Hayabusa & Jinsei Shinzaki vs. Masato Tanaka & Tetsuhiro Kuroda 5/5/99

I wasn't ripping anyone off. The new FMW I saw in May 1999 was more intense, purer, and better than it was back then. And that fight had to become a model for the unified organization. However, since this match was a stepping stone to the double championship match, simply having a good fight wasn't enough to get the result. Someone had to pin someone and win to advance to the double championship match. Both teams, or rather, each of the four wrestlers, were surely focused on their own victory.

This was more like a four-way singles match than a 2-on-2 tag team match. And in the midst of this four-way battle, it was Kuroda who stood out. From the start of the match, Kuroda's target seemed to be clearly set on defeating Hayabusa. With his characteristic hard-hitting, straightforward fighting style, Kuroda relentlessly pursued Hayabusa, and his momentum continued to drive the pace of the match.

After 20 minutes, Kuroda's chance arrived. In combination with Tanaka, Kuroda delivered a Heaven Impact to Hayabusa, with Tanaka then guarding his life. Hayabusa shakily stood up in the center of the ring. At that moment, Kuroda's left arm was already ready. Following a short-range blow, he charged in with all his might and delivered a Grass Spirit Lariat that slashed Hayabusa's neck. The crowd rose to their feet in a frenzy as the three count was called. The post-match scenes were starkly divided, but I want to emphasize that there was no clear difference in skill among the four wrestlers, including the winner Kuroda.

It may be a worn-out cliché, but it really was a match where any of them could have won. Hayabusa, who was pinned directly, said with slumped shoulders, "I said big things, but I couldn't win the league tournament, and I couldn't win the final either... All I can say is I'm sorry." It's hard to imagine Hayabusa's heartache. However, in this match, the audience certainly saw the new FMW in its 10th year. And even in Hayabusa's heartbroken state, the sense of accomplishment from his tenth year remained...or so it seemed.

Masato Tanaka & Tetsuhiro Kuroda d. Hayabusa & Jinsei Shinzaki when Kuroda pinned Hayabusa (24:01)

For Kuroda, whose double-title match had been tainted with humiliation, it was a miserable "grand stage." There was a bad feeling even before the match began. The members of TNR, who were supposed to have parted ways with Fuyuki, had gathered at his corner. They had reunited. And Fuyuki made full use of these members, letting them interfere in the match as much as possible. In the end, he deliberately knocked the referee unconscious and replaced him with his own teammate, Go Ito. At this point, the match was practically decided.

Go Ito condoned TNR's foul attacks and even assisted Fuyuki with an extremely slow count when he was pinned. This was a case of doing whatever they wanted. Fuyuki was met with a storm of boos. Nevertheless, Kuroda fought on. He desperately clung to Fuyuki, but... his stamina had its limits. At 2 minutes and 5 seconds, he was knocked out by Fuyuki's lariat. And when the match ended, the arena erupted in anger. The audience shouted, "Fuyuki, stop messing around!" They unleashed their anger at Fuyuki for ruining the match. Hayabusa felt the same way.

As soon as he entered the ring, he lunged at the traitor Fuyuki. But, outnumbered, there was nothing he could do. Hayabusa was beaten up by TNR. In that situation, Fuyuki made a microphone appeal, saying, "Hayabusa! Your job is done here. I will take over FMW. I am Kodo Fuyuki, acting commissioner!" This rubbed the fans the wrong way. Countless objects were thrown into the ring. The arena was filled with insults. Yokohama Bunka Gymnasium was on the verge of a riot.

However, Fuyuki did not care. "Is that a champion's match?!?!? Is this the FMW match you envisioned?" Tanaka shouted, but Fuyuki completely ignored him and quickly went to the locker room. What happened in the ring after that. "What's going on, Fuyuki? Answer me! Is this okay? Don't mess with me. Is everyone okay with this?!" Hayabusa sought agreement from the fans, but the response he received was, "It's your fault." This was by no means an unexpected answer.

The fact that people now say, "I don't know what FMW is trying to do," is largely due to the responsibility of ace Hayabusa. This is because he couldn't control the other wrestlers with force. He himself knew this, which is why, in an interview with this magazine, he declared that he would use the 10th-anniversary show as a turning point and lead FMW himself, but the anniversary show was tainted by TNR. His own inadequacy, his anger towards Fuyuki and the others, the harsh voices of the fans... these things greatly changed Hayabusa. He turned to the audience and, with tears in his eyes, declared, "Shut up, stop making noise! ​​Do you guys find this kind of thing interesting? Is this FMW?! Is this what we've been working so hard to show everyone? What is FMW? FMW is what we, Tanaka, and Kuroda, have been working so hard for up until now."

It was incredibly powerful. And very persuasive. As Hayabusa said, the reason FMW exists today is because the members of the new FMW have put their bodies on the line. Voices rose from the audience saying, "That's right! Hayabusa, you and Tanaka, protect FMW together!" Hayabusa and Tanaka faced each other in the ring. Oya and Hosaka tried to mediate and get the two to shake hands, but Tanaka refused.

After returning to Japan, Tanaka had said he didn't want to work under Hayabusa, so it was probably not easy to change his mind... But they both felt that Fuyuki's style was "not what FMW should be aiming for." There was some understanding between them. "I'm going to change FMW, and the Japanese pro wrestling world!"

Hayabusa made a powerful statement at the end, but at that time, Fuyuki was in the locker room making the comments mentioned in another section. The content of those comments was shocking. It wasn't a lie that he had full control of FMW, and he had signed a pledge with Commissioner Arai. In summary, Fuyuki's plan to rebuild FMW, which has both the hardware and software but is floundering, and make it a solid entity can be summarized into the following three points:

① From June, he will take over all wrestler booking and matchmaking.

② The singles, tag team, and six-man tag team belts will be redesigned. Pro wrestling is interesting because of mismatches, big and small, so the junior belts will be eliminated.

③ Wrestlers will be on individual contracts instead of group contracts, and unnecessary people will be let go.

All of the plans are innovative and bold, but... given Fuyuki's unsatisfactory match performance, Commissioner Arai didn't forget to say, "Fuyuki's pledge was based on the judgment that Singh was firm in his thinking. However, if he continues to have matches like this in the future, we may (stripped him of all authority)." To be honest, this turmoil should be welcomed by FMW.

Because recently, FMW seems to have been too idealistic. Certainly, various groups were in conflict on the FMW mat, but the ultimate goal of the fight was "to be able to have good matches even in the indie scene." However, it cannot be denied that the media, including this magazine, has emphasized this aspect too much, blurring the essence of the fight, which is the concept of conflict. And now, Fuyuki is bringing poison to FMW, destroying that concept. He intends to build a new FMW through destruction.

Before you know it, the FMW mat is dominated by TNR, an outsider who is an absolute heel, and Hayabusa and the other homegrown babyfaces. The dynamics of this battle are becoming increasingly clear. By fighting these outsiders, Hayabusa and his team will also be forced to question "what FMW is." As you can see from American pro wrestling, if it's entertainment, it's definitely more interesting when there's a clear distinction between good and evil. Judging by how heated the audience was that day... there are no villains worse than Fuyuki and his gang. What's worse is that we don't know what they'll do with their power in the future. Tears and poison. What kind of chemical reaction will these two create...? After the 10th anniversary show, it's becoming impossible to take your eyes off the FMW mat.

Hayabusa & Tetsuhiro Kuroda vs. Mohammed Yone & Alexander Otsuka 5/14/99

The break before this match was a familiar tune for anyone who experienced pro wrestling broadcasts in real time during prime time. It was the theme song used to introduce foreign wrestlers participating in the next New Japan Pro-Wrestling series! What about the theme song for All Japan Pro-Wrestling time-limit draws? They still use that one, don't they? The break ended just after 8 PM on Friday. Here too, we heard the sports theme song from when TV Asahi was still "NET" (in other words, the opening theme song for World Pro-Wrestling at the time). Battlarts didn't neglect its corporate efforts not only in the ring but also in these kinds of soft aspects. This meticulous attention to detail made the concept even more concrete. In terms of television broadcasts, this is where the on-air portion begins. In the past, young wrestlers like Tatsumi Fujinami in his junior heavyweight days and the original Tiger Mask played a crucial role in drawing the diverse audience who had tuned in to watch pro wrestling.

From there, many battles were born that eventually rose to the level of golden matches, and as the legend of Golden Time is revived in the Heisei era, another matchup that gives a glimpse into the future has taken place. It is the first encounter between Alexander Otsuka and FMW's Hayabusa. As expected, when they spoke to each other before the match, neither of them seemed to have much awareness of it being a Battlarts vs. FMW rivalry, which is the current trend.

This is natural, as neither Alex nor Hayabusa have been involved much until now. Rather, it could be said that Hayabusa was concerned about teaming with Kuroda. The organization accepted Battlarts' matchmaking, and it was not something that they themselves wanted. As professionals, it is natural to give your all to the announced matches.

"I was just pinned by Kuroda, so it's questionable whether I can team up with him with an honest heart, but we just have to do it our own way. I'm really looking forward to facing Alex."

Kuroda also said the same thing before the match regarding being a professional. They entered separately to their respective theme music. Even after the match began, they didn't make eye contact for a while, but once they made a tag, the substitutions were smooth and their teamwork came naturally. The interaction between the much-anticipated Otsuka and Hayabusa didn't occupy a huge proportion of the overall match, but even just the clash between the two created one exciting moment after another, as shown here. From each of these moments, I vaguely felt a sense of progress towards the revival of Golden Time in the 21st century.

The back-and-forth battle suddenly tilted in one direction when, as Hayabusa put it, they hit each other, which he called "the worst thing that could happen." As if the tension that had been building up until then had snapped, Alex and Mo seized control of the match. Although there was no infighting during the match, Kuroda, now isolated, was hit and killed by Yone's Bomber. If we were to look at it through the filter of a rivalry match, the fact that their top pick, who had just raised his stock at the May 5th Yokohama Bunka Gymnasium, was defeated not by Otsuka but by Mohammed Yone is nothing short of a painful blow for FMW.

After suffering an unexpected defeat, Kuroda pushed Hayabusa aside at the back of the ramp and headed to the locker room first. He came out once to vent his anger, but never shook hands. "Kuroda said that, and he's right. I want to ask the company how many people will be happy with us teaming up in this state!" Hayabusa, who had been excited by his encounter with Otsuka, was once again struggling in the current situation. I had hoped that some answer regarding the reorganization after Yokohama May 5th would be found in this tag team, but in the end, the situation became even more chaotic.

On the other hand, Otsuka, who was able to end his last match before a long (planned) overseas tour in the best possible way, seemed to have gained confidence that "Battlarts will be alright" with Yone's victory. It would be ideal for both Otsuka and Battlarts if they could have a one-on-one match overseas when Otsuka has been steadily achieving results since sealing the name of The Love Warriors, and when Yone has raised his rank domestically. Alex and Hayabusa aren't the only ones who will carry the torch for the golden time of the 21st century. Behind the legend of the Golden Card that began that day, the prologue to another Golden Card was actually being announced.

Alexander Otsuka & Mohammed Yone d. Hayabusa & Tetsuhiro Kuroda when Yone pinned Kuroda (21:53)

Hayabusa & Hisakatsu Oya vs. Kodo Fuyuki & Mr. Gannosuke 5/29/99

Up until now, it's all been personal worries and struggles. But this time, it's the struggle of the group, and of the ace." Faced with that, Oya couldn't dwell on past grudges, and there was absolutely no anxiety about forming a tag team since that betrayal with the backdrop. Meanwhile, while saying he was taking it easy, Fuyuki was still battling his immobile left shoulder. In Fukushima, he defeated the young Yamazaki in just 10 seconds, but the finish was a lariat to his right arm.

"It's not that I think my right arm is is not strong enough, it just hurts and I can't use it. I intended to finish the match quickly from the start. This will probably be the shortest match up to this point." Fuyuki frankly revealed that he wasn't trying to show off his class, but rather that he avoided a long match because he wasn't in top form. No matter how much of a run-up it is, running with an injured leg is still painful. The two had faced each other since the opening of the Isehara show, so it was a very difficult match to predict who would win against whom, but Hayabusa broke through this as well! Gannosuke hit the back of his head outside the ring, and Fuyuki pinned him to the apron, securing a ring-out victory. However, it was Go Ito, the evil referee in Yokohama, who counted to exactly 20. Fuyuki suffered the consequences of the strict rules implemented under the new system. Hayabusa continues his undefeated streak as promised, while Fuyuki, despite his injury, is secretly working towards May 31st.

Hayabusa & Hisakatsu Oya d. Kodo Fuyuki & Mr. Gannosuke when Gannosuke was Counted Out (14:40)

Hayabusa & Hisakatsu Oya & Hideki Hosaka vs. Kodo Fuyuki & Mr. Gannosuke & Gedo 5/30/99

Hayabusa is being reckless... That was my honest reaction when I heard Hayabusa's declaration to win every match in this series at the opening match in Osaka. Even though it's only a short series with seven shows, it's not easy to win every match against TNR and foreign wrestlers. On top of that, Hayabusa's partners in most matches are Oya and Hosaka, who were rivals until just the last series. No matter how much he wanted to convince Tanaka and Kuroda and form an anti-Fuyuki resistance, the more he thought about it, the more dire the situation seemed. Moreover, he was taking a huge gamble, putting his position as ace on the line. It was impossible not to be worried. However, Hayabusa's determination to win every match in the series brilliantly overcame this unfavorable situation. He had secured consecutive wins from the opening Osaka show to the Italian tournament the day before. Even on this day, he was nearly defeated by TNR's fierce attack towards the end, but in the end, he brilliantly defeated Gedo with a Firebird Splash, putting him one win away from a perfect series record. "After making those statements in the opening match, all I can do is produce results. I won't let Fuyuki's way continue, with his pointless lectures and ignoring everyone's feelings. I will definitely bring the momentum back to our side!" (Hayabusa) However, if he doesn't win the elimination match at the final match the following day at Korakuen Hall, all six of his wins so far will be for naught. It was a huge gamble, taken with full knowledge of the risks and recklessness involved. Hayabusa is now on the verge of fulfilling his promise.

Hayabusa & Hisakatsu Oya & Hideki Hosaka d. Kodo Fuyuki & Mr. Gannosuke & Gedo when Hayabusa pinned Gedo (17:02)

Hayabusa & Masato Tanaka & Tetsuhiro Kuroda & Hisakatsu Oya & Hideki Hosaka vs. Kodo Fuyuki & Mr. Gannosuke & Koji Nakagawa & Yukihiro Kanemura & Hido in a Single Elimination Match 5/31/98

May 31st at Korakuen Hall — a date that can truly be called a day of destiny for FMW.

This "destiny," however, carries multiple layers of meaning. What will be the fallout from the preliminary launch of the Fuyuki regime—a launch that nearly sparked a riot at the May 5th Yokohama show? And what new initiatives will the Fuyuki regime unveil as it officially kicks off on this very day?

It is not merely the fighting in the ring, but every single event that transpires within the venue on this day that will provide the answer to that destiny. Fans paid as much attention to the pre-match inauguration ceremony for new Commissioner Kodo Fuyuki as they did to the main event itself. Stepping into the ring alongside owner Shoichi Arai, Fuyuki delivered his first official statement as Commissioner: "I hold all the power here. I want everyone to know that no one—and I mean no one—can defy me!"

Following this, he announced various policies—including new rule regulations and the establishment of the WEW championship belts—before finally making the highly anticipated, bombshell announcement. "The first name on the restructuring list is... Masato Tanaka! However, I have various plans in mind, so it won't happen immediately. From this moment on, whether in a tag match or a singles bout, if Tanaka suffers a pinfall or submits even once, he’s fired!"

It was, without question, a monumental declaration. While Fuyuki had previously warned of impending personnel cuts, the revelation that the target would be Tanaka—a member of the company's top tier—was a completely unforeseen turn of events. Ricky, his face contorted with rage at this announcement, stormed up to owner Arai to confront him.

However, Arai turned the tables on Ricky, coldly rebuffing him: "Morimura-kun, your name was actually included in the initial restructuring proposal as well. It was only after I personally spoke with Commissioner Fuyuki and persuaded him to make an exception that you were spared. I suggest you understand that fact very, very clearly."

Arai went even further, demanding an apology from Ricky. In a shocking display of audacity, Arai—alongside Fuyuki—proceeded to stomp on Ricky before exiting the ring. The Fuyuki regime had effectively co-opted owner Arai, organizing itself as a "corporate"—and thoroughly villainous—executive administration.

One crucial point to emphasize here is the fact that, despite the high-handed exercise of power by the Fuyuki regime, there was virtually no booing from the crowd. Far from suffering any lingering negative effects from the May 5th Yokohama incident, Korakuen Hall was packed to capacity on this day—with even the standing-room-only sections on the balcony filled to the brim. And that packed house welcomed and embraced the Fuyuki regime.

Regardless of the specific methods employed, this should be interpreted as a sign that the very entertainment policy Commissioner Fuyuki aims to implement has gained recognition. The mood among the spectators was so intense, in fact, that it left Fuyuki himself somewhat bewildered. "It was a bit different from the image I had in my head. The venue was packed, and the energy was incredible. In a different sense—a good sense—I'd say it worked out," Fuyuki remarked after the match, expressing his unexpected sense of fulfillment in his new role as commissioner. Having enjoyed the drama of the new commissioner's inauguration ceremony, the audience maintained their high energy levels right up to the opening bell of the main event.

The 5-on-5 Elimination Match—conducted immediately under the new rules—turned into an all-out war between FMW and TNR. The power fueled by the FMW faction's rage in this bout was absolutely staggering; the wrestlers in the ring had clearly not yet forgotten the humiliation they suffered at the Yokohama show on May 5th. The action began with Kuroda targeting Fuyuki's weak point—his left shoulder—and forcing a submission; this was followed by Tanaka defeating Nakagawa, and Hosaka taking out Kanemura. Next, Hayabusa goaded Gannosuke into a disqualification-inducing charge, systematically eliminating his opponents one after another.

Finally, facing the sole remaining opponent, Hido, Hayabusa shouted, "Watch closely, Fuyuki!" before executing his signature Firebird Splash. When all was said and done, the FMW faction had achieved a complete and total victory, sweeping the match with a straight 5-0 score. With the entire hall on its feet, the "first episode" of this grand saga reached a perfect conclusion.

Fuyuki then delivered a snide teaser for the upcoming June 15th Korakuen Hall show, taunting the crowd: "Are you happy you won?!?!? The star of the next major announcement is... Hayabusa! That’s right—it's *you*!" Following this announcement, Hayabusa extended his hand to Tanaka, seeking a handshake to seal their alliance. And with firm resolve, Tanaka—joined by Kuroda—clasped Hayabusa's hand in a powerful show of solidarity.

Following the First FMW and the New FMW, the third chapter of the promotion—"Entertainment Pro-Wrestling FMW"—has now officially launched. Infused with the human dramas of individuals from diverse backgrounds, it has set off on its journey with a palpable sense of conviction.

Hayabusa & Masato Tanaka & Tetsuhiro Kuroda & Hisakatsu Oya & Hideki Hosaka d. Kodo Fuyuki & Mr. Gannosuke & Koji Nakagawa & Yukihiro Kanemura & Hido in a Single Elimination Match when Hayabusa last eliminated Hido (18:28)

The sentiments of the FMW Regular Army toward Fuyuki were unanimously aligned. Not a single member had forgotten the humiliation suffered at the Yokohama event on May 5th.

To make matters worse, at the recent Korakuen Hall show, Fuyuki had unilaterally issued a restructuring ultimatum to Tanaka: "From now on, if you lose by pinfall, you're fired." Under such circumstances, asking anyone to remain calm would be an utterly unreasonable request.

Hayabusa organized a joint training session, stating, "I want to confirm everyone's feelings regarding the Fuyuki regime"; needless to say, that "confirmation" was obtained almost immediately. The members of the Regular Army were seething with rage. Furthermore, they possessed a fierce determination: "We will not allow FMW to remain at Fuyuki's mercy any longer."

Thus, Hayabusa and his allies launched their counterattack. Please take a look at the accompanying photograph. Hayabusa, Tanaka, and Kuroda—the trio pictured here—are engaged in ladder-based training, and for good reason. It has been officially decided that these three will face off against Gannosuke, Kanemura, and Hido in a Ladder Match at the upcoming Korakuen Hall event on June 15th.

It is abundantly clear that the key to victory in this bout will lie in how effectively they can utilize the ladder. Moreover, having imposed a specific "stipulation" upon this match, Hayabusa and his team recognized the absolute necessity of mastering the use of the ladder in order to secure a win. That stipulation? The losing team must eat dog food. It is, in short, a "Loser Eats Dog Food Match."

However, Hayabusa, Tanaka, and Kuroda have declared unequivocally: if *they* emerge victorious, they intend to "make Fuyuki eat it." For the FMW Regular Army, the true significance of this match lies not in making Gannosuke and his cohorts consume the dog food, but in forcing *Fuyuki* to do so.

This is because Fuyuki's name is conspicuously absent from the match card announced for the upcoming Korakuen Hall event. When asked—in his capacity as matchmaker—about his true intentions, Fuyuki offered the response: "I realized I had simply forgotten to write my name down."

While he claims it was unintentional, it is a claim that simply cannot be taken at face value. It is entirely conceivable that Fuyuki—who is currently nursing an injured left shoulder—deliberately omitted his name from the card as a calculated maneuver to avoid having to work.

Unsurprisingly, the trio is equally incensed by this specific piece of matchmaking for the June 15th Korakuen Hall show. The anger directed at Fuyuki continues to mount, and come June 15th at Korakuen Hall, they are determined—at any cost—to make Fuyuki eat humble pie.

"Right now, Fuyuki keeps unilaterally shoving his own selfish demands in our faces. So, if he loses at Korakuen, it wouldn't be a fair deal unless he faces a fitting penalty. If he loses, I'm thinking we'll make him eat dog food and become *our* dog. Well, I imagine the next Korakuen show will feature a rather unusual dinner service," remarked Hayabusa.

"Fuyuki isn't even wrestling at Korakuen, is he? In that case, if *we* win—Gannosuke and the others—lose, then Fuyuki had better take care of his own dog himself! Maybe we'll make him beg like a dog?!" challenged Tanaka. "Or maybe make him give us his paw!" added Kuroda.

Naturally, Fuyuki’s reaction was the subject of much speculation; however, when contacted directly, he responded with a simple, "I'll accept the conditions." Consequently, it has been officially decided that the Ladder Match scheduled for June 15th at Korakuen Hall will be contested under "Loser Eats Dog Food" rules.

"Now that the three of us have officially reunited as a team, you can count on us to deliver results," stated Hayabusa. "Isn't the company making a huge mistake?! They’re just swallowing everything Fuyuki says hook, line, and sinker. The company itself has gone crazy! We—the three of us—are going to restore this organization to its proper form. It might sound odd to call it the 'original FMW,' but we will bring it back to a state of normalcy. We will do it through sheer ability!" declared Tanaka.

Reuniting as a trio for the first time in nearly two years, Hayabusa, Tanaka, and Kuroda have declared their intention to reclaim control of the promotion. The June 15th Korakuen Hall event marks the first step in that campaign. As the "FMW Regular Army," they intend to restore FMW to its rightful state—not merely through words, but through their actual in-ring prowess and by delivering concrete results!

Hayabusa & Jinsei Shinzaki vs. Takao Omori & Yoshihiro Takayama 6/4/99

The task of reclaiming the All Asian Tag Team Championship belts, which have fallen to another organization, has fallen to Omori and Takayama. They are a challenging team with great potential. Team No Fear is on a roll right now. However, it's a bit puzzling for them. They were supposed to be aiming for the "World Tag Team Championship!", so why All Asian?

There is only one way to look at it, though. They can see it as a step towards the world. If you were to translate NO FEAR, it would have the nuance of "fearless" or "not afraid of anything." True to their name, they are roaring with confidence at every opportunity. Just before this, Omori made this statement: "Asia is like the fifth station of Mount Fuji. We're going to go all the way to the top, the World Tag Team Championship." The contrast with the Omori of yesteryear is refreshing. He must have let go of his inhibitions. The Omori who used to be so sensitive to heckling from some people is now able to flip the middle finger during matches. Takayama, in turn, asked Team No Fear, "It feels like you're going to win this match in one go..." to which Team No Fear replied emphatically, "It's not a feeling, it's going to happen!"

For example, Team No Fear was also quick to speak to the champion Hayabusa. Takayama said, "He's just a guy with no power who's flying," which could easily be considered abusive language. However, it seems that they are using both their true feelings and their public personas. It could be said that both of them have really made their characters their own, and in the ring, it's their true feelings that matter. That's why...it turned out to be a very good match. When the feelings of all four are aligned, a fulfilling match is born. As if to confirm those feelings, the match continued with a deliberate exchange of offense and defense until after 15 minutes.

This was Hayabusa's first match against both Omori and Takayama, but there was no sense of awkwardness. Then, Hayabusa's Atomico → Jinsei's Diving Knee → Hayabusa's Moonsault, a brilliant combination play that set the match in motion. Once again, Hayabusa and Jinsei are a great team. Meanwhile, deep in Hayabusa's heart, there was a certain resolve... Team No Fear also countered with combinations. A double-arm suplex was performed, Omori's back drop and Takayama's neckbreaker, and their original combined powerbomb were executed one after another. Omori and Takayama still had an awkward atmosphere about them, but their steady progress was evident. In other words, they gave off a sense of limitless potential. With each of them unleashing their signature moves and trump cards, the match came down to whether it would end with Omori's Axe Bomber or Jinsei's Reincarnation. The victory went to Omori's right arm.

Hayabusa said: "I'm disappointed that we couldn't get the results we wanted, but this marks a turning point. Now I'm going to see through the path I need to take. Those two will surely be aiming for the world tag team title, not just the All Asian titles. I hope we can meet again then... Thank you, Jinsei." This was Hayabusa's resolve. He and Jinsei have temporarily dissolved their tag team and will be focusing on internal reforms within FMW for a while. Of course, he couldn't afford to lose, but he has come to a satisfactory conclusion.

In the Team No Fear interview space, spirited words came flying out one after another. "First stage!" (Takayama) "Next up are Kawada & Taue. Let's get them to beat us at Budokan (June 11th), All Japan Pro Wrestling!" (Omori) "We'll show the board of directors what it means to be a regular employee." "We did exactly what we told you to do about Company Asia, so now it's your turn to listen to us." "You'll accept the challenge from Kawada & Taue!?" "That sounds good." "They're titleless." "They're challenging our Asia. We'll make them realize the weight of Asia. I've teamed up with Akiyama, so I know the weight of Asia better than anyone." "This is a ticket to world domination. Asia is now ours. Those are retired numbers. They're just accessories when we take pictures♪" and so on. A counter-challenge is out of the question, but later, matches against opponents that the two wanted were announced. Even so, they have established themselves as unique characters on the All Japan mat. The more they speak, the more pressure they carry. But nothing will start if you're afraid of failure. That spirit matches their team name perfectly.

All Asian Tag Team Championship Match: Yoshihiro Takayama & Takao Omori d. Hayabusa & Jinsei Shinzaki when Omori pinned Shinzaki (27:11)

Although Hayabusa and Eiji Ezaki are one and the same person, internally, they are two completely different individuals. On one hand, Hayabusa—the man in the ring—constantly bears the weight of immense pressure and personal struggles, fighting with a desperate, unwavering sincerity.

On the other hand, Eiji Ezaki is a man who never lets his smile fade, radiating cheerfulness to everyone around him at all times. "I used to be a kid who got bullied, and deep down, I'm actually the type who gets down in the dumps and mopes around easily. But I realized that acting that way doesn't improve the situation at all. So, I make a conscious effort to go through life with a smile. I believe that if I keep smiling, things will surely start moving in a positive direction."

"I want to share my smile with everyone"—this is the pure-hearted sentiment cherished by Eiji Ezaki, the man behind the mask. Everyone faces hardships and painful experiences in life. Yet, if one can manage to keep smiling through it all... I truly felt—from the bottom of my heart—that a person to whom others naturally gravitate, almost without realizing it, must surely possess a personality just like his.

Eiji Ezaki—the man distinct from Hayabusa. He is a fascinating human being—every bit as captivating as Hayabusa, if not even more so.

● Hobbies: Lately, I haven't had much time to devote to hobbies, but I suppose watching videos is my main pastime. Not *adult* videos, though! (Laughs.) I mostly go for action and horror genres. I tend to stick to American films rather than European ones.

● Special Skills: Drawing illustrations. I designed Hayabusa's mask myself, and the artwork painted on the FMW tour bus? Those are my illustrations, too. I also do watercolor painting, though I haven't really done any lately.

● People I Respect: I can't name just one specific person, but I respect anyone who possesses a strong sense of self and stays true to it—people who genuinely live out their own unique philosophies and ways of life.

● Favorite Motto/Words: "Love and Courage." Also: "Shame and embarrassment are only worth feeling if you're willing to put yourself out there and risk them."

● Favorite Color: I don't really have a specific favorite.

● Blood Type: A

● How I See Myself: Very broad-minded—or perhaps "rough around the edges." Deep down, I'm actually a very detail-oriented person, but I make a conscious effort not to get too hung up on the little things. I certainly have my moments of feeling down or moping around, but I'm the type of person who tends to retreat deeper and deeper into my own shell if I over think things. So, I try not to dwell on things too much. After all, I was a kid who got bullied back in the day. But right now, I'm actually doing exactly what I've always wanted to do—being a professional wrestler—so I want to spend my days smiling as much as possible. I believe that if I keep a smile on my face and don’t let myself get bogged down by worries, things will surely turn out for the best.

● **If I hadn't become a wrestler...** I actually dropped out of college, and the job I had lined up at the time was working for a supplier that dealt in laboratory equipment—things like test tubes and beakers. My dream since childhood, however, was always to become a professional wrestler.

● **How ​​I spend my days off:** During the day, I sleep... well, mostly just sleep. Since having children, though, I spend a lot of my time playing with them.

● **How ​​I relieve stress:** Enjoying a good drink with friends. I don't drink at all when I'm at home; I prefer to drink socially and have a good time.

