Hayabusa & Masato Tanaka vs. Terry Funk & Mr. Pogo 5/5/96
On this day, the FMW wrestlers entered Kawasaki Stadium around
7am. They entered the venue early to make the ring, but the weather was the
worst at that point. That's also a real downpour. The FMW side would not cancel
the event even if there was a slight rain, but the show would be held... The
previous FMW Kawasaki shows have always been sunny. As soon as they are reborn,
I feel sorry for Hayabusa. Despite having been fighting for the past year with a
life-risking, it seems that the God had messed up the new FMW.
The weather forecast said the rain would likely stop in the evening, but things
changed suddenly around 11am. The strong winds caused rain clouds to sweep and
the sun began to shine through. Before you know it, it's sunny! The heavens had
not seen Hayabusa.
Suddenly, the Shiodome show six years ago crossed my mind. This was the day when
the first current explosion deathmatch, which was thought to have been cancelled
by a direct typhoon, miraculously stopped the rain and was a huge success, and
FMW established its absolute position as an indie. I was simply amazed at
Onita's strong fortune... and that's the same for Hayabusa and Tanaka on that
day. New Japan Pro's 4/29 Dome show was a huge success. Now that indie battles
are about to be crushed by the power of the majors, the battle for Kawasaki is
an important tournament that asks the public whether indie is really necessary.
When it comes to an indie battle, God must be on his side with FMW. The Kawasaki
battle is also the culmination of the new year. There were 33,231 fans who
gathered.
The audience attracted 10 more spectators than they first entered Kawasaki
Stadium on September 23, 1991. Considering the current FMW, it is a number that
can be said to be a success. It was no point in vain that Onita deliberately
appeared on the stage and appealed to the indie crisis. The total amount of
Onita's favorite item auction during his active career was 10.18 million yen,
and the prize money of 10 million yen was successfully prepared.
Onita entered the venue at 5pm and watched the show. Hayabusa and Tanaka said,
"Onita-san want to show the audience a proof of the indie spirit and the new FMW
year." The stage is ready. "Now that I've come this far, I can't tell you what
will happen to my body. I want to do my best to show my indie spirit by doing my
stupid things so that I don't have any regrets. Today I also have a challenge to
myself. Onita has been satisfying the audience no matter how the situation is.
That's the ace's duty," says Hayabusa.
His left elbow has improved a little, but if he pushes himself too hard, he
could still lose his life as a wrestler. Even so, they can't take it for the
sake of it. Tanaka, on the other hand, said, "I want to play even a good match
for the customers who come. I want to end this with Pogo and Terry. In order to
step up to a higher goal. I have a goal of becoming the top of FMW and bringing
indie to the higher level. It would be no good if I were to continue in Pogo's
era forever."
Hayabusa and Tanaka took them to high tension and headed for the ring. Kawasaki
Stadium is filled with cheers as the two enter the ring. The fans must be able
to sense the determination of both of them. The tension peaks when they face
Terry and Pogo and glare at each other! Then, at 8:33pm the gong of destiny
rang.
The story is unbearable for a moment from the beginning of both teams, when they
try to explode currents and slam their opponents against landmine barricades,
but the movements of the Hayabusa's are better than expected. Except when it
comes to passiveness, he attacks aggressively without protecting his left elbow.
Hayabusa previously said, "I have no choice but to lie to my body that I can do
it," but does that mean he has put it into practice. It's not something you can
do if you say do it. His mental strength was enormous, but... Pogo's focus on
his left arm was attacked and his movements stopped. He began to fold, arm-cord
cross, arm-cord cross, arm-cord cross, arm-cord cross, arm-folding and Pogo
began to fold with joint techniques.
Hayabusa was writhing in agony. He is going to do my best to keep up. The FMW
army is at a disadvantage. After 6 minutes, Tanaka was hit by an electric
current and ended up in agony.
Pogo then took the time to take the opportunity to bring out a 16-blade catfish
and a giant saw, and Pogo tears Tanaka's body. The IWA Puerto Rican army was
completely in control of the match. It will be a tough battle for Hayabusa and
Tanaka, but their eyes are not dead. Indie is what crawls up no matter what you
get beaten or get beaten. Showing that spirit is what makes you appeal to your
indie spirit. The two lift Terry up and throw it at the electric current
explosion, and somehow make a comeback.
Then, after 12 minutes, Hayabusa and Pogo fell into a landmine barricade,
smashing together. A huge noise raises flames and white smoke. As well as the
explosive sound of the electric current explosion and the amazing sparks, the
explosive matches I saw for the first time in a year are truly stimulating and
thrilling. Speaking of which, Hayabusa and Tanaka said this match was something
that the majors can't do. This is the real joy of FMW and indie. The audience
must have experienced the same excitement. If you are shown this, it can be said
that the existence of indie leader FMW is essential to revitalizing the pro
wrestling world in the opposite direction of the majors.
Hayabusa had risen from a mine barricade to the ring. Immediately after that,
the greatest highlight of the day came. He fired a running plancha on Pogo
outside the ring. Last year's May 5th Kawasaki Stadium. Hayabusa set out a
moonsault from the top of the wire cage. This was the first time he decided to
attack the air in a explosion match, and that moment was the beginning of the
new FMW.
In order to show proof of the new FMW, I wish the Hayabusa would fly again this
year, but considering the fact that he was completely injured and there was no
place to climb into the ring, it was thought to be impossible. As he said, "If I
were to get into the ring, I want to be a falcon!", he showed me a gorgeous
dance by saying, "Is there such a hand?"... At the same time the time bomb
exploded after 15 minutes, the tense tension of Hayabusa seemed to have been
blown away.
After suffering massive damage and reaching its physical and mental limit,
Hayabusa was sank into Terry and Pogo's flame fire and then combined power bomb.
Looking at the content, it is certain that Hayabusa and Tanaka's hard work were
on his eyes. To be honest, I think he's been able to do this much with that
body. I could fully appreciate the Hayabusa's FMW and his love for indie. Of
course Tanaka is also. The viewer's willingness to show their indie spirits was
conveyed to them, but the reality is that this did not remain in form. It was
none other than Hayabusa and Tanaka who said that this match, which was a big
indie match and that the future of FMW was on the verge of betting on the
ground, "If we don't win, there's no point in it."
Watching the match at ringside, Onita was also shocked by the result. I lose my
words. Terry and Pogo are constantly provoking Onita, but Onita, who denied his
return and vowed not to appear in FMW after May 5th, will not take this. When he
returned to the waiting room with Hayabusa, he told him, "That's all I can help.
Come back from hell! That's your destiny." As if to be honest, he was defeated
by a direct hit by a flame-spewing fire, and was thought to have been "shaky",
but was easily lost due to the wounded state, and in the shock of the battle he
completely entered Pogo's waiting room.
Hayabusa's own comments made him feel unsatisfied, and he had heard the
culmination of the new FMW. Onita and his fans made Hayabusa cry in tears... The
battle for the 5/5 Kawasaki Stadium was thought to open the new, crisp door for
the indie FMW, but when it was over, only the sadness, sadness and emptiness of
FMW remained. Hayabusa will not return until his left elbow is completely
healed. Hayabusa will not return until he is completely healed. What will
Hayabusa and Tanaka's hearts go silently to the hospital in the ambulance and
what will come to him...・.
<Hayabusa after the match> Sorry. I can only do this much. I can't do anything.
I can only wear good clothes and do this... I'd better not come on. To the other
wrestlers... I'm saying all this rash and dragging Tanaka and everyone else's
feet on the other wrestlers, what's the independent spirit. There's no face to
match the other wrestlers. Just like Kanemura said, it's just a mouth. Once
more...
Terry Funk & Mr. Pogo d. Hayabusa & Masato Tanaka when Funk pinned Hayabusa (19:01) in a No Ropes Exploding Barbed wire Double Hell Exploding Ring Death Match.
After the main event, Hayabusa was taken to Kawasaki Saiwai
Hospital by ambulance, where he underwent a comprehensive surgery with 119
stitches due to lacerations in two places on his abdomen, one in the center of
his chest, one on his left chest, and three on his back (he also suffered burns
on the back of his right shoulder). Although he did not need an ambulance, he
was taken to the hospital later.
Masato Tanaka, who was also taken to the same hospital later but did not require
an ambulance, also received a total of 71 stitches on his left forearm, front
and back left shoulders, right abdomen, and back. His burns were also
widespread, including on his right flank, left shin, and left shoulder. This
magazine caught up with Hayabusa at the hospital, just after he had undergone
the suture surgery.
I wanted to convey directly the feelings that can't be fully conveyed through
post-match comments alone, but... Hayabusa's words and actions were clearly out
of the ordinary...
- Although you lost the main event, today was a great success in the sense that
you broke the record for the first Kawasaki Stadium attendance.
Hayabusa: That's right... we won this through the combined efforts of
everyone. And yet, I'm the only one who's held us back...
- But all the fans know that you're injured and can't move at your full
potential, and you fought to the best of my ability within those limits, so I
think we should be happy with that.
Hayabusa: But as a main event, isn't it the minimum responsibility to go
out in a body that can move properly? And yet, I forced myself to go out in a
state where I could barely perform my techniques, and I really couldn't do
anything, so I'm hopeless. In the end, I'm the only one who's held everyone
back, and I've taken all their money... I really can't face them. The mood was
so good from the first match until Toyoda's retirement match.
- Hmm... But maybe the mood isn't that bad? Of course, because you lost, the
atmosphere is heavy and gloomy, but judging by their reaction, I think the fans
are thinking, "Well done, Hayabusa!" Because, honestly, it's incredible that he
was able to move like that in his current condition.
Hayabusa: Who am I?
--...?
Hayabusa: What am I to FMW?
- The ace, right?
Hayabusa: Ace? A pathetic man who can't do anything and loses when it
matters most has no right to claim such a title. No, I haven't done anything at
all. I'm sure the indie spirit is conveyed. Hayabusa Ace Indie Spirit... I kept
hyping it up with those words, and this is the answer I came up with. In the
end, wasn't talking about indie spirit just for my own self-satisfaction?
- …
Hayabusa: It's all just nice words, just nice words. What could I have
accomplished on my own? Even today, I suddenly selfishly said I'd play, but I
couldn't do anything... In the end, I've only ever thought about myself, but
I've been forcing that on everyone else for the past four months.
- Hayabusa you are being a little strange today. Why are you being so
pessimistic? Even yesterday you were proudly saying, "No matter what the weather
forecast says, tomorrow will be absolutely fine!" And it was because of that
positive attitude that you were able to receive all that support at Kawasaki
Stadium today. I understand that you're depressed after losing, but I don't
think that kind of comment is good for FMW.
Hayabusa: ....But nothing has changed for me since a year ago. I haven't
made any progress. I wonder what I've been doing this past year. Today I
couldn't even say anything back to Onita...
- Ahh?!?! I don't know what to say anymore.
Hayabusa: Anyway, I need some time. It'll be a complete escape from
reality, but I need time. I want to get completely away from FMW and forget
about everything. I just don't know. I don't know what's going on, and I don't
know what to do...there are so many things I don't understand!!
- Wait a minute. Depending on how you hear what you just said, it could be
interpreted as "leaving the company in disgrace."
Hayabusa: I can't take responsibility for something like this.
- Then why?
Hayabusa: I don't care if people call me selfish and self-centered, and I
won't ask them to understand. I don't care what they say, I just want to get
away from FMW right now. I can't go back anytime soon. How am I supposed to face
everyone?
- If we take a leap of faith, it could lead to a situation where you are leaving
FMW.
Hayabusa: As for the future... I have nothing to say. I really don't
know. Anyway, all I can say for now is, "Please spare me."
- So, what about the May series?
Hayabusa: I can't play, my body's in this state again. I'm really a pathetic
ace. Anyway, please give me some time. You can call me escaping reality, and I
think that's true.
Postscript to the interview
Even though he'd lost, I hadn't expected Hayabusa to be this depressed and
emotionally unstable, so I was speechless many times while listening to him.
When he suddenly said something like that, I couldn't find the words to respond,
and to be honest, I was a little scared of Hayabusa, who seemed to be staring
off into the distance.
Did Hayabusa's tension snap when he saw the packed house, or did he succumb to
the pressure? It was the first time I'd seen him with such a depressing
presence, and it left me with a heavy feeling. The question now is how much
support his office and teammates will give to his selfishness. For the time
being, Hayabusa's name isn't on the match list for the series kicking off on the
17th.
Of course, his appearance in Kawasaki on May 5th is merely an "exception," and
the lineup likely reflects the fact that it will take some time for him to fully
recover. This is evidenced by the numerous match-ups being made with the
intention of a "Hayabusa-less" format.
When you combine words like "I want to get away from it all," "I want to
forget," and "I need time," it seems like the next series will be completely off
the radar for Hayabusa. Or rather, maybe he's deliberately ignoring it... As a
comrade who has been with us up until now and helped to make Kawasaki May 5th a
success, this interview was a bit sad, but I can understand his feelings.
However, when I think about how Masato Tanaka must have felt while he was
undergoing surgery, screaming behind the curtain while we were talking
"Hello, hello, it's Hayabusa... I'm sorry about yesterday, even
though you've always supported FMW and me. Thank you very much..."
I returned home after 7:30 a.m. on May 6th after finishing the final work of
submitting the last week's issue, and found this message on my answering
machine. Hayabusa's depressed voice and words that sounded like a farewell
message... I felt a strange uneasiness.
In the afternoon, I called Hayabusa's home and cell phone, but both were
answering machines. When I called FMW's president, Arai, he said, "Actually, I
haven't spoken to him either. He had so many matches yesterday that he was
exhausted, so he hung up the phone and might be resting. I thought I'd leave him
alone..."
However, the situation was serious. He had completely lost contact. And finally,
on the 7th, the Tokyo Sports newspaper ran a big headline saying, "Hayabusa
Missing." Thinking about it carefully, Hayabusa's comments after the match such
as "I can't do anything", "It would have been better if I hadn't participated",
"I don't have the face to face him", etc., were not like Hayabusa, who had
always spoken cheerfully and positively no matter how difficult the situation he
had been in.
In fact, Hayabusa had left Japan. On the 8th (local time), the Atlanta branch of
Tokyo Sports caught up with him arriving in Atlanta, USA. Shun Yamaguchi, a
reporter in New York, immediately contacted Jimmy Suzuki, a reporter in Florida
covering New Japan's WCW expedition, and asked him to "catch Hayabusa", but they
succeeded in contacting Hayabusa much sooner than expected.
On the 9th (local time), Hayabusa suddenly appeared at MGM Studios in Orlando,
Florida, where Jimmy Suzuki was covering the match. On that day, a WCW TV match
was being recorded from noon, and Suzuki noticed Hayabusa in the audience when
he was trying to take a photo of Kurosawa (Manabu Nakanishi) vs Scott Armstrong.
After the match, Suzuki came into contact with Hayabusa, who was wearing a cap
and sunglasses and had his "bare face" on.
Hayabusa's first words were, "It's been a while. Umm... Can I meet Liger?" When
he told Liger in the waiting room, he readily agreed, saying, "Eh, Hayabusa is
here?!?! If so, bring him over." Suzuki immediately took Hayabusa to the waiting
room. Perhaps out of concern for the depressed Hayabusa, he said, "Wow, that's a
scar from Kawasaki?!?! That's amazing, let me see it!"
The following is a Q&A with Hayabusa sent by Suzuki. He said that he was
impressed by how cheerful ☆ and Liger were. After that, Suzuki left his seat and
the two of them talked about something by themselves.
What on earth happened? Gong's editorial department had contacted him to say
that he had "entered Atlanta," but before he knew it, he had come all the way to
Florida... I didn't know he had come all the way to Florida...
Hayabusa: To be honest... anywhere was fine. Anyway, I just wanted to
come out, rather than thinking about where I was going... I just wanted to
disappear from Japan for the time being and think about it, so I came to
America.
-...
Hayabusa: Anyway, well... I was in Japan for a year, doing FMW and
independents, and then I got injured and took a break, and then I participated
in Kawasaki Stadium at the very last minute... in the end, I couldn't do
anything. I was frustrated with my own helplessness... I didn't have the face to
show to everyone who had worked so hard... What am I talking about (smiles
self-deprecatingly). Well, no matter how many words I use, it's just that I've
been running away from reality.
-It seems that in Japan, there's a fuss about Hayabusa's disappearance.
Hayabusa: ...I'm well aware that I'm really causing trouble to everyone, but
as things are if I had stayed in Japan I wouldn't have been in a situation where
I could think straight, so including that, I just...It seems that talk has
gotten to the point where people are even asking me to retire.
- Ah...I don't think that's the case.
Hayabusa: I'm not thinking about retiring, but in order to return to the
ring as Hayabusa properly, I know that in my current mental state, it's
impossible. So, if you ask me what I'm going to do specifically, I don't have
any answer...
- But the fact that you came to Florida means that's where you were last year
before you returned to FMW, so I think that there's an unconscious positive
psychology of returning to your roots.
Hayabusa: I don't know about that myself, but I really just came to
Florida on a whim... But I guess that's what it was. I think I felt like I was
seeing my roots again.
- I can understand the feeling of being depressed, but... Even though you didn't
get the results, I've heard good things about the match at Kawasaki Stadium,
like "I could feel Hayabusa's determination to bet on the indies" and "He showed
his hard work despite his worn-out body."
Hayabusa: Well... I hear people say things like that sometimes, but anyway,
this time I took on the match as something I couldn't lose, as it was the fate
of the group, and even though my physical condition may have been an issue, I
think it's my duty as an ace to show results once I'm in the match. I think I
was actually disqualified at that point, but it feels like I blatantly betrayed
the people who still believed in me...
- Some people say that this Kawasaki match was a big success, triggered by
Onita's "comeback suspicion" right before the show, and that it was a show that
was dyed in Onita's colors, but I wonder if that's also the reason why I'm
worried now. I might be misunderstood if I say something like this.
Hayabusa: Well, in the end, we did it for a year and somehow made it to
Kawasaki Stadium, but we couldn't do anything on our own, nothing has changed...
it makes you wonder what we've been doing for the past year. It's like we
haven't seen any results. I think what Onita said after the match was very
reasonable, but in the end, we haven't made any progress at all in the past
year...
