Hayabusa vs. Mr. Gannosuke 4/30/98

In the run-up to the Yokohama show, Hayabusa made many promises. At the request, or rather at the insistence of Gannosuke, a tournament to determine the next challenger for the double crown was held in the March series as a privilege of champion.

In the first round, Hayabusa first defeated Tanaka, the other ace. Tanaka was in poor condition with a neck injury, but the fierce battle with Tanaka reaffirmed that what he had been doing with the new FMW had been flawless. "Since I now carry Tanaka's feelings on my shoulders, I will definitely take back that belt," he promised Tanaka.

At the same time, after his match with Tanaka, Hayabusa commented, "I would like to say a heartfelt thank you to the fans who supported both of us today." If we replace the word "support" with the word "advocate," then Hayabusa's life is to lead the fans of the new FMW. A promise to the fans.

Next, Hayabusa overcame the evil path and faced Gladiator in the final. While Gladiator is a member of ZEN, the process of building the history of Onita's 1,000 matches since his retirement cannot be discussed without mentioning him. The two are undoubtedly comrades, having worked together to liven up the new wrestling scene. However, his final match with Gladiator was less exciting than expected. "It may have been a shameful match, but I've finally managed to stand before the belts. On April 30th, I'll win in a way that satisfies everyone, get the three count on Gannosuke, and take the belts back with me. Then, as champion, I'll proudly compete against Gladiator and the other wrestlers for the belt."

This was his final promise to his comrades, including the Gladiators. For Hayabusa, Yokohama on April 30th was a promised land. But before that, something about Hayabusa's fights has been lackluster lately. In fact, although he has stubbornly kept it a secret, he has been fighting with a subluxated left shoulder. However, it was not a situation that could be hidden. The one who noticed something strange about Hayabusa was none other than Gannosuke, who, as reported in last week's issue, unleashed a Big Fire on Hayabusa at the Kyoto show on the 26th.

There was a reason why Gannosuke took such action. Sometimes a member of Brief Brother, other times a demonic Shinto, his true identity is... a skilled heel who is committed to his true essence as a heel who can do his job. Gannosuke's message was straightforward. It literally ignited Hayabusa's spirit. It could be interpreted as a "let's have a good match" message. This, too, was an unspoken promise.

The fact that this day was held as a PPV event truly added to the dramatic effect. Now, Hayabusa's entrance scene. The theme song played, and Hayabusa's silhouette appeared at the entrance gate. It may be a bit of a stretch, but the "shadow of Hayabusa" seems to perfectly represent the current situation. Currently, Fuyuki's Team No Respect is the dominant force on the FMW mat. Onita's image is still deeply rooted.

For the new FMW to make a comeback, they absolutely need the belt. Hayabusa must become a shining light, not a shadowy presence. This is a crucial moment. Naturally, Gannosuke isn't his only opponent. He'll also be facing the Fuyuki vs. Onita match in the semi-final.

It started quietly. Gannosuke's first move was a crab hold. That's how much Gannosuke cares about this match. Hayabusa responded with equal spirit. The match then moved naturally to the ground. When the two broke from close combat, applause erupted. The mood was good. But soon after, an accident struck Gannosuke. Hayabusa's low dropkick injured his left knee. The damage would have lasting effects.

Of course, Hayabusa aimed for the left knee. He even landed a swan-dive missile kick there, showing just how thorough he was. Gannosuke, on the other hand, lost his balance when he attempted a Falcon Arrow. That, in turn, allowed Gannosuke to fight in a different way. He made up for it with technique, using armbreakers followed by armpit holds. This is Gannosuke's depth. That's why he's wearing the belt now. While there were no swings, the two men's emotions were conveyed, making for a truly impressive performance.

The middle of the match saw a back-and-forth of big moves. That said, it still felt like Hayabusa was attacking, while Gannosuke was defending. This development also proved Gannosuke's endurance. And yet, Gannosuke still managed to grasp the key points, as expected. He suddenly changed the rhythm with the Gannosuke Clutch, and showed his cunning by intercepting Hayabusa's air bombs with punches.

Gannosuke then delivered a final sprint with a Thunder Fire Powerbomb and a Northern Lights Suplex. He used his original Hokuto Atomic Bomb, a secret weapon he hadn't used in a while. However, it was Hayabusa who won. He followed up with a powerful Dragon Suplex and a Phoenix Splash for a comeback victory. His promise was kept. With the Tag Team Championship titles he won at Fuyuki Army on April 17th Sapporo, Hayabusa now holds the Triple Crown. Hayabusa shouted into the microphone in the ring: "I'm going to make these belts even more valuable and compete with everyone! We are the new FMW."

Remember, President Arai officially announced his first title defense against Tanaka on May 19th at Korakuen Hall, as promised, as summarized in a separate article. Hayabusa's comments after the next match are listed below. The next series marks the start of the new FMW's fourth year. Hayabusa has opened a new door and spread his wings.

<Hayabusa after the match>

Finally, finally... I've finally fulfilled one promise. Frankly, it wasn't a win I'd consider satisfactory, but I'd like to hold on to it as long as I can, wear it for as long as I can, and increase the value of this belt. From now on, I'd like to properly defend the titles once per season. Right now, the first thing on my mind is facing Tanaka at the next Korakuen Hall. I want to face him in a way that's satisfactory to both parties, rather than in an unsatisfactory format like the last time (the first round of the tournament).

After that, we'll take things one step at a time once that's over. Honestly, I think that if Gannosuke hadn't been defeated by that initial knee attack today, he might not have won. So, I definitely want to defend the belts and do it again.

FMW Double Titles Championship Match: Hayabusa d. Mr. Gannosuke (21:45)

Hayabusa & Giant Baba & Kentaro Shiga vs. Jinsei Shinzaki & Jun Izumida & Giant Kimala 5/1/98

Baba and Jinsei. Their much-anticipated first clash has finally come to fruition. This is something Jinsei has longed for. Having competed in last year's Strongest Tag, Jinsei revealed he had many questions. There were many things about All Japan, such as Misawa's indescribable generosity, that he couldn't fully express at this point. After the Strongest Tag, Jinsei announced his intention to continue competing in All Japan. He wanted to resolve these questions, but it was also at this time that he revealed his desire to face Baba.

"There were many things I didn't understand, but I believe that Baba, who embodies all the fundamental elements of (All Japan), created those parts. To understand those parts, you absolutely must look at the roots. It's not that I can find the answer just because I fought Baba, but conversely, I believe the answer would never be found unless I fought Baba."

Without knowing Baba, one cannot discuss All Japan, and Jinsei believed that the mysteries of All Japan would never be revealed unless he fought Baba, whom Jinsei views as Buddha.

The focus of this six-man tag team was clear: Will Jinsei find the answer? The crowd erupted as Jinsei's team made their entrance. Kimala and Izumida were conscious of Jinsei's character. All three were dressed in all white. Izumida even appeared with the words "Namu Daishi Henjo Kongo," which are inscribed on Jinsei's tights, painted on his face.

Izumida and Kimala truly know how to get the crowd going. Next, Baba's team appeared on the runway, and the Dome erupted in thunderous "Baba chants." Baba's popularity is simply incredible. It's incredible. The special pamphlet for the day stated that "in today's Japanese pro wrestling world, Baba's presence is a shared asset for all pro wrestling fans," and this is the reason for this.

The deafening Baba chants could be seen as an explosion of the joy each and every one of the nearly 60,000 spectators felt at being able to see Baba on the Dome stage. This was Baba's partner, Hayabusa's first time at the Dome, but as expected, this man looked great there.

The excitement in the crowd was at its peak even before the match began. That excitement continued even as the match began, and Hayabusa's solo match, his first since Michinoku Pro's October 10th show at Ryogoku two years ago, was a sight to behold. Kimala, Izumida, and Shiga also performed well. The crowd's excitement was sure to remain high.

The Baba vs. Jinsei match generated extraordinary excitement. This was due in part to the fans' deep understanding of the focus of the match, but also due in large part to the visceral excitement of the two men's offense and defense. The first contact between the two occurred just over five minutes into the match. Baba was unfazed by Jinsei's tackle. Jinsei then attempted a Hell Thrust, but Baba blocked it. He then hit a reverse chop. Perhaps that's what happened.

On his third attempt, Jinsei finally managed to pull off the rope jump over Baba, and the crowd erupted in excitement. Hayabusa pinned Izumida with a Firebird Splash, bringing the heated battle to a close. After the match, Hayabusa shook hands with Jinsei and said something, but it was a response to Jinsei's decision to end his FMW pilgrimage at the previous day's FMW Yokohama event.

Returning to the waiting room, Hayabusa said, "I'm overwhelmed with emotion to be able to team up with Baba, someone I've watched since I was a kid, and then said, 'We've been a tight-knit team in Jinsei, and we've done something that shows we can't be apart.'"

Honestly, I'd love to see more of these two tag teammates, but it seems they'll be going their separate ways from now on. Let's return to Jinsei. Did his fight with Baba really answer his doubts? Jinsei was silent. It was impossible to say. However, there is no doubt that the Buddha's teachings were fruitful for life.

Hayabusa & Giant Baba & Kentaro Shiga d. Jinsei Shinzaki & Jun Izumida & Giant Kimala when Hayabusa pinned Izumida (20:19)

— First of all, congratulations. As promised, you became a double champion on April 30th in Yokohama.

Hayabusa: Thank you. Honestly, I'm happy to be a double champion, but...it's not the time to be basking in the joy. I only kept one promise. I also made a new promise to increase the value of the belts.

— You want to continue to walk the walk.

Hayabusa: That's right. I want to continue to fulfill those two promises in front of the audience.

— Like Gannosuke, you also said you wanted to focus on the content of the match...were you satisfied with the content of the Yokohama match?

Hayabusa: I think the value of a belt is determined by the content more than whether you win or lose. That's why I was so determined to win the beltz in a match with substance. But, honestly, this might be an excuse...but due to physical issues on both sides, I can't say that it was good enough. We finally got to the starting line in Yokohama, but I'm by no means satisfied with that match.

— You just mentioned the word "start," and...it may be true. Becoming a double champion means that your work as an ace truly begins.

Hayabusa: For the first time, I put on the belts, a symbol of the top, and I realized that my work as an ace really begins now. As an ace, I feel a strong sense of responsibility to hold the organization's belt and to indicate the organization's direction.

-- The reality is that the FMW mat is currently colored with a lack of respect.

Hayabusa: The Briefs guys, and Fuyuki-san... I've just been beaten up without any advantage up until now. There were times when I had no choice but to just go along with what they did and said. But from now on, I want to bounce back!

-- The reason you didn't say anything was because you thought that if you spoke without achieving results, it would just sound like the howling of a loser.

Hayabusa: That's right. Gannosuke said it when he had the belts. "The one who holds the belts is the most important, and has the right to speak." I think that's also a matter of how you take it, but for me, saying it while holding the belts is different from saying it without it. That's all there is to it.

— You've been constantly told that...Fuyuki-san has been told a lot of things, hasn't he? "Should you be in the majors?" "You should take off your mask," etc.

Hayabusa: That's right.

— I asked for your opinion on the matter at the Sapporo show on March 13th, but you didn't say much because you weren't in a position to refute it, but as a double champion, I think you can speak out and refute Fuyuki-san's arguments.

Hayabusa: The thing about the majors is that you're not going there to completely assimilate, but to test your abilities. And it also creates an opportunity for a variety of people to see you. Getting to the majors is incredibly meaningful to me. I don't think Fuyuki-san has any right to say anything about that. As for the mask, I'm still not convinced, so I want to do what I need to do properly and then untie the strings with my own hands.

— So the decision to take off your mask is your own.

Hayabusa: If we don't do that, everything we've done up until now will be for nothing.

-- Ever since your triumphant return, you've been saying, "Hayabusa will eventually disappear."

Hayabusa: That's what I've been saying all this time. But I don't feel like I have to rush off now. There's no need to do it. I have to work hard to make it happen, and keep moving forward.

-- You've finally reached the starting line, so there are many things you have to do as Hayabusa.

Hayabusa: There are still many promises you made as Hayabusa, so you have to work hard to make them come true one by one, and keep moving forward.

-- What do you think about Fuyuki's declaration that he wants to pursue show wrestling in order to further enhance entertainment?

Hayabusa: It's not that I don't understand what Fuyuki is saying. Entertaining wrestling is something I agree with. Basically, the main premise is that the audience finds it entertaining. That's why I try to entertain them, too. But it's a bit of a different approach.

— I personally don't think that what Fuyuki is trying to do will have a negative impact on the world of professional wrestling. He takes action after giving deep thought to the entire world of professional wrestling and the indie scene. However, no matter how you look at it, Fuyuki's direction and Hayabusa's direction are not the same.

Hayabusa: The human-like fighting that Onita showed us...of course, we have that gene. But the new team has also worked hard to impress with their wrestling. They have also incorporated elements of entertainment. I think the combination of these is the color and direction of the new team.

— So you're saying, "I don't want the FMW mat to be colored by Team No Respect, where only entertainment stands out."

Hayabusa: Yes! And...

— And?

Hayabusa: I've been watching the Team No Respect guys for a while now, and I've noticed that they're showing a lot of that in their matches. Fuyuki used to say, "As long as you do the match part properly, you can do whatever you want after that," but from what I've seen recently, I don't think that's been the case.

— I still have a loss to Fuyuki.

Hayabusa: Before I take off my mask, I definitely need to get revenge on Fuyuki one more time, but...it doesn't have to be right now. There are things I need to do before then, and I don't mind doing it after that.

— By winning the belts, I've earned the right to fight Fuyuki again. After my last loss, Fuyuki said, "If Hayabusa wins the belts, I'll fight him again." you're definitely ready to fight him at any time.

Hayabusa: I can't say that rushing it is important to me right now. What's more important is to increase the value of the belt and clarify our direction.

— Changing the subject...you and your friend Jinsei Shinzaki have announced that you will be going your separate ways after All Japan's May 1st Tokyo Dome event, but will you two ever team up again?

Hayabusa: The handshake with Jinsei at the Dome signified a turning point. It's not like we've reached an impasse or that there's any tension between us, and things will remain the same from now on. But if working together becomes the main focus, situations will arise that hold them back. In that case, the meaning of working together as a duo changes.

— Originally, you were both single wrestlers.

Hayabusa: That's right. We were walking together because we were facing the same direction and heading to the same place on our own paths. So this isn't about dissolving our tag team.

— Depending on the situation, the two of you might team up again.

Hayabusa: There will probably come a time when we cross paths again. I don't know if that will be on opposite sides or in the same corner, but I think that time will come eventually. Fighting at the Dome for the first time in a while, I confirmed that no matter where we meet in the ring, we are good friends and good rivals. So I don't think it matters if we keep our distance or do whatever we want. And I want us to both be even bigger when we meet again.

— Jinsei-san also said in a later photo shoot that he's "made a break."

Hayabusa: After all, I still have a path to follow, and Jinsei has a path ahead of it. It just so happened that this time, it turned out to be a different path. So I don't think it's something to be overly concerned about, and we don't have any strange attachments to it. If we stay teamed up forever, there will be things we can't see. Hopefully, we can bring out the best in each other in a different way next time.

— You mentioned All Japan, but... When the Strongest Tag Team Tournament ended, you expressed your desire to continue competing, and of course, that won't change in the future, right?

Hayabusa: That stance won't change. However, now that I'm champion, I feel I need to fight with even more determination than ever, even in Japan.

— So you'll be fighting with even more determination?

Hayabusa: I really want to fight with even more determination than ever before. Once I reach All Japan, I'll have a different goal. After all, I'd like to face Akiyama and Kobashi in a one-on-one match, so I hope I can climb the ladder little by little so that I can get that opportunity.

— I'd love to see you fight Kobashi and Akiyama.

Hayabusa: Anyway, now that I'm on the starting line, and as I've said many times, my time remaining as Hayabusa is limited, so I want to do what I'm satisfied with.

— I believe that once Hayabusa disappears, it will never come back, and I hope that this will remain the case, so all the more you want to do everything you can as Hayabusa while you're still Hayabusa. I think that's your responsibility as someone who gives dreams to the fans.

Hayabusa: I'm honored just to have been able to team up with someone like Baba, who was active at the forefront of wrestling before I became a professional wrestler, and I felt his generosity and broad-mindedness, willing to accept anything, during the match. He really is a much better person than I expected. Anyway, this tag team was another great learning experience for me.

Hayabusa & Masato Tanaka vs. Jado & Gedo 5/5/98

Tanaka was greeted with thunderous cheers. He returned to his hometown of Wakayama as the World Brass Knuckles Tag Team Champion. The people of his hometown heartily congratulated Tanaka, who had grown into a strong man. This fired up Tanaka.

That day was his first title defense against Jado and Gedo. He wanted to live up to the cheers by defending his belt. However... the match was a huge struggle. The tag team, Jado and Gedo, used their signature combinations and interference to completely separate Hayabusa and Tanaka. The challengers were able to gain the upper hand in the match.

However, the champions never panicked, even when they were pushed into adversity. As aces, the two have been through many ordeals, and from that experience they know when to push and when to back off. Having struggled to find a breakthrough against the skill of Jaku and Soto, the champions decided that it was impossible to forcefully change the tide. They waited patiently for a chance to counterattack. They did not miss a moment when Jado and Geto's fierce attacks took a breather. Tanaka took the lead and pushed forward all at once, with Hayabusa following suit. The two had managed to turn the tide of the match in their favor. This emboldened the champions, and Tanaka took down Gedo with a powerful elbow!

With the man who should have finished off the match doing so, the arena erupted in chants of "Tanaka". Tanaka brought glory to his hometown. There was no doubt that this man was the star of the day! "Today, being in my hometown, there were some things that were easy and some things that were difficult, but it's a plus for me to return home as champion and defend my title. If I had lost the belt here, I wouldn't have been able to proudly face Hayabusa at Korakuen Hall, so I'm glad I won," said Tanaka.

Hayabusa, who will accept Tanaka's challenge for a double title match at Korakuen Hall on May 19th, commented, "I had no say in today's match. Tanaka was the only one who protected the belt. I really trust him as a partner, but when it comes to fighting... I felt a sense of fear again today." Hayabusa wants to make a promise to increase the value of the belts in Yokohama. After seeing Tanaka today, he was confident that Korakuen Hall would be able to put on a match that would increase the value of the belt, but he also remembered to be on high alert.

FMW Brass Knuckles Tag Team Championship Match: Hayabusa & Masato Tanaka d. Jado & Gedo when Tanaka pinned Gedo (18:31)

— I just want to say this first, thank you for your hard work during Golden Week.

Hayabusa: Really (laughs). But even though it was a very busy Golden Week, it was a fruitful and fulfilling one.

— This is the first time you've won two singles titles.

Hayabusa: I only had the Brass Knuckles, but this is really the first time I've held a double crown. The meaning of "two" is that it was my first time holding an independent belt, so even after I became a double crown, I've been looking at it even though I wasn't directly involved, and as an ace, I was always wondering, "Is this really enough?", so now that it's finally in my hands, it feels like a big deal, and I'm once again conscious of my role as an ace.

— First of all, what did you think when the tournament was set up and you first saw the pairings?

Hayabusa: It was a tough card no matter what you look at, but the feeling I got from watching it was that when I won Brass Knuckles, I gave it up once, and they held a league tournament, but they did it. And this time it just so happened to be a tournament, so in that respect there are some similarities... This is just my own interpretation, but I felt like there was something similar at the core.

— Because the tournament is held over a short period of time, Hayabusa, who is not a power-type player, is at a disadvantage.

Hayabusa: That's right. Looking back at the matches, there wasn't a single easy one, and I honestly think I could have lost at any point... but this was probably the first time I felt like I couldn't lose against an opponent. The tournament format in particular is something I rarely see, and if I lose even one match, it's over. There was a lot of pressure, and I think it was because of that that I was able to win.

— After the final, you said, "I'm doing it for Gladiator and Tanaka too."

Hayabusa: As we're working as the new FMW, I think we all share the same feelings about the belt. Everyone has their own feelings about the belt and that's why they're taking part in the tournament. I've done the same thing. And so, there's definitely a feeling that you have to do your best for the people who lost to you. And for the fans who support you. I don't think you could have taken on the next match without that feeling. When it came to Gannosuke, Masanosuke himself offered to be his second, and I think that really showed how much Gannosuke felt about the belts.

— There was also a fire attack just before the title match (April 26th in Kyoto).

Hayabusa: Even so, he did say, "There's no point in fighting someone who lacks spirit," but I took that to mean he was being fierce in his own way.

— In the title match, Gannosuke injured his knee early on (a partial tear in his left knee joint). Did you notice it right away?

Hayabusa: I had a feeling that I was fighting well. But before I even considered him an old classmate, I was under an obligation to win, and if I lost there I would have had nothing left, so even though I knew that, I went all the way. No, it was precisely because I knew that... if I hadn't, I don't think I would have won.

— Your finishing move was the Phoenix Splash, but was that something you wanted to finish with?

Hayabusa: I was really particular about it that day. It's not like I had sealed it away, but for me it's not a technique that I can not use that often. It's a very high risk, so it's a technique that I can only use when it really matters. I have to be really determined to use it. That day was an important match in many ways, so I really wanted to land that move that is synonymous with Hayabusa...to me it's that kind of move, so I really wanted to land it.

— After the match you said, "One more time." Do you really feel that way?

Hayabusa: If we can play that many games even with injuries along the way, I thought we should both be in the best condition for the next match, and I think everyone would agree with that, so I thought we should do it.

— Hayabusa, you weren't really in the spotlight until the tournament. The Brief Brothers were always more visible... What did you think of them?

Hayabusa: This is a difficult point, though. I'm not denying the briefs thing those guys do. I think it's part of professional wrestling. However, it was fine as long as they kept the match and that part completely separate, but recently that line has become increasingly blurred, so I feel like it's not quite right. If they'd just kept the match going properly, I was willing to just sit back and watch what those guys were up to, but I think if they'd continued like that, they wouldn't have been able to go back.

— The Brief Brothers can attract the audience with things other than the matches, but Hayabusa can't do that; he has to attract the audience solely through the matches.

Hayabusa: In my case, just being a masked wrestler is enough... I'm already flashy in appearance, so I'll only be recognized if I can deliver content that lives up to my appearance, so I'm not sure if I'm losing out or gaining in that respect... But as long as I'm happy with the mask and wearing it, I intend to give a proper response in the ring.

— They have the toughest part. When it's time to fly, they have to fly.

Hayabusa: But as a professional wrestler, I'm very grateful and happy that people have high expectations of me. Of course, I want to try to live up to those expectations, and if I can't, then I'll be finished. I don't want to volunteer and go through hardship, but if people have high expectations of me, then I'll try my best to live up to them.

— Is the time to take off your mask approaching?

Hayabusa: For me, it's getting closer and closer. I'm not sure when I'll actually take it off, but I do feel like I need to be in a state where I can take it off at any time.

— If you were to take it off, how would it be?

Hayabusa: I think that when you see the limits of what you can do as Hayabusa, it becomes inevitable that you will go back to being yourself. But I don't want to take off my clothes just because it's hard to continue as Hayabusa, as that would be disrespectful to Hayabusa. Just like the fans, as someone who has been given dreams by Hayabusa...I myself want to cherish Hayabusa. As a way of giving back to Hayabusa for giving me dreams, I want to take off my clothes in a way that everyone can accept. One thing I can say is that it would be my courtesy to quit Hayabusa while it's still cool, while it can still be Hayabusa. So I don't think Hayabusa will ever appear after I quit.

— Eiji Ezaki and Hayabusa are completely different personalities.

