Hayabusa vs. Masato Tanaka 5/5/00

As H, the superstar, went on a rampage, he received a letter from his old friend Jinsei Shinzaki during this series stating that he was feeling a little uncomfortable with Ezaki's actions and words, and that he would be attending the May 5th Komazawa show. Jinsei took his seat in the special seat that H had prepared, and the big stage was ready.

The situation of Jinsei sitting ringside was also a thrill typical of entertainment pro wrestling, but Hayabusa's overwhelming presence blew away all of those "options." As H said after the match, "I wanted people who don't know pro wrestling to feel the enjoyment of pro wrestling that we watched when we were kids, something purely fun without complicated theories," Hayabusa's fight was pro wrestling that resonated directly with the Komazawa spectators who knew nothing of the conflict with Tanaka leading up to this point or the reason for Jinsei's attendance.

At the same time, it must have also been a way for him to deliver a deeper message as a superstar to Tanaka and Jinsei. Of course, Tanaka's onslaught, which was more original than ECW style, was extremely dangerous. A powerbomb that hit a table set up in the ring, a 3-meter bomb onto a table outside the ring...the damage was clearly pushing Hayabusa to the brink. If this had been Hayabusa, who had been prepared as a "guest" for a big match, he might have run out of strength here. But the one crawling on the ring was not just Hayabusa, but Superstar H.

Hayabusa endured Tanaka's signature Diamond Dust and then reversed the score with a newly unveiled Double Arm Thunder Fire followed by an H Thunder for the win. Hayabusa no longer had the energy to make any grand gestures. Yet, as Superstar H, he still had work to do. He took off his mask and declared war on Fuyuki, who had just become the new WEW champion, saying, "Fuyuki, congratulations on retracting your retirement! But what's Tenryu, you idiot! I'm taking your belt, so be prepared!!!" H, who had been prepared for the main event of EMW, dealt with the fans who had rushed into the ring and even did a somersault in the corner, but it seemed his power gauge had reached its limit there. H collapsed backstage, not even able to strike a superstar pose. "This pathetic state I'm lying here now is all I have, but I think this is the coolest version of myself. From now on, I want to continue to have matches worthy of the name Superstar H. Please witness our... my way of life." There's no need for forced coolness. A superstar who lays bare everything about himself...that's H's way of life. And at his core is tremendous strength!

Hayabusa d. Masato Tanaka (18:43)

President Arai revealed his plan to enter the American market after the November 23rd Yokohama Arena event last year. He was always positive. He had absolute confidence in FMW's content—the matches themselves. After Mix Entertainment decided to sell FMW videos nationwide, President Arai positioned America as a new market.

From there, FMW's corporate efforts began. They meticulously planned how to market themselves in America. In this new challenge, President Arai was not one to be negative, and the starting point for their entry into America was the E3 game show. E3, one of America's three major shows, is an event that attracts attention from all over the nation. There was no better stage to promote FMW. Considering that video sales would start in July, the timing was also perfect.

As a result, FMW succeeded in securing a booth at E3 with the cooperation of Mix Entertainment. Matches were held every day during the game show (May 11th-13th). All the matches were tag team matches, but the event organizers unanimously agreed that "every match was fantastic." And for good reason. A total of 10 wrestlers participated in this tour. Top stars such as Hayabusa, Fuyuki, Kuroda, and Gannosuke Oya delivered fights worthy of the FMW name. It was only natural that the matches were of high quality. Word of mouth quickly spread throughout the convention center about how well-stocked the FMW booth was, and the final day's matches were packed with people.

The audience was drawn into the excitement of the matches. There were even Hayabusa chants. E3 attracted 75,000 attendees over three days, meaning a considerable number of people witnessed FMW matches, and FMW successfully captured their hearts. It was a huge success.

With NBC, one of the three major networks, deciding to feature the matches, FMW got off to a fantastic start in the uncharted territory of America. President Arai said that there were various ripple effects after E3. "I spoke with several game manufacturers. There were also discussions about anime and live events, but there's no point in doing things blindly, so we want to make this a reality. In any case, based on this success, we want to draw up a blueprint starting next month, including television in America." FMW has started running towards the American Dream!

Four days after the FMW vs. ECW showdown against Masato Tanaka at the May 5th Komazawa "BACK DRAFT," H was in Los Angeles. The attendees gathered at "E3" were astonished by Hayabusa's brilliant fighting style, which they were seeing for the first time, exclaiming "Excellent!" and giving the Oriental hero a standing ovation.

After performing intense battles in the "E3" show for three days, we took advantage of a brief off-time to speak with Hayabusa, also known as H, and he spoke with a relaxed expression about himself and the future of FMW.

"America is a country where, as long as you follow the social rules, you don't really have to worry about the little things. That's why I think it's a place where you can feel positive when you're about to do something. It was a pretty tough schedule right after the show, but I'm really glad I came." No one suits the endless blue skies and dry air of California better than H. In every snapshot, H blends into the Los Angeles breeze. This is the land that gave birth to American Hayabusa, in other words, the origin of Hayabusa.

"Maybe I was able to become Hayabusa because I went on my first overseas tour and breathed the air of Mexico and America. I changed from Eiji Ezaki to Hayabusa in order to make a living as a professional wrestler overseas. In a sense, I think that was the only option..."

The traces of the fierce battle that Hayabusa fought against Tanaka at May 5th Komazawa were still vividly present on H's body. Although the swelling had subsided, his right eye, revealed without Hayabusa's makeup, remained black. His whole body remembered the damage inflicted by Tanaka's relentless attack, including his neck which was in excruciating pain and unable to move.

 "I got beaten by Tanaka in Hakata (May 3rd), and I'm still a panda, my body is falling apart. Even this superstar has to honestly admit that Tanaka is strong. He's strong, and he's gotten even stronger since leaving FMW. I think that's the strength of what Tanaka is carrying on his shoulders right now. But in that sense, I also have the strength of not carrying any burden. A superstar can't afford to lose. It all depends on what Tanaka does from now on. Well, come back anytime. I'll get my revenge."

Having personally experienced Tanaka's tremendous strength, H also revealed his pride as a superstar. At Komazawa on May 5th, Hayabusa's ability to defeat such a "super strong" Tanaka was once again recognized. Even so, Hayabusa doesn't think he achieved results as a main eventer at Komazawa on May 5th. A lot has happened in FMW over the past six months, and I myself have been quiet.

"No matter what anyone says, I think everyone was interested in the idea that FMW couldn't just end like this. I felt that sense of anticipation that day, and it increased the fun. As a superstar, I'll run FMW the way I want, and conversely, I'll charge ahead even if it means leaving the fans behind. I feel like I got off to a good start, even though I was beaten to a pulp at Komazawa."

"H's AFTER Komazawa" is the key.

I feel like I've shown everything that H could show through Hayabusa, and I think I've been able to settle my own affairs over the past six months. But I have some doubts about whether FMW itself has been able to find the answer." With the notable restructuring issue, FMW has been at a major turning point since May 5th Komazawa. The entertainment-oriented shows have also been going through a lot of trial and error and have reached a crucial crossroads. In this situation, superstar H has shown a remarkable presence and has set his sights on Kodo Fuyuki, who mentioned the name of Genichiro Tenryu, as his next target.

"What I have to admit about Fuyuki is his shrewdness. But why Tenryu now? FMW is our territory, isn't it? I have no complaints about Tenryu. If Fuyuki wants to fight Tenryu, he can do it somewhere else. If Fuyuki teams up with Tenryu, I'll take them on in WAR or FMW. If that happens, I won't hold back. There's been a lot of animosity between the organizations for a long time, and even from a third-party perspective, I think it would be interesting to see it happen."

When the conversation turned to the hypothetical WAR or FMW, H's eyes gleamed. As a superstar, Tenryu's presence is undoubtedly a big shot that cannot be ignored. And no matter what the scenario, if the Fuyuki-Tenryu line comes together, it will surely be an "outsider" that will spice up the FMW ring. There seems to be a considerable amount of anticipation in H's words.

"My vision of AFTER Komazawa is already largely complete. With this move to America, I can't even imagine what kind of developments will unfold from here. However, what is clear is that H himself is prepared to take risks in the name of superstar. As before, or even more so, I intend to face head-on any criticism of the entertainment-oriented approach. And of course, I have great confidence that I can silence those voices. In Los Angeles, where he transformed into Hayabusa to make a living as a professional wrestler overseas, H has now reaffirmed his own awareness in order to survive in entertainment-oriented professional wrestling. The place where Hayabusa originated has given H great power."

H vs. Mr. Gannosuke vs. Tetsuhiro Kuroda 5/28/00

At the opening match of the series, Fuyuki made an ominous prediction that "something different will happen from tomorrow." It was clear that this wouldn't end with just winning the six-man tag team title with Nakagawa. The real show was a three-way dance between H, Gannosuke, and Kuroda for a chance to challenge for the WEW Championship in the main event.

Midway through the match, Gannosuke, accompanied by President Arai and walking on crutches, was shown on the screen set up in the venue, which in retrospect was a well-planned setup... And so the match began. Gannosuke, who had suffered a dislocated right knee injury requiring a month to heal during his Los Angeles tour, entered the ring on crutches. Fuyuki, the referee with the sarcastic belt around his neck, showed concern for him. Fuyuki bowed politely during the wrestler introductions, but during the wrestler check, he completely ignored Gannosuke, immediately giving off a suspicious vibe. When the bell rang, he took a position that seemed to protect Gannosuke.

The match started with H vs. Kuroda. Gannosuke remained in the corner, seemingly protected by Fuyuki, and acted like a bystander. However, midway through, H and Gannosuke teamed up and delivered a double armbreaker to Kuroda, making it seem as though their friendship was indeed strong... but then, inexplicably, Gannosuke joined forces with Kuroda and applied a double Achilles lock to H. And Fuyuki, as always, continued to referee with favoritism towards Gannosuke.

For example, he would order a break for Kuroda near the ropes, but would say nothing to Gannosuke. The match naturally became centered around H and Kuroda, and they showed a wonderful exchange of offense and defense. Both of them exchanged big moves and refused to let Fuyuki count to three even with his rapid counts. And then, after 15 minutes, the ending arrived. Gannosuke slammed a chair into Kuroda, and H immediately followed up with a Frankensteiner for the pin. Kuroda was disqualified, and without a moment's hesitation, Gannosuke struck H from behind with his crutch. Then Fuyuki, who was supposed to be the referee, delivered a lariat to the standing H, and then pounced on Gannosuke, who was in a pinning position, for a quick count of three! That's right, Fuyuki had brought Gannosuke to his side, following Nakagawa. Raising Gannosuke's hand high, Fuyuki declared amidst boos that, with the result of this match, Mr. Gannosuke is now recognized as the next challenger for the WEW Heavyweight Championship. The first ever WEW Heavyweight Title Champion, Kodo Fuyuki!

"Fuyuki, Gannosuke! What's going on? Explain yourself, Gannosuke! H screamed, but Fuyuki and Gannosuke just grinned and acted as if it were the first thing on their minds. The strangeness didn't end there. In the midst of the commotion, FMW's "conscience," President Arai, appeared. When H pressed him, saying, "President, no matter how you look at it, isn't this match invalid?!" President Arai uttered unbelievable words. "Are you saying the referee's decision is absolute? What are you rambling on about? Can't you act like a man for once? It's embarrassing. It's really disgraceful."

The audience was left speechless by President Arai's sudden change of heart. And President Arai's words continued. "Let me be perfectly clear, none of us here think of you as a superstar, and absolutely no one thinks of you as the ace of FMW. Well, there are tons of things I want to say, but I'll leave it at that for today. However, there's just one thing... I'll make this perfectly clear. I've been patient and patient and patient up until now, but people like you, who think everything will go their way, are the people I hate the most in the world!" Yes, Fuyuki had not only Nakagawa and Gannosuke on his side, but even President Arai. And in the ensuing brawl, the situation escalated to an unprecedented point when Sasaki and Hosaka joined Fuyuki's side.

Just a month ago, Fuyuki only had Chocoball Mukai and Kyoko Inoue on his side, but now he was the leader of a huge army including President Arai, Gannosuke, Nakagawa, Sasaki, Hosaka, Mukai, and Kyoko, while the H side was completely at a disadvantage with Kuroda, Ricky, Oya, Ichihara, and Yamazaki. What's even more noteworthy is that while Fuyuki and President Arai also joined forces last year, this time it's completely different in nature.

Last year, President Arai was absorbed by Fuyuki, and the premise was that the regular army would fight to restore FMW to its normal state. This time, however, Fuyuki and President Arai are the regular army, and H's side has become the anti-mainstream faction. As mentioned in the comments in another section, President Arai sees H as a rebel who doesn't listen to the company, and has decided to work together with Fuyuki to create entertainment wrestling. Come to think of it, at the April 11th Korakuen Hall event, H, who had become Hayabusa without permission, pushed President Arai away when he questioned him about it, and lashed out, "Don't nitpick about every little thing a superstar does!" This may be a contributing factor.

In any case, Fuyuki and Arai's regular army has already made its move against H's faction, the anti-establishment faction. If they disagree with this decision, June 16th Korakuen Hall will give H and Hayabusa the right to challenge Gannosuke if they defeat Fuyuki and GOEMON (formerly Nakagawa). Moreover, if they lose, Ricky will be blown up with dynamite. This is also retaliation from President Arai, who was assaulted by Ricky during the brawl. And one more thing... we mustn't forget the Tenryu issue.

After the first match of the day, Fuyuki was shown on the screen chatting with Mukai and Kyoko in the locker room as usual, and he jokingly said, "Isn't Tenryu here today? I'll go take a look." He is clearly laying the groundwork for a match against Tenryu. Immediately after the May 5th Komazawa show, President Arai took a more passive stance, but now that he has joined forces with Fuyuki, the company should officially start moving, so we must keep a close eye on their moves. FMW's slogan used to be "You never know what's going to happen," but with Millennium FMW, you really never know what's going to happen.

 <H after the match>

What's next!? A tag team with Hayabusa!? Well, a dream tag team would be fine, wouldn't it? It's something that's always been inside me, and no matter what handicap there is, there's no way Hayabusa and I can lose when we team up. We'll make them realize they've dug their own grave. Well, this has created yet another new development, so we'll do what they've calculated and what they've expected to do to throw them off balance and make things go our way. Anyway, we're going to take that belt as promised. Until then, they'd better take good care of it, keep it in good condition and polish it up. It's become clear once again that President Arai is that kind of person, and it's no longer a matter of whether he's a good person or not. On the contrary, we'll enjoy each and every thing they throw at us and have fun with it. But today is frustrating.

Mr. Gannosuke d. H & Tetsuhiro Kuroda in a Three Way Dance when Gannosuke last eliminated H (15:37) with Kodo Fuyuki as the Special Referee.

H & Hayabusa vs. Kodo Fuyuki & GOEMON 6/16/00

Before the match, a digest video of the events leading up to the show was shown on a screen at the back of the audience area, synchronized with the CS broadcast. This is a practice that has been in place since the previous Korakuen Hall event. Watching the video, the current state of FMW is immediately clear. It is a thoughtful service and also has the effect of building anticipation for the upcoming fight. The audience's reaction was generally positive. The moment that got the crowd most excited was when Ricky was shown being kidnapped and imprisoned by Fuyuki and his gang. This is a practice that has been in place since the previous Korakuen Hall event.

Watching the video, the current state of FMW is immediately clear. It is a thoughtful service and also has the effect of building anticipation for the upcoming fight. The audience's reaction was generally positive. The moment that got the crowd most excited was when Ricky was shown being kidnapped and imprisoned by Fuyuki and his gang. Ricky was getting weaker day by day. It is said that when a person is pushed to their mental limits, they can laugh beyond the pain.

On screen, Ricky suddenly began to laugh. He was starting to break down completely. Between matches, live coverage was shown from the Korakuen bomb site, showing the preparations for the explosion by Gannosuke to Ricky. FMW, which pursues entertainment-oriented pro wrestling, skillfully blends video with matches, keeping the audience entertained. Arrival. When the person who stepped out of the car appeared on the screen in a close-up, Korakuen was filled with murmurs and cheers. And for good reason. It was Genichiro Tenryu. After the second match, the camera switched to the parking lot. The Mercedes was unexpected. It is well known that Tenryu was furious at Fuyuki's selfish and one-sided remarks. The feud with Fuyuki has not yet been resolved.

On June 12th, President Arai visited Tenryu and asked him to "please watch the June 16th Korakuen Hall event," but Tenryu avoided giving an answer. It was hard to believe that Tenryu's feelings towards Fuyuki had softened, and it was considered unlikely that he would attend this tournament, so the audience's surprise was understandable. Then came the main event. In the match between H & Hayabusa vs. Fuyuki & GOEMON, the establishment-oriented Fuyuki dominated throughout. At the previous press conference, H had said, "A super big name that everyone knows will be fighting as Hayabusa," but only H entered the ring. In the end, perhaps because he couldn't get the cooperation of the big name, H was forced into a 1-on-2 handicap match.

On top of that, Fuyuki's strong-arm tactics resulted in Shiro Abe being appointed as the referee. The thoroughbred of corrupt referees, like his father, condoned Fuyuki & GOEMON's fouls and interference. H, whose left ankle injury had not yet healed, was on the defensive the whole time. There was nothing he could do to change his situation. Fuyuki was met with a storm of boos. After 15 minutes, the fans' frustration had reached its peak, but then the match took a dramatic turn.

