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[Complete Results]
"EXTREME 2 DAYS" was a mini-series that followed up on the big Tokyo Dome show in early January, and featured two shows at the mecca of pro wrestling, Tokyo Korakuen Hall. Both were highlighted by time lag (intervals between entrances) battle royales, with 1/24 hosting a junior heavyweight version, and 1/25 a heavyweight version. Although a simple double header was planned, it would be a turning point as New Japan, as it took place during the chaotic period when Keiji Muto, Satoshi Kojima and Kendo Kashin decided to leave New Japan and join rivals, All Japan. Although Muto and Kashin refused to compete on the shows, subsequently vacating the IWGP Tag and IWGP Jr. Heavyweight titles respectively, Kojima would wrestle one more time for his home of many years.
Special participation:
Satoshi Kojima (Team 2000): 1/24 only
Gran Naniwa: Both shows
Points of note:
(1/24) Dolgorsuren Serjbudee debuted a new ring name in the opening match. Now called Blue Wolf, the Mongolian rookie faced Hiro, but despite the name change was defeated by the veteran.
(1/24) After two critical singles losses, 12/31 to Mirko Cro Cop and 1/4 to Jun Akiyama, Nagata found himself near the bottom of the card and having to work his way back up. He faced young lion, Tanahashi, and managed to defeat him with a cross armbreaker.
(1/24) Kakihara won a 12 Man Jr. Heavyweight New Japan Rumble, using the Kaki Cutter on Gedo for the victory. The order of elimination was: Naniwa, Liger, Tanaka, Takemura, Jado, Shibata, El Samurai, Kanemoto, Wataru, Naruse & Gedo. Although his scheduled IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title challenge of Kashin on 2/16 was cancelled due to Kashin's departure, Kakihara put his name in the hat for a place in the decision match for a new champion with this win.
(1/24) Emotions were high in the main event, as Satoshi Kojima, a New Japan dojo graduate, who debuted on July 16th, 1991, wrestled his final match for the company. Not only was it his last match, but TenKoji's final match as a team, as Tenzan's decision to stay in New Japan meant what many deemed the greatest tag team in history would be forced to disband. They faced Sasaki & Nishimura in the main event, and for one last time delighted the fans, before Tenzan finished off Nishimura with the TTD. Kensuke shook hands with Kojima, showing respect for him. With tears in his eyes, Tenzan wished Kojima luck in All Japan, and Kojima, also crying, made one last exit from the New Japan ring, as the fans called his name.
(1/25) Gran Naniwa also wrestled his final match for New Japan, as he would wrestled exclusively for All Japan following this bout, and lost to El Samurai.
(1/25) The New Japan vs. Team 2000 feud continued to boil, when a match between Liger, Tanaka & Kakihara and Kanemoto, Jado & Gedo went to a 30 minute draw. Tanaka called for an overtime period, which was granted and turned out to be a mistake, as Kanemoto pinned him under three minutes later with a moonsault press.
(1/25) Another match lasting over half an hour was the 12 Man Heavyweight New Japan Rumble, which featured all of New Japan's top heavyweights, and displayed strong military power even after the departures of Muto and Kojima. The order of elimination was: Sasaki & Nakanishi (double elimination after the two brawled all across the building), Tanahashi, Kenzo, Goto, Nishimura, Blue Wolf, Yoshie, Hiro, Nagata & Tenzan. The winner was Chono, who Yakuza kicked his disciple for the victory. Having recently been at odds with TenKoji, this was a good win for Chono, but following the match he extended his arms and called for a reunion. Tenzan was hesitant, but with support from the fans, hugged Chono and Team 2000 was united once more! Backstage, Kensuke and Nakanishi continued to quarrel, their rivalry from 2000 renewed in a more hostile form.
Back to: "WRESTLING WORLD 2002" (1/4/02)
Forward to: "FIGHTING SPIRIT 2002" (2/1/02 to 2/16/02)
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