Hayabusa: That's how excited I get during a match. The person I am today isn't that Hayabusa-like.

— Will your fighting style change if you leave Hayabusa?

Hayabusa: Hmm, I wonder... For example, if we take flying techniques, they are one of the assets I have gained from my years in professional wrestling. I may continue to use them in the future. However, flying techniques that represent the image of Hayabusa are actually woven into the matches, and there is a flying element to being Hayabusa, so I think just removing that would make a big difference.

— I see. So, regarding ZEN's disbandment, I imagine you must have had mixed feelings about it ending up like that?

Hayabusa: That's right. In the end, I think it ended without any significant results. But I do wonder what the wrestlers in ZEN will do. Nakagawa and Kuroda were originally together, so even though there were a lot of things that went on, I think they'd be happy to talk to me about it if they were okay with it.

— Are you ready to accept them?

Hayabusa: Ultimately, we will respect their feelings. If they are not satisfied with that, I believe they will find another path on their own. We have nothing to say on our side. We are prepared to accept it emotionally. To me, the disbanding of ZEN was a natural progression, but when our president, Arai, bowed his head and said, "Please put Atsushi Onita out," he did so solely as the president of the FMW promotional company, and as a representative of the promoters and fans who were looking forward to it. I'm sorry, but it wasn't the true intention of the new FMW. I hope everyone will understand that.

— Also, after the All Japan Dome match, you said about your team-up with Jinsei, "Maybe it's time for us to take a fresh look at each other."

Hayabusa: Originally, we were both looking in different directions in life. But when we happened to meet, we found ourselves heading in the same direction. Up until then, we had the same path, All Japan. But it was only natural that we teamed up. Originally, we met through fighting in life.

— It's not like a normal tag team.

Hayabusa: That's right. Even though we're a tag team, we're not a tag team, and we're not even close. We were both heading in the same direction, so we moved forward together, but once we got that far, our perspectives changed, and we naturally drifted apart. Our direction changed a little. There may come a time when our paths naturally clash again. In that sense, it's a natural progression. So, there's no such thing as not teaming up again or disbanding. If there's a necessity, we'll team up again. I was saying that I should only team up with Jinsei when there's a necessity or a situation, and that it might be okay to keep a little distance from each other until then.

— Jinsei said, "Now that Hayabusa has won the belts, he can stand on his own," so it seems he wants to focus on Michinoku Pro for a while.

Hayabusa: If that's how he feels, then that's fine with me, he has helped me a lot in life. I understand his desire to cherish Michinoku.

— Also, up until now, there has been an indirect battle between the new FMW and Onita. Hayabusa won the belts in Yokohama, Onita lost to Fuyuki, and ZEN was forced to disband. I wouldn't say that this was a success, but I think it proves that the direction of the new FMW was not wrong.

Hayabusa: If we were to lose to someone like Atsushi Onita, then everything we've done would have been fundamentally wrong. That was never our intention, and we've been working really hard at what we thought was right. Well...I think that was possible only because of the greatness of Atsushi Onita, but from our perspective, there's a difference between the Onita from when FMW was launched and the Onita of now. We had a lot of respect for the Onita of that time, and he's helped us out in many ways, so we're grateful. But if we were to lose to him at this point in time, then that would just be a little off. There are opponents that you just can't lose to, opponents that you don't want to lose to.

— Has the level of awareness changed?

Hayabusa: In a sense, it doesn't bother me as much as it used to. It's not about the results in Yokohama or anything like that, but in the past, I felt that he was more assertive and honest, but now I can't see what he wants to do, and I can't really accept everything he says honestly. That's why I think the most important thing is to do what we do well.

— Previously, Atsushi Onita's name was at the top of the match card, but now Gannosuke vs. Hayabusa is at the top as if that's the natural thing to do.

Hayabusa: Being able to do that with that card certainly does give me the feeling that I've achieved a certain result. But that's not the goal. I feel like I've finally gotten to the point where I can do it normally.

— It's been three years since the new FMW started to get to this point. It's been a long time.

Hayabusa: Over those three years, not only me but everyone else has grown, and it's because of that growth that we've come this far, and I've worked hard so that I don't lose to them. As for the direction we should take from now on, I understand what Fuyuki-san means by entertainment value, and I also understand what Onita-san means by down-to-earth, human, and humanism. I understand those sentiments, but I don't think we should lean too heavily toward either. I believe that the toy-box-like world that Onita-san had right after launching FMW will be the foundation. It may be greedy, but I would like to take the good parts of Onita-san and Kodo Fuyuki and adapt them in our own way to create something even better. We have a lot of up-and-coming wrestlers, and I think the same is true for myself. Rather than rejecting the old timers, I would like to absorb only their good points and create something even newer.

— What will your relationship with All Japan be like in the future?

Hayabusa: Basically, I would like to move up if the opportunity arises, but as someone who holds the belts, I can't do anything half-heartedly, so I would like to do as much as I can while also considering how it works with my company.

— It all started when I said at Komazawa at the end of the year two years ago, "I want to work with Kobashi."

Hayabusa: At this stage, among the people who have actually competed in All Japan, other than Kobashi there are the four heavenly kings... if we add Akiyama now, it would be the top five, so I think that competing with people like that will show a different side of me than before. I also think that it's a good opportunity for me to take the next step.

Hayabusa vs. Masato Tanaka 5/19/98

It was a fight neither of them could afford to lose. "I became a double champion on April 30th in Yokohama, and finally I'm on the starting line as an ace," Hayabusa said, and he was certainly right.

Despite being called an ace, Hayabusa had never had the opportunity to become a double champion, a symbol of the top. Now, instead, he won the belt. And so, his first defense. This day marked the beginning of Hayabusa's true work as an ace, but he himself identified two tasks as his primary focus: increasing the value of the belts and clarifying the direction of the new FMW. These were not goals. As an ace, Hayabusa absolutely had to fulfill them, and they were his mission.

Therefore, he could not afford to lose his first defense. Tanaka was the challenger, and this was decided by Hayabusa's choice. This was the first time the two had faced each other since March 13th in Sapporo. That match could only be described as amazing. It was a fierce, FMW-esque battle, and it's still fresh in our memories. That's why Hayabusa wanted to fight Tanaka. A match against Tanaka would elevate the belts value and demonstrate a new direction for the team.

Hayabusa wanted to face an opponent who could perfectly embody what he was trying to achieve, especially since it was his first title defense. However, Tanaka absolutely could not afford to lose. At the signing ceremony five days earlier, Tanaka had this to say: "I am known as one of the two biggest aces, but I haven't achieved any results since losing my (double) belts earlier this year. People say their matches against Bigelow in Yokohama and Hayabusa in Sapporo were good, but the person wearing the belts is who put on a good fight. I don't think I should be satisfied with that alone. To aim higher, I need to put on a good fight and win."

As one of FMW's two biggest aces, Tanaka said he needed to deliver results in this title match, not just content. Now, onto the much-anticipated match.

The two men, who launched their attack as soon as the bell rang, immediately put on a spectacular display. They both knew each other's moves, reading and dodging each other's attacks, but their dodges were incredible. Both Hayabusa and Tanaka immediately shifted into top gear and showed no signs of slowing down. Once they grappled, they engaged in some fierce wrestling. Tanaka used his legs to block his aerial attacks, while Hayabusa used his arms to block his elbows. Neither man held back. They twisted with all their might and landed their hits. The arena erupted in cheers from the start. As time passed, the excitement only grew. The fans were captivated by the battle between the two.

After the 10-minute mark, the match became brutal. Hayabusa followed up with a Fisherman Buster, Tiger Driver, and Fire Bart, but Tanaka refused to allow the three count. Not only that, but he continued to fight back with determination. Tanaka repeatedly performed Thunder Fires and even showed off a Running Death Valley. The highlight was a particularly impressive Yuki-style Reverse Brain Buster. Hayabusa's body turned in the opposite direction, sending him slamming face-first into the mat.

But Hayabusa refused to let the pinfall. It certainly didn't hurt, but he counterattacked with a throwaway Hiryu Atomic Bomb. These two heroes simply refused to back down. They traded blows with no defense. There was no way they could have lasted this long. Perhaps unsurprisingly, after 20 minutes, both Hayabusa and Tanaka were staggering. Their feet were unsteady, but still, the two continued their attack. Hayabusa showed off a palm strike, a technique he'd never seen before.

Tanaka caught Hayabusa mid-air as he tried to counter a brainbuster, and hit him with an Ace Crusher! It was an incredible counter move. Of course, this was also a first. Both moves were impactful and destructive. Yet both men managed to get back up. What incredible men. What an incredible match. It was a bout where either could have won, but it was Hayabusa who won. The deciding factor was his sudden Tiger Driver.

"I wasn't aiming for that, but I was building it up to be a move that would do some damage towards the finish, so I went for it on the spur of the moment." Tanaka's head slammed into the mat, completely immobilizing him. This effectively ended the match. Hayabusa followed up with a Vertical Falcon Arrow without a moment's hesitation, successfully defending his title for the first time. It was a fantastic match. It was even more heated than Sapporo. It was enough to raise the value of the belts.

Hayabusa and Tanaka once again demonstrated the rebirth of FMW. Today, I was reminded once again how difficult it is to defend two belts. I'm really glad Tanaka started. Either of them could have won, but Tanaka was constantly being pushed around, so it will take some time for him to become a champion. But until then, I want to hold on to the belt and further increase the value of the belts."

Hayabusa accomplished what he had to do in his first title defense, but he was not satisfied. It was only the first step. It takes repeated defenses like this one to become an ace. Tanaka, on the other hand, simply commented, "This is the end result. That's all." He bit his lip. He must have been angry at himself for not being able to produce results as the ace. The content was impeccable, but it was a tough championship match for Tanaka...

FMW Double Titles Championship Match: Hayabusa d. Masato Tanaka (26:00)

Hayabusa & Masato Tanaka vs. Kodo Fuyuki & Yukihiro Kanemura 5/27/98

Tanaka lost again... Tanaka had won all three title matches in this series, declaring he would sweep all the belts. There was a reason for his insistence on winning: a sense of responsibility. As the ace, he felt he needed to deliver results, not just performance.

However, following his opening double crown match, Tanaka also suffered a pinfall loss in the Tag Team Championship match. The content of the match was impressive, but once again, he failed to deliver. Tanaka was the standout performer in this match. Kanemura, who declared, "I'll take over for Gan-chan," repeatedly delivered hard hits to Hayabusa and Tanaka, overwhelming the champions.

After the five-minute mark, he caught Tanaka, whose movements had slowed, and together with Fuyuki, they beat him for over ten minutes. Despite Tanaka's staggering state, this man refused to back down. He kept pushing forward. His indomitable fighting spirit and charging power turned the tide. Tanaka, covered in blood, counterattacked furiously. Hayabusa followed suit. The champions' team pushed Team No Respect into a corner.

The arena was filled with cheers of "Tanaka," and the fans were touched by Tanaka's hard work. However, the victory went to Fuyuki and Kanemura. This duo possessed a "cunning" that the champions' team lacked. They skillfully separated the two at the crucial moment, and defeated the isolated Tanaka. The fans gave Tanaka a round of applause, but Tanaka could only hang his head in despair at the fact that he had played a good match but was unable to achieve any results.

Now, let's move on to the winning team. Kanemura said to Hayabusa, "I'll challenge for Gan-chan's (double title) belts. I'll get revenge on you for what you did to Gan-chan. I'll crush you and send you to the hospital." With Hayabusa prepared to accept this, it's now highly likely that a double titles match between the two will take place in the next series.

Furthermore, Kanemura, returning to the waiting room, announced the name of his team with Fuyuki, as promised, "If we win, I'll announce the name of our talent team." The name was amazing. "Footloose" (Kanemura). He was reviving the idol team that Fuyuki teamed with Kawada about 10 years ago, bringing a breath of fresh air to the All Japan Pro-Wrestling ring.

According to Fuyuki, they would be adopting the same aggressive idol look of their old days, complete with leopard-print long tights and bandanas. Speaking of which, after winning the B1 Climax at Korakuen Hall on May 7th, Fuyuki said, "I'll be announcing a new character soon that won't be vulgar like Brief Brother, but will attract a lot of female fans." That new character was Footloose. He declared show wrestling. Fuyuki intends to venture beyond comedy to the idol route. Also, in the waiting room, Go Ito made a notable statement: "Tell Arai, 'You decided on the Osaka 6-Man Tag Championship without permission, but Fuyuki, Kanemura, and the selected members are the champions. Then a certain person will appear.

That person is the true X.'" Jado, in turn, issued an order to his associate members: "Kanemura will crush Hayabusa, so Kuroda, you go crush Tanaka. Hosaka, you crush Oya." (As a result, it was decided that the designated match at Korakuen Hall on June 19th would be Kuroda vs. Tanaka, Hosaka vs. Oya.) Then, all of Team No Respect were bashing Leather, who had always lost to Gladiator... The Team No Respect waiting room was in chaos.

Hayabusa & Masato Tanaka & Hisakatsu Oya vs. Kodo Fuyuki & Koji Nakagawa & Yukihiro Kanemura 6/1/98

This title match will focus on three wrestlers. First, Nakagawa, the man who betrayed Onita and sold his soul to Team No Respect, entered the ring wearing a Team No Respect T-shirt. He held the belt in his hand. According to the records, the six-man tag team champions should have been Fuyuki, Kanemura, and Hido... Before the match, the Team No Respect declared, "In Osaka, Fuyuki, Kanemura, and a select group of members will be taking the title."

Team No Respect's argument was this: Since it was a belt under their control, it didn't matter who was champion. It was a completely unreasonable argument, but FMW, still dominated by Fuyuki and his men, refused to accept it. Thus, fighting as champion, Nakagawa displayed a fighting style that completely overturned his previous image. He attacked with a completely rough tactic, including knocking down opponents with a mallet.

When the crowd, critical of his betrayal of Onita, yelled abuse at him, Nakagawa raised his middle finger and grinned. The hall was filled with boos. Undeterred, Nakagawa pinned Tanaka with a kick to the groin. In the waiting room after the match, he kicked Kuroda and Hosaka, who still had feelings for Onita, while yelling, "Stop messing around!" Now that Nakagawa was a member of Team No Respect, his skillful, gentle demeanor was gone. His path forward was one of heelhood. Now, let's talk about Tanaka, who lost next.

Tanaka, who believed that being called one of the two top aces required not only content but also results, vowed to win all three title matches...but the results were disastrous. He lost all three. Even when Kanemura insulted him, saying, "You were given three chances by the company, and you lost all three, so how can you be considered one of the two top aces alongside Hayabusa?"

Tanaka could only listen in silence. As previously mentioned, in the waiting room, he repeatedly made weak-willed statements, such as "I don't know what to do," "Right now, I don't have the confidence to be called one of the two top aces," and "I want to reevaluate myself." With Tanaka completely lacking confidence, there are concerns about his future... And finally, there's Fuyuki. After the match, he reiterated his intention to take over FMW, saying, "I'll take Hayabusa and Tanaka. The rest (of the FMW guys) will be fired," and "I'll make President Arai my secretary."

"Hayabusa and Tanaka are ready to fight right away, but the rest of them are no good. You can just have a rivalry with Hayabusa and Tanaka without teaming up. We have the parent organization, FMW, and I'll be in charge of everything," said Go Ito Ito.

Currently, Fuyuki and the others are in a position to compete in FMW, but this situation will soon change 180 degrees. So, Hayabusa and the others will be competing in the FMW they've taken over. Fuyuki, who aims to unify the indie world by creating a third force next to the majors, intends to take complete control of FMW and use it as the base for this third force. Fuyuki has been talking about this plan for some time, and now that it's no longer a dream, he commented, "If I've come this far, I'll go all the way."

The momentum is in Fuyuki's favor. The indie world seems to be starting to move forward. Finally, Team No Respect Movement, which saw the Fuyuki Army expand its membership, announced a restructuring. They said they would cut unnecessary members. The one who came under fire was Leather, who suffered three consecutive losses to Gladiator. "When the numbers increase this much, there will also be unnecessary people. Those are Leather and... and Hido" (Jado).

In response, a "Loser Leaves Team No Respect Match" between Leather and Hido was scheduled for June 19th at Korakuen Hall. Furthermore, Fuyuki commented, "I'm going to invite freelance Onita to the Fuyuki Army event in Nagoya on July 4th. It's either a one-on-one match with Nakagawa, or if you really want to fight me, you'll have to bow down to Hayabusa and team up."

Fuyuki, who effectively banished Onita from the FMW mat in Kanazawa on May 31st, is probably planning to invite Onita to Nagoya to add to his shame.

FMW 6 Man Street Fight Tag Team Championship Match: Kodo Fuyuki & Koji Nakagawa & Yukihiro Kanemura d. Hayabusa & Masato Tanaka & Hisakatsu Oya when Nakagawa pinned Tanaka (17:53)

Hayabusa & Hisakatsu Oya & Daisuke Ikeda & Ricky Fuji vs. Kodo Fuyuki & Koji Nakagawa & Yukihiro Kanemura & Gedo 6/19/98

I apologize for starting off like this, but the title page headline "Reverse Hanaichimonme" doesn't really have any meaning. It's a scene in which the new FMW + (Plus) 1 stomps on Kanemura with four men, then hits the TNR's corner with a Ricky Walk. It just so happened to be a convenient image of them all moving forward together, so I gave it a lot of attention. So, let's force a justification. As everyone knows, Hanaichimonme is a major strategy launched by Team No Respect to lure in the remnants of ZEN. Speaking of which, Onita resisted the TNR's plans by calling it a reverse Hanaichimonme, but that has nothing to do with this report, so please forgive me. TNR has successfully expanded its ranks. But getting to the main topic... it's not all smooth sailing. Perhaps it was a backlash from the Hanaichimonme incident, or perhaps the consequences of their self-indulgence, but on this day, the new FMW launched a powerful counterattack. They couldn't let themselves get carried away.

President Arai, who took to the ring after the first match, delivered some bad news for the Team No Respect: They were being stripped of their 6-man titles. At Osaka on June 1st, the Fuyuki Army had arbitrarily switched members from Hido to Nakagawa, taking advantage of their champion privileges and successfully defending their title against the new FMW...or so they thought. They even unilaterally announced the challengers for their next title defense at the Hachioji event on the 28th. However, as expected, the social system doesn't always bend to our will. After a serious discussion, the Osaka match was declared invalid, and it was announced that a title match between Fuyuki, Nakagawa, Kanemura vs. Hayabusa, Oya, and Ricky would take place in Hachioji. Is a slight headwind blowing in the white era?

On the other hand, the new FMW side also saw the addition of a powerful "plus 1." The X, a hidden presence until he appeared with the familiar theme song for FMW fans, was Daisuke Ikeda of the Battlearts. This was Ikeda's first appearance on the FMW mat in about two years. Ikeda's appearance this time was due to his relationship with Hayabusa, which he made through his training in the royal road. "While I was wrestling in All Japan, we were both Kyushu men from Kumamoto, so we just got along...we often went out drinking and joked around, but somehow we ended up wrestling together," Ikeda said. They also hit it off in the ring. The highlight of their chemistry was the sandwich knee kick he delivered to Kanemura! Oh, and it wasn't just Ikeda who was the focus of attention. The interaction between Hayabusa and Kanemura was particularly intense. With the double crown match (June 26th in Sendai) in sight, it felt like the two were just waiting to get going. What was interesting was the reaction to Nakagawa. Nakagawa was booed loudly. This was Nakagawa's first match at the hallowed ground of Korakuen Hall since joining Team No Respect and it's proof of the impact of this man's transformation.

From Nakagawa's perspective, it was a triumph. This match also called into question the very existence of Oya and Ricky. Fuyuki, who is even plotting a takeover of the FMW corporate organization, was not shy about declaring, "I'll take Hayabusa and Tanaka. Everyone else is fired." Fuyuki's remarks were met with a satisfying riposte. Oya and Ricky's teamwork was on full display in the final stages, with Ricky finishing off Gedo with a spinning vertical drop brainbuster.

The energized ring following the match sent Tanaka, who was leaving for ECW that day, off in high spirits. Ikeda, who had blended in with the group, volunteered to stay behind and watch the match, saying, "I'll liven things up!" Ikeda immediately announced that he and Hayabusa would challenge for the tag team championship at Fuyuki Army July 4th in Nagoya. "There's not only cause for concern, but we'll stop the momentum of those guys (the Disrespectful Army)... We'll do our best to protect FMW and make it a better battlefield when Tanaka returns." These were Hayabusa's words of encouragement to Tanaka, representing everyone's feelings. They were words of promise.

Hayabusa & Hisakatsu Oya & Daisuke Ikeda & Ricky Fuji d. Kodo Fuyuki & Koji Nakagawa & Yukihiro Kanemura & Gedo when Ricky pinned Gedo (20:21)

Hayabusa vs. Yukihiro Kanemura 6/26/98

There was a murderous aura surrounding Kanemura that day. The reason for this was the April 30th Yokohama event. That day, Gannosuke's left knee was destroyed by Hayabusa, forcing him into a long-term absence.

The members of Team No Respect were all angry at Hayabusa, but it was Kanemura, Gannosuke's partner, who showed the most anger. "I'll take him on for Gan-chan. Let me challenge for the belts." "I'll crush Hayabusa and make him suffer the same fate as Gan-chan."

Since Yokohama, Kanemura has been taunting Hayabusa with these slogans at every opportunity. Hayabusa accepted this, and this double crown match became a reality. Kanemura entered the ring and performed his familiar dance to the entrance theme. The crowd erupted, but the comedy mode ended there.

"Hayabusa, I'm going to kill you. I'm putting my life on the line for this match," declared Kanemura, and when it came to the match, he showed off his ultra-serious fighting style. Kanemura immediately took the fight outside the ring, knocking Hayabusa down with a chair. Hayabusa responded with relentless left knee attacks, reminiscent of his fight against Gannosuke in Yokohama. This could be interpreted as a declaration of intent to crush Kanemura, just like Gannosuke, but the challenger easily regained his balance with a weak point attack, leaving the champion no chance to exploit.

After that, he went for the offensive. He brought out a barbed wire bat and swung it with all his might. A dull thud echoed through the arena. Hayabusa was in agony. However, Kanemura paid no attention and continued to hit Hayabusa with the barbed wire bat, hitting and hitting and hitting again. Kanemura's words of murder were true to his word as he killed him. This man's strength is not just his rough attacks. He also has powerful and convincing moves, such as his signature diving senton. Hayabusa was on the defensive and the match developed completely at the challenger's pace. Hayabusa was forced to struggle, but after the 12-minute mark he launched a furious counterattack. The driving force behind this was a promise he made to the fans.

"Increase the value of the belts" Hayabusa wants to increase the value of the belts by continuing to make championship matches meaningful. The double crown championship can be said to be the symbol of the new FMW. This is why Hayabusa is so committed to his promise. Increasing the value of the belts himself will lead to a clearer color for the new FMW. He also felt, "Tanaka is full of energy in ECW... and I can't stop here when I think about how he's working hard with the same feelings as us."

For the sake of his fans, Tanaka, and himself, Hayabusa couldn't afford to lose the belt. He mustered all his strength and fought back fiercely. However, Kanemura wasn't easily pushed back. He fought back. It was a back-and-forth battle that was worth watching. It lasted 20 minutes and 13 seconds. It was Hayabusa who emerged victorious. The champion overcame Kanemura's murderous intent. Having failed to get revenge for Gannosuke, Kanemura left the ring with a look of regret on his face and offered no comment. He must have been extremely frustrated.