Suddenly, Hayabusa's theme music blared throughout the arena, and a more imposing and massive Hayabusa than the original appeared from the ramp. From every angle, it was unmistakably Tenryu. This unexpected turn of events caused a commotion in Korakuen Hall, and a huge "Tenryu" chant erupted. There was no lie in the words that H was a super big name. Hayabusa beat GOEMON to a pulp with a chair outside the ring and then faced off against Fuyuki. No one could have imagined the two would meet again in this way. "Let's see," said Hayabusa, who made the first move. Fuyuki described the lariat as "that old feeling, hitting not in the throat but in the jaw," followed by chops, punches, and a powerbomb in a furious onslaught. Immediately afterward, H hit Fuyuki with a Firebird Splash! The match was over. After witnessing H's victory, Hayabusa stepped out of the ring and headed straight for the parking lot. He got into his waiting car and left the venue without a word. Just when it seemed like Tenryu was only watching, he transformed into Hayabusa and competed in the match. What was the true meaning behind his actions? If we look back at Tenryu's words, the answer becomes vaguely clear. Tenryu, who had previously said, "Entertainment can go to hell," showed more imagination and ingenuity than Fuyuki that day.

Perhaps this action was Tenryu's way of declaring war on Fuyuki and entertainment-oriented pro wrestling. "You're kidding me, that bastard! We're changing the card for the next Korakuen Hall show on the 21st. Forget Tenryu, come as Hayabusa. I'll rip that mask off and show everyone your face. If you come as Hayabusa on the 21st, then I'll go to WAR's 8th anniversary on July 13th. We'll have to go head-to-head with him barefaced from the start to see how it all goes. That's where it all begins. The question is whether he'll come on the 21st and get used to entertainment wrestling. Fuyuki, furious, said on June 20th that H has decided to have a rematch with Hayabusa at the Korakuen Hall event. An 8-man tag team match has been arranged as shown in the separate table. Hayabusa's opponent, Fuyuki, has his sights firmly set on Tenryu. On a different note...

I'm worried about Ricky's fate. If H and Hayabusa win, Ricky will not be blown up and will be released, but due to a mistake by the executioner Gannosuke, a mysterious pillar of fire rose from the execution site shown on the screen. Ricky, blown up and killed!? H screams "Ricky-san!" and is at a loss. The audience is stunned. Some fans shout, "Ricky can't be dead," but... the broadcast is interrupted by the blast, and it is not possible to confirm Ricky's safety. Fuyuki revealed that the explosion was not his intention, saying, "I don't know anything about it. It was Gannosuke who did it. The explosion was a joke, and even if he won, we were thinking of releasing him and making him our slave or something. We were thinking of putting a chain around his neck, letting him enter like a dog and saying he's a pet, and then making him hold a big bone or something in his mouth and bark, woof, woof." President Arai said, "We can't get in touch with the site, so I'll fly there immediately to check. We will bring Gannosuke, the person involved, to Korakuen on the 21st to explain the details." Ricky has liked the phrase "be back" ever since watching the movie Terminator 2. It's a rather far-fetched argument, but... Ricky is strong against illness and injury, so he's sure to be strong against explosions too. I want to believe that Ricky will come back.

H & Hayabusa d. Kodo Fuyuki & GOEMON when H pinned Fuyuki (14:45)

H & Hayabusa & Tetsuhiro Kuroda & Ricky Fuji vs. Kodo Fuyuki & Mr. Gannosuke & GOEMON & Kyoko Inoue 6/21/00

The current incarnation of FMW’s "Entertainment Pro-Wrestling" has evolved to a point where it has become incredibly difficult to convey its essence solely through photographs and text.

While it may sound like a cop-out to say so, perhaps one cannot truly savor its core nature without being there in person—experiencing the atmosphere in real time. However... while working on the edits for this very page, something surprised me. That something was the sheer presence of the pro wrestler known as Hayabusa—a man often likened to Genichiro Tenryu.

Hayabusa—a bona fide superstar—had plunged headfirst into the very vanguard of Fuyuki's "Entertainment Pro-Wrestling," even while openly rejecting its philosophy. Like a "Great Fierce Bird" scaled up to epic proportions, his mere presence in the ring—standing there, doing nothing else—was, in itself, the finest form of entertainment. Let us look back at the scenes in the ring, presented in chronological order.

First, prior to the opening match, President Shoichi Arai delivered a report regarding the controversial "Ricky Dynamite Explosion Incident." At the previous event on June 16th at Korakuen Hall, despite H and Hayabusa securing a victory, the live dual-feed broadcast displayed on the arena screens had abruptly faded out right at the moment of the explosion.

The footage clearly suggested that Ricky had "died in the blast," yet President Arai emphasized that the explosion was merely an accident, stating: "This was strictly an accident. We believe it was likely caused by radio interference or a wiring malfunction."

When asked to explain the situation, Gannosuke also vehemently asserted his innocence, declaring: "I absolutely did not push [the detonator switch]!" For the eight-man tag match, the "X" slot on Team H’s roster was filled by the young up-and-comer, Yamazaki. Immediately following this announcement, a single phrase from Ricky’s theme song, "SEXY STORM," suddenly played over the PA system.

Such teasing developments continued until, finally, it was time to plunge into the main event. H then made his entrance alongside Kuroda. However, at that very moment, Ricky’s theme song rang out once again. And then—holding a microphone and singing live—the unmistakable Ricky himself made his entrance. Ricky had not died in the blast after all! "I’m not dead yet! In that split second of the explosion, I felt like someone saved me. Yamazaki—sorry to ask, but can I take your spot as 'X.' I’ve got a debt to repay!"

This "return from the grave" by Ricky, however, was merely a prologue. Finally, H and Hayabusa made their entrance. As the banners of the Tenryu Corps fluttered in the breeze, Hayabusa emerged—looming into view under H’s escort—and the crowd erupted. As mentioned earlier, Hayabusa’s sheer presence seemed to exert an overwhelming sense of intimidation upon his adversaries, such as Fuyuki. Every chop, every kick—each blow landed with immense weight. The resounding *thwack* of those powerful strikes served as an effect unto itself, requiring no further embellishment.

Nevertheless, past the twenty-minute mark, Fuyuki made good on his promise and reached for Hayabusa’s mask. The unmasked face revealed beneath that pearl-white fabric was—needless to say—none other than a seething, furious Tenryu. From that moment on, Hayabusa went on a rampage of truly ferocious intensity.

After scattering Fuyuki and his cohorts as if in a 4-on-1 handicap match, Hayabusa suddenly exited the ring and proceeded to make a hasty escape from Korakuen Hall. Was he perhaps saying, "You guys handle the cleanup from here"? Left behind in the ring, H—aided by the exquisite officiating of sub-referee Anesaki—put Fuyuki away with the "H-Edge," adding a perfect finale to this spectacle of entertainment-style pro wrestling.

The June 21st Korakuen Hall event saw the distinct entertainment styles of FMW and Tenryu collide, delivering a "remix version" of pro wrestling that exceeded all expectations. I am convinced that Tenryu’s commanding presence comes through vividly in these photographs—even without witnessing it live in person or watching it unfold in motion on video.

Now, the only thing left to wonder about is that declaration Fuyuki made—the one about chartering a private jet to bring WAR to Korakuen Hall on July 13th for a truly all-out invasion...

H & Hayabusa & Tetsuhiro Kuroda & Ricky Fuji d. Kodo Fuyuki & Mr. Gannosuke & GOEMON & Kyoko Inoue when H pinned Fuyuki (23:16)

H & Ricky Fuji vs. Mr. Gannosuke & Kintaro Kanemura 7/2/00

On June 16th and 21st at Korakuen Hall, H, with the assistance of Hayabusa, secured two consecutive wins against Fuyuki in tag team matches. Then, on June 26th in Isezaki, H achieved what could only be described as a complete victory, snatching the WEW 6-Man Tag Team Championship from Fuyuki's waist. Despite the superstar's fierce counterattack, Fuyuki had hinted at a surprise reversal, suggesting a close relationship with Tenryu. However, H's relentless pursuit extended even further, reaching for Fuyuki's lifeline.

On June 30th, H released a fax to various media outlets with the contents described below. He had interrupted the tag team match between Tenryu and Fuyuki, which had already been decided for WAR July 13th at Korakuen Hall, and demanded a singles match as the original Hayabusa, after showing respect to Tenryu. Fuyuki seemed to be aiming for a major upset in this grudge match against Tenryu, saying, "Tenryu and I understand each other on a deeper level. We just need to confirm that in the ring," but H preempted him with a side tactic worthy of the King of Unfairness.

Visiting the dressing rooms of H and the two parties involved before the match on July 2nd in Nagahama revealed starkly contrasting expressions. First, there was Fuyuki, who was full of victim mentality. "You're messing around, you bastard! If you always want to take all the good parts, then at the next event on July 23rd in Ariake, I'll put my WEW Singles title on the line. If you beat all 10 of us, you'll be champion. Congratulations on Hayabusa's return. If you like Hayabusa so much, then I'll make it Hayabusa for all the matches after Ariake. Well, it's a present from me to celebrate Hayabusa's return.

Starting with X as the first, I'll be the ninth, and last will be President Arai!" At this point, Tenryu hadn't replied yet, but Fuyuki was already in a mood of resignation. Then, in a typical Fuyuki-esque way of shifting the issue, he forcefully announced the "Hayabusa Revival Celebration" card. It was the ultimate unfair card, with 10 members of the establishment taking on Hayabusa. Fuyuki was still seething with frustration at the prospect of Tenryu being snatched away from him. In response, H commented with a confident and cheerful smile, "I've had Tenryu become Hayabusa, and he's shown me a new possibility for Hayabusa. It's something different from the Hayabusa I had in my head, and I want to experience it firsthand. Fuyuki must be pretty pissed off. But he's lost to me twice in a row, and 'the loser can't say anything' is something those guys have always said, so it's absolutely true." Will Fuyuki's spit come back to haunt him? "Right now, we're just waiting for Tenryu's answer!" This is not just H's opinion, but the consensus of fans who are hoping for the Tenryu Hayabusa to become a reality.

Mr. Gannosuke & Kintaro Kanemura d. H & Ricky Fuji when Gannosuke pinned Ricky (16:00)

Hayabusa vs. Genichiro Tenryu 7/13/00

Eight years is a long time. On July 14th and 15th, 1992, the WAR/SWS split occurred with their inaugural event at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo. Ten wrestlers set sail into the vast ocean of Japanese wrestling, vowing "We won't let ourselves be buried!"

However, for this 8th anniversary, only three of the founding members participated: the leader Tenryu, Kitahara, and Hirai. But Tenryu was the only WAR-affiliated wrestler. Kitahara now runs the martial arts organization Capture, and Hirai, after becoming a free agent from WAR, has moved between IWA Japan, All Japan, and Capture. Kitahara said, "When I saw the match between the boss (Tenryu) and Kensuke at the Tokyo Dome on January 4th, I saw that the boss had no seconds... I almost cried seeing him fighting all alone." But even when he was alone, Tenryu refused to abandon the WAR name. To be honest, it might not even be called an organization anymore, but for Tenryu, "WAR" is a precious space that he must not lose as long as there are people who support him.

Now, for the 8th anniversary... an unexpected man has stepped forward to challenge Tenryu. It is Hayabusa, also known as H, from FMW, which aims to establish 21st-century entertainment wrestling. Originally, a tag team match had been decided between Tenryu and Fuyuki, Tenryu's former disciple who had left WAR, but H pushed that aside and moved both WAR and FMW to declare, "I want to fight Tenryu-san as the original Hayabusa!"

They are from different generations and have different styles. Tenryu and Hayabusa were thought to have no connection whatsoever, but after witnessing Tenryu transform into Hayabusa on two occasions, June 16th and 21st, and step into the realm of entertainment wrestling to punish Fuyuki, Hayabusa said, "I felt the potential of a new Hayabusa. Entertainment wrestling incorporates all elements," and willingly stepped into the "pain-conveying Showa-era pro wrestling." The place Hayabusa stepped into...was none other than Tenryu's world. The entrance ramp was lined with Tenryu banners and swelled with fans who had a deep attachment to Tenryu WAR.

Normally, this alone would be enough to make one feel intimidated, but Hayabusa entered the ring naturally. He faced Tenryu straight away. The match started cleanly with a handshake. Hayabusa went for the ground with a crab hold, a double leg lock, and a surfboard, but Tenryu countered with a Misawa-style face lock and a WAR Special. Come to think of it, it's been a long time since Tenryu had fought in such a deliberate manner. You could tell he was enjoying the feeling. In the midst of this, it was Hayabusa who initiated the "painful wrestling." He provocatively chopped Tenryu in the chest, and immediately afterward, a loud horizontal chop exploded in return! The arena roared. But Hayabusa had also experienced Kobashi's chops many times on the All Japan mat. He must have been hoping that Tenryu would come at him roughly.

Hayabusa suddenly changed tactics, showing off his firebird moves like the plancha and tope con hilo, then going for a soccer ball kick and a face stomp. In response, Tenryu countered with a kick to the face, a tope suicida that stole Hayabusa's thunder, a horizontal chop, and a punch, showing a versatile range of attacks. This is the depth of "Mr. Pro Wrestling's" versatility. This might be a misstatement, but both wrestlers transcended their differences in style and thoroughly enjoyed the match and the wrestling itself. That's why, even when the match got rough, there was no unpleasant atmosphere, and both wrestlers freely unleashed their moves.

As you can see from the photos, a great many moves were used. This was because neither wrestler had any negative feelings towards the other, and they both wanted to experience each other's style. They accepted whatever was done to them head-on, and conversely, they felt safe enough to unleash their own moves. Another thing I noticed was that, despite the arena being dominated by Tenryu, there were no boos when Hayabusa came out rough. Tenryu's fans must have sensed Hayabusa's courage in venturing into Tenryu's world alone, and his pure desire to fight Tenryu. When he dove to the outside or was in trouble, there were even Hayabusa chants. Ten minutes passed. The difference in stamina was gradually becoming apparent. Hayabusa unleashed the H-Edge, as if to say he was going for the win, but Tenryu kicked out of the ring. A desperate Hayabusa goes for the Phoenix Splash. Tenryu, who has quickly risen to his feet, unveils his first ever avalanche reverse DDT! He then delivers two consecutive lariats that seem to throw his body into the ring before a well-timed powerbomb. The match is over. Tenryu unties the strings of Hayabusa's mask, revealing his face as H. It wasn't the heavy, intense style that is typical of Tenryu, but it was an exhilarating battle.

From now on, the two will go their separate ways. Tenryu will return to his hometown, All Japan Pro Wrestling, on July 23rd, 10 days later, to revive the Ryumei-ho tag team with Kawada after 10 years. Based on this match against Tenryu, H, or Hayabusa, has decided to make a fresh start as "New Hayabusa" at Differ Ariake on July 23rd, the same day Tenryu takes his first new step.

Considering their respective choices, the two may never cross the ring again. But Tenryu said, "I hope to return to the FMW ring someday..." and Hayabusa also said, "Until we meet again for some reason..." There's nothing more pleasing than that. If this encounter becomes an important source of support for the future, it will be a dream come true for both of them. There's nothing more pleasing than that. If this encounter becomes an important source of support for the future, it will be a dream come true for both of them.

Hayabusa after the match: Something... how should I put it, before I could really get into my own rhythm and take control, the weight of each blow really hit me. I was really taken aback... that's my honest feeling. But, how should I put it, I personally think it was good that I did it today, and to be honest, I feel like I've finished what I needed to do as the original Hayabusa. As Hayabusa, the next... coincidentally it's the same day as Tenryu's event, and also the same day as All Japan's event at Budokan, but on that day (July 23rd), I'm ready to start again as a new Hayabusa, and I've come to terms with my feelings. I learned a lot from Tenryu here, and until we meet again someday, until we meet again in the ring, I want to do what I need to do in the FMW ring, yeah. Anyway, no matter what happens, I won't let the company have its way, and for now, one word: it was fun. It was a really pleasant kind of pain after a long time, so it was really fun. It's a bit strange to say this after losing, but it was fun. I'm going to do pro wrestling that conveys this to the people who support us and watch us. Everyone, keep your eyes peeled, it's starting with me! Don't take your eyes off us. The fun is just beginning!

Genichiro Tenryu d. Hayabusa (12:44)

H & Tetsuhiro Kuroda vs. Jado & Gedo 7/14/00

What an incredible feat they've pulled off. Looking back, it seems that Jado and Gedo had already written the entire script the moment they heard about the WEW Hardcore Tag Team match on July 15th in Zentsuji and the WEW Tag Team Championship match on July 14th in Takamatsu. Winning one or both of the belts was a given for them. It seems that they had even scheduled a big surprise beyond that in their minds.

