2009 Flashing Tour (9/13-9/26)

[Eivion Thanatos]

Funaki joins All Japan!

There was a press conference today where it was announced that Masakatsu Funaki had signed a one year contract with All Japan! Funaki stated that he thought about returning full-time once practicing in All Japan’s dojo, stating that he was “too good”, and didn’t want the feeling to end. Funaki stated that he wants to participate in tours and show himself to the local fans promising to bring a war aura that is lacking from All Japan.

Satoshi Kojima’s third challenge to the Triple Crown after losing it in 2006 was made official today as well, and he will challenge Yoshihiro Takayama in Yokohama’s Bunka Gymnasium on 9/26! Kojima stated that his interractions with Kenta Kobashi yesterday revived him and he knows he can take down Takayama, calling him a “big man with a small container”, perhaps making a remark to Takayama’s stamina. Kojima also sent words of encouragement to Suwama after putting on a brave challenge, but Kojima stated it was he who needed to bring the belts home, and anyone else just wouldn’t do.

Other fallout from yesterday’s event in Sumo Hall saw Osamu Nishimura and Manabu Soya get into it during their tag match against Riki Choshu and Shiro Koshinaka! Soya immediately petitioned Riki Choshu to teach him the Choshu-style of wrestling, much the the dismay of Soya’s teacher, Nishimura. Nishimura has since put a lifetime ban on Soya from his muga approach, but stated that he knew this was only kharma, as Nishimura betrayed Fujinami during his younger days after wanting to learn the techniques of Dory Funk Jr. and Karl Gotch.

The ZODIAC also got into a big fight with Joe Doering after refusing to cheat during VM’s six man tag against the Sumo Brothers + Kono. ZODIAC hasn’t officially left VM, but he does have a singles match against TARU on 9/13, but you never quite know what VM has up their sleeves.

AJPW, 9/13/09
Tokyo Korakuen Hall

- Osamu Nishimura vs. Manabu Soya
- TARU vs. ZODIAC
- Minoru Suzuki vs. Toshizo
- Masakatsu Funaki vs. Minoru
- Kaz Hayashi & Seiya Sanada vs. Masayuki Kono & Super Crazy
- Akebono & Ryota Hama vs. Joe Doering & Hate
- Satoshi Kojima, KAI & Hiroshi Yamato vs. Yoshihiro Takayama, NOSAWA Rongai & MAZADA
- Great Muta & KIYOSHI vs. Suwama & Shuji Kondo

AJPW, 9/23/09
Tokyo Korakuen Hall

1. Masakatsu Funaki vs. Masayuki Kono
2. All Asia Tag Team Title: Minoru Suzuki & NOSAWA Rongai (c) vs. Akebono & Ryota Hama

AJPW, 9/26/09
Yokohama Bunka Gymnasium

1. Masakatsu Funaki vs. Minoru Suzuki
2. AJPW World Jr. Heavyweight Title: Kaz Hayashi (c) vs. Super Crazy
3. Triple Crown: Yoshihiro Takayama (c) vs. Satoshi Kojima

[AKINAN]

The line up's and back stories are looking really good.

[The Hater]

Clearly, All-Japan is endearing itself to the talent... It just seems to be a fun place to be at the moment.

[NorthBayfan001]

With Funaki joining, hopefully attendances will go up a bit. AJ is too good to have shitty attendances.

[MutoFan83]

Boo, Raijin's back.

[Anwin]

Funaki vs. Suzuki is a must see. Also Funaki's tope suicida fail, for that matter.

Also, I think Takayama will retain. Suwama had a stronger case than Kojima's, and he lost. Unless they were going with Kojima-Kobashi...

Hama and Bono will destroy NOSAWA, and will grab the All Asia Tag titles. Expecting some Funaki's distraction at any point during the match.

I don't think 2 Jr. titles will be in Mexican's hands. That said, it will be cool if Crazy takes Kaz down.

[L.G Rod]

- Masakatsu Funaki vs. Minoru
- Kaz Hayashi & Seiya Sanada vs. Masayuki Kono & Super Crazy
1. Masakatsu Funaki vs. Masayuki Kono
1. Masakatsu Funaki vs. Minoru Suzuki
2. AJPW World Jr. Heavyweight Title: Kaz Hayashi (c) vs. Super Crazy

Yes to these matches.