 Having defended the belts to the death, Hayabusa commented, "To be honest, I'm still not sure if I'm keeping my promise to increase the value of the belts. But I'll do my best with what I can do now, and move forward, even if it's just a little at a time, and keep my promise to everyone. Kanemura was a tougher opponent than I expected." He said he wasn't sure if he was fighting in a way that would increase the value of the belt, but judging from his first defense against Tanaka and this fight against Kanemura, it's clear that he is keeping his promise.

FMW Double Titles Championship Match: Hayabusa d. Yukihiro Kanemura (20:13)

Hayabusa & Daisuke Ikeda vs. Kodo Fuyuki & Yukihiro Kanemura 7/4/98

As seen in the recent match between Hisashi Shinma and other wrestlers, it's becoming less of an anomaly for front office figures to wrestle professional wrestlers. Do fans today approve of this, or are they secretly bitter about it? A year ago, when Takei did it at WAR, it caused quite a stir. Since then, overseas, Eric Bischoff and Vince McMahon's interactions with wrestlers have become a staple. Perhaps this is just the way things are...

In FMW, which promotes entertainment wrestling, it might no longer be surprising for Arai to wrestle Fuyuki. Contrary to this view, however, Arai himself firmly refused to fight. Even when he was unilaterally demanded, "If we can't put Onita against Nakagawa, you'll be the one..." he resolutely refused to give in, and even arrived late to avoid any confusion. If Onita hadn't shown up before Nakagawa's match, who knows what would have happened? Still, he made sure to be on time for the main event, fulfilling his duties as president.

With Pogo and Sasaki by his side as bodyguards, he knew he'd be scolded if they ever saw him, but he stood before Fuyuki out of a sense of responsibility. He must have been prepared for it. And yet, Fuyuki and Kanemura...of all people...said they'd forgotten their belts, even though it was a title match. Needless to say, the arena erupted in booing, but that wasn't all, as you'd expect from a sponsored event.

Moreover, this day marked the debut of the new Footloose. Their entrance theme, of course, was "Footloose" by Kenny Loggins. Not only did Fuyuki's yellow tights grow longer, but his youthful, flowing hair drew chants of "Go Go Samson!" from the fanatical fans. Early on, he took a solid hit to the face from Ikeda's middle kick, causing him to sustain serious damage, but he didn't lose his fighting spirit and instead maintained his pace, demonstrating his true character as the boss. This man isn't just sitting back and sulking, manipulating the younger guys. He calls it entertainment and a show, but he's putting his body on the line and showing off the power of a true professional wrestler. That's probably why the bad guys are following him. Ever since Ikeda's kick landed, a mysterious sense of tension never faded.

Meanwhile, the new Footloose maintained control. They even started to use combination moves, but Fuyuki was the one most interested in them. He showed off his old spinning kick, a move he often used back then, which he would jump up and down, as if to prove that he wasn't reviving Footloose for fun or anything. The challengers also had a chance late in the match, but they were separated just as they executed a combination move and thought, "Now it's time!" And it was Hayabusa who caught them. A double singles champion losing by bin fall...

Considering their February duel, Fuyuki's odds were against him. "Hayabusa is the champion, but when it comes to Fuyuki, he's the challenger. I will have him challenge everyone in TNR to win! (Fuyuki)

It's true, Fuyuki's presence is becoming a wall for Hayabusa now. He has no words to respond when Fuyuki tells him, "I'm the true champion!" The man who was called the King of Unreasonableness is now trying to become a king who holds a higher position than the double crown. And not satisfied with just being in the ring, he sits in the president's seat and takes over as FM president. He intends to control W itself as he pleases. So, once again, Fuyuki begins bullying him. Finally, President Arai is forced to choose between giving up his position as president or a one-on-one fight. Such shameless talk is unheard of, but having long ago broken the taboo of fighting women, he's determined to do it, regardless of whether his opponent is an amateur or not. "They continue to behave in a way that is completely outside of common sense, such as not bringing their belts today. Therefore, in order to quickly implement the new system and put a stop to them, I would like to hold a press conference next Monday. At that time, I will explain my views on the one-on-one fight."

President Arai, who is a germaphobe, must have been seething with anger, but he held back and maintained his stance of only answering in a formal setting. But there's no need to ask. No matter what, the answer is N. At this point, the question of who will give in has already begun: Fuyuki vs. President Arai?!?!!

FMW Brass Knuckles Tag Team Championship Match: Kodo Fuyuki & Yukihiro Kanemura d. Hayabusa & Daisuke Ikeda when Fuyuki pinned Hayabusa (20:45)

Hayabusa & Hisakatsu Oya & Daisuke Ikeda & Ricky Fuji vs. Kodo Fuyuki & Koji Nakagawa & Jado & Gedo 7/10/98

With FMW announcing a new system, the establishment of a unified organization under "Entertainment Pro Wrestling FM W," much attention was focused on the reaction of No Respect, led by Fuyuki. Surprisingly, Fuyuki's response was "no problem."

At the July 9 Fujiyoshi event, the opening match of the July series, Fuyuki stated, "It's good that FMW took action. FFF fell through, but we need to do it again. The contract is fine." He expressed his willingness to accept a contract under the new system.

However, of course, Fuyuki has no intention of submitting to this new system. His ideal is for Team No Respect to be in a position to co-control the new system itself.

"If Arai (President) makes FMW a single organization, I can just take it on myself, and until that day comes, I'll back off where I need to and survive. Rushing ahead will cause all sorts of problems, so I'll just cheat and take it in the end," he said, hinting at his signature negotiating skills.

Then, at the Korakuen Hall event on the following day, the 10th, Fuyuki delivered a powerful blow that seemed to get the upper hand against FMW. After the third match, President Arai, who was in the ring, asked Fuyuki to sign a contract memorandum on the new system, to which Fuyuki responded with a smile, and then extended his hand to Arai for a handshake.

For Arai, who had likely anticipated some resistance from Fuyuki based on his bitter experiences up to that point, Fuyuki's obedience must have been an unbelievable sight. It was no wonder that President Arai hesitated to shake hands.

However, Fuyuki still smiled and waited for the handshake, and it was here that President Arai's good nature as the "conscience of FMW" came out. As soon as Fuyuki shook President Arai's hand, he hit him with a lariat from short range. It was an amazingly quick move by Fuyuki that even Pogo and Sasaki, who were in the ring acting as bodyguards, were unable to block.

"Hey Arai, listen carefully! Do you think you can tie me down with just a piece of paper like this? If I say it's a one-on-one fight, then it's a one-on-one fight, you bastard! You just shut up and follow me. Don't underestimate a wrestler!" Fuyuki's smile had returned to its usual unreasonable one.

Quite literally, Fuyuki delivered a powerful blow to President Arai and the new system itself. And in the elimination match of the main event, Hayabusa stood in his way.

After 17 minutes, Hayabusa defeated Jado with a Firebird Splash to tie the score at 2-2, and then Team No Respect began their Hayabusa crush. Fuyuki ripped off Hayabusa's mask, and Nakagawa transformed into the "son of the Sheik" and plunged the murder weapon, a fork, into Hayabusa's forehead.

This was the signal for all the Team No Respect members to rush in and unleash a barrage of fire on Ikeda. By the time Hayabusa returned to the ring bleeding profusely, Ikeda had already been eliminated by Fuyuki's lariat. In addition to the damage caused by the bloodshed, Hayabusa was handicapped by being one of a kind, but he still continued to hang on to Fuyuki and Nakagawa.

Once, Hayabusa managed to snatch the murder weapon from Nakagawa. However, as if mocking Hayabusa's anger as he charged forward, brandishing his weapon, Nakagawa countered by spraying water on him and pinning him with a quick neck lock. Following his opening match the previous day, Hayabusa suffered the humiliation of a second consecutive loss.

Fuyuki further attacked Hayabusa, saying, "Hayabusa, listen carefully! From today, I'm the new president of FMW. I'm going to take over all of the indie companies. If you want to complain about me, you'll have to win against me at least once before you say it!"

Hayabusa left the ring without a word. Returning to the waiting room, his eyes were completely filled with rage, beyond the red zone. "Damn it!" he slammed a chair into the air, and yelled at the DirecTV reporter, "You have no idea what's going to happen to (FMW)!" Since the launch of the new FMW, Hayabusa has passionately spoken of his FMW dream, no matter how difficult it has been, just as he has with his heartfelt "wrestling" in the ring. What does this frenzy mean? "If they want to do it that way, we have our own way," Hayabusa's self-control seems to have completely snapped at Team No Respect's violent preemptive strike prior to the introduction of the new system.

On this day, it was officially announced that Hayabusa vs. Nakagawa would be competing in the DIRECTV studio match on August 22nd, but it's entirely possible that Hayabusa will retaliate before then, saying, "An eye for an eye." The introduction of the new FMW system, even before the August series, seems to have already posed a greater threat than expected to the leaders of the new FMW Hayabusa and Team No Respect Fuyuki factions. It has acted as a stimulant.

(Hayabusa after the match)

What will happen to FMW? It's all going to happen, no matter what! It's like this every time, so do those guys have no intention of even wrestling properly? Doing all those things that go against the rules and still having fun? If they want to do it that way, if that's how they want to do it, then we have our own way too! Please tell them that.

Kodo Fuyuki & Koji Nakagawa & Jado & Gedo d. Hayabusa & Hisakatsu Oya & Daisuke Ikeda & Ricky Fuji in a Single Elimination Match when Nakagawa last eliminated Hayabusa (24:59)

Hayabusa & Daisuke Ikeda & Ricky Fuji & Super Leather vs. Kodo Fuyuki & Koji Nakagawa & Yukihiro Kanemura & Tetsuhiro Kuroda 7/18/98

The July 18th Obama event in this series was all the rage, with the second X to appear following Daisuke Ikeda. But the X who appeared in the main event was none other than the unmasked Super Leather.

Ricky, who had entered the ring earlier, called out, "Ladies and gentlemen, here come X!" Leather appeared on stage with a fearless smile. The crowd, unable to comprehend what was happening, fled for a moment, but Team No Respect was even more surprised.

Even the executives who had thoroughly mocked Leather, even laying him off and calling him a "useless foreigner," apparently never expected this unexpected transformation. After being fired from his key position as head of Team No Respect USA, Leather threw off his mask and transformed into a fighter at the July 10th Korakuen Hall show.

Unleashing the true strength that had seemed suppressed by his splatter movie persona, he joined forces with the new FMW, determined to exact revenge on Team No Respect. Upon entering the ring, Leather shook hands firmly with Hayabusa and, as a new FMW recruit, took on Fuyuki and the others head-on.

Not only did he overwhelm Fuyuki with his power, but he also showed off his fighting style, even scaring Gladiator in an outside fight. As a massive fighter unlike anything the new FMW had seen before, he was a truly reliable presence. Midway through the match, Nakagawa once again brought out his fork and stabbed Ricky in the forehead. Bleeding heavily, Ricky struggled, but it was Leather who saved him from this difficult situation.

He knocked the Team No Respect members down one after another, separating them, and then hit the isolated Kuroda with a powerbomb and a slashbuster (spinning brainbuster) in succession, completing his first match as a recruit with a stunning bin fall victory.

The tormented monster from Team No Respect days is nowhere to be found. Celebrating his victory with Hayabusa and the others in the waiting room, Leather even smiled with a relieved expression. The combination of Leather and the new FMW brought a bright mood back to the waiting room.

Hayabusa, who finally lost his temper at Team No Respect's repeated dirty fights at Korakuen Hall on July 10th, regained his composure, saying, "We're seeing more and more of us who share our feelings. We'll move forward toward a brighter future than ever before." While his anger toward Fuyuki and the others remains, this series is likely to be a chaotic one with the introduction of the new system starting in August, but the combination of Leather and the new FMW is sure to have a major impact on future developments. The new team's revenge against Team No Respect has begun!

Hayabusa & Daisuke Ikeda & Ricky Fuji & Super Leather d. Kodo Fuyuki & Koji Nakagawa & Yukihiro Kanemura & Tetsuhiro Kuroda when Leather pinned Kuroda (18:24)

One month into his ECW career, Masato Tanaka has demonstrated his hardcore presence. He repeatedly smashes his opponents with chairs until they're a mess. Starting with his last match against Mahoney at the ECW Arena in Philadelphia, where Onita visited, his back-to-back bouts with Smothers, and now his latest bout with Mike Awesome (Gladiator), everyone has been pounding Tanaka with chairs, as if under the orders of their boss, Paul E.

Bang! Bang! Slam! The sight of Tanaka gritting his teeth, enduring chair attacks, and wide-eyedly finding his opponent has now struck a chord with hardcore fans across the United States, a man who was completely unknown until recently. While racism certainly exists in American society, Tanaka's fighting spirit, enduring repeated blows, is so intense it dispels any prejudice against Asians in white society.

Against Awesome, who is significantly larger than him, Tanaka refused to back down. As usual, Awesome set up a table outside the ring. Tanaka attempted a powerbomb from inside the ring, but Tanaka slid off Awesome's back and performed a powerbomb to the outside instead...effectively ending the match.

Awesome entered the ring wobbly, but Tanaka delivered a rolling elbow, then set up two chairs and delivered a swinging DDT! Awesome no longer had the strength to stand up. Tanaka has been winning consecutive matches since joining ECW, and this victory, backed by substance, has further elevated his reputation. Hayabusa's main reason for coming all the way to America this time was to personally explain the new FMW mat system.

Regarding this, Tanaka commented, "I'd be lying if I said I'm not worried about Japan...so I can't think about what I'm going to do right now. My mind is full of things here, and I'll give my answer when I get back...that's all I can say for now." Tanaka has worked hard to get to this point, following his own unique approach of "living life to the fullest in the moment." Hayabusa seemed satisfied with this answer.

Hayabusa & Jinsei Shinzaki vs. Sabu & Rob Van Dam 8/2/98

Since last year, ECW has steadily grown in influence, becoming a major force with pay-per-view events held once every three months. Nestled between the WWF and WCW, the immense support of its fanatic fanbase has created a unique, hardcore atmosphere completely different from the major promotions.

Without the massive financial resources of the two majors, ECW's pay-per-view events represent a crucial opportunity for the organization, where a "miss" is not an option.

The sudden decision to have Hayabusa and Jinsei challenge for the World Tag Team Championship at such a significant event was a move only renowned producer and ECW president, Paul E. Heyman, could make.

Hayabusa and Jinsei dissolved their tag team after the All Japan Pro Wrestling Tokyo Dome event on May 1st, marking a "commencement of their relationship." However, this tag team formation was the result of separate offers from ECW.

Of course, they weren't on bad terms, so they had no objections to teaming up if the timing was right. Both sides agreed, and the match was realized. Now, the match begins.

Jinsei enters through the ECW gates, with Jinsei in front and Hayabusa in the back. The ECW venue, filled with die-hard fans, responded enthusiastically to the arrival of these two. Some fans in the crowd even ripped off Hayabusa's mask.

Jinsei suddenly stepped up in the mix, taking Van Dam's arm and bowing...no, he didn't chant prayers, but the crowd erupted. Jinsei, who had been active in the major WWF, was a force to be reckoned with, creating a showpiece right from the start.

Of course, Hayabusa was no match for him. He was taken down by a tackle from Sabu, whom he hadn't faced in a while, but the next moment, he used his body's spring to his feet and delivered a dropkick like an arrow.

Then, as Sabu fell to the outside of the ring, he feinted with a backflip, pretending to aim for a toppling. The rhythm of his performance drew thunderous cheers. In addition to these, Jinsei performed a swan dive missile kick, a rinne, a prayer powerbomb, Hayabusa's tope atomico, a moonsault, a quebrada, a German, a firebird splash, and the two's signature double face crusher, all of which showed off their signature moves.

But the champions were as cunning as ever. They used a camel clutch and a dropkick to the face, Sabu performed a triple step plancha with a chair, Van Dam caught Jinsei in a Romero Special, and Sabu dove from the corner with a chair... These highly skilled moves made for a back-and-forth match.

The deciding factor was the champions' skill with chairs, typical of ECW. First, Sabu knocked Hayabusa unconscious with a chair guillotine to the back of the head, then threw a chair at Jinsei, and the moment Jinsei caught it, he aimed a sow shot at the chair! The chair hit Jinsei directly in the face. Sabu and Van Dam then placed the two dying wrestlers on a table and simultaneously delivered guillotine chokes from opposite corners. Sabu put an end to Hayabusa, Van Dam, and Jinsei.

Then, something strange happened. Van Dam tried to pin Jinsei, but Sabu pushed him aside and covered him, ending the match and creating discord among the champions. Meanwhile, Hayabusa and Jinsei, defeated, clasped their hands together in prayer, and Hayabusa performed a moonsault, firmly capturing the hearts of ECW fans.

"FMW is going through a new system soon, so it was good to have a chance to refresh my mind before that. I was able to fight freely. I was able to team up with Jinsei in an unexpected place, which was a plus for my new start," Hayabusa said with a refreshing smile that left a lasting impression.

ECW Tag Team Championship Match: Sabu & Rob Van Dam d. Hayabusa & Jinsei Shinzaki when Sabu pinned Shinzaki (23:23)

Hayabusa vs. Hisakatsu Oya 8/9/98

Prior to the official launch of the new organization at the Kawasaki event on August 21st, former FMW regulars "Team Phoenix" held a pre-launch match at the Itami event on August 9th. Hayabusa's opponent was his ally Oya. This was a one-on-one match that was realized at the request of both men. The confrontation between the two brings to mind a match held at the Korakuen Hall event on June 27th, three years ago, shortly after the new FMW was launched.

There, Hayabusa and Oya laid the foundation for the new FMW. A heated wrestling match - this became the direction of the new FMW. Even though they were now "Team Phoenix", their fighting stance was still the same as that of the new FMW. It has been said that nothing has changed since FMW, and the Hayabusa Pre-launch event is a chance to reaffirm that. That is why Hayabusa vs. Oya is called.

Indeed, the match turned out to be a heated wrestling match. The two locked up. From there, they fought for the back, and when they got the chance, they tried to land arm or leg strikes. It was a battle worth watching. The audience was captivated. But that's not all. Hayabusa and Oya also impressed in the standing match. After the 20 minute mark, the two launched a fierce rush, not holding back as they unleashed a succession of special moves. Oya landed a back drop and a manji hold, and Hayabusa landed a quebrada and a firebirds. He responded with a splash. The match flew by, and the final lariats rang to end the match. 30 minutes was too short to settle the score. The match ended in a draw due to time limit.

However, the content of this match was more important than the result. Hayabusa, who returned to the waiting room, was filled with satisfaction and fulfillment. "Today, I wanted to have a match that would mark Phoenix's first step, and in my heart, I was able to perform the match I had hoped for. Fighting singles with Oya for the first time in a while, I was able to once again realize that the direction we've been taking was not wrong." Oya shared Hayabusa's sentiments. What the two demonstrated that day was that "Team Phoenix" remains true to its original direction and remains true to the new FMW. "In the next series, I want to defend my titles against someone from Team No Respect. The only way to make a comeback is to achieve results." Finally, as a double champion, Hayabusa vowed to regain the initiative that had been taken by TNR.

Hayabusa vs. Hisakatsu Oya went to a Time Limit Draw (30:00)

Hayabusa & Super Delfin & The Great Sasuke vs. Tiger Mask IV & Masato Yakushiji & Naohiro Hoshikawa 8/13/98

Sasuke's August 8 Osaka Dome appearance at NJPW was met with criticism from those around him: "His opponent is IWGP Junior Champion Liger. Considering his physical condition, it's too reckless." After being constantly under attack, he managed to pull off a comeback with a quick Hurricanrana and win, and it seemed like he'd be met with rave reviews.

However, Liger, the loser, came out with some harsh words. "I can't believe he can't move that much." "I feel much more fulfilled wrestling with Otani and the others." When I interacted with Michinoku Pro, it was like comparing two acorns, but now NJPW is way too advanced. He should have missed the event in such poor condition, and it's bothersome and disrespectful to appear in another promotion while injured."

Furthermore, Liger, who will be facing Hoshikawa at Michinoku Pro in a best-of-seven match at the August 22nd Tsuruoka event, even commented, "I'll crush him and then I'll be done with Michinoku Pro." Despite this, a rematch between Liger and Sasuke was scheduled for the September 10th New Japan Pro Wrestling Omiya event, with the winner scheduled to defend his title against Kaz Hayashi on September 23rd at Yokohama Arena. This caused Sasuke's anger to erupt. Having defeated Liger, the pinnacle of the junior division, this opening match of the series was meant to be a "triumphant fight." He had even intended to give Tohoku fans a "summer vacation present" by forming a dream team with Delfin and Hayabusa, but Liger's criticism meant he had no time for it. "If I beat Liger in Omiya, I won't go to Yokohama Arena. I'll defend at Michinoku Pro."

The September 23rd event, the final of the September series in Sakata, was scheduled first, and if he still had the IWGP Junior belt, he would accept Hayashi's challenge there. Hayashi, formerly of Michinoku Pro Wrestling, is Shiryu, an opponent with whom Sasuke has a connection. As mentioned elsewhere, Sasuke's anger toward Liger remains unabated, boasting, "I want to make Michinoku Pro the center and core of the junior division." While Sasuke's left shoulder injury remains a concern, and Hoshikawa and others targeted him in the match, he even demonstrated a quebrada toward the end of the match. While Hayabusa engaged in a fierce battle with Hoshikawa, whom he'll face at the August 16th Aomori tournament, Delfin defeated Yakushiji with a Delfin Clutch followed by an Osaka Rinkai Uppercut. After starting the series with a win, Sasuke will face Delfin at the August 23rd Sendai tournament before facing Liger. He also has a Battlarts tournament coming up, and Sasuke's anger will be fueled by his drive to become a major player in the junior division in the second half of the year.

Hayabusa & Super Delfin & The Great Sasuke d. Tiger Mask IV & Masato Yakushiji & Naohiro Hoshikawa when Delfin pinned Yaskushiji (20:09)

Hayabusa & The Great Sasuke vs. Super Delfin & Yone Genjin 8/14/98

At the August 13 opening match at Tadami University, Delfin formed the Dream Team with Sasuke and Hayabusa, but refused to shake hands with Sasuke after the match. Even after returning from Hana, they quickly disappeared from the same waiting room and refused to give interviews together. Delfin also resorted to rough attacks, taking advantage of Sasuke's blind spot to gouge his eyes and even grabbing his mask. Delfin had originally been critical of Sasuke's serious left shoulder injury, saying, "I doubt he'll be able to compete at the Osaka Dome on August 8th."

The injury occurred at the July 18 Yahaba event. Delfin's Hatake Otoshi (a topera suicida) was the cause of Sasuke's topera suicida. Delfin commented, "Sasuke is forcing himself to use his original moves first, and it's getting big. It's going to be tough until he fully recovers." This attitude has been consistent throughout. In the second match of the series, he and Sasuke faced off in a tag match. This marks the beginning of a one-on-one showdown at the final Sendai show on August 23th.

In Sasuke's direct involvement... Delfin followed up with a kick to the face and an armbar aimed at the left shoulder. After a cross-line with Yone, he even made moves to target vital points. Referee Sasuke then performed a tope combo on Yone, and Delfin, conscious of his aerial attack, hit Sasuke with a plancha. Hayabusa ultimately defeated Yone with a Firebird Splash, but Sasuke testified, "Delfin was fired up today." Delfin, on the other hand, harshly criticized Sasuke, saying, "I'm not satisfied with Sasuke's movements! He's still no good."