Jado and Gedo defeated H and Kuroda, who could be called the strongest anti-establishment duo, in a fight where they were determined to win, and won the WEW Tag Team Championship. With the ring in hand, Winning began his usual talkative speech, and then the moment arrived. Without making a comment, the two stormed into Fuyuki's dressing room. As champions, they made an outrageous demand of their former boss. "We don't have anyone left to fight in this organization. You know the president of Noah (Mitsuharu Misawa), right? Then call him now!" (Jado) "What's this about the Ariake match? We're champions!" (Gedo)

However, Fuyuki, though his face was contorted, did not back down. He then took out his cell phone and pressed the button, saying, "Okay, I'll call him..." "Hello, this is Fuyuki. Is this President Misawa? It's been a while. So, you see... our Jado and Gedo have just won the belts and become champions. They want to have a title match, so I was wondering if you could lend us some wrestlers... It's on July 23rd... Ah, they hung up!" As Jado and Gedo cursed at him, saying, "Isn't the phone itself a bit dubious?!?!? You're not trustworthy!" Fuyuki continued to redial, but the call never connected again. Still, the two persisted, saying, "Then meet with him in person and negotiate! You can do that, can't you!?!?!?" This time, Fuyuki became defiant. "Where will Misawa be tomorrow!?!?!?" Fuyuki confirmed with the reporters where Misawa was on the 15th, and then promised to visit Misawa and negotiate in person, saying, "Kanazawa? Then I'll go there tomorrow. I'll wait for him at the hotel. It's unannounced, but I guess I have no choice." However, he didn't forget to warn the unorthodox and wicked. "You'll have to be prepared. What will happen if I choose an opponent and bring them in and take the belt? What will happen to your position? No matter how close you were with Misawa in the past, this is business." As the "on-site manager" of FMW, Fuyuki was fully aware of the risks involved in interacting with other organizations. And with that in mind, Fuyuki rolled the dice...

WEW Tag Team Championship Match: Jado & Gedo d. Super Star H & Tetsuhiro Kuroda when Gedo pinned Kuroda (20:59)

H & Tetsuhiro Kuroda vs. The Samoans 7/22/00

Even more so than when Hayabusa himself stepped away, on this particular day, there was little sense of finality—no true realization that this marked the very last time we would see "H."

As evidenced by the absence of any elaborate fanfare or grand send-off, it appears that this transition was not perceived as a particularly momentous event. H himself remarked, "I don't want to say that I'm vanishing forever. An opportunity might arise for me to appear again someday, and I certainly don't want to go back on my word a second time."

The prevailing sentiment that this is *not* a definitive "last hurrah" has, perhaps inevitably, diluted the intensity of the fans' emotional attachment to the character of H. Come to think of it, H was a character—a role—destined to exist forever in the shadow of, and in constant contrast to, Hayabusa.

No matter how hard he strove, the audience invariably found themselves chasing the ghost of his predecessor; indeed, Eiji Ezaki himself was compelled to cast off that psychological shackles by boldly declaring himself a "Superstar" and embracing the persona with defiant abandon.

The fact that he would revert to the Hayabusa persona in less than a year must have seemed like a completely unforeseeable turn of events at the time. So, were the days spent as H merely a detour—a wasted journey—for him?

"To borrow a metaphor from *Inazuman*, you could call it my 'Sanagiman' phase [the pupa stage]—*laughs*. It was a truly essential period for my own rebirth. Being able to express my authentic self—the 'real me'—within the confines of the wrestling ring was a definite plus; I genuinely enjoyed my time as H." It can certainly be argued that H served as an indispensable vehicle—a necessary stepping stone—enabling him to break free from the rigid constraints of the "cool" Hayabusa persona and advance to a new stage of his career.

Eiji Ezaki himself harbors a far deeper emotional attachment to the character than any outsider might imagine. That is precisely why he refuses to let H vanish completely. As long as the spirit of H continues to live on within him—just as Hayabusa does—the "Superstar" will surely make his return someday. In his bout against S.P.S., Ezaki reveled in the experience of being H to the very last moment. While it feels like a shame to lose the opportunity to witness that vibrant, spirited expression on his face during battle, that very essence will now be infused into the character of Hayabusa.

Rather than finishing the match with his signature "Firebird Splash," he secured the victory over Fatu using the "H-Edge"—a signature maneuver bearing the very name of his alter ego. Perhaps, in its own way, that was Eiji Ezaki's final, heartfelt expression of gratitude to H: "Thank you." Having promised the surging crowd of fans that he would one day reunite with them—this time as Hayabusa—"H" was able to step down from the ring with a smile. Compared to the tragic "final moments" of Hayabusa that fans had witnessed in the past, this was a bright, happy farewell—a send-off that perfectly suited this particular character. No one said goodbye. The fans understood this implicitly; they simply saw "H" off with a sustained ovation as he departed. That scene finally brought home the realization that this was the very last time they would ever see him. "I was able to reach the end this time with a much greater sense of peace than I did back when I was Hayabusa. I’ve fully come to terms with things internally, and I certainly don’t feel that the past year has been a waste. I’m going to move forward as a 'superstar'—a 'Hayabusa' who is distinct from the 'Phoenix Hayabusa' of old, a version that has been upgraded. It’s not a 'reversal' in the sense of going backward, but a true 'reverse'—a transformation.

Of course, there’s definitely a lingering sense of wistfulness, but it would be strange to cling to the past in an unhealthy way, wouldn't it?" Although he had told reporters before the match, "I’m not feeling anything sentimental," it seems that once the final bell rang, he did indeed feel a pang of regret. Now that it is all over, even the struggles he endured while caught between the identities of "H" and "Hayabusa" have become nothing more than cherished memories. The potential he cultivated as "H" will now be inherited by another superstar. "H"—it was a run of just under a year, but it was a joy to watch. And even now, I imagine he is shouting those familiar words: "The real fun... starts now!"

H & Tetsuhiro Kuroda d. The Samoans when H pinned Fatu (13:23)

Hayabusa vs. Flying Kid Ichihara, Chocoball Mukai, Mr. Gannosuke, Kintaro Kanemura, Yoshinori Sasaki. Hideki Hosaka, GOEMON, Kyoko Inoue, and Kodo Fuyuki 7/23/00

When I spoke with Tanaka personally, he explained that he had returned to ECW after the May 5th Komazawa show, but came back to Japan in late May due to a neck injury. Since then, he had been keeping a low profile. Aside from a brief trip to ECW in July for a discussion, he had spent the entire time lying low in Japan, waiting for the right moment. It was around that time that he was contacted by "H." "It wasn't about 'H'; rather, I felt a genuine connection with the sentiment that—moving forward—we would return FMW to its truly legitimate roots, with Hayabusa at the helm. When I previously declared that I would destroy both Hayabusa and FMW, it was precisely *because* I loved FMW so deeply—I felt that the FMW of that time had become something that needed to be torn down."

Given how emotionally charged their conflict had been, why did he choose to help Hayabusa? The answer lies in the love for FMW that Tanaka had laid bare back before the Komazawa show. Consequently, the audience generally welcomed this development. Based on the Komazawa show, it was widely assumed that Tanaka would join forces with Jado, Gedo, and Kanemura—forming an alliance based on their shared ECW connections—but instead, he chose to break away from that path and work alongside Hayabusa to set FMW back on the right track.

For Tanaka, the deciding factor seems to have been the fact that he was aligning himself with *Hayabusa*—not "H." Of course—and as he emphasized even after the match—he intends to maintain his sense of rivalry. "I lost to Hayabusa, but I haven't abandoned my goal of defeating him. Besides, I’m still under contract with ECW; if I were to sign with FMW, that would be a hindrance to me—it simply wouldn't be possible."

Ultimately, however—and as both Fuyuki and Hayabusa seemed to acknowledge—they were prepared to accept Tanaka’s sentiments, adopting the attitude that "whatever happens next will happen naturally." Looking back now, it strikes me that a truly acrimonious atmosphere simply doesn't suit a rivalry between these two men. While intensity and tension are, of course, absolutely essential, the narrative leading up to their one-on-one clash in May had veered into a somewhat messy, convoluted territory—something quite distinct from a standard rivalry.

From this point forward, they can simply set about building the kind of stage—the kind of setting—that is truly worthy of a decisive showdown between Hayabusa and Tanaka. Before Tanaka made his entrance, Hayabusa had already cleared eight of his ten opponents. After quickly dispatching Ichihara—who competed solely at Kaoruko’s behest despite suffering a broken leg—and then making short work of Chocoball in just 22 seconds, his next opponent was supposed to be Gannosuke. However, even after his entrance music began to play, Gannosuke failed to appear.

And for good reason: Gannosuke was actually elsewhere, attempting to carry out his promised abduction of Ricky—who had left the venue immediately after finishing the first match. Ricky’s strategy—reasoning that he couldn't be abducted if he wasn't at the venue—was sound enough in theory; however, he ended up getting completely plastered at some local establishment. It was there that "Gan-chan" appeared and, with effortless ease, hauled him away. One has to wonder: were the two women drinking with Ricky at the time actually "new recruits" for the abduction squad—specifically chosen because the lecherous Ricky would inevitably fall for their charms?

In any case, after Gannosuke—who had been racking up a string of forfeit victories—finally secured a legitimate win over Kanemura, it was Sasaki who stepped forward to stand in Hayabusa’s path. Once hailed as a "super rookie," Sasaki is now a former titleholder in his own right. It feels almost a shame that his very first one-on-one encounter with Hayabusa should come about in such an unconventional manner. Yet, brimming with the fighting spirit to "devour" his senior colleague regardless of the circumstances, "Mammoth" Sasaki proceeded to overwhelm him with sheer power—putting his immense latent potential on full display.

Even Hayabusa had a hard time talking his way through this one. When he first aligned himself with Fuyuki, he wasn't exactly looked upon favorably; yet, precisely *because* he took that path, he was able to unleash his full potential. During the "Ten-Man Gauntlet"—a grueling challenge where he had to defeat ten opponents in succession—Sasaki shone brightly, proving his worth beyond all doubt. Following that, he successively defeated Hosaka, GOEMON, and Kyoko. It was only in the final stages—as he was on the verge of finally reaching Fuyuki—that Tanaka, made his entrance.

However, the twists and turns didn't end there. Just as Hayabusa was moving to pin Fuyuki, he was suddenly attacked by none other than Jinsei Shinzaki—a "formidable rival" with whom he had long stood shoulder-to-shoulder in supporting the indie wrestling scene. Although Shinzaki had remained tight-lipped and offered no definitive response after observing the match at Komazawa, he now suddenly bared his fangs. His name appeared on the card for the upcoming Korakuen Hall show; and even when Fuyuki claimed, "He did it for the money," not a single soul believed him.

For despite his past as a "heel," Jinsei is fundamentally a high-ranking Buddhist monk who has spent years in rigorous spiritual training. It was inconceivable that he would be motivated by such materialistic concerns. "Everyone is susceptible to the power of money," Fuyuki sneered. "He's a corrupt monk—a lecherous, worldly priest! I'm going to drag out Jinsei's dark side, not his good side."

At Korakuen Hall, Fuyuki plans to surround Jinsei with a bevy of scantily clad "bikini babes," forcing the monk to perform his prayers alongside them in an attempt to expose him as a lecherous fraud. If Jinsei were to let slip even a single lewd smirk in that moment, it would mean the complete abandonment of his faith—a total loss of divine and Buddhist grace. And so, Hayabusa—cast aside by the very Buddha he once served—was taken in by his former adversary, Tanaka. Perhaps this is the true essence of FMW—"Entertainment Pro-Wrestling"—where the main event at Korakuen Hall ends up being a clash of unlikely alliances: Fuyuki, Gannosuke, and Jinsei versus Hayabusa, Oya, and Tanaka.

Hayabusa d. Flying Kid Ichihara (0:19)
Hayabusa d. Chocoball Mukai (0:03)
Hayabusa d. Mr. Gannosuke (0:00) via KO
Hayabusa d. Kintaro Kanemura (3:07)
Hayabusa d. Yoshinori Sasaki (3:38)
Hayabusa d. Hideki Hosaka (2:57)
Hayabusa d. GOEMON (6:18)
Hayabusa d. Kyoko Inoue (2:26)
WEW World Championship Match: Kodo Fuyuki d. Hayabusa (8:08)

Hayabusa & Masato Tanaka & Hisakatsu Oya vs. Kodo Fuyuki & Mr. Gannosuke & Jinsei Shinzaki 7/28/00

Before the first match, Tanaka stepped into the ring and addressed the fans, declaring, "After discussing matters with Hayabusa, I have decided to dedicate myself once again to the cause of FMW."

The venue erupted in a thunderous ovation. It was palpable—the audience’s joy was absolutely genuine. It was precisely because of his deep love for FMW that Tanaka had previously challenged the promotion's direction and departed from its ranks.

Since then, he had made ECW his primary battleground; yet, it remains undeniable that the FMW canvas is where this man truly belongs. In any case, the cheers welcoming Tanaka—now reunited with Hayabusa under the shared objective of "purging FMW"—were filled with warmth. Words were hardly necessary; the message was clear. The fans had been eagerly awaiting the return of their "Bullet Warrior."

True to form, during the main event—a six-man tag match—it was Tanaka who drew the loudest cheers of the night. In stark contrast stood Jinsei. Had a rift in their hearts torn their friendship asunder? Unable to comprehend the recent actions of "H," Jinsei had appeared at the Ariake show on July 23rd and attacked his friend, Hayabusa.

In doing so, he clearly signaled his allegiance to the establishment faction led by Fuyuki. As Jinsei teamed up with Fuyuki and Gannosuke, jeers rained down upon him—cries of "Evil Monk!" and "Traitor!" Yet, Jinsei fought on without betraying a single emotion. This marked his first clash with Hayabusa since their one-on-one duel at the Michinoku Pro "October 10th Ryogoku" event back in 1996; nevertheless, witnessing these two men stand as adversaries felt deeply unsettling.

Furthermore, seeing him execute a tandem Double Facebuster and *Prayer* Powerbomb alongside Gannosuke—a man with whom he had previously been locked in bitter conflict—felt jarringly unnatural. Fuyuki had flatly asserted, "Jinsei was motivated by money."

Given how events had unfolded, it seemed that might indeed be the case; one was left with no choice but to accept the grim reality that "Jinsei had sold his soul to the devil." However, just past the twenty-minute mark—as the match reached its fever pitch—something utterly unexpected occurred in the ring.

In a stunning turn of events, Jinsei unleashed his *Rinne* finisher upon Gannosuke and rushed to the aid of Hayabusa. After the match, Jinsei revealed that his actions at Ariake had been a premeditated scheme—specifically designed to "pull a fast one" on the opposing faction (the establishment). Fuyuki and his allies had been completely duped. Indeed, the same went for the fans and the media; they, too, had been thoroughly deceived.

However, the reactions varied widely among the three groups: needless to say, Fuyuki and Gannosuke were furious. The fans, on the other hand, were ecstatic. The media was thrown into a frenzy—though in a positive sense, as the press corps’ sudden burst of energy served as proof that FMW was a promotion truly worth covering.

So that was it: Hayabusa had promised at the Ariake show that he would be "pulling off various stunts," and *this* was the "stunt" he had been referring to. Hayabusa and Jinsei utilized their teamwork to full effect, even executing a "Sandwich-style Rinne" maneuver. Ultimately, Hayabusa defeated Gannosuke with a decisive Firebird Splash.

As the battle concluded, a glint of emotion could be seen in Hayabusa’s eyes. He had vowed at the Ariake event that he would "never cry again," but there is no need for him to forcibly suppress his emotions. Standing right beside Hayabusa were Tanaka and Oya. And now, Jinsei was there as well. Surrounded by the reassuring comrades with whom he could walk side-by-side, Hayabusa was overcome with joy.

The fans spared no cheers for him—acclamations that possessed a warmth no different from that of Tanaka himself. It became evident once again that a deep bond of trust had been forged between Hayabusa and his allies, as well as between Hayabusa and his fans. Deeply moved by this realization, Hayabusa found himself involuntarily welling up with tears.

Needless to say, such a pure and unvarnished side was a trait possessed by the "Original Hayabusa." If the "New Hayabusa" is to be defined as a fusion of the Original and "H," then he should feel free to express both the facets of the Original and those of "H" without reservation. Unnecessarily restricting himself would only serve to stifle the potential of the New Hayabusa—something the fans do not desire, either.

When he feels the urge to cry, he should simply let the tears flow. Meanwhile, President Arai—who had been subjected to a humiliating ordeal by Jinsei—issued an ominous warning: "Jinsei, don't think you can get away with pulling a stunt like that for free. From here on out, I'm going to corner you using some incredible schemes—tactics that none of you could possibly imagine."

In the same breath, he did not forget to impose a penalty upon Fuyuki, who had suffered a disgraceful defeat: "I’m going to make Fuyuki defend the WEW Championship at all four of our August events—in Osaka, Ariake, Sendai, and Korakuen Hall. I simply cannot accept a loss as pathetic as that."

Furthermore, Gannosuke commented, "I’m going to teach that damn monk a lesson in common decency. I didn't go on that pilgrimage across Shikoku for nothing, you know." With these remarks, the long-standing feud between Jinsei and Gannosuke appears poised to reignite.

On this very day, FMW officially announced that a major event would be held at the Yokohama Bunka Gymnasium on November 12th; as the promotion gears up for this pivotal showdown in Yokohama, the individual themes and objectives of each wrestler are bound to gradually come into focus.