[Souder]

So does this mean Funaki is done fighting in DREAM then? Or is he going to keep fighting when he isn't wrestling?

[Eivion Thanatos]

- Masakatsu Funaki vs. Minoru
- Kaz Hayashi & Seiya Sanada vs. Masayuki Kono & Super Crazy
1. Masakatsu Funaki vs. Masayuki Kono
1. Masakatsu Funaki vs. Minoru Suzuki
2. AJPW World Jr. Heavyweight Title: Kaz Hayashi (c) vs. Super Crazy

Yes to these matches.

Come on, I know you want to see the Fatboys take the All Asia Tag belts off of Gurentai.

Also, I think Takayama will retain. Suwama had a stronger case than Kojima's, and he lost. Unless they were going with Kojima-Kobashi...

Its been predicted for a while now that Kojima would be the one to take the belt off of Takayama. There isn't really any other decent direction go since you don't want Takayama holding the belt for too long seeing. That said it is hard to believe that the change would take place with so little build going in.


Anyways I'm loving the look of this tour. Looking very forward to see Kono vs. Funaki. Curious to see where they will go with Zodiac vs. TARU. I'm pulling for the Fatboys to take the All Asia Tag Titles though I'm not sure it will happen. Hoping Soya pulls an upset against Nishimura. And am curious to see the Muta/Kiyoshi tag team despite knowing that they will suck bad.

[Lasakon]

Boo, Raijin's back.

Raijin's too good to be wasted in TNA losing to Shark Boy in dark matches.

[NewJapanAllJapanfan84]

This is an exciting time in All Japan. 3 Title matches & Funaki now with All Japan.

Hopefully, Funaki in All Japan will help the company out and now it's obvious Mutoh/Funaki will be partners in the WSTL this fall which should be cool.

I also hope for the Sumos to take the All-Asia Tag Team Titles, there a pretty cool team.

Doesn't matter to me who wins the Triple Crown as both are cool.

[Ligerbusa]

Boo, Raijin's back.

Raijin's too good to be wasted in TNA losing to Shark Boy in dark matches.

Looks like it's one match and he's back to TNA.

Kiyoshi blows.

[Anwin]

On a side note, for being the President of one of the big three, Mutoh looks more like he's going to host an uber-awesome party...

Good to see All Japan alive and kicking...

[L.G Rod]

I like Kiyoshi better than Akira Raijin.

[club]

Funaki vs. Minoru and MiSuzuki should be pretty great, as would be a Takayama showdown. Needs to get back to the green trunks/headband look though.

edit** So with Funaki signed up, what are the odds on a Shibata appearance?

[JBL]

Now for Kojima to drop it to Nishimura.

[L.G Rod]

Now for Kojima to drop it to Nishimura.

The only logical solution.

[wOOt]

Id like to see The Nish V.S. Akiyama 2.

Also, thats fine that Crazy didnt win it, but whose left to challenge?

[crimson flames]

Also, thats fine that Crazy didnt win it, but whose left to challenge?

Hate.

[wOOt]

That's fair, but dude's droppin falls for VDM all the time. How they gonna build him.

[JBL]

Id like to see The Nish V.S. Akiyama 2.

Also, thats fine that Crazy didnt win it, but whose left to challenge?

Akebono, durr. Dudes slimming down for a Junior heavyweight title shot.

[Sal Paradise]

Not too happy with Takayama dropping the belt already. Of course, his health isnt the best, but another defense against Funaki and maybe Raijin would have been nice. But anyway, pretty sure Kojima will drop the belt to Suwama. Cant really see him having a long reign. Who will be his first defense? Kawada? Muto? Everyone else seems to be busy.

Is Hate a junior? Maybe there will be another match against Minoru (I think I'm the only one who liked that match), but All Japan dont usually do that. KAI would be another option, but I think it's too early for him. If all fails, bring in TAKA.

[wOOt]

Yes, gets us some TAKA.

[crimson flames]

That's fair, but dude's droppin falls for VDM all the time. How they gonna build him.

They did angle where he ran on Hyashi and beat him up.

[Eivion Thanatos]

Id like to see The Nish V.S. Akiyama 2.

Also, thats fine that Crazy didnt win it, but whose left to challenge?