Before Sasuke's August 8th Osaka Dome appearance, he explained, "If 10 is my usual physical condition, it's 5. It's like a consumption tax." However, Delfin declared, "Sasuke's physical condition is 14 out of 10." If this is accurate, Sasuke's current physical condition is still less than one-fifth of his usual. "I'm doing this with anger towards Sasuke. I'm using a different Delfin than usual. I'm determined to tell him not to show up," Sasuke has announced that he will use a new special move in his fight against Liger, but Delfin responds, "And now I'm injured in my comeback match, are you an idiot?" and loses like a fool. Will there be a reversal like in the Liger fight?

Hayabusa & The Great Sasuke d. Super Delfin & Yone Genjin when Hayabusa pinned Genjin (19:20)

Hayabusa vs. The Magic Man 8/14/98

Magic Man's opponent that day was "X." After finishing his magic trick, the man who entered the ring was none other than Hayabusa, a far superior opponent! Even the fake world champion was still nervous. Even when the gong rang, he didn't know how to fight... He finally made what looked like a tackle, but ended up going down himself. Then, as Hayabusa approached, he let out a "Whaaaaaa!" The scream made Magic Man lose his composure, and he was pinned down. The winning move was a "loud intimidation."

Hayabusa d. The Magic Man (0:56)

Hayabusa vs. Naohiro Hoshikawa 8/16/98

This was the first time Hoshikawa and Hayabusa faced each other in this series' opening tag match. So, after the duel, Hayabusa admitted, "I only had an impression of him from his days as a new apprentice, so maybe I underestimated him a little..."

He was amazed at Hoshikawa's growth. Hoshikawa held his own against Hayabusa with confidence. As the match progressed, Hayabusa was forced to reassess his perception of Hoshikawa. After evading relentless leg attacks with a barrage of headbutts, Hoshikawa launched a ferocious onslaught after the 10-minute mark. He unleashed a series of meteor kicks and comet kicks, heating up the arena with consecutive 2.5 counts.

However, Hayabusa refused to allow a "third" hit until the very end. Instead, he continued to corner Hoshikawa with a barrage of powerful moves. Hayabusa's attacks were all brilliant and impactful. Hoshikawa managed to counter the Firebird Splash just before the three count, but was hit with a steeply angled Falcon Arrow and finally ran out of steam.

"Since he's a heavyweight, every move he makes really hits him. I had it in my head to outdo Hayabusa, but even though he's bigger, his flying moves are so much prettier and more accurate than mine. I also need to be more accurate with my one-hit kill moves when I'm cornered. I need to stop him... (My Ryusei and Suisei Kicks) aren't 100% perfect yet," Hoshikawa said.

The precision and beauty of his moves is one of Hayabusa's greatest charms. Of course, as can be seen from the finish this day, Hayabusa also has the destructive power to take down his opponent with one hit, and despite creating countless opportunities, Hoshikawa was unable to win, and this difference may have been the reason...

In his fight with Hayabusa, Hoshikawa was able to clearly identify his future challenges. "I've decided that in these seven matches, I'll maintain my determination to get back on my feet no matter what. I'll always fight head-on...and my goal is to beat myself," (Hoshikawa). All of this is in the interest of becoming a shining star in Michinoku.

Hayabusa d. Naohiro Hoshikawa (18:59)

Hayabusa & Hisakatsu Oya vs. Tetsuhiro Kuroda & Hideki Hosaka 8/21/98

This series marked the start of the new FMW organization, with nine of the ten shows being hosted by Team Zero, led by Onita.

Having made a complete comeback and made a bold move to join the new organization, Onita delivered a powerful first blow to Phoenix and Team No Respect. Even Hayabusa, who barely managed to secure the rights to the final show at Korakuen Hall on September 8, 1998, was unable to accept the situation.

"To be honest, I'm disappointed. However, since this is the decision of the new organization, we will simply do our best within the given conditions. We will demonstrate Phoenix's fighting spirit to the fans and the organization in every match of this series," Hayabusa declared, stepping into the ring for the opening match with a determination to act.

Awaiting Phoenix in the brand new ring, complete with refurbished ropes and mat, were Team Kuroda and Hosaka. For these two, the start of the new organization represented a fresh start, freed from the shackles of Team No Respect. Kuroda and Hosaka looked as good as they could have. While political maneuvering unfolds behind the scenes in the battle for leadership of the new organization, Phoenix vs. Team Zero in the ring engaged in a clash of "straight" wrestling, adding nothing and taking nothing back.

The evolution of wrestling cultivated during the reborn FMW era has not stagnated with the rise of the entertainment route. Rather, this pure wrestling is also one of the elements that forms the core of "entertainment." It can be said that it serves as a guidepost, or even a signpost, for the new organization.

Hayabusa and Oya delivered a hearty display of pro wrestling, determined to avenge their loss of leadership in the new organization, while Kuroda and Hosaka fought back with powerful, free-spirited pro wrestling reminiscent of the launch of ZEN. The sincere fight between these four men gave the audience a glimpse into the true essence of the new FMW organization. Entertainment in pro wrestling does not simply refer to sex. It is a spectator sport that can only be embodied by professional wrestlers who are fighting as entertainers. And so, Hayabusa and Oya are perfectly positioned to enter Sapporo on September 1st, aiming for the FMW-certified double crown unified championship. Phoenix's message, which he inherited from the new FMW, will surely be summed up in this one match. Phoenix, soar into the Sapporo sky!

Hayabusa & Hisakatsu Oya d. Tetsuhiro Kuroda & Hideki Hosaka when Oya made Hosaka tap (18:44)

Darkside Hayabusa vs. Koji Nakagawa 8/22/98

The studio was enveloped in a cheerful mood, but that mood was quickly dashed by the entrance of Nakagawa, the main event. Nakagawa slowly entered the ring with "A Night on Bald Mountain," the legendary entrance theme of his mentor, The Sheik, playing in the background. Wearing a black hoodie, he exuded the formidable aura of a heel. However, this was the end of Nakagawa's "turn." The studio then went dark, thunder roared, and even torrential rain began to fall.

As Darkside Hayabusa appeared from the entrance gate, dressed in a way that was truly otherworldly. His mask, an even more deformed version of Hayabusa, had both ears, or rather two horns, sticking out, and a large mouth that stretched all the way to his ears. And underneath the mask, Eiji Ezaki's eyes were bright red, like the devil Lucifer, perhaps wearing colored contacts.

Literally standing there was neither Eiji Ezaki nor Hayabusa. He was no Hayabusa, but a strange being who had wandered from the dark side. He bit the fork from Nakagawa like an animal and drove it into his forehead in a frenzy.

After 14 minutes, he laid Nakagawa on a table outside the ring and delivered a tope atomico and a senton from inside the ring, showing glimpses of Hayabusa, but otherwise he was committed to insane foul play. Having almost one-sidedly tortured Nakagawa, he aimed for the finish and ran to the corner, when another character appeared. A figure dressed in white, resembling Shinzaki Jinsei, was standing in front of the entrance gate.

Captivated by this unexpected turn of events, Nakagawa charged at "him," and for a moment the studio lights went out, and the figure in white powerbombed him. Nakagawa took advantage of the confusion and came back to pin him, bringing the match to a close. Will he reappear? Who exactly is this figure in white? The spine-chilling 21 minute 10 second horror story returned to the dark side unfinished, leaving many mysteries unsolved...

Koji Nakagawa d. Darkside Hayabusa (21:10)

Hayabusa & Hisakatsu Oya & Daisuke Ikeda vs. Jado & Gedo & Takeshi Ono 8/24/98

Kanemura and Go Ito suddenly showed up at the Battlarts August 2nd in Tako Town and scouted Ono. Ono has been wreaking havoc on the indie mats with Orihara's Tonpachi Machine Guns, but when Go Ito heard about his success, he immediately reported it to Boss Fuyuki, and that's how this day came about. To counter Phoenix's early move of bringing in Ikeda as a helper, Go Ito quickly replenished Ono, who knows Ikeda's tricks inside and out, which is typical of him.

Furthermore, Ono, who made his first appearance at the August 24th event in Fukui, joined as a member of Team No Respect. The focus was undoubtedly on his involvement with Ikeda, his former partner in Team Tako. Takeshi Ono, who had won by TKO against Ikeda in the official Young Genes match on August 2nd in Tako Town, was so relaxed that he started fighting roughly. Both executives from Jado and Gedo skillfully supported Ono, and the match progressed at a pace that showed no respect. However, after 12 minutes, starting with a powerful right high kick from Hayabusa, Oya charged hard at Takeshi with a knee drop, a back drop and a manji hold. Ono escaped once, but Hayabusa's Firebird Splash put him in a big pinch. At this point, Go Ito tried to change the situation by using his signature powder attack from the apron, but the white powder accidentally hit Takeshi in the face and it was all over. Ikeda seized the opportunity and landed a lariat, pinning Takeshi and avenging his loss in the official Young Generation match.

While his debut as a member of No Respect ended in a loss, Takeshi's sharp fighting style and mobility still left Go Ito satisfied. His flexible adaptability, such as his early combination play with Jado and Gedo, is impressive. For Ono, No Respect, like Tonpachi Machine Guns, may be his calling. Not only is Ikeda a member of the new FMW organization, but Mohammed Yone will also be joining the team on September 1st in Sapporo. Ono will likely be expected to play a key role in the fight against Battlarts. Team No Respect has a thorough business plan for this. They accurately anticipated the developments of the new organization before requesting Takeshi Ono's "secondment." Takeshi Ono's actions this time are sure to cause upheaval not only in the new Mat organization, but also in the power balance within Battlarts.

Hayabusa & Hisakatsu Oya & Daisuke Ikeda d. Jado & Gedo & Takeshi Ono when Ikeda pinned Ono (19:07)

Hayabusa vs. Tetsuhiro Kuroda 8/26/98

"I worked up a good sweat," Hayabusa said after the match, wiping away the sweat that was pouring out of him with a comfortable expression. The new system started with this series, but after a few matches, it can be said that they're not on the same page.

Fuyuki criticized the new system during a studio match, saying, "It feels like we're being controlled by Onita alone. This isn't good. To begin with, what Onita is aiming for and our entertainment pro wrestling are two different things. We can't go back in time." Fuyuki is someone who hates death matches. While the comedy aspect tends to be highlighted, the motto of the matches is "Captivating Pro Wrestling, Built on Wrestling." And yet... in this series, Fuyuki has been in death matches with Onita as the main event every day.

There's no denying that he hasn't been able to fully showcase his talents. It's well known that Onita holds the reins of the new organization. But Fuyuki probably doesn't want the new organization to let Onita run wild. Even Hayabusa wouldn't be happy about any matches other than the final one being treated as semi-finals. The current FMW mat gives the impression of chaos, with individual ideas not meshing.

Despite this, Hayabusa has commented, "We'll move forward with our own strength and definitely take back the main event. Phoenix has to be the leader of the new organization." Hayabusa intends to break the situation by continuing to do the pro wrestling he believes in. Believe in Pro Wrestling. That's something that resonates with Fuyuki and the others' motto.

However, unlike TNR, he doesn't see cheating as a way to impress. Hayabusa wanted to have a satisfying wrestling match. And sure enough, his match against Kuroda turned out exactly how he envisioned it. It was a truly great match. A head-on battle without any tactics. The two displayed a fierce clash reminiscent of the Hayabusa-Tanaka match. Kuroda, unlike Onita's unorthodox approach, is someone who shares the same vision as Hayabusa and the others. This made for a highly entertaining wrestling match, but what can be said after this match is that Kuroda has gained enough strength to challenge for the unified double titles. "Hayabusa is certainly strong, but he's no longer an opponent he can't beat. Just like Tanaka, I'll be chasing Hayabusa. I'll win next time. And then I want Tanaka, who's in America, to be completely captivated by me." Kuroda has truly grown into a strong man. Even Hayabusa acknowledges this. "It was a tough match. He's getting stronger every time we play. But he put aside the chaos and worked up a good sweat. He's heading in the same direction as us." After the match against Kuroda, Hayabusa felt refreshed.

Hayabusa d. Tetsuhiro Kuroda (18:05)

"Weekly Radio Pro Wrestling," broadcast every Tuesday on Sapporo HBC Radio, will celebrate its fifth anniversary this fall. It's an astonishingly long run for a program focused solely on the pro wrestling genre, boasting audiences not only throughout Hokkaido but also across Honshu, making it a deeply ingrained presence among pro wrestling fans.

The Hayabusa Talk Live was held as a fan gathering for the Radio Pro series. It wasn't just any event, however; it was titled "The Real Hayabusa Talk Show." The venue, Japan Business School, where Radio Pro personality Hotaru Arai teaches aspiring media professionals, had a match the day before in Chitose, where FMW had been held.

Hayabusa had arrived in Sapporo the night before, but by 3:00 PM, the scheduled start time, he hadn't arrived. Ricky, a guest who arrived earlier, was slumped over his desk in the waiting room, saying, "I was drinking until 1:00." Incidentally, 1:00 doesn't mean midnight, but 1:00 PM. In other words, he'd been out and about in Susukino until two hours before the event. Hayabusa was much the same. While he was late, he listened to the "Nanja!" CD and took questions in advance to keep the conversation going, but the approximately 80 fans were very tolerant.

Finally, at around 4 o'clock, Hayabusa appeared with ring announcer Hiraiwa. He started off by honestly apologizing, saying, "I was late because I had been drinking," which was met with a burst of laughter. This is what they call virtue. The talk continued while a video summarizing the events from the Sapporo show in March was played.

Hayabusa was smiling throughout the conversation, but when asked what he thought about Atsushi Onita, he suddenly became serious and said the following: "Rather than being about Atsushi Onita or anything like that, as a fellow wrestler, I'm not happy with the way things are done now. There may be some things I don't understand, like why my right arm is scarred (from his retirement match) or the fact that there are several people participating as a team, but that's my honest feeling. Fans will probably think that nothing has changed in FMW after three years. And that we're the ones who can't stop it. But I think that kind of thing will definitely continue to happen. So there's no need to crush him, and there's no need to confront him head-on."

Hayabusa had never before been so forthright about Onita, and everyone listened, half-stunned. However, now that he's moved beyond their master-disciple relationship in FMW and is in a position to lead the Phoenix team as its ace, he must continue to assert himself like this. At this point, Hayabusa himself must have made up his mind about Onita. His unmasked conversation revealed his true feelings. Three days later, Onita announced his departure from FMW. Will the two truly never meet again? As the title suggests, Hayabusa took off his mask midway through the show and began to speak. His conversations with the guests were surely enjoyable for fans.

Eiji Ezaki, unmasked, also confessed how much longer he plans to continue as Hayabusa. "Even if I don't want to, I'll have to go unmasked. I'm already 29, and even though I'm approaching 30, I'm still seen as a flying guy. When I can no longer live up to that image, it's time to take off my mask. Once I return to being Eiji Ezaki, I don't want to stop occasionally putting on the mask and becoming Hayabusa, so I plan to disappear completely... I think two more years will be a great achievement."

In the second half, everyone watched a video of President Arai's struggles on August 11th. The event concluded with the much-anticipated photoshoot. This event was truly on a high level, with exclusive talks and even a special guest. It was a live talk show that gave the impression that Hayabusa will be asserting themselves more than ever before.

Hayabusa vs. Hisakatsu Oya 9/1/98

"Something's wrong with Hayabusa!?" How many people must have thought this after watching this match?!?! From the beginning, Hayabusa unleashed sliding kicks and quebradas, but his movements lacked his usual sharpness and seemed somewhat sluggish. Despite being in a double titles match, a testament to his prowess, he was made to suffer the humiliation of being placed in the semi-finals, and to make matters worse, his opponent was Oya, a humble but talented fellow student (affiliated with Phoenix).

With a flashy death match scheduled for the main event, the pressure on Hayabusa was considerable. "We had to showcase Phoenix through our fight, and at the same time, we had to get the fans to recognize us so we could become a main event in the future."

Perhaps this pressure weighed on Hayabusa's entire body, slowing him down?!?! Hayabusa flatly denied this speculation after the match, saying, "It's not that I was feeling unwell or that I was overwhelmed by the pressure," but at the same time, he admitted to some of his sluggish movements. However, to summarize Hayabusa's argument, he was drawn into Oya's skillful management of the match, and lost sight of his own natural pace. If this bout had been a non-title fight, Hayabusa likely would have lost. Oya's performance on this day was truly impressive. When he followed up a back drop with a Manji hold, a rule-breaking Falcon Arrow with another back drop, and a back drop with a third back drop, it seemed like he'd be on the verge of a three-count.

Even so, Hayabusa managed to fight back at the last moment and defend his prized double crown titles. In this series, Phoenix, Hayabusa's team, has been relegated to a supporting role. For Hayabusa, who has always been considered an ace since the reborn FMW, this must be the biggest humiliation of all. So how can he make a comeback? The answer is to defend his double crown titles, a testament to his top position.

As an ace, Hayabusa could not afford to lose, even to fellow wrestler Oya. With that determination alone, he demonstrated incredible tenacity, finally securing victory with a steeply angled Tiger Driver and Falcon Arrow. Even though Hayabusa won, the impact of the match was clearly lost to the main event. There is no doubt that this will become a burden in his future title defenses. That is how important each and every title defense is to the champion.

In this particular match, it was clear that champion Hayabusa had regressed from previous matches. This is why we will be keeping an eye on his future comeback. The immortal will once again soar into the skies! All we can do now is believe in it...

FMW Double Titles Championship Match: Hayabusa d. Hisakatsu Oya (15:54)

Hayabusa & Daisuke Ikeda vs. Kodo Fuyuki & Yukihiro Kanemura 9/8/98

The 1998 Korakuen Hall event was Phoenix's first event. Hayabusa delivered the following speech at the entrance ceremony: "I would be truly happy if we could pursue our dreams with all of you here with the same enthusiasm as we did four years ago when we began our new venture." Phoenix's goal was to become a new FMW without the shadow of Atsushi Onita.

Three years ago, Onita's venom was gone, and FMW was restructured with Hayabusa at its core... but the dedication of Hayabusa and his teammates at that time was truly moving. They sprinted every day, moving away from death matches and emphasizing wrestling. Even when their bodies were worn down, they continued to fight with the sole desire to "improve and liven up the new FMW." Their innocence and heartfelt enthusiasm must have been deeply felt by the fans. Even in struggling regions, attendance grew, and Korakuen Hall began to fill up. Pro wrestling, where dreams are created together with the fans. That was the new FMW. However, the situation changed dramatically with Onita's return. What Hayabusa and his team had built up faded under Onita's influence.

While Onita acted with FMW's best interests in mind, this certainly caused the new group's fans to stay away from the venues for a while. However, Onita then announced his departure from FMW. A new generation, a return to their roots. For Hayabusa and his team, this first Phoenix event was a chance to start anew. That's why Hayabusa decided to make the match a non-title match.

During his closing remarks, Hayabusa commented, "I asked the company to make it a non-title match. The reason is that when we started as a new group, we held league matches and did various other things to increase the value of the belt. With the same feeling as back then, I want everyone to see once again whether we have the right to challenge for the title." Hayabusa and Ikeda challenged Fuyuki and Kanemura for the tag title at Fuyuki Army July 4th in Nagoya, but lost narrowly. Hayabusa feared that simply challenging for the belt again without achieving results could diminish its value. He felt that there was no need to challenge for the championship now, in order to return to the "days" when he was trying to increase the belt's value. Hayabusa felt that if he were to challenge, he wanted to achieve results and be recognized by those around him as having the right to do so. After Hayabusa's speech, the venue erupted in warm applause. It was a great mood.

 After the match, Hayabusa said, "I felt the fans had this kind of atmosphere in the venue," and the fans were likely happy to be able to dream together with Hayabusa and the others again. However, the match itself was a bit lackluster. Fuyuki commented that he had fought too much with Onita and was "still not in sync" with Hayabusa and the others. That's all there is to it. Although Hayabusa and Ikeda's victory earned them the right to fight, the match left a somewhat lackluster impression. However, Hayabusa need not be discouraged. The full-scale battle between Hayabusa and Fuyuki began on this day. Just as Phoenix is ​​trying to create dreams with his fans just like the new Phoenix, the battle between the two of them should be built from now on. The value of the belt should also increase from now on. Doing so will lead to the success of the organization.

"Hayabusa, listen carefully. You're my opponent. Entertainment pro wrestling starts today" (Fuyuki)

"You're right. We can't turn back the times. We'll definitely get your belts back and return the focus to us, Phoenix. We, Phoenix, will create the new era" (Hayabusa)

Phoenix starts. The reset of the FMW Unified Organization is complete.

Hayabusa & Daisuke Ikeda d. Kodo Fuyuki & Yukihiro Kanemura when Hayabusa pinned Kanemura (13:57)

Hayabusa vs. Jado 9/20/98

At FMW's September 8th Korakuen Hall event, Fuyuki declared, "Entertainment Pro Wrestling starts today." His words were no lie. On September 20th, the Fuyuki Army held an event in Ariake. The audience thoroughly enjoyed the entertainment world! The main match format was a "first of its kind": Super Survival Tag. The rules were simple and clear. TNR and the Phoenix & Battlarts Allied Forces would compete in six singles matches, with only the winners allowed to participate. A draw resulted in disqualification for both wrestlers. Until the six matches were over, it was unclear what match the winners would be up against. It had a game-like quality. To entertain the audience, Fuyuki created a show where all five matches were not to be missed. As expected of Fuyuki. He's an entertainer, after all. And sure enough, his plan worked. The audience understood the rules and enjoyed each match. The results of the six matches are listed on the following pages.

Hayabusa had defeated Oya at the Sapporo event on September 1st, successfully achieving his third title defense. Before that, when Oya's challenge was decided, Jado made an unsettling remark. "The reason he can challenge despite being weak is because he bought the organization," Jado claimed. He then added, "Is that even possible?" and added, "Let the winner challenge me." This is what will become of the Fuyuki Army Pro event. It turned out that way. It's something to say. But Jado was certainly qualified to win, based on his ability. By the way, even in the championship, it's a single 15-minute match. That's the key point. Before the match, Jado appeared where the reporters were gathered and declared, "I'm going to run out of time and aim for a draw." If that happens, Hayabusa will have to defend his title. However, Jado is firmly looking ahead. If it ends in a draw, a rematch is all but guaranteed. He wants to get a feel for it here and then move on to the next match.

Anyway, the match begins. Hayabusa is getting impatient as Jado immediately tries to drag out the time. Finally just as they made contact, Jado received a high kick and fell to the outside of the ring, making it difficult for him to return. Hayabusa may be losing his composure. This meant that Jado was in full swing. He used a leg lock to squeeze and squeeze Hayabusa's left leg, and squeezed some more. However, this attack was not just a waste of time. Later, Jado followed up with a Texas Four-Leaf Claw. Hayabusa was on the verge of giving up. The careful legwork he had done earlier was a setup for this move. Furthermore, when Jado unleashed his Western Lariat, everyone thought it was a win. But Hayabusa did not lose. He ended with a Tiger Driver. He made a series of vertical Falcon Arrows to come from behind and win. With just 16 seconds left, it was a close call. "Maybe I got a little greedy. But I think we could win. If I were to compare today to driving a car, I was the driver. Whether I went right or left, I was the one who controlled the pace and drove. At the end I slammed on the brakes, and he was wearing his seatbelt in the passenger seat, but I wasn't, so it was like we crashed into the glass." (Jado)

Indeed, Jado showed the skill to make such a comment... that's his honest impression looking back on the match. Readers, don't forget to wear your seatbelt.