● **Favorite movie or TV series:** The *Rocky* series. Doing what you love—what you truly want to do—simply for the sake of doing it, and having it lead to a triumphant conclusion like that... that represents my ultimate ideal.

● **Who was your favorite wrestler before you became one yourself?** The original Tiger Mask.

● **Why was he your favorite?** The sheer impact I felt the first time I saw him perform was so incredible that words simply can't do it justice. After becoming a professional wrestler myself, I realized all over again just what a true genius he was. His debut match against Dynamite Kid, in particular, remains the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen.

● **My ideal type of woman:** Someone who has her own way of life—someone who lives life on her own terms.

● **Advice for men who aren't having much luck with women:** Above all else, don't try to put on a fake persona or act like someone you're not. Just let your true, authentic self show. It’s perfectly okay to make a fool of yourself or feel embarrassed every now and then!

● **Advice for women who aren't having much luck with men:** It's essentially the same advice: don't get overly discouraged or down on yourself if you make a mistake or feel embarrassed. By accepting yourself for who you are—flaws and all—you’ll begin to see both your strengths and your weaknesses clearly. Once you’ve reached that point, just let the opposite sex see you exactly as you are—the real you!

● **Where do you see yourself in 10 years?** No matter how old I get, I want to remain the kind of person that my friends still want to hang out and have fun with. As for my career, I hope to still be a professional wrestler at that time, but I wouldn't want to cling to the profession out of desperation if it no longer felt right. If that ever happens, I think I would make a clean break and set out to find a different path.

● **My ideal way of life:** To live my life doing the things I love—without overcomplicating things—and simply have fun along the way. My ultimate goal at this moment is, for the time being, to establish my identity as "Hayabusa." That will serve as the starting line for my next step—so I want to reach that point as soon as possible.

Hayabusa & Masato Tanaka & Tetsuhiro Kuroda vs. Mr. Gannosuke & Yukihiro Kanemura & Hido 6/15/99

For Hayabusa—and for his fans—it was truly a bolt from the blue. At the public press conference held that day, Commissioner Fuyuki had declared, "I have an announcement to make regarding Hayabusa's career that will determine his very future as a wrestler."

Yet, the revelation that unfolded during the conference was something no one could have possibly anticipated. "As Hayabusa, you are finished." Fuyuki hurled these words at Hayabusa as the masked wrestler appeared at ringside. It was a statement whose true intent remained somewhat elusive... until Owner Arai immediately stepped in to offer the following clarification: "Recently, Commissioner Fuyuki proposed that Hayabusa remove his mask. After careful deliberation, the company has officially decided to approve this proposal."

It was a truly shocking announcement. FMW had decided to strip Hayabusa of his mask—an object that was, to him, nothing less than his very life. The implications were immediately obvious: it marked the end of Hayabusa.

In that moment, Hayabusa was left utterly speechless. Everyone knew how Hayabusa, as the ace of the "New FMW," had put his body on the line and poured his entire heart and soul into his efforts. Yet now, it appeared as though he had been betrayed by the very company that should have understood and appreciated his dedication more than anyone else.

Prior to the event at Korakuen Hall, Hayabusa himself had vowed, "No matter what Fuyuki announces, I will not yield; I will take back FMW." But now, overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of the shock, Hayabusa stood there in a daze, completely lost. In that instant, the entire arena erupted in a thunderous chorus of boos. Countless jeers—screaming "Don't mess around!"—rained down upon the Commissioner and the Owner.

The fans, too, were well aware of the immense effort Hayabusa had invested. Faced with such an unjust and senseless decision handed down by these two men, they simply could not help but give vent to their outrage. Above all else, the fans still wanted to see Hayabusa.

However, Fuyuki paid no heed to the voices around him and continued speaking. "Hayabusa—a masked man acting like a superstar is not needed in the FMW of the future. From now on, you are Eiji Ezaki. Take a good, hard look at the quality and results of your recent matches. You talk about 'taking back FMW'? Save your sleep-talking for when you're actually asleep, Ezaki-kun. This is merely an act of kindness on my part, as Commissioner. I hear you've been taking your mask off here and there anyway; wouldn't it be better to just take the plunge and become a regular wrestler once and for all, Ezaki-kun? That said, since doing it too abruptly might cause you some complications, I—your magnanimous Commissioner—will make an executive decision to grant you a reprieve until the summer holidays are over."

In truth, the specific date for the "end of Hayabusa" had already been decided between the Commissioner and the owner. The two men had designated the August 25th Sapporo event—the final pro-wrestling show ever to be held at the Sapporo Nakajima Sports Center—as the fateful day. Furthermore, it was announced that starting the very next day, the ongoing tour would be officially renamed the "Goodbye, Hayabusa: June Series." Hayabusa rushed into the ring and grabbed a microphone, but offered no comment.

Overwhelmed by a mix of pent-up rage and sorrow... Hayabusa simply could not find the words to articulate his feelings in that moment. Later that day, in the main event—where he teamed up with Tanaka and Kuroda—Hayabusa fought with every ounce of his being, securing a resounding victory in a "Loser Eats Dog Food" match.

He succeeded in forcing Fuyuki to eat the dog food; yet, this did nothing to lift the heavy burden weighing on the hearts of Hayabusa and the FMW "Regular Army" faction. Tanaka—who was facing an absurd, conditional dismissal at Fuyuki's hands—let his pent-up fury explode in a raw, unbridled outburst after the match. "Fuyuki! If you want to get rid of me so bad, let's settle this one-on-one! Stop running away forever!" He issued a direct challenge to Fuyuki. He had resolved to settle the matter once and for all—one-on-one.

Hayabusa, by contrast, was a study in silence; without a word, he simply disappeared into the locker room. "Someday, the time will surely come for me to take off my mask. But I don't want to do it because someone tells me to; I want to do it on my own terms—only when *I* feel that Hayabusa has reached a point of true fulfillment." It was perhaps about a year ago that Hayabusa began making such comments with increasing frequency—whether in interviews with this very magazine or in other public settings. There was a reason for this. It was painfully obvious that if he continued to force himself to maintain his high-flying style indefinitely, his body would eventually break down.

In fact, shortly after the launch of the "New FMW" era, Hayabusa had already suffered a torn ligament in his left elbow—an injury that forced him onto the sidelines for an extended period. Much like Mitsuharu Misawa (then Tiger Mask) had done in the past, Hayabusa had indeed begun to contemplate the idea of ​​unmasking... yet when it came to the *timing* of that moment, there was one "red line" he absolutely refused to cross.

Hayabusa had firmly established that the decision to remove his mask was not something to be dictated by others, but a choice he alone would make. And yet—despite all this—the announcement came suddenly, without his consent. Hayabusa has not yet reclaimed FMW from Fuyuki. He has not yet reclaimed the championship belt. There is still so much left for him to accomplish. Given that there is simply no way Hayabusa could be satisfied with where he stands right now... one cannot help but feel a profound sense of pity for him.

Hayabusa & Masato Tanaka & Tetsuhiro Kuroda d. Mr. Gannosuke & Yukihiro Kanemura & Hido when Kuroda pinned Hido (21:05)

Hayabusa & Masato Tanaka & Tetsuhiro Kuroda & Hisakatsu Oya & Ricky Fuji vs. Kodo Fuyuki & Mr. Gannosuke & Koji Nakagawa & Yukihiro Kanemura & Gedo 6/20/99

Under the gloomy, overcast skies of the rainy season, reflecting Hayabusa's dejected state, the road continues. Even after being stripped of his mask by Fuyuki and subjected to the harsh words, "He's just one of the pawns I control," Hayabusa continues to run through the remaining days as Hayabusa.

Fans are waiting for Hayabusa's rebuttal, a strong resistance against Fuyuki, who is synonymous with FMW. However, the dejected Hayabusa said nothing. Of course, Hayabusa's shock is immense. We know that, but... And then, finally, Hayabusa spoke. After securing the final pinfall victory over Gedo in the 5 vs. 5 Survival Elimination Match, which was open to fan votes, Hayabusa said, "Regarding the mask issue, I need to have a proper discussion with the company. There's nothing I can do if they say things like that unilaterally without going through me." He indicated his willingness to meet with the company, namely President Arai.

When Hayabusa's mask was taken away, and considering what the facts truly mean, his words seem far too naive. Without even needing to confirm with the company, the situation is already meticulously orchestrated to the point of being beyond recourse. However, this magazine wants to interpret this as the first step in Hayabusa's serious resistance. In a desperate situation where despair would be understandable, Hayabusa has taken action to confront this major problem head-on. His resilient spirit, evident in his actions, is a faint but undeniable glimmer of hope that I felt after interviewing him that day.

Hayabusa & Masato Tanaka & Tetsuhiro Kuroda & Hisakatsu Oya & Ricky Fuji d. Kodo Fuyuki & Mr. Gannosuke & Koji Nakagawa & Yukihiro Kanemura & Gedo when Hayabusa last eliminated Gedo (30:35)

Hayabusa & Masato Tanaka & Yoshinori Sasaki vs. Mr. Gannosuke & Yukihiro Kanemura & Gedo 6/21/99

As reported on the June 20th Tako Town Report, Hayabusa, who has taken a direct stance against the mask-stripping issue, immediately called upon President Arai in front of the fans, and a direct meeting without Fuyuki was decided. Meanwhile, Fuyuki, as Commissioner, announced the WEW World Six-Man Tag Team Championship match for the next series, and it seemed that the drama of FMW, with the two leaders looking in completely opposite directions, would be brought to a close with this final match, the June series.

However, unbeknownst to the media, and even to Hayabusa and the other homegrown talents, Fuyuki had prepared a preview of the next series—or rather, the actual event itself, which was more than just a preview. Fuyuki, who had brought in the TNR top executive trio of Gannosuke, Kanemura, and Gedo against the main event team of Hayabusa, Tanaka, and Sasaki, watched the match intently from behind the door in front of the locker room from the start.

This is where Fuyuki's role as Commissioner comes into play; he keeps a close eye on everything at every venue, from the main event to the very first match. However, in front of their boss, Gannosuke and his team fought in a way that was clearly different from usual. They also showed some comical performances at key moments, getting laughs from the audience, but as soon as Tanaka entered the ring, Gannosuke and his team's expressions changed completely, and they used quick touches to thoroughly attack Tanaka's right arm. Kanemura, Gedo, and Gannosuke each focused their pinpoint attacks in their own ways, and Tanaka's movements came to a halt.

 Hayabusa and Sasaki jumped in to help, but TNR quickly backed down with a playful fight and continued their serious attack on Tanaka's right arm once again. In this match, there was a will at work that went beyond simply aiming for a victory on the surface score: to break Tanaka's right arm. By the time the audience noticed the "unusual event" happening in the ring, following Hayabusa and others, the plan was already nearing completion. Tanaka was almost completely incapacitated by the intense pain in his right arm. After a minute, Nakagawa and Gedo intervened, covering Hayabusa, and then slammed Sasaki with a super powerbomb, isolating Tanaka. This is when Fuyuki made his move.

Fuyuki appeared ringside with a huge pestle in his hand and brought it down with all his might on Tanaka's right elbow—an unprecedented weapon. This act of violence was the real deal. Everything had been going according to Fuyuki's plan from the beginning. Hayabusa rushed to Tanaka's side as he groaned and fell, but it was too late; in the meantime, Sasaki was taken down by Gedo's vertical drop brainbuster. The method was extremely despicable, but Fuyuki's plan to get rid of Tanaka was absolutely serious. The conditions at the time of the declaration were already extremely unreasonable, such as "If you lose by pinfall (including submission) in singles or tag team, you're fired," but he went even further by taking matters into his own hands and pushing Tanaka to the limit.

As Fuyuki leisurely walked away with a pestle in his hand, Hayabusa unleashed his rage beyond his limits, shouting, "Fuyuki, are you satisfied now? Are you satisfied after destroying Tanaka!?!?!?! Is this how you do things!" However, it must be noted here that there is a definite support for Fuyuki. There are certainly fans who enjoy and support even this heinous act as a scene in the entertainment style that Fuyuki is pushing forward. From that perspective, regardless of the social implications, Fuyuki's actions can be considered perfectly legal and acceptable, at least within the FMW ring.

However, it is a serious blow to the victim, Tanaka. After the match, Tanaka received first aid at an emergency hospital in Isezaki City and will undergo a thorough examination upon returning to Tokyo, but there is a high possibility that his right arm is fractured. He plans to hold a press conference once the test results are known, but despite his grim determination to "participate in any form, even if my arm is broken," his participation in the next series is uncertain.

Commissioner Fuyuki has already announced Tanaka's entry into the WEW World 6 Man Tag Team Championship League, and the fact that Fuyuki attacked Tanaka on that very day undoubtedly shows that he did it intentionally. Far from winning the newly established championship, if Tanaka retires midway through with his seriously injured right arm, he will be immediately fired. Executive decisions in corporations are absolute decisions. This is also true for Commissioner Fuyuki and President Arai of FMW's executive board. These two's entertainment-focused approach contains such serious decisions. And the first decision, Tanaka's layoff, is being executed flawlessly, exactly as planned. Furthermore, just two days later, another decision takes an unexpected and dramatic turn...

Mr. Gannosuke & Yukihiro Kanemura & Gedo d. Hayabusa & Masato Tanaka & Yoshinori Sasaki when Gannosuke pinned Sasaki (19:52)

On June 23rd, a direct meeting between Hayabusa and President Arai was scheduled to take place at the FMW offices. However, despite having requested the meeting himself, Hayabusa failed to appear even after the appointed time had passed.

Addressing Hayabusa's absence, President Arai spoke in stern terms: "What is the meaning of this? We have cleared our schedule and are waiting here for you, yet you do not show up. I consider this behavior to be utterly outrageous. If you do not arrive within the next ten minutes, we may very well be compelled to take further disciplinary action against you."

Given that he had witnessed the brutal assault on Tanaka during the Isesaki event just two days prior, there was a distinct possibility that Hayabusa—having become completely disillusioned with FMW—might choose to boycott this meeting entirely.

As the gathered press corps surrounded President Arai, whose expression remained grim, a heavy, oppressive atmosphere settled over the room. Would Hayabusa never come? If things continued in this manner, wouldn't the ongoing dispute regarding the potential stripping of his mask only serve to further sour President Arai's opinion of him? Yet, before long, Hayabusa finally appeared.

Sporting a growth of stubble beneath his mask and wearing a look of palpable agitation, it was evident that Hayabusa harbored deep misgivings regarding the efficacy of this meeting. "I apologize for my tardiness," Hayabusa said, offering his apologies. "After witnessing the company's actions toward Tanaka—actions of *that* nature—I found myself questioning whether holding a discussion in this manner would truly accomplish anything or lead to any mutual understanding."

And so, in accordance with the wishes of both parties, an extraordinary public meeting—held in the presence of the media—began. The first point Hayabusa raised was this: "Whether it concerns the mask issue or the matter of Tanaka's restructuring, we—the wrestlers—should have been the very first people consulted. Don't you find it strange that things are being pushed forward while completely disregarding the feelings of the athletes?"

In response, President Arai firmly rebuffed him, stating, "A company cannot function on mere camaraderie alone. There must be capable individuals at the top to set the direction, and everyone else must place their trust in that vision and follow it—that, I believe, is the true form of FMW moving forward."

Hayabusa pressed further: "Regarding the removal of my mask—I fully understand that the time will eventually come when I must take it off. But to simply say, 'Alright, take it off!'" "To have them unilaterally tell me to take it off—solely to suit their own convenience—is this just a matter of feelings?!... Perhaps it is. But it is precisely *because* we possess those feelings that we are able to step into the ring. If that were to vanish, I would begin to question what value remains in my even competing in the FMW ring."

Thus, addressing the controversy surrounding the stripping of his mask, he made remarks that went so far as to hint at his departure from FMW. This was a grave statement. However, President Arai’s perspective stood in stark contrast to Hayabusa's. "To put it simply, the 'masked wrestler' persona has reached its limit. From the company’s standpoint, having Hayabusa remove his mask is not some half-hearted whim; we are shouldering a significant risk ourselves. Yet, we firmly believe that removing the mask will ultimately be an absolute benefit for Hayabusa.

Commissioner Fuyuki shares this exact sentiment. A 'matter of feelings'? It is precisely by using those feelings as a springboard—by channeling them into strength—that one proves oneself a true wrestler. Only by overcoming adversity can Hayabusa finally evolve into a *new* wrestler: Eiji Ezaki. The world isn't nearly as soft as you seem to think."

With these words, he attempted to turn the tables and persuade Hayabusa instead. He pressed further: "The reason I agreed to this discussion today was that I fully expected you, Hayabusa, to say, 'Understood. I will take off the mask and start over from scratch.' Why are you clinging to this issue so stubbornly?" At this point, Hayabusa finally raised his voice in anger. "You claim it's 'for the sake of the company'—but where in this world is there a human being who, upon being told, 'We're going to kill you right now for the company's sake,' would simply accept their own death and say, 'I’m satisfied with that'?!?"

Hayabusa made one final, emphatic inquiry: "I ask you one last time. Not as Arai the individual, but as FMW the organization—is your policy truly immutable?" To this, President Arai remained unyielding: "Yes, it will not change." With that, the meeting collapsed after a mere fifteen minutes. As Hayabusa rose to leave, President Arai called out to him: "If you truly consider yourself the ace, then you need to act like one. This isn't harassment; it's an expression of Mr. Fuyuki's affection. Do you even understand the responsibilities that come with your position?" Hayabusa, however, could only reply listlessly, "I understand... I'll give it some thought and get back to you," before quietly exiting the room.

Arai chased him down to the floor below the office, but there—standing before a crowd of reporters—Hayabusa could no longer conceal his shock and distress. "I don't believe I said anything wrong," he lamented, pouring out his heavy heart. "But it seems the company has absolutely no desire to listen to me anymore. I thought I’d be able to have a proper, constructive conversation because Mr. Arai has always been someone who cares about the wrestlers' feelings... Instead, I feel completely rejected. My distrust of the company is growing by the day, and I'm starting to wonder if continuing to wrestle in FMW under these conditions is even the right thing to do..."

Hayabusa went on to reveal that he would be flying to Mexico alone on the 27th. "It was already decided some time ago that I would be going to Mexico," he explained. "I plan to use my time in the land where 'Hayabusa' was born to think things over—specifically regarding this issue of my mask, as well as whether or not I can continue wrestling in FMW..." Shockingly, when asked about the upcoming series (which kicks off on July 18th in Higashiosaka), he replied, "Will I be sitting it out? You can certainly interpret it that way."

Ultimately, the meeting went nowhere; the two sides remained at an absolute impasse, and the discussion ended in futility. All that remained for Hayabusa was a deep sense of distrust—and an even deeper, seemingly irredeemable sense of defeat. Will Hayabusa be able to heal his wounded spirit in Mexico? Will he be able to find a resolution to the controversy surrounding his mask? And, perhaps more importantly, will he ever be able to continue being "Hayabusa" inside the FMW ring...?

On June 27, at 1:00 PM, Hayabusa appeared at the Delta Air Lines counter at Narita Airport. For Hayabusa, this trip to Mexico marked his first return in four years—since May 1995, just prior to the launch of the "New FMW."

However, in stark contrast to his previous journey—which saw him depart alongside Tanaka and others, burning with dreams and hope—this time he set off alone, his heart heavy with burden. "I don't think I can sort out my thoughts while I'm in Japan, entangled in all sorts of obligations; I want to go over there and take the time to really think things through," Hayabusa stated, noting that his schedule once he arrived would be a complete blank slate. Leaving behind the comment, "I absolutely won't let Fuyuki have his way, and I refuse to end up a loser," he boarded his flight and took to the skies and others, burning with dreams and hope—this time he set off alone, his heart heavy with burden. "I don't think I can sort out my thoughts while I'm in Japan, entangled in all sorts of obligations; I want to go over there and take the time to really think things through," Hayabusa stated, noting that his schedule once he arrived would be a complete blank slate. Leaving behind the comment, "I absolutely won't let Fuyuki have his way, and I refuse to end up a loser," he boarded his flight and took to the skies.

On June 27th, at 1:00 PM, Hayabusa appeared at the Delta Air Lines counter at Narita Airport. For Hayabusa, this trip to Mexico marked his first return in four years—since May 1995, just prior to the launch of the "New FMW."

However, in stark contrast to his previous journey—which saw him depart alongside Tanaka and others, burning with dreams and hope—this time he set off alone, his heart heavy with burden. "I don't think I can sort out my thoughts while I'm in Japan, entangled in all sorts of obligations; I want to go over there and take the time to really think things through," Hayabusa stated, noting that his schedule once he arrived would be a complete blank slate. Leaving behind the comment, "I absolutely won't let Fuyuki have his way, and I refuse to end up a loser," he boarded his flight and took to the skies.

Hayabusa—who had temporarily left Japan to travel to Mexico, reeling from the sheer shock of having his mask unilaterally stripped away by Commissioner Kodo Fuyuki and Owner Arai—has returned. When he departed Japan, Hayabusa looked utterly haggard; moreover, having left behind an enigmatic comment—"If things continue like this, there will be no meaning left in fighting on the FMW mat"—rumors even circulated that he might be leaving FMW for good.

Yet, Hayabusa has returned to the place where he belongs. Having flown back to Japan on a Delta flight on the afternoon of the 7th, Hayabusa held an open training session and delivered a statement of intent on the 9th at Sports Club Larx in Musashino City, Tokyo.

As a figure currently at the center of a whirlwind of controversy, Hayabusa was surrounded by a throng of media reporters; amidst them, he silently and stoically worked up a sweat. The only sounds echoing through the room were Hayabusa's labored breathing and the clicking of camera shutters.

Perhaps this very image of Hayabusa—his physical exertion—was, in fact, his true, unspoken "statement of intent." Hayabusa is, by nature, the type of person who tends to over think things and become easily anxious. In the context of this mask controversy, his decision to flee to Mexico alone was even interpreted by some as an act of escapism—a way of running away from the problem.

However, that was not the case. After running through a full-body workout—hitting the pec deck, shoulder press, bench press, and leg press—Hayabusa sat down at a table without even wiping away his sweat, and began to speak, carefully choosing his words. His intention was not to flee, but rather to confront this issue head-on with a positive mindset and to strive to break through the current impasse.

The answer to what Hayabusa must do to remain true to himself—to remain *Hayabusa*—was simply this: to step back into the ring. Regarding his mindset heading into the July series, he stated: "My feelings have changed significantly compared to before I went to Mexico; I feel completely unburdened now. Complaining to the company about my current situation won't help me move forward a single step. My priority is simply to participate in the upcoming series, prove myself decisively in the ring, and then—at the July 31st Korakuen Hall show—convey my true feelings to the fans in my own words. I’ve already arrived at an answer that I can accept within myself. I want to demonstrate in my matches that I possess something even greater than my deep attachment to my mask."

Of course, Hayabusa's personal acceptance of the situation did not, in itself, resolve the actual "mask issue." For Hayabusa, the mask is the very essence of his identity. Yet, it seems Hayabusa has managed to internalize the significance of the mask in a positive, constructive way. "Whether I wear the mask or not, I will continue to forge my own path and find my own answers. If I don't do that, there is no longer any meaning in my being here at FMW. I will create my own place for myself."

The days of struggle he endured in Mexico—the land of his origins—were visibly etched in Hayabusa's grown-out beard. Yet, his expression was clear and serene, as if he had completely cast aside his doubts. Hayabusa is no longer wavering. "It's even possible I might issue a counter-demand to Fuyuki: 'Don't mess with me! *I* decide what happens with my mask!'"

The very atmosphere of Mexico—the place that gave birth to Hayabusa—had cleansed his spirit. And now, acting on his own volition, he is poised to deliver his final verdict regarding the beloved mask to which he has long been so attached. The answer Hayabusa will reveal in the ring—where Fuyuki awaits him—is a secret known only to the sweat he shed on this very day.

On June 27th, Hayabusa departed Japan and flew to Mexico. It was a departure born of a broken heart. On June 23rd, Hayabusa had met with owner Arai to discuss the controversial issue of his mask being stripped away.

Outraged that the decision to remove his mask had been made without any consultation with him whatsoever, Hayabusa made remarks suggesting he might even leave FMW entirely: "I understand that, regarding the matter of taking off my mask, the time will eventually come when I must do so. But how can I simply take it off just because I'm arbitrarily told to—solely to suit *your* convenience? This may be a matter of sentiment, but it is precisely that sentiment that allows us to step into the ring. If that is taken away, I begin to question what value there is left in me continuing to compete in the FMW ring."

In the wake of this exchange, Hayabusa resolved to return to his roots—the very place where he was born as a wrestler: Mexico. "I want to go to Mexico—the land where 'Hayabusa' was born—and think deeply about various things: not only the mask issue itself, but also whether I can truly continue to compete in FMW from here on out."

Plagued by the sense of failure following the breakdown of the talks, and harboring deep mistrust toward the company, Hayabusa thus departed for Mexico with a wounded heart. Although efforts were made to reach a compromise, the talks ended in a stalemate. The company's final decision—that "Hayabusa *will* remove his mask" at the upcoming August 25th event in Sapporo—remained unchanged.

The question now remains: will Hayabusa be able to reach a conclusion regarding this mask controversy? And, more fundamentally, will he be able to continue existing as "Hayabusa" within the FMW ring? To investigate this situation, our magazine dispatched correspondent Jimmy Suzuki to Mexico to interview Hayabusa. Jimmy had volunteered for the assignment, flying to Mexico of his own accord. Having followed Hayabusa's career closely since his Mexican debut some five years ago, Jimmy holds a deep personal attachment to Hayabusa the wrestler—as well as to Eiji Ezaki, the man behind the mask.

Consequently, upon hearing the news that Hayabusa's mask was to be stripped away, Jimmy immediately called our editorial department to express his sympathy, declaring, "I feel so sorry for Hayabusa." Upon learning of the plans for a trip to Mexico, I volunteered to go along, asking, "Could you let me cover this story? I'd like to see if I can offer Hayabusa some encouragement." On June 30th (local time), I managed to catch up with Hayabusa. I asked him about his state of mind at that moment.

— So, now that you've come to Mexico... have you managed to sort out your feelings?

Hayabusa: Well, the reason I came to Mexico this time is that the company told me I had to take off my mask... and I felt I needed to return to the place where "Hayabusa" was born—to my roots—and really think things through. So, I just sort of wandered over here...

— It seems you still haven't quite sorted out your feelings yet.

Hayabusa: During my meeting with Mr. Arai—as you witnessed yourself at the time—I was left completely bewildered. How does the company actually view Hayabusa? How do they perceive the fact that I've worked my heart out for them all this time? I reached a point where I simply couldn't understand any of that anymore... And even now that I'm here, thinking it over again, no matter how I look at it, I just can't accept it.

— I think anyone who has followed the "New FMW" era feels the same way. We know just how hard you've worked, Hayabusa. Yet, for the company to decide to strip you of your mask without even consulting you first...

Hayabusa: I'm not asking the company to *evaluate* what I've done. I just want them to acknowledge my efforts as *facts*—as things that actually happened. Once they've done that, I'd like them to give the matter some proper consideration. In reality, the company might have its own internal issues to deal with, but I believe the feelings of the wrestlers should come first. Is it really okay to simply disregard the wrestlers' feelings like that? After all, I've been saying ever since I first put on this mask that, someday, the time would come when I'd have to retire the character of Hayabusa. So, it's not the *decision itself* that I have a problem with—it's the *way* they went about it. They didn't say a single word to me directly.

— Even just thinking logically... no matter what decision needs to be made, the first step should always be to sit down and talk with the person directly involved.

Hayabusa: Of course! But the company has turned into an organization incapable of doing even that... When things reach this point, I'm forced to ask myself: do I still have the heart—the will—to keep fighting for a company like this? Of course, this isn't just a matter of me saying, "I don't like it, so I won't go along with it"—it’s on a completely different level than that.

— Owner Arai has stated that "this decision was made for Hayabusa's own good," hasn't he?

Hayabusa: If that truly were the case—if it really was *for* Hayabusa—then why wasn't I the very first person to be informed of it? And even if I am told, "We did this with your best interests in mind," how on earth am I supposed to accept that? Especially when the decision was announced as a done deal right there in the ring, in a public forum. When things are handled so unilaterally like that, my immediate reaction is simply: "What am I supposed to do?!"— Anyway, right now, the overwhelming feeling I have is one of betrayal—betrayal by the very person I thought understood FMW, and understood *me*—better than anyone else. It leaves me wondering: "Do they not understand me at all?" I intend to use my time in Mexico to find an answer to this—one that takes all of these circumstances into account. That is why I have no intention of returning to Japan until I have reached a definitive answer within myself. Consequently—in a worst-case scenario—if I haven't found that answer by the time the next tour series begins, there is a possibility that I won't be able to participate in the series at all.

— But... reaching that "answer" would imply... "Now that FMW has made the decision to strip you of your mask, doesn't it come down to a choice between unmasking or leaving FMW?"

Hayabusa: "Since it *is* Hayabusa we're talking about—and because I personally have such deep emotional attachment to the character of Hayabusa—I think it really does come down to a choice of which path to take."

— You've said it yourself before, haven't you? That you wanted to do everything you possibly could—to leave no regrets—and only retire the Hayabusa character once *you* felt truly satisfied with what you’d accomplished."

Hayabusa: Of course, I'm certainly not satisfied yet... but when I think about that, my head just starts spinning with confusion all over again.

— The anguish and internal conflict over whether or not to unmask, coupled with your distrust of the company...It is all too easy to sympathize with the turmoil you must be feeling inside right now.

Hayabusa: It's just... it's so sad.

— And regarding that tyrant, Commissioner Fuyuki—surely you must feel nothing but anger toward him?

Hayabusa: I actually *do* try to accept the logic behind what he's trying to achieve; it's not that I don't understand his reasoning. It's just that his methods are far too cruel. He was a wrestler himself, after all. Surely, having been on the receiving end of demands from the company in the past, he must have felt the exact same way I'm feeling right now at some point.

— Since a former wrestler became the Commissioner, you naturally assumed he would be able to understand and empathize with the wrestlers' feelings, didn't you?