- Apparently Onita said after the match, "This is the limit of what I can help
you with. You have to pull yourself up by yourself."
Hayabusa: Really...I feel really sorry for the fans and people involved
who have supported me this past year, including my wrestlers, but I don't know
what to say right now. I don't know how to show my face to everyone...I wonder
what I'm doing...yeah.
- Let's change the topic. You were talking to Liger at MGM Studio, but what were
you talking about?
Hayabusa: No, it's really personal. I'm worried myself...so I'm a little
weird, so I'm not talking about work...In short, we just talked about things
like "It's been a while" and "How are you?" The reason I went to see the match
was because, as I was here at the time, the match was taking place. Liger has
been so kind to me since the Super J Cup, so I thought I'd drop by for a change
of pace.
- So Liger is special to you, Hayabusa?
Hayabusa: Yes, I think that if I didn't have that Super J-Cup match, I
would probably be a different person than I am now, so he does have a special
place in my heart.
- However, you do think that there is a risk that meeting Liger at a time like
this could lead to strange misunderstandings.
Hayabusa: For now... I feel like I can't say anything, even if people
think that way... At this point, public opinion is not an issue for me. First of
all, I want to calm myself down somehow...
- Let's stop talking about work. Once you've calmed down, please contact the
Gong editorial department in Japan.
Hayabusa: ...Okay. Anyway, I will contact you in a proper manner when
things have calmed down.
☆After receiving this report from Suzuki, I made an international call to the
hotel where Hayabusa was staying at just after 9:00 a.m. on the 10th local time,
but he had already checked out. This meant that Hayabusa's whereabouts were
completely lost.
However, deep down I felt relieved. If I knew where he was, I would have to
cover him as part of my "job". However, it would be human nature to leave him
alone here. Suzuki reported that "Except when he was with Liger, I never saw him
smile again."
This means that even after going to Florida, Hayabusa's mood has not improved at
all. If I were to compare Hayabusa's current state to something, it would be
like a string that was stretched tight and then snapped.
Normally, it would be unforgivable for him to act on his own without contacting
FMW, but he was suddenly placed in the ace position in May last year, and yet he
has been running at full speed for a year, wearing himself out and risking his
career as a wrestler, so I would like to keep a warm eye on him.
Although he has certainly lost confidence and is in a state of panic, even in
the interview with Suzuki correspondent, Hayabusa's sense of responsibility can
be felt. It is an anguish caused by his serious personality and his tendency to
think things through. To be honest, when Hayabusa decided to participate in
Kawasaki Stadium, I wondered, "Is it okay to just crush Hayabusa like this?" I
think the fans supported him because of his determination to "sacrifice himself
for FMW," but from a broader perspective, I honestly felt that losing Hayabusa
here would be a loss for the Japanese wrestling world.
I believe that Hayabusa has the qualities and heart to carry the Japanese
wrestling world in the next generation. To put it bluntly, I want him to soar on
a larger scale, without being fixated on FMW or indies. He made contact with
Liger in Florida this time, and if that is the start of his comeback, then I
think it would be fine for him to fight Liger again in the New Japan ring.
By the way, in an interview with Jimmy Suzuki, Hayabusa was asked if his contact
with Liger "might cause misunderstandings." If it had been the Hayabusa of the
past, he would have explained it in clear terms to avoid confusion. However, I
do not want to interpret Hayabusa's series of actions here as a "leaving FMW" or
a "sudden approach to Liger." One thing I can say is that for Hayabusa, whose
wings were broken and whose heart was wounded, Liger, who once gave him light,
was once again a ray of light.
"Hello, hello, it's Hayabusa... I'm sorry about yesterday, even
though you've always supported FMW and me. Thank you very much..."
I returned home after 7:30 a.m. on May 6th after finishing the final work of
submitting the last week's issue, and found this message on my answering
machine. Hayabusa's depressed voice and words that sounded like a farewell
message... I felt a strange uneasiness.
In the afternoon, I called Hayabusa's home and cell phone, but both were
answering machines. When I called FMW's president, Arai, he said, "Actually, I
haven't spoken to him either. He had so many matches yesterday that he was
exhausted, so he hung up the phone and might be resting. I thought I'd leave him
alone..."
However, the situation was serious. He had completely lost contact. And finally,
on the 7th, the Tokyo Sports newspaper ran a big headline saying, "Hayabusa
Missing." Thinking about it carefully, Hayabusa's comments after the match such
as "I can't do anything", "It would have been better if I hadn't participated",
"I don't have the face to face him", etc., were not like Hayabusa, who had
always spoken cheerfully and positively no matter how difficult the situation he
had been in.
In fact, Hayabusa had left Japan. On the 8th (local time), the Atlanta branch of
Tokyo Sports caught up with him arriving in Atlanta, USA. Shun Yamaguchi, a
reporter in New York, immediately contacted Jimmy Suzuki, a reporter in Florida
covering New Japan's WCW expedition, and asked him to "catch Hayabusa", but they
succeeded in contacting Hayabusa much sooner than expected.
On the 9th (local time), Hayabusa suddenly appeared at MGM Studios in Orlando,
Florida, where Jimmy Suzuki was covering the match. On that day, a WCW TV match
was being recorded from noon, and Suzuki noticed Hayabusa in the audience when
he was trying to take a photo of Kurosawa (Manabu Nakanishi) vs Scott Armstrong.
After the match, Suzuki came into contact with Hayabusa, who was wearing a cap
and sunglasses and had his "bare face" on.
Hayabusa's first words were, "It's been a while. Umm... Can I meet Liger?" When
he told Liger in the waiting room, he readily agreed, saying, "Eh, Hayabusa is
here?!?! If so, bring him over." Suzuki immediately took Hayabusa to the waiting
room. Perhaps out of concern for the depressed Hayabusa, he said, "Wow, that's a
scar from Kawasaki?!?! That's amazing, let me see it!"
The following is a Q&A with Hayabusa sent by Suzuki. He said that he was
impressed by how cheerful ☆ and Liger were. After that, Suzuki left his seat and
the two of them talked about something by themselves.
What on earth happened? Gong's editorial department had contacted him to say
that he had "entered Atlanta," but before he knew it, he had come all the way to
Florida... I didn't know he had come all the way to Florida...
Hayabusa: To be honest... anywhere was fine. Anyway, I just wanted to
come out, rather than thinking about where I was going... I just wanted to
disappear from Japan for the time being and think about it, so I came to
America.
-...
Hayabusa: Anyway, well... I was in Japan for a year, doing FMW and
independents, and then I got injured and took a break, and then I participated
in Kawasaki Stadium at the very last minute... in the end, I couldn't do
anything. I was frustrated with my own helplessness... I didn't have the face to
show to everyone who had worked so hard... What am I talking about (smiles
self-deprecatingly). Well, no matter how many words I use, it's just that I've
been running away from reality.
-It seems that in Japan, there's a fuss about Hayabusa's disappearance.
Hayabusa: ...I'm well aware that I'm really causing trouble to everyone,
but as things are if I had stayed in Japan I wouldn't have been in a situation
where I could think straight, so including that, I just...It seems that talk has
gotten to the point where people are even asking me to retire.
- Ah...I don't think that's the case.
Hayabusa: …I'm not thinking about retiring, but in order to return to the
ring as Hayabusa properly, I know that in my current mental state, it's
impossible. So, if you ask me what I'm going to do specifically, I don't have
any answer...
- But the fact that you came to Florida means that's where you were last year
before you returned to FMW, so I think that there's an unconscious positive
psychology of returning to your roots.
Hayabusa: I don't know about that myself, but I really just came to
Florida on a whim... But I guess that's what it was. I think I felt like I was
seeing my roots again.
- I can understand the feeling of being depressed, but... Even though you didn't
get the results, I've heard good things about the match at Kawasaki Stadium,
like "I could feel Hayabusa's determination to bet on the indies" and "He showed
his hard work despite his worn-out body."
Hayabusa: Well... I hear people say things like that sometimes, but
anyway, this time I took on the match as something I couldn't lose, as it was
the fate of the group, and even though my physical condition may have been an
issue, I think it's my duty as an ace to show results once I'm in the match. I
think I was actually disqualified at that point, but it feels like I blatantly
betrayed the people who still believed in me...
- Some people say that this Kawasaki match was a big success, triggered by
Onita's "comeback suspicion" right before the show, and that it was a show that
was dyed in Onita's colors, but I wonder if that's also the reason why I'm
worried now. I might be misunderstood if I say something like this.
Hayabusa: Well, in the end, we did it for a year and somehow made it to
Kawasaki Stadium, but we couldn't do anything on our own, nothing has changed...
it makes you wonder what we've been doing for the past year. It's like we
haven't seen any results. I think what Onita said after the match was very
reasonable, but in the end, we haven't made any progress at all in the past
year...
- Apparently Onita said after the match, "This is the limit of what I can help
you with. You have to pull yourself up by yourself."
Hayabusa: Really...I feel really sorry for the fans and people involved who
have supported me this past year, including my wrestlers, but I don't know what
to say right now. I don't know how to show my face to everyone...I wonder what
I'm doing...yeah.
- Let's change the topic. You were talking to Liger at MGM Studio, but what were
you talking about?
Hayabusa: No, it's really personal. I'm worried myself...so I'm a little
weird, so I'm not talking about work...In short, we just talked about things
like "It's been a while" and "How are you?" The reason I went to see the match
was because, as I was here at the time, the match was taking place. Liger has
been so kind to me since the Super J Cup, so I thought I'd drop by for a change
of pace.
- So Liger is special to you, Hayabusa?
Hayabusa: Yes, I think that if I didn't have that Super J-Cup match, I
would probably be a different person than I am now, so he does have a special
place in my heart.
- However, you do think that there is a risk that meeting Liger at a time like
this could lead to strange misunderstandings.
Hayabusa: For now... I feel like I can't say anything, even if people
think that way... At this point, public opinion is not an issue for me. First of
all, I want to calm myself down somehow...
- Let's stop talking about work. Once you've calmed down, please contact the
Gong editorial department in Japan.
Hayabusa: …Okay. Anyway, I will contact you in a proper manner when
things have calmed down.
☆After receiving this report from Suzuki, I made an international call to the
hotel where Hayabusa was staying at just after 9:00 a.m. on the 10th local time,
but he had already checked out. This meant that Hayabusa's whereabouts were
completely lost.
However, deep down I felt relieved. If I knew where he was, I would have to
cover him as part of my "job". However, it would be human nature to leave him
alone here. Suzuki reported that "Except when he was with Liger, I never saw him
smile again."
This means that even after going to Florida, Hayabusa's mood has not improved at
all. If I were to compare Hayabusa's current state to something, it would be
like a string that was stretched tight and then snapped.
Normally, it would be unforgivable for him to act on his own without contacting
FMW, but he was suddenly placed in the ace position in May last year, and yet he
has been running at full speed for a year, wearing himself out and risking his
career as a wrestler, so I would like to keep a warm eye on him.
Although he has certainly lost confidence and is in a state of panic, even in
the interview with Suzuki correspondent, Hayabusa's sense of responsibility can
be felt. It is an anguish caused by his serious personality and his tendency to
think things through. To be honest, when Hayabusa decided to participate in
Kawasaki Stadium, I wondered, "Is it okay to just crush Hayabusa like this?" I
think the fans supported him because of his determination to "sacrifice himself
for FMW," but from a broader perspective, I honestly felt that losing Hayabusa
here would be a loss for the Japanese wrestling world.
I believe that Hayabusa has the qualities and heart to carry the Japanese
wrestling world in the next generation. To put it bluntly, I want him to soar on
a larger scale, without being fixated on FMW or indies. He made contact with
Liger in Florida this time, and if that is the start of his comeback, then I
think it would be fine for him to fight Liger again in the New Japan ring.
By the way, in an interview with Jimmy Suzuki, Hayabusa was asked if his contact
with Liger "might cause misunderstandings." If it had been the Hayabusa of the
past, he would have explained it in clear terms to avoid confusion. However, I
do not want to interpret Hayabusa's series of actions here as a "leaving FMW" or
a "sudden approach to Liger." One thing I can say is that for Hayabusa, whose
wings were broken and whose heart was wounded, Liger, who once gave him light,
was once again a ray of light.
Hayabusa vs. Koji Nakagawa 8/1/96
Hayabusa finally stepped into the FMW ring. After losing at
Kawasaki Stadium on May 5th, he became delirious and disappeared. There were
rumors for a time that he was leaving FMW, but he returned, stating, "The FMW
ring is where I belong."
However, Hayabusa's return was not due to him being accepted as a member of FMW.
It's well known that the wrestlers association president, Nakagawa, was furious
at the Ace's selfish behavior. Hayabusa had lost his trust. The only way to be
accepted by FMW was to convince Nakagawa through force. That's why they're
fighting.
Furthermore, the only way to restore Hayabusa and Nakagawa's friendship is to
fight. The two were best friends who enjoyed discussing pro wrestling. Deep
down, Nakagawa wants to forgive Hayabusa, but as wrestlers association
president, Nakagawa realizes that he cannot tolerate the selfishness of an
individual.
Hayabusa apologizes for his reckless actions and says, "I don't expect you to
forgive me that easily." The two are unable to come to a compromise. The only
way to understand each other is through fighting. The bonds of friendship and
trust can only be restored through fighting.
As Onita said, "As a wrestler, the answers lie in the ring." When Hayabusa
entered the ring, cheers and calls of "Hayabusa" echoed throughout the ring.
Many fans erupted with joy at seeing this man return to FMW. However, some also
called out, "Crush Nakagawa!" There were also fans who could not forgive
Hayabusa's selfish actions. Hayabusa's only way to convince those people was
through "power." Hayabusa had a new mask, with a phoenix painted on his
forehead. This was surely a sign of his determination that "I'm not dead yet! I'm
going to crawl out!"
As he entered the ring, Hayabusa looked around the audience. As the gong sounded
to start the match, he made repeated light jumps as if to check the feel of the
ring. Hayabusa seemed to be thoroughly savoring the atmosphere of the venue
after a long time and the feel of the mat soaked with his own sweat and blood.
After taking a breath, he grappled firmly with Nakagawa. Hayabusa's road to
recovery had finally begun... but unfortunately the match ended up being a
disappointment. Nakagawa relentlessly attacked Hayabusa's waist from the start.
Not only did he strangle him with the reverse crab hold and the bow and arrow
hold, but he also struck him hard at the waist with side suplexes and the like,
and this was with a purpose. The waist attacks had a gradual effect like a body
blow, and Hayabusa's legs began to wobble, causing him to lose his balance.
This was exacerbated by the fact that it had been a while since his last match,
and that he lacked stamina. Nakagawa's pressure was unbearable, with some
cheering from the crowd. Hayabusa landed a brilliant Quebrada and a Swan-style
Flying Knee Kick just over a minute into the match, but it was clear he was
already out of breath.
Despite this, he desperately tried a Thunder Fire Power Bomb and a Falcon Arrow,
but his left elbow was still in pretty bad shape. He lacked the strength to put
it all together, resulting in an incomplete finish. Nakagawa easily parried
these attacks, and he followed up with the Atomic Bomb Hold, the Moko Atomic
Bomb Hold, and the Hiryu Atomic Bomb Hold.
Hayabusa's emotions got the better of him, and his body didn't move as he
wanted. This was the worst possible scenario. His mind and body were out of
sync. Nakagawa countered with a spinning kick to the face, landing a perfect KO.
With this, Hayabusa won by knockout.
The match ended abruptly, drawing sighs and boos from the crowd. To be honest,
it still feels like Hayabusa is struggling to compete. He showed no signs of his
former self. He was told his left elbow would take a year to heal, and even
though he's made an incredible recovery, it's still too much to expect him to
perform at the same level as before. He likely isn't at full strength training
either. His body hasn't returned to full fitness, and he's still lighter than
his junior poundage.
Considering that, it's fair to say Hayabusa gave it his all, but please read the
comments in the separate section. Hayabusa didn't convince himself in that way.
He slammed himself, telling himself, "This isn't my limit. I can do more." It's
easy to comfort yourself and find an excuse, but Hayabusa promised his fans, "I
won't run away anymore," and he has no intention of using his injury as an
excuse. It's a relief to see his mental strength returning.
On his way back to the waiting room, Hayabusa told his fans, "I've already let
you down twice. I won't let you down next time." His loss at Kawasaki Stadium
marked his first betrayal. Now, perhaps, he has betrayed the fans who were
looking forward to his return. As he himself said, Hayabusa failed to convince
his fans with his "power." The same can be said for Nakagawa. The bonds of
friendship and trust had not fully returned, and Hayabusa was not accepted as a
member of FMW after this match.
"Until everyone is convinced once again... (I want to believe that we can truly
see Hayabusa in FMW! It's a dream come true!) Next, we all have to overcome this
hardship and do whatever it takes. However, it's been tough so far. They say I
have to start from scratch, but the road to recovery is ahead, and I want to
keep working hard until I can see a full recovery." I want to come back in
August so that we can all dream together.
Hayabusa after the match
I...today...I think I did everything I could with my current self.
But...but...this was just self-satisfaction. If Nakagawa and the other wrestlers
would forgive me...I just said the other day that I won't run away or give up
anymore, so I want to come back (to FMW) one more time, or any number of times,
until everyone is convinced. I kept saying I was coming back, but I just didn't
prepare well enough. That's all there is to it. Nakagawa completely dominated
me, and I bet I can't find the words to apologize for betraying the fans who
were so excited. But even so, I want to keep working hard until I can put on one
more match that will make everyone dream. This isn't my limit, I'm sure I can do
more.
Hayabusa d. Koji Nakagawa (21:55) via KO
Hayabusa vs. Koji Nakagawa 8/23/96
Hayabusa's only main event in this series will be the August
27th for the Tottori event. The remaining events will be "intermediate" events.
He sees this as a natural course of action. He doesn't want to do something
unreasonable like "Yes, I'm back" after causing trouble for FMW, let alone
"starting over from scratch."
He must also feel it's presumptuous of him to be in the main event, especially
since he needs to monitor his physical condition and regain his technique and
match instincts. That doesn't mean Hayabusa is taking it easy. He's desperate to
get back to his best as soon as possible.