FMW Double Titles Championship Match: Hayabusa d. Jado (14:44)

Hayabusa & Ricky Fuji vs. Kodo Fuyuki & Koji Nakagawa & Gedo 9/20/98

The main event was a 3-on-2 tag team match between Fuyuki, Nakagawa, Gedo, Hayabusa, and Ricky, and this match was also entertaining. As soon as Hayabusa defeated Jado in the main event, the TNR forces entered the ring. They beat up the exhausted Hayabusa, knocking him out. Hayabusa was carried to the waiting room. Ricky fought alone, but was powerless. He was gasping for breath, but... just then, Hayabusa made a comeback! He went on a rampage, kicking the TNR members to the curb. However, it was too much to ask for more from Hayabusa, who hadn't yet recovered from the damage. He was defeated by Fuyuki's lariat, but... the audience was thrilled by the intense battle! As expected of Fuyuki and Hayabusa, who will be the future of the Unified Organization. They put on a captivating match. And after the main event, TNR's "comedy" exploded. After the Brief Brothers were disbanded, TNR introduced a new character wearing a kilt, and Kanemura announced the name: "Brief Brother may have disbanded, but their spirit is not dead. They're called Morning Musume." I won't go into detail about what it was a rip-off of. The audience erupted in excitement. And so Brief Brothers comedic spirit was passed on to Morning Musume. A wake-up call rang out in the venue. But it wasn't a hotel wake-up call. The Ariake show was well worth seeing, with plans, matches, and comedy. It was a show that was the pinnacle of entertainment. After the match, Hayabusa told Fuyuki, "I'll settle this one-on-one," calling for a showdown with the belts at stake. To this, Fuyuki commented, "It's my turn. Nakagawa will be next. If Nakagawa loses, I'll go. At that time, I'll aim for the belts on November 20th in Yokohama." The non-title match between Hayabusa and Nakagawa at FMW's Korakuen Hall on October 6th has been changed to a double titles match.

Kodo Fuyuki & Koji Nakagawa & Gedo d. Hayabusa & Ricky Fuji when Fuyuki pinned Hayabusa (10:04)

At the September 25th Toyohashi event, Onita suddenly requested a tag team with Hayabusa, saying, "It may be my own wish, but I want to team up with Hayabusa before I leave FMW. It's okay for the new guy and I to have a little fight." After a week of no comment, Hayabusa finally made his intentions clear at the September 30th Nara event. Hayabusa's response was "NO," meaning he rejected the first and last tag team with his former mentor, Onita.

We spoke to Hayabusa at the October 4th Takasago event to find out what the true intentions were behind that seemingly heartless "NO." "Until now, as the leader of Phoenix, I couldn't just make decisions based on my own feelings, and I wanted to confirm Onita's feelings as well. That's why I wanted time," Hayabusa said, looking relieved.

"At least at this point, I don't see any necessity or significance in teaming up with Onita. Onita's feelings were clearly conveyed in that handshake (September 24th in Shizuoka).

I respect Onita as a father and am grateful to him. That's why Onita bowed his head to us. I have no intention of using him as a pawn. But as sons, we must not be swayed by emotion." It is precisely because Hayabusa adores Onita as a father that, as a son, he did not approve of indulging in parental feelings. Even if this response was perceived as a "rejection," it was with a heavy heart that he turned down Onita's request. Hayabusa's reaction drew mixed reactions from fans and the media.

Of course, Hayabusa himself was fully aware of this when he made his decision. "I'm sure fans have all sorts of opinions. Some might say that since they're father and son, they should team up at the end. But this response is also proof that we've grown from children into adults in the four years since Onita retired." Amid a mixture of sentimentality as a son sending his father off and pride as the ace of the new FMW and Phoenix, Hayabusa intends to send Onita off as a strong, grown-up son with his own will. That is Hayabusa's responsibility as a son, and his duty as someone entrusted with FMW.

As Hayabusa spoke slowly, seemingly savoring his words, there was no longer any sense of animosity between him and Onita in his eyes. The final scene between Onita and Hayabusa was filled with more affection than that of a real father and son, and because there was a feeling that only the two of them could understand, there was no such thing as a happy ending, and it was not a pretty story. In the end, only one truth remained: Hayabusa's respect for Onita has not changed, and it will never change. "In my heart, I have now made up my mind. Just because I won't be teaming with Onita doesn't mean we're having a falling out, nor does it mean our bond as father and son is severed. I will fulfill my mission, and I want Onita to continue on his own path, becoming the "Atsushi Onita" we know."

Hayabusa and Onita's paths could not intersect under the new wrestling system. Their parallel paths sparked a feud, but Hayabusa did not reject Onita's path itself. He understood that Onita's actions were the result of his love for FMW as a father. Onita felt the same way. Sensing Hayabusa's love for FMW, he withdrew to avoid the risk of a backlash that could cancel out each other's colors. "There are words that professional wrestlers can only exchange in the ring. I would like to exchange those words with Hayabusa just once before I leave," Onita said, clearly conveying his feelings to Hayabusa. There is no longer any need for words between Onita and Hayabusa. For Hayabusa to protect Onita's "legacy" and further establish a new organizational system would be the greatest way to repay Onita's fatherly love.

Onita did not harden his stance despite Hayabusa's "rejection." He also understood Hayabusa's true intentions. And because they are father and son, the two will go their separate ways. Upon hearing Hayabusa's response that he "rejected the tag team," Onita, just like Hayabusa, showed a relieved expression. When the media gathered in Onita's dressing room at the October 2nd Tokuyama event, Onita was there, smiling just like a father. "Well, they say parents don't really understand their children's thoughts, but if Hayabusa says so, then that's fine. Fights are inevitable between parents and children. Parents always think of their children as children, and children say, 'I'm not a child anymore!'" Onita responded, accepting Hayabusa's rebellion. And this rebellion was something Onita himself had experienced.

"The same thing happened with Giant Baba and Atsushi Onita. I always rebelled against my father, Baba, and sulked. Then, I spoke directly with Baba from time to time, and I learned the true warmth of a father. I no longer say anything to my son. Hayabusa, live your life the way you want." His words revealed both the joy of a parent watching their child grow, and the loneliness of a parent as they let go.

Just before Onita's departure from the FMW ring, his father-son tag team plan with Hayabusa, a plan that Onita wanted to hold onto, ended in failure. And then another regret welled up in Onita's heart. "Hey, what's Goto doing? Goto, Tarzan Goto, why don't you fight the right opponent now, for the sake of the future of the struggling indie scene?!?!?!? This is not a call to you as FMW founder Atsushi Onita, but to you as the lone wolf Onita. Goto, if you've cleared up any grudges you might have had over the past three years, why don't you try fighting me? You can refuse or agree, it's up to you!"

Onita's expression changed completely. Who would have thought that Onita would mention Tarzan Goto's name now?! Goto and Onita were once closer than brothers, but the two severed ties in April 1995 due to differences of opinion. Despite having announced his intention to face Onita in his retirement match, Goto's departure just before the May 5 Kawasaki match remains etched in the memories of fans as the biggest event in FMW history. And so the Onita-Goto story in FMW ended unfinished.

Even after Onita's return, there was no contact between them. Even with their active interactions in the independent wrestling world, there was no talk of an Onita vs. Goto among fans. Onita vs. Goto was the biggest card ever, but everyone had given up on it as an unattainable dream that would never be realized.

"For me, as a personal wrestler, there is one thing I absolutely have to settle. If Goto talks about reforming the independent world, I'll cooperate. It's not about FMW or anything. After November 20th in Yokohama, Onita was released from his contract with FMW and became a freelancer. I approached Goto as an individual and wanted to wrestle him, and I want to resolve the grudge against him." There would be no contractual issues. Unlike Goto's return to the FMW wrestling world, as Onita said, this was entirely Goto's own decision. If Onita were to fight Goto on the FMW mat, it would mean time would once again be running backwards, regardless of Onita's wishes. However, if it were to take place after the November 20th Yokohama match, this would be a significant settlement match between Onita and Goto.

As Onita said, it could very well serve as a powerful catalyst for the future of the struggling indie scene. Goto has yet to show any reaction, so attention will be focused on his response to Onita's appeal. Goto has recently focused on his home ring, Kakushin Roshidan, and has not appeared in the top scene, but this sudden nomination represents a major opportunity, a golden opportunity to demonstrate his commitment to reforming the indie scene. Will Goto actually make a move? In any case, there are still many turbulent developments surrounding Onita as he enters his final sprint.

Hayabusa vs. Koji Nakagawa 10/6/98

This series seemed to be distracted by topics that strayed from the original theme of the Unification Organization, such as the aftermath of Onita's departure and Great Pogo's forced entry. Hayabusa entered the final match without being able to focus on his double titles match against Nakagawa.

After all, his opponent was a skilled wrestler. By adding a TNR-style variation, the fork attack, Nakagawa's already solid strength was further enhanced. Considering his recent win rate, it's safe to say he's definitely qualified to challenge for the double titles. Given the strength of both wrestlers, it was fully expected that this double title match would be a long one.

However, Hayabusa himself, surprisingly, was aiming for a short showdown. About two minutes into the match, after a quiet battle on the ground, Hayabusa made a move. He performed a diagonal tope con hilo, cutting through the tension of the double title match. However, the one move that Hayabusa said he had been "flying off of from the beginning" unfortunately didn't gain distance and stalled, causing him to hit his hips hard on the floor. Nakagawa couldn't overlook such a mistake. He attacked Hayabusa's hips with pinpoint accuracy with a steel post attack, a Robinson-style backbreaker, a Sharpshooter, and a Camel Clutch. Just as he was about to take off, Nakagawa swiftly rose to his feet. The Shooting Star failed—but Nakagawa's move was deliberately intended as a bait.

Nevertheless, Hayabusa counterattacked with a Quebrada, sandwiching the Firebird between them and getting into position for the Shooting Star. Hayabusa bent over the top rope. Seeing that Nakagawa's damage wasn't enough, Hayabusa quickly followed up with a Falcon Arrow and went to the top rope again. Finally, he delivered the long-awaited Shooting Star. However, Nakagawa, who was supposed to be completely flat on his back, managed to see through Hayabusa's big move that he had been trying to use to win the match at the last moment.

In other words, the moment Nakagawa dodged the first Shooting Star, he read Hayabusa's next move and deliberately invited him to score a suicide point. Nakagawa's true fearsomeness lies not in the superficial aspects like the subsequent fork attacks, but in his calm calculation and judgment. Without changing his expression, he stabbed the shaken Hayabusa in the right upper arm, and then turned the tables with powerful moves like a Dragon Suplex and an Exploder, cornering him. After 20 minutes, the flow of the match was completely in Nakagawa's hands.

However, from this point on, Hayabusa showed another side to himself beneath the mask. This was different to the madness of Dark Side Hayabusa, but the awesomeness he has cultivated as the ace of the new FMW and as the ace of Phoenix. Perhaps it could be said that this is the quiet awesomeness hidden within Hayabusa, the greatest "entertainer" on the Unified Organization mat, and the palm strike that shattered Nakagawa's jaw from below was a blow that showed just how awesome Hayabusa is. Nakagawa, who had almost lost his will to fight, slammed him down with a Falcon Arrow for the three count.

Not only was Hayabusa's title defense a success, but this match also showcased the high level of the Double Crown battle and the Unified Organization surrounding it. Since the redesign of the Unified Organization from FMW, this battlefield has made steady progress. Standing at the top of it all is the dazzling, intimidating, and unstoppable ace Hayabusa. After the match, TNR boss Fuyuki appeared in the ring. In response to Hayabusa's direct call, "You're next!", Fuyuki spit out the beer he was holding, signaling his intention to challenge. The beer bubbles sparked violently between the two. It seemed like a toast to the new organization. And over whose head will this toast be raised on November 20th in Yokohama?

Hayabusa vs. Fuyuki, let's get to the Double Crown battle!

(Hayabusa after the match)

I wanted to avoid any preconceived notions just because it was a title match, so I started off strong, but I ended up strangling myself after failing my own technique (tope con hilo). Even without that, there were plenty of times when I was put on edge by small moves. One wrong move could have been dangerous... I shouldn't have gotten so upset over a minor foul. To be honest, maybe I was too organized. In that sense, I was fully prepared for the Fuyuki match, ready to crush him. He even celebrated with a toast, so this time I thought I'd give him a little victory. But even with Nakagawa, I don't think this single result represents his true ability, and he's a much more quirky wrestler.

(You're challenging for a tag team title in Chiba on October 26th?)

That was his suggestion, so he'll regret not taking it (and taking the belt). I teamed with Dai-chan once and lost. No excuses allowed. As Phoenix's ace, I'll definitely take the belt. If we get the tag belts back, the tables will be turned, right? If we get the six-man tag belts back, we'll have all the belts.

(Gannosuke showed up, though?)

I'm not sure how he'll act yet, so I'm not happy, but I'm very happy that he's back. I'll defend the belts against him again in a proper way and call myself the champion.

FMW Double Titles Championship Match: Hayabusa d. Koji Nakagawa (23:22)

Hayabusa & Daisuke Ikeda vs. Kodo Fuyuki & Yukihiro Kanemura 10/26/98

Ikeda appeared in June of this year as a helper for the new FMW regular team. He joined the team to replace Tanaka, who was leaving for an ECW tour, and there were high expectations for Ikeda. Ikeda himself was fully aware of these expectations and was fired up to say, "I'll liven up FMW!"

However, in the four months since then, Ikeda just couldn't produce any results. Even after the transition from the new FMW to the Unified Organization in August, he was unable to make his presence felt as a helper. There must have been something frustrating about Ikeda's heart. Just like the fight, Ikeda's comments were "fierce", but with each match he became less and less talkative.

For Ikeda, this second challenge for the World Brass Knuckles Tag Team Championship was his last chance. He had challenged for the title once before, at the Fuyuki Army match on July 4th in Nagoya, but was narrowly defeated. Another chance came up at Korakuen Hall on September 8th, but Hayabusa and Ikeda declined. The reasons given were that they wanted to "increase the value of the belt" and "want to confirm whether they were qualified to challenge". These were feelings shared by Hayabusa and Ikeda.

In the end, they succeeded in defeating Fuyuki and Kanemura in a non-title match. Hayabusa and Ikeda came to Chiba on October 26th with a clear qualification to challenge. If they did not produce a result here, their significance as assistants would diminish, and the very existence of Battlarts within the Unified Organization would be called into question. Ikeda's spirit as he bet on his last chance was incredible. Hayabusa crushed Kanemura with a body press, and Ikeda attacked him relentlessly. Then, with a powerful Daichan Bomber, Ikeda's determination truly brought about the victory.

"Thank you everyone for today. I'm going to make FMW even more exciting!" Ikeda screamed with a crumpled face, belt around his waist. It had been a long time since I had heard Ikeda shout. There was no need to keep quiet any longer. Ikeda had achieved a great result, saying what he wanted to say without reservation. By taking the belts back from Fuyuki, Hayabusa took another step forward with confidence ahead of the November 20th Yokohama showdown. However, Ikeda's sense of satisfaction must have been even greater than Hayabusa's. This man is no longer just a helper to Phoenix. He is one of the main players, firmly established on the Unified Organization mat.

FMW Brass Knuckles Tag Team Championship Match: Hayabusa & Daisuke Ikeda d. Kodo Fuyuki & Yukihiro Kanemura when Ikeda pinned Kanemura (20:48)

— With Yokohama approaching, you've been on an upward trend, having secured your first pinfall victory against Fuyuki and recapturing the World Tag Team Championship (this interview was recorded before the November 6th Korakuen Hall event).

Hayabusa: However, even when we won the tag team belts, Fuyuki himself wasn't in top physical condition. Knowing him, he probably has something planned, so we can't let our guard down. More importantly, this is the first time he's going after a singles title, so his motivation will be different. If I go into this thinking I am in a good position right now, I'll almost certainly lose.

— In previous defense matches, you've faced opponents from your own generation, but this is the first time you're facing someone older, someone from the generation above you. I think that makes a difference mentally.

Hayabusa: That's right. I've wrestled him many times before, but he's definitely different from us younger wrestlers. After all, he's someone who's been involved in pro wrestling since the International Pro Wrestling era. In other words, I'll be fighting someone who carries a part of pro wrestling history on his shoulders.

— FMW, from its very origins, has followed a different path than that, hasn't it?

Hayabusa: The question is whether what we've been doing and what they've been doing will clash or merge together in the match. I've been working towards this believing it's possible, and I want to prove that. I don't think we've done anything particularly new, but I think we've created something unique through our own arrangements. I hope we can convey a different kind of entertainment and excitement...

— The word "entertainment" came up just now, but what exactly does Hayabusa consider to be entertainment wrestling?

Hayabusa: For me, entertainment wrestling is basically anything goes. The reason it's anything goes is because professional wrestling is usually a niche world, a form of entertainment with a relatively fixed set of rules, but what about people who don't know about that? The professional wrestling we watched when we were kids was something that a lot of people watched. I want to go back to that kind of wrestling. It's not something that belongs to just one person, but something for everyone, something that anyone can enjoy. I think it's good to have various starting points to achieve that. As long as each of those starting points is solid, I don't mind if some of them are a little unconventional. Because of that, I want to focus on improving my wrestling skills and the quality of my matches.

— When did you first come up with the idea of ​​entertainment wrestling, which you are currently working on?

Hayabusa: For a long time now... ever since I was a fan myself, I've watched pro wrestling with that kind of feeling, and I want to convey the enjoyment we felt back then. We received so much from pro wrestling—strength, excitement, and so much more... things like dreams and inspiration.

— When FMW fully embraced entertainment, Fuyuki-san was also aiming for the same direction. I think that helped unify the direction of the organization, from individual stars to the overall structure.

Hayabusa: Regarding that point, I agree with his opinion on that point.

— Does that mean your perspective on Fuyuki has changed? It seems like it's more than just a rivalry in the ring.

Hayabusa: It had been there since our very first encounter. I met him for the first time when I went on a tour to Mexico, and I asked him about his thoughts on professional wrestling.

— This is a story from before he started fighting in FMW.

Hayabusa: Yes. When I heard that, I thought he was a very intelligent person, and my impression at the time was, "Wow, he can think like that at that age, that's amazing." So, while he's an opponent I can enjoy competing against, there are often interruptions and other disturbances during the matches.

— That's probably his way of doing things.

Hayabusa: Regarding his approach to that, I think it's a matter of degree. If doing that leaves the audience with a strange sense of ambiguity, then it ceases to be entertainment. If it's entertaining from the audience's perspective, then there's no problem, but if they leave the venue sighing and thinking, "Hmm...", then we need to make some adjustments somewhere along the line. Actually... in the previous interview (the "Hayabusa White Paper: Autumn 1997" published in Pro Wrestling Album), I said that the day I retire as Hayabusa is approaching, but originally, I had in mind that it would be sooner, perhaps next year. But given the current situation, I've come to the conclusion that Hayabusa needs to keep going a little longer.

— Ah, I think the Hayabusa character is absolutely essential in the realm of entertainment.

Hayabusa: I feel that myself. Perhaps my unique style is what defines Hayabusa.

— Considering this background, what kind of fight do you anticipate the match in Yokohama will be?

Hayabusa: Rather than wondering what will happen, I think I just have to do what I can. One thing I can say is that if I lose, I won't be able to proceed with my plans for next year.

— Plans for next year?

Hayabusa: From my perspective, I'd like to see more entertainment elements – things like staging and match formats – and at the same time, I'd like there to be a solid foundation, not just one-off events. Something that serves as a goal or a guiding principle for what we're doing. Something like the Grand Slam we did before, or singles and tag team league matches or tournaments. That would be the core, and then there would be added elements around it.

- I think that's a good thing. If they organize it as a league competition, it will increase interest in the wins and losses. In entertainment, the issue of competition and winning/losing can be a weak point, but this will resolve that.

Hayabusa: As things stand, I don't think there's a sense of stability in a positive way. If we could have something like a league season during this time of year, that would build credibility for the organization, wouldn't it? In terms of competition, it would also give young wrestlers a goal to strive for, and it would lead to an overall improvement in skill level. I think we now have a system in place that can achieve both of these things. Of course, for me to say these things, I need to hold a championship belt myself; otherwise, my words would lack any persuasive power. Even if the organization is willing to listen, if I haven't achieved anything substantial myself, they won't take me seriously. To make a strong case, I need to have a certain level of achievement... and that's where wins and losses become important.

— Listening to you talk, I feel that with the new organization and Hayabusa becoming the ace of the Phoenix team, your way of speaking and your overall demeanor have changed. I guess that's what your position demands.

Hayabusa: I think the biggest change has been in my mindset. When I was part of the FMW regular army, I was saying I was protecting FMW, but now I realize that I was probably relying on the FMW name to some extent. Of course, I was working hard back then, and it was tough and challenging, but I can't deny that I was relying on the company to some degree. But now that I'm working as part of Phoenix, and it's our own group, we have to assert ourselves where necessary. The company isn't going to do everything for us. That's why I think my words might be a little sharper than before.

— Ah, I've been feeling that way since around the time I did a talk show in Sapporo in September (when asked about Atsushi Onita, I said things like, "That approach will naturally be weeded out"). So, it was indeed a change that you were consciously aware of.

Hayabusa: Until now, I've been making innocuous statements. But from now on, this won't be something I have to bear alone. As the ace of the Phoenix team, I have to convey the collective opinion of all the members, so it's no longer just my problem. If I compromise on something I can't give up by using vague words, it would mean I'm not considering the other members.

— I understand, I understand. As the team came together in that way, a new member, Daisuke Ikeda, joined the group. You've teamed up with many different wrestlers before, but what kind of person is Ikeda from Hayabusa's perspective?

Hayabusa: Yeah, we're really drinking buddies, and that's how we ended up teaming up (laughs). So we know each other pretty well. We've gotten to know each other well by seeing each other at drinking sessions. Dai-chan has things that I don't have, both in terms of life experience and personality, so it's stimulating to team up with someone like that. Dai-chan is very dedicated to his craft. He's very passionate about pro wrestling, and he's very straightforward.

— You and Ikeda won the World Tag Team Championship belts, but do you still want to continue developing and defending those belts as a team?

Hayabusa: Yes, that's right. The fact that he's coming from another organization means that he felt a connection to what this organization, or rather, what Phoenix is ​​doing. They wouldn't come just because we're drinking buddies, would they? In that respect, I think we're all looking in the same direction.

— Dai-chan is an entertainer by nature, after all (laughs).

Hayabusa: I'm truly impressed. I feel like I need to learn from him.

— (laughs) Well, Ikeda is a wrestler from another organization, right? As the ace of Phoenix, I think you need to keep an eye on what's happening outside your own organization. So, are there any other organizations or wrestlers that you, Hayabusa, are currently interested in or paying attention to? This isn't about you wanting to go and join them, by the way.

Hayabusa: As a group... there's nothing in particular, but when I go to other organizations, I meet young athletes I wouldn't normally encounter. When I talk to those people, I often feel that their way of thinking isn't all that different from mine. So, I want to see those people succeed if they have the potential to rise to the top. I want to create opportunities for them to showcase themselves.

— That was one of the original purposes of creating the organization, wasn't it? There are people like Hayabusa who haven't even had the opportunity to be seen by many people. If those people develop their skills, a different trend will emerge, and the current three teams might increase, and the team lineups might change. Ultimately, I think the difference between you and the major leagues is the depth of talent, and in that sense, I think it's fine for FMW to be a collection of independent wrestlers. As long as they perform well, they'll be successful here, so I think we should fulfill that role as a kind of stepping stone. Even in Yokohama, you saw wrestlers from various organizations, including WWF.

Hayabusa: Yes. I think it's quite remarkable that different organizations can come together without any awkwardness.

— Now that your position has changed, your perspective has probably broadened, hasn't it? Before, to put it simply, all you had to think about was how to have a good match yourself.