Hayabusa: That's exactly *why* I was willing to give him the benefit of the doubt... but he's completely disregarding the feelings of both the wrestlers *and* the fans. I simply cannot accept that.

— Finally... I believe the fans truly understand and sympathize with your current state of mind. Could you please offer a brief message to them?

Hayabusa: Right now, until I can come up with a proper answer for myself, I just don't feel I can stand before everyone and speak. It would be meaningless to do so. I would be deeply grateful if you could just continue to watch over me quietly for a little while longer."

☆ Hayabusa had still not reached a conclusion. He remained deeply troubled. According to Jimmy, Hayabusa did not crack a smile at any point—neither during the interview itself nor during the accompanying photo shoot. "I wanted to try and cheer him up... but the atmosphere just wasn't right for it. During the interview, Hayabusa..." "He said, 'It's sad, isn't it?'—but watching Hayabusa in such anguish, *I* was the one who ended up feeling sad." It would be fair to say that these words from Jimmy speak volumes. Just what conclusion will Hayabusa ultimately reach, and when will he finally return to Japan?

— I'm surprised to see you in Mexico so suddenly. When was your last visit to Mexico?

Hayabusa: It's been about four or five years since I last came here, right after FMW was reborn.

— So, what do you think of Mexico after all this time?

Hayabusa: Yeah, it hadn’t changed at all, so I was really relieved.

— Do you have any memories from back then?

Hayabusa: Mexico is where I first became Hayabusa, and it's the place where I was first recognized as Hayabusa. As I mentioned earlier, I went there unannounced even though I barely knew Asai (Ultimo Dragon), and he helped me out in many ways... For a long time, I was barely able to make ends meet, with no matches and no pay. Those are the memories that stick with me the most.

— So it's a place that holds a special place in your heart.

Hayabusa: That's right. It's the place where the Hayabusa was born and raised, the place where the Hayabusa was created, so it's special.

— So, how did Hayabusa come into existence in the first place?

Hayabusa: Well, basically, it was something that was born in Mexico and was supposed to disappear in Mexico. When I first conceived of Hayabusa, I wanted to show something different from who I had been up until then, and I started wearing a mask as a way of expressing my resolve overseas. That's why I wore it while I was overseas, to absorb things that I couldn't absorb without a mask, and I originally thought it would be nice to return to Japan without a mask. And that's why I've been wearing it all this time. But wearing it when FMW was reborn was a completely different feeling, and I was extremely particular about continuing to be Hayabusa, and I had a lot of pride in being Hayabusa. That's because I loved the company, FMW, and I felt like I had to do something, so I was able to be Hayabusa, and I wanted to be. But I never imagined that the company would make such a demand, and what's more, they did it without even a word of consultation... So now I'm wondering what happened to the feelings I've had for the past few years, my feelings.

— At the June 15th Korakuen Hall event, you were suddenly told to take off your mask. What were your honest thoughts when you heard that?

Hayabusa: What are you talking about? I couldn't believe it, or rather, I was like, "Huh?" That's because I thought Mr. Arai (the president) was someone who had suffered and struggled with something. I never dreamed that I would hear such words from him... so I don't want to believe it.

— It's been a few days since then, have your feelings changed at all?

Hayabusa: Hmm... For now, I still have some time, so I'll think about a few more things. I don't want to overthink things, I just want to think about my honest feelings and bring a proper answer back to Japan. At this point, I can't really say anything. All I can think is, “Is this really what FMW is like?”... It just makes me think, “It wasn’t supposed to be such a confusing company...”

— So that's why you came to Mexico.

Hayabusa: So, I thought it would be nice to just wander around wherever I felt like going at the time, without deciding on anything in particular, hoping to find even a small answer to those kinds of things, and recall various things like my time in Mexico. Unless I confirm my own feelings about pro wrestling and my feelings towards FMW... I don't think I'll find the answer. But I couldn't think of any other way.

— Have you felt much refreshed?

Hayabusa: Hmm, well, there's still something that's a little unclear to me...

— Hayabusa has a longer wrestling career than Eiji Ezaki, after all.

Hayabusa: That's a long time. Eiji Ezaki's career only lasted two and a half years, while Hayabusa has been in the pro wrestling world for six years.

— From Eiji Ezaki's perspective, what kind of person is Hayabusa? Hayabusa was a huge nuisance for a while, wasn't he?

Hayabusa: I used to feel a bit of jealousy toward it. But since I’ve moved past that, I’ve actually developed—it might sound strange to say—a kind of affection for Hayabusa… because I created it all myself and have continued to treat it as a separate entity. The current Hayabusa is incredibly endearing to me, and since he’s the embodiment of my own aspirations, I have a tremendous attachment to him now—I, for one, have a very strong impression of Hayabusa as a wrestler who, in venues with few fans during the early days of the new FMW, put his body on the line and fought through it all while carrying a heavy burden. I think that Hayabusa's story is what led to the existence of FMW as a company today. And yet...

— So, you can no longer defy the commissioner's order to take off your masks, right?

Hayabusa: They said it was decided, right? Just before I left Japan, they said, "We expect a positive response when you come back. If you don't take off your mask, then you don't have to come back."

— Did they really say that to you!?

Hayabusa: That’s why. I figured he was determined to get me to take it off no matter what.

— The deadline is August 25 in Sapporo.

Hayabusa: We'll still in the middle of the series, won't we…?

— And there are less than two months left.

Hayabusa: I don't want to think about sorting out my feelings before then. In any case, if I find some kind of answer this time, I intend to return to Japan.

— So, you haven't decided how long you'll be in Mexico?

Hayabusa: Basically, nothing's decided yet. Since there's another series coming up, I probably can't just take a break without permission, but I'll use as much time as I can.

— The next series starts on July 18th, but you might not be back by then…

Hayabusa: Maybe. Right now, all the company is doing for me is about that much.

— How did you want to end Hayabusa?

Hayabusa: Doing whatever Hayabusa could do... Hayabusa has always been about dreams, dreams, and I think there were many things that could have been considered as those dreams, but I wanted to quit after I had accomplished everything I could and was satisfied with that. Of course, I was always ready to take off the mask when Hayabusa could no longer be Hayabusa, but since I can still be Hayabusa... I don't necessarily want to take it off, but there's no need to take it off now. On the contrary, if I took it off now, nothing might be left, nothing might come out, nothing might be born...

— Have you ever felt burdened by being Hayabusa?

Hayabusa: That may be true, of course, but right now, more than that, I have feelings for Hayabusa... It's not just about me personally; there are people who have dreamed through Hayabusa, people who have supported him, and so I can't just accept it so easily.

— You said, "I always wanted Hayabusa to be a cool presence."

Hayabusa: I really wanted Hayabusa to be a cool wrestler, and I've always strived to be that way.

— From the outside, it might just look like you're wearing a mask, but...

Hayabusa: It's something that has occupied most of my professional wrestling career. It's the biggest thing I've ever done as a professional wrestler, and all my feelings and emotions about it were centered around Hayabusa.

— Commissioner Fuyuki boasts, "To be honest, we've definitely managed to move beyond the Hayabusa name."

Hayabusa: I also wonder if it's really worth clinging to FMW at this point. If so, Hayabusa could do something else.

— So, you've grown distant from FMW in your heart, haven't you?

Hayabusa: I was wondering if there's a way to do it that way.

— Though talking about leaving or anything like that might be a bit of a leap...

Hayabusa: Yes, but in the worst-case scenario, I think that kind of case is not entirely out of the question.

— What are your thoughts on the current Fuyuki administration?

Hayabusa: I understand what he's thinking and what he wants to do, but the problem is that his methods are too forceful and disregard people's feelings, and that applies to the feelings of us wrestlers as well as the feelings of the people watching. What he's thinking is reasonable, and what he's saying may make sense logically, but when you just push through logic without considering the consequences, it just becomes sophistry. He says things that are convenient for him, like "it's unfair, so I can say whatever I want," but when push comes to shove, he just does whatever he wants. And when someone says something to him, he tells the audience, "Those guys are angry, it's just like I expected." He might not actually think that way sometimes, but the fact that he says that means he might lose the trust of the people who support the wrestlers. It might be okay for now, but I'm worried that when it gets to a certain point, people will start to think, "What's the point?" I've always wanted to have matches that the audience can easily get into, and to express what I want to convey through the matches. But now, it's not about the content of the match itself, but rather, if I think it's interesting, then the audience will come—that might be what entertainment means to him. But for me, entertainment is the match that the wrestlers are having in the ring, and I think that should be the most important thing. That's what I can be most proud of. I think what he's talking about is just something to make that even more interesting. In that sense, it's like putting the cart before the horse, or rather, I'm not sure about it.

— And what about President Arai, who seems to have changed the most?

Hayabusa: Like everyone else, I always thought Mr. Arai was a good person. He worked so hard and tried his best even in difficult situations. That's why...it's hard to believe that things turned out the way they did. That he changed so much. If he had entrusted the situation to Mr. Fuyuki himself, and was just doing it defiantly, then even if I had spoken to him directly, his attitude wouldn't have changed, but I really wonder if he'll be satisfied with things staying the way they are now. I want to ask Mr. Arai, are you going to deny everything about FMW from back then? Are you still the president of FMW?

— Why did FMW end up like this?

Hayabusa: Really... It seems I need a little time. In any case, when I go home, I'll make sure I've come to a conclusion that I'm most satisfied with.

Hayabusa—who had temporarily left Japan to travel to Mexico, reeling from the sheer shock of having his mask unilaterally stripped away by Commissioner Kodo Fuyuki and Owner Arai—has returned. When he departed Japan, Hayabusa looked utterly haggard; moreover, having left behind an enigmatic comment—"If things continue like this, there will be no meaning left in fighting on the FMW mat"—rumors even circulated that he might be leaving FMW for good.

Yet, Hayabusa has returned to the place where he belongs. Having flown back to Japan on a Delta flight on the afternoon of the 7th, Hayabusa held an open training session and delivered a statement of intent on the 9th at Sports Club Larx in Musashino City, Tokyo.

As a figure currently at the center of a whirlwind of controversy, Hayabusa was surrounded by a throng of media reporters; amidst them, he silently and stoically worked up a sweat. The only sounds echoing through the room were Hayabusa’s labored breathing and the clicking of camera shutters.

Perhaps this very image of Hayabusa—his physical exertion—was, in fact, his true, unspoken "statement of intent." Hayabusa is, by nature, the type of person who tends to over think things and become easily anxious. In the context of this mask controversy, his decision to flee to Mexico alone was even interpreted by some as an act of escapism—a way of running away from the problem.

However, that was not the case. After running through a full-body workout—hitting the pec deck, shoulder press, bench press, and leg press—Hayabusa sat down at a table without even wiping away his sweat, and began to speak, carefully choosing his words. His intention was not to flee, but rather to confront this issue head-on with a positive mindset and to strive to break through the current impasse.

The answer to what Hayabusa must do to remain true to himself—to remain *Hayabusa*—was simply this: to step back into the ring. Regarding his mindset heading into the July series, he stated: "My feelings have changed significantly compared to before I went to Mexico; I feel completely unburdened now. Complaining to the company about my current situation won't help me move forward a single step. My priority is simply to participate in the upcoming series, prove myself decisively in the ring, and then—at the July 31st Korakuen Hall show—convey my true feelings to the fans in my own words. I've already arrived at an answer that I can accept within myself. I want to demonstrate in my matches that I possess something even greater than my deep attachment to my mask."

Of course, Hayabusa's personal acceptance of the situation did not, in itself, resolve the actual "mask issue." For Hayabusa, the mask is the very essence of his identity. Yet, it seems Hayabusa has managed to internalize the significance of the mask in a positive, constructive way. "Whether I wear the mask or not, I will continue to forge my own path and find my own answers. If I don't do that, there is no longer any meaning in my being here at FMW. I will create my own place for myself."

The days of struggle he endured in Mexico—the land of his origins—were visibly etched in Hayabusa's grown-out beard. Yet, his expression was clear and serene, as if he had completely cast aside his doubts. Hayabusa is no longer wavering. "It's even possible I might issue a counter-demand to Fuyuki: 'Don't mess with me! *I* decide what happens with my mask!'"

The very atmosphere of Mexico—the place that gave birth to Hayabusa—had cleansed his spirit. And now, acting on his own volition, he is poised to deliver his final verdict regarding the beloved mask to which he has long been so attached. The answer Hayabusa will reveal in the ring—where Fuyuki awaits him—is a secret known only to the sweat he shed on this very day.

Hayabusa & Tetsuhiro Kuroda & Ricky Fuji vs. Kodo Fuyuki & Mr. Gannosuke & Hido 7/11/99

Upon his return from Mexico, the ring in which Hayabusa made his appearance was—ironically enough—not the FMW mat, but rather the "Festival Pro-Wrestling Charity Tournament" hosted by the Fuyuki-gun promotion. Naturally, it was Commissioner Fuyuki who had preemptively incorporated Hayabusa's name into the match lineup.

One can only marvel at the sheer shrewdness Fuyuki demonstrated in this maneuver; having personally issued the decree that Hayabusa must unmask, he nevertheless sought to capitalize on the name value of "Hayabusa the Masked Man" right up until the very last moment. Yet, Hayabusa did not refuse this challenge; instead, he strode boldly into the enemy's ring with his head held high.

For Hayabusa, this July 11th event in Nou-machi held the same significance as his recent public training session: what he needed to do right now was simply to sweat it out in training and step into the ring as a professional wrestler. Even when taunted by Hido just moments before the opening bell—"Hey, Hayabusa! Still can't make up your mind whether you're going to take off that mask or not?"—Hayabusa remained unperturbed; he started the match and proceeded to baffle Gannosuke with his lightning-fast movements.

That opening sequence alone was enough to demonstrate his excellent physical condition. It wasn't just his physical state, either; his fighting spirit was fully intact. Living up to Fuyuki’s expectations, he took center stage as the main attraction of the show, leading the match and whipping the crowd into a frenzy with the "Hayabusa Full Course"—a spectacular combination featuring the *La Quebrada*, *Tope Atomico*, and *Moonsault Press*. Finally, he unleashed a devastating *Firebird Splash*—following a palm strike—to defeat Hido and claim victory.

In doing so, Hayabusa magnificently fulfilled his mission as Hayabusa. "Fuyuki—no matter what happens, I will never bow down to you! Nothing ends until August 25th arrives; you just sit tight and wait for me! With his sights firmly set on the August 25th Sapporo event—which is slated to be his grand finale—Hayabusa hurled a defiant counter-declaration of war.

Exiting the ring on the heels of a resounding victory, Hayabusa went on to declare, 'No matter what comes my way, I am—and always will be—myself. I am absolutely certain of that now. I have no more doubts, no more fears. I will fight with every ounce of my being—with a heart overflowing with pro wrestling—until I've crushed those guys!'

He spoke these words quite literally with his chest held high. 'A heart overflowing with pro wrestling'—this phrase, bursting forth from Hayabusa's lips, represents the very genesis of both Hayabusa himself and the reborn FMW. Standing at the precipice of a crisis that threatened his very existence as a masked wrestler, he had once again reaffirmed that fundamental origin.

Come to think of it, the reborn FMW had nothing to lose from the very start. Hayabusa himself was, after all, a man who possessed nothing.

Meanwhile, Fuyuki—though outwardly satisfied with the success of the event—lashed out with scathing words directed at its star attraction, Hayabusa: 'Since it's already a foregone conclusion that Hayabusa is going to unmask in Sapporo anyway, he might as well just take it off right now. That guy doesn't have the guts to go wrestle in any other promotion!' No—let me state this boldly: In the Hayabusa of today, I see an unwavering courage—and a steely resolve—to remain true to himself, to remain Hayabusa!

Hayabusa & Tetsuhiro Kuroda & Ricky Fuji d. Kodo Fuyuki & Mr. Gannosuke & Hido when Hayabusa pinned Hido (16:15)

Hayabusa & Masato Tanaka & Tetsuhiro Kuroda vs. Kodo Fuyuki & Koji Nakagawa & Gedo 7/18/99

At the venue entrance, the brand-new WEW 6-Man Tag Team Championship belts—encased in glass—shone proudly; beside them, Hayabusa, drenched in sweat, busily signed merchandise and shook hands with fans.

The line of fans stretching out before Hayabusa was noticeably longer than it had been before the announcement of his "Final Match."

For Hayabusa, this must have been a scene that evoked a complex mix of emotions—both joy and something more complicated. It is now a foregone conclusion that, on August 25 in Sapporo, Hayabusa will bid farewell to his mask. While he has yet to publicly articulate his inner feelings regarding that approaching day, Hayabusa is aiming to accomplish one final, monumental feat—capturing the 6-Man Tag Team Championship belts—so that he may remain "Hayabusa" until the very end.

This represents Hayabusa's wholehearted sincerity toward the fans who continue to support him during these final, fleeting days of his career. Tanaka, too, shares this sentiment with Hayabusa. His decision to push through and compete in this league tournament—despite suffering a severe fracture to his right elbow at the hands of Fuyuki—was not driven by any fear of being "restructured" or cut from the roster.

Rather, with the rise of the "Fuyuki Regime" and the shifting landscape of the FMW ring, he seeks to prove the very *raison d'être* of FMW by ensuring that the "homegrown" faction continues to endure. Kuroda, too, fully grasps the sentiments of his two partners; moreover, his own uncontainable rage serves as the driving force behind his fighting spirit.

I have heard that among fans who have followed the promotion since the "New FMW" era, there are many voices critical of the promotion's current direction; if that is the case, then I urge you to watch the fighting spirit displayed right now by Hayabusa, Tanaka, and Kuroda.

On this day, as they battled the Fuyuki faction for a full thirty minutes without a single pause, their fighting style remained utterly unchanged from the days of the "New FMW" era. As long as the wrestling of Hayabusa and his allies remains at the very core of the "Entertainment Pro-Wrestling" philosophy currently championed by FMW, that fundamental policy will never waver.

The FMW executive—Fuyuki—however, remains supremely confident regarding the future of the promotion, even looking beyond the August 25th event in Sapporo. Having already formulated his operational strategy in his capacity as Commissioner—now that Eiji Ezaki has unmasked himself from the Hayabusa persona—he has left absolutely nothing to chance.

As far as Fuyuki is concerned, Hayabusa is nothing more than a mere pawn to be utilized up until the August 25th event in Sapporo. Yet, something continues to weigh on Fuyuki's mind: the mysterious sound of a crying child (or perhaps an infant?)—a sound that has reportedly been heard with increasing frequency during his recent matches.

Our own staff members even confirmed hearing these cries firsthand during the July 18th event in Higashiosaka; but what on earth could this possibly mean...?!?!?

WEW 6 Man Tag Team Championship Tournament Match: Hayabusa & Tetsuhiro Kuroda & Masato Tanaka (1) vs. Kodo Fuyuki & Koji Nakagawa & Gedo went to a Time Limit Draw (30:00)

Hayabusa & Masato Tanaka & Tetsuhiro Kuroda vs. Super Leather & Armageddon 7/19/99

Hayabusa, Tanaka, and Kuroda. Considering their individual capabilities, they could rightfully be called the strongest trio in FMW. Naturally, this team was regarded as the heavy favorite in the inaugural WEW 6-Man Tag Team Championship League and Tournament.

However, once the league matches actually began, those predictions proved spectacularly wrong. Hayabusa's team simply couldn't win. In the opening match, they fought the Fuyuki team to a time-limit draw. And on this day, they suffered a shocking defeat at the hands of the Leather team—an opponent Hayabusa had confidently declared they "absolutely would not lose to." They were in a slump. A severe slump.

If one were to pinpoint the cause, it would be Tanaka's poor physical condition. His fractured right elbow had not yet fully healed. Consequently, whenever opponents targeted that specific injury, Tanaka writhed in agony. His movements ground to a halt, forcing him into a desperate, solitary struggle—a situation that created a major handicap for Hayabusa's team. The smooth tag-work and seamless teamwork they had displayed in the past vanished completely. The more Hayabusa, Tanaka, and Kuroda panicked—thinking, "It wasn't supposed to be like this..."—the less they functioned as a cohesive unit.

They simply couldn't find their rhythm; a single issue had thrown their entire machinery completely out of gear. It didn't take long for the Leather team to capitalize on this disarray and overwhelm Hayabusa's squad. Leather pinned down Kuroda and finished him off with a piledriver onto a steel chair. "My body... even though my mind knows what to do, my body won't move. I'm not *trying* to favor my elbow, but if I can't deliver results, I feel terrible letting Hayabusa and Kuroda down."

After the match, Tanaka bit his lip, accepting full responsibility for the loss, but he immediately continued: "I can't end things like this. I *will* win this tournament—I'll prove it. And once I do, I'm going to drag Fuyuki out into the ring." Before the series began, Tanaka had vowed to do whatever it took to become one of the inaugural 6-Man Tag Team Champions—to achieve concrete results and then turn the tables on Fuyuki by issuing a "reverse restructuring" challenge of his own.

To accomplish that, he couldn't afford to wallow in defeat forever. Tanaka immediately shifted his mindset. Hayabusa felt the same way. "We *will* wrap those belts around our waists." "We have neither the time nor the luxury to give in to despair." Although the Hayabusa faction currently finds itself in a slump, the saving grace is that the spirits of its individual members remain unbroken. As the old adage goes—"the mind governs the body"—and with that unwavering resolve, they are bound to break through their current predicament. There is simply no way that Hayabusa, Tanaka, and Kuroda will let their story end here!

WEW 6 Man Tag Team Championship Tournament Match: Super Leather & Armageddon d. Hayabusa & Masato Tanaka & Tetsuhiro Kuroda (1) when Leather pinned Kuroda (22:38)

— From April 1994 Hayabusa made a spectacular Japanese debut at the inaugural "J-Cup," yet... from the very moment he adopted the Hayabusa persona, he had always maintained that "the time will eventually come when I must take off the mask."

Hayabusa understood—he knew that if he continued to force himself to maintain his high-flying style indefinitely, his body would inevitably break down. In reality, Hayabusa’s physique was already in tatters. In the summer of 1995—having pushed himself relentlessly for the sake of FMW while putting his own physical well-being on the back burner—Hayabusa was struck by a series of major injuries.

At the end of July, during a match against Gladiator, he suffered a fractured spine. In mid-August, he sustained an injury to his left elbow during a bout; however, the truth was that, at that very moment, the ligaments in Hayabusa's left elbow had completely ruptured.

"I think... the ligament is torn. I can't put any power into it at all," Hayabusa confided to a reporter—though this was strictly off the record. He himself never publicly disclosed the injuries to his spine or elbow. The reason was simple: at that time, every wrestler was striving desperately to establish the identity of the "New FMW," and the man standing at the very top of the organization could not afford to be perceived as a "Glass Ace"—a fragile, injury-prone star.

However, in January 1996, Hayabusa’s left elbow finally reached its breaking point, forcing him to withdraw from active competition. He was compelled to take a prolonged hiatus. What remains truly astonishing is the sheer courage Hayabusa displayed in continuing to fight for nearly five months with a ruptured ligament. The enduring symbol of that courage remains visible today in the form of the elbow brace he wears on his left arm.

Even so... upon his return, Hayabusa continued to fly. He continued to slam his knees against the canvas day after day while executing high-impact signature moves—most notably the Firebird Splash—but the toll exacted by such a style was immense. Regarding the aforementioned injuries—and while I hesitate to reveal the internal struggles he has shouldered as Hayabusa for the past six years without his explicit consent—given his own admission that "if I were to continue wrestling as Hayabusa for just two more years, my body would deteriorate to a point where I would be forced to retire," I feel compelled to write the unvarnished truth.

In reality, Hayabusa's high-flying aerial offense was something of a double-edged sword. With every hard impact he absorbed during a match, his knees would flare up with heat—a condition so severe that it eventually hindered even his ability to walk. While the heat would subside after a day, the pain itself would persist into the day following the match.

The damage to both of his knees was accelerating at an alarming rate. To continue his career in professional wrestling, Hayabusa needed to change his style... or rather, it would be more accurate to say that this was an inevitable course of events, leaving him with no other choice.

Six years of internal conflict—perhaps it was a battle against a fundamental contradiction: the realization that, in order to protect FMW, it was no longer physically possible for him to continue existing as "Hayabusa."

When viewed in that light, surely no one has the right to question the conclusion Hayabusa ultimately reached. Hayabusa did not simply bow to Fuyuki's demands; he made the decision to unmask of his own free will.

The photograph featured on the cover page was taken during a studio session one year ago. We have chosen to publish it now in accordance with Hayabusa's specific request at the time: "Please use this photo when the day comes that I resolve to take off my mask." Furthermore, the warm applause the fans offered in response to Hayabusa's decision speaks to a singular, undeniable truth: that there was absolutely nothing mistaken about the path Hayabusa had walked for the past six years.

Hayabusa & Masato Tanaka & Tetsuhiro Kuroda d. Super Leather & Armageddon 7/31/99
Hayabusa & Masato Tanaka & Tetsuhiro Kuroda d. Mr. Gannosuke & Yukihiro Kanemura & Jado 7/31/99
Hayabusa & Masato Tanaka & Tetsuhiro Kuroda vs. Kodo Fuyuki & Koji Nakagawa & Gedo 7/31/99

At the public press conference detailed on the previous page, Hayabusa boldly declared that he would "absolutely wrap the belt around his waist"—referring to the newly established WEW Certified 6-Man Tag Team Championship. Yet, truth be told, the road ahead was fraught with difficulty.

Although Hayabusa, Tanaka, and Kuroda were considered the heavy favorites, they suffered a shocking upset in the preliminary league tournament, finishing dead last. Consequently, Hayabusa's team was forced to enter that day's championship tournament starting from the "last-place bracket." To become champions, they would have to string together three consecutive victories—winning both the semi-finals and the finals of this bracket.

However, given the current state of Hayabusa's team, this was no easy feat. Tanaka was unable to fight at full capacity due to an injured right elbow; his resulting impatience only served to induce further errors. Unable to establish an offensive rhythm, the team was effectively failing to function as a cohesive unit.

Furthermore, aiming for three straight wins raised concerns regarding their stamina. While anxieties inevitably loomed large, the men at the center of it all—Hayabusa, Tanaka, and Kuroda—remained remarkably positive. Hayabusa, in particular, vowed to his fans that during the five remaining events in which he would be able to compete as "Hayabusa," he would "strive harder than ever before to live up to the name."

Having made such a promise, there was simply no way he could allow himself to cut a shameful figure in front of his fans. Hayabusa had made winning the tournament a "sacred duty." It began with the match to determine the last-place finisher. Hayabusa's team came out aggressively; the moment they stepped into the ring, they charged straight at Team Leather, launching a surprise attack. Having successfully isolated the foreign team with this maneuver, the FMW side—mindful of their stamina—opted for a quick, decisive battle. They unleashed a sudden, all-out sprint, and Hayabusa swiftly defeated Leather with a Firebird Splash.

With this victory, Hayabusa's team advanced to the semifinals. There, they clashed with Team Gannosuke... but the fighting style of TNR remained consistent. Attacking an opponent's injured area is an ironclad rule in the competitive world of combat sports. Gannosuke and his partners launched a pinpoint assault on Tanaka's right elbow. There were multiple moments where it seemed entirely plausible that Tanaka would be forced to give up.

Yet, Tanaka never cried uncle. To tap out would mean immediate "restructuring"—in other words, being cut from the roster. With a looming singles match against Fuyuki on the horizon—and so much left to accomplish—Tanaka gritted his teeth and endured TNR's onslaught. And when he finally struck back, he did so using that very same injured right elbow.

Tanaka—who had always used his signature elbow strike to carve a path through even the direst of circumstances—seemed to have resolved to go down fighting, staking everything on that right arm. Inspired by Tanaka's sheer tenacity, Hayabusa and Kuroda were fired up beyond measure.

Hayabusa executed a dynamic *Quebrada* with even greater height than usual. Nor did he hold back his finishing move—the Firebird Splash—simply because he had already used it in the last-place decider. Hayabusa's earlier promise—"I will strive harder than ever before in my role as Hayabusa"—proved to be no empty boast.

Kuroda unleashed a rapid-fire barrage of his signature Lariats. Before anyone realized it, Hayabusa's team—executing crisp, quick tags—had seized complete control of the match. They were functioning as a true, cohesive unit. The end came when Hayabusa pinned Jado following a counter palm strike. At that very moment, the cheers for Hayabusa's team—which had been ringing out ceaselessly since the last-place decider—reached a deafening crescendo. They had finally advanced to the finals.

Buoyed by the fervent support of their fans, Hayabusa, Tanaka, and Kuroda gained fresh momentum—but then came Fuyuki. Entering the ring brandishing a *kine* (wooden mallet), Fuyuki thrust the weapon directly at Tanaka's right elbow. Although Hayabusa’s quick intervention to make the save meant the blow didn't land with full force, the damage was nonetheless severe—precisely because of the nature of the weapon used. Next, Hayabusa was subjected to a Powerbomb outside the ring. Coming as it did in their third match of the day—at a point when their physical reserves were already severely depleted—this double blow brought both men to a complete standstill.

Kuroda fought valiantly, attempting to shift the momentum of the match, but alone, he was powerless to turn the tide. At the 10-minute, 20-second mark, Hayabusa finally succumbed to a Lariat from Fuyuki. Consequently, the inaugural WEW 6-Man Tag Team Champions were crowned: Fuyuki, Nakagawa, and Gedo. Although Hayabusa and his team were unfortunately unable to strap the championship belts around their waists, there was absolutely no need for them to hang their heads; their fighting spirit had resonated deeply with the fans.

Above all, their valiant efforts on this day were certain to pave the way for future success. True to form, they refused to dwell on the defeat or look backward. "If it means getting a one-on-one match against Fuyuki, I'll agree to any demand he makes. If things go on like this, it won't be FMW anymore. Our own guys are quitting one after another; at this rate, the whole promotion is just going to turn into 'Fuyuki-gun' [Fuyuki's Army]. We’ve put our bodies on the line for this company... We *will* take back *our* FMW!" (Tanaka).

