crowd to Jingu Stadium would be by getting his title shot. - On 6/21, Nobuhiko Takada showed interest in re-entering New Japan, specifically for the 8/28 Jingu Stadium show. - On 6/24, it was announced that the the G1 Climax final will be broadcast live on TV Asahi for the first time in seven years after recent high ratings. - Also on 6/24, Tatsumi Fujinami was appointed as new president of New Japan, replacing Seiji Sakaguchi who said he wanted to "pass the baton to a younger generation". Sakaguchi will remain as a chairman, while Fujinami is promoted. Fujinami talked about several issues, such as the possible establishment of a commissioner system, a pro wrestling interpromotional summit, talent exchange with All Japan, and reconciliation with UFO, who Sakaguchi broke off relations with. Riki Choshu, foreman of New Japan, pledged full support to Fujinami. - On 6/25, Chono said that he had ignored Fujinami's promotion. Chono said that he would be president one day. - "SUMMER STRUGGLE 1999" began on 6/25 at Tokyo Korakuen Hall. Kendo Kashin scored a rare pinfall (as opposed to his standard submission) victory, inside cradling Takaiwa for a singles victory. Kashin's charity work has continued, as he helped raise 1,000,000 yen for the Japanese Red Cross Society in conjunction with TV Asahi. Just two days before their IWGP Tag Title challenge against the same team, Goto & Ohara beat Sasaki & Koshinaka, Ohara scoring a huge pinfall when he powerbombed Kensuke. Hashimoto returned full-time to tours, teaming with Yuji Nagata, but losing to Muto & Kojima when Kojima lariated Nagata. Katsuhisa Shibata officiated this match, the last of his 33 year career, receiving a bouquet of flowers after the match and 10 count gong. - The 6/27 TV taping at Gran Ship Shizuoka drew a 5,000 sell out and had some notable happenings. Kanemoto made the third defense of his IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title, pinning Minoru Tanaka with a moonsault press. Although he avoided nominating Kashin as his next challenger, Kanemoto said he did want to get revenge for his BOSJ final loss to Kendo. The main event saw a huge event, as Goto & Ohara defeated Kensuke & Koshinaka to become the 39th IWGP Tag Team Champions, Goto using a backdrop suplex on Koshinaka for a second straight victory for the Freedom Dogs. Their first defense is tentatively scheduled for the 8/28 Jingu Stadium show. - Kenzo Suzuki's overseas training was determined on 6/28, and will begin from late July, not late June as first planned. Kenzo will train primarily either in Canada or the WCW Powerplant in Atlanta. - Weekly Fight announced that Kuniaki Kobayashi, a junior star of the 1980's and a heavyweight throughout the 1990's, would retire soon due to an internal disease. He will assume a director role within the company, becoming the second man to retire in several days.
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beat David Beneteau 
(5:30) with a triangle choke hold.