Looking back on his disappointing Shiodome performance, he said, "I wasn't
prepared enough. I'm left with a strong feeling that I could have done more, so
I'm going to train hard." Hayabusa spent every day between Shiodome and the
start of this series immersed in practice. His dedication was evident in his
one-on-one match with Nakagawa at Korakuen Hall on August 23rd.
Hayabusa took off as soon as the match began. He landed a tope con hilo over the
top rope, a tope atomico, and a standing moonsault, one after the other.
Compared to the Shiodome match, Hayabusa's movements were clearly sharper and
faster. His spirit was even stronger than before, but it was only natural that
Hayabusa was excited.
His match with Nakagawa in Shiodome ended in disaster. Having not been accepted
as a member of FMW by the wrestlers' association president Nakagawa or some of
the fans, who were angry at his selfish actions, Hayabusa had to use force to
regain their trust...but as you know, the result was unsuccessful.
Unsatisfied with Nakagawa and the fans, and dissatisfied with his own
performance, Hayabusa stated that he wasn't ready to return to FMW. This match,
a rematch of the Shiodome match, was one Hayabusa had no intention of repeating.
From the start, he threw everything he had at Nakagawa, determined to return to
FMW.
Then, after 10 minutes, Hayabusa put on a show. He attempted a Phoenix Splash.
Unfortunately, Nakagawa dodged it and it ended in self-destruction, but...
Despite his intensive training, Hayabusa's strength wasn't yet ready for
wrestling in Shiodome. His performance, a move rated E by a wrestler, was simply
astonishing. What a man!
It was clear that Hayabusa was extremely committed to this match. Hayabusa's
enthusiasm was clearly conveyed to the crowd, as the cheers of "Hayabusa" echoed
throughout the match. However, these moves are a double-edged sword. If they
land, they can pin their opponent in one hit, but if they fail, they inflict
great damage on the wrestler.
Hayabusa was hit with the latter, which stopped him in his tracks. Nakagawa
didn't miss this opportunity, pinning Hayabusa with a powerful lariat, using his
entire body weight to land the pin. Nakagawa looked satisfied, no doubt due to
the satisfaction he hadn't found
I am pleased that the content was satisfactory and that throughout the fight it
was clear to see that Hayabusa is a member of FMW. The two did not shake hands
after the match, but as Nakagawa comments in a separate article, the bonds of
trust and friendship between them were restored.
Hayabusa, who was defeated, also reflected on the current situation and was
satisfied with the match, saying, "This is my current strength." His own words,
"The uncool and weak Hayabusa today is who I am now," probably sum it up.
Hayabusa is still far from his best, but the fans praised him for fighting with
all the strength he currently had. When his rival Oya criticized him, Hayabusa
took the microphone and shouted, "Oya! It's not just Oya. Nakagawa, and everyone
here watching, remember that too! I will definitely climb back up. I will never
give up until I am recognized by everyone!"
Oya accepted this and quickly retorted, "Hayabusa, don't rely on the audience,"
but Hayabusa is not relying on the audience. In fact, it's the opposite. He sees
the cheers as sympathy for the weak Hayabusa, and intends to use them as
motivation. He knows his own body better than anyone. It is precisely because
Hayabusa is no longer in the condition to dream with his fans as he once did. He
wants to be recognized as "climbing back up." The real challenge is to regain
the trust of his former fans, not their sympathy.
The real challenge is to regain the movements he used to have when he was in his
prime, when he was strong and in top form, so that he can confidently move from
the middle card to the main event without anyone complaining. Hayabusa's battle
to regain these three things has only just begun!
Koji Nakagawa d. Hayabusa (12:05)
Hayabusa vs. Hido 9/11/96
On this day, the wrestlers' dressing room was a hot topic of conversation
about attendance at the Jingu Tournament. It would be impossible not to be
conscious of it. It was obvious that Jingu would be sold out, and the number of
attendees at Korakuen was a major concern.
Recently, advance ticket sales have not increased as expected for all
promotions, leading to a reliance on same-day tickets. This could be seen as a
drawback of the multi-promotion era. Fans tend to carefully consider what's
interesting and then show up on the day. W*ING's inaugural show saw a
significant increase in attendance, resulting in a sellout, but on this day,
Jingu would undoubtedly take a large chunk of the same-day attendance.
W*ING's struggles were inevitable. And yet, the final show drew a sellout crowd
of 2,002. This was despite a newspaper announcement the day before that Kanemura
would be absent due to burns. Kanemura, who disliked being lumped together with
everything else under the term "indie," made the "super indie" statement. Tanaka
shared the same sentiment, constantly saying, "We'll change the indie scene!"
The spirit of W*ING and FMW, sharing a common goal of changing the indie scene,
was clearly conveyed to the fans. That's why the venue was so packed. It was no
wonder the wrestlers were fired up. During the entrance ceremony before the
first match, TAKA and Funaki, who were originally scheduled to team up with
Kanemura, appeared and offered W*ING's cooperation. They said, "Some
organization is doing something big today, but we're young guys with less than
10 years of experience, but as fellow indie wrestlers, we're here to show our
indie spirit." The venue erupted in cheers.
The wrestlers all shared the same sentiment: "The majors are nothing to be proud
of." Kanemura's mic appeal during his absence from the show said, "Big names are
playing at Jingu, but we have Hido and Hosaka here. TAKA and Funaki will also
cooperate. I believe they will protect the indie scene."
This was clearly evident, but there was also some frustration for Kanemura, who
was unable to join the action due to injury. Being a man with a strong sense of
responsibility, it seems he also felt a little guilty. Hido, who felt sympathy
for Kanemura, said, "Kanmura, don't make a fuss. Take a good rest now. When you
return, let's fight in a death match. Thank you, Taka and Funaki," and shook
hands with them.
W*ING united with their two "comrades" and vowed to put up a passionate fight
just as they did at Jingu Stadium. A huge round of applause enveloped the five
of them. The expectations of the fans who had packed the hall were there as
well, and the Korakuen showdown turned out to be a fiery and intense one. The
heated battles continued from the first match, and the audience's excitement
reached its peak before the main event began. A six-man tag team match between
the W*ING-IWA team was originally scheduled to take place, but Kanemura was
absent. The card was left blank, but at this point Hido announced a match
against Hayabusa. "We didn't lose after the electric explosion in Nagoya. And
why isn't that bird inside there? It's true that it would come out if we did a
match. In the end, he's running away from us. There's also what happened in
Kumagaya, so I'll never forgive him. Come out!" said Hido, to which Hayabusa
replied, "If that's the case, I won't run away or hide. I'm coming out, and I'll
settle this once and for all."
A one-on-one bout between the two was hastily arranged as the main event. Hido
had thoroughly bullied Hayabusa upon his return. Enraged by this, Hayabusa
delivered an angry slap to Hido in a tag team match at the Kumagaya show,
knocking him unconscious. Following this, the two faced off in a singles match.
There was a very good chance that this would turn into a "fight," but... the
match unfolded as expected. Hayabusa, who entered first, was booed loudly. He
nodded as if he was aware of this since he had entered the ring on enemy
territory, but he himself had made up his mind to face the match.
Instead of making his usual graceful entrance with a legs-over-leg throw,
Hayabusa entered the ring by going under the ropes. Even the paint on his eyes
was different from usual and more rough. "Huh?!?!" you may be left wondering,
but... Hayabusa's strange behavior doesn't end there. It was Hido who made the
first move. Entering the ring later, Hido dashed into the ring and pounced on
Hayabusa, forcing the fight outside the ring. This was his second match of the
day, but he showed no signs of fatigue.
He ripped off Hayabusa's mask in one go and slashed his forehead with a barbed
wire bat. Hayabusa's face was stained red with fresh blood. Hido continued his
attack, unrelenting. Burning for revenge, the man unleashed a furious onslaught.
However, when Hido took his back, Hayabusa revealed a side of himself never seen
before: a vital attack. The strange events began, but this was only the
beginning. A man who, in his pursuit of elegance, rarely displays rough attacks,
now took a barbed wire bat and a chair and swung them with all his might. This
was proof of Hayabusa's resolve.
In an enemy ring, he anticipated a fight with his arch rival, Hido, and showed
off his "heel" side. Hayabusa, who had inflicted pain on Hido, even flashed a
fearless grin. The W*ING fans all booed, but Hayabusa made a bold pose by
sticking up his middle finger at the fans. This was the first time in Japan that
he had shown the heel fighting style he developed during his American training,
and it was a truly shocking performance.
Hido struggled against Hayabusa's stoic attacks, but he mustered his strength
and fought back. There was no sign of Kanemura's return, and Hosaka injured his
right ankle at the Nagoya show. Now, Hido was the only one who could support
W*ING. Especially since this was the W*ING ring. The venue was filled with Hido
chants.
Hido, who could not lose here, skillfully used a barbed wire bat and a chair to
make a comeback. However, Hayabusa showed no signs of backing down. Hayabusa,
who had returned and tried to climb back up, lacked his former strength and
seemed weak, but the heel Hayabusa wiped that out. He defeated Hido with a
Falcon Arrow over the barbed wire. Hayabusa showed strength, boldness, and a
fearsome side never before seen, and it seems he has now secured a foothold for
his complete comeback!
On the other hand, Hido lost a fierce battle, but we should applaud his fighting
spirit. Just like in his fight against the Headhunters, he put up a fight that
was more than enough to fill the gap left by Kanemura! The fans knew this, which
is why they praised Hido with the Hido chants.
Supported by Kanemura, Hosaka, TAKA and Funaki, Hido took the microphone and
declared, "W*ING, you know, me too... it always starts with a loss! We're going
to come back to life!" The venue erupted in a huge "W*ING" call. All the
wrestlers who participated made a powerful show of themselves, and the Korakuen
Showdown was a frenzy of excitement.
The excitement of the non-main matches is described on the following five pages,
and it was a truly worthwhile show. The indie spirit was clearly visible at
Jingu, and it can be said that it was able to be left in a tangible form. We saw
the indie spirit in another 9/11!!!
Hayabusa d. Hido (18:37) in a Street Fight.
Hayabusa & Masato Tanaka & Koji Nakagawa & Tetsuhiro Kuroda vs. Hisakatsu Oya & Super Leather & The Headhunters 9/15/96
"Finally... Thanks to everyone at FMW, I got my
10 million yen back, but this means I'm back to square one, so we'll all work
hard from here on out. Please continue to support FMW!" Hayabusa shouted,
grabbing the microphone and shaking hands with Tanaka and Nakagawa.
After struggling since his three-month return at 8.1 Shiodome, Hayabusa and the
new FMW finally saw a ray of hope. The words "back to square one" likely echo
Hayabusa's own experience. Since his return, Hayabusa had faced a mountain of
challenges. He needed to regain his fitness, regain the trust of everyone at FMW
and the fans... and truly return to FMW.
That's why he fought so hard in the middle of the previous series. This time,
the 20 million yen battle with the IWA Puerto Rican Army, each contributing 10
million yen, was proposed by Tanaka, who had served as the de facto ace during
Hayabusa's absence.
On September 1st in Nagoya, FMW defeated W*ING in a ¥10 million blowout match.
Tanaka called for a campaign to use that money to win back the ¥10 million that
had been stolen by the IWA Army after their May 5th loss to Terry & Pogo at
Kawasaki Stadium.
"FMW isn't just about Hayabusa, but the trust in him remains the same. Hayabusa
has high expectations of me, and I have high expectations of Hayabusa!" Tanaka
has long said. Perhaps he also proposed this plan to "allow Hayabusa and the FMW
family to truly become one."
Of course, Hayabusa would have preferred that. And, with FMW not in the best
financial shape, this fight represented a major gamble for everyone at FMW. It's
important to note here that the FMW team initially consisted of Hayabusa, Pogo,
Tanaka, and Kuroda. However, Pogo suffered a severe central cervical spine
injury in an explosive match against Terry at Shiodome on 8.1, and with no
prospect of recovery in sight, wrestler's association president Nakagawa took
his place. Pogo held a press conference on September 4th and announced two
things: that he would retire within a year, and that he wanted to team up with
Onita for the final time.
He did not appear at the venue that day, as he was waiting for Onita's response
at the 9.20 Sapporo event. The match format involved erecting poles six meters
above the floor in diagonal corners, with an official weapon on one side and 20
million yen on the other, in a chaotic battle to claim it.
"Invisible teamwork" is important, and Hayabusa and the other FMW wrestlers
worked together perfectly at key moments. Kuroda was crushed by Headhunter A's
moonsault just after the 10-minute mark, but with some great assistance from
Oya, who tried to knock Hayabusa down as he climbed the pole, and Tanaka, who
threw a table at Leather, Hayabusa was able to get his hands on a total of 20
million yen, including the 10 million yen that Terry and Pogo had stolen from
him on May 5th in Kawasaki.
This marked the first hurdle in his revival. "Anyway, I'll just deal with the
problems in front of me. Today, I feel like I've finally been accepted by the
FMW family. Next up is Sapporo... my next goal is to beat Oya!" said a positive
Hayabusa.
Come to think of it, his heel fight against Hido at the September 11th W*ING
event may have been a catalyst as well. At the end, everyone took a
commemorative photo. The new FMW is united, and they're finally in their
starting position!
Hayabusa & Masato Tanaka & Koji Nakagawa & Tetsuhiro Kuroda d. Hisakatsu Oya &
Super Leather & The Headhunters (12:10) in a 20 Million Yen Scramble Pole
Bunkhouse Match when Hayabusa captured the Yen.
Hayabusa vs. Hisakatsu Oya 9/20/96
For Hayabusa, this fight with Oya was a very conscious one in
that it would allow him to see who he is now. Before the match he said, "This
will be a great benchmark for gauging how well I've recovered. That's why I
can't lose." Although it is a match to decide the challenger for Kanemura's
belt, it is more of a test for myself.
Hayabusa expressed his ambition to win in order to pass that test. This will be
the first match between the two in about a year. This was before Hayabusa's
injury took a toll on his health, and the match between the two heroes was in
top form, and it was a truly clean and exciting wrestling-based match.
There is no doubt that Hayabusa's reference to a test was whether he could
perform at the same level as back then. If he could win and clear the test, he
would have no complaints. Hayabusa entered the ring full of energy, but this was
not evident from Oya, and this was even more noticeable once the match began. He
kept his distance and refused to engage at all, acting as if he was making fun
of Hayabusa, but this was Oya's strategy.
The idea was to make Hayabusa excited and create an opening by teasing him.
Hayabusa pounced on Oya, but his armpit was open, allowing Oya to quickly get
behind him and perform a back drop. Without a moment's hesitation, Oya's skill
in this area is truly impressive. However, for Hayabusa, who was looking forward
to his old fight with Oya, Oya was no longer the clean-cut man he once was. He
was working with the IWA Army. He was showing glimpses of a more casual fighting
style.
Especially when facing Hayabusa, he was half-assed and aggressive. It was hard
to accept that Hayabusa had suddenly become an ace despite not being
particularly strong since his return, and he felt like saying, "Don't mess with
me!" This led to some rough attacks, such as snatching umbrellas from the
audience and attacking his weak spots. To be honest, it must have been difficult
for Hayabusa to fight. The pace was different, and he couldn't figure it out.
Still, Hayabusa showed all his Ka-Fai in an attempt to win. He unleashed a
barrage of big moves, including the Atomic Bomb Hold, Power Bomb, Firebird
Splash, and Falcon Arrow, but just couldn't get the three-count.
In the past, this would have been a deciding move, but the fact that his body
hadn't returned to its original size was too painful. His moves lacked weight.
As a result, he couldn't corner Oya. The match ended with a series of back drops
from Oya. With Oya no longer fighting like he used to, it was hard to gauge how
much Hayabusa's wrestling skills had returned, but Hayabusa was ruthlessly
confronted with the reality that he still hadn't regained his former weight.
However, he refused to shy away from that reality. Hayabusa's comments in the
ring and in the waiting room can be summarized as follows: "I'm not going to
give up yet. No matter what others say about us, we will continue to move
forward on the path we believe in! Today we were completely defeated. So we will
keep looking forward and climb up until we can beat Oya."
Hayabusa has no intention of stopping, even if he faces reality or loses. Oya
scolds him, but on the contrary, he should use that as motivation to climb up
again. He failed the test. However, Hayabusa has finally reached the starting
line in the opening game of this series. The real battle is yet to come!
In fact, there was a man staring intently at Hayabusa vs. Oya from the back of
the aisle. Surprisingly, that man was none other than Michinoku Pro's Jinsei
Shinzaki. On September 2nd, at the 88th temple of the 88-temple pilgrimage,
Okuboji Temple, Jinsei ignored Sasuke's plea to "help Michinoku Pro," saying, "I
have my own ideas," and, "After completing this pilgrimage to the 88 temples of
Shikoku, I have found the answer to my future path."
This leaves us wondering why Jinsei came to Sapporo, and why FMW. This brings to
mind Jinsei's words during the pilgrimage, "I'm ready to fight wrestlers from
other organizations, and I'm ready to move up to another organization." It seems
likely that Jinsei's "answer" was to leave Michinoku Pro and fight in another
organization.
However, Jinsei also showed some surprising behavior. After the match, he slowly
walked up the aisle from the back of the aisle and stared intently at the loser,
Hayabusa. The audience was shocked, wondering why Jinsei was there. The arena
erupted. Was Hayabusa the wrestler Jinsei was talking about who was ready to
fight wrestlers from other organizations? While Jinsei's appearance leaves many
questions unanswered, he bowed to Hayabusa and left the ring without saying a
word.
As Jinsei was about to leave the venue, Referee Tanabe rushed over and said,
"Jinsei! Let's talk, please. You saw Sasuke the other day. Please come back to
Michinoku Pro." He dragged him into the waiting room and asked him the truth of
his actions, pleading with him to return to Michi Pro. However, 10 minutes
later, Referee Tanabe emerged from the waiting room and muttered, "Jinsei didn't
tell me anything..."
Hayabusa commented, "(After the match ended...I felt like I saw Jinsei's
face...)" Hayabusa's face looked as if he was drowsy after receiving a series of
back drops from Oya, and didn't recognize the man who had entered the ring as
Jinsei. What does Jinsei's appearance in FMW really mean?
Hisakatsu Oya d. Hayabusa (16:53)
Hayabusa & Masato Tanaka vs. Terry Funk & The Gladiator 9/24/96
Terry has one goal in mind. Since the American Pro Wrestling
Revival Shiodome event, he's continued to emphasize it at every opportunity.