"If they consider themselves the 'establishment,' then we must be the 'resistance.' That’s the mindset we've carried with us all along. If we live our lives simply drifting along with their current—without holding onto our own independent will—then there is absolutely no value in us stepping into that ring. We want to carve out our own future with our own hands. Even if I lose my mask, I am still *me*. Even if my outward appearance changes, nothing has truly ended; in fact, that is precisely where something new begins." (Hayabusa).

Following the match, Fuyuki took the microphone in the ring to announce the main event cards for the upcoming shows: August 20th and August 23rd (at Korakuen Hall) and August 25th (in Sapporo). He then delivered the following remarks: "Contrary to expectations, Tanaka is proving to be remarkably tenacious. That's why, in August, I'm going to throw Gannosuke and Kanemura at him; but if that doesn't get the job done, then I'll step in myself. You could say that everything leading up to the Sapporo show marks what I consider to be the 'first half' of this campaign. From Asahikawa onward, the entire storyline is going to take a completely different turn." It appears that at the August 25th Sapporo event—where Hayabusa is set to bid farewell to the professional wrestling world—the entire trajectory of FMW is poised to undergo a dramatic transformation.

WEW 6 Man Tag Team Championship Tournament 1st Round Match: Hayabusa & Masato Tanaka & Tetsuhiro Kuroda d. Super Leather & Armageddon when Hayabusa pinned Leather (4:03)
WEW 6 Man Tag Team Championship Tournament Semi-Finals Match: Hayabusa & Masato Tanaka & Tetsuhiro Kuroda d. Mr. Gannosuke & Yukihiro Kanemura & Jado when Hayabusa pinned Jado (20:55)
WEW 6 Man Tag Team Championship Tournament Finals Match: Kodo Fuyuki & Koji Nakagawa & Gedo d. Hayabusa & Masato Tanaka & Tetsuhiro Kuroda when Fuyuki pinned Hayabusa (10:20)

— At the Korakuen Hall event on July 31st, you revealed your decision to unmask; however, at the time, you were overcome with tears and spoke very little. Wasn't there more you wanted to convey to your fans?

Hayabusa: That is certainly true. In my personal account published in *Tokyo Sports*, it was written that "Hayabusa was suppose to die five years ago"... Hayabusa’s Japanese debut took place at the "J-Cup" in April 1994. At the time, my own conception of the "Hayabusa" persona was simply to showcase a different side of myself—one distinct from the unmasked Eiji Ezaki I had been while wrestling in Japan. However, when I returned to Japan for the Osaka event in August 1994 to face Sabu... I sensed that, in the wake of the "J-Cup," the fans' perception of Hayabusa had taken on a life of its own—growing and expanding at a speed that far exceeded anything I could have imagined. I found myself in a situation where I simply *had* to succeed as Hayabusa—where it was absolutely essential that I fully embody the character. That is why, deep down, I feel that the version of Hayabusa I had originally envisioned for myself effectively ceased to exist after just a match or two. At that very moment, Hayabusa and I became two separate entities. It wasn't merely a matter of revealing a different facet of myself; we became two entirely different things. We became two distinct personalities.

— Yet, upon his triumphant return to Japan, Hayabusa remarked that for the preceding six years, he had been running forward with total abandon, treating his own physical well-being as a secondary concern. And indeed, as the ace of FMW, he truly had no room—nor the luxury—to ever look back.

Hayabusa: That’s true. There were times along the way when I tried to escape—to step away for a while and think things over slowly—but in the end, nothing had changed. The situation remained exactly the same: if I wanted to continue being Hayabusa, there was simply no choice but to keep running forward, never looking back. And as time went on, my body just kept breaking down...As I mentioned back in the ring: if I were to continue wrestling as Hayabusa, I probably had—at most—another two years left in me. The reality is, as long as I step into the ring as Hayabusa—even if I’m injured—I am obligated to perform as Hayabusa. The fans have high expectations, and I felt a duty to live up to them. I truly believed that was the very reason for Hayabusa’s existence.

But... well, the truth is, I’ve always harbored a desire to wrestle with my face unmasked—not as a masked wrestler. I went to Mexico specifically to confirm that feeling within myself. Perhaps I had simply reached my limit as Hayabusa—both physically, and in terms of my own personal desire to reveal my true face. When you really think about it, right now might be the *only* opportunity I have to finally take off the mask. After consulting with my body—with Hayabusa’s body—I realized that if I were to let this opportunity slip by and cling to the mask... I would eventually simply fade away as "Hayabusa." In a sense, that might be a "cool" way to go out, but I personally love the persona of Hayabusa so deeply that I didn't want my story to end with people saying, "He could no longer wrestle *because* of Hayabusa."

Furthermore, physically speaking, I simply cannot shake the image—or the reality—of being a Junior Heavyweight. No, to be precise: right now, I *am* at a Junior Heavyweight weight. But as long as I continue to wear the mask and perform high-flying maneuvers, I cannot afford to gain any more weight. If I were to put on even a little bit, I would inevitably injure some part of my body again and become unable to move. For the past few years, it has been a constant cycle of this—a dilemma that weighs heavily on me. I’ve kept talking about moving up to Heavyweight—"Heavyweight, Heavyweight"—but ultimately, I haven't been able to cross that threshold. When I think about that... I feel as though my potential ends right there. Hayabusa did his absolute best, and he allowed me—the man behind the mask—to dream; yet, in its own way, that was a painful burden to bear.

— Now, isn't it time for Eiji Ezaki—the man with the unmasked face—to chase his own dreams?

Hayabusa: As of August 25th, I will indeed revert to fighting unmasked—just as Fuyuki demanded. However, I never said a single word about fighting *as* Eiji Ezaki. Since I am complying with his demand and taking off the mask, Fuyuki has absolutely no right to dictate anything beyond that. If TNR represents the establishment, then we are the resistance."

— So, does that mean that after Sapporo, you won't be fighting as Eiji Ezaki, but rather under a completely new ring name?

Hayabusa: I intend to continue exploring new possibilities—or whatever form that might take—in my own way.

— Do you already have a concrete vision of what this 'new self' will look like?

Hayabusa: Regarding the bout... It hasn't been very long since we reached a conclusion on the mask issue, so my thoughts aren't entirely sorted out yet. That said, I certainly don't want to let Hayabusa’s legacy become a lingering distraction in any inappropriate way; to do so would be disrespectful to all the people who supported him. However, I would be grateful if the fans could view the version of myself appearing after Sapporo as something clearly distinct—something different from what came before. I don't know how things will turn out... but for those who have supported Hayabusa all this time—when they see this "new me," they might feel disappointed and say, "Is *this* what Hayabusa has become?" But I think that’s okay. In any case, I intend to start over from scratch—doing whatever I can with who I am right now—and maybe even make a fool of myself in the process. After all, that’s how it was with Hayabusa originally, too; I started from absolutely nothing. I actually think it’s fine if people compare me to Hayabusa. If I don't want to be outdone by Hayabusa, then I just have to work even harder. Whether people choose to accept this or not is entirely up to those who watch. Above all, I would just be happy if people looked forward to seeing what comes next.

— Wouldn't taking off the mask mean starting not just "from scratch," but from absolute *zero*?

Hayabusa: At the very least, it certainly isn't zero. The things I’ve done and the lessons I’ve learned over these past six years—working while wearing the Hayabusa mask—have by no means gone to waste. They remain within me. I don't know exactly what form they’ll take as I move forward, but they are still there. So, it’s definitely not a start from zero; it’s a start from one.

— Still, it feels sad to think that Hayabusa—a masked wrestler who has come to represent the entire Japanese pro-wrestling world—will no longer be around. No, actually, since Hayabusa made a name for himself in Mexico as well, you could probably even say he’s a globally renowned masked wrestler.

Hayabusa: Honestly, I feel that sadness, too. I’m one of those people who genuinely loved Hayabusa and has been watching him for a long, long time. It might sound presumptuous to say it myself, but in a way, I was his biggest fan. Now, due to my own selfish desires, I’m going to be bringing an end to that Hayabusa persona. But this is the conclusion I reached after thinking it through as deeply as I could. Besides, it’s plain to see that if I were to just keep going as I am now, Hayabusa would simply become less and less able to fly. As I’ve said before, I don’t want to see a Hayabusa who is in decline—a Hayabusa who looks pathetic. If the only problem was losing matches or shedding tears—if the only thing making him look "pathetic" was his record—then by giving it his absolute all, he might still be able to turn things around. But I simply cannot bear to watch a Hayabusa who is giving it his absolute all, yet whose body is physically breaking down and refusing to move.

— Hayabusa wanted to go out while still looking cool.

Hayabusa: Even if the entity known as "Hayabusa" were to vanish completely, as long as he remains alive in everyone's memories, that is enough for me. However, having lived my life as Hayabusa, there is one lingering regret I have.

— And what is that?

Hayabusa: The "Newborn FMW" era placed a strong emphasis on technical wrestling—a style rich in pure wrestling elements—and while that was fine in its own right... what pained me most was the perception that it had become *too* polished, too "clean." I don't recall ever explicitly rejecting death matches. Yet, it seems I was perceived as someone who loathed death matches... which is a shame, because ultimately, they are just another valid style of professional wrestling. The fact that this perspective never truly took root—that is my sole regret as Hayabusa. It wasn't just painful; there were times when I truly agonized over it. For instance, when I made my triumphant return to Japan and was immediately hailed as "the Ace," I couldn't simply say, "Oh, really?" and accept it at face value; I had to consider the feelings of all the guys who had been toiling away here in Japan the entire time I was gone...

— Those are the kinds of stories you can only tell now, looking back.

Hayabusa: Exactly. Speaking of stories I can only share now: before my return to Japan, back in Tampa, I once stayed up all night talking with The Gladiator about the future of FMW—specifically, how we should proceed now that Atsushi Onita had left the promotion. Gladiator has since moved on to compete in All Japan Pro Wrestling, but I truly hope he continues to find success there.

— Let's shift gears and talk about the "Hayabusa Last Series." It has been confirmed that you will face Kanemura in a World Brass Knuckles Championship match at Korakuen Hall on August 23rd, and then face Gannosuke in your final match as Hayabusa—on August 25th in Sapporo.

Hayabusa: Since both of them currently hold belts as interim champions, my goal is to wrap up the Hayabusa saga with a championship belt around my waist one last time.

— There seems to be something almost fated about Gannosuke being your final opponent.

Hayabusa: We truly share a "cursed bond"—a history that just won't let us go. As an opponent, he leaves absolutely nothing to be desired. However, I have no intention of asking him to be my executioner—to give me my last rites—or to be the one to close my eyes in death. Instead, I want him to serve as the perfect foil—the supporting wrestler who helps make my final performance as Hayabusa truly shine!

Darkside Hayabusa & Tetsuhiro Kuroda & Hisakatsu Oya vs. Koji Nakagawa & Yukihiro Kanemura & Hido 8/20/99

The opening match of the August series has arrived. Its theme: "The Haunted House." As is widely known, strange phenomena—specifically, the sound of a baby crying—have been plaguing the FMW ring since July. Hence the "Haunted House" theme.

According to Fuyuki: "We're doing this as an experiment to see just how far we can push the boundaries of entertainment. Think of it as a stepping stone toward the Yokohama Arena show—I want to gauge the audience's reaction." Hmm? Judging by that comment, one can't help but suspect that these "strange phenomena" were actually orchestrated on purpose... but for the current FMW—which proudly champions "Entertainment Pro-Wrestling"—such prosaic speculation is entirely beside the point. And so, Korakuen Hall was transformed into a haunted house. Paper lanterns. Memorial tablets. Black-and-white funeral drapery.

The venue was decked out with items one would never expect to see at a professional wrestling show. *Gulp.* The pre-match production was incredibly elaborate, too. The lighting utilized black lights, causing anything white to glow eerily. The background music was spine-chilling. Even incense was being burned. Furthermore, the staff members were clad in mourning attire; in a meticulous touch, press passes for the media consisted of simple white triangular cloths. And when the role of master of ceremonies is filled by Teisui Ichiryusai—renowned for his *Kodan* storytelling performances of the classic *Yotsuya Kaidan* (The Ghost of Yotsuya)—the haunted house atmosphere is heightened to an absolute fever pitch.

As for the fans' reaction? It was excellent. One could safely declare the experiment a success. It seems the "entertainment-first" direction that Fuyuki has been championing is definitely beginning to resonate with the audience. Now, on to the semi-final match: a "Graveyard Scramble Match" in which the wrestlers were free to utilize the entire haunted house set as their battlefield.

For this particular bout, Hayabusa made his entrance as "Darkside Hayabusa"—a transformation undertaken for a specific reason. This marked only the second time Hayabusa had transformed into his "Darkside" persona. His previous appearance was during a studio match last summer; however, Hayabusa noted, "I wasn't satisfied with the match I put on back then." Including this contest, Hayabusa has only four matches remaining in which he will compete as "Hayabusa."

It was precisely because he wished to leave no lingering regrets regarding his "other self" within that limited window of time that Hayabusa unleashed his "Darkside" persona on this day. And indeed, as Darkside, Hayabusa gave it his absolute all. He went on to pin Hido, and in doing so, Darkside achieved a magnificent, triumphant finale. "With two consecutive victories—the title match on the 23rd and the final singles bout in Sapporo—Hayabusa will vanish while still holding the championship belt. I will definitely capture that title, and then I will make my exit in true Hayabusa fashion." To end his career as a reigning champion—this is how Hayabusa intends to bid farewell to his own legacy in the most perfect way imaginable.

Darkside Hayabusa & Tetsuhiro Kuroda & Hisakatsu Oya d. Koji Nakagawa & Yukihiro Kanemura & Hido when Hayabusa pinned Hido (19:46)

Hayabusa vs. Yukihiro Kanemura 8/23/99

As Hayabusa made his entrance, Korakuen Hall was enveloped in a roar of cheers unlike any heard there before. The crowd was overcome with emotion, desperately trying to imprint the sight of his final heroic stand into their memories. Hayabusa's appeal lay in his fighting style and his humanity.

This day marked the very last time Hayabusa would ever compete in this hallowed arena. As evidenced by the constant cries of "Don't retire!", it was clear to the fans that Hayabusa's signature flair extended far beyond his dazzling aerial maneuvers.

For six years, as the ace of the "New FMW," he had given nothing less than his absolute all. His wholehearted fighting spirit resonated deeply with those who watched him; the outpouring of emotion that day was, in essence, a sudden explosion of the fans' boundless love for Hayabusa. That was the true essence of his appeal. Ultimately, this unwavering, all-or-nothing approach to fighting would tragically cut his career short... yet Hayabusa himself harbored no regrets.

For he had been able to share his dreams with his fans—here at Korakuen and in arenas across the country—and together, they had forged countless legendary matches. That is the kind of man Hayabusa was. There is a particular anecdote that illustrates this well: I have interviewed Hayabusa on numerous occasions, yet never once did I hear him engage in boastful trash-talk. He would often offer a wry smile and apologize, saying, "I'm sorry I don't have any flashy quotes for you," but he never failed to add this caveat: "I don't want to lie to my fans. If I make grandiose promises that I can't fulfill, I'll only end up disappointing them."

For Hayabusa, the fans always came first. It was precisely because he was so pure-hearted, so humble, and so earnest that he was loved by everyone. True to form, as Hayabusa challenged Kanemura for the World Brass Knuckles Championship, he delivered a performance that lived up to the thunderous cheers of the crowd. He went on the offensive from the opening bell, holding nothing back as he soared through the air with reckless abandon. He knew that capturing that championship belt would be the ultimate way to repay the fans who had stood by him and cheered him on, here at Korakuen Hall, until the very end.

Moreover, Hayabusa simply could not afford to lose; he had to remain true to his personal credo: "I want to stay cool to the very end. I want to fade away while still wearing the belt." However, Kanemura was not about to be easily subdued. He launched a fierce counterattack, refusing to play the role of mere stepping stone in Hayabusa's final bout at Korakuen Hall. The match itself was a fierce clash of wills between the two competitors. Hayabusa had left behind a legacy of great matches at Korakuen Hall, and his final performance there proved to be yet another classic. The victor was Hayabusa.

It was a result born of sheer tenacity—Hayabusa's burning desire for victory had simply outweighed Kanemura's. At that moment, Korakuen Hall erupted. The fans rejoiced wholeheartedly at Hayabusa's capture of the championship belt. It was a truly moving scene.

Following the match, Hayabusa's "graduation ceremony" took place—an event that proved equally poignant. As the entire FMW roster lined up ringside, President Arai stepped into the role of ring announcer to formally introduce Hayabusa. The ceremony transcended all factional rivalries. Fuyuki presented Hayabusa with a bouquet of flowers. Even the members of the TNR faction attended the graduation ceremony with an air of solemn respect.

President Arai declared unequivocally that the "New FMW" owed its very existence to Hayabusa. Everyone present understood that Hayabusa was a masked wrestler destined to go down in the annals of Japanese professional wrestling history. No one held back in offering their praise and tribute to him. Amidst the fans' cries of "Please don't retire!" and the sound of stifled sobs, Hayabusa choked up repeatedly; trembling with emotion, he delivered the farewell comments detailed in a separate section.

Upon returning to the locker room, he remarked, "For six years, I ran the race as Hayabusa with everything I had; hearing the voices of all the fans now, I feel truly vindicated—as if all my efforts have been rewarded." Let me reiterate this once more: Hayabusa's six years were by no means in vain. And in all that time, there was not a single shred of falsehood. That history is set to reach its final chapter on August 25th in Sapporo.

FMW Brass Knuckles Heavyweight Championship Match: Hayabusa d. Yukihiro Kanemura (18:28)

Hayabusa vs. Mr. Gannosuke 8/25/99

At long last... the moment of Hayabusa's final curtain call had arrived. August 25th, at the Sapporo Nakajima Sports Center. This day marked the very last opportunity to witness the heroic figure of Hayabusa in action. I had believed I had fully grasped that reality. Yet, when the actual day dawned... I found a part of myself that simply refused to accept the truth. It was back in late July that Hayabusa had made the decision to unmask.

To be honest, there had not been nearly enough time—nor sufficient emotional space—to truly reflect upon the legacy of a star destined to go down in the annals of Japanese professional wrestling history. "I want to keep watching him." Indeed, it was impossible to suppress such lingering attachments—or perhaps, such fervent hopes. The fans, too, must have shared this exact sentiment.

As his familiar entrance theme—"Fight with Dream"—began to play for the very last time, cries of "Please don't take off the mask!" rained down incessantly from the stands. Hayabusa had once remarked, "To fade away while people feel that way about me... that is the ultimate fulfillment for a professional wrestler."

He should have, by all accounts, already come to terms with the act of unmasking. Yet, according to our magazine's photographer, "As Hayabusa stepped into the ring, his eyes were glistening with tears." It is not a matter one can simply compartmentalize and cast aside so easily. It seems that Hayabusa himself, too, was reluctant to bid farewell to the persona he had embodied.

This day also marked the final professional wrestling event to be held at the historic Sapporo Nakajima Sports Center—a venue built in 1927 that had long stood as the "Holy Land of the North," playing host to countless legendary matches. That the end of this venue's history should coincide with Hayabusa's own finale... it was, indeed, a mysterious and fateful twist of destiny. The final match. Hayabusa stood face-to-face with Gannosuke.

As is widely known, the two were close friends during their university days; in 1991, they took the entrance exam for FMW together—and both passed. Ever since, they had pushed one another to new heights as rivals, constantly striving to improve their craft. Even when he felt on the verge of giving up, it was because of *him*—his lifelong rival—that he was able to keep his pro wrestling career alive.

That his final match would be a battle against this very rival—perhaps that, too, was simply Hayabusa's destiny. Though their paths had diverged—one as a babyface, the other as a heel—and despite having constantly hurled insults at Hayabusa at every opportunity in the past, Gannosuke extended his hand to Hayabusa for a handshake just before the bout began.

Surely, Gannosuke must have harbored a deep, personal significance regarding this particular match as well. The two men grasped hands firmly. Then, the fateful bell rang. Hayabusa immediately initiated a grappling exchange. I would like to draw your attention to the color of Hayabusa's mask: the original brown—the color of his roots. For what Hayabusa brought to FMW, above all else, was *wrestling*. It became the very cornerstone of the "New FMW."

Bearing the weight of this revitalized promotion on his shoulders, Hayabusa delivered a performance that served as a reaffirmation of everything he had accomplished under his masked persona. Naturally, Hayabusa also showcased his other signature appeal throughout the match: his breathtaking aerial maneuvers. Hayabusa laid it all bare, striving to sear his personal history—his heroic figure—into the memories of his fans; and the fans, in turn, strove to imprint that very image into their own minds.

Gannosuke, for his part, fully acknowledged Hayabusa's indomitable spirit, yet refused to simply play the role of a stepping stone; instead, he unleashed a relentless, unforgiving offensive. The match evolved into a heated, classic encounter, with the roar of the crowd never once subsiding. Nineteen minutes and twenty-six seconds later... the victor was Hayabusa.

He unleashed a rapid-fire succession of "Falcon Arrows," bringing the fierce battle to a definitive close. It was a moment that also marked the final period—the absolute conclusion—to Hayabusa's six-year history in the ring. There was nothing left to do but accept the reality. Hayabusa... in the aftermath of the match...

"Don't go, Hayabusa!"—such were the cries shouted in unison by the audience during the "Hayabusa Farewell Ceremony." The venue was enveloped in an indescribable mix of poignancy and sorrow; everyone present was reluctant to bid farewell to Hayabusa. Amidst this atmosphere, Hayabusa—tears streaming down his face—delivered his final address to his fans:

"On August 25th, here at the Sapporo Nakajima Sports Center, Hayabusa will lay his wings to rest forever. I wanted to at least look cool for my final match... I'm sorry. I really intended to take the microphone and speak without crying, at least this one last time... But it's okay if I look pathetic. Please, just remember this one thing: that in the world of pro wrestling, there once existed a foolish, crybaby wrestler named Hayabusa. Thank you all so very much for everything."

And why shouldn't he be a crybaby? Tears are simply an expression of a pure heart. How many times had those very tears moved us to tears ourselves? Hayabusa was a wrestler who lived his life without deceit—foolishly, perhaps, but with absolute honesty. It was precisely because he was such a man that Hayabusa earned the support and love of his fans. During the ceremony, Owner Arai spoke, saying, "Hayabusa has chosen to seal away his illustrious past achievements and embark on a new path; while we look forward to his future endeavors, we also wish to pay our deepest respects to the battles he has fought thus far."

In response, the fans continued to applaud Hayabusa, paying tribute to both his courageous decision and his history of struggle. At this outpouring of support... Hayabusa could no longer hold back his tears. It was a deeply moving finale—yet, in the very next instant, an utterly unbelievable event unfolded. Commissioner Fuyuki—who had been standing by, ready to present a bouquet of flowers—suddenly began viciously bludgeoning Hayabusa with that very bouquet.

The moment after, the members of TNR stormed the ring and surrounded Hayabusa. The members of the "Main Unit" rushed into the ring as well; the ceremony descended into total chaos, yet the Main Unit was unable to breach TNR's defensive cordon and rescue Hayabusa. In the midst of this, Gannosuke committed an outrageous act: he took a pair of scissors, shredded Hayabusa's costume to ribbons, and ripped off his mask. Hayabusa was left completely naked. Around his neck—fastened there by Fuyuki—was a dog collar.

While TNR had displayed a sincere demeanor during the ceremony at Korakuen Hall just two days prior, Fuyuki had no intention of playing along a second time; instead, he sought to send Hayabusa off with a "ceremony" conducted entirely on their own terms. However, the audience—outraged that a touching farewell ceremony had been desecrated—was in no mood to forgive such an atrocity. The fans were furious.

The venue erupted in chaos, with shouts of "Fuyuki, you bastard!" and other insults flying through the air. Owner Arai was left bewildered. Having received absolutely no prior warning that Fuyuki intended to take such action—and having genuinely wished to honor Hayabusa's achievements with a proper, dignified ceremony—Owner Arai attempted to intervene and put a stop to Fuyuki and his cohorts.

Yet, Fuyuki simply shoved him aside as if to say, "Shut up!"—an act that left Owner Arai, who had placed his trust in Fuyuki, unable to shake a profound sense of betrayal. It was not only the fans who were enraged; Hayabusa himself was equally furious. He had expressed a desire to "go out in style, true to the spirit of Hayabusa"... but what awaited him was a humiliating finale.

The legend of the Phoenix had been tarnished at the very last moment. Rescued by Tanaka and his allies, Hayabusa turned toward Fuyuki and spat out the following words: "As you wished, Hayabusa has now vanished completely. But this isn't over yet. I'm going to make you pay for everything—for all of this, and for everything that came before!"

He continued, "To hell with this farcical brand of 'entertainment'! I went along with it before because it had substance—because it meant something real. But to strip a man naked in front of a crowd, to trample all over six years of his life... *that* is what you call entertainment?!"

Trembling with rage, the unmasked Hayabusa then made a final declaration to the fans. "Everyone, just remember this one thing: what begins now is the second chapter of the 'New FMW'!" With this series of declarations from Hayabusa, the fans' fury was quelled. The worst-case scenario—a full-blown riot—was successfully averted.

Later, in the locker room, Hayabusa offered the following comments: "Starting on the 27th, a wrestler known as 'H' will be making his debut. I want you all to see for yourselves what kind of wrestler he is; compare him to Hayabusa—criticize him where you see fit—and feel free to react however you please. I, too, intend to do exactly as I please.

Every single stain left upon this ring—every single disgrace—I will make *them* atone for it personally, one by one. Please tell the fans who were here today... tell them that I swear upon the tattoo over my heart that I will avenge Hayabusa!"

As Hayabusa prepared to be reborn as the wrestler "H" starting with the August 27th show in Asahikawa, he vowed to exact his revenge... Yet, to be perfectly honest, this was not the kind of "final chapter" for Hayabusa that anyone wanted to witness. It is simply too heartbreaking to see Hayabusa in such a plight. Now, the pent-up, helpless rage of both Hayabusa and his fans has been entrusted to "H"!

FMW Brass Knuckles Heavyweight Championship Match: Hayabusa d. Mr. Gannosuke (19:26)

H & Tetsuhiro Kuroda & Hisakatsu Oya & Ricky Fuji & Yoshinori Sasaki vs. Kodo Fuyuki & Mr. Gannosuke & Yukihiro Kanemura & Jado & Hido 8/27/99

On the off-day following the Sapporo event—August 26th—Hayabusa, now rechristened "H," held a press conference. His objective was to make a statement of intent; however... the moment H appeared, gasps of astonishment rose from the assembled press.

There was absolutely no trace of the former Hayabusa. The unmasked H had dyed his hair a vivid blue. Yet, that was not the only surprise. H proceeded to unleash a barrage of remarks that would have been utterly unthinkable during his Hayabusa era.

He had undergone a complete transformation—a "full model change." Let us take a look back at what he had to say.

"Yesterday, Fuyuki managed to—in that particular manner—thoroughly tarnish the legacy of Hayabusa’s final moments, as well as my own farewell in Sapporo-Nakajima. I find that absolutely infuriating. If he comes into this match expecting to face the 'Hayabusa' of old, he’s in for a very rude awakening."

"The meaning behind the change in my hairstyle? During my time as Hayabusa, I played the role of the 'good boy'—holding my tongue and keeping a lot of things I wanted to say bottled up inside. So, I decided to make a drastic, overt change to break away from that. It might strike some people as quite eccentric, and I imagine plenty of folks will react with a bewildered, '...Huh?' But if that's how they feel, that's fine by me; they're welcome to say whatever they please—talk all the trash they want."

"As for my in-ring style, I don't intend to consciously force a change any more than is necessary. After six years of performing as Hayabusa, certain movements and instincts have become ingrained in my very being; if I were to consciously try to alter those fundamentals, my movements would become disjointed and unnatural. I expect there will be fewer high-flying maneuvers, but the other aspects of my style will undoubtedly manifest in one form or another."

"Why the name 'H'? Well, for one, it's the initial of 'Hayabusa.' It's also a play on my real name, 'Eiji.' And—well—it also reflects the fact that I'm a bit of a 'pervert' on the inside. Now, that sort of talk was strictly taboo back in my Hayabusa days, but I’m adopting the mindset that, 'Hey, that kind of stuff is fair game now.' I've decided to be true to my own emotions. If my opponent is going to resort to underhanded tricks and dirty tactics, then I have to be prepared to respond in kind. If I were to keep playing the 'foolishly honest' good guy, the spirit of Hayabusa—who met such an abrupt and tragic end—would never be able to rest in peace."

"I expect my overall look and persona will continue to evolve. I'm actually quite looking forward to seeing how I transform as an artist." "Gannosuke has been acting a little *too* mischievous lately. It's about time I put him back in his place and set him straight."

Hearing these words, the true "framework"—the very essence—of the wrestler known as "H" begins to come into focus. As Hayabusa, he always placed the fans’ needs and feelings above all else. He lived a life devoid of lies—one of absolute, almost foolish honesty. Furthermore, bound by that public image, Eiji Ezaki—the man behind the mask—never allowed himself the freedom to truly cut loose or break the rules.

Now, however, "H" has shattered those old conventions. He has adopted a new stance: to live exactly as he pleases, following his heart and his instincts wherever they may lead—without ever worrying about what anyone else might think.

Precisely because of their deep emotional attachment to Hayabusa, some fans might find themselves unable to immediately accept "H," reacting instead with a hesitant, "Eh...?" However, for the six years he performed as Hayabusa, Eiji Ezaki—his true persona—had to suppress his own distinct personality. We ask that you understand that "H" represents the first act of self-indulgence—the first time he allowed his true self to emerge—in his entire seven-year career.

By unleashing what he had kept hidden deep inside, he became "H." It would be fair to say that this "rookie" is a wrestler who makes no attempt to mask his true nature; rather, he is a character who heavily reflects the eccentric, wild-child personality of Eiji Ezaki. And indeed, at the August 27th event in Asahikawa, "H" made a truly shocking debut.

His costume—described as "kogal-style"—was by no means outlandish; on the contrary, it was visually striking and looked perfectly natural on him. The audience reaction was excellent, too. As "H" made his entrance to the strains of his new theme song (title currently undecided), the venue erupted in cheers. The fans in Asahikawa had embraced "H."