Hayabusa & Masato Tanaka & Hisakatsu Oya d. Kodo Fuyuki & Jinsei Shinzaki & Mr. Gannosuke when Hayabusa pinned Gannosuke (20:50)

Hayabusa &  The Great Sasuke & Ricky Marvin vs. Fuerza Guerrera & Gladiator & Rocky Santana 8/19/00

With Tiger Mask also competing in LLPW on the same day, Hayabusa made a one-match appearance at the Yamagata show, his first appearance in two years in Lucha Libre. His partners were Sasuke and Marvin, making for a truly star-studded trio. Hayabusa, who said, "My 'roots' are in Mexico, and it's an inseparable relationship," was facing all but Fuerza from the opposing team for the first time, but he regained his Lucha Libre rhythm as the match progressed. In particular, he spent a long time in contact with Santana, whose character was a rip-off of his former mentor Onita, saying, "I couldn't help but try my best to get involved with him." Conversely, Santana was also very aware of Hayabusa and became aggressive, resorting to rough tactics. Santana then shouted "Thunder Fire" to try and finish off Hayabusa, but lost his balance and missed. Hayabusa, feeling confident, followed up with a right high kick and a Falcon Arrow to quickly defeat the fake Onita. Sasuke gave him a request, saying, "Your content is popular, and you have charisma. I'd like you to come back once or twice a year."

Hayabusa & The Great Sasuke & Ricky Marvin d. Fuerza Guerrera & Gladiator & Rocky Santana when Hayabusa pinned Santana (14:16)

Hayabusa & Tetsuhiro Kuroda & Hisakatsu Oya vs. Mr. Gannosuke & Kintaro Kanemura & GOEMON 8/20/00

In a match with the unique rule of a loser-gets-a-pie-thrown-in-the-face match, the Hayabusa team suffered a bitter defeat in the opening match. On this day, Hayabusa, Kuroda, and Oya faced off in a high-energy battle between the six. Hayabusa danced gracefully, and Kuroda's running lariat outside the ring even included a lap around the ringside. Gannosuke applied a scorpion deathlock in the style of Choshu, and Kanemura's teamwork was impeccable. In the end, it all happened in an instant. GOEMON blocked Kuroda's lariat, sprayed a bright red poison mist, and secured the 3-count with a GOEMON clutch.

The Hayabusa team suffered a shocking second consecutive defeat. However, there was no sign of panic on their part. "There's no need to be discouraged. We just need to win the important parts. As for the pie throwing, there's one more round left in Sendai, so we'll make them suffer the same fate there," (Hayabusa) After the pie throwing ended, both teams were engaged in a massive brawl. Even Fuyuki and Captain Jack, who had come to the venue, were involved in a fierce scuffle. And then, at that moment, "SEXY STORM" blared through the venue. The arena erupted in chaos. Ricky, who had been missing since the July 28th Korakuen Hall event, appeared from behind the entrance gate. And what's more, Onryo was right beside him. "He saved me when I was about to die. He showed me the exit and the way." Coincidence or destiny? Perhaps the vengeful spirit couldn't leave Ricky alone, as they both have wrestler blood in them. Moreover, that place was like the vengeful spirit's own backyard.

Apparently, there was no problem with giving directions. Ricky is truly a lucky man. He managed to return alive from the Aokigahara forest, a place where death is almost inevitable. Despite being in a life-or-death situation, he reportedly offered the vengeful spirit a chance to cooperate, saying, "You looked bored, why don't we do this?" One might want to tell him to worry about his own safety rather than others, but that's what's great about Ricky. His carefree personality makes him loved by everyone. This incident was not to Fuyuki's liking. "The vengeful spirit needs to know who's in control of this venue. I'll make him understand in the next series. He can come to Korakuen Hall if he wants. He can interrupt my match or someone else's match." The Ricky disappearance case was resolved with the help of the vengeful spirit. However, there's no telling when Gannosuke's evil hand might creep in again. Key, who has been plagued by misfortune, has no time to rest.

Mr. Gannosuke & Kintaro Kanemura & GOEMON d. Hayabusa & Tetsuhiro Kuroda & Hisakatsu Oya when GOEMON pinned Kuroda (19:25)

Hayabusa & Masato Tanaka & Hisakatsu Oya vs. Mr. Gannosuke & Kintaro Kanemura & GOEMON 8/26/00

The highlights of this series were Fuyuki's grueling four consecutive title defenses and the loser-gets-a-pie-thrown match. This pie-thrown match, which took place in Osaka and Ariake, concluded in Sendai. The very idea of ​​having pies thrown at you after a match is unique and unprecedented in the world of professional wrestling. Moreover, the fact that spectators who simply came to the venue could throw pies at the wrestlers' faces to their heart's content must have been incredibly entertaining for the fans. "Throwing pies at them doesn't necessarily inflict physical damage, but I think it does inflict psychological damage," Tanaka said after the match that day. And he was absolutely right.

Hayabusa, who had to endure pies in Osaka and Ariake, also returned to the locker room with a grim expression, saying, "That was awful." It's understandable that it's a truly unpleasant experience. Furthermore, the brawls between both sides after the pie-throwing ended were also extremely chaotic. As if the aftermath of the match wasn't already so chaotic, adults covered in pie were running wild on the slippery, cream-covered ring. This is truly bizarre. This match format was a first of its kind. This is something only FMW, with its focus on entertainment, could do. Let's hope that more events like this, that allow fans to enjoy themselves together, will be released in the future.

Hayabusa & Masato Tanaka & Hisakatsu Oya d. Mr. Gannosuke & Kintaro Kanemura & GOEMON when Hayabusa pinned Gannosuke (14:59)

Hayabusa vs. Mr. Gannosuke 8/28/00

In any case, it was a main event full of interesting events. Here, I would like to review each of them in order. It was Jinsei Shinzaki who started it all. Before the match, Jinsei ran into the ring out of breath, and there was a reason for this. Jinsei, who was scheduled to participate in the semi-final that day, did not participate in the match. He got into a taxi, but the car did not arrive at the venue in time for the match to start. And for good reason. The taxi driver had been bribed by Gannosuke and deliberately took the wrong route.

Gannosuke, who had been tricked by Jinsei at the previous Korakuen Hall event, had taken outrageous revenge. When Jinsei arrived at the venue, he rushed to the ring, but it was too late. The semi-final was over. Then Gannosuke appeared. The two clashed fiercely, but Kanemura & GOEMON also appeared and joined Gannosuke.

The three of them beat Jinsei to a pulp and carried him to the locker room. Hayabusa was furious at this and entered the ring. He lunged at the people who had harmed his friend. In the midst of the brawl, the main event, Hayabusa Gannosuke, began. Needless to say, the match was chaotic. Not only Kanemura & GOEMON but also Fuyuki interfered from the establishment. Jinsei, who had regained his strength, came to Hayabusa's aid.

The match was nothing but a free-for-all, but Hayabusa won, finishing it off with his signature move, the H Thunder. He earned the right to challenge for the WEW Singles Championship, but the defeated Gannosuke left with the words, "I'm going to drive Jinsei to hell."

After the match, Hayabusa insisted that his explosion match against Fuyuki at the September 21st event should be a title match. Furthermore, after prefacing it with "I have something to say," he made a noteworthy statement. "If I win the belt, I want to go to America and have a match against The Great Muta. I want to make this an organization where people can dream, rather than being trapped in a rigid framework, so I'm going to take the lead." It was an unexpected turn of events. When asked about his intentions behind proposing a fight with Muta, Hayabusa replied, "I've been to America several times and I think I understand the greatness of The Great Muta. I've also been dealing with his dual nature properly. He might not like this to say, but I wonder if I could learn from him as someone who has the same struggles. I would also like to see a Muta vs. Hayabusa match."

After hearing Hayabusa's statements, Fuyuki commented, "If you just arbitrarily make it a title match, the fans in Sapporo will be angry. If you want to change it, you have to come up with a good reason. If you go to America and fight Muta, I'll give you a title match." Muta vs. Hayabusa is a match I would like to see. For that reason, I don't want these statements to end up being just a trial balloon. There will be many issues to clear up, but I look forward to Hayabusa's passion and drive.

Hayabusa d. Mr. Gannosuke (13:37)

On September 11, 2000 at night in Atlanta, I was the only reporter present at the meeting between Muto and Hayabusa, and I heard an amazing conversation.

In response to Hayabusa's direct appeal for a match, Muto said, "I have something even greater in mind. Will you help me in this great movement that will shake the wrestling world to its very foundations?"

At the FMW Korakuen Hall show on August 28th, Hayabusa said, "I want to fight Great Muta.'' Two days later, when I told Muto about this in Tucson, Arizona, he said, "Hayabusa is one of the few wrestlers in Japan who can compete in the American major leagues, but I won't know until I actually meet him.'' as his answer. In response, Hayabusa flew to Atlanta to take advantage of his four days off, even though the FMW series was in progress.

Two days later, in Tucson, Arizona, he told Mutoh, "Hayabusa is one of the few wrestlers in Japan who can make it in the major American wrestling tournaments, but I have to meet him. I won't know until I see him in person." In response, Hayabusa took advantage of his four days off to fly to Atlanta, even though the FMW tour was in progress.

At 9:40 p.m. on September 11, the flight was delayed for more than five and a half hours. Kaz Hayashi and I were waiting at Gate B1 at Atlanta International Airport when the unmasked Hayabusa appeared in front of us. He looked exhausted. According to our original plan, he was supposed to arrive at 4:06 p.m.

However, the United flight from Narita was delayed for more than an hour, and he missed his connecting flight at Chicago O'Hare Airport. The next flight was cancelled due to aircraft failure. Finally, he boarded a Delta flight, but the Chicago area was hit by a thunderstorm, and the plane didn't take off. "I was kicked and stepped on. The plane was full, and I was in the middle seat...," said Hayabusa in a hushed voice.

Anyway, we got into Kaz Hayashi's car, who had come to pick us up as a facilitator for the meeting, and drove straight to the Westin Peachtree Plaza in downtown Atlanta. From the car, Hayashi calls Muto on his cell phone. Just as Hayabusa was checking in, Muto arrived. Hayabusa bowed and greeted him, and Muto said, "Hi. I am Muto. I look forward to working with you." He responded politely.

While Hayabusa carries his luggage into his room, I talk with Muto in the lobby lounge. The first to open his mouth is Muto, "What did he come here for?" he asked.

"So, like I said the other day, I guess he wants a match against Muta, right?'' I explained, and Muto replied, "I see...this sounds delicious to me.'' Muto had a smiling face.

When Hayabusa returns, Muto suddenly asks, "So, what did you want me to do?''

"Anyway, you're probably tired, but you don't have time, right? Since we're here, let's have a drink and talk.'' Muto said.

The venue was moved to "Club Hanamizuki''. Muto's response to Hayabusa's request for a match was, "If we were to have a match, it would be nearly impossible as a practical matter unless you spent at least two months in WCW.''

"That's impossible..." (Hayabusa)

I have a more interesting idea. By the way, do you know any wrestlers from other organizations?" (Muto)

If it's an Indie wrestler, I know most of them." (Hayabusa)

"What I'm thinking of is creating a unit of carefully selected athletes that transcends the boundaries of the organization. A cross-border team made up of only top wrestlers who are cool and can do their jobs... Please don't include any bad guys.'' Hayabusa's eyes lit up at Muto's words.

Various names of wrestlers are mentioned, with Muto responding with such statements as "that guy is too conservative and won't do it," or "that guy stinks and it won't work."

Whose names were mentioned? I do not intend to reveal the entirety of their conversation, including the off record parts, but I think you can understand what they were talking about by just including those parts. The meeting lasted until 3 a.m., and ended with Muto saying, "Let's have dinner in Ginza again next time," and the mood was great.

How will the two realize their dream? It remains to be seen. It was nearly 4:00 a.m. on the following day when Hayabusa returned to his hotel room after a late-night meeting with Muto in Atlanta.

Hayabusa, who had brought his costume with him, was planning to visit the WCW "Thunder" show in Roanoke, Virginia, that day to make a direct appeal to participate in the show, he had a flight scheduled for 7:25 a.m., but because of the time, he decided it would be better to change his flight and changed the time to 9:40 a.m. He was still very excited. Still, his spirits were high and he could not sleep right away.

Unfortunately, Muta was not going to participate on "Thunder," so we boarded the Delta flight to Greensboro, North Carolina exhausted. The flight time was only an hour or so, but the WCW show was 2.5 hours away by rental car...

Hayabusa was in a fainting state beside me as I pushed myself to drive. The wrestlers were to be at the building by 2:00 pm. We arrived at the Roanoke Civic Center 15 minutes before 2:00 pm. To negotiate our entry, we first look for the chief agent, Johnny Ace.

Jumping into a major U.S. promotion show is an unthinkable thing, but after consulting with assistant booker Terry Taylor, Ace gave us the OK right away.

Half an hour later, a whiteboard with the day's lineup is placed backstage. Hayabusa is in the second match of the "Worldwide" before the "Thunder" match. His opponent is Frog.

Taylor asks me, "I hear he's like Sabu, does he use tables or something?"

I told him, "He's a brilliant wrestler."

Taylor then replies, "Okay, we start at 7:30, so get dressed between 6:00 and around 6:30."

Hayabusa said, "I want to see Mike (Gladiator)," so I went looking for him in the catering room and found Mike Awesome right away. He said, "This haircut ... it's embarrassing. It's for my gimmick...don't look at my corners," Gladiator laughed. He's made a big rise in the company and is now one of the top guys, but he's not comfortable with the company-dictated haircut.

Konnan then came over and said to Hayabusa, "We were in AAA together, do you remember?"

Hayabusa would meet the "The Chosen One" Jeff Jarrett, Rey Mysterio, one of WCW's biggest superstars "Big Sexy" Kevin Nash and Scott Steiner, who transformed into the biggest muscle monster in the history of wrestling. Someone from the office would also come over and meet him. 

One of members of the young wrestler's Three Count team would come up to me and ask me to hold his camera and take a picture of him and Hayabusa.

"I've seen a lot of your matches on video. Please will you take a picture with me?" (Not noted in the magazine but it was Shane Helms)

In the meantime, Jimmy Hart, the agent in charge of Worldwide, asked me about "copy right" (portrait rights).

"These issues that must be cleared legally."

However, this was resolved and ring announcer David Penzer contacted WCW's legal department and had the necessary documents faxed to them.

Afterwards, Hayabusa chatted with many wrestlers and took a commemorative photos at their request. I got a call from Kaz Hayashi in Atlanta, he said that his opponent, The Frog, was "a very good wrestler.'' "Tell that to Hayabusa."

Finally an hour before show. I am told "The match cannot take place unless a portrait rights release is signed."

I go and search for David Penzer again, but he says "Jimmy Hart is waiting for me."

I look for Hart in a panic. I looked everywhere: in the booking room, behind the screen, in catering... I couldn't find him, so I decided to wait in front of the booking room. After a while, he finally appeared and said, "I'm sorry, but he can't have a match."

Ace showed up and explained the situation. "Virginia is one of the few states that requires a wrestler's license issued by the athletic commission."

Elliot Marnick, a local promoter, told me..."it requires blood tests and a lot of formalities. "There's nothing we can do now," he said, leaving Hayabusa stunned.

Ace said, "I really want Hayabusa to come back. I want him to participate in the international tournament that I'm thinking about right now,'' and even though he was in a meeting, he pulled Big Boss Vince Russo over.

Russo is usually very unfriendly towards us in the media, but he was kind enough to pose for a rare photo. ``Anyway, I'll talk to the boss (Russo). Please come back,'' said Ace.

This is how it all happened. Hayabusa received a love call from WCW.

The only follow up part I could find about this was the next week issue had one blurb following a Hayabusa match that stated: Hayabusa is moving toward his dream, and it goes without saying that one of those dreams includes a cross-border tag team with WCW's Muto.

Keiji Muto was then interviewed by the magazine the following week about his time in WCW, and I did not see any mention about Hayabusa in it.

Hayabusa vs. Mammoth Sasaki 9/17/00

Two years and nine months ago, while on a regional tour, Hayabusa invited Sasaki, who had just debuted, out for drinks and held a small celebration. I remember how deeply Sasaki was touched by the thoughtfulness of Hayabusa, a wrestler he admired and looked up to. Hayabusa felt the same way. Because FMW was an independent promotion, they didn't get a flood of applications when they recruited people to join, and at the time there were hardly any trainees.

In that situation, Hayabusa was overjoyed that the new trainee Sasaki had endured the rigorous training and made his debut. At the same time, he couldn't help but have high expectations for Sasaki, who had great potential. The last time the two faced each other in a singles match was in Hayabusa's "Ten-Man Challenge" at Ariake on July 23rd, so this can be said to be their first pure one-on-one match. Moreover, it's the main event.

The match order is in line with the degree of Sasaki's growth, but he himself must want to show Hayabusa exactly "who he is now" here. Indeed, this also meant fulfilling the expectations of Hayabusa, who had always encouraged him. This match was a special battle for both of them. In fact, Sasaki put on a fantastic fight. On offense, he repeatedly cornered Hayabusa with his inherent power. On defense, he showed incredible toughness, not easily giving in even when hit with Hayabusa's powerful moves. Not only the fans, but Hayabusa himself was surprised when he kicked out of the Firebird Splash at the two count. "I was surprised when he got so strong... I expected his offensive strength because he's always been powerful, so I was able to withstand it somehow, but his defensive strength was unexpected. I never thought he'd be able to counter the Firebird," Hayabusa's comment said it all. Sasaki had shown Hayabusa the strength he now possessed. Or perhaps it would be more accurate to say that he had imprinted it on Hayabusa's body. Midway through the match, Fuyuki and others tried to interfere, but Hosaka, who was in Sasaki's corner, prevented them.