Hayabusa: It's happening slowly, though. But gradually, I'm starting to feel the urge to pay attention to different things around me.

— So, to wrap things up and get back to the topic of Yokohama... that day was not only the day of your match against Fuyuki, but also the last day you would be in the same ring as Onita, right? What were your thoughts and feelings about that?

Hayabusa: I think Mr. Onita, in his own way, will present his arguments in a way that is ultimately convincing. So, I guess we just have to do our part as well. There aren't many opportunities to witness the kind of fight that Atsushi Onita of the new FMW will put on.

— When I interviewed you in Yatsushiro two years ago, it was before the Komazawa match (Onita's comeback match), and you had this mindset of "I won't lose" within that context. But now, the situation is completely different, isn't it?

Hayabusa: Ultimately, no matter what that person does, we just have to do things our own way. We believe that by doing so, we can show something that will be more convincing to the people watching than what that person can offer.

— This continued even after he went his separate ways and formed USO, but there wasn't really a sense of it being the end or a final farewell.

Hayabusa: My feelings towards that person are complex. I've received countless acts of kindness from him since I first started in this profession, and I'm grateful and respectful of him... I have immense respect for the vitality he possessed back then. However, that was only until I faced him in his retirement match. After his return, I had to accept him as a fellow wrestler, and as I started competing in the same ring, that's inevitably how my perspective on him changed.

— It's as if he has come down from his pedestal and is now on your level, wouldn't you say?

Hayabusa: Yes, that's right.

— Even when Mr. Onita requested that you form a tag team, you refused, and this connects back to what I was saying earlier. You stand firm on what you believe in.

Hayabusa: After considering everything I had done, my feelings at the time, and everyone's reactions, I decided that this was something I shouldn't do. If it had been in a different form, I might have thought differently, and it might still happen in the future. But at least, I couldn't fulfill that request at that particular time.

— So, ultimately, the concept of "everyone" is involved there.

Hayabusa: That's right. If I were to drink it, it would be perceived as the consensus of Phoenix, and ultimately, it would become an issue concerning the stance of the entire organization. It's not something we should do so easily.

— The way you expresses yourself has definitely changed compared to two years ago.

Hayabusa: (Smiling) I think we'll find out whether that's a good thing or a bad thing as time goes on. I hope this doesn't just end up being empty talk. But basically, my attitude towards professional wrestling hasn't changed at all since I joined the dojo and even after becoming a professional wrestler. I want to continue to do things honestly and properly.

— ...Excuse me, but are you obsessive compulsive?

Hayabusa: Me? Is it because I use the word "properly" a lot?

— That's right (laughs).

Hayabusa: I'm not obsessive compulsive, you know. I'm actually very laid-back. So, while I'm very particular about the things I want to do and the things I care about, and I absolutely have to do them properly, everything else is... well, if the word "properly" came up a lot in this interview, it probably means I'm being very particular and working very hard on those things (laughs).

— Your passion for professional wrestling.

Hayabusa: Playing the role in pro wrestling is truly a dream come true for me. That's why I didn't want to ruin that dream with my own hands; I wanted to expand upon it even further. I guess that's where my dedication comes from.

— As the dream grows bigger, it will likely be conveyed to the people who are witnessing it. Do you think it's possible to see such a grand dream unfolding in Yokohama?

Hayabusa: I'll inflate it, yes (laughs).

Hayabusa & Daisuke Ikeda vs. Jado & Gedo 11/4/98

Hayabusa returned to his hometown of Yatsushiro after a year, carrying the tag team championship belt. He could have returned as a proud double singles champion, showcasing his triumphant return, but instead, he chose to bring the belt he won with Ikeda. This demonstrates how strongly Hayabusa feels about his team with Ikeda, and by extension, Phoenix.

Furthermore, there was likely a consideration for Dai-chan, who is also from Kumamoto (Ushibuka City). The unit name they used for this day only, "MOCCOS EXPRESS" (Moccos apparently means "stubborn person" in Kumamoto dialect), shows the playful spirit essential to entertainment.

In the match, Ikeda was forced into a bloody battle and fought alone for much of the match, but Hayabusa provided crucial support in the later stages. Finally, they repaid their debt to Jado and Gedo from their previous match in Joetsu with a winning combination of Daichan Bomber and Firebird Splash. The arena erupted in cheers for Hayabusa's victory, a repeat of last year's success.

It should have been a happy ending... but then, suddenly, a bell rang, and a Buddhist chant was heard. Mr. Gannosuke appeared. That he would visit the place where he and Hayabusa spent their youth, and moreover, his best friend's hometown, undoubtedly indicates some kind of ulterior motive.

Gannosuke stopped in front of the stunned Hayabusa, quietly clasped his hands together in prayer, and then headed towards the exit without saying a word. He only glanced at Kanemura, who was calling after him... The first thing that comes to mind from this action is Gannosuke's statement, "There's another wrestler I want to team up with besides Masato Tanaka." If that wrestler is Hayabusa, then this would mean he came to make a wish. For Hayabusa, who fought a match with his hair on the line and won but didn't cut it, and who tearfully called out for Gannosuke to return, Gannosuke's "repentance" would be a welcome sight.

However, now that he's the ace of Phoenix, he can't simply accept things based on personal feelings without a clear understanding. "Even if that was an indication that he wanted to team up, I can't just say yes here. If we're going to team up, it has to be after everyone at Phoenix approves. All I can do is win in Yokohama and wait, keeping my promise to fight him for the titles when he returns." When they faced each other, Hayabusa said he didn't receive any signal from Gannosuke that he wanted to team up or fight. Therefore, he couldn't come to a conclusion himself. What will become of the paths of these two men, whose paths seemed destined never to cross again?

Hayabusa & Daisuke Ikeda d. Jado & Gedo when Hayabusa pinned Gedo (20:26)

Hayabusa & Daisuke Ikeda & Ricky Fuji vs. Kodo Fuyuki & Koji Nakagawa & Yukihiro Kanemura 11/6/98

At the October 24th Koshigaya event, Hayabusa pinned him for the first time. Two days later, at the Chiba event, he lost to Hayabusa and Ikeda, losing the tag team championship and even breaking a rib... With the decisive match against Hayabusa, a double titles match, fast approaching, Fuyuki has been in a tough spot lately.

When I asked my fellow fans for their predictions, the overwhelming majority favored Hayabusa as the winner of the November 20th Yokohama showdown. This is the situation that led to the six-man tag team title match. Objectively, the champions have a slight advantage in overall strength, but the challengers, namely Phoenix, have a favorable time.

Furthermore, Kanemura suffered a knee injury at the Chiba show, raising the possibility of a title change. However, Fuyuki's expression before the match showed no sign of anxiety. On the contrary, he suddenly dropped a bombshell. "We absolutely cannot lose today. But even if we win, I'll give up the titles. I'm doing it to erase Onita's influence from FMW. Just look at me, today will be the anniversary of the death of that stupid rule, street fighting." A title match with the assumption that he would give up the titles if he won. This in itself is not particularly unusual.

However, Fuyuki isn't just giving up the belts; he wants to eliminate the titles itself, and even the very rule that underpins it: street fighting. Naturally, giving up the last remaining belst would mean TNR would be without a title, and Fuyuki would face Hayabusa unarmed.

This is an incredibly risky gamble, but Fuyuki is so determined to purge Onita's influence from FMW. The match began with a head-on confrontation between Hayabusa and Fuyuki. Ricky was left bleeding after a fork attack by Nakagawa, and then came under heavy attack in the middle of the match, forcing the challengers into a tough fight. However, Hayabusa finally received the tag and turned the tide with a fierce, demonic attack.

Currently holding two singles titles and a tag title, the Six-Man Tag Team Championship was a belt he absolutely had to claim. To secure the leadership of the new FMW, not Fuyuki, it would make all the difference whether he held all four major titles. But it was Fuyuki who thwarted Hayabusa's cherished dream. Even as he staggered, he countered with a lariat and a backfist, then delivered a powerful powerbomb to get the three count. His intense determination to take the lead in the reform of FMW was the key to his victory.

After the match, Fuyuki, as always, tore up his certificate, placed the belts handed to him in the ring, and joined Nakagawa Kanemura in prayer. While he made no mention of giving up his title in the ring, he had lived up to his pre-match promise and made a statement that with this match he had eradicated the title and the street fighting format from the FMW ring.

Fuyuki then took the microphone and addressed the defeated Hayabusa and his teammates, as well as the audience, with this appeal: "Hey, Hayabusa-kun. It's not up to you to change FMW. It's up to us! Everyone, follow us!" The audience's reactions to this appeal were quite varied.

Some cheered and called for Fuyuki, while others yelled, "Who's going to follow you?" Furthermore, Fuyuki's appeal, as always, sounded like the voice of a villainous organization leader, eliciting considerable laughter. However, we must never forget Fuyuki's final words, "Everyone, follow us!"

This was undoubtedly Fuyuki's true feelings and an extraordinary declaration of resolve. It may have been one thing in the era of high economic growth when people believed in a bright future, but in this era of recession where no tomorrow is certain, politicians, bureaucrats, capitalists, and even religious leaders are all thinking about avoiding responsibility, Fuyuki declared, "Follow us!!" He declared in public that he would take all responsibility, so leave it to him (or them)!! Regardless of whether or not they go to the November 20th Yokohama event, all pro wrestling fans need to remember Fuyuki's declaration of determination. The next day, when I met him for an interview with a general magazine, Fuyuki said with a straight face, "I'm aiming for November 20th to be the best bout of the year!"

FMW 6 Man Street Fight Tag Team Championship Match: Kodo Fuyuki & Koji Nakagawa & Yukihiro Kanemura d. Hayabusa & Daisuke Ikeda & Ricky Fuji when Fuyuki pinned Ricky (17:11)

Hayabusa vs. Kodo Fuyuki 11/20/98

The new FMW evolved into the Unified Organization, and three months after the launch of "Entertainment Pro Wrestling FMW," the showdown took place in Yokohama on November 20th. The Double Crown Unified Championship match, a showdown that signaled the future direction of the Unified Organization, drew attention not only for the outcome but also for the quality of the match itself.

The battle between Hayabusa and Fuyuki in this match demonstrated to the packed crowd and PPV viewers that the Unified Organization possesses a level of wrestling far beyond the scale of an indie collective. What left the strongest impression that day was Fuyuki's head-on fight. There were no gimmicks or traps in the 25-minute, 11-second battle, typical of Fuyuki's style. Fuyuki simply fought with a single-minded determination, striving to capture the Double Crown. This is perhaps what is meant by a no-frills fight.

Fuyuki's reason for showing off this side of himself was due in part to his enthusiasm for the important post-match announcement, but also to his absolute determination to win the Double Championship and secure his voice within the Unified Organization. Up until now, even in title matches, Fuyuki had displayed his ultra-rationalism, readily abandoning matches he felt he needed to forgo. But this Double Championship match was different.

Fuyuki entered the ring with ambitious ambitions: to dominate the Unified Organization. Fuyuki firmly shook Hayabusa's hand just before the bell rang, and from the start, he carefully explored his offensive options on the ground. After the 10-minute mark, Fuyuki unleashed a never-before-seen arsenal, revealing the true essence of the professional wrestler Kodo Fuyuki: an avalanche reverse brainbuster, an Ultramana, and even an avalanche powerbomb just before the finish. All of these powerful moves could secure a one-hit finish.

This transformation of Fuyuki alarmed Hayabusa. As they fought for the back, Hayabusa even used a vital kick to maintain control of the match. He wasn't kicking Fuyuki in response to his initial foul. The champion, Hayabusa, was so cornered he had no choice but to do whatever it took. This impatience caused a subtle malfunction in Hayabusa's computer. His trump card, the Phoenix Splash, and a palm strike missed, allowing Fuyuki to unleash a series of lariats. The third blow, including a stun gun, finally exhausted Hayabusa. Thus, Fuyuki became the double champion, and the unified Fuyuki administration was launched. The first thing Fuyuki said was a new title certified by DirecTV, and his own plan to enter the All Japan ring.

"I'll tell you my future plans once I've won the belts and have a say," Fuyuki was tight-lipped, but who would have guessed he had such ambitions? Moreover, this wasn't simply a bluff by Fuyuki, who had seized on the incident between Onita and New Japan Pro Wrestling. As Fuyuki said, this was a declaration of his participation in the All Japan ring, bearing the authority and responsibility of being a double FMW champion. Before he could even bask in the emotion of his first singles title in his 20-year career, Fuyuki took action. "We've firmly established that we're not just comedy, and we're going to pursue a style of pro wrestling that has a strong entertainment element." This match truly demonstrated that.

<Hayabusa after the match>

I did the best I could, and I lost to that guy. It's so frustrating I could die. I just can't accept that everything is going according to his wishes and at his command. So, from tomorrow onwards, I'm going to chase after him again, no matter what, and I'm going to take the belts he made back from my waist and his. I won't let him get away with it!

FMW Double Titles Championship Match: Kodo Fuyuki d. Hayabusa (25:11)

Hayabusa vs. Gedo 12/9/98

Regardless of whether they were going to win or not, everyone participating in this tournament was surely aiming to win. No one felt that desire more strongly than Hayabusa. After all, this tournament was proposed and realized by Hayabusa. Even if a plan was made with the entire FMW in mind, it would still be meaningless if it didn't benefit him. Furthermore, Hayabusa had just lost his double belts to Fuyuki. This tournament was perfectly timed to give him a fresh start. Oya criticized Hayabusa for being too focused on Fuyuki. If this leads to the revitalization of FMW as a whole, Hayabusa would be pleased. All he had to do was win and get back on the path to becoming a double champion. Hayabusa's first-round opponent was Gedo. While Hayabusa seemed certain to win, Gedo almost defeated him several times with attacks focused on his legs. However, in the end, Hayabusa's determination to win was what brought Gedo down. "I'm the one who came up with the idea, so I have to win." Winning was an obligation that Hayabusa had imposed on himself as the one who came up with the idea, but...

Over the Top 1st Round Tournament Match: Hayabusa d. Gedo (15:40)

Hayabusa & Tommy Dreamer vs. Sabu & Rob Van Dam 12/12/98

This match was like a bonus track for this tour. Among the top ECW performers in the ring was Hayabusa, FMW's representative main eventer. Hayabusa's presence on this day added an extra layer of impact to the ECW match. The last name called by the ring announcer was Hayabusa from Japan. His partner, Dreamer, had duly handed over his leadership position to Hayabusa. Coming from ECW, the three of them have a world that only the three of them could create. Sabu and Van Dam brought plenty of chaotic fighting, with chairs and ta bles flying everywhere. Dreamer ended up hitting his groin on the top rope. Hayabusa used his incredible athleticism to make contact with these unconventional men. Though he lost the match, Hayabusa had firmly established himself in the ECW world through his own methods. After the match, when Sabu and the others, who were still bitter about the match, left, Hayabusa and Dreamer both performed the Cross Paws. Hayabusa used his body to firmly shake hands with the Hardcore Movement Man.

Sabu & Rob Van Dam d. Hayabusa & Tommy Dreamer when Van Dam pinned Dreamer (17:27)

Hayabusa vs. Hisakatsu Oya 12/13/98

The feud that had simmered between Hayabusa and Oya in the "Over the Top" singles tournament would be settled in the second round. The "violence" that created the misunderstanding that Hayabusa had ignored Oya's presence at the press conference, and Oya's "assault" in his rage against Hayabusa, would be settled in this fair and square match in the ring.

This is the rule of the Unification Organization, which provides a fair ring regardless of the size of each affiliated group or the rank of the wrestlers. And, regardless of the brutal events that led up to this point, Hayabusa and Oya were finally able to make it in the second round. These two men, who have fought famous matches in the past, first in the World Brass Knuckles Championship match immediately after the launch of the new FMW, and more recently in the FMW Certified Double Crown Unified Championship, would once again face off. Naturally, emotions were high between the two, and the expectations of the audience were high.

The sixth match of Hayabusa and Oya began with the same tension as a main event. Oya struck first. Hayabusa, who entered the ring later, was attacked without waiting for the bell. However, Hayabusa immediately counterattacked with a no-touch tope con hilo. Even just a few tens of seconds of back-and-forth made it clear that this match would be fierce. The rivalry between the two men had been directly sublimated into pure fighting spirit.

Five minutes passed, then ten. Hayabusa's La Quebrada and Oya's Back Drop combined, and the tension in the ring and the crowd rose without limit. Hayabusa then blocked Oya's third Back Drop with a leg hook, finally making his move. Hayabusa stopped Oya's movement with a palm strike, followed by a Falcon Arrow and a Tiger Driver, and then a Firebird Splash. When this deadly move was countered at the count of two, Hayabusa attempted another palm strike. However, this moment was the chance of victory that Oya had been waiting for. Oya dodged the palm strike at the last moment, ducked to avoid it, and then rolled up with a Grand Cobra. Hayabusa was unable to counter this clutch, with both of his legs carefully hooked. In front of a stunned Hayabusa, Oya raised both arms in the air with a triumphant look on his face. The drama of the two in "Over the Top" came to a close with a clear division between light and darkness. The tournament continues, carrying the feelings of both the winner and loser.

Over the Top Tournament Semi-Finals Match: Hisakatsu Oya d. Hayabusa (13:28)

Hayabusa vs. Tetsuhiro Kuroda 1/5/99

The day before, New Japan Pro Wrestling held a Tokyo Dome event. Needless to say, FMW founder Onita was there. It hadn't been that long since Onita left FMW. And yet, Onita's image has almost completely disappeared from FMW. This is proof that the wrestlers and front office are working together, wholeheartedly, to create a new FMW.

Considering this, Onita's doubts about "staying in FMW" began last month after seeing a match between Hayabusa and Kuroda in Yamagata. Kuroda, who hadn't been on his radar until then, engaged in a fierce battle with the ace Hayabusa. For Onita, who had begun to question his own value in FMW, that match was enough to make him decide to "leave."

The "match that kicked Onita out of FMW" took place the day after Onita joined New Japan Pro Wrestling. It's no coincidence, but there's no better match to announce Onita's departure from FMW... The match was as exciting as expected, but in the end, Kuroda lost to Hayabusa. It was a good match, but looking at it from the perspective of "the match that drove Atsushi Onita out of FMW," some fans likely expected more. For example, if you compare it to Hayabusa's match against Tanaka... This may be an overly harsh assessment, but considering last year's leap, expectations for Kuroda this year are quite high. Good matches are already expected.

1999 will demand fights that look beyond that. His rival, Tanaka, returned to Japan and made a huge impact. Kuroda was asked to form a tag team, but he declared his willingness to fight, saying, "He's just a nuisance. Even if we team up, he'll just take all the good stuff." That spirit is impressive. With the reorganization of the group at the start of the year, Kuroda made it clear he would team up exclusively with Sasaki. This decision was made to rise to the top of FMW as an individual, rather than as a team leader. On this day, the team was essentially finished, and Kuroda deliberately reset last year's performance to zero and started anew.

Hayabusa d. Tetsuhiro Kuroda (16:14)

Hayabusa vs. Hisakatsu Oya 1/11/99

Hayabusa's rematch with Oya, who suffered a painful defeat in the singles tournament, again featured wrestling, but when he attempted a Shooting Star Press and fell dangerously, it didn't quite feel right. On the other hand, Oya showed off his secret move, the Dragon Suplex, and continued to push forward in the final minutes. The match ultimately went to full time at 30 minutes, but it's no wonder he felt, "It's not a draw, it's a complete loss for me."

Furthermore, as soon as Gannosuke, Kanemura, and Tanaka entered the ring after the match and began asserting themselves in front of him, Hayabusa's presence vanished from the audience's minds like a bird of nothing. This fact is more painful than the match itself. He always captivated fans with his natural brilliance, but now that brilliance has been overshadowed by the stubbornness of other wrestlers who assert themselves. Something must be done.

"My moves fail because I'm indecisive. In this state, I can't respond to anything Gannosuke or the other wrestlers say. If I'm too anxious and can't find my true self, I'll be in trouble if I continue like this." Even Hayabusa needs to continue to make his presence known or he'll be left behind - FMW has become such a place of swirling ambition. Even so, Tanaka's presence alone has caused such intense activity... Even Tanaka himself declared, "I'm not back as a member of Team Phoenix" (he was reportedly affiliated with ECW at the time of the call). It seems a turning point has come for the relationship between these two ace wrestlers of FMW. Last May, after losing a spectacular duel with Hayabusa, Tanaka wrote, "I have never been more frustrated." The Bullet Warrior revolution may have begun on that day.

Hayabusa vs. Hisakatsu Oya went to a Time Limit Draw (30:00)

Hayabusa & Jinsei Shinzaki vs. Tamon Honda & Jun Izumida 1/16/99

The decision was abrupt. Hayabusa and Jinsei's All Asian Tag Team Challenge was only announced a week before the event. This was an exceptional case for All Japan Pro Wrestling, which typically announces major card matches well before the event. Though they share a trusting relationship that allows them to team up at any time, this was their first tag team since a spot appearance at ECW in August.

Their domestic appearance dates back to the 1997 Strongest Tag League, so it's been quite a while since then. Jinsei, who was competing in All Japan Pro-Wrestling, called Hayabusa to the ring. While they hadn't had the chance to step into the ring since last year's Tokyo Dome, the two accompanying them on this royal pilgrimage can only be seen as allies. It took a long time, but this All Asian Tag Team Challenge was a testament to their performance in the Strongest Tag League two years ago. The two certainly delivered some of their best bouts in official matches.

For Hayabusa, who was losing his way amid the rapid pace of events within FMW, this situation, where he could focus solely on victory without being caught up in these side stories, may have been easier. Especially with such a prestigious belt at stake... Given their recognized abilities, it's clear that most fans wanted to see Hayabusa and Jinsei become the new champions.

For Honda and Izumida, this was hardly a comfortable position. But it's precisely because of this that they truly felt the destiny of champions. From every angle, Honda and Izumida exuded the aura of champions. Their size and strength... taking the belt from these two is not as easy as viewers might think. The key point came suddenly. Jinsei's head, which had received a headbutt from Izumida head-on, bled profusely. When Jinsei faced Omori and Honda in the aforementioned official Strongest Tag League match, he was also bleeding from Honda's headbutt.

Furthermore, last year, All Japan wrestlers participated in Michinoku Pro's Makuhari show, and when they went head-to-head with the same team as today, their foreheads split open. All things are cyclical... In this blood-soaked cycle of reincarnation (in this case, the true meaning of the technique, not the name of the move), Jinsei continues to receive shocks to the head to an unbearable degree. Even with Kobashi's accident at the beginning of the year, this kind of development is still unfamiliar to All Japan. I expected some rejection, but looking at the audience, I saw an unusual level of excitement. This was likely due to the champions' consistent use of headbutts, even when attacking bleeding spots, without resorting to weapons. Furthermore, Hayabusa's grace was enough to neutralize even the bloodiest moments, and Jinsei himself was so dynamic that it was hard to believe he had lost any stamina. From the one-minute mark, when the challengers launched their counterattack, the match truly became a show of technique. Huraricanrana countered Tamons Powered's super dive. For Jinsei, Hayabusa was the one to perform at crucial moments. As if infused with mental strength, their combined face crushers, combined with a swan-style combination of moves and movements, were a work of tag team art.