The match itself became a one-man show for "H," who fought with a sense of absolute freedom, unconstrained by anyone. While it is true that he utilized fewer high-flying maneuvers, he more than compensated for that shift by overwhelming TNR with an abundance of fighting spirit and sheer intensity.

Using a new signature move—the "H-Edge" (which bore a resemblance to the Scrap Buster)—"H" proceeded to pin Fuyuki, Kanemura, Jado, and Gedo in rapid succession. As for Gannosuke, he suffered yet another injury to his right knee—this time via a Swan-dive Dropkick—and was ultimately forced out of the match by a referee stoppage.

Incredibly, "H" had single-handedly defeated every member of TNR, thereby securing a victory for the main roster faction. Gannosuke returned to Tokyo the following day to undergo a detailed medical examination; the diagnosis revealed a torn lateral collateral ligament in his knee, requiring two weeks to fully recover. Consequently, his absence from the remainder of this tour has been officially confirmed.

"Anyone here right now who is still looking at me and thinking 'Hayabusa'—don't bother calling out that name! I... *my* name is 'H'!" "Are you listening, Fuyuki-san? I'm going to give you a *very* generous 'thank you' for turning me into H. Mark my words: the real fun has only just begun!"

"H's" post-match promo on the microphone possessed a biting edge and raw intensity—qualities that were utterly absent from the persona of Hayabusa. Amidst the spectators surging toward the ringside, no one cried out the name "Hayabusa." Instead, the crowd roared for "H."

On this day, the impact that H left upon the hearts of the fans was immense. His white attire likely served as a testament to his resolve—that he could be colored by any hue. The allure and potential of H are infinite. Hayabusa has laid his wounded wings to eternal rest; now, reborn anew, H has spread his "wings of freedom." On this day, the first step was taken in forging a new legend—one destined to take the place of the Phoenix legend of old!

H & Tetsuhiro Kuroda & Hisakatsu Oya & Ricky Fuji & Yoshinori Sasaki d. Kodo Fuyuki & Mr. Gannosuke & Yukihiro Kanemura & Jado & Hido in a Single Elimination Match when H last eliminated Fuyuki (19:07)

H & Masato Tanaka & Tetsuhiro Kuroda vs. Kodo Fuyuki & Yukihiro Kanemura & Hido 9/3/99

The day after the August 25th Sapporo event, Commissioner Fuyuki held a press conference and—with his remark that "the identity of one of the 'X' figures in the September series will become clear to anyone who attends the September 3rd Hakodate show"—effectively signaled the imminent debut of a mystery figure.

Consequently, all eyes heading into the Hakodate event were focused squarely on a single question: *When* and *at what moment* would this "X" make their appearance?

On the day of the show, a palpable sense of tension surrounding this unknown entity surely hung in the air—felt not only by the press covering the event but by the audience as well. Yet, the moment the main event—a six-man tag team match—actually got underway, every shred of attention in the arena instantly converged upon the ring itself. Such was the sheer impact of "H."

Is there any wrestler who, in just their fourth match since debuting, possesses the ability to control the atmosphere of a bout to this extent? Even if that wrestler happens to be the legendary top star Hayabusa, now reborn.

Of course, not a trace of the old Hayabusa remains in "H." Standing in his place is an entirely distinct persona. Yet, H utilized a free-spirited—at times even arrogant—fighting style to relentlessly drive the Fuyuki Army into a corner. The clash between H and Kuroda—who, fighting in his hometown of Hakodate, was more fired up than ever—combined with Tanaka's rock-solid support from the rear, sent the main event hurtling toward its climax. And this very moment marked the cue for "X" to make his entrance.

From behind H—who was ruthlessly applying a stretch hold to his opponent—a masked figure launched a missile kick. Following up with two lariats, and aided by Fuyuki, the masked man proceeded to mercilessly bludgeon H with a steel chair.

That masked figure was, beyond any doubt, Gannosuke, clad in a costume styled after Hayabusa. Amidst the ensuing chaos, Kuroda pinned Hido with a lariat to secure the victory; however, Fuyuki had clearly abandoned any pretense of winning the match long before that. The entire affair had merely been a stage meticulously set for the debut of "X."

Declaring war on H—shouting, "H, listen closely! This marks the beginning of Chapter 2 of the Phoenix Legend!"—the masked man was escorted back to the locker room by Fuyuki. Once inside, he brazenly and unapologetically claimed the name "Hayabusa," proclaiming, "I am Hayabusa. From now on, I'm going to show you the *real* Hayabusa!"

Fuyuki, beaming with self-satisfaction, then unveiled the "Hayabusa Project," announcing, "We're going to launch this Hayabusa's career by having him star in an adult video, scheduled for release this November through Mr. President Co." They demonstrated a remarkable level of preparedness by immediately distributing the match cards for the upcoming September tour—which already featured bouts specifically booked for Hayabusa—to the assembled media.

H, meanwhile, was absolutely furious; coming on the heels of the "Naked Incident" in Sapporo on August 25th, his Hayabusa persona had once again been desecrated. However, H had absolutely no intention of being dragged along by the whims of Hayabusa's destiny. "I'm not nearly magnanimous enough to let someone get away with insulting Hayabusa. If you want to take things this far, then bring it on—I'm more than ready," H sneered, grinning as if he actually welcomed the appearance of his target. And so, the conflict between H and Hayabusa—the "H vs. Hayabusa" feud—began.

The dynamic of this battle transcended the mere dimension of "justice." An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth—and for a villain, an even greater villain: H, waiting with a predatory lick of his lips!

H & Masato Tanaka & Tetsuhiro Kuroda d. Kodo Fuyuki & Yukihiro Kanemura & Hido when Kuroda pinned Hido (15:06)

Former Hayabusa

Ever since I switched to H, I’ve been performing with a real sense of freedom. That said, since the audience has put up with Hayabusa for so long, they seem to be giving me the green light to do whatever I want—so I don’t think H’s unique style has really taken hold yet. I'm still in the process of creating it myself, so I'm trying not to rush things, not to get too worked up, and just have fun with it. I can do it without being dragged down by Hayabusa at all. But that idiot keeps dragging Hayabusa back... If he likes Hayabusa, he should just say so. He's always wanted to do that. I guess he waited until I said goodbye to Hayabusa to do it. Didn't you have someone like that in your class when you were in elementary school? Someone who likes a girl but can't be honest about it and ends up doing something bad instead.

When I look at him now, I can see that kind of twisted feeling he has towards Hayabusa. It's pathetic, isn't it? That's no good! Because no matter how you look at it, it's not Hayabusa. The Hayabusa inside me and everyone else isn't like that. I'm pretty pissed off about it. It feels like my childhood treasure has been tainted with mud. Hayabusa was so cool and remained a hero until the very end... Well, he'll probably say that's not his true self, but that's just who Hayabusa is. It's not about the person wearing the mask. He's just using that as an excuse to expose his own desires and come out because he wants to. He's just using someone else's name. He says he's going to show my true nature, but I do that as H, so it's none of his business.

I'm H, and Hayabusa is Hayabusa. He has nothing to do with it. But if this continues, I'll stop him on behalf of Hayabusa and the fans who have supported him. He can't keep saying "I'm not Gannosuke" after his mask has been ripped off. I'm going to throw right back at him what he said when he was fighting Hayabusa. I'm going to turn him into yakitori. Now that there are no restrictions on H, I'm going to do whatever I want. He'll be my guinea pig. I said before that I wanted to see Hayabusa fight for myself. But this doesn't mean that's happening. I mean, can he fly like Hayabusa? No way. What I want to see is a Hayabusa that can fight like a Hayabusa, not a Hayabusa that does bad things. Hayabusa was the one that always showed the audience the aerial maneuvers they were expecting and the dreams they had. If he can do that, I might acknowledge him, but it's absolutely impossible. If you want, I'll teach you, so come on over. The Hayabusa that's about to stand before you is completely different from the Hayabusa inside me. I can kill it without any hesitation. I think giving death to the phoenix is ​​what the Hayabusa that's now inside my heart as wings wants most. (Recorded on September 9th)

Current Hayabusa

Here's what I have to say! I'm Hayabusa. Hey, don't make me say it over and over again. I saw in the newspaper that Mr. Gannosuke showed up in Hakodate, but look at my appearance. I'm clearly Hayabusa. Well, I suppose it's understandable that you didn't quite get it when I suddenly appeared and said I would "reveal the true identity of Hayabusa," so let me explain again.

To put it simply, I'm going to tell everyone what kind of person Eiji Ezaki really is. By playing the role of Hayabusa, there was a part of me that I had been hiding. Something that absolutely couldn't be revealed in order for Hayabusa to be seen as a hero of justice...that is, he's actually a bad guy. If you ask what he's been doing in the shadows...no, I'll stop there. Even if I spilled the beans, it's all stuff that can't be written in a magazine, so I'm not trying to protect you, I'm saying that the actions themselves can't be put into print. Do you still want to know? Hmm...

For example, he'd sneak into other people's houses when they were out, or deliberately bump into high school girls' bicycles and use that as an opportunity... I'll leave it at that. This is a true story. If you're asking what he's been doing behind the scenes... No, I'll stop there. In short, to put it simply, he's a monster. He's an absolutely despicable scumbag. I feel truly sorry for the fans who have believed in that guy as a hero and supported him all this time. It's all just an illusion. The media is also to blame for glorifying him. Remember that time he did that anal explosion? That's his true nature. Back then, I thought, "Wow, this guy has potential," but he just kept hiding himself and trying to act cool... What, so I'm Gannosuke? You idiot! It means he knows himself! And the first step is appearing in an adult video. Hey, Eiji. I bet you aew really upset right now. It's tough being a hero at times like these. Apparently this guy is going to be more honest about his feelings. Well, if that's the case, then be honest and say it. "Please let me appear in an adult video too."

He said his ring name "H" comes from his name, H, so he can't say that, right? Well, don't worry, I'll do it properly in the name of Hayabusa. But seriously, what's with that name and that weird outfit? Don't you think it shows his lack of talent? I can't stand watching it anymore, so I, with my abundant talent, will take his place and show his true colors, so he should be grateful to me. Also, I saw in the newspaper that Gannosuke... it seems he said he wants to team up with me when he returns, but actually, I've always thought Gannosuke is a good wrestler. The reason I joined TNR was because Gannosuke is there. I admired him so much that I dyed my hair blonde, grew a beard, and even tried to make my physique similar. I'll also be using the Fire Thunder. Well, for now, I just want to say, please don't rush and heal your injury. Of course, when you return, I'll team up with you. A Hayabusa & Gannosuke team would be a dream come true for the fans, wouldn't it? Those who cried when the old Hayabusa was gone don't have to feel lonely anymore. This is how we did it, so please continue to support Hayabusa (recorded on September 7th)

H & Tetsuhiro Kuroda & Flying Kid Ichihara & Yoshinori Sasaki vs. Hayabusa & Koji Nakagawa & Gedo & Chocoball Mukai 9/24/99

!!!!!!! That’s still not enough. I'd better add one more exclamation mark. In any case, the main event of the day was a non-stop series of surprises. Let’s recap the match in chronological order.

First, the moments before the ring entrances. The following announcement rang out through the venue: "Kuroda has not yet arrived at the venue. We have been unable to establish contact with him. Consequently, the main event will proceed as an irregular 4-on-3 tag team match."

A murmur swept through the arena. What on earth had happened to Kuroda? That was the first surprise of the night. As a result, the main unit found themselves forced to compete with a three-man team consisting of H, Sasaki, and Ichihara.

Incidentally, H was welcomed with a roar of applause as he made his debut at Korakuen Hall. Next, TNR made their entrance, and the true identity of "X"—who had been kept strictly under wraps—was finally revealed. Prepare to be astonished! It turned out to be none other than the adult film actor, Chocoball Mukai.

"The reason I have stepped into the professional wrestling ring today is entirely thanks to Hayabusa, who is standing right here. We hit it off recently while co-starring in an adult video, and he asked me, 'Why don't you step into the ring, too?' And so, my dream—my dream of debuting as a professional wrestler, a dream I abandoned 15 years ago after running away from a major promotion after just one week—is finally becoming a reality!"

Chocoball, having grasped his dream, spoke with burning passion—yet there was one lingering concern. Would the fans reject the idea of ​​an amateur stepping into the professional ring? As it turned out, the audience's reaction was far more positive than expected. This can be taken as proof that the "entertainment-first" approach to wrestling has truly taken root.

Fans no longer watch with the rigid, uncompromising mindset of a bygone era; instead, they tend to enjoy the material presented to them without getting bogged down in technicalities. As proof of this, the venue erupted in cheers every time Chocoball executed a move. The excitement reached a fever pitch when he locked Ichihara in his signature "Ekiben-gatame" (Bento Box Hold).

Then, just past the five-minute mark, an incident occurred. Hayabusa placed a collar around the neck of Sena Wakana. Upon seeing this, Chocoball flew into a rage: "As an adult film actor—and more importantly, as a man—I cannot forgive Hayabusa! What kind of attitude is that toward a woman?!" He delivered a resounding open-handed slap right to Hayabusa’s face. Now *that* is a man! The crowd was captivated by the sheer grit and manliness displayed by "Chocoball."

However, what awaited him immediately afterward was swift retaliation. TNR pummeled Chocoball, knocking the "traitor" out cold. Furthermore, Hayabusa and his cohorts proceeded to render Ichihara and Sasaki—the sole remaining member of the main unit—incapable of continuing the fight. The disparity in strength had become painfully obvious; it seemed H would be forced to endure a grueling, one-sided battle all on his own.

Or would he? Just then, the roar of a motorcycle echoed through the arena. Wondering what on earth was happening, the crowd watched as a motorcycle—carrying Kuroda—came tearing down the entrance ramp and skidded to a halt at ringside. It was a spectacularly flashy entrance. Kuroda had just become the very first person in history to bring a motorcycle into Korakuen Hall. "Sorry I'm late!" Kuroda’s first order of business was to apologize for his tardiness. When asked about the reason for his delay, he declined to give a specific explanation—stating only, "I'm a man; I don't make excuses"—though the most likely culprit was simply oversleeping.

Regardless, having raced his bike at full throttle to reach Korakuen, Kuroda unleashed a rapid-fire barrage of lariats to come to H's aid, completely turning the tide of the match. H then pinned Gedo with an " H Edge" (a variation of the Edgecution finisher) to secure the victory and complete the comeback. True to his word, H then proceeded to "grade" Hayabusa.

"You get a failing grade! Just as I promised, I'm going to turn you into yakitori—grilled chicken skewers—at the opening match of the next tour!" Having previously declared that he would impose a penalty for a failing grade, H announced that the punishment would be to be roasted alive. Naturally, this served as payback for the fiery assault Hayabusa had launched in Shizuoka.

H then delivered his final message: "Hayabusa-kun, I've got a little present for you—something I think you're really going to love—waiting for you at the next Korakuen show. Our next showdown at Korakuen is going to be an Exploding Match! But hey, since you’re so intent on dragging the good name of 'Hayabusa' through the mud, I'm going to go all the way with you. Let’s settle this with a 'Loser Gets Their Anus Blasted' match!"

(For the uninitiated: back in the day, the signature party trick performed by Hayabusa and Gannosuke at their post-match banquets involved sticking a firework up their rear ends and setting it off.) That particular stunt had been "sealed away" and retired for quite some time... yet H had a very specific, calculated reason for proposing a "Loser Gets Their Anus Blasted" match now.

H, harboring deep disdain for the Fuyuki regime, intends to sever ties with that era once and for all, designating the Korakuen Hall event in December as his "final cleansing." He had been biding his time. Chocoball announced that he would be teaming up with Ichihara going forward—signaling his official entry into the main roster. "I've gained a truly reassuring ally," H declared, shaking Chocoball's hand firmly.

Seven years ago—back when he was still a rookie—Hayabusa had raised no objections, no matter how "entertaining" the proceedings became. In the locker room, he had exclaimed at the top of his lungs: "I don't mind one bit myself... but 'Anal Explosion'?! Come on, man! Did you hear that? Did you really hear that? 'Anal Explosion'—can you believe it?!" With clarity and accessibility as its top priorities, FMW is now charging full steam ahead down the path of pure entertainment!

H & Tetsuhiro Kuroda & Flying Kid Ichihara & Yoshinori Sasaki d. Hayabusa & Koji Nakagawa & Gedo & Chocoball Mukai when H pinned Gedo (18:38)

H & Yoshinori Sasaki vs. The New Headshrinkers 10/18/99

Making their fifth tour of Japan, Armageddon #1 and #2 have officially renamed their team the "New Headshrinkers." Consequently, #1 has adopted the ring name "Fatu" and #2 has taken "Matthew," while their ring gear has been revamped to feature a strong Samoan aesthetic.

The "Headshrinkers" is the team name originally established by the Wild Samoans—who toured New Japan Pro-Wrestling a staggering 14 times—after they joined the WWF in the autumn of 1992. That duo is renowned for their success during that era, including capturing the WWF World Tag Team Championship belts. Thus, Armageddon has proudly inherited a team name that is nothing short of legendary—a coveted honor for any Samoan wrestler.

Consequently, Fatu and Matthew were absolutely brimming with intensity right from their entrance. Although Sasaki had also debuted a brand-new costume in preparation for his upcoming match against the Funks in Yokohama, the duo paid him no mind, seizing control of the match right from the opening bell. H fought valiantly to shift the momentum, but the duo—superior in their teamwork—focused their assault squarely on Sasaki, refusing to allow any shift in the tide of battle.

In the latter stages of the match, Sasaki created some exciting moments—such as spectacularly flattening Matthew with a powerful sumo tackle—but in the end, the duo successfully isolated H, leading to a pinfall defeat for Sasaki's team. As anyone who keeps a close watch on FMW is likely aware, the New Headshrinkers were a team that exuded a unique charisma even back in their "Armageddon" days.

Although they were regrettably left off the card for the upcoming Yokohama Arena show, these two—now revitalized and fired up with renewed determination—are certainly a duo to keep a close eye on in the future.

Following his match against Tanaka at the September 24th Korakuen Hall event, H took to the ring to issue a fiery threat: he vowed to blast Hayabusa with a jet of flames. Moreover, as if to taunt him into being at least somewhat vigilant, he went so far as to specify the exact date, time, and venue for the attack—the opening match of the current tour.

However, Hayabusa—the very target of this threat—showed absolutely no signs of alarm, nonchalantly remarking, "I couldn't care less. He's just bluffing anyway." It is true that on this day, H and Hayabusa were scheduled for separate matches—with Hayabusa appearing in the main event. H likely reasoned that while he might conceivably interfere in his *own* match, there was simply no logical reason for him to storm into a match he wasn't even participating in just to carry out a "flame attack."

Moreover, from Hayabusa’s perspective, fire was a weapon *he* used to blast his opponents; the thought that *he* might be the one getting burned likely never crossed his mind—not even for a split second. Now, the main attraction of that evening's headliner was, unsurprisingly, the interactions between Fuyuki and Tanaka—the two men set to face off at the upcoming November 23rd Yokohama Arena show.

Fuyuki, whose primary objective was to ensure the Yokohama event is a resounding success, had lifted the "immediate termination upon a single loss" stipulation he had previously imposed on Tanaka the moment the match was officially announced. In short, once the card was finalized, the person who stood to lose the most if Tanaka were to suddenly walk away was none other than Fuyuki himself—Tanaka's scheduled opponent, and the man bearing full responsibility for the entire event. The focal point of the main event remained, as expected, the dynamic between Tanaka and Fuyuki. Clashing fiercely from the opening bell, the two rivals engaged in intense back-and-forth exchanges every time their paths crossed in the ring.

Furthermore, with the Yokohama card now set in stone, the supporting cast—Kuroda, Oya, Hayabusa, and Kanemura—fought with a passion exceeding their usual intensity. Before I knew it, all thoughts of H's potential "flame attack" had completely vanished from my mind. After enduring a concentrated assault from the opposing team, Fuyuki—who had initially been on the defensive—eventually regained control of the match’s pace. However, just as he appeared on the verge of suffering a pinfall defeat, Kuroda managed to execute a maneuver that caused Fuyuki’s signature lariat to accidentally strike Hayabusa instead...

At that moment, a roar of excitement erupted from a corner of the arena. Turning to look in that direction, the crowd beheld H, clutching a glowing, fiery torch, jogging toward the ring. Positioning himself at the ring post, H unleashed a torrent of crimson flames directly at a stunned and bewildered Hayabusa! Although Hayabusa narrowly managed to dodge the direct blast, he was instantly laid out—utterly demolished—by a crushing lariat from Kuroda in the very next instant.

Technically—at least on paper—H was credited with the assist that secured the victory; however, Tanaka, furious that the match had been completely derailed, stormed straight back to the locker room, his rage clearly visible on his face. Even more incensed was Fuyuki, who had taken a stinging open-hand slap from a disoriented Hayabusa in the chaotic aftermath of the bout. "You bastard! You've gone and tainted the fresh start Tanaka and I were building toward for Yokohama! Fine then—I’ll set you up with the opening match on the next card. Go ahead—do whatever the hell you want! An 'Anal Explosion' match, anything—just go at it one-on-one!" declared Fuyuki.

Furthermore, Fuyuki announced that the main event—now left vacant following the removal of H and Hayabusa—would be replaced by an 8-man "Captain's Fall" tag team match. To top it off, the designated captains for the opposing teams would be none other than Fuyuki and Tanaka themselves. And as if to hint at some further sinister machination, reports suggest that a steel cage—typically used for confinement—is even being prepared for the occasion. The feud between H and Hayabusa has now spiraled far beyond the scope of a standard faction war, showing signs of veering completely off the rails. Meanwhile, with the decisive showdown looming, it is now all but guaranteed that either Fuyuki or Tanaka will suffer a pinfall defeat. There are just 37 days remaining until the November 23rd Yokohama event. The intensity of these men’s passions has already reached the boiling point.

The New Headshrinkers d. H & Yoshinori Sasaki when Fatu pinned Sasaki (11:36)

H vs. Hayabusa 10/29/99

Masashi Honda. H spoke the man's name clearly and distinctly. It was not an abrupt gesture; considering the trajectory of the ongoing feud between H and Hayabusa, it was, in fact, an inevitability. The opening match of the event was a "Loser Gets Their Anus Blasted" match.

Stepping into the ring with a special-made bottle rocket in hand, H addressed Hayabusa directly: "Hayabusa—do you understand why I proposed such a ridiculous stipulation? It’s true, you’ve been doing nothing but unforgivable things lately. You've been trampling all over the memories of 'Hayabusa'—memories that I, and everyone else, worked so hard to build—as if they were dirt beneath your feet. However... if you were doing all this of your own free will, that would be one thing. Hayabusa—no, *Masashi Honda*—do you remember? Do you remember the days when the two of us first knocked on FMW’s door? Back then, even with everyone around us casting doubts and criticisms, we had nothing else to our names—nothing but our passion for pro wrestling. Today, I want you to step into this ring with that same passion—just like we did back then, in the opening match of the card. *That* is what this [the rocket] is for."

Now in their tenth year since joining the promotion, the two men had remained rivals throughout. Though their paths diverged—one as a babyface, the other as a heel—H could not simply stand idly by while his old friend struggled, unable to find a sense of purpose in his existence as "Hayabusa."

During their rookie days, the independent wrestling circuit was plagued by industry-wide slander claiming that "indie wrestlers can't actually wrestle." Yet, through grueling training, these two men proved the naysayers wrong and changed that narrative.

They were able to endure such punishing regimens only because of their shared love for pro wrestling. H’s decision to revive the "anus rocket" gag—a staple of their old post-show banquet antics—was, in its own peculiar way, an act of compassion toward Hayabusa; he hoped that by reconnecting with the spirit of those early days, Hayabusa might finally find the catharsis he needed to break free from his current turmoil.

However, for the current Hayabusa—whose mind was in a state of utter panic—having the past dredged up felt like nothing more than an unwelcome intrusion. It only served to exacerbate his confusion.

Once the bell rang, Hayabusa went completely off the rails, taking the fight out of the ring and making the arena floor his primary battleground. They rarely fought within the confines of the ring itself; instead, the action spilled out onto the floor, where Hayabusa even executed a Powerbomb. The rampage of this man—who had completely lost his grip on reality—continued unabated.

After handcuffing H to strip him of his freedom, Hayabusa proceeded to insert a bottle rocket into his tights. Hayabusa then lit the fuse, despite the fact that the match had not yet reached a formal conclusion. Although the stipulated rule was a "Loser's Anal Explosion Match," Hayabusa—having no intention of taking the contest seriously—blithely disregarded the rules entirely. Consequently, the match was declared a no-contest.

Following the explosion, the crowd rained boos down upon Hayabusa; yet, he remained utterly indifferent, promptly exiting the ring without a second glance. H, left behind in the ring, cut a truly pitiable figure. His earlier act of compassion had come to naught. What, then, had been the point of the anal explosion in the first place...?

H was driven into a state of near-hysteria. Screaming "Whoa!" as he stumbled out of the ring, he violently shoved aside the press corps that was chasing after him, barking, "Get out of my way!" The match left an incredibly bitter taste in everyone's mouth, yet the battle between H and Hayabusa was far from over.

Hayabusa reappeared during President Arai's post-match address following the second bout. Fuyuki also emerged at ringside and—confronting Hayabusa over his self-serving and erratic behavior—handed down a decree: Hayabusa was officially expelled from the TNR faction. Now completely isolated, Hayabusa lost himself entirely. And then, he snapped.

After the main event had concluded, Hayabusa stormed into the ring, brandishing an iron pipe as he screamed incoherently: "None of this matters! Am I Hayabusa? Who the hell am I?!" At that moment, another man lunged at him. It was H. His eyes were completely glazed over—wild with rage. Driven past his breaking point by the events of the first match, H had finally exploded.

The two men clashed violently, brawling both inside and outside the ring. Indeed, it was no longer a wrestling match at all—it was a genuine street fight. "He became a pro wrestler to *wrestle*—didn't he?! What kind of pro wrestler ruins a match like this?!" H—who had challenged Hayabusa to "make me get serious"—had indeed gotten serious, albeit in a completely unexpected manner. Yet, as the two engaged in an all-out brawl, the audience ceased to exist in their eyes.

In that moment, nothing remained but a world inhabited solely by the two of them—a world woven from the intricate tapestry of their complex human drama. Now, at the Yokohama Arena, a definitive conclusion awaits this twisted, ten-year saga of love between H and Hayabusa!

H vs. Hayabusa went to a No Contest (9:32) in a Anus Exploding Match.

H & Masato Tanaka & Tetsuhiro Kuroda vs. Kodo Fuyuki & Kintaro Kanemura & Gedo 11/4/99

Tanaka was not the only one whose state of mind became a matter of concern following the Korakuen Hall event; the same held true for H.

Hayabusa had lost himself and descended into a frenzy; H, meanwhile, had completely snapped. As we reported in last week's issue, the two engaged in a massive brawl at Korakuen Hall.

Now, at the opening match of the new series, the question loomed: had H's rage subsided? Or had it intensified? All eyes were fixed on H. The answer proved to be the latter. However, H did not allow this anger to show on the surface; instead, he kept it bottled up inside as he went through the motions of his match.

On this day, H teamed up with Tanaka and Kuroda to compete in the main event, forming what was arguably FMW's strongest trio. TNR countered with a formidable lineup of their own—Fuyuki, Kanemura, and Gedo—but they were unable to break through H and his partners. Ultimately, H secured the victory by defeating Kanemura with his signature finisher, the "H-Edge." It was a clean, decisive win.

Furthermore, H himself displayed none of the erratic instability seen during the Korakuen event; from start to finish, he maintained a cool, calculated fighting style. After the match, Hayabusa stormed into the ring and attacked H—yet even then, H did not lose his composure.

After driving Hayabusa off, he made no attempt to pursue him further. Upon returning to the locker room, H offered the following comments: "It doesn't matter what that guy tries to pull—none of it matters. The 'Main Unit' versus 'TNR'—all that faction nonsense means nothing to me now. This is a personal battle between just him and me. It is a battle where we are staking everything we've built over the last ten years. At Yokohama, I'm going to crush him by sheer force and make him understand."

His tone was stern, and his expression remained hard. H's rage was immense—yet he immediately suppressed those emotions once again. For he had decided that the only place he would allow himself to unleash that fury was within the ring at the Yokohama Arena. Although adversaries, H and Hayabusa have long supported one another as rivals; yet, from H's perspective, if Hayabusa continues to lose his way as he has been, it begs the question: what, then, did our past ten years together even mean?

H is not angry simply because Hayabusa is spiraling out of control; rather, it is the sheer fecklessness of his former friend that amplifies his rage. At the Yokohama Arena, H intends to settle the score and convince Hayabusa—once and for all—that everything they have strived for was not in vain.

H & Masato Tanaka & Tetsuhiro Kuroda d. Kodo Fuyuki & Kintaro Kanemura & Gedo when H pinned Kanemura (19:40)

H & Masato Tanaka vs. Kodo Fuyuki & Hayabusa 11/10/99

The Hakata event—serving as the final preliminary skirmish leading up to the November 23rd show at Yokohama Arena—proved to be a chaotic affair.

Each of the five participants had their own distinct agenda, revealing a complex tapestry of human drama. The main event—a Lumberjack Death  Match pitting H & Tanaka against Fuyuki & Hayabusa—was officiated by President Arai; a role he undertook after personally volunteering for the duty.

"As for what I can do to help pave the way to Yokohama... regarding Tanaka and Fuyuki: I intend to ensure Fuyuki doesn't resort to any dirty tricks, so I want Tanaka to inflict some solid, legitimate damage on him. After all, the disparity in skill between Fuyuki and Tanaka is glaringly obvious. As for H and Hayabusa: my hope is that this match allows them to cast aside their long-standing baggage, creating an environment where they can simply focus on pure wrestling when they meet in Yokohama."

The current landscape of FMW is in a state of disarray, with individual emotions running wild and taking precedence over all else. Such a situation is clearly untenable. Thus, the President sought to bring order to the chaos in his own unique way. Of course, his actions were also fueled, in part, by his deep-seated animosity toward Fuyuki. Fuyuki, for his part, had issued a cryptic warning prior to the match:

"Lately, Arai has been getting a little too cocky. I'm going to remind him just how terrifying a professional wrestler can be—I'll make sure he never wants to step into the ring as a referee again."