No one could interrupt this match. Hosaka knew this, which is why he risked his life to protect the "world of just the two of them" for his partner, Sasaki. In the end, Hayabusa shook off Sasaki with his finishing move, the H Thunder, but in retrospect it was a thrilling and exciting match.

 "Hayabusa is amazing after all. It's been a long time since I remembered what it feels like to fight with all my heart. Next time we fight, I'll definitely take the win. I gave it my all," (Sasaki)

"As I said before, my message to Sasaki is to be honest with your feelings. How he takes that is up to him," (Hayabusa)

The two are on opposing sides, one in the establishment and the other in the anti-establishment, but after the match, Sasaki bowed to Hayabusa, perhaps because he was happy to have fought with all his heart for the first time in a long time. There was no sign of any lingering resentment from their parting ways.

Hayabusa d. Mammoth Sasaki (24:43)

Hayabusa vs. Kodo Fuyuki 9/21/00

Tsukisamu Green Dome was packed with people. The organizers announced an attendance of 6,500. Of course, it was marked as a sold-out event. Although it had been expected to struggle in terms of attendance, the turnout was comparable to that of New Japan's Tsukisamu event held in February of this year. FMW has once again shown its "strength." Fuyuki has stopped talking about his plan to unify the indie scene, saying that "FMW is already major," and his words now carry more weight. The slogan of the first-ever discharge current explosion deathmatch undoubtedly appealed to fans and contributed to the attendance on this day.

However, the biggest reason is undoubtedly Hayabusa's return to Sapporo. Sapporo is an indispensable part of understanding Hayabusa's history. It's a special place where he's held big matches at key moments, sharing emotional moments with fans. Indeed, Sapporo holds many fond memories for Hayabusa, and he's a deeply cherished figure for Sapporo fans. Looking back, it might even seem fated that Hayabusa's last match took place in Sapporo last August.

However, Hayabusa's end was tragic. During his farewell ceremony, he was subjected to a brutal beating by Fuyuki and others, stripped naked and humiliated. Neither Hayabusa nor the Sapporo fans will ever forget that nightmare a year ago, when they nearly caused a riot. Their anger has not subsided; it continues to smolder. And so, Hayabusa returned to Sapporo, this time as Hayabusa. His opponent was none other than his hated Fuyuki. The only theme was revenge. It was only natural that a huge crowd would fill the arena, and that the entire venue would be filled with Hayabusa chants as he entered.

As the two entered the ring and the cage that had been suspended from the ceiling was lowered, the atmosphere in the venue became palpable with tension. The cage, equipped with discharge devices and plastic explosives, exuded an extraordinary sense of intimidation. Hayabusa and Fuyuki could not hide their tension, but it was Fuyuki who made the first move.

As soon as the match began, he threw the belt he was holding into the cage. An immediate explosion. The volume of the impact was arguably the loudest in any explosion match to date, an unexpected turn of events. The audience was utterly astonished by the loud explosion, completely taken aback. Hayabusa was no exception, his movements frozen in shock. Fuyuki didn't miss this opportunity. He suddenly delivered a lariat, going for the win. Hayabusa barely managed to kick out at the count of two, but this preemptive strike gave Fuyuki control of the match. Fuyuki attacked relentlessly, and Hayabusa couldn't find his rhythm. Due to the damage he had taken earlier, he was forced into a defensive position.

Fuyuki, who is unusually sensitive to sound, had been apprehensive about his first explosion match, but once the fight began, he attacked with unwavering confidence. His skill in managing the match and the strength and concentration he showed when it mattered most were, as always, incredible. But for the sake of the fans who were cheering him on with "Hayabusa calls," Hayabusa couldn't afford to be pushed back here. After eight minutes, Hayabusa went on the offensive. Hayabusa launched a relentless attack on the irradiated Fuyuki with a Reincarnation Fisherman Buster and a back drop. While he was partly encouraged by the fans' cheers, it was also his sheer determination that drove him. Hayabusa openly declared his dislike for death matches, but he willingly stepped inside the cage in order to get revenge no matter what. That strong will to "do whatever it takes" led to a wave of attacks.

With Hayabusa's comeback, the match became unpredictable. It was a back-and-forth battle. It could have gone either way, but ultimately, what separated the two was the difference in their determination, as mentioned earlier. The two grappled on the apron. Hayabusa slammed Fuyuki into the cage with a brainbuster, but the force was too great and they both got hit by the irradiation. Fuyuki fainted, but Hayabusa, though dazed, did not lose his fighting spirit. He won the fierce battle with an H-Edge followed by a Firebird Splash. The defeated Fuyuki was not fully conscious and was taken straight to the hospital by ambulance. Hayabusa had utterly crushed Fuyuki, erasing the nightmare of a year ago in the best possible way. "Sapporo! Hayabusa is back!

At the next Korakuen Hall, I'll have a proper match, take the belt from Fuyuki, and I'll move forward for my dream!" Amidst the roaring cheers, Hayabusa, with his true self, savored the joy with his fans and looked absolutely radiant. To be honest, H had been a little too stubborn. The Hayabusa of the past had suppressed himself too much. Considering that... I think the Hayabusa of this day was the real Hayabusa. For the past year, while maintaining his goal of revenge against Fuyuki, Hayabusa had struggled to express his true self. There were twists and turns, but... in Sapporo, the place full of memories, the fog that had been weighing on his heart completely cleared. Hayabusa is now moving towards his dreams, and it goes without saying that one of those dreams includes forming a cross-promotional tag team with Muto from WCW.

Hayabusa d. Kodo Fuyuki (14:58) in a 15,000 Volt Thunderbolt Cage Death Match

Hayabusa vs. Kodo Fuyuki 9/26/00

FMW showed its resilience by filling the venue to capacity at the recent Tsukisamu event despite expectations of poor attendance. At this Korakuen Hall event, Hayabusa and Fuyuki demonstrated their strength in an Ironman match. This is a match that is mandated to last 60 minutes, and the winner is determined by the number of points accumulated, with each win being awarded as 1 point.

Normally, main events are 30-minute single-fall matches, but it has been a long time since a singles match was fought for the full time. The only time that comes to mind is the Triple Crown match between Kawada and Kobashi at All Japan's Osaka event on January 19, 1995. Considering that, a 60-minute battle should be an unprecedented experience for today's fans. To be honest, there is concern about whether their concentration will waver.

Of course, whether the audience gets bored or not largely depends on the content of the match, but this is the first time that both Hayabusa and Fuyuki have fought a 60-minute singles match. There is no doubt that both the spectators and the fighters were feeling their way around. Up until the 20-minute mark, the match strongly reflected this psychology of Hayabusa and Fuyuki. They simply didn't know how to pace themselves.

They were probably aware that if they pushed too hard from the start, they wouldn't have the stamina. Both Hayabusa and Fuyuki took the fight to the ground and attacked steadily, but these are two seasoned fighters. Even though they were cautious, they showed pinpoint attacks that made sense. Fuyuki targeted Hayabusa's waist. By inflicting pain on the core of his body, he tried to slow down Hayabusa's movements and put the brakes on his signature aerial maneuvers.

Hayabusa focused his attack on Fuyuki's left arm. Needless to say, his goal was to neutralize Fuyuki's signature lariat. The audience was captivated by this intense struggle, and their attention remained focused throughout. Though it seemed somewhat reckless, Hayabusa and Fuyuki shifted tactics despite nearly 40 minutes remaining. They launched a final sprint, attempting to secure the pinfall. As the points progressed, as seen in the photo displaying the scores, the aforementioned attacks, particularly the arm attacks, began to take their toll like body blows. Fuyuki could no longer be pinned with a single lariat. Hayabusa managed to tie the score at 3-3 with a Firebird Splash, but it wasn't enough on its own, requiring multiple attempts for the three-count. Five minutes passed with the score still tied.

Both men were exhausted and unsteady on their feet, but even in their extreme condition, they continued to attack without stopping. They continued. Considering the remaining time and their physical condition, dropping even one point here would make it difficult to recover. That would mean defeat. Indeed, what motivated the two was nothing less than a burning desire to win. In the end, the match ended in a 3-3 tie as time ran out. It ended in a draw, but not a single person expressed dissatisfaction with the result. It was a truly spectacular battle that exhausted both their intellect and physical strength, and 60 minutes felt too short. It made me realize once again the high quality of Hayabusa and Fuyuki as wrestlers.

After the match, spontaneous applause erupted in the venue, indicating how satisfying the match was for the audience. Both Hayabusa and Fuyuki were satisfied with the content of their match, and without being bound by their previous rivalry, they shook hands with genuine feelings after the match and promised a rematch at the November 12th Yokohama event.

"If that's the case, I'll have a pure rule match with no draws at the November 12th Yokohama Bunka Gymnasium and I'll give him a bell." "I'm going to take the title back. I intend to make every dream I've spoken of a reality, but no matter how fast I get, I can't move forward if I don't get results. But honestly, Fuyuki is really strong when it counts. I honestly thought he was amazing, and I wanted to settle the score with him." (Hayabusa)

"They say he's a phoenix, and it's true. I was surprised by the result today. It's the second year of Entertainment at Yokohama Bunka Gymnasium on November 12th. Well, it's come along reasonably well. He (Hayabusa) has also started to realize that he's at the top. But I'm not dead yet. At Bunka Gymnasium, I'm going to have a proper title match with Hayabusa. If I win that, I'll return as commissioner. If you think something is slow about Entertainment, it's because I'm not the commissioner. There's a brake on it in unnecessary places. I'm going to move it forward rapidly." (Fuyuki)

This has set up a rematch between the two at the 11/12 Yokohama event. Of course, Hayabusa intends to settle things properly this time, for the sake of his dream, and Fuyuki for the sake of his ambition to be reappointed as commissioner.

WEW World Championship Match: Kodo Fuyuki vs. Hayabusa to a Time Limit Draw (3-3) in a 60 Minute Iron Man Match
Kodo Fuyuki pinned Hayabusa (27:54)
Kodo Fuyuki pinned Hayabusa (28:32)
Hayabusa pinned Kodo Fuyuki (36:28)
Hayabusa was counted out (41:05)
Hayabusa pinned Kodo Fuyuki (42:08)
Hayabusa pinned Kodo Fuyuki (44:31)

Hayabusa & Masato Tanaka vs. Kodo Fuyuki & Kintaro Kanemura 10/10/00

It wasn't just yesterday or today that Hayabusa had noticed something wrong with both of his elbows. Regarding his left elbow, the torn ligament had been repaired in surgery in January 1996. It was thought to be fully healed, but...when I spoke to him about it properly this time, he said that the ligament had torn again shortly after the surgery.

Since then, Hayabusa has been wearing the same supporter to protect his left elbow, even though it probably only offers a little comfort. And before I knew it, he was also wearing that black supporter on his right elbow. I think I first saw it right after the May 5th Komazawa event. Before the match at the September 22nd Asahikawa event, the day after his discharge explosion death match against Fuyuki, I had the opportunity to look under the supporter on his right side, and I was simply astonished to see that Hayabusa's right elbow was swollen and dark black, likely due to the impact of the hard collision with the cage in the previous day's match.

Out of concern, I said, "Isn't this a bit serious?", but I couldn't help but be even more surprised by Hayabusa's reply. "To be honest, it's pretty bad. I have the same discomfort as when I almost tore the ligament in my left elbow. My left elbow feels the same as before. Because of this, I haven't been able to practice properly, and Hayabusa revealed that there's a subtle discrepancy between the movements I imagine and the actual movements.

Indeed, after a thorough examination, it was discovered that he had torn the medial collateral ligament and damaged the lateral collateral ligament in his left elbow. Not only was the lateral collateral ligament damaged in his right elbow, but it was also found that the bone was deformed and the nerves were paralyzed. Hayabusa said it would take "a year and a half to fully recover," but looking back, it's amazing that he was able to participate in the discharge explosion death match and the 60-minute Ironman match in that condition.

However, there was a limit to how far he could push himself. After the match that day, Hayabusa confessed to his fans that he would be taking a break for six months after his match against Fuyuki at Yokohama Bunka Gymnasium on November 12th to focus on treatment. At the same time, he also announced that he would be making a comeback on May 5th of next year, which will mark his 10th anniversary since his debut.

The venue was in an uproar and the fans were confused... but given how sudden it was and the lack of an explanation for the "process," it's understandable that they reacted that way. On the other hand, if we knew the condition of both his elbows, we could objectively see Hayabusa's decision as the obvious one. "The doctor was right after all. I decided to say goodbye to Hayabusa because of  my physical condition, and as a result of starting Hayabusa again, naturally more damage than ever before accumulated in my body, and it all came to light at once. I've been working hard so that no one could see it, but if things continue like this, in another year, it's more likely that I won't be able to stand in the ring as a wrestler, let alone Hayabusa."

"Some people may not be convinced, but this is something I've thought about and decided on. In this broken-down state, I can't even see my future dreams. I want the people who support me to see me chasing my dreams." In his current physical condition, it is simply impossible for Hayabusa to "chase his dreams," as he has always said. "This decision is partly because I don't want to lie to myself, or to the fans who support me. But it's completely different from when I left the ring in a tattered state like before. This time it's preparation for moving forward. I won't stop or go back like before." Hayabusa is always positive and optimistic, but... Hayabusa's absence is a significant blow to FMW, as he is their ace. The same concerns were raised when Hayabusa was absent for an extended period last time... Depending on the situation, the question of FMW's survival may be raised again. The period from November 12th at Yokohama Bunka Gymnasium onwards will be a crucial test. The true value of FMW will be put to the test across the centuries.

Fuyuki: Well, it can't be helped. The guy who did the explosion in Sapporo and the 60-minute match at Korakuen is taking a break. I have to take responsibility and protect this belt from him. Bunka Gymnasium won't go easy on him no matter what he says about taking a break due to injury. No matter how much he takes a break, I'm going to go in with the intention of destroying Hayabusa, thoroughly. I'm going to win. I'm not going to let him have a moment or anything like that. The future of FMW depends on this. If he takes the belt and throws it away, and Hayabusa ends up in the hospital, then (FMW) will be in trouble. I may not be able to keep going for much longer either. I'll do my best as long as I can, for FMW, for the fans (laughs). Maybe I'll turn into Hayabusa (laughs).

Tanaka: I know it's tough, Hayabusa is in such a desperate situation, so if he keeps going any longer, sooner or later he'll have to have surgery. In that case, it would be better to get a good result in Yokohama and then have the surgery. After Yokohama, the remaining members will have to do their best. However, we've already experienced Hayabusa's long absence once, so everyone must feel a sense of crisis. It would be a lie to say that there is no sense of crisis at all, and just like when he was injured and took time off, if Ezaki doesn't have the surgery then it will affect his life. It must be tough for the company. Six months after Yokohama...it's tough, but we can't just be negative all the time. Half of me wants him to come back soon, but in a way, I think it's also an opportunity. FMW will change without Hayabusa, so that means everyone has a chance. Just as Sasaki got stronger in the three-match trial, it wouldn't be surprising if anyone stands out. I also have that chance, and it would be a lie to say that I don't feel like I'm the one who will lead FMW after Yokohama. Anyway, Ezaki won't give me a chance this time. And I'll hold the belt until he comes back, no matter what. And this time, I want a fair and square decisive match when I'm in perfect health. I was actually planning to write this in writing, but circumstances changed suddenly. I don't know if it will be in six months or a year, but I want to have a real showdown. Well, I hope he comes back as soon as possible. His position may not last forever. In a way, this has created an opportunity for everyone. If no wrestler comes along to fill Hayabusa's shoes, it might be over. Well, I don't know what will happen, of course. This is just my own prediction, so it's just a temporary fix, but I'm confident that I've overcome a similar period before. I think the fans understand that and will support me. But we can't just rely on that; we have to produce results ourselves. I hope so. I don't know what the company thinks about this, but right now it's the Fuyuki system, and if they want to continue with Fuyuki at the top, then that's fine. I just have to do it myself. Without being fixated on being FMW's ace, let's liven up FMW with matches that meet the fans' expectations.

Kuroda: I knew he had been injured for a while, but he overcame his long absence in the new FMW, so everyone should just work hard without panicking, using that experience and confidence as fuel. There's no point in thinking negatively, so let's think positively!

Arai: He is an anti-establishment person, but to be honest, his absence is a blow. But even if he were gone, the other wrestlers, who are more than enough, will do their best. I'm not that worried. Crisis of survival? For now, we just have to see what happens, and there will be wrestlers who want to use this as an opportunity to rise to the top. In that sense, it's an opportunity for the wrestlers. I'm thinking positively.

Hayabusa & Masato Tanaka d. Kodo Fuyuki & Kintaro Kanemura when Hayabusa pinned Kanemura (18:39)

Hayabusa & Onryo vs. Kodo Fuyuki & GOEMON 10/29/00

Up until now, Hayabusa and Fuyuki have had numerous preliminary matches leading up to their clash at Yokohama Bunka Gymnasium on November 12th, and one thing that can be said about all of them is that they have been straightforward battles. Because they know each other inside and out, the two have fought without hiding anything. Hayabusa's revelation that both of his elbows had reached their limit was also in line with this background. However, regardless of their physical condition, the quality of the battle between Hayabusa and Fuyuki never diminished.