"From what I see, Japanese fans seem to believe that the best matches are
between Japanese wrestlers. While Japanese wrestlers are certainly skilled, I
can't stand the idea of American wrestling being forgotten. America still has
many wrestlers who uphold the traditions of the '60s and '70s! I also don't like
how the Japanese media portrays Japanese matches as being of a higher level than
American wrestling. I'm going to challenge the Japanese wrestling world,
including the media!"
Gladiator shares this sentiment. Despite being the World Brass Knuckles
Champion, he's angered by the fact that he's often treated as an undercard
wrestler. "Don't make fun of us, or American wrestlers," he says. In the main
event of the final series, Terry and Gladiator team up to face off against FMW's
strongest tag team, Hayabusa and Tanaka. It's the perfect opponent to showcase
their strength. FMW and the Americans stepped into the ring to show the crowd
just how powerful they were.
The match went just as Terry and his teammates had hoped. Their enthusiasm for
the match was evident in their starting dash, as Terry and Gladiator charged in
without waiting for the gong. They pushed forward in one go. However, FMW was
not to be outdone. Hayabusa's speed and Tanaka's fighting spirit worked well
together, and they made a comeback. Tanaka landed a spinning toehold on Terry,
while Hayabusa brilliantly landed an Ultra Huracanrana on Gladiator.
Even in a brawl involving tables and chairs, FMW did not back down. This match
marked the second series since Hayabusa's return. His match sense was definitely
back, and his movements were as good as ever. Though he still wasn't as big as
before, his interactions with Gladiator in this match made the difference in
their physiques completely invisible. They fought on equal terms, putting up a
fierce battle that rivaled their former rivalry. Hayabusa showed a remarkable
recovery.
However, it was Terry and Gladiator who surpassed FMW. Terry carried Hayabusa,
who had a chain around his neck, on his shoulders and carried him to the ropes.
Gladiator, who was on the apron, grabbed the chain and jumped off the ring.
Pulled by the chain, Hayabusa fell headfirst onto the apron. The photo shows
just how dangerous this move was. It was a chain impact, not a double impact,
leaving Hayabusa completely drowsy. Gladiator then grabbed Tanaka, who was still
standing, and hit him with a Kamikaze Awesome Bomb! With this one blow, Terry
and his team crushed FMW. Hayabusa and Tanaka were sprawled out.
Terry and Gladiator smirked at the sight. It was as if they were saying, "Have
you seen our power?", but in fact, it can be said that Terry and his team had
clearly demonstrated the greatness of American wrestling. Afterwards, Terry took
the microphone and, facing the collapsed Hayabusa and the fans, boasted, "I'm
sorry for you. Well, you see what happened. This is the end of FMW, created by
Onita. From now on, the Funk Masters of Wrestling will be the real FMW. From now
on, we'll show you real American wrestling!" He also called into the ring the
IWA pros who agreed with his ideas, revealing that Leather, Headhunters, Oya and
others were also part of 'F.M.W.'
To distinguish FMW from Terry's FMW, Terry's version had a "between the letters
of FMW. Incidentally, "masters" means experts. F.M.W was essentially a group of
wrestling masters gathered under Terry Funk. FMW draped the American flag over
the fallen Hayabusa and stomped on him. The members were all powerful and
talented. A tremendous force had been born. Hayabusa and Tanaka, deeply injured,
were unable to move and made no comment upon returning to the waiting room.
Meanwhile, FMW declared, "We don't belong to New Japan Pro-Wrestling, WWF, or,
of course, Frontier Martial Arts Wrestling. Our F.M.W will survive. We will
revive American pro wrestling of the 1970s and regain American authority! We
will definitely take over Japan." They set their sights on dominating FMW and
reviving American Wrestling, and judging by the impressive lineup and
performance on this day, it's safe to say this is highly likely!
Terry Funk & The Gladiator d. Hayabusa & Masato Tanaka when Gladiator pinned Tanaka (15:12)
Hayabusa vs. Jinsei Shinzaki 10/10/96
When a person is born and begins to walk, an infinite path is
born. These two men have experienced times of wavering and pause, but by
fighting here today, they are beginning a new path."
As the semi-finals concluded and the big event of the October Event arrived, the
packed Ryogoku Kokugikan, packed with 7,980 people, erupted in cheers. The
audience couldn't help but feel excited and excited for the upcoming bout. Ring
announcer Shinozuka read the opening comments: Jinsei Shinzaki vs. Hayabusa.
Those words were enough to explain why these two had to fight. After his WWF
pilgrimage, Jinsei had been wandering since his bitter defeat to Muta. Hayabusa,
despite still not fully recovered, returned to FMW as an ace, but he continues
to struggle and hasn't recovered. With almost identical professional careers and
no backbone, these two men found themselves struggling to move forward in the
indie world, where the infinite path equals the creation of dreams.
But they found themselves troubled and stopped dead in their tracks. Jinsei
chose Hayabusa as his opponent for his first fight back in Japan, no doubt due
to their shared circumstances. "I feel a certain destiny with him," Jinsei said.
Fate brought two people who had no prior connection. And if fighting can help
them let go of their worries and embark on new paths, then all is well. The
stage was set. Jinsei and Hayabusa had unleashed all they had!
Ryogoku holds many memories for Hayabusa. His debut in Japan was against Liger
at the inaugural J-Cup tournament at this very venue. Two and a half years ago,
Hayabusa made a powerful impact by landing a brilliant top-rope tope con hilo on
Liger before the bell rang.
It's fair to say Hayabusa's history began with that one move. Midway through the
match, Hayabusa landed the tope con hilo that defined Jinsei, flying in the same
direction as before. His brilliance hasn't changed, but there's one thing that's
clearly different from back then: his condition.
As mentioned above, Hayabusa's current condition is bruised and battered after
two and a half years since his last match. His lack of speed was evident. While
he might be able to subtly dodge in tag matches, it's still difficult in singles
matches. Hayabusa then made some spurts with a triangle jump quebrada and a
firebird splash, but they weren't enough to land a decisive blow.
Still, Hayabusa desperately tried to escape something invisible. Meanwhile,
Shinzaki, his body, which weighed in the 110kg (242 pounds) range before his WWF
training, is now down to 100kg (220 pounds)! He's even bigger than he was in his
fight with Muta. Naturally, each move feels heavier than ever. The destructive
power of moves that use his weight, such as the reverse splash, the praying
shoulder attack, and the praying powerbomb, is undeniable. He firmly blocks
Hayabusa's attacks head-on. Hayabusa attempts to end Jinsei in an aerial battle,
but... his Phoenix Splash, a challenge, twists his old injured left knee and
leaves him unable to stand.
There's no way a motionless Hayabusa could withstand Jinsei's heavy moves. The
crowd cheers for Hayabusa, but... Hayabusa clings to Jinsei and stands, crying
out, "Please!" I don't want to make any more of a fool of myself. Please execute
me quickly. That's the message contained in those words. Jinsei, reading
Hayabusa's feelings, clenches his hands together in prayer and performs a
Hijack-Style Praying Power Bomb, decapitating Hayabusa. The match is over.
Hayabusa slaps his left knee in regret, and Jinsei approaches him, offering to
lend him a hand. At this moment, the theme song for the film "The Sand Glass,"
"Fate," plays throughout the theater. Sasuke also ran up to the ring, concerned
about Hayabusa's left knee, and said, "Let's fight when you're fully recovered."
Sasuke then said to Jinsei, "Let's do it, let's do it again in Michinoku Pro."
Jinsei responded with a handshake. It was a beautiful sight. After their fateful
confrontation, Jinsei and Hayabusa's suffering came to an end. The satisfaction
on both their faces was all that mattered.
Each of them had embarked on a new path. Delfin, Hamada, and the rest of the
regular team appeared in the ring and shook hands firmly with Jinsei. Jinsei
then reaffirmed that "my heart is in Michinoku." He returned to Michinoku Pro
and began a new journey. Hayabusa declared, "I'm free," as if he had found the
exit from a long maze. He bowed to the audience on all four sides, and then to
Jinsei, before leaving the ring. He must have said in his heart, "Thank you,
Jinsei."
Jinsei clasps his hands together as Hayabusa leaves the stage. Jinsei also
expresses his gratitude to Hayabusa. He then places his hands together in prayer
to the audience on all four sides. I think each of them bows to the audience and
places their hands together in prayer contained a message to the fans: "Thank
you very much for today. Please look forward to what I will become in the
future." Having escaped the maze, Jinsei and the two leave the ring, an endless
road stretches out before them.
<Hayabusa after the match>
Even before I fought Jinsei today...I had always thought it would be rude to
fight in my current condition. But Jinsei knew I wasn't feeling well and crushed
me...and at the end, I said "I'm asking you." I think he was trying to help me
so that I wouldn't look any worse for wear. At this stage, this is the best I
can do. So I took a leap from the beginning and did everything I could. Even if
it's just a little at a time. I'm an independent wrestler, so I won't give up,
and I'll just keep moving forward, looking up little by little.
Today it's Jinsei, and Sasuke... Sasuke asked me to do it... Sasuke said so even
though he was in worse condition than me. I want to live up to that and produce
something even better. As long as we're here, Independent will never give up.
(What about your left knee?) I think I probably twisted it when I went to
Phoenix. It's an old injury, so Jinsei probably sensed that. In my head, I was
trying to move it. But it didn't move. I'm really sorry to the audience today
for leaving it so abruptly and leaving me feeling like I was in a quandary. But
I'm really relieved now.
Jinsei Shinzaki d. Hayabusa (15:16)
Hayabusa & Masato Tanaka vs. Koji Nakagawa & Tetsuhiro Kuroda 10/26/96
In this series, FMW was ultimately unable to reclaim its leading
role. Having been placed on the undercard throughout the entire series, and
suffering a defeat to F-M-W in Joetsu on October 24th, their only main event,
they vowed to "make it to the main event!"
Their final match, a showdown between fellow FMW wrestlers, was scheduled as the
third match. However, losing heart at this point would be pointless. They had to
grab the audience's attention and lead into the next series. And sure enough,
Hayabusa, Tanaka, Nakagawa, and Kuroda delivered.
Hayabusa remains immensely popular, but on this particular day, Tanaka and
Kuroda were the stars. The fierce clash between these two drew the audience
right from the start. Tanaka withstood Kuroda's tackle head-on, and Kuroda
followed up with a powerful slap and a lariat, but Tanaka still held his own. It
was exhilarating to see the exchange of lariats, slaps, and soccer ball kicks
right from the start.
Of course, Hayabusa's swan knee kick, Firebird Splash, and Nakagawa's
Sharpshooter followed, but Tanaka and Kuroda remained the stars of the action.
It was so impressive that even Hayabusa's intermissions were met with boos.
Amidst all of this, Tanaka and Kuroda sprinted forward, clashing bodies
head-to-head. Kuroda's growth was particularly striking.
He's often thought of as a youngster, but he fought with a back missile kick
against Hayabusa, a reverse waterwheel drop, and countered Tanaka's stab elbow
with a lariat, followed by a German suplex and a diving elbow—all in a truly
impressive display. Considering Kuroda's PWC career, he's about six months older
than Tanaka. Meanwhile, Tanaka was also hot. He countered Kuroda's lariat with a
flying neckbar, followed by a banging bomb and a throw-and-throw Thunder Fire
powerbomb, and delivered a solid counterattack.
While Hayabusa was delivering a quebrada to Nakagawa, he finished off Kuroda
with two consecutive rolling elbows, bringing the heated battle to a close.
Looking back, neither Tanaka nor Kuroda have been wrestling for more than four
years.
Considering the high volume of matches in major organizations, they're actually
only three years old, so they could still be considered young. And yet, in the
third match, they captivated the audience with pure performance and convinced
them, which is impressive. And we mustn't forget the harsh reality that in
independent wrestling, with its thin roster, you have to become a master in
three years. That's why Tanaka hurled such harsh words at Gosaku. Gosaku needs
to take this to heart.
FMW certainly didn't make it in this series. But given the fulfillment of this
day and their positive fighting spirit, we can confidently say the future is
bright!
Hayabusa & Masato Tanaka d. Koji Nakagawa & Tetsuhiro Kuroda when Tanaka pinned Kuroda (13:42)
Hayabusa vs. TAKA Michinoku 11/16/96
After the match, the media all agreed that it was a great match.
The audience also applauded and cheered for the two wrestlers after the match,
saying, "We were treated to a great match."
Hayabusa vs. TAKA. This first match provided boundless emotion and excitement.
This one-on-one match was made possible by TAKA's request: "Fight me before you
fight Sasuke." TAKA couldn't stand the idea of Hayabusa ignoring him and
fighting Sasuke in the junior category.
Since joining FMW this spring, TAKA has put his body on the line and fought to
the best of his ability. He has a proven track record. It was only right that he
fight me before Sasuke. Perhaps due to this anger, TAKA became emotional towards
Hayabusa in the preliminary match after the match was decided.
There was a possibility that the one-on-one match would be rough, but in the end
it turned into a heated, head-on battle. It's a matter of awareness on both
sides. Hayabusa and TAKA A is also a hard man on himself. He is rarely satisfied
with the results of a match and never loses his desire to improve. It was
perhaps natural that these two would strive for a meaningful fight.
While both fighters consciously focused on ground combat in the early stages,
TAKA commented after the match, "I didn't want my fight with Hayabusa to end as
just an aerial battle, and I didn't want it to be perceived as something
trivial." Hayabusa and TAKA possess a wide variety of aerial techniques, and
their flight would likely have excited the crowd.
However, relying too easily on aerial techniques could easily have left the
match lackluster. This is perhaps why they carefully planned the match, but
still. Their swings were magnificent. They struck at every opportunity. The
audience was drawn into the world of these two men, unable to take their eyes
off them.
As the match heated up and the flying techniques began to flow without
reservation, the excitement reached a fever pitch! Hayabusa and TAKA put on a
captivating display of offense and defense. TAKA became a fellow W*ING comrade,
protecting the Indies. It's no surprise that he meshed so well with fellow FMW
ace Hayabusa. Hayabusa ended the fierce match with a never-before-seen Falcon
Arrow.
Then, taking the microphone, Hayabusa addressed TAKA, saying, "TAKA, I'm glad I
got to fight you. It's been a while since I've had so much fun." TAKA returned
to the waiting room and commented, "Today felt good." These two men, who are so
strict with themselves, were satisfied with the match. It may sound cliché, but
this was a worthwhile and meaningful match. And there was emotion and
excitement. Hayabusa put an end to his junior career with his match against
Sasuke, and next year he will return to his former physique and compete in the
heavyweight division.
While the two will no longer compete in the junior division, I can confidently
say that this match has been etched in the hearts of the audience and the
media's eyes as a classic junior match.
<Hayabusa after the match>
It's been a long time since I've been to Osaka, and I've had the pleasure of
meeting such a great opponent as TAKA, and enjoying this match for the first
time in a while. That was the match. TAKA is smaller than me, and he may have
had some handicaps, but his aggressive attitude taught me a lot. Regardless of
what happened today, I won, so my next fight is Sasuke.
I hope to beat Sasuke and step up so I can return to the heavyweight division as
an ace next year.
(Based on today's match, I think my condition is much better
now.)
I've been working on my body since the beginning of this month.
(If your best score is 100, how far have you gotten back?)
I'm maybe around 70. I started out in the 30s, so considering that, I've come
back quite a bit, but no matter what people say, I'm not going to rush and will
just keep moving up little by little. I'm still in the junior weight class. The
fight with Sasuke marks the milestone between junior heavyweight and junior
heavyweight. I'm fighting heavyweights, but in reality, I'm still a junior. So I
need to clear each challenge one by one or the other, or the others won't
recognize me, and I won't be satisfied with myself. When I fight Sasuke, I'll be
stepping into the ring as Hayabusa, the last junior heavyweight. Sasuke doesn't
seem to be in good shape, but when I step into the ring, I want to focus solely
on winning.
(If you return to the heavyweight division, is there anyone you would like to
nominate to fight?)
I don't have a specific opponent in mind, but we have several belts, and the
only one our regular wrestlers currently have is the six-man tag team title
we're currently doing in the main event. Anyway, my ultimate goal is to take
back the brass knuckles and other belts one by one. No matter what anyone says,
this is what we've been doing for the past year and seven months as the new FMW.
I will never let the sweat, tears, and blood of these past year and seven months
go to waste.
Hayabusa d. TAKA Michinoku (17:40)
Hayabusa vs. Super Leather 11/29/96
It was clear from this fight that Hayabusa's physical condition
is steadily improving. He defeated heavyweight wrestler Super Leather. In
preparation for his return to the heavyweight division next year, Hayabusa has
been increasing his training and gradually building muscle.
Thanks to this, even though he's still a junior, he's physically more than
capable of competing head-to-head with Leather. This victory was all the more
impressive.
After the match, Hayabusa appealed to the crowd, "I will definitely take back
the name FMW from those guys (F.M.W). We've been putting our lives on the line
for the past year and a half. I won't let them call us FMW so easily!"
While FMW had been thoroughly overwhelmed by F.M.W, Hayabusa vowed to strike
back. His confidence was expressed in his determination. He then shook hands
firmly with Tanaka, Nakagawa, and Kuroda in the ring. At the time, the four men
reportedly exchanged words: "We'll protect Pogo all the way to Komazawa and then
beat F.M.W.!"
A ten-man tag team match featuring Pogo, Hayabusa, Tanaka, Nakagawa, Kuroda vs.
Terry, Gladiator, Oya, and the Headunters was scheduled for the December 10th
Korakuen Hall event. Pogo's dream of teaming up with Onita was realized in his
retirement match at Komazawa, but there was no guarantee his body would last
until Komazawa.
Therefore, Hayabusa and the others confirmed that they would support Pogo all
the way to Komazawa. They then resolved to crush F.M.W. Hayabusa also made the
following resolution for his final junior match against Sasuke at Komazawa:
"Next year, this is a step-up fight to return to the heavyweight division, but
if they ask me for last rites or come prepared to die, I'm not playing around,
so I'll definitely beat them. And I'll be able to speak with pride."