How many times did they overcome such a crisis? And how many times did they think they'd won? Hayabusa and Jinsei once again delivered a memorable match in the All Japan ring. This maddening excitement is worthy of special mention in the history of Asian tag team matches. Perhaps hearing the cheers, many All Japan wrestlers at the back of the runway stood with their arms folded, gazing at the ring. More than once, cries of amazement were heard at Hayabusa and Jinsei's moves. This was undeniable, royal strength. Honda and Izumida demonstrated the champion spirit inherited from Giant Baba. After the match, both teams unanimously called for a rematch. At times like these, the Misawa Revolution was quick to seize the opportunity. Asia was already in a frenzy when it was announced that the match would take place on February 13th, the Fan Appreciation Day. "An eye for an eye..." Jinsei's mouth, red with blood, spoke the words. It wasn't an angry tone, but rather a self-reflection. When Jinsei expresses his will through words, something is sure to happen. The All Asian Tag Team Match at Korakuen Hall on February 13th has already begun.

All Asian Tag Team Championship Match: Tamon Honda & Jun Izumida d. Hayabusa & Jinsei Shinzaki when Honda pinned Shinzaki (23:37)

Hayabusa & Jinsei Shinzaki vs. Tamon Honda & Jun Izumida 2/13/99

Hayabusa and Jinsei Shinzaki won the Asia Tag Team Championship in their second attempt. It was a remarkable achievement. The title is Japan's oldest, and while it has been passed around to other organizations several times before, this was the first time it had been worn by an independent wrestler.

It was also the first time an All Japan belt had been passed around to an independent wrestler. Notice the crowd's reaction to this. There were no boos, just thunderous cheers. The applause for the new champions never stopped. All Japan fans see Hayabusa and Jinsei as "family," not "outsiders."

It was precisely because of their hard work that All Japan fans accepted these two wrestlers from other organizations. Baba was no exception. Hayabusa and Jinsei were given the opportunity in All Japan not just because of their excellent wrestling sense; Baba appreciated their attitude.

There's also this story: Baba, who calls All Japan wrestlers "his sons," would celebrate their birthdays on tour with cakes. Although this has not been made public, Jinsei, whose birthday was during the Strongest Tag Team Championship two years ago, also received a congratulatory gift from Baba. If Hayabusa's birthday had coincided with his All Japan debut, he would surely have received the same gift. Baba considered the two men, who diligently studied traditional pro wrestling even in other organizations, like "sons."

After the match, Jinsei commented, "Today's All Asian Tag Challenge was the last big stage that Baba gave us. I wanted to have a good match today, and even though we're in other organizations, winning the belts was a memorial to Baba, so I took on this match."

Indeed, for Hayabusa and Jinsei, this championship was the last chance given to them by their father, Baba. Hayabusa has been competing in All Japan for almost two years. Jinsei has been competing for a year and a half. Both men have trained sincerely and without arrogance. It is because of this hard work that All Japan fans accepted the two from other organizations. Baba was no exception.

The two men nailed it, and the match was just as spectacular as the previous one at Korakuen Hall on January 16th. Let's take a look back at what happened in the ring. Jinsei was the key man. Last time, Jinsei was defeated, bleeding profusely from a headbutt attack by Tamon and Izumida. He still remembers saying, "An eye for an eye."

This meant he would repay the debt to the two with a headbutt. True to his words, Jinsei launched a barrage of headbutts at the champions right from the start. Tamon and Izumida responded with their signature headbutts. But Jinsei didn't flinch that day. He held his own against them with a headbutt.

Then, just after the 12-minute mark, Jinsei dodged a sandwich headbutt from Tamon and Izumida, forcing a draw, and the challengers' team went all out. Hayabusa unleashed a plethora of moves, including an Ultra Huracanrana, a Firebird Splash, and a Phoenix Splash.

Jinsei also revealed everything, including the Gokuraku Gatame and Rinne, but Tamon and Izumida were strong. Unlike Hayabusa and Jinsei, they are Baba's "direct sons." Tamon and Izumida's only tribute to their late mentor is to defend their titles.

These men, unable to lose, refused to accept pins easily and counterattacked whenever they could. The two sides clashed violently. The match naturally became heated, but it was Jinsei who ended it. He pinned Tamon with a diving headbutt from the top of the corner. With his signature headbutt, they became the Asian Tag Team Champions.

As Jinsei left the ring, he knelt down, facing the ring, as seen in the photo. He likely offered the belt and prayed for the repose of Baba, whom he revered and called Buddha.

Hayabusa openly cried during Jinsei's comments. While there were tears of joy for an indie wrestler to win a major league belt, that wasn't the only reason for the tears. Having seized the opportunity given to him and performed his final act of filial piety for Baba, Hayabusa couldn't contain the emotions welling up inside him. "Now that we've won these belts...we want to carry on Baba's legacy as members of the pro wrestling world and take responsibility for our work from now on," Hayabusa said.

The prestigious Asia Tag Team Championship, once held by Baba, was passed on to Hayabusa & Jinsei on this day.

All Asian Tag Team Championship Match: Hayabusa & Jinsei Shinzaki d. Tamon Honda & Jun Izumida when Shinzaki pinned Honda (23:17)

Hayabusa & Masato Tanaka vs. Mr. Gannosuke & Hideki Hosaka 2/16/99

Tanaka teamed up with Hayabusa against his will at the February 11th Yamato show, the opening match of this series. However, Tanaka was unable to accept the match and ended up finishing the match with a sense of awkwardness between them. Five days later, Tanaka teamed up with Hayabusa again at the Osaka show, but there was a major concern. It was conceivable that Tanaka, unable to accept the match, would lose his cool and clash with Hayabusa.

However, in the end, Tanaka and Hayabusa's combination was incredibly smooth. There was no sign of any inconsistency. Even when they were in a pinch due to attacks from Gannosuke and Hosaka, they both intervened and escaped. It made you wonder what was going on with Yamato. If the relationship between the two is strong, even a slight struggle will lead to a solid result. Tanaka defeated Hosaka with a Diamond Dust for the win. Of course, Hayabusa followed up by holding back Gannosuke. It was a performance worthy of an ace duo, but Tanaka's expression showed no joy. Then, grabbing the microphone, Tanaka declared to Hayabusa, "I don't want to team up with you anymore. It's natural for a wrestler to want to be at the top. I don't want to be below you. This time, it's fine if we fight (I want the fans to watch)."

On the other hand, Hayabusa, who had heard Tanaka's words, seemed to have prepared for this appeal, and accepted his feelings, saying, "I understand your feelings very well. I enjoyed our last tag team match. I think the next time we meet in the ring we'll be facing each other, but I will never lose to you."

Considering Tanaka's feelings, it was only natural that the two would part ways. You could say it's a flow. Incidentally, if you ask why things were so smooth in Osaka after things were so awkward in Yamato, it was because Tanaka went into the match with a clear mind, knowing that this would be his last time teaming up with Hayabusa. There was no need for a falling out in a match with such determination. There is no direct showdown between Tanaka and Hayabusa scheduled for this series, but I hope the organization will arrange a match between the two soon. In any case, Tanaka and Hayabusa must continue to play good matches from now on. Tanaka has decided to break up with Hayabusa and take the lead. Hayabusa, who made the declaration, has a responsibility to hold the belt of a major organization, as this was his first match since winning the Asia Tag Championship. The battle between these two completely divided opponents will undoubtedly be more intense than ever. Who will emerge as the top?!?!?!?! The battle to determine who will become the true ace has now begun.

<Hayabusa after the match>

I understand exactly what Tanaka said today. I understand that as a wrestler, he wants to be the best. I'd be lying if I said I'm not lonely, but I think he said it because deep down, the feelings we had when we were together remain. From now on, as both friends and rivals, we will continue to work together as wrestlers that we won't be ashamed of when we next face each other in the ring. If we can continue to hone each other, I think that will be the best we can do to live up to the feelings of all the fans who support us. I'd like to say it again: Tanaka has returned, incredibly strong. But I don't want to lose to him; I will never lose to him.

Hayabusa & Masato Tanaka d. Mr. Gannosuke & Hideki Hosaka when Tanaka pinned Hosaka (19:33)

February 18th, Fuyuki who had been officially affiliated with the organization in this series and was supposed to have embarked on a fair and honorable path to victory in the double crown, suddenly changed course in his second defense, turning challenger Ikeda into a bloody dagger with his usual unreasonable fighting style and once again criticizing the organization. The reason for this was the one-sided decision on the defense schedule by the organization. "I'm the champion, so I have the right to schedule the defense and nominate the challenger. Don't mess with me!"

Fuyuki was furious and took out his anger towards President Arai on the person who read the championship declaration, assaulting him. Furthermore, Nakagawa, Gedo, and Kanemura invaded the match and knocked out Ikeda with a brutal act that was unbecoming of a title match, achieving an arrogant second victory. This was clearly a deliberate act filled with the rage of a double champion.

After the match, another incident occurred that could be described as a distortion of the Unified Organization system. When Hayabusa jumped in to rescue Ikeda, Ikeda delivered a high kick. Hayabusa was unable to comprehend the situation after this unexpected attack from his best friend Ikeda, who went beyond the boundaries of the organization. "What can you guys do? Is it okay to do this?" Ikeda said. "You guys" even included Hayabusa. The heinous acts of Fuyuki and his men caused the distrust that Ikeda had in his heart towards the organization and Hayabusa to explode in an instant. Although he was a member of the Battlarts, Ikeda set aside his own desires and dedicated himself to helping Phoenix, and finally, teaming up with Hayabusa, he captured the World Brass Knuckles Team Team Championship.

However, their joy was short-lived, as the title was relinquished in favor of a tag league match while Ikeda was absent due to an internal illness. Furthermore, while Hayabusa was also forced to relinquish the title also along with his other best friend, Jinsei Shinzaki, rose to the prestigious Asian Tag Team Championship. It's not hard to understand Ikeda's conflict and his anger that he has no outlet for. Ikeda's anger was ironically directed at the organization and Hayabusa personally, saying, "Can FMW get away with anything they do? Can Hayabusa get away with anything they do?" Ikeda then declared war on the Unified Wrestling Organization itself as a member of the Battlarts, saying, "I'm going to destroy this ridiculous company. Today I've made up my mind." He announced the decision.

Hayabusa's dreams of a happy reunion with Ikeda were brutally shattered that day. If this is also the fate of those who live in the ring, Hayabusa has no choice but to once again face a bitter feud between family members...

 <Hayabusa after the match> Why... In fact, the belts that Dai-chan and I won ended up giving up (giving up when the Tag League was held), so it's entirely my fault. As for the All Asian Tag Team Championship, both of them are important friends to me, and if they asked me for help, I would do whatever I could. I wonder if Dai-chan didn't understand the results of what I've been doing... Even in today's match, those disrespectful people invaded and did whatever they wanted, and perhaps that spread the distrust that Dai-chan had for me to the entire company. Right now, I just hope I can have one more chance to talk to Dai-chan.

Hayabusa vs. Mr. Gannosuke 2/21/99

Among the "Super Fight" matches this series featured, almost as spectacular as official matches, the one that drew the most attention was Hayabusa vs. Gannosuke. This was the first rivalry between the two men in nearly 10 months since their double titles match at Yokohama on April 30th last year, making it a truly premium card.

Gannosuke suffered a serious injury at Yokohama on April 30th, partially tearing the medial ligament in his left knee, and suffered the humiliation of losing his titles to Hayabusa. Ten months later, Gannosuke finally had his chance for revenge. However, Hayabusa was far from at his best. After capturing the All Asian Tag Team Championship with Jinsei on the All Japan Pro-Wrestling mat, their joy was short-lived.

Following their breakup with Tanaka, an unexpected and cold confrontation developed between him and Ikeda in their home ring. He also requested to team up with Jinsei for the tag league tournament to be held in March, but due to Jinsei's schedule conflicts, the decision had not yet been made official.

As Hayabusa himself admitted after the match, these various mental issues ultimately had a major impact on his performance in this crucial match. Hayabusa was forced to enter the ring with anguish lingering in the back of his mind, while Gannosuke, with his ambition of challenging for the double titles beyond this revenge match, was ready to go.

The difference in the situation alone made the outcome of the match clear from the start. From the beginning, both wrestlers aimed for the left knee, and the fierce, grinding battle continued for over 15 minutes, trading powerful moves. It was here that Hayabusa made a fatal mistake. He hit his left knee with a Firebird Splash, and then lost balance during the subsequent Avalanche Frankensteiner, causing him to fall. Gannosuke seized the opportunity to unleash a Reverse Fire Thunder and a Standard Fire Thunder, achieving a stunning revenge. Now, all Gannosuke could see was the double champion Fuyuki.

"Fuyuki-san! I'm the next challenger. Accept or not, come out!" Fuyuki pounced on Gannosuke's challenge, effectively accepting the challenge with, "I'll accept your challenge anytime!" After winning the Over the Top tournament in January and achieving perfect revenge against Hayabusa today, Gannosuke has literally climbed his way back up from rock bottom. The double champion match is expected to be held in Sapporo on March 19th. "I won't let anyone complain!" Hayabusa said after the match. It's not that I underestimated Gannosuke, but his performance was disrupted and I couldn't attack as I wanted. My partner in the tag league also has an uncertain life schedule, and all the frustration I've been feeling is coming out in the worst way. I don't know what to do. Why is this happening...?

Mr. Gannosuke d. Hayabusa (20:17)

Hayabusa & Hisakatsu Oya vs. Mr. Gannosuke & Hideki Hosaka 2/21/99

Before explaining how Hayabusa and Fuyuki suddenly combined, there are a few events that need to be mentioned. Fuyuki suffered a bruise. Fuyuki was unable to move his shoulder properly. Meanwhile, Hayabusa, who competed in the semi-finals, also had tape on his neck. Apparently, he injured it during his match against Gannosuke at the February 21st Hakata show. The pain hasn't subsided since.

One factor concerns the physical condition of both Hayabusa and Fuyuki. Please take a look at the photo of Fuyuki's earlier match against Gedo. Fuyuki's left shoulder is heavily taped, an injury he sustained two days earlier at the Kagoshima event. Because of the severity of the injury, Hayabusa and Fuyuki's movements that day were lacking in quality.

Many fans may have felt a lack of speed, but that's due to the circumstances. Still, both perform their duties perfectly when it's their turn to impress. The second was a conversation between Gedo and Jado. It's well known that Jado's departure from TNR caused a rift in their 10-year-old brotherly relationship. The two naturally grew estranged, but before the match, Gedo spotted Jado in the commentary booth. He said, "It's been a while, brother. How are you? You haven't contacted me, so I have no idea. Let's talk. TNR is going through a tough time with all these new guys. We've got the tag league coming up, too."

Jado's response was a cold, "I don't know anything about you," but from what Gedo said, it was clear that Gedo himself wanted to repair their brotherly relationship. And finally, the third was Oya's "betrayal." Oya, who had been at odds with Hayabusa for the past few months despite being on the same team, defected to Gannosuke's group during a match between Hayabusa, Oya vs. Gannosuke, and Hosaka on the Se-sei. Fans were simply shocked by this shocking event.

However, something even more shocking occurred immediately afterward. That was the sudden combination of Hayabusa and Fuyuki. Fuyuki rescued Hayabusa from being beaten up by the Gannosuke group. They shared the same vision. Simply put, "Entertainment comes first from wrestling."

The two unwaveringly believe that this philosophy is the mainstream of the Unified Organization, which is why they had no qualms about teaming up. And because they are mainstream, they feel a sense of mission to normalize the chaotic FMW wrestling mat.

Even if they can't do it alone, Hayabusa and Fuyuki intend to suppress their individual self-aggrandizement by joining forces. Commissioner Arai, who had previously stated, "We want to provide something great without being bound by convention. It's fine for individuals to decide their team composition independently, regardless of their affiliation," for the March tag league, immediately accepted Hayabusa and Fuyuki's wishes and decided to have the two enter the league.

The reaction from fans to the sudden combination of FMW's two powerhouses was met with thunderous cheers. That's what makes this tag team so appealing. According to Fuyuki, "It's the first time in my 20-odd years as a wrestler that I've become mainstream," but considering the circumstances, it's a natural progression. While many wrestlers are calling for a change in the system, Hayabusa and Fuyuki intend to protect it as conservative mainstream wrestlers!

Mr. Gannosuke & Hideki Hosaka d. Hayabusa & Hisakatsu Oya when Gannosuke pinned Hayabusa (18:21)

Hayabusa & Jinsei Shinzaki vs. Masato Tanaka & Tetsuhiro Kuroda 3/19/99

This is a historic achievement. All Japan Pro Wrestling, which holds the title management rights, has recognized FMW as the organization worthy of hosting an All Asian tag team match.

This marks the first time Japan's oldest belt has been contested in another organization's ring, two years and five months after the January 6, 1955, International Pro Wrestling Korakuen Hall event, when the yakuza duo Great Kojika and Genji Okuma competed against the Japanese High Flyers duo Mighty Inoue and Animal Hamaguchi.

Hayabusa and Jinsei said they wanted to defend their titles in FMW or Michinoku because they wanted to demonstrate that even indie wrestlers could compete in a title match recognized by a major organization.

The referee was PWF-certified All Japan wrestler Shuichi Nishinaga, and with Masanobu Fuchi and Tsuyoshi Kikuchi, who were also competing that day, watching from the back of the stage, the bell rang to signal the start of the showdown.

Neither team felt any pressure or arrogance from the prospect of a major title match. It was a satisfying, head-on match right from the start. The combination of Tanaka and Kuroda garnered attention, but there were no problems at all.

They had a test run the day before against Hayabusa and Ricky and won with ease, and the fact that they had a lot of history before forming the tag team shows that their bond is strong.

At one point, Tanaka accidentally hit Kuroda with an elbow, but the relationship between the two is not so shallow that it would cause any awkwardness. In fact, Tanaka and Kuroda outperformed Hayabusa and Jinsei in the early stages with their skillful match setup.

After the 15-minute mark, both teams were at full throttle. The four were so busy that it was difficult to keep up with the match notes.

Hayabusa and Jinsei performed a Tope Atomicorni Drop followed by a Moonsault. Kuroda withstood Jinsei's avalanche brainbuster and leaped to the outside of the ring, stunning him on the top rope. Tanaka followed with a Diamond Dust, a BT Bomb, and an avalanche reverse brainbuster. Their strategy to defeat Hayabusa and Jinsei was well-thought-out, and their DDT combination was a spectacular sight. Tanaka and Kuroda's super high-flying Diamond Cutter, reverse powerbomb, and DDT combination were spectacular.

Their strategy to defeat Hayabusa and Jinsei was well-thought-out. Both the champion team and the challenger team were filled with determination to put on a good match and win. The headline "Pure and Intense" was the phrase used as the title of the cover when Champion Carnival Kawada won a three-way match against Misawa and Kobashi, but Hayabusa, Jinsei, Tanaka and Kuroda... they all gave us a truly pure fight in which they used all their skill and wisdom.

In the end it was Hayabusa and Jinsei's first title defense, but the important thing is not the outcome. The important thing is that these four indie-raised wrestlers managed to put up a 30 minute 35 second fight that everyone could accept.

Hayabusa is determined to soar even higher, and in Jinsei the harsh challenge that is Champion Carnival awaits him. Tanaka and Kuroda are determined to use this defeat as a springboard to start afresh. Each of them holds their heads high and sets out again towards a new theme. By competing with each other in this way, the four will grow even more.

The Sapporo event was FMW's 10th anniversary, and there the four proved in a tangible form what they had cultivated as indie wrestlers.

All Asian Tag Team Championship Match: Hayabusa & Jinsei Shinzaki d. Masato Tanaka & Tetsuhiro Kuroda when Hayabusa pinned Kuroda (30:35)

Hayabusa & Kodo Fuyuki vs. Koji Nakagawa & Gedo 3/20/98

"The FMW is a mess right now. To change that, we have to do something bold." Each wrestler has begun to assert themselves on the current FMW mat.

However, without a certain level of order, it becomes a world of mere complacency, which the audience will abandon, eventually leading to the collapse of the organization itself.

Fuyuki, sensing this sense of crisis, wanted to team up with his rival Hayabusa, using force to force the other wrestlers into submission. Or, more accurately, he tried to do so?!?!?!? Fuyuki had defeated Gannosuke in the Sapporo showdown the night before and successfully defended his unified double titles.

However, in that match, he had severely twisted his right ankle, leaving him unable to walk. Fuyuki volunteered to start in this match, his first official tag league match, but was barely able to do anything before being replaced by Hayabusa.

After that, Fuyuki's uninjured left leg was targeted by Gedo and Nakagawa, immobilizing both legs and preventing him from moving properly.

Even so, Gedo and Nakagawa's attacks on Fuyuki were surprisingly severe. Perhaps they hadn't accepted the situation where he was teaming with a Team Phoenix member while Fuyuki was the leader of their faction. Unlike Kanemura, they didn't express their dissatisfaction, but their fighting made it clear they were unhappy with Fuyuki.

It was inevitable that Hayabusa would rise to the occasion in this predicament, but Gedo's team wasn't so naive as to concede victory. Nakagawa ripped off Hayabusa's mask, leaving him isolated because Fuyuki couldn't move, and stabbed him in the forehead with a fork. Meanwhile, Gedo taunted Fuyuki, saying, "Come on, come on!" and continued to attack Hayabusa mockingly.

In the end, Hayabusa's Firebird Splash secured victory for Fuyuki's team, but frankly, there was nothing good about them. Perhaps for this reason, Fuyuki's usual assertive words were not forthcoming. "I don't know what will happen (from now on) because I can't move. In this state, we can't use any teamwork, and in order to return the chaotic FMW mat to normal, it seems the best thing to do is for Hayabusa and Fuyuki to build an absolute relationship of trust and use their strength to dominate the other wrestlers... but judging from the match between the two today, the road ahead is tough.

FMW Tag Team Championship Tournament Match: Hayabusa & Kodo Fuyuki (2) d. Koji Nakagawa & Gedo when Hayabusa pinned Gedo (18:52)

Hayabusa & Kodo Fuyuki vs. Masato Tanaka & Tetsuhiro Kuroda 3/29/99

After defeating Gannosuke in Sapporo on March 19th and successfully defending his FMW-certified Double Crown Unified First-Class Championship for the third time, Fuyuki named Tarzan Goto as his next challenger. It was a very sudden reverse nomination.

Goto, the person involved, was also unsure of Fuyuki's true intentions and was unable to respond immediately. Two days later, at SPWF on March 21st in Shizuoka, Goto responded to Fuyuki's reverse nomination with a buffer, saying, "I have no intention of moving up to FMW. My relationship with FMW is over. I have no problem with fighting Fuyuki, but if we're going to do it, wouldn't it be better to do it somewhere else? Even though they asked me to come back on the 2nd and they were the ones who brought it up, so their representative should come and talk to me first." The buffer meant two conditions: a ring other than FMW, and the FMW Unified Organization should be polite and come to negotiate.

The details of the events up to this point are as previously reported in this magazine. When Fuyuki shared Goto's comments with him on March 24th in Yokosuka, his tone completely changed. "Goto's not just stubborn, he's just an idiot. If you want to fight me, it doesn't matter where you are, just come to FMW, you bastard! I'll be waiting for you at Korakuen," Fuyuki said, dismissing Goto's stubborn insistence on joining FMW. However, he still insisted on waiting for Goto at Korakuen.

And so, at the Korakuen Hall on March 20, the main event, the official tag league match between Fuyuki, Hayabusa vs. Tanaka, and Kuroda, began without Goto, the person at the center of the controversy. The match was a fierce battle that truly showcased the high level of the Unified Organization mat, which was currently being reorganized, and the quality of the strongest tag league itself.