As expected of professionals, both of them have built up excitement in these preliminary matches, raising the level of attention and anticipation for the Yokohama showdown. However, the final match of this series, the October 29th Korakuen Hall event, was different. Including this day, there were only three matches left before Yokohama. Fuyuki changed his fighting style with that number in mind. A straightforward battle was secondary. He showed a fight that focused solely on inflicting a fatal blow on Hayabusa as a stepping stone to victory in Yokohama. Fuyuki and GOEMON focused their attack on Hayabusa's left elbow area, frequently using fork attacks to target his upper arm. Fuyuki displayed a dirty tactic, but for him, it wasn't anything particularly special. It's something he's always had, he just hadn't used it recently.

According to Fuyuki, "Attacking your opponent's injured areas is a golden rule in the world of professional wrestling. I was just fighting fairly and squarely." It's typical of Fuyuki... it sounds like a valid point, but it also sounds like sophistry. Hayabusa, on the other hand, made a very clear statement: "Fuyuki should just fight fairly and squarely." Fighting fairly and squarely means fighting cleanly. In the end, this disagreement made the preliminary match different from previous ones. In the end, Hayabusa came back and won against Fuyuki with a Firebird Splash. "I won't hand the belt over to someone who's taking a break. I'm going to defend it. If someone like him takes the belt, I'll be crushed in about six months. The person who holds this belt is the greatest."

Despite his defeat, Fuyuki remained in high spirits, his sights firmly set on Yokohama. And the victorious Hayabusa showed a positive kind of defiance. "Both my elbows are useless. I'm going to stand in Yokohama with the resolve that I won't break any more than this. And I'm going to win. It's my responsibility as someone who's taking a break, so I want to give a chance to the people who remain. If I take the belt, I want to give it back and start a bidding war. Yokohama isn't the end. It's the beginning of the beginning." The November 12th Yokohama Bunka Gymnasium event will surely be a new beginning for Hayabusa, who is taking a break in a positive way, and the start of a new battle (a bidding war). Incidentally, on this day, it was revealed that the mysterious belt held by Onryo was a cursed belt.

Hayabusa & Onryo d. Kodo Fuyuki & GOEMON when Hayabusa pinned Fuyuki (16:40)

Hayabusa & Masato Tanaka & Onryo vs. Kodo Fuyuki & Kintaro Kanemura & GOEMON 11/3/00

Since shifting towards an entertainment-oriented approach, FMW's Korakuen Hall events have almost always been broadcast on pay-per-view. Elaborate productions have also been featured each time. However, this Korakuen Hall event, being un-TVed, saw production kept to a minimum.

Naturally, this meant fans' attention was focused solely on the fight itself in the ring. Considering that this was the norm not so long ago, it felt both nostalgic and fresh. On the other hand, the perceived lack of production is proof of how deeply the entertainment approach has permeated the promotion.

Of course, for FMW, this event, held just before the big event of the November 12th Yokohama showdown, was undoubtedly an opportunity to re-examine their fundamental policy of "wrestling-first" entertainment. Now, regarding the main event, a six-man tag team match, it was held as a best-of-three falls match, a format rarely seen on the FMW mat in recent memory. Looking back at the match, as it was the final preliminary bout before the Yokohama showdown, the battle between Hayabusa vs. Fuyuki, Tanaka vs. Kanemura, and Onryo vs. GOEMON was, of course, intense.

Furthermore, each wrestler had a sense of responsibility in mind, given their respective positions. This included the following: Hayabusa, who will be out for six months after Yokohama, prefaced his statement by saying, "As someone who is taking a break, I want to give a chance to those who remain. If I win the belt in Yokohama, I want to relinquish it and create a bidding war." Fuyuki, who currently holds the real power in FMW, has expressed his strong determination to "definitely cultivate a bigger star than him" in anticipation of Hayabusa's absence.

Tanaka, who is expected to be the driving force behind FMW in Hayabusa's absence, not only motivated himself but also the other wrestlers. "I want to show my best form in the Yokohama match and tell Hayabusa, 'Leave the rest to us,' but... I don't think I can say that to Hayabusa unless all the players, not just me, show their best form. I want all the remaining members to keep that in mind." Kanemura changed his catchphrase to "heavy smoker" and performed a new version of his familiar dance using only his wrists and arms, drawing laughter, but that was typical of Kanemura. GOEMON fully demonstrated his skill, and Onryo made his presence known. What these three have in common is that showcasing their strengths in the match is a matter of individual responsibility. There are only 9 days left until the big match in Yokohama. What we saw there was the high level of motivation among the wrestlers.

Hayabusa & Masato Tanaka & Onryo d. Kodo Fuyuki & Kintaro Kanemura & GOEMON in a Best Two out of Three Falls Match.
Hayabusa pinned Kodo Fuyuki (1:00)
Hayabusa pinned Kodo Fuyuki (18:05)

Hayabusa vs. Kodo Fuyuki 11/12/00

It's fair to say that the past year in FMW has revolved around the power struggle between Hayabusa and Fuyuki. Starting with their one-on-one match at Yokohama Bunka Gymnasium on November 20th two years ago, the two have faced each other in important events, including a singles match in Sapporo on April 3rd, a discharge current explosion match in Tsukisamu on September 21st, and an Ironman match at Korakuen Hall on September 26th. In other words, Hayabusa vs. Fuyuki was the "trump card" in FMW's entertainment direction, which is currently undergoing transformation.

Considering this, it makes sense that this match is the final big match of the year. It is, so to speak, the decisive battle between the two up to now. Also, we must not forget that Hayabusa will be taking a break for six months after this match. FMW will be in the unusual situation of being without its undisputed ace until May 5th of next year. The selection team and front office, having experienced this once before, generally agree that "everything will be alright," but as the fan reactions suggest, from an objective standpoint, anxieties about the future remain.

Naturally, there is also the need to consider the impact this fight will have on "FMW after Yokohama." Indeed, with various themes intertwined, Hayabusa vs. Fuyuki attracted considerable attention, but the match unfolded in a way that differed from previous matches. Fuyuki's target was both of Hayabusa's elbows, and as is standard practice in the world of competition, he focused his attacks on the injured area from the start. Hayabusa was inevitably on the defensive. Up until now, the two had been evenly matched, resulting in back-and-forth battles, but now Fuyuki had completely seized control. Hayabusa continued to struggle, but he fought on with all his might. At times, clutching both elbows in pain, he attempted aerial maneuvers that carried risks if failed. Hayabusa's true nature could be seen in his tenacity and courage. This man, who is incredibly honest with himself, showed his true self without reservation and fought with all his might.

In the end, Hayabusa's valiant efforts were in vain, and he succumbed to Fuyuki's lariat, but considering his physical condition, the defeat was somewhat unavoidable. However, what was most impressive was his effort, and the aces who were absent fulfilled their responsibilities to the very end, while also firmly imprinting their way of life on the hearts of those who watched. Fuyuki took this to heart and sent Hayabusa the following comment: "We've been through a lot together, but I acknowledge your abilities. I'll be waiting patiently until you come back. We'll all work together to do our best in FMW without you, so you do your best with the surgery." It was a message of encouragement. Immediately afterward, the two shook hands firmly, and through their fierce battles up to this point, they resonated with each other. They had come to respect each other. The decisive match gave rise to yet another new creation, but after Hayabusa told the fans, "I think FMW will continue to run, and I think you will all continue to support us, so I will take a good rest for six months, and then I will come back with wings big enough to carry everyone's dreams and fly, so please wait until then," an unexpected destruction awaited.

Kuroda, who had always been a great supporter of Hayabusa, suddenly attacked him. "Hey, Hayabusa! Take a break for six months, a year, or two years, go ahead! But in return, I, Saikou, will protect FMW!!! Who can do this if they're afraid of being booed? Leave the 21st century of FMW to me, Kuroda Saikou!" There's nothing wrong with Kuroda showing ambition as he declares his intention to take the top spot on the FMW mat in Hayabusa's absence, but there is a problem with the way he did it. It was a clear betrayal of Hayabusa and could even overturn the image of Kuroda, who had gained popularity with his cheerful character. The fans' reaction was, understandably, not favorable, with boos and shouts of "disgusting" as Kuroda himself admitted. One thing is for sure, having made a false start, there's no turning back for Kuroda. With Hayabusa, who has been a pillar of FMW, absent, and Gannosuke retiring, FMW is entering a completely new phase, and in response, Fuyuki has revealed his resolve as described in another section. At this point, the pace of change at FMW has shown a rapid acceleration.

WEW World Championship Match: Kodo Fuyuki d. Hayabusa (21:29)

12/20/00

A nostalgic tension swept through FMW, which has been steadily pursuing an entertainment-oriented path. It had been about two years since barbed wire had been used in an official match. The seven officially sanctioned weapons, including barbed wire boards, handcuffs, and ladders, as well as the match format, would be sealed away after this day. It was literally the final match. Of course, the match proceeded with a series of outrageous moments. It was Kanemura, who has a strong commitment to death matches, who capped it off with a flourish. He displayed his strengths at every turn, and at the end, he placed a barbed wire bat on the mat at the perfect moment, calling in Kuroda's Tetsu-chan Buster. It was a clever pinfall victory. The phantom of Onita, which had been the theme of the match, was thus dispelled. Fuyuki had achieved the goal he had been talking about for two years. He himself was smirking at this.

Before the main event, Gannosuke, who retired in Yokohama on November 12th, appeared as a guest commentator on television. On the microphone, he said with embarrassment, "I'm just an ordinary person," and sincerely apologized to announcer Saito, whose car he had destroyed in the past. Hayabusa also came to the venue to report on his right elbow surgery and watched the matches from the main table. But after the match, the new ace, Tetsuhiro Kuroda, wasn't about to stay silent. Upon spotting Hayabusa, he seized the opportunity to provoke him. "You're already out of the hospital? That was quick. You should stay in the hospital for the rest of your life, you idiot! Bring it on. You want to see it, right? The audience will see it right here. It's a bonus track to the final match!"

At first, Hayabusa stood up on the spot, trying to contain his anger. But Kuroda's repeated provocations finally made him lose his temper. He threw his mask off and charged towards the ringside. Just as he reached for the ropes, Gannosuke stopped him, saying, "Stay back for now." So Kuroda continued to provoke both of them, saying, "Eiji and Masashi, bring it on! I'll take you on!" But Gannosuke remained calm throughout, and the situation was resolved. "I know why I'm taking a break, but it's frustrating to see it right in front of me. Well, Gannosuke as Honda said, this isn't the time to be out there. I'll definitely release all the stress I've built up now when I return. I'll definitely crush them," Hayabusa said, trying to contain his excitement. His post-surgery recovery seems to be going well, and he's currently in rehabilitation, with plans to start training again after the New Year.

He said that he didn't need surgery on his left hand and that he'll be fully ready for his return on May 5th. Now is the time to be patient. However, it's certain that animosity has developed between the two. On the other hand, Kuroda is just as he was a month ago. The new century is looking bright, and they are steadily progressing towards securing an unshakeable ace.

— First off, could you tell us about the current status of your right elbow?

Hayabusa: Well, the very first thing I have to say is... Happy New Year!

— Oh, right... After all, this is your first public appearance since the start of the year.

Hayabusa: That’s right. Now, regarding my right elbow: the doctors had told me last year—specifically, "Do absolutely nothing for the rest of the year"—so I really did lie low until New Year's Eve. Consequently, I started training right at the start of the New Year... though initially, I didn't push myself too hard; I stuck strictly to the regimen I followed back when I was a rookie—squats, push-ups, sit-ups, and flexibility work—and nothing else. That said, having taken things step-by-step, I now feel confident that I can begin full-scale training this month, and I’ve definitely established a clear timeline for my return on May 5th.

— Of course, when you first declared—right after you were sidelined—that "I’ll be back on May 5th," everyone was skeptical, wondering if you could really make it back in time given the severity of your injury.

Hayabusa: To be honest, at first, there was a part of me that was speaking more out of hope than anything else; but as my rehabilitation progressed, that hope gradually solidified into a genuine conviction. Of course, it wasn't just my right elbow that was giving me trouble—other parts of my body were starting to break down, too—but thanks to that period of complete inactivity, everything is actually in better shape now than it was before. While a complete, 100% recovery may be impossible, I believe I’ll be able to step into the ring on May 5th in a condition very close to my absolute best.

— Considering that moving your body is literally your job, wasn't that period of forced inactivity the most agonizing part of all?

Hayabusa: Oh, it was incredibly stressful. Back last year, I kept saying that I was staying positive mentally—and while that was true to an extent—I admit there was also a bit of bravado involved; I was putting on a brave face. However, when I finally experienced muscle soreness again after such a long time... in a way, it felt incredibly fresh. It made me truly feel the happiness—the sheer sense of fulfillment—that comes from simply being able to move my body.

— And so, the venue for my comeback was decided: Kawasaki Stadium—a place packed with memories.

Hayabusa: Well... It’s a place where a lot has happened, but personally—if I’m being honest—I don’t really have many fond memories of it. Looking back at the history, I suppose it was an important venue for FMW, but it just doesn't really fit the image we represent today.

— I see. When you mention Kawasaki Stadium, the image that comes to mind is FMW—but that’s not the FMW of today, the entertainment-focused FMW.

Hayabusa: That said—and I’m not trying to criticize the company here—but if we’re going to bill this as pure entertainment, I honestly don’t feel this venue is the most suitable setting in terms of how much creative staging and production we can pull off. Still, for whatever karmic reason, my comeback match—which also happens to be my 10th-anniversary bout—ended up being scheduled at Kawasaki Stadium. So, I’m going to accept that fact gracefully; in fact, I want to use this opportunity to change my own personal perception of Kawasaki, and to finally put an end to the bitter memories I associate with this place. Above all, I want to make this comeback match something I can be truly satisfied with. My previous comeback match in Shiodome four and a half years ago ended up being a pathetic, shameful performance on my part.

— Indeed, back in Shiodome, the long hiatus took a heavy toll; your body simply wouldn't move the way you wanted it to, and we didn't get to see any of that signature "Hayabusa-ness."

Hayabusa: I have to make sure I never repeat a mistake I’ve already made.

— Naturally, is your mindset that your comeback fight simply *must* be the main event?

Hayabusa: At the point when the card for May 5th is finalized—if the hard work Kuroda is putting in right now has started to yield tangible results—then I think it would be better to go that route. I’m certainly not going to try to force the issue and demand that they hand the spot over to me... but if I had my choice, I suppose I’d prefer the main event. [Laughs.] I say that because doing the semi-main feels like taking out an insurance policy—as if you’re leaving yourself an out in case you fail—and I really dislike that feeling.

— Since Kuroda’s name has come up, let me ask you this: as was evident from the provocations he directed your way during the Korakuen Hall show on December 20th of last year, it seems like he is very conscious of Hayabusa—who is currently sidelined due to injury.

Hayabusa: "I was under a lot of stress back then, and I admit I lost my cool, too. But if they’re still going to keep running their mouths, I’ll just head back to the venue and—with a magnanimous spirit—see for myself exactly what it is they’re up to these days. Unlike them, *I’m* the adult here. That said, while it looks like they’re working hard to build a team, if it turns out they’re just wasting their time, I won’t lift a finger—I’ll just have a laugh and head home."

*Following this interview, Hayabusa made an appearance at the pre-opening event for FMW’s health shop; however, Team Kuroda launched a surprise attack on him there. Enraged by this incident, Hayabusa did a complete 180 on his stance toward Kuroda, vowing to exact his revenge at the February 6th Korakuen Hall show.

— "By the way, it’s been about three months since you left—a period during which people kept asking, 'Will FMW be okay without Hayabusa?' As an outside observer, what are your thoughts on the current state of FMW?"

Hayabusa: I can really sense the wrestlers' mindset—that feeling of "we have to do this"—and I certainly understand it... but to put it in a strange way, it almost looks like they don't know *what* to do, or that they're just flailing around aimlessly. At the very least, back when I was sidelined before, or around the time of the "New FMW" era, everyone was pursuing the same goal—doing what was best for FMW—each in their own way. But the atmosphere feels a bit different now.

— So, even if the energy of their individual motivation is being unleashed, it isn't coalescing into a unified force?

Hayabusa: Right now, it really is all over the place, and I find myself wondering if everyone is truly satisfied with that. Of course, I realize that things don't always go exactly as one intends; but even so, I want them to use their own instincts to sense what needs to be done right now—what is expected of them—and then demonstrate that in the ring. All of this is happening because there is no central "core" holding things together; so, when I make my return, I want to be in a position to serve as that core. I don't think it's realistic to expect them to build that core in such a short time, but if they keep going the way they are now, I don't think anyone will ever be able to become that core figure. Essentially, all they need to do is lay the groundwork so that they can sustain themselves while I'm away. I know better than anyone that it's impossible to suddenly "surpass me" while I'm gone—you can't leave a lasting impression that outshines a wrestler who has vanished from the scene, whether through retirement or absence.

— Wouldn't the ideal scenario be for someone like Kuroda to be standing on equal footing with you—Hayabusa—when you make your return?