Hayabusa d. Super Leather (14:22)
Hayabusa & Mr. Pogo & Masato Tanaka & Tetsuhiro Kuroda & Gosaku Goshogawara vs. Terry Funk & The Gladiator & Hisakatsu Oya & The Headhunters 12/10/96
"Pogo! Let's breathe fire at Komazawa!" I heard this voice from
the audience either just before the match ended, or after it had ended. I was so
distracted by the chaos in the ring that I can't quite remember, but the words
stuck in my mind. Last fall, Korakuen Hall issued a complete ban on fire
spraying. The last time it was sprayed was on September 26, 1995, when Tsuchiya
"burned" Kudo's back. From the perspective of the hall (gymnasium), this was a
natural measure.
In fact, I hear that bans are being issued at venues across the country.
However, if Korakuen Hall were still tolerating this, wouldn't Pogo's career as
a wrestler have been extended? Perhaps a different outcome awaited. It was
ironic that Pogo, who had repeatedly bathed the hall in red before September
1995, lost his ultimate weapon to Tsuchiya's spray, even though they were in a
master-disciple relationship at the time.
A person's destiny is determined by the path they must follow, often beyond
their control. This was the final match at Korakuen Hall. Pogo finished the
fight without even showing any signs of anger. During intermission, I headed
toward the reporters' gathering to grab a coffee from a vending machine, when I
noticed a commotion in the wrestlers' waiting room on the same floor.
I hurriedly peeked in and found Gosaku Goshogawara, clad in jeans, at the center
of a group of Mei competitors, including Pogo Hayabusa and Tanaka. "I'm ready.
Let me protect Pogo today," said Gosaku, Pogo's last disciple, as if directly
pleading for a main event in place of Nakagawa, who injured his right knee at
the 12/6 Chino show. Gosaku's first match of the day was a victory over Dragon
Winger. It was a major victory.
However, judging from his past performances, the main event seemed a heavy
burden. The people surrounding Gosaku all kept their heads down and were
reluctant to speak... "Nakagawa-san! Let's let Gosaku try!" Kuroda was the first
to understand the feelings of the unworthy disciple toward his master. Pogo
followed suit. "Thank you. I tried my best to convey your feelings. I'm happy."
Gosaku's final service. After the semi-final, ring announcer Yamada announced
the lineup change to the audience, ignoring the fact that there had been a
direct appeal, but the reaction was "sniffling." Why Gosaku? It was an honest
reaction. It was also proof that he had hardly done anything like a disciple
until now. Could Gosaku really change that impression? His entrance. Gosaku
entered the ring carrying a weapon wrapped in a black cloth and hid it under his
team's corner.
Of course, the match was a melee from the start. The 10 wrestlers used the
entire hall to rampage. During the match, Gosaku occasionally drew cheers with a
jumping knee to Oya and a back drop to Gladiator, but was unable to influence
the course of the fight. The only moment that showed the bond between master and
disciple was when he handed over the general sickle to Pogo, who called out,
"Gosaku!" For Gosaku, it must have been disappointing.
However, the fact that he was able to share the same stage with his master on
the day before his retirement must have been a great joy. Pogo was unable to end
his final Korakuen Hall event with a win.
Tanaka, who had injured his left shoulder two days prior, was subjected to a
barrage of attacks from the US FMW and lost by pinfall.
At the December 9th Okazaki event, Kuroda was similarly crushed to the mat,
making it two straight losses. "Hey, Pogo! It'll be the same tomorrow. Serves
you right, you idiot!" Oya spat at Pogo, who lay on the mat. After the US FMW
members left, Pogo grabbed the microphone. "I'm definitely not finished like
this!" He then handed the microphone to Hayabusa, who had formed a team with
Pogo for the second time since the previous day. "I won't be part of you guys
tomorrow, but...tomorrow, everyone will be fired up. I won't betray our fans!"
As Pogo returned to the waiting room, Kanemura appeared with a barbed wire bat.
"Please use this at Komazawa," he said, gently placing it next to Pogo. Even
though the crimson flames were not visible, the red blood of the new FMW family
resonated in the hearts of the audience as they entered the final chapter of
Korakuen.
Terry Funk & The Gladiator & Hisakatsu Oya & The Headhunters d. Hayabusa & Mr. Pogo & Masato Tanaka & Tetsuhiro Kuroda & Gosaku Goshogawara when Funk pinned Tanaka (18:45)
Hayabusa vs. The Great Sasuke 12/11/96
This year has been a truly difficult one for Hayabusa. Since May
of last year, he has been running at full throttle as the ace of the new FMW
since Onita's retirement, but his body has taken a toll, and in January of this
year, he finally gave up and was hospitalized.
At the Kawasaki Stadium on May 5th, amidst the turmoil surrounding Onita's
return, he took on the "responsibility of the new ace," ignoring the doctor's
orders and taking part, teaming up with Tanaka to face Terry & Pogo, but the
shock of their brutal defeat left him so shocked that he continued to miss
matches without permission for about three months until the Shiodome match on
August 1st, and was on the verge of being kicked out of FMW.
After much deliberation, Hayabusa decided to restart his career as a junior
heavyweight... and while groping in the dark, he intuitively felt the need to
find light in his fight with Sasuke.
Sasuke, too, hoped that the match against Hayabusa would be a breakthrough for
him. He captured the IWGP Junior Championship from Liger at the Tokyo Dome on
April 29th, and achieved the feat of unifying all eight junior titles at Ryogoku
on August 5th. However, his right knee was in disarray, and in his match against
Dragon, in which he captured the eight titles, he suffered a serious injury, a
fractured skull, and has struggled ever since his return. Dragon took the eight
titles, and now he's being overwhelmed by Kaientai DX in the ring in Michinoku.
"I want Hayabusa to give me last pat!" was Sasuke's final words when this match
was announced. Both are the type of people who will fight without sparing their
bodies for the sake of their fans and the organization. Perhaps this match was
an unconscious call between the two men, who pride themselves on their
dedication. However, one thing has changed since the match was first decided.
That was Atsushi Onita's "one-night comeback." This match between Hayabusa and
Sasuke had the aspect of being the ace of FMW and the ace of Michinoku, but for
Hayabusa it had a strong personal meaning. It was a turning point for his junior
heavyweight career, and at the same time, it was a personal fight for him to put
an end to the difficult year of 1996 and take a big step forward in the nine
years to come. However, when Onita returns, the story is different.
He must prove that the current FMW is not Onita's FMW, but a new FMW. In other
words, he is obligated to make a bigger impact on fans than Onita's matches and
once again prove to the world that he is the current ace. Perhaps it is
Hayabusa's destiny to always fight with something on his shoulders.
The match was the third of the four main events...before Onita's match. Sasuke,
who entered first, wore a Renjishi overmask. Perhaps he had become the god of
Tohoku. Meanwhile, Hayabusa wore a Falcon overmask...a literal falcon.
If these two were to clash, one would imagine a flashy aerial battle, but both
started off with a steady fight on the ground. Starting with a struggle for the
back, Sasuke firmly locked Hayabusa's left arm, which was holding the bomb. From
there, he applied a Yumiya (Arrow) hold, a Gotch-style small package, a riding
sleeper hold, a camel clutch, and then, targeting Hayabusa's left knee, an old
injury he'd hurt during this series, a reverse crab, a kneebar, and other sticky
tactics.
Before you knew it, there was only one rope work move in the five minutes. Still,
the audience never got bored. It was as if the two men were asserting, "Junior
is more than just jumping and bouncing!"
Just over 10 minutes in, Hayabusa exploded with a tope con hilo! From there, the
match took off. Hayabusa intercepted Sasuke's quebrada with a chair, then hit
another quebrada in return. He then unleashed a barrage of attacks on Sasuke's
still-healed head: a Falcon Arrow, a guillotine to the medulla oblongata, a
Michinoku Driver I, a Tiger Driver, a Fisherman Buster, and a spinning Falcon
Arrow. T
he only reason they could pull this off was because they shared a mutual heart.
Sasuke's counterattack, which withstood this, was also incredible. In stark
contrast to the groundwork of the first half, he took to the skies. He
captivated the crowd with the Sasuke Special No. 2 and the Quebrada, then
launched into a sweeping victory with two German and Tiger suplexes and a
Thunderfire Powerbomb. The crowd unexpectedly began calling for Hayabusa...
Hayabusa rose to his feet, determined to settle everything that had happened up
until that point. He grappled with Sasuke, who was attempting an Avalanche
Frankensteiner, and unleashed the Avalanche Falcon Arrow, his secret weapon... a
finish that finally released the burden he had been carrying for the past year
and seven months as the ace of the new FMW.
Sasuke bowed to the runway as he left, looked around the audience, and bowed
deeply, declaring, "We will never lose. We are the new FMW!" It seemed to
express all of Hayabusa's feelings. The match was decided. And so both Hayabusa
and Sasuke came to a closure. Sasuke will be heading to the United States at the
end of this year to become a junior fighter capable of competing in the
heavyweight division in 1997, as soon as possible.
Following his victory, Hayabusa spoke of re-entering the heavyweight division
and fighting a major, specifically mentioning All Japan Triple Crown champion
Kobashi. This will be covered in more detail in the lead feature, but the
magazine also featured the handshake between the two wrestlers at the Pro
Wrestling Grand Prix on January 4th of this year on the cover of its third
issue, headlined "We want to entrust our dreams to these two! But... a handshake
for a new era."
What was purely a dream at the start of the year became a possibility in 1997.
Perhaps Hayabusa's decision to mention Kobashi was based on intuition, just like
his fight with Sasuke.
Hayabusa after the match
As promised, I won the match against Sasuke. This marks a
closure for me as a junior heavyweight. Anyway, I want to say thank you to
Sasuke for not holding back and going for my legs. I was surprised by how tough
Sasuke was. I've been saying for a while now that I've finally reached a turning
point as a junior, and starting next year, I'll aim higher again as a
heavyweight. First, I want to reclaim the two Gladiator belts, the tag belt, and
the 6-man belt. That'll be my first goal, and I want to work towards that. But
that's not all.
Next year, I want to get myself in shape to be able to confidently call myself a
heavyweight again, and I want the opportunity to compete against not only FMW
but other so-called major wrestlers. That's the answer to what we've been doing
for the past year and a half, doing things our own way... So I want to compete
against the top wrestlers in the majors and see what we've achieved over the
past year and a half. Personally, the wrestler I'd most like to have that kind
of opportunity right now is All Japan's Kobashi, and I honestly feel that way...
so I'd like to experience what it's like to be in major All Japan wrestling.
Next year, in order to make up for this year, I want to look only forward...only
upwards, and wrestle with all my heart, making up for the time I've had off this
year. As I said at the end (in the ring after the match), I think it's
inevitable that there will be various things that go into Onita's decision to
wrestle again, but we believe in what we've done, and the audience and fans
believe in me and support us, so no matter what happens, we won't lose and we
won't give up. Thank you for this year!
Hayabusa d. The Great Sasuke (19:12)
- First, I'd like to ask about the main event at Komazawa. Tanaka, who faced off
against Onita, tried his best, but honestly, it felt like Onita eclipsed him.
Hayabusa, what did you think of that match?
Hayabusa: I watched from the back the whole time, and, to be honest, I
was reminded of the incredible presence of Atsushi Onita as a professional
wrestler.
- There were mixed opinions about his comeback, but with the thunderous cheers
and a match that showed no sign of a break, it was hard not to think, "Onita is
amazing!" without any reason.
Hayabusa: We'd been doing our best for a year and seven months, and our
motto was to bring that to the ring at Komazawa, and we fought with that in
mind, but I did realize that we still have a long way to go (to overcome the
wall of Atsushi Onita).
- So, does that mean the new FMW itself isn't too disheartened by the results at
Komazawa?
Hayabusa: No, we're not. Before Komazawa, I said, "I know I'll be
compared to Onita, but we absolutely won't lose."
- But did you personally show off your hard work over the past year and seven
months in your match against Sasuke, which was an indirect battle with Onita?
Hayabusa: To be honest, I don't think it was a perfect match, but I think I
did everything I could at the time, but this is what I think. In the end, it
took Atsushi Onita about seven years to become the Atsushi Onita he is today.
We've only been together for a year and seven months since the new FMW was
formed. If you ask whether we can make up for Onita's seven years in these past
year and seven months, we knew it would be tough from the start. However, I have
always had the mindset that "I don't want to lose," so I made that statement,
and basically our stance is to move forward by clearing each step one by one,
rather than starting with 10.
- However, I think Komazawa will be a turning point for FMW. That's because
Tanaka, who was shown Onita's one-generation, down-to-earth, human, unorthodox
pro wrestling, has stated that he will carry on that tradition, and Hayabusa has
moved to challenge himself in the majors, so two different directions have
emerged for FMW. I think it's a natural progression for Hayabusa.
Hayabusa: Over the past year and seven months, everyone has worked hard
with one mind. I think that within that time, I have come to feel that I have a
certain foundation. When that happened, I wanted to make myself grow even more.
Of course, there are ways to appeal to oneself. So, in my case, looking at
myself objectively, Tanaka's death match is cooler than Hayabusa's death match,
because he has a different image than me.
- Tanaka has some of the same vibe as Onita.
Hayabusa: However, I think there may be some differences in fighting
style and direction, but the feelings of everyone who has been working together
for the past year and seven months should not change. I have my sights set on
the major leagues, but even if I am able to fight (with a major promotion), I
will fight as an FMW member. I think Tanaka also wants to take over the death
match tradition as an FMW member. Even if our styles and directions are
different, we are FMW.
- In FMW, everyone has worked so hard for the past year and July. The basis of
FMW is anything goes. If the two styles can work well together, it will be a
huge plus for the organization.
Hayabusa: That's true. As long as everyone is connected in their hearts,
I think they will synchronize well. If you ask what that connects them is... I
think it's wrestling.
- I think Tanaka decided to step into Onita's world because he was able to
establish a certain level of wrestling in the new company, so he can take the
next step.
Hayabusa: FMW is anything goes, but I think there is one thing that can
be conveyed to the audience.
- However, Hayabusa's stance toward the majors is something that FMW hadn't had
before. Onita created a different set of values from the majors and never
tried to cross paths. He was in a so-called opposing position, but Hayabusa is
trying to change.
Hayabusa: I think my attitude as a indie wrestler is the same as Onita's.
However, I wanted to believe in my own potential a little more and promote FMW
in my own way, so I said, "I want to get up close and personal with the top
wrestlers in the majors and see what we've achieved over the past year and seven
months." If I only stay in the majors and continue to be told, "It's just FMW,"
then I don't think it's shameful to embarrass myself once, or even once or
twice, so I want to try it if I can. I want to experience it, grow even bigger,
and be able to say the same thing with even more confidence and a louder voice
next time. Just lending him that kind of strength was very important, because
all the new wrestlers feel resentment towards the prejudice that "because
they're an indie they can't wrestle or do the basics." So I'm going as a
representative of the FMW wrestlers, but if I can bring back what I've learned
over there, I think will help us grow and get closer to Atsushi Onita.
Ultimately, we have to surpass Atsushi Onita. To me, Atsushi Onita will always
remain a great figure. That's why I've never once denied him. Some people think
the same way. Some people say that (as if I'm denying it), but I've never said
that. Great things are great. At the same time, I don't want to lose.
- Going back to the topic of fighting the majors, you mentioned Kobashi as
someone you'd like to fight, right?
Hayabusa: Watching his matches, I know he's a very satisfying wrestler,
so I'd like him to give me a chance to challenge him and learn from him. That's
why I honestly mentioned Kobashi's name.
- In response to that comment, Onita said, "I'm going to meet Baba," and began
to move toward making Kobashi a reality.
Hayabusa: That's right. I'm very grateful for your support. However, I
think there are some things we need to do within FMW to take on the majors. Next
year, I want to do something worthy of the promise I've made.
- You said goodbye to the junior division at Komazawa, but as a heavyweight, are
you aiming for the Gladiator double crown?
Hayabusa: First of all, you have to clean up your mess. That's where you
start. I don't really like to make big promises, but after all, with this year
behind me, I'm feeling a bit of a sense of urgency next year as a way to kick
myself into a better position than this year, and that's why I made that
statement at Komazawa. Hayabusa's weight is currently 90kg. I need to gain
another 10kg, get back into the heavyweight division properly, and I don't think
I'll be able to see the future until I clear that hurdle. Anyway, I'll do my
best next year to make up for this year!
It is well known that Hayabusa admired Tiger Mask's coolness. So
why did he choose FMW? The answer was unpretentious. Hard work, not coolness.
That was the whole reason that made him choose FMW... Liger? Are you trying to
crush me?
- Let's start by asking about when Hayabusa was unmasked. At that time, the
matches were mainly aerial combat, which was rare in FMW.
Hayabusa: I didn't have time to think about my match style. I just wanted
to do the best I could. Then I naturally became that style.
- When FMW went on its first tour of Mexico (5.92), did you have any thoughts of
wanting to do it there in the future?
Hayabusa: No, not at all. I liked Tiger Mask and Mascaras, but I never
thought about doing it in Mexico. Rather, I wanted to go to America and get
bigger.
- America?!?!? Why is that?
Hayabusa: I have the impression that professional wrestlers are big, don't
you? But I wasn't big enough to be able to say that with confidence. That was a
complex for me, and I thought maybe I could get bigger if I went to America.
- But in the end, you went on an expedition to Mexico (10.93).
Hayabusa: It's true that I wanted to go to America, but Onita told me to
go to Mexico. When he told me that, I had no choice but to go. At that time, I
couldn't say no or why to what Onita said. Because I couldn't say anything.
- Hmm, I see. And that's where you became Hayabusa.
Hayabusa: Yes, so I felt that if I was going to Mexico, I should try
something that I could only do overseas. So I wanted to try being a masked man
once, so I designed just the mask first and went to Mexico.
- Is that the mask that Hayabusa wears?
Hayabusa: Yes.
- What was your impression when you first saw the mask?
Hayabusa: It was completely different from the mask I wear now, so when I
first got it, I wondered, "Is this okay?"
- What was the real lucha like?
Hayabusa: I was still a pre-show wrestler, so I didn't know what to do
when I was told to do lucha-like movements. I could do moonsaults, but that's
just one technique, and I can't do it at all when it comes to lucha-style
matches. And, in fact, I hardly had any matches until I came back to Japan for
the J-Cup six months later.