I answered this already. Do you have something against the young juniors of AJPW +NOSAWA?

Also, thats fine that Crazy didnt win it, but whose left to challenge?

Hate.

Isn't a junior. Not to say it can't happen, just that it really shouldn't.

Not too happy with Takayama dropping the belt already. Of course, his health isnt the best, but another defense against Funaki and maybe Raijin would have been nice. But anyway, pretty sure Kojima will drop the belt to Suwama. Cant really see him having a long reign. Who will be his first defense? Kawada? Muto? Everyone else seems to be busy.

It would have been pretty stupid to make Funaki just another defense against Takayama, and it seems like they don't intend to have him challenge so early anyways. Raijin is in TNA and has no name value right now. All they had left was Nishimura, and they weren't going to have him be the one to beat the big name outsider for the belt. This always came down to a question of whether or not Kojima or Suwama would beat Takayama. When Suwama was the first to challenge it became obvious Kojima would be the one to bring the belts back.

As far as Kojima's reign goes. I wouldn't rule Nishimura out. I can only see Suwama beating Kojima for the belt if they decide to give Kojima a decently lengthy reign and finally make Suwama the ace by beating him and Mutoh over a long reign.

[Sal Paradise]

Of course it was obvious that Kojima would win, but Takayama/Funaki would have been a solid draw, with their UWF past. Say what you will, but Funaki beating MiSu and then challenging would defintley have made sense. They need to milk his name value, and could have always build him up again afterwards for another shot on a later date. Stuff like this happens all the time in japanese wrestling.

Also, Raijin wouldnt be the first rather unknown guy coming back from an oversea excursion and receiving a title shot. Either way, it would have been better than yet another (possibly) Kojima/Muto match, and you know how much I still like Muto.

[1randy1]

[crimson flames]

Isn't a junior. Not to say it can't happen, just that it really shouldn't.

And why Hirai isn't junior? I didn't followed WAR but I think he is junior. And c'mon if Kondo junior.

[NewJapanAllJapanfan84]

Hate feuding with Hayashi would be interesting to say the least but isn't Hate a heavyweight?

[crimson flames]

That title has 110 kg limit, Hate I believe is 110 kg. So is ok. Idk why he should feud with Kaz thou'. He can't wrestle etc.

[The Hater]

That title has 110 kg limit, Hate I believe is 110 kg. So is ok. Idk why he should feud with Kaz thou'. He can't wrestle etc.

The weight limit is 105 IIRC

Kikutaro missed by quite a few.

[Beard4Sale]

While the english wikipedia has the title listed as 100kg, the more trustworthy japanese version has the limit set at 105kg. Keep in mind a feud between the pair of them doesn't necessarily have to be for the title.

[crimson flames]

No, Hate appealed for title.
105 is 105...

[Stone Cold Amigo]

No, Hate appealed for title.
105 is 105...

Simple, just lose a pound or two, and there you go. Either way Sobak, I wouldn't worry too much, as this seems like a simple fluff title defense until someone else comes.

[crimson flames]

I just thought defense against KAI would be much more logical. And Hate in title match... Well still I don't know how Masada got title match. And Masada vs Hayashi sucked very much even in clipped form.

[Epyon]

I wish Silver King would come back and show Hate how to be a real Heal. He was just so much FUN.

And who does everyone think will be Koji's V1? Like it's been said before, there MAY be a defense in Oct, but if not, then probably Feb at the earliest. Kono, maybe? Or maybe start back with the Kojima/Suwama disagreement that was going on a few months ago

[Eivion Thanatos]

And who does everyone think will be Koji's V1? Like it's been said before, there MAY be a defense in Oct, but if not, then probably Feb at the earliest. Kono, maybe? Or maybe start back with the Kojima/Suwama disagreement that was going on a few months ago

Won't be a defense next month. The venues are already set and all of them are relatively small with the largest being of Korakuen size. November's tour dates haven't been released yet though save for the Taiwan trip.

Of course it was obvious that Kojima would win, but Takayama/Funaki would have been a solid draw, with their UWF past. Say what you will, but Funaki beating MiSu and then challenging would defintley have made sense. They need to milk his name value, and could have always build him up again afterwards for another shot on a later date. Stuff like this happens all the time in japanese wrestling.