Meanwhile, Tanaka—who is slated to face Fuyuki at Yokohama—had been absent from the tour series between November 7th and 9th in order to compete at ECW's "November to Remember Buffalo" PPV event.

He returned to Japan on the very day of the Hakata show and headed straight to the venue, enduring a grueling travel schedule; yet, there was not a trace of fatigue on Tanaka's face. Instead, what radiated from him was a profound sense of fulfillment.

"I’ve just finished my championship bout against Mike Awesome in ECW, and I believe I managed to deliver a memorable performance. Unfortunately, I didn't secure a victory, but as soon as the match ended, the crowd erupted in 'FMW!' chants. I gave it absolutely everything I had—fighting until I could barely stand—and I think that passion truly resonated with the fans over there. Even Paul E. told me, 'Excellent! Come back and fight here anytime.' This trip has ignited a new desire within me: I want to wrap that ECW singles belt around my waist. But first, at Yokohama Arena, I’m going to capture the WEW belt—a title that’s currently seen as a bit lackluster. My job is to take that belt and elevate its prestige from there. This tour has given me a clear goal: to become a top-tier star in both Japan and America."

For Tanaka, then, Yokohama Arena is merely a stepping stone on a much larger journey. Once the match began, a series of one-on-one confrontations broke out—specifically, H versus Hayabusa, and Tanaka versus Fuyuki. Considering this was the final preliminary skirmish leading up to the main event, such a progression was all but inevitable. None of the four competitors were willing to back down; the physical impact of their collisions grew increasingly intense.

In perfect proportion to that escalating physicality, their individual emotions began to run wild. Despite President Arai's earnest hopes for a clean contest, the match inevitably spiraled into chaos—a descent accelerated by the explosive clash between Fuyuki and Hayabusa.

Following Hayabusa's self-serving antics at the October 29th Korakuen Hall show, Fuyuki had publicly announced his expulsion from the TNR faction. Since the match cards for the November tour had been finalized *before* that incident occurred, the two men were forced—however reluctantly—to team up.

Unsurprisingly, the Fuyuki-Hayabusa tandem proved utterly incapable of functioning as a cohesive unit. From the moment they stepped into the ring, they glared at one another and refused to even approach each other; just past the ten-minute mark, their partnership imploded.

This internal betrayal served as the spark that ignited total pandemonium. Driven solely by their raw emotions, the competitors went completely off the rails. While H and Hayabusa engaged in a brutal, prolonged slugfest outside the ring, Fuyuki zeroed in on President Arai. Snatching a fork from Nakagawa, Fuyuki proceeded to viciously and repeatedly stab Arai in the upper left arm.

"Aargh!" Arai cried out, his left arm quickly becoming covered in blood. But Fuyuki didn't let up on his attack. He put a chair between his left arm and unleashed a barrage of stomps. At that moment, Tanaka unleashed an angry rolling elbow! Completely caught off guard, Fuyuki lost consciousness. Arai managed a tenacious three-count with just his right arm. Tanaka had claimed victory, but it was in Tanaka's determination that we saw through the rolling elbow.

Fuyuki declared, "That move doesn't work on me." To this, Tanaka countered, "If you get creative with how you approach it and catch your opponent off guard, it's not a problem," and after proving his point, he spat out, "The elbow doesn't work?! Don't mess with me!"

After the match, H and Hayabusa continued their brawl, and Arai, writhing in agony with his left arm clutched, was carried out of the ring by members of the FMW main roster. "I just taught that amateur Arai a lesson because he kept butting in. It's broken. I heard a snapping sound when I stepped on it." As Fuyuki said, President Arai was rushed to the hospital with a suspected fracture of his left humerus. Fuyuki had "taught the arrogant President Arai how scary a wrestler can be." "Don't get the wrong idea. I was planning to crush both Tanaka and Arai. However, everyone has to be in top condition when they come out to Yokohama Arena. I have to let Tanaka do his job properly, so I can't let him get injured now. The only one who can get injured is Arai. I'll crush Tanaka in Yokohama. Today wasn't a loss. Strictly speaking, it was a no-contest the moment I threw the fork. It's because Arai is an idiot that it turned out like this."

"That's all," Fuyuki revealed that his target that day was President Arai. His objective had been achieved. His next objective was to defeat Yokohama Tanaka and become president himself. Now, let's talk about H last. This match only fueled the anger he had been harboring inside. When he returned to the locker room, he declared the following: "Hayabusa is not a name that should be treated so lightly. It's a name that I've nurtured for six years, and that has grown with the support of all the fans. I will completely erase the name Hayabusa in Yokohama with my own hands. If I do that, he will be able to stand in the ring with the same feelings he had when he started pro wrestling. I will win Yokohama after completely crushing him." On this day, the men gathered for the main event stood in the ring at Yokohama Arena, each harboring their own emotions and thoughts.

H & Masato Tanaka d. Kodo Fuyuki & Hayabusa when Tanaka pinned Fuyuki (14:01) in a Lumber Jack Match.

H vs. Hayabusa 11/23/99

What was it that drove a wedge between the friendship of H and Hayabusa? It was ten years ago that Ezaki and Honda—university classmates and best friends—knocked on the doors of FMW. With graduation fast approaching, Ezaki had already secured a job offer. At the time, he weighed in at a mere 50-odd kilograms; although he harbored a dream of becoming a professional wrestler, his physical stature made it difficult for him to view that dream as a realistic possibility.

Honda, too, shared this very same dream. Yet, he refused to give up on it. Believing in his own potential, he made the decision to take the entrance test for FMW. It was the day before his departure for Tokyo that Honda confided this resolve to Ezaki.

Deeply moved by his best friend's revelation—and after much soul-searching—Ezaki arrived at a single conclusion: he, too, would chase his dream. And so, the two of them boarded an overnight bus, bound from Kumamoto to Tokyo.

Together, they passed the test. Once settled into the training dormitory, Ezaki and Honda would talk nearly every day about their next shared dream: "To reach the very top together, and to headline the main event of an FMW singles match."

Ten years have passed since then. The rivalry between the two men has grown to such magnitude that it now serves as the main event—the grand finale—of FMW's 10th Anniversary Show. The referee for the bout is none other than the world-renowned Shawn Michaels.

Such is the status that the clash between H and Hayabusa has attained. Yet... there is no friendship to be found there. It has been years since anyone last saw the two of them speaking to one another. Hayabusa had once left FMW; upon his return, no matter how often H reached out to him—saying, "Let's work together again, just like in the old days"—Hayabusa made no move to bridge the divide. He had become the undisputed ace of FMW. To cross paths with H would mean trailing in his wake—a consequence he deemed unacceptable.

Hayabusa, it seems, chose a path to assert his own identity by defining himself in opposition to H. Yet, that very act of opposition would ultimately become the source of Hayabusa's own torment. Although he had inherited the mantle of the "Second Generation Hayabusa," he became so consumed with measuring himself against H that, in the process, he lost sight of who *he* truly was. It was a stark contrast to H, who had bid farewell to "Hayabusa" and laid bare the true self he had long suppressed.

Before the match, H had declared, "I will be the one to erase the name 'Hayabusa' here in Yokohama. If I do that, he should be able to step into the ring with the same spirit he had when he first started in pro wrestling."

Needless to say, underlying those words was a deep desire to help Hayabusa—Masashi Honda—reclaim his true heart, and to mend the twisted bonds of their friendship.

At 6:18 PM, a battle began that would provide a definitive answer to the convoluted friendship they had shared over the past decade. Hayabusa, having lost sight of his true self, came out of the gate in a wild frenzy.

Disregarding the referee's warnings, he unleashed a barrage of illegal attacks. At that point, Shawn snapped. He delivered a devastating Super Kick. Immediately thereafter, the drama took a sudden turn: Hayabusa tore off his mask, revealing his bare face. "Shawn Michaels' kick jolted me back to reality; I realized I had completely lost my way," Hayabusa later reflected. "I had retreated into my shell, isolating myself in a world of one. That old guy—Shawn—was the one who finally shattered that shell."

Shawn's kick had blown away all the anguish Hayabusa had been harboring. There was no longer any need for the mask. It was the moment Hayabusa reverted to being Masashi Honda. From that point on, the match evolved into a world inhabited solely by the two men: Ezaki versus Honda.

They clashed head-on, as if to repair the fractured bonds of their friendship. In the final stages of the match, H—now fighting unmasked—executed the Firebird Splash and the Phoenix Splash for the very first time. He hadn't exactly "sealed away" these moves; rather, to avoid projecting the persona of "Hayabusa" onto his own identity as Ezaki H, he had previously stated, "I will avoid using them whenever possible, though I may bring them out if the situation calls for it." That moment had arrived. Throughout their history of battles, these specific moves had served as pivotal turning points.

Without them, it would have been impossible to bring a true sense of closure to the decade-long rivalry between the two men. 18 minutes, 20 seconds. It was that very Phoenix Splash that decided the match.

"Eiji, I won't offer any apologies." "Honda, it's alright now. But just let me say this one thing: the only reason I'm standing in this ring today—sharing this moment with all the fans—is because *you* were here. Thank you, truly. Let's keep going together from here on out."

With those words, the two men embraced, tears streaming down their faces. The journey leading up to this moment had been long. It was a path filled with twists and turns. Neither man was truly at fault. It was precisely *because* of Honda—and precisely *because* of Ezaki—that the two of them exist as they do today. To deny the way one of them chose to live would be to deny the entire ten years they shared together.

Perhaps it took countless clashes and a great deal of time to realize their shared dream: to stand at the very pinnacle of FMW and headline a singles match against one another. A dream seized through sheer suffering; a friendship reclaimed after enduring such pain—Ezaki and Honda shared the joy of these triumphs with all their hearts.

The fans, too, rejoiced at the rekindling of their friendship. Although there had been concerns regarding attendance, when the doors finally opened, the venue was packed to capacity, recording a crowd of 14,500 people. The applause for the two men locked in that embrace rang out ceaselessly.

At the August 25th Sapporo event—where "H" had bid farewell to his persona as Hayabusa—he had publicly denounced Fuyuki's "erotic-grotesque" style of entertainment. Declaring Fuyuki's expulsion as his primary objective, he had proclaimed, "The second chapter of the 'New FMW' begins now." And on this day, he offered this comment: "The first act of the New FMW's second chapter has come to a close."

That first act—culminating in Fuyuki's banishment and the restoration of the friendship between H and Gannosuke—had reached a truly perfect conclusion for FMW. Yet, at the same time, it also delivered something else: professional wrestling that was both easy to understand and thoroughly entertaining.

"What transpired today at the Yokohama Arena, I believe, will serve as the very roots of the entertainment-oriented path we intend to pursue moving forward. With the ambition to shake up the entire Japanese pro-wrestling world on an even grander scale—and regardless of what anyone might say—we at FMW will continue to charge full steam ahead, not only this year but in the years to come." So declared H.

This statement can be interpreted to mean that, following the event in Yokohama, the groundwork for the entertainment-focused direction they aspire to take has now been successfully laid. "Hayabusa is finished. I have no need for such a heavy mask anymore. (As for me,) do whatever you please." (Gannosuke) "Let's go!" The destination for these two men? The very same corner of the ring. There is no doubt that H, Gannosuke, and Tanaka will be the ones to carry the second act of FMW's "Chapter Two."

H & Hayabusa backstage interview afterwards

H: I can't find the words to explain it right now, but just having *him*—having Honda—standing here beside me in this moment... that alone is enough for me. It's true; maybe it *was* a world meant only for the two of us. But what I want everyone to understand is simply this: for nearly ten years, that was *our* way—the way we, who grew up in FMW, chose to do things.

Hayabusa: Eiji... Eiji... Look, I really don't have the right to lecture you or tell you what to do, but... hey, Eiji... *Eiji!*

H: Yeah!

Hayabusa: I finally get it now. I realized it today. That old guy... Shawn Michaels... Man, my brain is still rattling. That old guy came in and broke through to me. I had been retreating into my shell. It wasn't a "world for two"; I was running off into a world of my own—all by myself. That old guy shattered that shell. My jaw is still throbbing, and my brain is still reeling right now. It hit me like a sudden shock. I had completely lost my way. Thanks to Shawn—that old guy—and to you, Eiji... I finally understand. Like I said, I can't tell you what to do. To be honest, I still don't know what the future holds. Just do whatever you want. But please... just understand how I feel.

H: I want you to entrust your future—everything that lies ahead for you—to me. Starting today, here at the Yokohama Arena... doesn't that sound right? What happened here tonight will serve as the very roots—roots that will grow deeper and stronger—for the entertainment-focused path we intend to forge for FMW from this day forward. With the determination to turn the entire Japanese pro wrestling world upside down—and no matter what anyone says or thinks—we are going to keep charging full steam ahead with FMW, into the next year and beyond! The real fun has only just begun!

Hayabusa: And that means "Hayabusa" is finished, too! Fuyuki is finished, and Hayabusa is finished!

H: You don't even have to say it; anyone with eyes can see that you're not "Hayabusa" anymore! (Laughs) Hayabusa, you don't need a heavy mask like that!

Hayabusa:...Alright, I get it now. Eiji—I'm sorry! Please forgive me.

H: Alright then—let's really go all out today! For the first time in a long while.

H d. Hayabusa (18:21) with Shawn Michaels as the Special Referee.

H: So, when was the last time we sat around drinking together like this?

Gannosuke: Osaka Castle, right? That time we all went together, led by Mr. Goto.

H: Oh, right, right. That's when I first met Nobu—the guy who's Dragon Kid now. He was doing impressions of me and you, Gannosuke... Wait, when exactly was that?

— That would be August of '94. It was the single match against Sabu—the one right after your brief return as Hayabusa for the J-Cup tournament.

H: So, it's been over five years? I guess it doesn’t feel that strange, though.

Gannosuke: Really? I feel a huge sense of disconnect. I mean, how many years has it been since we actually sat face-to-face and talked like this? Sure, we see each other's faces practically every day at the shows, but still...

H: Now that you mention it, I'm actually starting to feel a little embarrassed. [Laughs] Here we are—a couple of grown men pushing thirty...

Gannosuke: [Laughs] What's there to be embarrassed about?!

H: So, that time back then really was the last time we actually spoke. [Referring to his return in April 1995] I came back, and then you were gone the very next day. I was like, "Wait—seriously?!"

Gannosuke: Well, it wasn't like I quit *because* of you or anything; I just wanted to leave at that particular time.

H: I figured as much, since I'd come back with the intention of doing the same thing myself. I'd even seen magazines sent over from back home where you—the "Old Man," as we called you—were making comments to that effect, so I was totally baffled when you actually left. We hadn't really talked much on the phone while I was away, either...

— So, your next reunion didn't happen until January of '97, at Korakuen Hall?

H: Yeah. Everyone around us was furious back then, but I honestly told them that I was just glad we were able to stand in the same ring together again—regardless of our respective positions.

— You came back, but things didn't go back to how they used to be.

Gannosuke: Well, of course they couldn't. People would have been like, "What gives you the nerve to show your face around here again?"

— But *he* was the one who told you to come back, wasn't he? He was the only one who did.

H: And thanks to that, I ended up getting chewed out by everyone around me all over again! [Laughs]

— So, you felt that if you were to return, the only path open to you was to fight Eiji Ezaki.

Gannosuke: There were plenty of people in FMW at the time, but back then—for me—he was the *only* person I had eyes for.

— Both of you went into this with that very mindset, yet things ended up taking this particular shape. Even after Hayabusa reached out to you time and again, did Mr. Gannosuke's resolve never waver?

Gannosuke: Not once—not after I came back. I had to betray him completely; there was simply no other way.

— And yet, facing a Gannosuke with that kind of mindset, Hayabusa—or rather, "H"—somehow managed to keep going without ever giving up. Frankly speaking, I think that's truly incredible.

H: Once things reached that point... well, I didn't really have a choice. Honestly, that really was the *only* option left for me.

Gannosuke: Yeah, but normally, nobody would keep believing in someone after being put through all that! (Laughs) That's exactly why everyone says you're crazy.

H: No, actually, there were several times when I felt like giving up. I mean, come on—who suddenly blows fire at their own classmate?

Gannosuke: That's not just weird for a classmate; it's not normal behavior for *anyone*!

H: You even tried to douse me with gasoline and set me on fire once, didn't you? What would have happened if Shinzaki hadn't been there?!

— Even after your "Hair vs. Match" bout—where you won, but told him, "I don't care about your hair; just come back to me"—you *still* acted that way.

H: See? Anyone looking on could tell it was stupid. I knew it was stupid, too. But for Hayabusa to remain *Hayabusa*, I felt I had no choice but to act that way; it was my way of maintaining some sense of self-identity. And because no one else understood that, by the time we reached our Yokohama showdown, we might have ended up trapped in a world entirely of our own—a world completely devoid of any outside perspective.

— So, at what point did you, Gannosuke, finally start to waver in the face of H's appeals?

Gannosuke: It wasn't really about whether he was appealing to me or not; it was about the Hayabusa mask itself. Up until then, no matter what that guy said to me, my feelings toward him never changed... But then, when I actually put on the mask and tried to *be* Hayabusa, I felt the weight of the name—the weight of the mask—for the very first time. I thought to myself, "Is *this* the burden he's been carrying on his shoulders all this time?"

H: Yeah, honestly, it's a mask that brings with it a whole lot of mental stress.

Gannosuke: At first, I had a pretty lighthearted attitude about it. I figured, "If I just put this on, strike a few poses, and act like a total lunatic, I could probably even land a gig in an adult video!" (Laughs)

H: Uwahahaha.* I saw it—the video.

Gannosuke: You actually watched it? And here I am, having never even seen it myself.

H: That's exactly the kind of thing you can't understand unless you actually step into the ring and have a match. That's what wearing the "H" mask is all about. It forces you to become something—or do things—that go against your own true feelings. The situation itself compels you to act that way, you know? It creates a tremendous amount of pressure, but that's something only the person wearing the mask can truly understand.

Gannosuke: *If you go as far as doing AVs while in character as "H," then even if you say later, "Now I'm going to show you my true colors," there's actually nothing left for you to do inside the wrestling ring. Anything you *could* do would just land you in jail.

H: *Uwahahaha!*

Gannosuke: *No, seriously! Because that really *is* the guy's true nature. That was actually one of the things I struggled with myself.

— So, what kind of person *is* "H," exactly?

H: Anyone reading this is going to imagine something absolutely insane!

Gannosuke: When I look back at the time before I became Hayabusa, it feels like I spent years living a lie—unable to be honest with myself. It was a path I chose myself, of course, but by taking on the persona of "Hayabusa," I think I pushed myself dangerously close to my breaking point.

— Hmm... So, would it be fair to say that "Hayabusa" is what brought the two of you together?

H: Yeah.

Gannosuke: Ultimately, yes. I suppose we should give a shout-out to Kodo Fuyuki while we're at it.

H: He took the mask off me... and then made the old man put one on.

— Speaking of which: when you cut your hair back in Yokohama—was that, in fact, your way of shedding the persona of "Masashi Honda" and presenting yourself to the world as "Eiji Ezaki"?

H: Well, my hair *was* actually damaged at the time, to be honest (laughs). But there was definitely a desire to recapture the mindset I had back in those days. Even though our hair colors are different now.

— Did the message get across?

Gannosuke: Nah. If something as simple as cutting your hair was enough to convey that message, we would have understood each other ages ago. He just stared at me blankly—his eyes practically popped out of his head. He was clearly thinking, "What the hell is wrong with this guy?"

— You, Mr. Gannosuke, took off your own mask as well, didn't you?

Gannosuke: To be honest, I *wanted* to take it off, didn't I? I'd been holding that urge back, suppressing it for so long. So, I felt like that old guy, Shawn, gave me the perfect opportunity—the push I needed.

H: Later on, I realized that Shawn hadn't just shown up to referee; he'd actually done his homework and studied up on us beforehand.

Gannosuke: People often talk about us existing in "a world of our own," but he managed to step right into that world—right into the space between us. If he hadn't done that, I wouldn't be sitting here talking to you right now.

— I see. You mentioned in Yokohama that "Hayabusa is finished," but what happens next? What will your ring name be?

Gannosuke: Well, I told H that I'd leave that entirely up to him... So, what *does* happen to me?

H: As far as the ring is concerned, I really want to keep calling you "Gannosuke." And I'd like you to keep calling me "H."

Gannosuke: So, I'm good to stick with "Mr. Gannosuke," then?

H: That feels much more natural to me. Hearing people shout "Honda! Honda!" in the middle of a match... it just feels a little awkward—a little embarrassing, somehow.

Gannosuke: Even *I* don't really feel like myself when people call me "Honda." I find myself thinking, "Huh? Who are they talking about?" So, right now—at this moment—I truly feel like "Mr. Gannosuke." If you're telling me that's how you want me to proceed, then I’m more than happy to do it.

H: I imagine that's probably the easiest name for the fans to use, too.

Gannosuke: Exactly. The guy has practically *never* called me "Honda." Back when we were students, we used to call each other by our ring names from our amateur wrestling days.

H: He was "Encho," and I was "Zuiki."

Gannosuke: And since we both got accepted into FMW [Frontier Martial-Arts Wrestling] right around that time, we kept calling each other "Encho" and "Zuiki" even after we entered the training camp. The seniors were like, "What on earth are those names?"—since they had absolutely nothing to do with our real names. They actually seemed to think I was the son of a kindergarten principal or something like that.

— So, you've hardly ever called each other by your real names since the day you met?

Gannosuke: Never! Not once. If he were to call me "Honda" now, I'd get the shivers—and *he'd* probably turn bright red. Besides, if someone told me to go back to being "Masashi Honda" at this point... that would be a bit tough. Wearing blue tights with "Ganno" written on my butt—[laughs]. I certainly don't want to watch any of those old videos.

— So, from now on, it's strictly "Mr. Gannosuke."

Gannosuke: Thank you very much.

H: Good luck with that! [laughs]

— And the costume... will you keep the "Kishindo" motif?

H: I don't think there's any need to worry about that. In fact, it would probably be worse if you tried some weird image makeover that ended up backfiring. It's true that "Mr. Gannosuke" had a specific look, but he was actually a wrestler who incorporated a lot of different elements into his style. Speaking as a fellow wrestler, I actually *liked* the character of Mr. Gannosuke. He was a skilled pro wrestler. So, I think you should just go back to being the "Gannosuke" you were before you started wearing the mask. I don't think you need to make any drastic changes to your in-ring style, either.

Gannosuke: Hearing you say that makes things so much easier for me.

H: It feels more natural for me, too. Because I *get* it. If we start over thinking things—like feeling we *have* to do this or that just because we're teaming up—then there's really no point in us working together at all. Why don't we just take everything we've each cultivated over the years and bring it out in the ring in the best way we know how?

Gannosuke: The image I have in my head is—you know how back in the day, Umanosuke Ueda was a villain, but he still teamed up with Inoki? I'd like to be in a position like that.

H: If you lose *all* your edge, you just become a boring wrestler, right? That's why I want him to hold onto some elements of his *Kishindo* persona.

Gannosuke: Oh, yeah. If the situation calls for it, I'll even breathe fire. You can't just change who you are overnight. That's why I have so much respect for *this guy*—he managed to fully commit to the "Hayabusa" persona, even though it was completely different from the real Eiji Ezaki that I knew. I couldn't do that. I'm a guy who's failed at things like that before, after all. (Laughs.) Someone as honest and straightforward as me just couldn't pull that off.

— You certainly are straightforward. In the ring, your catchphrase was "I offer no excuses," but as soon as the press conference in the locker room was over, you finally blurted out, "Eiji... I'm sorry!"

H: Yeah, exactly! (Laughs.)

Gannosuke: I was getting embarrassed, so I was telling him, "Come on, cut it out!" (Wry smile.)

— So, moving forward, does this mean you'll be joining the main roster as part of the "home team"?

H: The way I see it, those kinds of factional divisions were really just convenient arrangements made under the Fuyuki regime. So now that *he's* gone—now that he's out of the picture—there's really no need to categorize things that way anymore. The guys who are meant to stand out will stand out on their own, and I think the natural dynamics and rivalries will just emerge organically from there.

Gannosuke: As for me, I feel like I can finally just be myself from now on... at long last. I really had no choice but to act the way I did before. It really takes a toll on your emotional stability.

— It must have been painful for you, too, Hayabusa—not getting any response no matter how much you called out to him—but it sounds like Mr. Gannosuke was suffering in silence just as much.

Gannosuke: Back when we first started out, our ultimate goal was to reach the level of the Onita & Goto tag team—that was the gold standard back then. Now, nearly ten years later, we've finally managed to reach that starting line. I get the feeling that, with *this guy* by my side, we can actually pull it off. I know we took a massive detour—mostly because of me—but from here on out, we get to do this together.

— Have you thought of a team name yet?

H: Personally, I'm really partial to the name "Kyushu Express Ver. 2," you know?

Gannosuke: That's way too long!

H: Okay, then let’s shorten it to "Kyu-2"... like "Q2." Or maybe "KE2."

Gannosuke: I'll leave that kind of stuff up to you. That last suggestion gave me the chills, so I'm heading home now. (Laughs)

H & Mr. Gannosuke vs. Tetsuhiro Kuroda & Hisakatsu Oya 12/1/99

Setting aside Tanaka’s outburst from the previous page for a moment, H and Gannosuke—standing in the same corner together for the first time in nearly six years—showed absolutely no signs of rust as a tag team.

The fierce yet moving saga of their reunited friendship, which unfolded on November 23, 1990, in Yokohama, clearly resonated with the audience present that day; H and Gannosuke were welcomed with thunderous cheers.

With the two belts of the WEW Tag Team Championship lying between them, Kuroda and Oya fought to defend them, while H and Gannosuke fought to seize them. Although the objectives of the two teams were diametrically opposed, all four men fought with a clearly shared sense of purpose. As is only to be expected, the foundation of their battle was, first and foremost, pure wrestling. The exchanges between Kuroda, Oya, and H represented what could be described—without even needing to be explicitly stated—as the quintessential "FMW Standard."

What truly deserves special mention, however, is Gannosuke's wrestling. From a classic step-over toehold on Kuroda to headlocks and wristlocks applied to Oya, his ability to skillfully weave together intricate offensive maneuvers—executing a style of wrestling grounded in sound logic—revealed the true essence of Gannosuke, the "Rough Fighter."

It was precisely because of this solid technical foundation that Gannosuke was able to consistently maintain his status as the number-two star throughout the era of the "TNR" faction. Seeing Gannosuke dedicate himself so fully to technical wrestling in his very first match back with the FMW main roster was a refreshing sight. With Gannosuke serving as the match's pace-setter, the bout intensified into a heated battle, eventually reaching its dramatic climax.

After enduring a relentless barrage of Dragon Suplexes and Lariats from Kuroda—thanks to a timely assist from Gannosuke—H launched himself into the air to deliver a high-flying Firebird Splash. Following up with a never-before-seen tag-team finisher—the "H-Edge"—they pinned Kuroda, thereby crowning the revival of their friendship-based tag team with the ultimate triumph: capturing the WEW Tag Team Championship.

In that moment, there appeared to be no discernible difference between the victors and the vanquished. It would be fair to say that what tipped the scales was the momentum H & Gannosuke carried into the match. Moreover, what was on full display in this bout was the high-caliber wrestling—the very bedrock—of Entertainment Wrestling FMW.

After the match, as the third-generation champions—H & Gannosuke—savored their victory with uninhibited smiles, their expressions turned somber when the press informed them of the furious outburst Tanaka had displayed. "I'm not saying I don't understand how Tanaka feels... but if it comes down to it, I'll make him understand—even if I have to use force," declared H.

Both men firmly believe that whether misunderstandings arise or bitter feuds born of crossed wires take root, the only true solution lies within the wrestling ring; they intend to provide those answers not just to Tanaka, but to everyone else as well—convincing everyone around them in the process.

[Post-match interview with H & Gannosuke]

H: How long was the match? Twenty minutes? I actually wanted to wrap it up a little sooner than that... though I guess I was the one who ended up dragging things out a bit [laughs].

Gannosuke: Hahaha [laughs].

H: The day before yesterday, I happily turned 31...

Gannosuke: Oh, right!

H: You forgot, didn't you?

Gannosuke: Sorry, sorry! [laughs]

H: Thanks! But I’ve already received the greatest present of all [laughs]. Well, now that Fuyuki is gone, I'm sure there are people out there who are feeling anxious about the future; but we intend to keep charging forward, continuing to defy everyone's expectations—in the best possible sense. Heading into the year 2000.

Gannosuke: We’ve gotten off to a great start. Honestly speaking, I never imagined I'd be able to capture the title on my very first attempt like this—I didn't even know there was going to be a title match in the first place! If I'd been given a chance like this and failed to seize it, it would have been pretty pathetic—and we wouldn't have been able to get things moving forward. Man, though... Kuroda and his team are seriously tough.

H: That took you by surprise, didn't it?

Gannosuke: I mean, I haven't had a match that felt this good—or rather, this *clean*—in ages! [laughs] I was actually pretty nervous. Even the locker room was packed with nothing but veterans.

H: You certainly weren't saying much in the locker room, either. Anyway, for our next show at Korakuen Hall, we have to make sure we win decisively once again—and this time, as the champions, we need to deliver a performance truly worthy of the titleholders. Besides, I'm not really hung up on labels—like being a "babyface" or part of the "main unit." We are who we are! We just have one driving force: we refuse to lose to anyone around us.

That’s the only mindset we need to crush it out there. We're going to keep doing things our way. I’ll treat everyone standing across the ring from me as an enemy—yeah, because when push comes to shove, I haven’t exactly abandoned the "Kishindo" way of life. (Grins.) It's not like I've suddenly turned into a "good guy"; when it’s time to get down to business, I get down to business. True to the name of "Mr. Gannosuke," we are the main event—and from here on out, heading into next year, it's up to *us* to lead FMW forward.