- Oh, what do you mean?
Hayabusa: It was because of the promotion, but I only had about 10
matches in six months. During the J-Cup, Masa Saito told everyone that "Hayabusa
is highly regarded in Mexico," but that's not true at all (laughs). So, since
there were no promotions, I just practiced about 7 to 8 hours a day for those
six months.
- So, you didn't have any real lucha-style matches.
Hayabusa: I was able to do lucha because I practiced every day, but I had
never done it in a real match, so I didn't have a chance to check how much I had
improved. So when I came back with the J Cup, I had nothing to be confident in,
so I was very anxious.
- Hayabusa's challenge to the majors began with the Super J Cup (April 16, 1994
at Ryogoku Kokugikan). How did you decide to participate in the J Cup?
Hayabusa: I had heard about such a thing. At the time, I thought, "Oh, I
want to go and see it" (laughs). Then, after a while, the company told me to
enter. At first, I refused, saying, "No way!". There's no way someone who hasn't
had many matches and hasn't received any recognition should enter a tournament
called the Junior All-Star.
- But why did you end up participating?
Hayabusa: Right, and then later, it turned out that this time it was
Onita who told me to enter. So when that happened, I had no choice but to enter
(laughs). I wanted to fight in Mexico but couldn't, so I just trained and came
back. Around that time, I was finally starting to gain weight, but I lost it all
in two weeks.
- Because you were going to step into the ring of a major?
Hayabusa: Well, I was so nervous that I couldn't eat anything. I'm the
type of person who gets nervous easily, and even after I got back to Japan, I
couldn't calm down at all, and the day before, my nervousness reached its peak,
and I couldn't eat, drink, or sleep.
- And your opponent was Liger!
Hayabusa: When I heard that, I seriously lost weight (laughs). Until
then, I was a little worried about who I would fight, but when I heard it was
Liger, I thought, "Are you trying to crush me?" I felt like I didn't have
confidence in myself.
- Your opponent was the top junior.
Hayabusa: At that time, Liger was like a person from another world to me,
so I wondered what I should do. I didn't have any original techniques, and even
if I was asked to fight, I couldn't imagine myself. Before a match, I try to
imagine the match, but when it comes to the Liger match, I can't imagine it at
all. Also, the more I watch Liger's matches on video, the more nervous I get.
That's how I felt until the day before. In a way, it was a bit of a desperate
attempt.
- Did you face him that day in that state?
Hayabusa: No, but on the day itself, it changed. I thought there was no
point in being nervous, and since I didn't know my own strength, I just had to
do what I could. And even if I was nervous, that was just an excuse, so I
thought I'd give it a go. That's when I got into the habit of being open-minded
(laughs). And since I didn't have any original moves, I thought I had to do
something that would make people go "Eh?". And then I came up with the idea that
if I did a shooting star press on Liger, everyone would be surprised.
-An idea that came from a desperate attempt (laughs).
Hayabusa: In a way, it was a bit of a desperate attempt. At that time, I
had never done a shooting star, so it was a trial and error performance. But I
had to do it, and I didn't have a future, so I did it out of necessity.
-The tope con hilo right after the start of that match was also impressive.
Hayabusa: In the end, I thought that if I started normally, I'd
definitely get overwhelmed. I just had to go all out from the beginning and go
all out. In the end, it turned out to be a good thing. If I hadn't done the tope
con at the beginning, I don't think the audience would have come to watch me
after that. That tope con was the moment everything started for me as Hayabusa.
- Was it decided that you would enter the ring as Hayabusa for that match?
Hayabusa: I was told that it didn't matter if I wore the mask or showed
my real face. Since I had plans to go back to Mexico, and I was in the middle of
an overseas tour, I decided to enter as Hayabusa. I had intended to use Hayabusa
only overseas, so I felt that it would be the first and last time I would use
Hayabusa in Japan.
- So, what was your impression of actually fighting Liger?
Hayabusa: Well, he was strong. No matter how hard he attacked, there was
no bottom to be found. It was like he had a deep chest. And halfway through, my
memory was gone.
- Liger also praised you, but I think Hayabusa had a strong presence, or rather
star quality, at that time. Were you aware that people around you were watching
you?
Hayabusa: But... I was still incomplete as Hayabusa, so I didn't have
that awareness at all. I didn't even have any idea of how I wanted to be seen.
Of course I wanted to be seen in a good light, but I didn't know what to do to
achieve that.
- But what Hayabusa gained from the J-Cup was big, wasn't it?
Hayabusa: Yes, that was the first time I was able to evaluate myself, and
I tried my best to not lower that evaluation and to get even higher evaluations.
After that, I went to AAA and EMLL in Mexico, and when they asked me to use me,
it was big that I was able to appeal to them that I had such a track record in
Japan.
- Did you establish your style as Hayabusa in your second time in Mexico?
Hayabusa: J-Cup was base of my matches.
- The Liger match was only about 10 minutes long, but you could say that
Hayabusa was already complete there.
Hayabusa: That's true. In the end, Hayabusa in front of the fans at that
time influenced me later.
- The next time you came back to Japan was in August of the same year, against
Sabu.
Hayabusa: I didn't want to come back then. I was under pressure to do a
match that would not lose to the J-Cup match, and this time I was told to come
back as Hayabusa. The next time I came back, I was very conscious of wanting to
come back as my real face, so that was quite difficult.
- What kind of difficulty was that?
Hayabusa: That is, the person who wanted to wrestle as Eiji Ezaki became
Hayabusa, and that Hayabusa became more highly rated. So the existence of Eiji
Ezaki became irrelevant to the viewers. I really hated that there was such a
thing. I remember that clearly.
- Come to think of it, at that time it felt like "that Hayabusa is coming back."
Hayabusa: In other words, everyone want to see Hayabusa from J-Cup. At
that time, I was jealous of Hayabusa's rapid advance, and my emotions were
unstable. That's why I wasn't satisfied with the match.
- After that, you had the retirement match with Onita. Did you still have any
attachment to Eiji Ezaki?
Hayabusa: Ah, I wasn't wearing it much by then. Actually, when I thought
about why I couldn't take it off, it was because Hayabusa was incomplete. So I
thought, let's become Hayabusa first, do what we have to do. So I felt like
taking off the mask would mean admitting defeat, and I didn't want to take it
off. I couldn't go back to being Eiji Ezaki while losing to Hayabusa.
- Onita's retirement match (5/5/95) was a turning point for both Hayabusa and
FMW.
Hayabusa: Yes, I thought I had to be the opponent in his retirement
match. When I was working overseas as Hayabusa, the only thing that supported me
was that I was an FMW member. When I came back to Japan with that pride, I found
out that Onita's retirement match opponent was a wrestler from a number of
different organizations. If we entrusted the opponent in his retirement match to
a wrestler who had no connection with us and didn't take over where we should
have taken over, there was no way we could continue. That's why I asked him to
let me do it.
- It was an intense match.
Hayabusa: Onita's match style is his own, so I have to make it something
that shows what lies ahead. That's why I decided to step into the ring. But the
current explosion was a very challenging match format for me. It was my first
experience, and I was thinking about how to appeal to myself and how to convey
something to the viewers until the match.
- And that led to the final moonsault from the top of the cage.
Hayabusa: I think so. Because I had to leave something there that hadn't
existed before.
- That's the future of FMW.
Hayabusa: It's not about Hayabusa style or anything. It's a matter of
feelings. From now on, we're going to do it with this feeling. So that moonsault,
whether it hits or not, is the same for me. Showing that attitude is everything.
Right now, this is all I've got, but I won't give up.
- And so, after the rebirth, the Kawasaki show in May last year was also an
exhibition battle with New Japan.
Hayabusa: I wouldn't go so far as to say "what's the big deal?", but I
was confident that I would never let anyone complain about the feelings I had
when I was doing it. FMW wrestlers have a lot of determination like that.
- It was a success in terms of the show, but Hayabusa participated despite his
injury and it seems that he wasn't able to have the match he wanted.
Hayabusa: As long as you're in the ring as a professional, you have to
show something and meet the expectations of the fans. But the pain of not being
able to do that...isn't it? That's the most painful thing for me.
- And so, you disappeared.
Hayabusa: Yes... I was so embarrassed that I couldn't go out in public. I
felt disgust for having exposed my pathetic state in front of the fans. It was
self-loathing. In truth, I knew my own physical condition better than anyone
else, and I was in no condition to wrestle as Hayabusa. So, it just happened
naturally... I would be grateful if people understood that I was prepared for
that.
- Hayabusa, you are very particular about being in FMW, aren't you?
Hayabusa: Absolutely.
- Is that why you couldn't meet the FMW wrestlers, and then you went to see
Liger?
Hayabusa: I really couldn't see our wrestlers' faces. I just wanted to
talk to Liger, and I thought that would make me feel better. It's my fault for
taking that to mean I was quitting.
- Did it make you feel better?
Hayabusa: Yes, I had to refresh myself, and then I'd do it. I felt a
sense of crisis that if I continued to drag on like this, it would end, so I
thought I'd let people watch me while I was still uncool, and I'd say with
confidence, "This is all I can do for now, but I won't give up."
- After Hayabusa returned to FMW, talk of Onita's return started. First of all,
what did you think when you heard that he was returning?
Hayabusa: Well, I think it was our lack of ability first. Everyone was
always talking about Onita, but it just meant that we weren't able to do that
much. But when I thought about how much risk Onita was taking to come back, I
started to think that we should take that feeling into consideration and use it
as a step for ourselves. I thought it would be nice to borrow his hand here and
repay him someday.
- What was your honest impression after watching Onita's match?
Hayabusa: Physically, he's far from his prime, but there are things that
come out of his body and appeal to the audience. At that time, I was a little on
the defensive, so it made me really think about whether I was able to convey
that to others, and whether I was continuing to have that feeling.
- Like when you did that moonsault...
Hayabusa: Right... And when I thought that, I thought maybe we can't
continue like this, that even if we do it only among ourselves, there are of
course things we can gain, but there must be a limit to that. So I felt a strong
desire to learn something different. That doesn't mean that doing it here isn't
enough or that there are no other people. I can't do my best unless I make
myself feel hard, so I wanted something that would put some pressure on me.
- So that's what led to that statement.
Hayabusa One day, I was watching Kobashi's match on TV, and I thought it
would be nice if I could do it, and it would be interesting if I could do it. It
wasn't about winning or losing, but I felt like I could confirm something I had
almost forgotten... I had been thinking like that for a while.
- So, it wasn't a sudden statement at all.
Hayabusa: It was around the time when something vague inside me started
to emerge. Even if I did the same thing as Onita, I couldn't surpass the
original, so I had no choice but to become original and do something. If I
wanted to surpass Onita, I thought there must be some way I could do it. Ah, I
said it (laughs)
- So why did you name Kobashi?
Hayabusa: It was just a pure thought when I saw the match. Kobashi puts his
feelings on the front line in his matches. I myself thought that there would be
something I could feel if I fought him emotionally. So I didn't think about
taking on the majors or anything, I just honestly wanted to try it, that's all.
If I have the opportunity to talk to such people and get in touch with them, it
should be beneficial for me.
- Some of the reactions to that statement were harsh. Was there anything you
regret?
Hayabusa: Oh, I said it (laughs). After that, I felt like I had no choice
but to do what I said. I thought it would be uncool if I didn't clean up the
seeds, I'd sown myself. And if I said something, it would be regretful if I
didn't do it. I'm not strong enough to keep my words secret, so I'll aim to do
what I say!
- All Japan wrestlers also gave harsh opinions.
Hayabusa: I was told by Misawa (laughs). But isn't that the same with
anything at the beginning? When you try to start something, it never goes so
well from the beginning. Onita-san covered me in a lot of that mud, so I thought
that I couldn't show anything half-baked.
- The more reactions like that you got, did you feel more pressured?
Hayabusa: Of course there are. If I fail, people will say that FMW is only
that good, so it's a big risk.
- So, you're also participating in All Japan to promote FMW?
Hayabusa: At first, it was mostly my own feelings, but when I started
moving and thought about it calmly, I started to think that it wasn't enough.
There were a lot of opinions within the company, but that's only natural. There
are probably people, both wrestlers and fans, who think, "Why?" Then, you have
no choice but to do something to convince those people. You can't take back what
you've said once, so you have no choice but to get them to acknowledge it,
including that. That's how it starts, pushing yourself into a corner.
- Even then, you were "defiant."
Hayabusa: When that happens, it's the same as always, so I think that's
the first time you'll be like Hayabusa.
- Hayabusa-like, you say?
Hayabusa: I do want to do it (laughs). But when you're facing that kind
of pressure, the alcohol tastes better! Rather than compromising on half-hearted
things and drinking while complaining, it feels better to do everything you can
and drink like crazy. I want to always be like that.
- How did you feel when it was decided that you would participate?
Hayabusa: The pressure was just immense. I felt like I had no choice but
to believe in what I'd done. I hadn't even decided my opponent, but I wanted to
play in a way that would earn them recognition.
- When it was decided that you would go up to All Japan, you greeted the FMW
fans as a declaration of your determination. The reaction of the fans at that
time was very warm, wasn't it?
Hayabusa: After all, I'm going as an FMW member, so I have to do my best
for the people who support us. FMW is FMW, including the people who support us.
The fans have high expectations of us, so we can't betray them. I don't want to
embarrass them.
- I think that even the fans are entrusting you with the fact that what they've
been supporting will work in the majors.
Hayabusa: So the people who support us must have been worried, and I took
all of that worry with me... That's how it felt. At that time, I wasn't getting
good results in FMW, and I was worried that people might think that I was just
half-hearted, but the fact that they honestly told me, "Go for it! Do your
best!" was a great support.
- Did your nervousness reach its peak the day before?
Hayabusa: I couldn't sleep well the night before. Hmm, what should I do?
I know that there's nothing I can do because I've never done it before, but I
can't help thinking about it. But thanks to that, I feel refreshed on the day.
So when I enter the venue, warm up my body, touch the ring, and step into the
ring, I get excited. Of course I'm nervous, but I'm nervous in a good way.
- So, you've become able to enjoy that nervousness?
Hayabusa: Yes, I guess I've become thicker-skinned (laughs). I once again
realized that I have no choice but to do it, and I'm looking forward to seeing
what will happen with Hayabusa. I don't know how the audience will react, and
I'm kind of excited.
- It's completely different mentally compared to your previous match with Liger.
Hayabusa: In the end, I did everything I could, in this case. So, if I
can't do it, it can't be helped. I can only think that I've reached that level.
I couldn't even imagine the match, but I can be myself. I can be Hayabusa of
FMW. That wasn't even the case with the Liger match. This time, Hayabusa is just
me in my everyday clothes.
- What were your impressions from actually fighting the match?
Hayabusa: First of all, I thought I didn't want be beaten. In
professional wrestling, "defense" is important. Even though I felt like "they're
really motivated" while getting kicked and punched, I have a lot more to carry
on my shoulders than you guys, so I won't lose that easily. That's how you
respond to your opponent's feelings, and when they collide, you can have a "good
match." But I don't want to stop there, and I have to take it as a step in
itself.
- I think you also saw Kobashi's match. What was your impression after watching
it?
Hayabusa: I really felt his strength in receiving and how well he managed
the match. His spirit was also impressive, and it made me want to try it again,
to reach that level.
- All Japan wrestlers are like that, aren't they?
Hayabusa: Yes, they wrestle in a style they believe in, at a level where
no one can complain. I really felt that if I could wrestle with such wrestlers
and learn from them, I could grow even further. Also, I myself would like to
move up to other organizations and give dreams to the people who watch. There
are so many dreams that can't be realized because of the smallest of things,
aren't there? It would be great if those could be made freer and more realized.
- In that sense, weren't you happy with All Japan's decision this time?
Hayabusa: I am truly grateful. In fact, I think there were many problems,
and some fans may have thought, "Why FMW?" because they praised me. I looked at
All Japan's Internet homepage and saw the opinions of fans. I think everyone has
their own opinions (laughs). But fans can use them as material to talk about
various things, so that's fine. In that sense, it's a contribution. Hayabusa
can't continue forever
- Misawa said, "It's like seeing my old self."
Hayabusa: I had a conversation with Misawa at the venue about how "It's
really tough, and I have to do things I don't want to do." In fact, as long as
I'm Hayabusa, I want to have Hayabusa matches. Even if I'm not in perfect
health, I have to respond to that, and it's true that it's a huge burden on my
body. But the audience wants to see that, and I think they come to watch.
- You used to feel disgusted by the gap between your real face and Hayabusa,
right?
Hayabusa: I was anxious about becoming Hayabusa, and for a while I was
struggling with that gap. I can say this now, but I used to say things like
"Damn it!" and stomp on the mask.
- Is it time to take off the mask?
Hayabusa: I don't know. It's like my child now, so I don't want to get
rid of him. I like Hayabusa (laughs). But I can't continue forever because of my
age. Also, I don't want to lower Hayabusa's value, so I don't want to continue
until I can no longer play Hayabusa matches.
- Fans have an image of Hayabusa as a gloomy person or someone who is always
worried. You want something that won't be noticed and puts you under pressure.
Hayabusa: Yes, I do. But I'm always putting pressure on myself like that,
so it's a worry, actually. But I think it's only when I'm in adversity that I
can see the real Hayabusa.
- Are you doing it on purpose?
Hayabusa: It's weird for Hayabusa to be carefree, and it's definitely
different when he's just doing ordinary things. There's something about him
that's there, that he can't be satisfied with the status quo (laughs).
- That might be the biggest thing you inherited from Onita.
Hayabusa: Onita always jumped into things himself, too. And even though
he should stop, he drags everyone around him more and more. That's what they
call evil-wayism, independent spirit (laughs).
- Without thinking too much about the consequences (laughs).
Hayabusa: That's good!
- Hayabusa's real face is cheerful.
Hayabusa: He's basically smiling (laughs).
- Maybe that's what Eiji Ezaki has that Hayabusa doesn't.
Hayabusa: That might be it. What was once a separate entity has finally
come together, and I don't know what will happen when it takes off its mask.
Honestly, I'm a Hayabusa fan myself (laughs), so there's a part of me that
enjoys thinking about things like that. So I also think, "Go Hayabusa!"