I think your missing the point that he would have los a good a amount of value by losing to an outsider in his first big match. It wouldn't have done a thing for AJPW long term. Seriosuly how can you not see how stupid of an idea that would be.

Also, Raijin wouldnt be the first rather unknown guy coming back from an oversea excursion and receiving a title shot.

Raijin's excursion isn't over. He is no where close to looking like he should be wrestling for the TCC. And he wouldn't draw at all if he were to return right now.

Either way, it would have been better than yet another (possibly) Kojima/Muto match, and you know how much I still like Muto.

Its going to happen anyways so just get over it already. Actually depending on the length of Kojima's reign I could actually see them skipping the match since he already beat Mutoh twice during his original reign.

[Sal Paradise]

Longterm booking? Build up? Oh really? Japanese pro wrestling has changed, especially All Japan is doing everything to sell some tickets these days. One thing never changes though, japanese fans dont care if the guy loses, as long as he gives a great showing, especially a legend like Funaki, who would have also gone over MiSu in my scenario. I dont even claim it's the best booking ever, I was just saying that I'd rather would have seen another Takayama defense than giving the title to Kojima right away, that's all. Ok?

Also, Goto came back from his oversea excursion and got a title shot and it defintley was a success, so why wouldnt this work for Raijin or whatever his name is in TNA? If his return is booked well, I dont see the problem here. Put him over Kono and Suwama, and there you have another credible challenger. Of course it wont fill the Dome or Sumo Hall or whatever, but this is All Japan we're speaking of. Not that long ago, it was TARU who challenged for the Triple Crown. So did TAJIRI.

[Eivion Thanatos]

I was just saying that I'd rather would have seen another Takayama defense than giving the title to Kojima right away, that's all. Ok?

That's fine, I would have preferred one more defense as well. I'm just saying that Funaki being a throw away defense no matter how you try to spin it would have been stupid.

Also, Goto came back from his oversea excursion and got a title shot and it defintley was a success, so why wouldnt this work for Raijin or whatever his name is in TNA? If his return is booked well, I dont see the problem here.

Raijin is no Goto. He didn't get over the last time he returned from excursion until after Suwama caved in his skull on his way out.

Not that long ago, it was TARU who challenged for the Triple Crown. So did TAJIRI.

And neither of those were the smartest decisions.

[LARMORE]

Funaki beating MiSu and then challenging would defintley have made sense.

But, didn't Funaki win by DQ?

[deathmetal_dan]

There better be a triple crown defense before February. If AJPW wants to be the #2 promotion in japan, they should not wait five months in between title defenses.

[wOOt]

I could see Suwama challenging for it next. I reallyy dont think Muto will be V-1 Challenger.

Also, beyond Suwama, I could see a NOAH wrestler challenging for it. I wont lie, It'd be pretty cool if Akiyama won the TC...

[The Hater]

Okay I have checked Kikutaro vs. Nakajima

the weight limit is officially 103... I repeat... 103

[L.G Rod]

I wish Silver King would come back and show Hate how to be a real Heal. He was just so much FUN.

I agree about him being fun, but I don't think he was that great of a heel. I remember him playing to the crowd at times.

[Docnumber2]

I wish Silver King would come back and show Hate how to be a real Heal. He was just so much FUN.

I agree about him being fun, but I don't think he was that great of a heel. I remember him playing to the crowd at times.

Don't take offence to this but Sliver King is the "Gallagher Too" of wrestling. Talented wrestler yes, but does he really have to steal his brother's entire gimmick.

[L.G Rod]

I wish Silver King would come back and show Hate how to be a real Heal. He was just so much FUN.

I agree about him being fun, but I don't think he was that great of a heel. I remember him playing to the crowd at times.

Don't take offence to this but Sliver King is the "Gallagher Too" of wrestling. Talented wrestler yes, but does he really have to steal his brother's entire gimmick.

No I agree. At least Wagner approves unlike Leo Gallagher. I still enjoy him though.

[Docnumber2]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gallagher_(comedian)

Go to the wiki page and scroll down to Gallagher Too. It's hilarious how similar Sliver King is to Gallagher Too.

[KingMuta]

Does anyone know when the 9/26 show will air? I really want to see the Triple Crown match.