All we have to do is deliver results in the ring that leave no room for anyone to complain—right? And that includes handling whatever comes our way. That’s exactly why it felt so good to get the win today. Tanaka? Yeah... I'm not saying I don’t understand where Tanaka is coming from, but... If that’s how he feels, then he should just come and clash with *us* at the final show. Well, I guess it can’t be helped. After all, I did just show up and join the main unit out of nowhere. I suppose I'll just have to let them come to understand me gradually. And if it comes down to it... I'll make them understand by force.

WEW Tag Team Championship Match: H & Mr. Gannosuke d. Tetsuhiro Kuroda & Hisakatsu Oya when H pinned Kuroda (20:06)

H & Mr. Gannosuke vs. Tetsuhiro Kuroda & Hisakatsu Oya 12/11/99

While I featured H & Gannosuke vs. Tanaka & Kuroda more due to the freshness of the card, the main event on the first day was also fantastic and full of the spirit of a new era. Most importantly, it was clear from this match that the audience was hoping for a happy ending for FMW after the Fuyuki regime. It's been a long time since we've seen such a beautiful ending. The "to be continued" theme was scattered throughout the other matches, but the main event alone gave it a clear and complete form.

It seemed that both the spectators and the participants were hungry for a fight like this, and even though he lost, Oya happily confessed his feelings into the microphone, saying, "This is the kind of match I wanted to have!" The audience supported him. It was Oya (during the Hayabusa era) who first showed that quality matters when the new team was formed. Whenever there was trouble, the two of them have embodied Back to the Wrestling, like turning points.

So many good things have happened that it feels like we might be punished (laughs). It's fine to express your individual opinions, but we think that putting on substance and results on top of that is our kind of entertainment." (H) This is what makes it entertainment. It was tough today, but this is our pride against Tanaka. We think we're right, so Tanaka, show it in the ring." (Gannosuke) At the very least, it's safe to say that the anxiety of Fuyuki's absence has been completely dispelled by this match. Being able to team up with Gannosuke and play their matches to their heart's content, H was at the height of happiness at this point, but...

WEW Tag Team Championship Match: H & Mr. Gannosuke d. Tetsuhiro Kuroda & Hisakatsu Oya when Gannosuke pinned Oya (23:24)

H & Mr. Gannosuke vs. Masato Tanaka & Tetsuhiro Kuroda 12/12/99

Looking back to the beginning of this year, there was a great deal of excitement surrounding Tanaka's return from his ECW tour, which was expected to revitalize FMW. He even made a clear declaration of separation from Hayabusa (first time), who was considered one of the two top wrestlers at the time, emphasizing his stance as being distinct from the regular army.

His partnership with Kuroda was truly worthy of being called resistance. He must have envisioned a showdown with Hayabusa soon to determine the true ace. However, due to Kodo Fuyuki's forceful changes in the ring layout and the organization's own shift in direction, these concepts of conflict became meaningless. Tanaka's stance was swallowed up in the flow of events. Nevertheless, this bullet warrior suppressed his own feelings and dedicated all his efforts to expelling Fuyuki for the sake of FMW.

Perhaps it was inevitable that, having fulfilled that role, the true feelings he had kept hidden inside would begin to surface. Even before the Yokohama Arena match, H had become isolated from the other FMW wrestlers due to his obsession with Gannosuke, so it was conceivable that the two would end up isolated if they were to team up.

But in reality, they were accepted by the fans, and for example, they were able to develop a relationship of mutual respect in their match against Kuroda & Oya. It's ironic that it's Tanaka, the main instigator of Fuyuki's expulsion, who is now running ahead on his own. Up until now, even when teamed with H & Gannosuke, he had performed his duties properly while still expressing his opinions, but on this day, he could finally unleash his fighting spirit.

In FMW's main event without Fuyuki, they pulled the audience in with the style they had before calling themselves "entertainment wrestling." I think you can understand just how substantial the content was by looking at the photo spread. Leaving aside the Yokohama Arena special issue, it's been a while since we've had a report that focuses so much on the offensive and defensive scenes of a match. Certainly, now that the entertainment-oriented style, a legacy of Fuyuki, has been accepted, it would feel incomplete if that element were completely removed. Some of the calls for Fuyuki's return stem from this. For that reason, there was concern whether the main event, which aimed to compete on the quality of the matches, could satisfy the desires of fans who had grown accustomed to FMW up until the Yokohama Arena, but that concern was quickly blown away.

The fact that H and Gannosuke are at the center of the show symbolizes that FMW fans are seeking comfort. After being exhausted from the rollercoaster ride, they want to share the same happy mood as these two who embody that feeling. And if they could also witness a great fight, that would be perfect. However, it was Tanaka who fired a bullet into that mood. To put it in extreme terms, Tanaka had become the *post-Fuyuki*.

A pod lining of dangerous scents within a comfortable world...and it finally exploded after the match. His powerful and menacing mic appeal drowned out Gannosuke's counterarguments. Then, unexpected words came from Tanaka's mouth: "I can quit this company anytime!!" In a sense, Tanaka's popularity at Korakuen Hall surpassed that of the original Hayabusa. However, even the most die-hard FMW fans were bewildered by this. Some spectators even shouted, "Then just quit!" Because it was Tanaka of FMW, their words were understandable. If he quit, things would be completely different. "Are you dissatisfied with today's match? I did my best!" Even without hearing H's words, anyone could see that the match itself was anything but lukewarm.

If that's the case, then is the comfortable atmosphere created by Tanaka and Gannosuke "evil" to him? "I intend to sign with ECW. I've been thinking about it, but it's what both of us want. I'm going to take a step into a tough place. I'm not going to stay in a comfortable place!" The next day, Tanaka departed for America and will challenge The Gladiator for the ECW Heavyweight Championship in Tennessee on the 17th (local time). If he wins the belt there, Paul E will surely demand an exclusive contract. "The company is thinking about him. He can only step into the ECW ring because he's under contract with FMW. If he leaves us and signs a personal contract, that's a different story. Naturally, the company won't allow it." The president's view is correct. But is Tanaka really going to ignore that and leave FMW, the company he desperately stayed with even when he was on the verge of being laid off?

H & Mr. Gannosuke d. Masato Tanaka & Tetsuhiro Kuroda when H pinned Kuroda (24:32)

H & Mr. Gannosuke & Hisakatsu Oya & Ricky Fuji vs. Kodo Fuyuki & Kyoko Inoue & Balls Mahoney & Pitbull # 1 1/5/00

FMW's 2000 began with a turbulent start. Fuyuki, who was supposed to have been expelled, teamed up with Kyoko and forced his return as the representative of "ECW Japan." At that moment, Korakuen Hall was enveloped in an unusual atmosphere. Shouts and insults filled the air. FMW fans showed a tremendous rejection of Fuyuki's actions. The fans weren't the only ones who were angry. President Arai was also furious. He confronted Fuyuki, shouting, "Go home!"

The result was a crushing defeat. Fuyuki fought back and declared, "I'm Kodo Fuyuki, the representative of ECW Japan, sent from ECW. If you have any complaints, take them to ECW. Kyoko is the first wrestler that ECW Japan scouted." There was no lie in his words. After the match, Fuyuki revealed the "ECW Japan Establishment Permit" signed by Paul E. From now on, ECW's work in Japan would be handled by "ECW-J."

FMW, having been told by Paul E. that ECW had "no connection to Fuyuki," appears to have been deceived by ECW. What's truly surprising, however, is Kyoko's unprecedented debut on the men's mat. Fuyuki, who had a cage death match at Neo's December 25th Komazawa event, hinted at getting closer to Kyoko. The possibility of the two teaming up was extremely high, so it's impressive that she made such a decision. Kyoko held her own even among the men. She doesn't have any physical handicaps, but her lack of stamina was undeniable, as evidenced by her wobbly footing after delivering a powerbomb to H. She probably took on the challenge knowing this.

Kyoko declared to H and the FMW main roster, "Listen up, you guys. I'm doing this for myself. I'm going to go wild." Her courage should be praised, but because her partner was Fuyuki, she ended up being booed by FMW fans. ECW-J won the match in a chaotic brawl, and President Arai hinted at severing ties with ECW, but a bloodied H declared war, saying, "I don't want you to get away with this victory. I'll take you on as a good way to kill time. I'll drive you out again. And you're a sow hungry for men. If you want to be involved with men so badly, Gan-chan and I will take care of you every step of the way. How we'll handle you is something to look forward to."

This sparked an all-out war between the FMW main roster and ECW-J. With the liberalization of the Japanese securities industry, foreign companies have entered the market and are wreaking havoc. Drawing a parallel, Fuyuki said, "I'll absorb FMW and become the Merrill Lynch of the pro wrestling world." And now, the Equal Employment Opportunity Law has been applied to the pro wrestling world, removing the "wall between men and women" and opening it up. The wave of liberalization is sweeping over the FMW mat. Will the main FMW roster or 'ECW-J' be the ones steering the ship?

Kodo Fuyuki & Kyoko Inoue & Balls Mahoney & Pitbull # 1 d. H & Mr. Gannosuke & Hisakatsu Oya & Ricky Fuji when Fuyuki pinned Ricky (14:36)

H & Mr. Gannosuke vs. Kodo Fuyuki & Kyoko Inoue 1/8/00

At the Korakuen Hall event on January 5th—the kick-off to the year 2000—Fuyuki and Kyoko made a forceful landing as representatives of ECW Japan. In doing so, the "wall between men and women" that had long existed within the FMW ring was completely shattered by Kyoko's own hands.

Regardless of Fuyuki and Kyoko's true intentions, H appeared to view this entire situation strictly through the lens of entertainment. Even three days later, ahead of the tag team clash in Sendai on January 8th—pitting H and Gannosuke against Fuyuki and Kyoko—H remained outwardly unperturbed. "Well, losing is simply out of the question," he remarked with an air of supreme confidence.

"I suppose Fuyuki really racked his brains trying to figure out how to insert Kyoko into the mix. So, as a little 'bonus point' for his effort, I'll play along with them—though I'll be sure not to actually hurt Kyoko."

In H’s eyes, despite the wild rampage Kyoko had unleashed at Korakuen, she remained nothing more than a female wrestler. However, the Kyoko who stepped into the ring that night was a professional wrestler—on equal footing with H, Gannosuke, and Fuyuki—who had completely transcended the boundaries of gender. During H and his partner's entrance, Mahoney—a fellow comrade from ECW Japan—launched a surprise attack; after slashing H’s forehead with a fork, Kyoko proceeded to mercilessly pummel him with a rapid-fire barrage of her signature "Kyoko Specials," making a mockery of his resistance.

Then, aided by a "Balls Driver" assist from Mahoney, Kyoko unleashed a lightning-fast lariat; beneath her massive frame, H suffered the unthinkable—a three-count defeat. In that instant, not a single shred of the concept of "entertainment" remained in H’s mind.

As a professional wrestler—and as a man—this was nothing short of a total disgrace. The humiliation, exceeding all conceivable limits, drove H into a frenzy. As Fuyuki and Kyoko—clutching the WEW Tag Team Championship belts—tauntingly challenged him for a shot at the titles, H let out a maniacal laugh. "This is interesting... Kyoko, Fuyuki! I’ll give you a shot at the belts—or whatever else you want!" he blurted out.

It had all unfolded exactly according to the script written by Fuyuki—who knew H's impulsive, hot-blooded nature inside out. Indeed, the trap had sprung even more perfectly than Fuyuki could have ever imagined, and H had fallen right into it. Thanks to the intervention of a surprisingly composed Gannosuke, the decision regarding the title match was left entirely to the company's discretion; however, H had completely lost his head. As far as he was concerned, the "Mixed Match" category no longer existed within FMW!

[Post-Match Exchange: H & Gannosuke]

H: "I'm gonna give you a fight! "Did everyone hear that? The belt—or whatever else—is on the line!"

Gannosuke: "Whoa, whoa, hold on a second! I'm not doing that! Are you kidding me? Why the hell should we have to put the belts on the line against *them*!?"

H: "We're not going to lose the belt once we put it up, are we?! Just listen to me! I made a promise in front of everyone here—please, man!"

Gannosuke: "I said I'm not doing it!"

H: "Please, just listen! Listen to me!!"

Gannosuke: "You're out of your mind! I get how you feel—I really do—but logically, it doesn't make sense. These belts... I don't think you realize just how important it is..."

H: "I *do* realize it! That's exactly why I'm begging you!"

Gannosuke: "Don't get ahead of yourself! Let's think this through calmly. This isn't some cheap, throwaway belt! We have to go through the proper channels—through the President... We're supposed to be building a legacy with this thing, aren't we!?"

H: "Fine, then let's go through the proper channels. If the company authorizes the title match, then it's okay, right?"

Gannosuke: "Well... I suppose... if the company actually approves it..."

H: "Please! I'm begging you! [He gets down on his knees and bows his head in supplication.]"

Gannosuke: "Alright... fine. We'll leave the final decision to the company—to the President. But listen here... this isn't a belt meant to be wagered against scrubs like *them*!!"

Kodo Fuyuki & Kyoko Inoue d. H & Mr. Gannosuke when Inoue pinned H (10:12)

H & Mr. Gannosuke & Tetsuhiro Kuroda & Hisakatsu Oya vs. Kodo Fuyuki & Kyoko Inoue & Balls Mahoney & Pitbull # 1 1/16/00

On January 8 in Sendai—though she received an assist from Mahoney—Kyoko secured a decisive pinfall victory over H. Capitalizing on this momentum, Fuyuki, teaming with Kyoko, boldly issued a challenge for the WEW Tag Team Championship.

Naturally, Fuyuki had fully anticipated—and calculated—that H would take the bait and accept this provocation. FMW President Arai, having been granted full authority to organize the title bout, chose to respect H's wishes; however, he stipulated that Fuyuki & Kyoko—along with the rest of the ECW Japan faction—would be required to win their remaining two matches in the current tour to earn the right to challenge for the belts.

Then, on January 15 in Odawara, Fuyuki deployed Mahoney to take down the reigning WEW Heavyweight Champion, Kuroda, thereby placing himself just one step away from the final showdown. The event on January 16 in Shiga also comes with a side story that is quintessentially Fuyuki.

Immediately following the Odawara show, Fuyuki executed a so-called "overnight jump"—departing for the next venue that very same day—to arrive in Shiga ahead of schedule. Fuyuki undertook this grueling travel schedule with a specific calculation in mind, of course.

Having thoroughly researched the weather forecast before making his early arrival, he gained a distinct advantage over the FMW contingent, who would be arriving on the day of the event... Had the main FMW roster failed to reach the venue in Shiga—perhaps due to heavy snowfall or similar reasons—Fuyuki fully intended to claim a victory by forfeit.

In truth, he possessed ample odds of winning even in a legitimate match; yet, the fact that he went so far as to engage in such meticulous backroom maneuvering beforehand is precisely what defines Fuyuki as Fuyuki.

The arrogant methods he had displayed in abundance during his tenure as FMW Commissioner had now evolved into a form of "Perfect Tactics"—calculated with a precision that went far beyond mere necessity.

As it turned out, despite the light drizzle on the day of the event, the main FMW roster arrived at the venue right on schedule. The opening bell rang exactly as planned for the main event, in which the right to challenge for the WEW Tag Team Championship was at stake.

Fuyuki maneuvered Kyoko, Mahoney, and Pitbull #1 as if they were extensions of his own limbs; having successfully cornered the main FMW roster, he signaled to Mahoney. Just as he had done the previous day, Mahoney executed a "Nut Cracker Suite" to pin Oya this time around.

With a decisive victory, they seized the right to challenge for the title. Fuyuki issued a declaration of war dripping with sarcasm: "Hey there, 'H'! It’s finally settled, isn't it? The title match is set for the upcoming show at Korakuen Hall! We’re about to witness a first in history: the birth of a male-and-female championship duo!"

H retorted, "Bring it on! And Kyoko-chan—you’d better keep training hard so you don't get injured before Korakuen. Because next time... I won't be going easy on you!" In that instant—without even needing to wait for an official announcement from the FMW side—the WEW Tag Team Championship match for February 25th at Korakuen Hall was officially confirmed: H & Gannosuke vs. Fuyuki & Kyoko.

In any case, Fuyuki’s quest for revenge against FMW—the seeds of which he had sown back in late December—had now successfully completed its first phase exactly as planned. This phase encompassed the establishment of ECW Japan, his alliance with Kyoko, his forceful "reverse invasion" of FMW territory, and finally, the securing of the WEW Tag Team title shot through a clean sweep of victories throughout the entire tour.

The next phase? A total "belt sweep" by ECW Japan. By this point, there was simply no one left who could possibly find grounds to criticize Fuyuki. help you out as much as I can.

Kodo Fuyuki & Kyoko Inoue & Balls Mahoney & Pitbull # 1 d. H & Mr. Gannosuke & Tetsuhiro Kuroda & Hisakatsu Oya when Mahoney pinned Oya (15:35)

On Sunday, February 6, starting at 1:00 PM, the duo of H and Mr. Gannosuke held an open training session at the pedestrian paradise on Dogenzaka in Shibuya.

The objective of this "street boot camp" was to mentally toughen themselves up ahead of their title match against the team of Fuyuki and Kyoko Inoue, scheduled for February 25 at Korakuen Hall.

"Since Kyoko is—technically speaking—a woman, there are certain mental hang-ups we haven't quite been able to shake off. So, to blow away the embarrassment of fighting a woman, we decided to go out and embarrass ourselves *before* the match," explained H and Gannosuke, who then abruptly began doing squats right in the middle of the road, which was teeming with pedestrians.

In this notorious location—the very spot where Hiromi Go was once cited by the police for holding a "guerrilla concert" last year—the pair carried out a spirited and intense training session. Their fervor was so intense that even the young Shibuya "kogals" passing by were left wide-eyed in astonishment. Having endured a barrage of curious stares and thoroughly embarrassed themselves, the duo concluded their street training with looks of satisfaction on their faces.

"That did it—we've completely broken through our mental blocks. If we can do *this*, we can do anything. We’re going to shut those two members of 'Team Fat' up once and for all. Next time, it's *their* turn to be humiliated—by having their heads shaved!" Perhaps the training had been exceptionally effective, for the duo's boastful remarks showed no signs of stopping. "When it comes to fighting Kyoko Inoue, technique goes right out the window—it's completely irrelevant. Well, if they have any further demands, we'll entertain them, but we intend to put an end to things with those two at Korakuen. Strategy? I definitely want to avoid getting tangled up with Kyoko on the ground [laughs]. I'd prefer to avoid physical contact as much as possible." In the previous series, H and Gannosuke had been thoroughly toyed with by Fuyuki and Kyoko. However, now that they have successfully fortified their mental game, it is safe to say that they no longer have any blind spots.

Taking advantage of the day off following the Yatsushiro show, H and Gannosuke paid a visit to "Beer Hall MAN," located in Kumamoto City. It is a place steeped in memories from their university days—the very spot where the two first met. The establishment's proprietor, Mr. Yoshinori Murata, is renowned as the creator of the "Antonio Inoki Bronze Statue"—a work that inspires courage in anyone who simply gazes upon it—as well as the "Statue of the Goddess of Valor" (referred to as “Sensei” in advertisements).

Yet, long before H and Gannosuke ever became professional wrestlers, Murata was a figure who offered them unwavering support. Every night, the lively shouts of "Handsome!" and "Discount!" echoing through the hall are sounds that any pro-wrestling fan in Kumamoto has surely heard at least once. Even after becoming wrestlers, they would invariably drop by whenever their tour brought them to Kumamoto; however, it had been a truly long time since both of them had visited together. It is not difficult to imagine just how eagerly "The Great Master" Murata had been awaiting this day.

"It was unbearable to watch when you two were constantly bickering and fighting," he laughed. "But I always figured you'd eventually end up as a tag team, so I just thought, 'Let things take their course—go all out and do whatever you have to do!'" he added with a chuckle. "I'm happy now, though—there's no stress anymore. This is the absolute best time," he concluded with a smile.

At this establishment, simply possessing a "handsome face" entitles you to a 50% discount; conversely, if you were to refuse a beer recommended by The Sensei your bill would be marked up by 50%. With such banter unfolding ceaselessly throughout the evening, his wife—who handles the bookkeeping—certainly has her hands full! "I first came here when I was 18, right after entering university. Ever since then, whenever there was anything related to pro-wrestling going on, I'd make a point of coming here. They had an expander [chest exerciser] here; they'd make me use it, and then scold me, saying, 'You've got no strength!'" recalled H. "Even when I was feuding with this guy, we'd still run into each other here. Of course, we couldn't exactly start brawling inside the place, so we'd just sit at separate tables," added Gannosuke.

Looking back on those days, they recalled how much fun it was to drink in the same venue as professional wrestlers—they even spotted Tatsumi Fujinami and George Takano there. Seeing the two still-scrawny youths, The Sensei took them under his wing, making sure to feed them hearty meals whenever they visited. In a sense, this place served as the starting line for H and Gannosuke's youth.

While the spare ribs and "Bariki-yaki" (Power Grill) dishes are certainly delicious, listening to The Sensei stories is, above all else, what truly fills them with renewed energy. That, perhaps, is why the two of them still make a point of visiting this place. Waving their hands continuously until the elevator doors finally closed—shouting, "Come back again!"—and wearing those same looks of deep contentment that hadn't changed a bit since the old days, H and Gannosuke headed off with their ladder in tow.

H vs. Balls Mahoney 2/18/00

It was H who delivered a performance—a fight—that drove a wedge into the baffling behavior of Fuyuki and his cohorts. Appearing in the main event, H faced Balls Mahoney in a singles match. Despite suffering a massive loss of blood, he adopted an "eye for an eye" mentality, snatching a weapon from his opponent to launch a counterattack. When Fuyuki and Kyoko—who had been at ringside—stormed the ring during the match's closing stages, H fought them off alongside his own second, Gannosuke.

After bringing the 15-minute, 43-second hardcore brawl to a close with a Firebird Splash, H turned his attention to Fuyuki and his crew, laying down a challenge with a specific condition: "If Fuyuki and Kyoko lose at Korakuen, the two of us [H and Gannosuke] will become 'Charisma Barbers' and give you a nice, clean buzz cut with our clippers." The stakes were set: if Fuyuki and Kyoko won, Gannosuke would have to change his ring name; if H and Gannosuke won, Kyoko would be the one to go bald.

At the team's specific request, the match scheduled for February 25th at Korakuen Hall evolved into an unprecedented Tag Team Title bout—one where not only the championship belts but also hair and ring names were on the line, pitting a male-female duo against a male-male duo. Yet, no matter how immense the risk of defeat loomed, Fuyuki remained cool as a cucumber, remarking, "Sounds good to me. I’m not the one getting a haircut, so I’ve got nothing to worry about. *She's* the one who's going to lose her hair." He then offered Kyoko words of encouragement that were, in truth, utterly unreliable: "Even if we happen to lose, we can just make a run for it." By the time the dust settled at Korakuen Hall, one of two things would have come to pass: either a woman with a completely shaved head would emerge, or a man claiming the title of "Mrs." would be born. It was a chaotic, zany championship match befitting the very "End of the Century." The question remained: who would be the one left utterly humiliated at Korakuen?

H d. Balls Mahoney (15:43)

H & Mr. Gannosuke vs. Kodo Fuyuki & Kyoko Inoue 2/25/00

Who could have predicted Kyoko would capture the WEW Tag Team Championship? No matter how much Fuyuki declared, "I'll break down the barriers between men and women. I'll definitely win," their opponents were H and Gannosuke, the top wrestlers in FMW.

Indeed, as the matches progressed, the sight of Kyoko, who showed no physical disadvantage, fighting against FMW male wrestlers became less and less strange. However, when comparing the overwhelming strength of H and Gannosuke with that of Kyoko, the outcome was obvious. There was only one option. The only thing that could be considered was for the Ohgumi to defend their title. Sure enough, H and Gannosuke overwhelmed Kyoko, demonstrating their superior strength. With their men's pride at stake, the two attacked relentlessly in serious mode. Before long, Kyoko was bleeding. She was on the defensive, but...it was here that Kyoko showed astonishing mental strength. Without giving up, she somehow managed to hang on.

During this time, Fuyuki did not appear in the first cut, and there was a reason for that. "I was watching from the corner the whole time to show the audience that men and women are the same," he said. In that sense, it can be said that Kyoko delivered a fight that lived up to winter's expectations. In response, Fuyuki made his move and brought in a new ECW Japan fighter just over 13 minutes into the match. That person was Chocoball Mukai, a former member of FMW, a betrayal.

Chocoball jumped onto Gannosuke, who had climbed to the top turnbuckle, and delivered a superplex. For the FMW wrestlers who had been moved by Chocoball's attitude as a new trainee learning pro wrestling from scratch and had spared no effort in backing him up, this must have been an unbelievable event. The match ended immediately after that. Fuyuki applied a Samson Clutch to the visibly shaken Gannosuke. The match was over. Fuyuki's team became the new champions, and this was the first time a female wrestler had worn a belt on the men's mat in Japanese wrestling history.

Although Chocoball interfered, it would not be an exaggeration to say that this was a remarkable achievement that drew on Kyoko's mental strength. Fuyuki, who had no doubt that he would win, wore a triumphant expression. Beside him, Chocoball told H and Gannosuke the reason for their parting. "I'm grateful to you guys. But I don't have time. I want to train in America, the home of professional wrestling. So I'm going with Fuyuki." After that, it was Fuyuki's show.

In the ring, he reiterated his intention to take over FMW by winning all the belts. Furthermore, he cleverly tried to shake up FMW by suggesting that he might have acquired ECW Japan DirecTV. Even back in the locker room, Fuyuki's chatter didn't stop. "Chocoball will be in the next series. This time there's a long break so I'll thoroughly teach him the basics. I've won the belts, and Kyoko's second test will be a singles match against H." "A challenge for WWWA? If Manami Toyota becomes champion, I'll go right away. I want a cute girl who's my type as my partner."

In contrast to Fuyuki, who couldn't stop smiling, H and Gannosuke were stunned by the unexpected result. The fans' encouraging voices went unheard. The two were so dejected they couldn't even stand up. It was none other than President Arai who broke through the heavy atmosphere. Calling the FMW wrestlers into the ring, saying, "Now is the time for us to unite and do our best," President Arai asked the fans, "Please share your energy with us." Then, he casually picked up his guitar and shouted, "Let's all sing together!" and launched into a passionate rendition of "Tsubasa o Kudasai" (Give Me Wings).

Just like Kyoko's remarkable achievement, who could have predicted President Arai's shout? As always, the FM mat unfolds in ways that surpass the audience's imagination. Events in this organization are even stranger than imagined. Truth is not fiction, but stranger than fiction. At first, both the wrestlers and fans were embarrassed and didn't sing along, but people were moved by President Arai's passion as he continued to play the guitar, and in the end, they were humming "Tsubasa o Kudasai." Let's look to tomorrow and do our best. "It's not over today. Let's keep our spirits up." (Arai)

"For now, Arai-san was saved today. We were helped by the fans who supported us without giving up until the very end. After all, we can't do pro wrestling by ourselves. We'll get results." (H) FMW is in a difficult situation with ECW Japan taking the lead, but through song, the hearts of the wrestlers and fans have become one, and their spirits have also become more positive. If that leads to results, that would be perfect.

WEW Tag Team Championship Match: Kodo Fuyuki & Kyoko Inoue d. H & Mr. Gannosuke when Fuyuki pinned Gannosuke (14:30)

H & Naohiko Yamazaki vs. Ryuji Yamakawa & Tomoaki Honma 3/11/00

Of all the matches in this show, this one had the strongest sense of inter-promotional rivalry. FMW and Big Japan are truly at the point where their rivalry is about to escalate. Moreover, the ace wrestlers of both organizations clashed for the first time in a completely neutral ring. This is extremely unusual. The Big Japan wrestlers had an even record against TNR, but how would they fare against H?

Surprisingly, Yamakawa and Honma put up an even fight against H. And what's more, this wasn't a death match. H commented after the match, "I felt more confident than I expected." He used all the moves he had and seemed to be showing respect for this show. In fact, the crowd at "Mashu" was very excited. On the other hand, on the FMW side, Yamazaki in particular saw this as an opportunity and fought with the inter-promotional aspect in mind. Naturally, it was inevitable that the fight would be aggressive. However, this didn't seem to please the audience, and boos rang out. Yamakawa and Honma, who felt they had given it their all, were utterly dejected. The disappointment is great because they couldn't enjoy the match. However, regarding the inter-promotional match, the Big Japan side succeeded in involving H. They've also made progress on their planned visit to enemy territory. This time, the circumstances were simply bad for showcasing the inter-promotional match. It seems important to let go of pride and fully enjoy the opportunity.

Ryuji Yamakawa & Tomoaki Honma d. H & Naohiko Yamazaki when Yamakawa pinned Yamazaki (18:58)

H vs. Kyoko Inoue 3/27/00

"Please, don't let them shake hands." As H and Tanaka faced off, a voice inside my head chanted those very words. How many years had we been kept waiting for this moment? Ever since they were hailed as the "Two Great Aces" of the promotion, a full-scale rivalry between H and Tanaka had always seemed on the verge of igniting—yet never quite did. Time and again, just as the momentum began to build, a different current would sweep in and extinguish the spark. Eventually, Tanaka took the leap and left Japan behind. At that point, having resigned myself to the thought that we wouldn't see the two of them cross paths again for quite some time, I was completely taken aback by Tanaka's sudden return. Not only did he refuse to shake H's hand, but he immediately launched a ferocious physical assault—followed by a blistering verbal tirade. Among the many things said, what truly shocked even us was the blunt declaration: "If you want to reach the top, go practice more. Build a physique worthy of appearing before an audience. It's an embarrassment to think that *that* is the face of FMW."

One can only speak so boldly when armed with the absolute confidence that "I am right" and the firm conviction that "he is wrong." At the same time, this serves as a testament to Tanaka's resolve—a vow that there is no turning back. In comparison, some readers might find themselves wondering just how deep H's own resolve runs. This brings us to a key point: the intriguing comments he made even *before* Tanaka spoke out. "I don't give a damn about the FMW main roster or what the company says. Don't look to me with any expectations. From this moment on, I'm going to do exactly what I want, on my own terms. You're welcome to take this as a declaration of sheer, unadulterated defiance. I may have taken off the mask and started going by 'H,' but deep down, I felt frustrated—trapped within the same old mold I inhabited as 'Hayabusa.' Even if this isn't what everyone else wanted, I decided that it was a necessary step for me to take as I forge my own path from here on out."