Hayabusa: If they could just get to the point right before that—right on the verge—that would be enough. It's not as if *I* don't feel any pressure, either. The more I talk about it, the heavier that weight of expectation becomes. But right now, I've decided to just embrace that pressure and enjoy the ride. Anyway, that's the main message I want to convey to everyone who is active right now: I'm coming back, and I'm doing so with a serious, unwavering resolve.

— Speaking of which, we've heard rumors that you took on various other jobs and projects during your time away.

Hayabusa: Actually, right around the time I make my return, I think you'll see the release of a few direct-to-video films and movies I made brief cameo appearances in—I managed to squeeze them in between my training sessions.

2/6/01

A new shockwave hit FMW, which is already in a state of chaos. The talk of the town was the marriage of Kuroda and Kyoko, but when the matches ended, the biggest concern for the fans was the unexpected appearance of Great Sasuke. The ending of this show featured a scene that foreshadowed some kind of tectonic shift. Looking at the current state of FMW, the main players now are Kuroda and his shady friends, the so-called Team Kuroda. Kuroda, who confuses the wrestlers with his shameless words and actions, even went so far as to try to recruit Hidehiko Yoshida, the Barcelona Olympic judo gold medalist, into Team Kuroda. Ultimately, Yoshida became the victim of an Olympic-class throw, but now Kuroda has risen and fallen from grace into a crazy, utterly wicked type of person who could do anything.

However, even Kuroda could not begin to express the immense love of Kyoko Inoue. After the January 16th Korakuen Hall match between Fuyuki and Kuroda, which had retirement, divorce, and marriage at stake, Kuroda declared, "If Fuyuki really retires, I'll marry Kyoko." Fuyuki quickly retracted his retirement, citing that it was "a low level of discussion," but Kyoko, who had awakened to the idea of ​​female happiness after the January 16th match, charged ahead towards marrying Kuroda. In this show, she forcefully made a trio match with Kuroda a reality. Afterwards, Kyoko continued to overwhelm Kuroda with her excessive preparations, such as scouting wedding venues. He should have been able to overturn the situation like Fuyuki, but perhaps he was inexperienced in dealing with women, or perhaps he wasn't entirely opposed, as Kuroda was constantly being pushed around by Kyoko.

Kyoko's love for Kuroda grew day by day, and with her age putting her on the brink, she used her female determination to successfully win a promise: "If Kyonpi (Kuroda's nickname for Kyoko, which he arbitrarily gave her) can pin Fuyuki, we'll get married." The one most excited about this match was undoubtedly Kyoko Inoue, who had come so close to achieving her dream of wearing a pure white wedding dress. A victory against Fuyuki would allow her to build a family with Kuroda, and a burning passion and love ignited within her. Watching Kyoko bravely attack Fuyuki's team, it was impossible not to feel her love for Kuroda. The problem was Kuroda, who neither wanted to lose to Fuyuki nor marry Kyoko. With the audience's cheers of "Go, husband!"—a mix of encouragement and mockery—behind him, Kuroda fought on, ultimately choosing a temporary defeat over a life-changing marriage. He resorted to violence to prevent Kyoko from winning by pinfall, an act of destruction that thwarted his own team's victory.

This was the first time Kuroda, who had been completely at Kyoko's mercy, had asserted himself. Breakups between men and women always come suddenly. Having been rejected outright, Kyoko, without Kuroda's support, fought alone but ultimately her maiden heart was crushed by Fuyuki's powerful blows, resulting in her defeat. The birth of Japan's toughest bride was unfortunately postponed. Perhaps eager to change the subject quickly, Kuroda breathed a sigh of relief after the match, saying "That was close," but his relief was short-lived as he addressed Hayabusa, who was positioned ringside, with a microphone. He lured Hayabusa into the ring and, using the mysterious samurai-like fighter, Masked Sumo, to publicly beat him. Although his return at the May 5th Kawasaki event has been decided, Hayabusa's elbow has not yet fully healed. Team Kuroda thoroughly injured Hayabusa's injured area and left triumphantly.

Once again, Kuroda and his gang, though defeated in the match, left the ring leaving behind a strange and eerie presence. However, the climax of this tournament came immediately after this. In a surprising turn of events, Great Sasuke, who was in attendance, stepped into the ring and tended to Hayabusa. A scene that foreshadowed the birth of a new drama suddenly appeared in the ring. In response to Sasuke's actions, FMW immediately began considering a card for the February 23rd Korakuen Hall event. Fuyuki and Sasuke, whose interests aligned in defeating Kuroda, teamed up to face Team Kuroda, resulting in a truly incredible match. "I didn't like what I'd seen of Kuroda recently, so I went to the venue. He's been messing around a bit too much. I'm thrilled that this match was put together. And having Fuyuki as my partner is very reassuring. This is what you call having a hundred men's strength. Please tell Kuroda to stop messing around." Kuroda's words and actions, which seem to make him thrive on making people uncomfortable, had even angered the hero of Tohoku. The encirclement of Kuroda was gradually taking shape. In the ever-changing world of FMW, who will be able to defeat Kuroda, who has become a nationwide outcast?

2/23/01

The departures are part of FMW's roster cuts. It has become clear that the company is struggling to make ends meet unless it cuts personnel costs. Moreover, although those who left, such as Tanaka, were trusted by fans for their ability to maintain the quality of the matches, it still represents a decrease in the company's strength.

Tanaka, in particular, is an FMW homegrown talent, so fans are very attached to him. It is sad to see him go. Why did it have to come to this...that is the honest feeling that can't be helped now. President Arai made the decision knowing all of these risks. Truly, there is no turning back for FMW now. They have no choice but to succeed with their current roster and current direction. Looking at the ring, now empty of five wrestlers, The Great Sasuke of Michinoku is teaming up with Fuyuki to fight Kuroda and Mammoth. Furthermore, in the middle of the match, Hayabusa enters in full costume. It took a surprise of this magnitude to shake off the shock of the departure...

While Fuyuki was locked in a coffin, Sasuke continued his solo battle, but with this assistance he managed to win over Kuroda. However, there was no way their fight would end there. After all, just two days ago, Sasuke had been stripped naked on the street by Team Kuroda. Moreover, leaving his mask and shoes behind was extremely intentional. This just makes him a pervert. Sasuke has a reputation as the best prankster in the wrestling world, but Kuroda went above and beyond. Compared to this, a three-count by a neck hold is nothing to be ashamed of. Perhaps this is the reason why Sasuke is so hostile towards Kuroda.

Thus, as Kuroda had requested after the match, a one-on-one match was scheduled for the next Korakuen Hall event. Hayabusa and Sasuke closed the ring, and Fuyuki left the ring first. Surrounded by reporters, he spoke about the incident with a solemn expression. "As the person in charge on site, the fact that five people have left is my fault. Today's match was like that too. I have to take responsibility for the fans who have come to see us. If things continue like this, my mental state will deteriorate, and I think FMW fans will start to leave. For the next Korakuen Hall match, I'll leave my opponent as X, so whoever wants to come, please do. Is there anyone... Ah, Sasuke, Hayabusa, thank you!"

Before the match, when surrounded by the media, Fuyuki had made positive comments such as, "I'm not worried about anything. Well, we're moving on to the next step," but now, feeling responsible, he spoke of the reality of fans leaving as a cause for concern. Sasuke promised to continue cooperating with the boss. Hayabusa also joined the circle. "I think Tanaka and the others thought long and hard about this and it was a difficult decision for them to come to. The only thing I can say is that we didn't part ways on bad terms. I want everyone to understand that. And we are staying in FMW. We want to do things that can only be done in this ring!" Hayabusa appealed to the fans from the ring. It's not about logic, but I want to shout from the bottom of my heart to the current FMW: "Get your act together!"

— While Hayabusa was on hiatus, FMW went through some serious trouble.

Hayabusa: Yeah. I guess the biggest thing is the sense of chaos. There's just no cohesion, that's for sure. As everyone says, it's unclear what they want to do. I understand that perfectly well. But, while it's tough from the perspective of a wrestler, I also understand that it's difficult from the perspective of being a member of the company. And ultimately, the biggest factor is probably that I'm on leave. Of course, whether they'll come back immediately just because I'm gone is another matter, but I think each wrestler is trying various things to fill that gap.

— And it seems to be backfiring.

Hayabusa: That's right. So I don't want people to deny it. I think I'm doing my best as the people I am now, and I don't mind criticism, but I don't want to be denied. That's also true of the recent Weekly Pro Wrestling article, but if they refuse to publish it, then we won't be able to tell anyone what we're doing, so I honestly wondered about that. There will be pros and cons to what we're doing, but I just want people to see it and tell people about it.

—What are your thoughts on nude matches themselves?

Hayabusa: This might be unavoidable, but most people were watching with the assumption that the wrestlers would be taking their clothes off. Taking off clothes is just one of the rules, not the objective, so it's really disappointing that people weren't interested in how the match would be made more interesting by utilizing that aspect.

— I suppose that's how it would be from the wrestlers perspective.

Hayabusa: It was certainly an unusual match, but I think they put in a decent amount of effort. Kuroda and the others must have had a tough time, in the sense that their efforts weren't getting across. Because the players were being completely serious about it. At least, that's how it seemed to me.

— As for our team, even though we refused to publish it, it wasn't like they didn't include a single photo; we did mention it in the article.

Hayabusa: I understand that. But then there was that comment about "matches not worth publishing." I felt like that was wrong. I mean, I don't want to stir up any unnecessary trouble. Those kinds of things between the media and the organizations/wrestlers are irrelevant to the fans, aren't they? The editor-in-chief seemed to want to have a back-and-forth conversation, but from my perspective, it felt like he was taking a hardline approach. To be honest, I was pretty pissed when I saw it. It would be a problem if FMW kept doing that, but actually, at the next Korakuen Hall show, Kuroda did his best to fulfill his role as the main eventer despite what happened, and I felt like he was finally showing some promise.

— You're turning this into a hymn to Kuroda. Even after all that happened to him.

Hayabusa: No, up until now he was just doing it for the sake of it. But even in the nude match, I could see that he was trying to give his best in that situation. For me, that made him a more interesting opponent.

— And speaking of things in the ring, there was also the departure of Tanaka and the others.

Hayabusa: To be honest, I'm sad that Tanaka is gone. He didn't leave because he wanted to. He was the one who cared the most about the voices of the fans who were supporting us.

— Did he consult with you about leaving?

Hayabusa: No, there weren't any at all. Well, even if there were, I wouldn't say anything now.

— One of the reasons you mentioned was that "we couldn't do the kind of pro wrestling we envisioned in the current FMW," what are your thoughts on that?

Hayabusa: I understand what you're saying completely. But the other wrestlers are just accepting the company's current style and doing what they're doing. I'm the type who thinks about how to make the most of those conditions.

— Mr. Fuyuki said that once he became commissioner, he would make adjustments to those things, right?

Hayabusa: It would be great if we could move around as we did before to make corrections, but I don't think it will be that easy for us, so this is where the Fuyuki Commissioner's skills will really come into play.

— I imagine it's also difficult for Hayabusa to decide how to take his stance against Kodo Fuyuki, isn't it? He acknowledges some aspects of you, but then he forces a bomb match like this time.

Hayabusa: Hmm, I wonder... One thing I can say is that with Kodo Fuyuki as commissioner, I think there will continue to be things that will make people say, "FMW, stop messing around! This isn't pro wrestling!" But even so, I think it's fine if it means that people other than the fans will become interested and watch it. People who don't have specialized knowledge... I don't care if they say, "What are you doing, you idiots!", because we've put out entertainment that will make those people say, "That was fun," after it's over, and there's no going back now.

— No matter what kind of scheme Commissioner Fuyuki tries to pull off.

Hayabusa: Entertainment has become sloppy these days. Even I see a lot of things that seem like they're just making do for the moment. Isn't that a problem on the part of those who are creating and presenting the content? That's something that absolutely needs to be corrected. I'm not just resting for the time being. I'm exploring what I'll do after I return.

— And that comeback game will be held here at Kawasaki Stadium.

Hayabusa: It's been a while since my last match here (May 5, 1996). It's also my first time here since the stands were removed...it feels so refreshing (laughs). It's a venue I have a lot of attachment to, but it doesn't really fit the image of our...the new FMW.

— It's more of an image of the Onita FMW from before that.

Hayabusa: Yeah. So, I have a certain feeling about doing this at Kawasaki Stadium, but there have been a lot of troubles and issues with FMW up until now, and I want to put an end to all of that here.

— So you mean you're going to settle things?

Hayabusa: I myself have taken a break, so I feel like I can't take a new step forward unless I atone for it here. I'll make sure my body is at least in a condition that I can be satisfied with.

— At the last Kawasaki Stadium show, you were coming back from an absence, and Hayabusa himself was right on the edge of the deadline. That's why you disappeared for a while... This time, the whole company is right on the edge of atonement.

Hayabusa: Ah, that's really big. Whether it's a failure this time or whatever, I think I'll be able to accept either outcome if it's the result after we've done everything we could. So... it's not really my style, but I want to give it my all on this day. I think it's not just me, but everyone is prepared to go all out, so I want everyone to come and accept that. I think that's where it will lead to FMW after Kawasaki.

— The matches haven't been decided yet (this interview was two days before April), but are there any opponents or match formats you'd like to face?

Hayabusa: What do you think? For this Kawasaki Stadium event, I'd like to do the opposite and remove all the entertainment-related elements from before, and just go back to the image of Kawasaki Stadium from back in the day. I think it would be interesting to try it again in that bare state. As long as the opponent is someone who shares that same spirit, I don't care who it is.

— What kind of Hayabusa can we expect to see at Kawasaki Stadium?

Hayabusa: You might not see the specific changes, but I think he'll come back stronger, both mentally and physically, so I hope you'll look forward to that. After all, when you have a fresh start, your movements naturally change too.

— Commissioner Fuyuki has declared that it's okay to bring Atsushi Onita to Kawasaki Stadium. President Arai has refused, but what do the wrestlers think about it?

Hayabusa: What do you think? We know better than anyone how great Atsushi Onita is, and if he were to participate, I wouldn't object, but emotionally, I'm not really happy about it... Personally, I don't like it. But as a wrestler, there are parts I have to surpass. If you ask me whether I want to do it or not, I'd say no.

— I'd be okay with it if you competed in other matches.

Hayabusa: It's fine if we can inspire each other in a good way. And if that leads to something new, that's great. But if it just means going back to the old ways, then it's meaningless.

— And speaking of what happened after Kawasaki Stadium, there are still rumors that Hayabusa will be joining Muto's unit (laughs).

Hayabusa: Looks like it. But there's no talk of that at the moment. If I were invited? It's about what I can do there, not just joining, right? The point is what I can create there. If it makes sense to me, then I'd like to participate.

— You met with Muto-san before, and you got excited about the possibility of something interesting happening if the two of you teamed up, right?

Hayabusa: But, you know, I feel like that's not quite what Muto and his group are doing right now. Yeah, it's different, as I said earlier, but we want to go out to people who don't know anything about pro wrestling and do it for them. I want today's kids to experience the same feeling I had when I first saw pro wrestling. I want them to simply think, "Wow, that's amazing," and "That's fun," and in the process, I want them to learn about real pain, not just through a game. That's the kind of thing I want to do, so it's not about doing anything within the world of pro wrestling.

— When the target audience is children, you have to be careful about how you present it.

Hayabusa: That's right. People say it's erotic and grotesque, but I think the point is where you draw the line and make it clear. There was some eroticism and grotesqueness even during the time when everyone was saying it was fun. It's just that the line has been broken now.

4/1/01

For Kuroda, the figure he simply could not overcome was the wall known as Fuyuki. Having lost his belt on May 5th in Komazawa—and failing to reclaim it on August 26th in Sendai—Fuyuki remained an insurmountable obstacle. Now officially appointed as Commissioner, Fuyuki went so far as to mock Team Kuroda’s "shameless" antics, dismissing them as nothing more than "low-brow comedy."

Yet, at the Korakuen Hall event on March 13th, Kuroda defeated Kanemura in a match to determine the next title challenger, thereby securing his ticket to take down Fuyuki once again. However, the cost was steep: he suffered a laceration to the crown of his head that required 35 stitches. The resulting scar—reportedly stapled shut without the aid of anesthesia—remained a gruesome, vivid reminder of the injury.

Naturally, Fuyuki targeted that very spot during the match. Watching intently from ringside was Hayabusa, serving as an official observer; Fuyuki had recently announced that for Hayabusa’s upcoming return match—his first in six months—at Kawasaki Stadium on May 5th, he would be facing a "special death match version featuring both a steel cage and raging flames."

The match itself saw a back-and-forth struggle between the two competitors. As the contest passed the 18-minute mark—and while the referee was momentarily distracted—Fuyuki, aiming for his eighth consecutive title defense, attempted to execute a second Muscle Buster. It was at that precise moment that it happened: accompanied by a theme song that hadn't been heard in ages, none other than Gannosuke stormed into the ring. Gannosuke proceeded to mercilessly pummel Fuyuki with a steel chair.

Unable to stand idly by, Hayabusa leaped into the ring to intervene and confront Gannosuke, but he was quickly knocked out of the ring to the floor below. Seizing the opportunity, Gannosuke and Kuroda executed a perfectly synchronized double dropkick. Then, as a symbol of their newfound alliance, Kuroda pinned Fuyuki using Gannosuke’s signature finishing move: the Gannosuke Clutch. Even after the match had ended, the pair continued to double-team Hayabusa, beating him unmercifully.