Hayabusa & Katsutoshi Niiyama vs. The Headhunters 1/5/97
1997 was supposed to be a year full of hope for Hayabusa. He
defeated The Great Sasuke at Komazawa on December 11th, settling his junior
heavyweight division and re-entering the heavyweight division.
To confirm his progress over the past year and seven months, he even mentioned a
major match—specifically, All Japan Triple Crown champion Kenta Kobashi. Given
the physical and mental challenges of the previous year, Hayabusa welcomed the
new year with great hope.
It all began at the January 5th Korakuen Hall show, where Hayabusa teamed up
with Niiyama in the semi-final. Following Onita's retirement in May of last
year, Niiyama was supposed to lead the new FMW alongside Hayabusa, but he had
become a lone wolf, having fallen from the center of the regular lineup.
This long-awaited tag team formation was also a company decision. Niiyama had
stubbornly refused to team up with Hayabusa, but the company persuaded him by
promising to create a one-on-one opportunity.
Still, Hayabusa, positive about establishing a new FMW, called out
"Niiyama-san!" throughout the match and fought with enthusiasm. Niiyama, in
turn, lived up to the expectations of his new appointment, slamming the
Headhunters with back drops and uranage throws in a hustle-busting fight.
FMW's new year was filled with a truly positive mood. However, this was
short-lived. The match ended with Headhunter A crushing Niiyama with a giant
moonsault press, and Hayabusa, who was trying to help, pushed him away by
Niiyama, creating an uneasy mood.
Then, another strange incident occurred. Mr. Gannosuke and Flying Kid Ichihara,
who had left the group with Tarzan Goto in April of last year and now calls
himself the True FMW, burst into the ring. For Hayabusa, Gannosuke in particular
was a close friend from their college days, and even though their paths
diverged, he had always said, "I wanted to fight him someday."
"Hayabusa, is that all you can do?!?! Family, love, those things have nothing to
do with it!" Gannosuke shouts into the microphone, clearly bewildered, Hayabusa
clutching his head. "We'll come again and again! FFF has nothing to do with it.
This is our sole decision. We're ready," Gannosuke says as he leaves.
Hayabusa bursts into tears and says, "They should have just come back normally,
they didn't have to do that... If they say they're going to do it, I'll prepare
something appropriate for them. I intend to do the same thing as I did when I
was a new apprentice..." Now, beyond grudges, something big is about to begin at
FMW.
The Headhunters d. Hayabusa & Katsutoshi Niiyama when Headhunter A pinned
Niiyama (11:45)
Hayabusa & Ricky Fuji vs. Hisakatsu Oya & Mr. Gannosuke 2/18/97
The moment Gannosuke appeared at Korakuen Hall, the venue
erupted in boos. It's well known that two years ago, he suddenly left FMW, and,
unaware of the difficult journey the new company had gone through, he suddenly
returned to his old home and challenged Hayabusa, claiming, "We are the real
FMW."
FMW wrestlers were furious, and FMW fans shared the same sentiment. The boos
were a reflection of the fans' anger. Their rejection of Gannosuke was
considerable. But Gannosuke didn't seem to mind. He made a bold and confident
entrance, even going so far as to provoke the fans.
It seemed as though he was prepared for the boos, but Hayabusa suddenly attacked
Gannosuke. Without a moment's hesitation, he landed a tope con hilo over the top
rope. The bell hadn't even rung. Hayabusa remembers a strange incident six years
ago when two college students, friends, took an overnight bus from Kumamoto to
Tokyo to take the FMW entrance exam. Both passed. Having made their debut, the
pair hated the idea that indie wrestling couldn't be done and instead focused on
the basics as opening acts. Even though they struggled and struggled at times,
they supported each other as friends and rivals and discussed the future of FMW.
Indeed, there was a strong bond between Hayabusa and Gannosuke. Hayabusa
believed that this bond would remain unchanged even after Gannosuke left FMW,
but suddenly, his friend appeared before him as his enemy. Hayabusa struggled to
accept this reality.
However, when he thought about what he valued most in the present, his worries
naturally faded away. "FMW, which I have protected with bloodshed for the past
two years, is everything to me. Any enemy that tries to take a bite out of FMW,
I will crush them all," he said, severing his ties with Gannosuke to show him
his renewed spirit and make him understand that "we are FMW." The manifestation
of this resolve was the preemptive attack before the match.
Hayabusa suddenly unleashed his renewed fierceness on Gannosuke. Hayabusa and
Ricky continued to attack. The fans loudly supported the two, and shouts of
"Show them your renewed spirit" were heard repeatedly.
However, Hayabusa was unable to respond. Emotions got the better of him. His
fighting spirit went to waste, and he wasted his energy and became out of
breath. With his movements frozen, Hayabusa was caught by Gannosuke and Oya and
was forced to defend himself! Despite Ricky's spirit, Gannosuke's team
completely seized control of the match. The fans' frustration with Hayabusa's
disappointment only grew.
The cheers were harsh, with shouts of "What are you doing?" and "Get your act
together!" Hayabusa had teamed up with Ricky for this series in preparation for
this fight. The two had begun to show great coordination and combination, but...
Hayabusa's performance was unexpected.
Gannosuke's movements were in stark contrast to his poor form, where they didn't
function as a team at all during the match. Despite being away from a real fight
for about two months, his feet were firmly planted on the mat and he displayed
powerful attacks. He must have been training tirelessly, even away from the
ring. He was in perfect condition.
Gannosuke even had the presence of mind to take Hayabusa's attack, as if to show
how much stronger he'd become. His conclusion after taking the hit was, "He's
not even coming at me. I can't believe he's hitting soft like that. Is this all
the power Hayabusa and the new FMW have?"
However, there was no way to counter that statement with Hayabusa on this
particular day. When Gannosuke attempted a powerbomb on Ricky, Hayabusa tried to
cut him off with a Swann Lariat, but he lost his footing and his right ankle got
tangled in the top and second ropes, leaving him hanging in mid-air. It was a
completely uncharacteristic mistake for Hayabusa, but it could also be
attributed to a lack of stamina.
Meanwhile, Oya caught Ricky and performed his signature back drop! Gannosuke
then locked his arm with the Hokuto Atomic Bomb Lock for the win. Hayabusa was
left hanging from the ropes and unable to make any cuts, resulting in a
humiliating defeat for FMW.
After winning, Gannosuke took the microphone and shouted, "Today we've proven
that what we've been doing is right! What's this new FMW? What's this W*ING? We
are the real FMW!" Hayabusa left the ring without any riposte, but upon
returning to the waiting room, he slammed his fist into the wall and yelled,
"Damn it! Damn it!"
Hayabusa could not forgive his own incompetence. He must have been extremely
frustrated that he had not been able to show the determination of the new
generation. Ricky declared, "We've been running around too much. Let's do it
again tomorrow. This is not going to end well. Don't think they've won with
this. We're changing the card tomorrow! We'll get results!"
This led to a rematch between Hayabusa and Ricky against Gannosuke at the
Korakuen Hall the following day. The two men felt that the only way to prove
they were the real FMW was to get results.
Hisakatsu Oya & Mr. Gannosuke d. Hayabusa & Ricky Fuji when Gannosuke pinned Ricky (18:21)
Hayabusa & Ricky Fuji & Mr. Pogo # 2 (Gosaku Goshogawara) vs. The Gladiator & Mr. Gannosuke & Crypt Keeper 2/19/97
The second day of the two-match series at Korakuen Hall.
Hayabusa & Ricky's clash with Gannosuke will be a six-man tag team match, but
attention is focused on the remaining regular wrestler. It's none other than the
second Mr. Pogo. The photo below makes his identity immediately clear. Gosaku
will inherit the Pogo name, and this was at the request of Tetsuo Sekigawa and
the former Pogo, who appeared at the venue the day before.
The former Pogo presented Gosaku with the new Yamata no Orochi, saying, "It
contains my soul. Gosaku, can you use it well? Use it to prove yourself. From
today, you will inherit the name Mr. Pogo. You inherit the theme song. You
inherit everything I have."
He even muttered, "I'm sure he'll do his best with this," but the former Pogo
truly wants his final disciple to achieve greatness. This tradition is a
reflection of Gosaku's consideration for him. Gosaku responded with a humble "I
want to live up to the Pogo name," but it's up to him to decide whether he can
live up to such a great name or be crushed. And so, from this day on, Gosaku
began his career as the second Pogo.
He appeared wearing the same paint and shirt as the original. His transformation
was impactful, and the audience's attention was focused on the second. Every
move was closely watched, but... he was a struggling Pogo. However, at this
stage, this is unavoidable. There's no need to forcefully imitate the original;
he can simply gradually infuse Pogo's spirit into the base of Gosaku and
establish the second's own unique style. He can also use the weapon he inherited
in his own way, depending on the situation.
This has been a long story about the second Pogo, but the key to this match,
needless to say, was whether Hayabusa and Ricky could make up for the previous
day's defeat to Gannosuke and demonstrate their renewed determination. Learning
from the previous day, Hayabusa did not slip up on this day. His attacking sync
with Ricky was a highlight, but Gladiator's power was threatening.
As a double champion, he is virtually unbeatable and can change the course of a
match in an instant. Gannosuke also made sure to make a strong statement while
locking in key moments. Oya & Gannosuke were a powerful tag team, but so were
Gladiator & Gannosuke. In the end, F.M.W. was completely victorious.
Once again, Gannosuke failed to show Hayabusa his renewed determination, and he
bit his lip, saying, "The result is what you'd expect. But I'm going to crush
those guys no matter what." Is there really anything he can do?!?!
The Gladiator & Mr. Gannosuke & Crypt Keeper d. Hayabusa & Ricky Fuji & Mr. Pogo # 2 (Gosaku Goshogawara) when Gannosuke pinned Pogo # 2 (14:47)
It was a sudden announcement. Following the main event at the
Nippon Budokan on March 1st, Misawa was being interviewed in the ring as the
winner. Fukuzawa, the announcer, said that Baba, the commentator, had told him
during the match. Hearing this, Misawa remained surprisingly calm, but the
16,300 spectators in attendance erupted in cries of surprise and joy, welcoming
the sudden news.
The following day, Baba and Hayabusa held a press conference at 1:00 PM at the
Capitol Tokyu in Tokyo. The issue of exchange between All Japan and FMW, which
began late last year when Hayabusa said he wanted to wrestle Kobashi, and which
had quietly progressed, including Baba meeting with Onita, has been quietly
developing.
Let's recap the press conference to find out what the outcome was.
Baba: That's all I can announce for now, but Hayabusa will not be competing
against wrestlers participating in the Champion Carnival. I can't announce the
card yet, but I can tell you that he will be participating.
- Hayabusa will be competing alone, right? Does that mean it will be a singles
match?
Baba: We don't know yet.
- So a tag match is also possible?
Baba: That's right. All Japan Pro Wrestling is considering bringing in a
wrestler from America who would be a good fit for Hayabusa.
- Not an opponent, but a partner?
Baba: That's still unclear. Maybe they'll face each other, or be
partners, or maybe it'll be a singles match. All I know is that he'll be
competing in the Osaka show. Then we'll figure out the card.
- What's the story behind this?
Baba: I met Onita and we were talking, and he asked if he could
participate, so I thought that was fine, and as a company policy, there's no
real problem with Hayabusa being in the lineup. Osaka was the only place
available for the next series, so we decided to go there.
- Is there anything you're looking forward to or looking forward to about
Hayabusa competing in All Japan Pro Wrestling?
Baba: Well, I haven't seen the match, so I can't really say anything
until I see it. I'll see him compete in front of me and then decide what to do
next. Honestly, I can't answer questions about what we'll do right now.
- There's been talk of other wrestlers being promoted, not just Hayabusa...
Baba: So, as long as they come up, we have no problem with them. If
they're a fighter we haven't had any issues with before, we won't turn them
down. That's exactly what I wrote in the original article in Mokukan Sports.
- Hayabusa, your All Japan match has officially been confirmed. How do you feel
now?
Hayabusa: As you all know, I made that statement at the end of last year,
so I'm incredibly grateful for this opportunity. Since I've been given this
opportunity, I want to live up to their expectations, put on a match that
they're satisfied with, and have a match that will lead to something new. I want
to mark the end of what I've done as Hayabusa over the past two years at FMW and
leave something behind.
- Have you ever seen an All Japan match live?
Hayabusa: I've never been to a venue. I usually watch it on video or TV.
— What are your thoughts on All Japan?
Hayabusa: Well, I always feel the high level of the matches, and I learn
a lot from watching them. At the same time, I've seen the wrestlers' incredibly
dedicated approach to wrestling and other aspects, and I feel that way.
- It all started at the end of last year when you said you wanted to wrestle
with Kobashi, and now that you've been confirmed to be participating, the card
hasn't been decided yet, but what are your thoughts on that?
Hayabusa: Well, actually, it started with that kind of talk, but I don't
think we can reach 10 right from the start, so we'll start from 0. Just being
able to improve like this means we've made some progress. As for facing Kobashi,
that's my ultimate goal, and I hope that one day I can achieve that in a proper
way and be recognized by everyone.
-Right now, are you completely in the heavyweight division?
Hayabusa: I am just over 100 kg.
- Will you only be competing in Osaka?
Baba: That's not for our convenience, it's Onita's.
- What do you think about All Japan going up to FMW?
Baba: We're not a place that offers anything in return... Just because
Hayabusa comes up to us, there's no reward for him.
- The story was that Onita asked you to bring him into the All Japan ring.
Baba: That's right. For now, he just wanted to come up to us, so we said,
go ahead. It's not a bad deal for us either, so as far as Hayabusa is concerned,
do you want to have a good match in Osaka and come up to All Japan if the
opportunity arises?
Hayabusa: Yes. I'll learn something new every time and hopefully put it
into practice in my own ring.
- Have you had All Japan on your mind since you joined FMW?
Hayabusa: Basically, there wasn't anything like that at first. Then I
came back to Japan and started working as Hayabusa, and over the past two years,
I've felt that if we continued as we were, it would end up just being ourselves,
so if there was an opportunity to learn something new, I wanted to take on that
challenge. That's why I made that statement at the end of the year...
Baba: But you know, he's not like the wrestlers of our time, he's the
wrestlers of today. He answers your (the media's) questions very seriously. I
thought he was the only one who had this style, but it's not. I really like him
for saying he'd beat Kobashi. He's a jerk, though (laughs). His willingness to
learn is very good. If such an offer comes up in the future, it's not a bad one,
so there's no reason to turn it down. If he's genuinely interested, I'd be very
happy. It would be a problem if there was something behind it, though (wry
smile).
There was a strong backlash from All Japan wrestlers regarding his interactions
with Onita, and it seemed unlikely that Hayabusa, who is actually a member of
FMW, would even be able to appear on the All Japan wrestling mat. However, it
seems they ultimately decided that it wasn't a problem for him personally.
However, since the next series is the Champion Carnival, a major league
tournament on the All Japan mat, it seems quite difficult for him to suddenly
face Kobashi in a singles match. However, Baba was very impressed with
Hayabusa's humble attitude during the press conference, so if he can achieve a
result at the Osaka show on April 2nd, that time may come sooner than expected.
In any case, the door to All Japan has been opened wide for Hayabusa as well.
Whether he can make his dream come true from here is up to Hayabusa himself.
Hayabusa & Ricky Fuji vs. Mr. Gannosuke & Katsutoshi Niiyama 3/14/97
On April 2nd, Hayabusa will step into the All Japan Pro
Wrestling ring. A major championship is a timeless theme for indie wrestling.
Hayabusa's challenge has earned him the nuance of a life-sized hero for indie
fans. On April 2nd in Osaka, Hayabusa will first face Asako & Mossman. Beyond
that, his ultimate goal is "Kobashi-san." I'd like to bet on Hayabusa's dream.
Now, let's look at a more real-world theme, rather than a timeless theme.
Standing in Hayabusa's way as FMW's ace is Gannosuke. And...on this day,
Hayabusa was once again overwhelmed by Gannosuke's momentum. Gannosuke has shown
no qualms. By the time he bowed to Tarzan Goto and returned to the FMW ring, he
was ready.
His fighting style, which consciously draws the crowd's attention with his
moves, such as bringing out a wooden stick and grabbing his mask in the ring,
has become a natural fit. Above all, Gannosuke's spirit is impressive.
Hayabusa's movements themselves were anything but lackluster. However, Gannosuke
created an atmosphere that only drew the fans' attention to himself, so the boos
were welcome.
On the flip side, it was proof that Gannosuke's appeal was reaching the
audience. The turning point was when Gannosuke knocked down Hayabusa's Quebrada
with a chair. Gannosuke followed up with a Thunder Fire outside the ring,
halting Hayabusa's movements. It didn't take long for Niiyama and the others to
deal with Ricky.
Niiyama then followed up with a diving headlock, followed by Gannosuke's Thunder
Fire Powerbomb and a Northern Lights for a comfortable victory.
"No matter how many times we do it, the result is always the same. Don't make
these boring matches. Onita's here today, right? That's like flying into a
flame," Gannosuke declared after the match, giving up on Hayabusa. Using
Hayabusa as a stepping stone, Gannosuke loudly proclaimed his intention to take
Onita's head. He has firmly established himself on the ladder, so his words
carry weight.
Gannosuke once left the FMW ring and ate the smelly food. If there is such a
thing as an indie smell, it is ingrained in Gannosuke's very being. Hayabusa had
been forced to taste the muddy waters of the indie world before competing in All
Japan. It would be a lie if he didn't feel something from this. Aptly enough,
after the main event that day, Onita said to Hayabusa, "As a representative of
us, go ahead and bring your indie spirit to the table to your heart's content."
Once again, Hayabusa must have realized the weight of taking on the major league
challenge.
Mr. Gannosuke & Katsutoshi Niiyama d. Hayabusa & Ricky Fuji when Gannosuke pinned Ricky (16:36)
Hayabusa suddenly showed up at Michinoku Pro's Yahaba March 16th show. At 2:00 PM, before
the doors opened, Hayabusa and referee Tanabe entered the venue through the main
entrance and headed straight to the Michinoku Pro team's locker room. Referee
Tanabe had been refereeing matches for friendly FMW the day before, and had
returned just in time for the main team's opening...but they never expected him
to show up with Hayabusa.