The match was so heated that the absence of Goto, who should have been the other "main character" of the day, was barely noticeable. The two teams ran nonstop for 30 minutes, finishing in a draw. Tanaka, who led the Unified Organization's ace duo, Fuyuki and Hayabusa, from start to finish, pushing them to the brink of certain death countless times, took the microphone with a confident look on his face. "Didn't you all see that, Hayabusa? Fuyuki isn't any fun! Kuroda and I will definitely win! And Fuyuki, Tarzan Goto isn't even here. Before you even mention Goto, there's Kuroda and I. Are you running away? If you want to fight Goto, beat us first!"

It was a brilliant declaration of war against Fuyuki. Coming right after demonstrating his true strength in the match against Fuyuki and Hayabusa, Tanaka's words were powerful and persuasive, and the audience fully supported him. Furthermore, Tanaka clearly stated in the waiting room, "Either I or Kuroda will take the double crown belts!", announcing his intention to fight for the double crown. On the other hand, Fuyuki was cornered by the fact that Goto did not appear that day, but he was still determined to get Goto out, saying, "The card for 5/5 Yokohama will be announced in the new month. I'll turn things around in these two or three days and somehow get Goto out." With 5/5 Yokohama just around the corner, the battle for the double crown ignited, and the situation became a scramble!

FMW Tag Team Championship Tournament Match: Hayabusa & Kodo Fuyuki (5) vs. Masato Tanaka & Tetsuhiro Kuroda went to a Time Limit Draw (30:00)

— It's been a really long time since your last interview with this magazine, but what do you think of FMW today, Hayabusa? I hear a lot of voices from fans and insiders saying things like, "I don't really know what FMW wants to do," and "It's not interesting."

Hayabusa: Well, it's probably not that different from looking at it from the outside. How should I put it... it's really hard to see the direction FMW is heading. I think each wrestler is thinking about what they're doing, but I can sense that it's not coming out as a unified flow. In that sense, there is definitely a sense of crisis.

— When I talk to the wrestlers on the ground, they all seem to feel a sense of crisis about the current situation.

Hayabusa: So, when it comes to the actual problem of what we should do and how... it's still not clear. Before, the roadmap was clear. We did this, so what's next? What do we have to do next? But now it's sometimes unclear. That's what I'm really confused about. The wrestlers are really trying their best in their matches, but to put it bluntly, they're all strangely competing with each other, all thinking "me, me, me."

— Ideally, ace wrestler Hayabusa should be able to use his strength to keep everyone in check, but it seems like he's not able to do that.

Hayabusa: As for why FMW fell apart, the original reason was that I wasn't able to achieve enough results. Meanwhile, the wrestlers continued to improve, and I'm happy with that. But if it ended up like this, I have no choice but to clean up my own mess.

— You have to achieve decent results. If you want to get a message across to the wrestlers, the organization, and of course the fans, you have to reform yourself first! And one thing that bothers me is... for a while, FMW had a big enemy in Atsushi Onita, who, for better or worse, stirred up trouble at FMW and created a buzz, but after he left, FMW became more focused on wrestling and seemed too slick.

Hayabusa: I think each wrestler has their own opinion about that. I think we may have placed too much emphasis on wrestling. That impression was left out more than necessary. When we were reborn, we wanted to dispel the image of it being deathmatch-only, so we put wrestling at the forefront, but I don't remember anyone ever saying they didn't want to do death matches or didn't want to do them. First of all, we wanted as many people as possible to recognize that we could do wrestling. I think that's starting to take shape over the years we've been doing it. So this time, I don't think we need to be overly concerned about it. However, even if we do death matches, there's no need to do them if there's no need for them.

— So you're saying that we'll do them if there's a need for them?

Hayabusa: It's not just death matches. The human drama that is unique to professional wrestling... If we can express that kind of excitement in the ring, I think that's what FMW is all about.

— So you're saying that all of that is entertainment.

Hayabusa: That's right. It's not like we threw away what FMW originally had. And while entertainment is often seen as a novelty, it does include those elements.

— Are you going to do these things without fitting into any strange mold?

Hayabusa: I have no regrets about calling it wrestling. I'm glad I did it. However, right now we're leaning too heavily towards that. In the end, it just looks like we're imitating All Japan and New Japan, and to be honest, I think that's true. That may have made it less exciting and interesting. So I think we need to always keep our own way of doing things in mind.

— It probably doesn't need to be obvious on the surface, but unless there is a clear person in charge among the wrestlers and that person acts as a liaison between the field and the organization, I don't think the organization, which is still in the start-up stage, will function well.

Hayabusa: I think it has to be that way. Even if you're just one of the pieces of the organization, there are always the feelings of the people on the ground. I don't think you can put on an event without considering the feelings of the people involved. It's important that the company understands that, so I hope I can somehow take a position on that front.

— Right now, Hayabusa is teaming up with Fuyuki, so shouldn't the two giants take that position?

Hayabusa: If Fuyuki and I could exchange information, stay up to date on the wrestlers' conditions, and then discuss things with the company together, that would be ideal

— So fans who are worried about the current state of FMW can just trust in Hayabusa's ability to take action and wait.

Hayabusa: Personally, I don't think my basic way of thinking has changed at all, at least from the time we started as the new FMW until now. With that in mind, I want to continue not to disappoint the expectations of the people who have believed in us and supported us, and although there are fans who are wondering "What is FMW trying to do?", I want to leave behind something that will satisfy them in the end. I will definitely do that.

— When are you planning to put an end to this and take action?

Hayabusa: I want May 5th to mark a turning point as we begin anew. In reality, this May 5th event is more of a reflection of FMW's past. So, it's a good opportunity for people to see the current state of FMW and properly evaluate it. Of course, there will be pros and cons, but we're willing to accept them. With that in mind, we must first see a vision for what the future holds after May 5th. For that reason, I believe Yokohama is an absolutely necessary event. Personally, I'm not entirely convinced by the card, but regardless of that logic, when it comes to Tanaka and Kuroda, I'm still determined not to lose. As I said in the ring the other day, if they come, I'll take them again and again. It might be an old-fashioned way of saying it, but if you can take their head, go for it. That's the mindset I'm going to have when I step into the ring.

— You should keep saying assertive things. Hayabusa has been too nice up until now.

Hayabusa: I think I've been relying too much on myself lately, so I need to get rid of that. Honestly, I don't think there's any point in crying forever. Of course, if the tears were genuine and natural, and I was happy with the outcome, I probably wouldn't try to stop them, but I want to avoid tears of regret or dissatisfaction. That's something I need to get rid of. Looking ahead, I feel like I have no choice but to bring out a different side of Hayabusa than before. So, I need to put an end to this writing style in a good way, and make sure I make my presence felt in the May 5th and beyond. Otherwise, I won't gain the trust of the other wrestlers.

— Fuyuki-san said, "If Hayabusa isn't an absolute ace, the indie team won't last," but there can't be an absolute ace without the trust of those around him.

Hayabusa: After all, if you're called an ace, you have to leave behind at least something. If you can't do that, then there's no need to be an ace. In that sense, a sense of crisis has recently resurfaced. Until now, I was very conscious of just protecting, but from now on, I have to create something, I have to leave something behind. I'm no longer just doing what's in front of me and protecting. In that sense, I myself will be taking on another challenge from May 5th onwards.

— I take this interview as Hayabusa's declaration of self-reform, organizational reform, and leadership.

Hayabusa: I want to reform, following the path I've laid out for myself, with my own vision.

— Finally, regarding All Japan's appearance at Baba's retirement event at the Tokyo Dome on May 2nd, what do you want to show there?

Hayabusa: Just being able to take part in Baba-san's retirement event with the Asian belt in hand is very meaningful to me, and I want the people who come to the Tokyo Dome to feel the bright, intense and fun wrestling that Baba-san spoke of. In particular, I've been paired with three masked wrestlers this time, so I hope to leave behind a fitting performance and dream that will make Baba-san happy.

Hayabusa & Kodo Fuyuki vs. Daisuke Ikeda & Mohammed Yone 4/20/99

It's been nearly two months since their falling out in Hiroshima on February 18th. This was the first time Hayabusa and Ikeda faced off against each other. Neither of them could suppress their emotions.

The match began immediately, with the two facing off in the ring. They engaged in a fierce battle, their animosity clearly visible.

However, the overall impression was that Ikeda had the advantage. Ikeda, enraged, repeatedly pushed Hayabusa back with rough strikes. Naturally, the audience's attention was focused on the Hayabusa-Ikeda encounter, but it's important to remember that this was an official tag league match.

Aiming for victory, Fuyuki and Ikeda couldn't afford to lose a match here. However, Yone, facing FMW, became just as heated as Ikeda. The three wrestlers, excluding Fuyuki, let their emotions dictate the outcome of the match.

Fuyuki, the only one who remained calm, succeeded in dividing Ikeda's team. Meanwhile, Hayabusa finished Yone off with two consecutive Falcon Arrows. Now, let's pay attention to Hayabusa's post-match appeal on the mic.

Until now, he's been a soft-spoken man, but now he declares, "Ikeda, I don't know what you think, but the rivalry doesn't concern me. I'm going to settle this one-on-one with you. Look forward to it!"

Has Hayabusa ever made such a bold and forceful statement? In last week's interview, Hayabusa declared his intention to reform FMW. He resolved to rebuild the troubled FMW after the May 5th Yokohama show. Why did Hayabusa, while considering a personal showdown with Ikeda, decide that the rivalry with Battlarts was not his concern? It's likely because he believes that expanding his options further in the chaotic FMW would only exacerbate the chaos.

His immediate priority is to win the tag league and capture the double crown at the May 5th Yokohama show. As long as he can achieve results and lead FMW from May 5th onward, he has nothing to complain about.

Therefore, after the match, Hayabusa called Tanaka and Kuroda over and told them, "The one who's going to get the pinfall in the next match isn't you guys, or even Jinsei. It's me! Listen, I'm not going to lose to you guys yet. If you're still upset, come and cut my neck off in Yokohama."

"And Fuyuki-san, I'll definitely get my double belts back." All he had to do was keep his word. Hayabusa remained strong throughout the day, but in stark contrast, Fuyuki. His injured right ankle and left shoulder showed no signs of healing even after several months, and he said, "I've passed the baton now. I want to hand the belts over to Hayabusa in Yokohama. That'll be it. All that's left is to travel around the countryside, use Hayabusa, and take it easy... a rosy second life awaits. I'm not going to cling to active duty like the others. I think it's time to retire."

He made a rather pessimistic statement throughout. Considering that he said at the press conference before the series that he would do whatever it took to protect his belts, this cannot be taken at face value, but we will see...

FMW Tag Team Championship Tournament Match: Hayabusa & Kodo Fuyuki (7) d. Daisuke Ikeda & Mohammed Yone when Hayabusa pinned Yone (17:02)

Hayabusa & Kodo Fuyuki vs. Mr. Gannosuke & Hisakatsu Oya 4/25/99

For Hayabusa & Fuyuki, who drew with the Tanaka team and beat the Ikeda team, Gannosuke & Oya were their final obstacle of the day. If they could get through this, they'd almost certainly advance to the championship match, but if they lost, the league would once again become chaotic.

Meanwhile, Gannosuke's team, while considered number one overall, have been steadily losing points and are on the brink of collapse. A loss in this match would mean complete elimination. Given this, one would think that Gannosuke would resort to any means necessary, but surprisingly, they took a completely straightforward approach. Making Fuyuki bleed in an outside fight and powerbombing Hayabusa into a table are still within the realm of FMW style, so it makes sense to focus on attacking Fuyuki's left shoulder. "I'm not joking, it's really tough. It's good that you trust me, but I really have to work hard for you too," Hayabusa said with a wry smile after the opening match. That's how bad Fuyuki's condition is. That's why he has no choice but to find his strengths and focus it there.

Until then, Hayabusa will be the one to struggle. Fuyuki, too, shows his respect for his partner who is working hard for him, always calling him "Hayabusa-kun" with the honorific "-kun." The deciding factor in the match was whether or not these tactics would work against the seasoned Gannosuke and Oya, but Fuyuki held his own. After 15 minutes, as soon as he received the tag from Hayabusa, he launched a massive lariat, followed by a Fisherman Buster, a powerbomb, a lariat, and a Fuyuki Special, and continued to attack, attack, attack, and attack. Panicked to prevent the flow of the match, Gannosuke pounced, but Hayabusa caught Oya with a Firebird Splash.

Meanwhile, Fuyuki was focused on covering for him, preventing him from being cut off. All four of the double champion duo's wins were achieved by Hayabusa. While Fuyuki is a senior whose clearly defined roles make up for the handicap of injury, Fuyuki is not aggressive and has no "I'll do it" mentality (although perhaps his injury is keeping him from doing so). Before they knew it, they had become a duo whose greatest weapon was teamwork.

"If we don't lose any matches, we'll make it to the finals, right?" "Even if we lose, it's a sure thing. They're fine even though I am not feeling too well." "It's only natural that we'll win. The significance of us two teaming up lies in what happens after that." "Hayabusa, you absolutely have to win in Yokohama and make it to the main event. And together we'll surpass last year's Yokohama performance (November 20th). Let's aim for the best match of the year."

Even from the outside, their conversation clearly shows that they're in sync. Amidst the ongoing battle to eliminate their rivals, the driving force behind their undefeated streak (one draw) isn't simply the fact that the former and current double champions have teamed up. I want to emphasize that their strength lies elsewhere. This leaves the question of which other team is the one they're looking for. Tanaka's team and Ikeda's team have a chance. Nakagawa and Gedo also have a chance. The FMW Tag League is finally reaching its climax.

FMW Tag Team Championship Tournament Match: Hayabusa & Kodo Fuyuki (9) d. Mr. Gannosuke & Hisakatsu Oya when Hayabusa pinned Oya (18:13)

On April 27th, Hayabusa, the field manager, threw the ceremonial first pitch at the Nippon Ham vs. Daiei professional baseball game at Tokyo Dome. Upon arriving at Tokyo Dome, Hayabusa first greeted Manager Ueda and the other players. He was also seen exchanging uniforms and masks with Shimoyanagi. Then, Hayabusa appeared in costume for the ceremonial first pitch, and the pitch he threw was a spectacular strike low and inside, drawing cheers from the baseball fans.

Hayabusa & The Great Sasuke & Tiger Mask vs. Yoshinari Ogawa & Manukea Mossman & Masahito Kakihara 5/2/99

The highlight came suddenly. It was during his entrance. The moment Sasuke appeared, the Tokyo Dome shook. And no wonder: he was carrying the IWGP Junior Tag Team belts. His image was projected on the screen, eliciting a roar of "Oats!" from the crowd. Then, he faced off against World Junior Champion Ogawa. The roar only intensified. Fans are sensitive. In an interview with this magazine, Liger entrusted the future of Japan's junior wrestling to Sasuke. "It's groundbreaking for a New Japan belt-holder to step onto the All Japan wrestling mat. Sasuke may be a small opening for exchanges with All Japan, but he's opened it.

However, if he's not considered a big deal at the Dome, all of this talk will die down. May 2nd is about Sasuke holding the future of Japan's junior wrestling." Liger also stated, "It's not surprising to think that New Japan wrestlers have risen to the top." These words say it all. Fans saw this match as a major showdown between All Japan and New Japan. The media and Sasuke agreed. While he carried the Michinoku Pro banner, as New Japan champion, Sasuke also fought with the New Japan banner in mind. Indeed, Sasuke's presence with the IWGP belt further solidified the All Japan/New Japan picture. From here on, I'd like to report on Sasuke as a member of New Japan. Looking at the records... this was the first time the two major promotions had faced off in the ring since New Japan's Tokyo Dome in February 1990. This was the first time they were juniors. Now, onto the match. This historic bout saw Kakihara and Tiger, the starters of the Kakihara/Tiger 4, unleash a barrage of sharp kicks. Neither man backed down. The intensity was so intense that both men were knocked down. It was a tense affair. So, let's start.

The offense and defense between the two led the match in a certain direction. There was no friendly atmosphere whatsoever. Wrestlers who move up to All Japan from independent organizations tend to take a stance of trying to learn the classics, but Tiger was in combat mode. The same with Sasuke. And as for Ogawa... it was well known that before the match he had decided to be indifferent to Sasuke. But this was not something new. In matches against wrestlers from other organizations, Ogawa always acted cool and never got heated, but on this day he was different. He let his emotions show if the other person was willing. This was clearly demonstrated in the scene just after the 25-minute mark. When Kakihara applied a reverse Achilles hold on Tiger, Ogawa, who was waiting in the corner, raised his fist, perhaps confident of victory.

Immediately afterwards, he taunted Hayabusa, who was falling, saying, "Stand up!" Who would have thought Ogawa would behave like this... he was in combat mode for the world junior champion. Needless to say, All Japan and New Japan have become more of a rivalry match than an exchange match. The much-anticipated Ogawa vs. Sasuke match took place three times. Each time, the crowd erupted in cheers, but the two faced off head-on, without any hesitation. Kakihara vs. Tiger, meanwhile, was unyielding, not only in his kicks but also in his joint locks. Their fights were intense and stimulating, showcasing the essence of martial arts. Both wrestlers have stated that they would like to do it again, so we're eager to see what happens next.

While Hayabusa seemed to have missed out on the junior rivalry, he captivated with his brilliant aerial attacks. Hayabusa's presence undoubtedly added depth to the match. In any case, this six-man tag match featured a string of exciting moments, not just during the entrance but throughout the match as well. Despite the time-limit draw, the 30 minutes felt incredibly short. There was even more drama after the match. A rift developed between Ogawa and Kakihara. The cause is clear. During the match, Kakihara's palm strike accidentally landed, angering Ogawa. Kakihara responded, "I don't think it was an accident," but Ogawa made a suggestive remark. "I said I wanted to challenge Kakihara for the Asian Tag Team Championship, but... he doesn't seem interested at all, so I'm going to forgo that and focus solely on the World Tag Team Championship with Misawa. That's all for now. I don't know (about my relationship with Kakihara)." While Ogawa and Kaikihara's relationship is a matter of interest, what's even more concerning is the relationship between Ogawa and Sasuke. Ogawa has shook hands with Hayabusa and Tiger, but never had any contact with Sasuke.

Furthermore, when asked by the media in the waiting room about his impression of Sasuke, he simply replied, "I don't really have any particular thoughts about him." His usual indifference, a stark contrast to his appearance in the ring, is a sign of the World Junior Champion's determination and pride. Conversely, it could also be seen as evidence that he's conscious of Sasuke. Meanwhile, Sasuke made the following comments: "If the situation allows, I would like to go up to All Japan again and I would like to wrestle Ogawa, that's my personal feeling." "I would like to be a bridge between the majors. However, I have in mind that in 2000, the 3rd J Cup will be held in Michinoku and I would like to have both All Japan and New Japan wrestle." "I would like to challenge for Ogawa's belt. I will unify the world of Japanese juniors." Sasuke said, "I would like to be a bridge between All Japan and New Japan," but he also said that if the chance comes, he would like to aim to be the "leading player" in Japanese juniors. His spirit is admirable. Sasuke, who was entrusted by Liger with the future of Japanese juniors, was "quite a man." That day, a hole was certainly opened in Japanese juniors. However, in reality, it seems unlikely that exchanges between majors will begin anytime soon. Sasuke wanted to make sure that the efforts of that day did not go to waste, and wanted to jump into the hole again for the sake of Japanese juniors. That is what the fans would want too. We can't wait to see more of Ogawa vs. Sasuke!

Hayabusa & The Great Sasuke & Tiger Mask vs. Yoshinari Ogawa & Manukea Mossman & Masahito Kakihara went to a Time Limit Draw (30:00)

Hayabusa & Kodo Fuyuki vs. Masato Tanaka & Tetsuhiro Kuroda 5/3/99

Perhaps it was inevitable that the final of the Unified Organization's first ever "Spring Festival" Strongest Tag League was a clash between Fuyuki & Hayabusa (13 points, first place) and Tanaka & Kuroda (10 points, second place). Tanaka's team was forced into a double-header on this day, following their final-qualifying match against Nakagawa & Gedo, but their crushing victory in the first match, lasting just 2 minutes and 44 seconds, meant that it was hardly a handicap in the final.

This showdown between the two powerhouses is a rematch of the official match held at Korakuen Hall on March 29th. Tanaka's team pushed Fuyuki's team hard and hard, but the impression was that Tanaka's team had narrowly missed out on a win. Fuyuki's team had a very tough time, and it seemed that way. Regardless of whether this was right or wrong, the sudden formation of Tanaka & Kuroda's New Wave Power on the Unified Organization mat, which has taken on the appearance of a chaotic open race, truly created a synergistic effect, creating an incredible team.

The much-anticipated final match was a fierce battle that surpassed the previous official match. Using the draw as a lesson, Tanaka & Kuroda aimed for victory as quickly as possible. Of course, Tanaka & Kuroda were also eyeing the double crown match at Yokohama on May 5th beyond this final. Their target was clearly Fuyuki.

Early on, Kuroda applied a shoulder armbreaker to Fuyuki's injured left shoulder, and Tanaka applied a one-wing choke. While Tanaka & Kuroda prevented stamina loss with quick touchwork, Fuyuki & Kuroda were notable for their lone battles. Fuyuki and Hayabusa, the two ace duo, had established a winning formula for this tag league. Hayabusa's mobility would thoroughly disrupt Fuyuki's opponents, leading to a one-hit finish for Fuyuki. However, Tanaka's strategy was to disrupt this formula by dragging Fuyuki out first and isolating him.

After 15 minutes, while Fuyuki was crouched in the corner, Tanaka's team focused their attacks on Hayabusa, immobilizing him. Hayabusa attempted a Firebird Splash in a desperate attempt to turn the tide, but Tanaka cleared it at two. He then lured Fuyuki into a striking match, dodging a backfist and landing a rolling elbow with a cross counter, scoring the pinfall and claiming his first championship. It was a complete victory. Tanaka and Kuroda, their FMW Brass Knuckles Tag Team Championship belts wrapped around their waists, looked fearless and triumphant, while Fuyuki lay down, clutching his left shoulder, and Hayabusa looked dazed.

The post-match scene evoked the harshness of the competitive world, but it took an even more unexpected turn. Seeing Fuyuki's agony, Hayabusa doused him in water with a bucket, causing Fuyuki to suddenly stand up and attack Hayabusa. While not specifically defending Hayabusa, he had no ulterior motives. He was simply splashing water on Fuyuki's right shoulder to cool it down. Fortunately, both Hayabusa and Fuyuki's camps intervened and prevented a brawl, but this scene was enough to foreshadow the disintegration of the two-man Hayabusa duo.

Fuyuki, who had already returned to the waiting room, simply shouted, "I'll show you the results on May 5th, so come and see!" Hayabusa, who did not reveal his true intentions regarding the continuation of his partnership with Hayabusa, simply shook his head at Fuyuki's actions, asking, "Why...?" This is pure speculation, but perhaps Fuyuki, who formed the tag team with Hayabusa as a drastic measure to create the core of the unified organization, thought that the end of the tag league had cleared the first stage of that process.

Although he missed out on the tag team championship, the situation is certainly becoming more active and coherent, just as Fuyuki intended. The fact that a new force, Tanaka and Kuroda, emerged from the chaos of the ring and won the championship that day is also a prime example of this activation. Hayabusa has also launched FMW reform. If this "reading" is correct, one could say that Fuyuki has already begun moving toward the next step. May 5th Yokohama had already concluded by the time this issue was released, but Fuyuki's actions would naturally be linked to this big match. What impact will Fuyuki's results at May 5th Yokohama have on what follows?

FMW Tag Team Championship Tournament Finals: Masato Tanaka & Tetsuhiro Kuroda d. Hayabusa & Kodo Fuyuki when Tanaka pinned Fuyuki (24:54)