Just then—accompanied by *his* signature theme music—Sasuke rushed into the ring to rescue Hayabusa. "I can no longer trust Fuyuki; I refuse to compete in FMW anymore. And as for Hayabusa... who knows when he might turn on me just like Fuyuki did? I can't trust him 100 percent, either. That said... I do genuinely *want* to believe in Hayabusa. But right now... I have far more pressing matters to deal with."

"I’ve come to Shinjuku Pro-Wrestling again today." Through a video screen broadcast from Kabukicho, The Sasuke—who was supposed to have severed all ties with FMW—had returned after all, driven by his enduring friendship with Hayabusa.

"Hayabusa, your comeback match is going to end up being your retirement match! I’m going to turn you into yakitori! I’m going to blow you to smithereens! And you, that idiot president from the Tohoku region—you’re going down right along with him!" Gannosuke and Kuroda screamed in a frenzied tirade.

"Gannosuke, it’s good to see you back. And Kuroda—now that the Kawasaki Stadium show is officially on the horizon, you two had better be prepared!" Hayabusa retorted. With that exchange, the stage was publicly set for the May 5th main event: an explosive tag-team match featuring Hayabusa & The Sasuke against Kuroda & Gannosuke.

However, one point of intrigue remained: the nature of the alliance between Kuroda and Gannosuke. "We’ve actually been in cahoots since before the Bunka Gym show [November 12th in Yokohama]. I never actually retired; I was just taking time off to recover from a herniated disc. Kuroda gave me six months to heal up. I’m going to be the one to elevate 'Team Kuroda' to the top. I’ll make sure to repay the favor properly—after all, he gave me the opportunity I needed to get my back fixed," Gannosuke explained, shedding light on the origins of their partnership and his future role within the faction.

Meanwhile, Fuyuki—having lost his title belt in a previous match—spoke with characteristic bravado: "Now that I’m unburdened, I’m going back to my roots. For the May 5th show, I’m going one-on-one against Tenryu. I have no interest in the 'All Japan' version of Tenryu; I want to face the 'WAR' version. If he’s willing to put the Triple Crown Championship on the line as a final memento, then I’ll accept the challenge."

True to his word, at a press conference held the very next day (April 2nd), Fuyuki officially announced the bout against Tenryu. Furthermore, the general outline and specific rules for the main event at Kawasaki Stadium—the death match pitting Hayabusa & The Sasuke against Kuroda & Gannosuke—were also unveiled.

The official title of the death match was: "15,000-Volt Octagon Electrified Steel Cage, Proximity-Triggered Massive Explosion, Thunderbolt Tag Team Death Match." A total of 400 small explosive charges are affixed across the entire surface of the octagonal electrified mesh—charged with a current of 15,000 volts—that encircles the ring.

Additionally, a total of eight massive bombs are positioned on the exterior of the four outer mesh panels. These massive bombs are designed to detonate simultaneously the moment a contestant makes contact with any of the pre-designated panels.

The match follows "Tornado Rules," mandating a definitive conclusion achievable only via pinfall or submission; furthermore, the power supply to the massive bombs remains active—even after detonation—until a winner is officially decided. It is, quite literally, a "Hellish Lightning Strike Death Match." Of the four combatants, who will be the sole survivor to emerge victorious from this Octagon of inevitable explosive destruction?

4/15/01

It certainly appears that the current FMW revolves primarily around "Team Kuroda." While their antics can admittedly feel a bit excessive at times, they maintain a distinctly "at-their-own-pace" attitude—for better or worse—even with a major showdown looming on the horizon.

Amidst this atmosphere, however, a worrying incident occurred just before the matches began. As Hayabusa was arriving at the venue, he was struck with considerable force by a motorcycle ridden by an unidentified individual. The TV cameras filming his arrival were also caught up in the collision, leaving no footage whatsoever of the immediate aftermath.

For Hayabusa—who was poised to enter his comeback match in peak condition, both physically and mentally (even if not yet fully healed)—sustaining an injury at this juncture would be nothing short of catastrophic. It is a saving grace that his injuries were not severe; nevertheless, neither his voice nor his physical presence was seen or heard within the venue.

This absence became yet another point of concern for those in attendance. Furthermore, seizing upon this incident as a convenient pretext, Kuroda unilaterally declared that Hayabusa's return would be postponed. Standing before the fans, he proceeded to decree that the main event for the upcoming May 5th Kawasaki show would instead be a one-on-one duel between himself and Gannosuke. Even FMW Commissioner Fuyuki appeared inclined to accept this alteration, provided the match format remained a "Explosion Match." Naturally, it seems highly unlikely that Hayabusa and Sasuke will simply back down in the face of this maneuver...

Thus, after navigating through these various pre-match twists and turns, the main event finally got underway. This bout served as both the official comeback match for Hayabusa and the final preliminary skirmish leading up to the clash between Sasuke’s team and the duo of Kuroda and Gannosuke. As expected, the difference in teamwork between the two sides became readily apparent during the match itself.

The three members of Team Kuroda utilized incredibly fluid tag-team transitions and coordinated maneuvers to thoroughly disrupt and overwhelm Sasuke’s team. Among them was Gannosuke, who was seeing his first actual in-ring action since the November 12th, 2000 show at the Yokohama Bunka Gymnasium. Although he was caught on the defensive by Sasuke’s team during the opening stages, he gradually began to find his rhythm; swinging his arm vigorously to unleash a lariat, he then transitioned directly into a Scorpion Deathlock. Spontaneously, a massive chant of "Choshu!" erupted from the crowd in the arena.

He continued to unleash a rapid-fire succession of his signature techniques—including the "Fire Thunder" and the "Gannosuke Clutch"—demonstrating that his physical condition appears to be in excellent form heading into the Kawasaki showdown. The trio commanded immense popularity and drew thunderous cheers during the match. It was Kuroda who ultimately sealed the victory; executing a Lariat followed by a Technan Buster, he secured a decisive pinfall with an air of absolute authority.

Even after the outcome was decided, the members of Team Kuroda showed no signs of stopping. The three of them ran roughshod over their opponents, going so far as to gang up on Sasuke and rip the mask right off his face. At that very moment, Hayabusa’s entrance theme began to blare through the arena. Yet, the man himself failed to appear. Suddenly, however, Kudo and Shark emerged, bringing Hayabusa with them. Still hobbled by a left leg injury sustained in an accident—an injury that left him barely able to walk—Hayabusa was mercilessly beaten down by Kuroda and his cohorts once he reached the ring.

Although they had vehemently denied it, it now appeared all too clear that the motorcycle accident had, in fact, been a calculated plot orchestrated by Team Kuroda. In response, the unmasked Hayabusa—struggling to rise to his feet—grabbed a microphone and, trembling with rage, screamed out: "Gannosuke! Kuroda! You guys have gone too damn far! Kawasaki—I swear I’ll make it to that ring, come hell or high water! I’m going to crush you both!"

Leaning on the shoulders of some young trainees, Hayabusa headed straight for the locker room. Given the severity of his leg injury, it appears that—as a precautionary measure—he was taken directly to the hospital by ambulance shortly thereafter. "Honestly, Kuroda’s antics—specifically the nonsense he pulls *outside* the ring—are just completely out of control. And today’s 'accident' was the absolute culmination of that," remarked Sasuke. Much like Hayabusa, Sasuke was absolutely seething with rage over the conduct of Kuroda and his crew. He renewed his vow to emerge victorious in the upcoming Exploding Match.

In any case, with Gannosuke’s return, the wind is undeniably blowing in Team Kuroda’s favor. They appear to have absolutely no vulnerabilities. With the May 5th Kawasaki show looming just ahead, the fortunes of the two sides have diverged in stark contrast. Yet, Hayabusa is certainly not about to back down now. The myriad emotions and intentions of these four men are set to collide within the explosive confines of the ring.

— The card for May 5th has finally been decided. It's going to be an explosion match.

Hayabusa: Looking back at FMW's history, Kawasaki Stadium is a place with a certain significance, and while it's not exactly a milestone for me personally, it's a place where I've had two explosion matches in the past as Hayabusa. In the end, I wasn't able to achieve any results back then. So for me, it's a place with a rather negative image, but when Kodo Fuyuki made this request as we were making a comeback in this form, it was the perfect timing. So I thought I'd like to make a clean break, and since I was on hiatus for six months, I feel like I caused trouble and worry for the wrestlers, the fans, and the front office, so it also serves as a form of atonement. Also, May 5th is the day I debuted, and with Hayabusa's comeback, the 10th anniversary of my debut, and a return to Kawasaki Stadium after a long time, an explosion match seemed inevitable. So I was able to accept it without hesitation, and if you think about it the other way around, I feel like I've been given an opportunity. I'm going to have another chance at Kawasaki Stadium, where I haven't been able to achieve results before, and if I can achieve results there, I think I'll be able to move on to something else. In that sense, I am looking forward to it.

— There's less than a month left until your comeback fight. Are you worried about anything, including the fight format?

Hayabusa: I think that anxiety will only grow as we get closer to May 5th. I'll be wondering how well I've recovered. The other wrestlers have all grown while I was away, so I have to come back in top condition so I won't lose. But that's a mental issue, so I'm not worried about the physical aspect.

— Your opponents will be Kuroda and Gannosuke, who made his comeback at Korakuen Hall on April 1st.

Hayabusa: As Gannosuke said in the ring, I don't think many people actually believed he had retired. On the contrary, I think many were looking forward to seeing how he would come back. I myself said at the time that I was glad he had returned. It's a world where people are saying, "We've been waiting for you, you bastard." I can say this now, but when we were teaming up, we talked about it. We felt like we were two different people. As wrestlers, if we wanted to be ourselves, we shouldn't be standing side by side. It's most natural for wrestlers to face each other. So I think this was meant to be, and it's a natural progression. He must have made up his mind to do this, and he must have been preparing for my comeback. I want to live up to that expectation. But I don't want to lose either. I think this is just the beginning of what will happen as we continue to work together.

— What about Kuroda? After star wrestlers Hayabusa and Gannosuke left, he has been at the top.

Hayabusa: At first, from an outsider's perspective, my biggest impression was that while I understood what he was trying to do, it was incredibly half-hearted. All I could see was the chaotic nature of it all, and I couldn't see what he was specifically trying to achieve. But then, in the Naked Man match against Sasuke (March 5th Korakuen Hall) and the bloody challenger determination match against Kanemura (March 13th Korakuen Hall), his face suddenly changed. He began to understand the meaning and responsibility of being in the main event... In other words, his awareness as the ace really showed on his face. He'd probably get angry if he heard this, but until now, I hadn't even considered him as an opponent, but in the last month or so, he's become someone I want to face, someone meaningful to face.

— I think that sense of responsibility might have emerged partly because of Tanaka and the others leaving.

Hayabusa: When something like that happens, I understand that everyone naturally becomes negative, but back in the day, when FMW was reborn, when Atsushi Onita left, we felt a real sense of crisis, and that's what motivated us to work hard. Kuroda is in a similar position now, and I'm sure he feels he absolutely cannot lose to me. In that respect, Gannosuke and Kuroda are worthy opponents, and they are a fitting opponent for Kawasaki Stadium.

— There are voices saying that FMW might collapse now that wrestlers like Tanaka have left, but can you say with certainty that there is no need to worry about that?

Hayabusa: I think I can say this. At the first Korakuen Hall event (February 23rd) after Tanaka and the others left, I ended up wearing my costume and interfering, but the reason I wore that costume at the time and what I wanted to say was that I wanted the fans to trust us. Of course, we may not be strong enough right now, but if you believe in us, we will get results, I think we can do it. That's the feeling we have when we're doing it. Anyway, the other day (April 1st Korakuen Hall), Gannosuke came out, I was there, and Kuroda was there. When that lineup was all together, I didn't feel the sense of loss that I had felt before at all. If that really starts to move forward, then I think a sense of fulfillment will come along that will fill the void of loss, and I intend to do that.

— The card for May 5th, including the match against Fuyuki and Tenryu, has a lot of volume, doesn't it?

Hayabusa: The current state of entertainment pro wrestling is somewhat ambiguous. Of course, there have been various things like my and Gannosuke's absences and wrestlers leaving, so perhaps those aspects are unavoidable, but I think this is a good chance to start fresh again. That's why this Kawasaki event will have an old-fashioned feel. It's a good opportunity to re-examine what entertainment pro wrestling is in terms of aspects that are separate from the staging. I think Kawasaki Stadium is a meaningful venue for both the wrestlers and the fans.

— When Fuyuki returned as commissioner, he said that they were relying too much on video and were chasing after sensationalism...

Hayabusa: As I said before, the entertainment-oriented approach was started to get people who don't know about pro wrestling to watch it. There are a lot of kids now who don't know about pro wrestling, so we have to make sure that they can watch it too. That means we have to draw a clear line somewhere regarding the erotic and grotesque elements, and we have to be aware of that when we do it. But I think our current wrestlers are capable of doing that.

— Having observed from the outside for the past six months, how do you view the entertainment-oriented approach?

Hayabusa: Basically, I'm very convinced by this entertainment-oriented approach and I'm doing it because I think it's the best way to convey to today's fans what I received from pro wrestling when I was a fan. I want today's children to receive the same feelings I received as a child, and if they can see something painful live and feel something, if their perception of people's feelings and pain changes even a little, then what we've done and will continue to do will have meaning.

— Wrestlers are people who know the pain of others, and they may be the most persuasive profession when it comes to conveying that.

Hayabusa: If there are people who agree with us, there are things we want to do and various approaches we are taking. Well, I can't really say anything right now. If we only communicate with pro wrestling fans, it might be misunderstood how we put it, but whatever we say could end up being just talk in a teacup. Of course, if we suddenly go out into the world like that, we might just be met with "what's that all about?" and that would be the end of it, but for me, that's more rewarding than working within a set framework. That doesn't mean we're going to completely ignore the pro wrestling world, and if there's something going on in the wider world, there's a possibility that we'll get involved with other organizations.

— Speaking of other organizations, recently there have been a lot of FMW-related businesses being mentioned everywhere.

Hayabusa: I personally don't mind it that much. That's because I have a firm belief that Atsushi Onita's FMW and the current FMW are completely different. I think the fans naturally perceive them differently as well. Just in the unlikely event that a connection were to be made, if it resulted in something new, something that could move things forward, I wouldn't deny it or reject it. But if it would result in going back to square one, I would reject it at all costs.

— However, for those who know about Hayabusa's past rejection of Onita, there's always the anxiety that getting involved wouldn't end well.

Hayabusa: So, if I were to face Atsushi Onita or Tarzan Goto in the ring right now, would I feel any inferiority complex towards them? Not at all. In the past, I'm sure I would have felt fear, but now, on the contrary, I think I could face them with confidence if that were to happen. However, that's only if the situation naturally arises, and of course, it's not something I can decide on my own. Saying that makes it sound like I want it, but I want to make it clear that I have absolutely no such desire.

— By the way, I'd also like to ask about Muto's unit... At the talk show the other day, Muto specifically mentioned Hayabusa as someone he would like to have as a member.

Hayabusa: It's nice to have my name mentioned in that way.

— It also aligns with the direction that Muto is advocating, doesn't it?

Hayabusa: Yeah. So I really agree with the idea of ​​using borderless approaches to revitalize and liven up the pro wrestling world itself. But, as I said earlier, when I think about what Hayabusa needs to do first, I think it's about what's going on inside FMW. So, right now, FMW is the priority. And when I have a little more time and resources, I'd like to participate.

— So you're saying you might eventually participate in BATT?

Hayabusa: I'm incredibly interested in working with Muto, especially since I went to America to meet him myself. Neither of us knows how many more years we'll be able to continue as professional wrestlers in our current state, so I want to do it while I can. That's why I want to make it happen as soon as possible. To put it extremely, I'm okay with the worst-case scenario where I don't leave any name behind as a wrestler. I'd be most satisfied if I could leave behind something that people will say 10 or 20 years from now, saying, "The current pro wrestling world exists because of FMW back then." That's what I want to do most.

— Listening to you speak, I get the impression that you've gained a broader perspective on things.

Hayabusa: Anyway, I think May 5th will be the third chapter of the new FMW, if the second chapter was the era of H. A new chapter is about to begin, and the first event of that will be at Kawasaki Stadium. I feel like I've had a reset mentally. My time off was very fulfilling. I didn't take a break because I was completely worn out like before; I took the break of my own accord and have spent the last six months in a very positive way, so I don't feel any particular anxiety or pressure. Now it's just a matter of showing it in the matches. I don't intend to go back to my prime, and now I have my own way of doing things and showing my skills. Of course I can still fly, but even if you asked me to be the old Hayabusa, I just can't do that now.

— But on the other hand, Hayabusa has a 10-year history.

Hayabusa: I've been through a lot to get to where I am today, and I have no regrets. I've just been clearing each challenge in front of me one by one, and it's been exactly 10 years. I've learned so much, and thanks to that, I'm able to return to the ring in a good mental state, so I'm feeling very energetic and physically fit right now. The old Hayabusa was too much of a go-getter, so from now on I think it's okay for me to take the initiative a little more.