Michinoku Pro was surprised by his visit. As Hayabusa entered the locker room,
Sasuke noticed he hadn't seen him since their fight at Komazawa. Hayabusa bowed
and said, "It's been a while." Referee Tanabe then told Sasuke, "There's
something I need to talk to you about. It seems to be about Shinzaki."
Unfortunately, life is not what happens in that moment. Afterward, the locker
room was closed off and Sasuke and Hayabusa had a meeting, but due to the
pre-match hectic schedule, the two decided to discuss it again after the match.
FMW is on tour, but there must have been a very good reason for him to take the
time off to rush to Yahaba.
Referee Tanaka said, "I was consulted and brought Hayabusa," but... I could
roughly imagine what was going on. Hayabusa struggled day after day, unable to
achieve results against FMW. Even if he wanted help from within FMW, he couldn't
turn to Tanaka and the others, who were on a completely different path. A
t that moment, the face of Jinsei, who had called him his friend during their
fight at Ryogoku, must have crossed his mind. Hayabusa had come to ask for his
friend's help. Watching Jinsei vs. Shiryu from the headquarters seats, Hayabusa
must have sensed his friend's gaze.
After the match, he walked right up to Hayabusa. A reunion with a friend. The
two locked eyes in silence. Hayabusa tried to convey his feelings by doing so.
Jinsei tried to read his friend's true intentions.
A few minutes later, Jinsei looked away. He then returned to the locker room,
but did Jinsei really understand the feelings of his troubled friend? Hayabusa
followed Jinsei out of the waiting room, but there's no doubt that Hayabusa
conveyed his feelings to Jinsei there.
After the main event, Sasuke commented, "Hayabusa came here today because he
wants to ask for Shinzaki's help, but as long as Shinzaki is OK with it, it's
not a problem for the company." Jinsei didn't respond to Hayabusa in public that
day, but I want to believe that the two of them connected. Jinsei is not the
kind of man who would leave a friend to die in distress.
Hayabusa & Koji Nakagawa vs. Mr. Gannosuke & Katsutoshi Niiyama 3/21/97
As reported in last week's issue, Hayabusa showed up to
Michinoku Pro's Yahaba show to meet Jinsei. While he himself had yet to explain
his purpose for doing so, Hayabusa spoke at a press conference before the match
and revealed his purpose. "There's a feeling within FMW that I can't win right
now, and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't asking Jinsei for help."
Struggling to achieve results against FMW, Hayabusa turned the situation around
with the help of his friend. Hayabusa went to Yahaba to convey that feeling to
Jinsei, but he also had another purpose. My main goal is to go from indie to
major, and Jinsei has actually gone from indie to major, from Michinoku Pro to
WWF, so I wanted to talk about it. To be honest, I was a bit worried about going
to the majors."
Hayabusa will step into the All Japan ring as a representative of the indie
scene. It was only natural that he would be worried about how far he could go.
Jinsei overcame that and achieved success in the majors. Hayabusa tried to put
some peace of mind about the majors by talking with his friend. Hayabusa
continued, "As we were talking, Jinsei asked if he would be willing to lend a
hand at Yokohama Arena, and so it was decided that Jinsei would enter Yokohama.
Jinsei acted for his friend who was struggling. In response to a question from
the media asking, "Will you team up with Jinsei in Yokohama?" Hayabusa replied,
"I don't want to get the sense that I'm relying on Jinsei, so I'd like to
refrain from teaming up this time." Jinsei's Yokohama match is likely to be a
singles match, but Hayabusa has some truly great friends.
Now, let's take a look at Hayabusa's match that day. Hayabusa faced Gannosuke
and Niiyama... but once again, he failed to achieve any results. However, he
allowed himself to get out of control, resulting in his mask being ripped off
and his forehead being split open, resulting in a humiliating loss.
After the match, Gannosuke continued to take over the FMW mat and rampage.
Hayabusa, drowsy, was helpless. At that moment, a man attacked Gannosuke. It was
Tanaka. Tanaka, who had received a mission from Onita to "kick Gannosuke out of
FMW," set out to accomplish that mission. Tanaka snapped at Gannosuke, telling
him, "I'll show you which is right, the billion-dollar FMW or your FMW." In the
waiting room, he told Hayabusa, "Kicking Gannosuke out is your mission, but it's
also my mission. Given the current situation, you can't go to All Japan with
pride." Hayabusa knew that too. In order to proudly compete in the All Japan
Championships, for the sake of the people who are lending him their strength,
and above all for his own pride, Hayabusa cannot let himself be defeated by
Gannosuke!
Mr. Gannosuke & Katsutoshi Niiyama d. Hayabusa & Koji Nakagawa when Gannosuke
pinned Nakagawa (14:14)
Hayabusa & The Tornado vs. Maunakea Mossman & Kentaro Shiga 4/2/97
As Hayabusa entered the arena, the crowd erupted in cheers. Many
shouts of "Go for it!" were heard. This was probably the first time that a
fighter from another organization had been greeted with such warm support as he
entered All Japan Pro-Wrestling, a new organization that had opened its doors to
the world. There was no rejection. A match could be described as a clash of
different styles.
Until now, All Japan Pro-Wrestling fans had dismissed the All Japan
Pro-Wrestling style, believing they were the best, and expecting outsiders to
"show us a high-level All Japan fight!" However, Hayabusa was warmly welcomed.
This was largely due to Hayabusa's attitude. He has no ambition to "defeat All
Japan!" He simply has a desire to "feel the power of the majors" and a desire to
"absorb everything and learn."
It's well known that Baba was moved by this innocence and decided to take part
in this match, and that innocence was clearly conveyed to All Japan
Pro-Wrestling fans. Hayabusa's undeniable coolness and star quality captured the
hearts of the audience.
The roars and cheers that accompanied his every move spoke volumes. That day,
Hayabusa arrived at the venue at 3:00 PM. "I'd be lying if I said I wasn't
nervous," he said, starting training early, warming up by getting a feel for the
ring...and it seemed to ease his nerves. It was the crowd's reaction that
brought him to his natural state. Hayabusa, who said he was "so happy" by the
unexpected cheers, lost all sense of tension.
In response to Onita's statement, "I want to represent us and bring our indie
spirit to the table," Hayabusa replied, "I'll give it my all to prove what I've
done in FMW." He left the same message for FMW fans, but this can also be seen
as a declaration of determination. To see how the heartfelt fighting he always
displays on the FMW mat would translate to the mainstream, he decided to fight
in casual clothes.
Indeed, the natural Hayabusa was able to put this into practice. Incidentally,
Hayabusa's opponent was changed on the day of the match. Asako had injured his
left foot at the Fukui show a week earlier. Severe bruising and torn medial and
lateral ligaments left her unable to walk.
Despite this, Asako was determined to compete no matter what. He expected a
satisfying match with Hayabusa, free of any hard feelings, and he also had pride
in wanting to show off his All Japan fighting spirit. Asako was heartbroken when
his condition worsened and he had to withdraw... but Shiga, who took his place,
put on a fight that spoke for Asako. He cornered Hayabusa, ignoring the
referee's call for a break and unleashing a barrage of elbows and kicks. He and
Mossman sometimes did the same thing together. Shiga may have a quiet image, but
those in the know that he's incredibly competitive.
Shiga displayed his All Japan pride, repeatedly pushing Hayabusa down. As the
ace of FMW, Hayabusa was perceived as superior to Shiga and Mossman in terms of
rank, but he had no such feelings. Hayabusa's six-year career was just one month
away. He was still a young wrestler within All Japan. That's why he never looked
down on Shiga. He shared the same gaze, and fought with passion and
determination. And it's true that experiencing Shiga's strength made him realize
the depth of All Japan's ranks.
However, this much is true: Hayabusa had adapted to a certain extent to All
Japan's fighting style. Watching this reminded me of the time when FMW was
reborn. In an effort to break away from the traditional death match image and
establish a new identity, Hayabusa focused on wrestling. He modeled his attack
and defense on the incredible techniques of All Japan, combining mind,
technique, and body.
Hayabusa had been working hard to get even a little closer to that goal, and his
efforts were steadily taking shape. Rather than a rebirth of a new generation,
Hayabusa's color has become strongly influenced by wrestling. It's safe to say
that the reason Hayabusa felt comfortable in All Japan for the first time in
this match was due to these efforts. It's also proof that he had given his all
in FMW.
After the match, the crowd gave Hayabusa a thunderous round of applause.
Everyone shouted, "Good job!" and "Come again!" Hayabusa's dedication, including
his brilliant aerial attacks, was well received by All Japan fans. Baba also
gave Hayabusa high praise. A worthy victory: On this day, Hayabusa opened the
door to his dream matches against Kobashi and Misawa!
<Hayabusa after the match>
"For now, it's over. I feel relieved." I don't know
how the match went or how others evaluated me, but that's up to them to decide.
I have nothing to say. Anyway, today, I stepped into the All Japan ring as
Hayabusa of FMW and did my best to wrestle to the best of my ability. That alone
is enough to satisfy me. I was often confused about the ring, but I was able to
wrestle with two people who were so nice and helped me forget about that, so I
think I was able to perform comfortably.
Finally, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone at All Japan
Pro Wrestling for giving me this opportunity, to the fans and media
representatives who supported me, and to Onita, who worked so hard behind the
scenes. I hope that today's match will lead to something good for tomorrow. I
would like to express my sincere gratitude to Onita, who worked so hard for me.
I hope that today's match will lead to something good for tomorrow.
How was the fan reaction?
My honest impression is that the welcome was much warmer than I expected. As
someone coming from another organization, I was worried that All Japan fans
might have a more obvious rejection reaction, but I'd like to express my sincere
gratitude to them for their warm and welcoming welcome.
What was the one thing that bothered you?
First of all, the ring...how can I put it...it's a small thing, but I was a
little concerned about the tension of the ropes, the hardness of the ring, and
the condition of the ring. In particular, since I use a lot of jumping moves,
one mistake can cause me to lose my balance, so I checked it before the match.
Going forward, I'll be working towards my goal of fighting Kobashi. Towards that
goal...I'm not going to do it right away, but I'll clear the challenges that are
set before me, like climbing the ladder one step at a time, and if I can
eventually reach a place like Kobashi or Misawa, I think that's what I want
most.
Today's opponent isn't a top wrestler, but did you feel like he was a major
player?
I felt a sense of pride in having worked for All Japan Pro Wrestling, and a
strong attachment to the organization, and that was very much on display. In
that sense, it felt good to do it, and it was better than I expected. I wasn't
underestimating it, but I realized there were a lot of good wrestlers.
Do you feel it's tough?
Yes. It may be that the road ahead is going to get tougher and tougher. That
kind of thorny road... For those of us who grew up in an independent
organization like FMW, it may be an eternal road (a road that will continue
forever), so we want to move forward straight ahead without running away from
it.
Hayabusa & The Tornado d. Maunakea Mossman & Kentaro Shiga when Hayabusa pinned Shiga (16:46)
Hayabusa & Masato Tanaka & Koji Nakagawa & Tetsuhiro Kuroda vs. The Gladiator & Hisakatsu Oya & Mr. Gannosuke & Katsutoshi Niiyama 4/18/97
There are 11 days left until April 29th in Yokohama. F.M.W. is
in complete control. It's safe to say that everything is going their way. The
ring is a world of ability. While the regular team struggles to achieve results
in important matches, F.M.W. has rapidly expanded its influence.
Moreover, everything they do is flashy, making it an undeniable hit with fans.
They even successfully achieved "Cactus Jack" at the Yokohama event. The FMW
regular team simply cannot afford to fall back any further. Before they knew it,
they had been pushed into a corner.
It was against this backdrop that the Korakuen Hall event arrived. FMW faced
F.M.W. with what could be called their strongest quartet. With these four
members, they must have been fighting a desperate battle. Finally, FMW achieved
a clear, long-awaited "result."
In a literal all-out battle, Tanaka, their current leader, held his own. In the
end, the decision remained unresolved. Tanaka pinned Niiyama with a powerful
elbow followed by a powerful Thunder Fire Powerbomb.
However, Hayabusa, on the other hand, didn't quite fit in. Hayabusa would face
Gannosuke in a Máscara Contra Cabellera at the Yokohama event. On this day, the
two naturally found themselves involved in many situations. While there was no
sign of concern about Hayabusa's condition, Gannosuke's momentum was superior.
After the match, as per usual, FMW demonstrated a massive intrusion. As soon as
the match ended, Leather and the Headhunters burst out of the locker room,
taking over the ring and seemingly destroying FMW's victorious mood. Quiñones,
the commander in chief, made no mistake here. But then, drama unfolded.
Jinsei Shinzaki appeared to rescue Hayabusa from the beatings. Jinsei had sent a
brief message in advance: "Tell Hayabusa I'll be there once in April..."
Jinsei's words were referring to Korakuen Hall. Then, after F.M.W. left, Jinsei
suddenly grabbed the microphone. "Hayabusa...if you don't mind, I'm always here
to help." Jinsei didn't say much that day, either. To which Hayabusa replied,
"I'll definitely repay your feelings in Yokohama."
This alone was enough to confirm his intentions. No handshake. After returning
to the waiting room, Hayabusa's words to Jinsei were striking: "You know why we
didn't shake hands (in the ring), right? We're not that kind of friends, are we?
But let me just say this...thank you."
Hayabusa sorted his feelings out and, together with his "reassuring partner," he
set off for Yokohama. Furthermore, as a way of giving back to Jinsei, it has
been decided at short notice that Hayabusa will make a special appearance at the
Michinoku Pro May 3rd Furudono event, which coincides with New Japan's Osaka
Dome event (six main wrestlers will be competing in New Japan).
Hayabusa & Masato Tanaka & Koji Nakagawa & Tetsuhiro Kuroda d. The Gladiator &
Hisakatsu Oya & Mr. Gannosuke & Katsutoshi Niiyama when Tanaka pinned Niiyama
(16:30)
Hayabusa & Yoshinobu Kanemaru vs. Yoshinari Ogawa & Kentaro Shiga 4/19/97
Hayabusa's fight in Osaka on April 2nd was approved, and he has
already made his second appearance at Nippon Budokan, which can be said to be
the holy ground of All Japan.
"Step by step, steadily" is Hayabusa's stance, and on this day he was placed
higher on the card than Taue and Akiyama. This is proof that Giant Baba is
highly rated and has high expectations. Although he is an indie wrestler, he has
experience at New Japan's Ryogoku Wrestling and at Kawasaki Stadium and Sapporo
Nakajima Sports Center in FMW, so he will not be overwhelmed by the atmosphere
of the Budokan.
Also, in terms of image, he has a presence and charm that is not shaken by the
indie framework. The audience clapped as the theme song began, and when he
opened his arms wide and looked up at the large ceiling of the Budokan during
his entrance walkway, he was met with thunderous cheers.
All Japan fans unconditionally accepted Hayabusa, who had come to experience the
atmosphere of a major league wrestler, and he had a great relationship with the
fans, who were intoxicated by the atmosphere that All Japan wrestlers do not
have.
Hayabusa made a point of taking charge. However, things didn't go as planned
when the match began. First, Shiga, who had shown his fighting spirit even in
Osaka, was aggressive from the start. When Shiga's call was made, he thrust his
chest out at Hayabusa, refused to shake his hand, and when he volunteered to
start, he slammed Hayabusa's face against the ropes as he tried to break
cleanly.
Even when Hayabusa was waiting in the corner, he continued to pound him with
elbows. This year, Shiga has been blessed with a string of opportunities to
fight against wrestlers from other organizations, including Hase, Sano, and
Hayabusa.
Despite his youth, he fights with the determination and pride of representing
All Japan. "I can't lose, since I've been trained by my All Japan seniors!" This
attitude is likely due to the effects of the country's opening up. Shiga's first
opponent Ogawa, was akin to an Oya in FMW.
"His cunningness is his weapon, and he uses his career to his advantage. If
Shiga is fighting, Ogawa takes advantage of Hayabusa's pure feelings and attacks
him ruthlessly. Hayabusa has not the slightest ambition to "defeat All Japan",
and has come to All Japan with the attitude of simply absorbing the good points
of All Japan.
Naturally, he does not fight to win, but Ogawa and Shiga are fighting to win,
and they are using a strategy of "not letting Hayabusa sell his good points."
Ogawa suddenly calls Shiga in and the two of them put their hands on his mask,
and then he relentlessly holds on to Kanemaru, preventing Hayabusa from getting
a chance to perform, and putting him under psychological pressure. Hayabusa is
having trouble finding the right time to cut, and there are harsh comments like
"You're not a customer, so step forward!"
Of course, Hayabusa also has his moments to shine. He wowed the crowd with his
powerful moves: a spinning senton against Ogawa, a standing moonsault press, and
a face crusher against Shiga. He also showed off his teamwork with Kanemaru,
with whom he teamed up for the first time, but it's hard to deny that it ended
up being a one-off.
The All Japan wrestlers' attitude is filled with the spirit of "We are All
Japan!" So, Hayabusa, apart from his desire to learn from others, should openly
display his determination and pride: "I'm a wrestler who grew up in the
independent world!" Hayabusa's true challenge to the majors began here at the
Budokan!
<Hayabusa after the match> Honestly, I'm very disappointed that we didn't
achieve any results, but what made me happiest was that everyone accepted me,
just as much as they did in Osaka, if not more. I'll do my best to earn another
opportunity.
(About Ogawa) He was really good at managing the match... I wasn't allowed to do
much of the match myself today. I may have caused some trouble for Kanemaru, but
I think I did everything I could today, so I'll carry that experience forward.
Today was my second time in All Japan's ring, and I really felt the pressure of
the wall, so I'll do my best to overcome it. I tried not to worry too much about
the fact that it was at the Budokan, but I felt a different kind of nervousness
than I did the first time. I think All Japan's Budokan is like a sacred place,
and I'm sure the fans are watching with critical eyes...anything I say will be
an excuse, but I think I got a real feel for the atmosphere at All Japan's
venue.
(To Atsushi Onita) He gave me a great opportunity, but I wasn't able to produce
results. Still, I think I was able to express at least a little of what I've
been doing in FMW...
Yoshinari Ogawa & Kentaro Shiga d. Hayabusa & Yoshinobu Kanemaru when Ogawa pinned Kanemaru (13:53)