In his match against Kyoko that day, H maintained an uncompromising fighting style, refusing to pull his punches simply because his opponent was a woman. He delivered strikes even harder than those he typically uses against male opponents. Ignoring the scattered jeers from the crowd, he pressed his attack relentlessly—and while this may have been exactly the kind of match Kyoko herself desired, at times it bordered on looking like a sheer bullying session. From H's perspective, however, any mixed-gender match up is bound to draw criticism no matter how it's booked; therefore, the only correct approach is to go all-out and be absolutely ruthless.

"It felt as though I was just letting him hit me with every move he had—and as for whether any of it actually 'hurt'? Not in the slightest. I might have *thought* I was holding my own, but in reality, he held the reins of the entire match. It's frustrating; he completely turned the tables on the kind of match control that *I* usually exert over my opponents."

Considering her stature in the industry, it is unprecedented—at least in my memory—to hear Kyoko Inoue admit to such a total, unequivocal defeat, even when facing a male opponent. Is H planning to lean even harder into this "heel" persona moving forward? Or perhaps it is too early to jump to such conclusions. Where, exactly, are the wings upon his chest carrying him? That remains to be seen—and along with the inevitable, head-to-head clash with Tanaka that surely awaits him down the road, it is a journey well worth watching.

H d. Kyoko Inoue (13:15)

When the subject turns to the title match between Kuroda and Fuyuki, it is impossible not to recall last year's May 5th Yokohama event. Despite being the main event of a major show—and a title match at that—members of the TNR faction stormed the ring en masse. The match was completely ruined, and the crowd was brought to the brink of rioting.

"For better or worse, that was a time when we truly felt the power of the fans." Such sentiments were frequently heard within FMW in the aftermath, as the promotion shifted into full-throttle "entertainment-first" mode. However, for Kuroda—one of the men directly involved—it was surely no laughing matter. His claim that Fuyuki sits at "Number 1 on my list of people I want to kill" is by no means an exaggeration. "Kuroda: The Best! Fuyuki: The Worst!" With a microphone in hand—and still as popular with the crowd as ever—Kuroda kicked off the match. Riding that wave of momentum, Kuroda took control of the pace during the opening stages. However, once the ECW contingent began interfering from ringside, the match instantly shifted into a one-sided affair dominated by Fuyuki. Kuroda's face was stained crimson from profuse bleeding. Was this not simply a replay of the Yokohama nightmare? The only difference was that the invading force had switched from TNR to ECW.

Yet, there was one major difference compared to that night in Yokohama: Kuroda's astonishing tenacity. In the ten months since then, Kuroda had grown steadily as a wrestler. Even if this wasn't a strictly one-on-one contest, as the champion, he simply could not afford to lose. Fuyuki utilized the ECW faction, tables, forks, and every other weapon at his disposal in an attempt to crush Kuroda, but he could not secure the victory. As this struggle dragged on, the exasperated FMW "Regular Army" stormed the ring to come to Kuroda's aid. At that point, the concept of a "title match" went completely out the window. Although he did not lose the belt itself, for Kuroda, it had once again turned into a humiliating title defense. The ring became a chaotic free-for-all with members of both factions brawling indiscriminately—a scene so disordered that the audience didn't know where to look.

Amidst this pandemonium, a certain man burst into the ring like a whirlwind, and instantly, every eye in the arena was fixed upon him. "It's Tanaka!" Despite not being clad in his wrestling gear—but rather in his street clothes—he made his presence felt to the entire audience in a single, electrifying instant. This is the sheer presence—the commanding aura—of a man who achieved immense popularity in ECW and earned recognition on a global stage. His return this time carried an even greater impact than his triumphant homecoming the previous January. Given that Tanaka had just returned from ECW, fan attention naturally focused on his relationship with Fuyuki. Some even speculated that Tanaka might be ECW Japan's "secret weapon"... but then Tanaka unleashed a tirade against the very man he was supposed to have banished: "Who the hell would listen to anything *you* have to say, you moron?! You're the guy I hate most in the world! *I'm* the one running ECW here in Japan!"

The arena erupted in thunderous cheers. Tanaka then turned his scathing verbal assault toward H. "Aren't you ashamed of yourself, going around calling yourself a 'superstar'? *I'm* the one who reached the very top of ECW—*I'm* the true global superstar!" More than just a microphone promo, Tanaka's sheer presence and demeanor alone were utterly compelling.

On this day, Tanaka thrust a razor-sharp blade—one almost too keen to bear—directly at Fuyuki, at H, and at FMW as a whole. "FMW and ECW—this is just the beginning. *I'm* going to run things, and *I'm* going to change everything." Even within the realm of sports entertainment, Tanaka's intensity and fighting spirit shone with a truly blinding, ferocious glare.

H & Tetsuhiro Kuroda & Kintaro Kanemura vs. Masato Tanaka & Balls Mahoney & Tracy Smothers 4/1/00

At the March 27th Korakuen Hall event, Tanaka brushed aside the hand of friendship extended by H. Moreover, having boldly and publicly voiced his criticism of H, it seemed as though the long-awaited clash between the two top aces was mere moments away from kicking off in earnest.

However, surprisingly, the intentions of both men were actually diverging in completely different directions. For Tanaka, his participation in this current tour serves one primary objective: to demonstrate to the fans what the *true* ECW is all about. He claims to have absolutely no interest in the "ace vs. ace" showdown that the outside world is so eagerly anticipating. Given this stance, his sights are naturally set on a single target: the head of Fuyuki, the man currently pulling the strings behind ECW Japan.

As of now, the figure of H plays absolutely no part in that equation. H, for his part—having just unleashed a bizarre and "unreasonable" manifesto in which he completely disregarded both the company and the FMW main roster—likewise has no interest whatsoever in an ace-vs.-ace confrontation with Tanaka. Yet, while Tanaka has presented a clear and distinct objective for his participation in the tour, H's specific direction remains completely shrouded in mystery. What, exactly, was the true intent behind his declaration at the March 27th Korakuen event that he would "break out of the Hayabusa mold"?

With the anticipated showdown against Tanaka now left hanging in limbo, one could argue that the sole purpose of *this* particular match was to uncover that very intent. However—to state the conclusion upfront—no discernible change in H's character was evident throughout the match. He neither stubbornly forced his own whims upon the proceedings—as his declaration might have suggested—nor did he project any sort of "heel" persona; instead, the same charismatic H we have always known was the one standing in the ring.

During the match, he thrilled the crowd with his signature, spectacular aerial maneuvers; afterward, he engaged warmly with the fans. Given that the man standing there bore absolutely no resemblance to the one who had issued that "unreasonable declaration" at the tour opener, we are left with no choice but to look to his post-match comments in hopes of deciphering the true nature of H's transformation.

"Tanaka has been running his mouth quite a bit; I suppose it's good that he's got that kind of energy. But honestly, whatever that guy says—whether it's directed at me, the company, or the other wrestlers—it's completely irrelevant. The very existence of Masato Tanaka is an eyesore to me, so I'm going to eliminate him. That is all I have to say. From now on, I'm moving forward as 'Superstar H,' so don't get in my way. Listen to what the Superstar tells you! You'll eventually wish you had. I'll make you understand, even if I have to use force."

While these remarks are somewhat abstract—making it difficult to fully decipher his true intentions—the key takeaway seems to lie in that "Superstar..." segment. Given his assertion that others will eventually regret not heeding his words, it stands to reason that a distinct vision is already taking shape within H's mind. The only thing that has become crystal clear is this: to H, Masato Tanaka—who summarily dismissed the "Superstar" persona with a single word: "embarrassing"—is nothing more than an obstacle to be removed. Consequently, rather than building momentum toward a definitive clash of aces, their interactions in the ring have instead resulted in a complete disconnect. When, exactly, will we finally witness a full-scale battle between these two men—a contest where their spirits collide head-on? At this moment, at least, even the timing of such an event remains entirely unclear. A full-scale battle born of a disconnect—what lies beyond it?

Masato Tanaka & Balls Mahoney & Tracy Smothers d. H & Tetsuhiro Kuroda & Kintaro Kanemura when Tanaka pinned Kanemura (13:37)

H vs. Kodo Fuyuki 4/3/00

On the first day of the two-night series in Sapporo, Fuyuki once again publicly declared, "If I drop even a single fall here in Sapporo, I will retire." With that vow, he stepped into the ring for the final match of the FMW vs. ECW Japan singles series. His opponent was H. As for the outcome, Fuyuki secured the three-count victory using his signature Lariat—a win achieved with the assistance of Mukai and the mysterious woman.

With this result, Fuyuki cleared the first hurdle toward continuing his active career. Meanwhile, ECW Japan—which had been facing a crisis of internal division due to backlash from Tanaka and others—managed to avert the worst-case scenario of a violent clash by holding this 7-on-7 singles series; however, the underlying tension within the group remained unchanged. Now, let us shift our focus specifically to H.

Before we dive into that report—and there is, of course, a specific reason for this close-up—let us first present H's comments following the match: "I lost, but that just means the day Fuyuki decides to retire has been postponed by one day. Tomorrow, *I*—the Superstar H—will be the one to deliver the final blow. It will likely be easier for Fuyuki to come to terms with his retirement later on if he can say he was defeated by a true Superstar."

He has been using the phrase "Superstar" ever since the season opener at Korakuen Hall on March 27th; but why, specifically at this juncture, is he making such a bold "Superstar Declaration"? therein lies the reason for this close-up analysis.

H's stance is as follows: "From now on, I am going to operate as a singles competitor—as a Superstar. I couldn't care less about the main roster or the company hierarchy. Don't expect anything from me. I'm going to do exactly whatever I want to do. If you want to call that a 'Declaration of Unreasonableness'—fine by me."

At this point, there is something I would like you to recall. Do you remember H making similar statements back when he transitioned from the persona of "Hayabusa" to that of "H"?

As the ultimate babyface, Hayabusa was bound by an obligation to uphold the specific image associated with the name "Hayabusa." He had, in essence, suppressed his true self, telling himself, "If this is what is best for FMW and for the fans, then so be it." H, however, is different. His fundamental concept is to put his ego front and center—to live completely free from any constraints or obligations imposed by others.

H's recent "superstar" declaration can be interpreted as a renewed assertion of his personal philosophy. Following the conclusion of the current series, H is set to travel to the United States; his objective is to appear as the professional wrestler "Hayabusa" in the Hollywood film *Backyard Dogs*. His role is that of the titular American boy's idol—a wrestler—making him a co-lead in the film.

H states that it was precisely because he desires to live life on his own terms that he accepted the offer to appear in this movie of his own free will. To remain true to himself—to remain H—he has absolutely no intention of retracting his "superstar" claim, even if it means enduring Tanaka's retort: ​"What kind of idiot goes around calling himself a superstar?”

Kodo Fuyuki d. H (13:39)

H vs. Kodo Fuyuki 4/4/00

"If I suffer even a single loss during this two-night run in Sapporo, I'll retire." This declaration by Fuyuki was—or at least *should* have been—the product of sheer confidence and composure. Although he later amended his retirement stipulation in typical Fuyuki fashion—insisting, "When I say 'loss,' I don't mean just any defeat; I won't retire unless it's a clean, legitimate one-two-three pinfall that I can accept. A loss by disqualification or count-out doesn't count as a real loss in my book"—this very act of hedging his bets, ironically, served only to heighten the sense of impending crisis surrounding him.

During the main event of the first Sapporo show (April 3rd), just as Fuyuki faced a critical, climactic peril, a female fan aspiring to become a manager—24-year-old Kaya Asami, accompanied by Mukai—stormed the ring. Aided by this unexpected interference, Fuyuki barely managed to scrape out a victory against H; yet, even in this illogical, messy win, that signature Fuyuki flair—that spark of genius unique to him—seemed conspicuously absent. Of course, this entire retrospective mood is merely a product of hindsight—something one only realizes, thinking, "Come to think of it..." *after* the two-night Sapporo series had already concluded.

On April 4th in Sapporo, during the "7 vs. 7 Elimination Match," Fuyuki seized the initiative with a weapon attack and controlled the pace of the bout; yet, he ultimately suffered a perfect pinfall defeat at the hands of H’s unorthodox finisher, the "Gannosuke Clutch."

Perhaps, from the very moment Fuyuki first set foot in Sapporo—or rather, from the instant he first uttered those words regarding retirement—his destiny had already begun its inexorable march toward that fateful moment. As Fuyuki lay dazed and bewildered at the feet of the jubilant H, the cruel hand of karma struck him once again, this time without mercy.

Having witnessed Fuyuki's pinfall defeat, Tanaka and Mahoney stormed into the ring and unleashed a brutal, merciless assault upon him. "Fuyuki, your 'ECW Japan' ends today!" Tanaka screamed, hurling insults and spitting directly in his face. "I am ECW now!" Tanaka then turned the spearhead of his verbal assault toward H, barking, "Hey, Superstar! *We're* the real ECW! Don't you dare lump us in with a pig like Fuyuki—remember that, you idiot!"

H shot back, "Tanaka! Since you've finally come back, go all out—do whatever you want! I'm going to do exactly the same!" With Fuyuki left abandoned in the ring, a massive brawl erupted. More than anyone else, Fuyuki himself felt that there was simply no room for him to intervene. "Watching the exchange between H and Tanaka... I just got the feeling that maybe... maybe my era really is over."

Coinciding with the moment his own retirement was finalized, a new current within FMW began to unfold right before his eyes. The epilogue of one era was synchronizing with the prologue of the next. The times were already beginning to change. Amidst the ring, now white-hot with the intensity of H and Tanaka's "fight," Fuyuki had no choice but to quietly slip away. Backstage, Fuyuki calmly articulated his resolve to retire. "May 5th, at Komazawa—that's where my farewell match will be. It's 'bye-bye' for Kodo Fuyuki."

His shoulders slumped in dejection, and as he buried his face in his right hand, Fuyuki's expression looked as if he were weeping. As if to interrupt Fuyuki’s comments, H’s entrance theme and microphone appeal suddenly rang out. "That's enough..." Fuyuki murmured, and—accompanied by a sobbing Mukai—he vanished into the dressing room.

The following day, upon opening the "Kodo Fuyuki's Unreasonable Column" section on Mukai's website, one could read Fuyuki's innermost thoughts laid bare. There was a characteristically "Fuyuki-esque" quip—"For my final match on May 5th at Komazawa, please make banners opposing my retirement and cheer me on! Who knows... maybe a miracle will happen!"—but the column ultimately concluded with a simple message: "Thank you, pro wrestling. And goodbye, pro wrestling." It was a case of poetic justice—a departure perfectly befitting Fuyuki—and with it, the final countdown had officially begun.

H d. Kodo Fuyuki (6:26)

H & Mr. Gannosuke vs. Masato Tanaka & Balls Mahoney 4/11/00

In the world of FMW's "entertainment pro wrestling," sudden mishaps and incidents frequently erupt both inside and outside the ring. Both the audience and the media had, to a certain extent, developed a kind of immunity to such shocks; they had resigned themselves to the view that tolerating—and even embracing—such chaos was simply part of the fun of "entertainment pro wrestling."

However, as FMW continued to push the boundaries, the audience grew increasingly hardened to such entertainment, evolving into a formidable fanbase that could no longer be easily surprised by mere run-of-the-mill thrills. The moment events inside the ring ceased to outpace the fans' own imaginations, FMW would find itself facing a dead end.

At that point, the entertainment would lose its very meaning—and, worse yet, risk degenerating into nothing more than mere "theatrical staging." This was precisely the source of H's growing sense of crisis. Hayabusa had once sacrificed his very self to remain the quintessential "babyface," dedicating his life to the service of FMW; he had—or so it seemed—shed that image along with his mask.

Yet, for better or for worse, the specter of Hayabusa's past image continued to haunt his new persona, "H." Even as the strait-laced H consciously strove to shake off that legacy, it could be said that the fans were simply not yet ready to accept such a transformation. And so, at the opening match of the current tour—having previously declared himself a "superstar"—H finally decided to back up his words with brute force at the Korakuen Hall event on April 11th.

The accident occurred moments after the opening bell. Mahoney suddenly charged at H and, utilizing a never-before-seen maneuver—the "Super Nut Cracker Suite"—knocked him out cold. Taking a dangerous blow to the head from the second rope, H lost consciousness.

His second, Sasaki, immediately determined that H was unfit to continue the match and carried him off to the medical room. For H, this amounted to a humiliating "forfeit"; yet, given the circumstances, Sasaki’s decision was undoubtedly the appropriate course of action. The remainder of the bout devolved into a handicap match pitting Mahoney and Tanaka against Gannosuke—a grueling ordeal that proved far too steep a challenge for Gannosuke, who was only just returning to action after an extended absence.

Gannosuke was being mercilessly pummeled by the two ECW invaders. Then, an unexpected pinch-hitter suddenly leaped into the ring: Fuyuki. After blasting Tanaka and Mahoney with lariats, Fuyuki stood tall in the ring like a guardian deity. However, even he could not stem the ferocious onslaught of the ECW forces. Grabbing a microphone to declare, "I don't care if it's 'H' or you—I'm taking you both out!"—a declaration of indiscriminate brutality—Tanaka used Mahoney's foreign object to gash Fuyuki's forehead, then subjected Gannosuke to a brutal Powerbomb on the arena floor. The tide of battle had turned into a completely one-sided rout. It seemed all hope was lost...

Just as an air of resignation began to settle over the crowd, a second pinch-hitter—following in Fuyuki's footsteps—made his appearance. Even as a white silhouette sprinted down the red-corner ramp and stepped onto the ring apron, the audience still struggled to comprehend what was unfolding right before their eyes. Yet, that white silhouette was unmistakably Hayabusa.

A moment of stunned bewilderment gave way to an explosion of catharsis. Hayabusa executed a Quebrada, followed by a Topé Atomico leading into a Moonsault Press; then came his signature corner-charging maneuver—the "Hayabusa Special." Moves that had been an everyday sight in the FMW ring just a year prior now sent the crowd into a frenzy. Regrettably, however, Hayabusa was still suffering from the physical toll he had endured while wrestling as "H."

Although he managed to corner Tanaka with a Firebird Splash and a Falcon Arrow, his momentum was halted by Tanaka's Rolling Elbow; ultimately, a direct hit from Tanaka's Diamond Dust sealed his fate, resulting in a three-count defeat. The audience's nostalgic reverie was abruptly shattered—dragged back to harsh reality by the words of "H" himself, who had since removed his mask.

Shoving aside President Arai—who had entered the ring to demand an explanation for this transformation into Hayabusa—"H" roared: "Don't you dare nitpick everything a superstar does! Who gives a damn about Tanaka? Who gives a damn about ECW? Boo me all you want! I am Superstar 'H'!" With those defiant words—even egging on the fans' boos as he went—he exited the ring. What remained in the audience was a collective question mark. Why had H brought Hayabusa into the mix? And why, after offering a glimpse of the dream of Hayabusa's return, had he so abruptly cast it aside? It was all a riddle posed by H.

"It's fine if you don't get it now; you’ll understand eventually. All I want to do, above all else, is completely shatter the image of FMW—and of Hayabusa—that exists in all your heads. That is where the real beginning lies." With those words, H flashed a sly, knowing grin. The fact that he had unilaterally resurrected Hayabusa remained a contentious issue, yet H simply brushed it aside, declaring, "I have absolutely no obligation to answer to anyone else!" The man who loved Hayabusa more than anyone—the man who, with a broken heart, had once been forced to seal Hayabusa away—now, as H, was systematically destroying that very image. And now, as a superstar, he intends to destroy even FMW itself. Amidst the desolate ruins of an FMW he has utterly demolished—what, exactly, does H intend to create? Only H knows the answer...

Hayabusa: <H, Post-Match> "I bet everyone’s furious right now... probably. But it's fine if you don't get it; you'll understand eventually. For now, all I ask is that you let yourselves be constantly shocked, perplexed, and bewildered by everything I do from here on out—and that you find yourselves unable to look away. Above all else, what I want to do is completely shatter the image of FMW—and of Hayabusa—that exists in all your heads. That is where the real beginning lies. So go ahead—worry about it to your heart's content. (Laughs.)

This guy—Hayabusa—is something *I* created; he belongs to *me*! And regarding that... I have absolutely no obligation to answer to anyone else!"

Masato Tanaka & Balls Mahoney d. H & Mr. Gannosuke when Tanaka pinned H (21:29)

First of all, what happened at Korakuen Hall... I lost consciousness and ended up in a rather embarrassing state, but I woke up pretty quickly. However, I thought it would be cool as Superstar H if I went out like that. I was going to Los Angeles the next day and had my Hayabusa costume with me, so I thought I'd go for it. I wanted to shock everyone. Well, Hayabusa is a necessary asset when expanding into America. I intended to perform as Hayabusa in America. The reason for that is that, originally, that was the reason Hayabusa was created, so I wanted him to act with his original purpose in mind.

Come to think of it, before the new FMW was formed, Hayabusa had a match in Los Angeles. Maybe there was some kind of connection there. When I was offered the role, I immediately thought I'd do it. I was told that I was appearing without permission, but I'm doing it with the company's best interests in mind, so if I get results, the company can't say anything, right? I'll keep moving forward like this from now on. First of all, about the story of this movie, Hayabusa is invited from Japan to coach two aspiring wrestlers in professional wrestling. It's a pretty good role. Aside from the action scenes, it's just my face, but of course the character's name is Hayabusa. I was there for six days, from April 12th to 17th. I arrived on the 12th and filmed action scenes on the 13th and 14th. Hollywood, and the surrounding area, is basically a filming location.

By ordinance, they are obligated to cooperate with filming, so the whole city is like a movie set. We even filmed at the airport. At first, the director didn't seem to like me. Of course, that's understandable, since I'm an unknown guy from Japan as an actor. But as soon as he saw me move in the action scenes, his attitude changed completely (laughs). He was like, "This guy is amazing!" No matter how famous an American actor is, they probably can't do a quebrada and a Fire Bird Splash. At that point, the director was really enthusiastic.

He even said, "Next time, I want to make a movie about the story of Hayabusa itself." I wonder if that's true (laughs). One of the lines was, "If you win, run away. Just take the money and run!" It was half Japanese and half English. I could manage to memorize the English lines from the script. I had a Japanese interpreter with me, so I didn't have to worry about communication with the staff. But it was difficult to make the right facial expressions to match the lines. It's not like in Japanese where you can immediately express emotions. I thought the action scenes were easier. I don't even know how the movie ends myself (laughs). I'll only find out when it's finished. Of course, I don't know if all the scenes we filmed will be used, so I'm looking forward to it too. Apparently, I appear throughout the whole movie. You can think of me as being like Mr. Miyagi from "The Karate Kid."

Rob Kaman? For some reason, he was there. We took a commemorative photo... I didn't know why he was there until the very end either (laughs). It was my first time appearing in a movie, so everything felt fresh and new. It was a fascinating learning experience, as I learned so many new things. I'd love to do more projects, both domestically and internationally, if the opportunity arises. The best part was getting my Hollywood actor's license! I didn't get it this time, but I'll get it next time, and once I get it, I'll be able to act without any problems for the next year. I'll be a Hollywood-certified actor, so that's a great perk! Ah, I really want to get my license soon, but I don't know when that will be... Also, I was so happy to be able to play the character Hayabusa, whom I created, and to be able to do that over there. I never imagined I'd be recognized in this way. The movie is scheduled to be released in the US this winter, but unfortunately it won't be shown in Japan (laughs). However, it might be released on video, so please keep your fingers crossed.

— First off—and I imagine this is something everyone wants to know—could you tell us the true story behind the "revival" of Hayabusa at Korakuen Hall on April 11th?

H: Well, calling it a "revival" doesn't quite capture the nuance. Ultimately, yes, I performed in the Hayabusa attire, but the person inside that costume is fundamentally different from the Hayabusa everyone has come to know and expect. Unfortunately—or perhaps fortunately—I won't be shedding any more tears. In fact, there are times when *I* feel like asking *you*: "What exactly is Hayabusa, anyway?" Sure, Hayabusa might have had a pristine image; he might have been flashy and glamorous. But that's all it was—just an image. If you look at his actual track record—at what he truly accomplished in terms of substance... well, when viewed against the entire landscape of the professional wrestling world, it amounts to very little. And since I, myself, am fully aware of that reality... I decided that rather than clinging to that legacy in some awkward, half-hearted way—if that's all it really amounts to—I'd be better off just tearing it all down. As the very person who created Hayabusa, that approach actually feels far more satisfying and authentic to me. Hayabusa doesn't exist merely to remain preserved as some pristine, idealized memory in the minds of others. I couldn't care less what the people who used to watch Hayabusa think about it now. Besides, there are plenty of people these days who don't even know who Hayabusa is. So, I figured: why sweat the small details? I'll just go out there and do my thing.

— That may be true, but it is also a fact that there are still many fans who hold a deep emotional attachment to Hayabusa.

H: I want people like that to weep.

— If you take a look around the internet, fan reactions regarding the revival of Hayabusa are decidedly mixed.

H: It's only natural that there would be mixed reactions—in fact, if there were absolutely no reaction at all, doing this would have been completely pointless. On the contrary, I personally find it more interesting when the negative reactions outweigh the positive ones. After all, doing something that gets accepted right from the very start isn't really all that interesting, is it?

— You mentioned earlier that you intend to "destroy" things; what exactly are you trying to create out of that destruction?

H: Just look at FMW right now—it simply doesn't have the same momentum it had last year.

— You certainly didn't mince your words there.

H: Right? Last year, a guy named Kodo Fuyuki went on the offensive time and again, shattering conventions and breaking down all sorts of barriers. But—and there's no denying it—it feels like things have really scaled down this year. Don't you agree, Mr. Yoshikawa?

— To be honest... ever since that show at the Yokohama Arena back in January or February of last year, things have felt a bit anticlimactic—like a story that just fizzled out.

H: It's reached a point where you just look at it and go, "What the hell are they even doing?" I don't think the fans watching even have a clue what's going on. There's absolutely no clear direction or momentum to the overall flow of things. That goes for the build-up to the May 5th show, too. So, I figured: why don't *I* be the one to shake things up and break the mold this time? If the guy everyone calls the "Ace" starts pulling stunts like this, the company is going to be forced to take some kind of meaningful action in response. If a guy like Shoichi Arai puts his mind to it and devises a strategy to counter me, there's a chance that could spark a whole new wave of major developments. In a way, that's exactly what I'm hoping for. Because that's when things really start to get interesting. Up until now, there's been this perception that FMW is one big "family"—and I'm sure there were people who genuinely liked that atmosphere—but once we started branding ourselves as "Entertainment Pro-Wrestling," people need to let go of that mindset.

— There is one thing that concerns me, though: President Arai has stated, "If anyone is dissatisfied with the company, they are free to quit; furthermore, we reserve the right to terminate employment from our end." Given that stance, if you go around doing whatever you please, isn't there a very real possibility that *you*—H—could end up receiving a pink slip?

H: There’s no way they can fire me. Sure, getting rid of me would be easy enough—but do you really think they could find someone to take my place just like that? To put it another way, I've got a strange sort of confidence in myself. Of course, I'm doing all of this fully prepared to get fired if that's how it turns out.

— Did you catch what Tanaka said at Narita Airport yesterday? He stated, "I want a singles match against Hayabusa at the May 5th Komazawa show."

H: So, he wants to face Hayabusa? It seems everyone is still fixated on Hayabusa, after all. Well, if that's what the fans want to see—and especially if it's what my opponent desires—then I'll gladly accept the challenge.

— So, does that mean...?

H: Yes, Hayabusa vs. Tanaka at Komazawa on May 5th is officially set. At this point, the "Hayabusa" persona holds no special significance for me anymore; so, if Tanaka wants to fight Hayabusa, I'll go out there dressed as Hayabusa just for him. Whether he's facing "H" or "Hayabusa," Tanaka has yet to beat me in a singles match—so I, this superstar, will graciously grant him that opportunity.

— You just brought up the word "superstar." I take it that your "superstar" declaration was essentially a statement of intent—a declaration that you intend to "live life on your own terms," ​​is that right?

H: Exactly. It's about being true to myself—acting for my own sake, not for the sake of others. If people come along who resonate with that, well, that might be interesting in its own way... but if they actually try to *follow* me, that just ends up being a hassle. I'm not asking anyone—the fans—to cheer for me. On the contrary, I'd rather they reject me. Why do they struggle so hard to try and *validate* everything I do? Why not just reject me outright? What I do isn't "justice." What Hayabusa did was justice, sure, but that has nothing to do with me anymore. If you keep looking at things from that perspective, you’re just going to get confused.

— Well, FMW fans tend to be somewhat forgiving, don't they?

H: That's exactly why they need to stop viewing things through the lens of their own convenient, self-serving interpretations. Otherwise, they won't be able to enjoy the entertainment. I want them to react to exactly what they see—to respond based on their immediate instincts and sensibilities in that very moment.

— So, driven by this mindset of "destruction," are you striking out on your own in an attempt to inject some fresh energy into FMW?

H: Or rather, I'm simply trying to mold FMW into an environment where *I* feel comfortable existing. Sure, I admit I'm acting pretty selfishly right now. My actions regarding Hayabusa fall into that category, as does this business with the American movie project. But for the company, these things shouldn't be a detriment—quite the opposite. Take the movie project, for instance; it might actually lead to something concrete down the line. I'm not just doing this aimlessly. Right now, I’m in the phase of sowing the seeds.

— Do you think President Arai actually understands that much?

H: He probably *does* understand it—which is precisely why he's so frustrated. He likely wants to keep everything firmly under his own control, but—sorry to break it to him—I have absolutely no intention of letting that happen.

— Do you intend to continue utilizing Hayabusa in your plans even after the Komazawa show?

H: If the mood strikes me, that is. Originally, the Hayabusa persona was created for use overseas; so, if the opportunity arises to compete in America, I'll certainly step into the ring as Hayabusa. I believe having that persona is essential for connecting with the audience over there. Therefore, I intend to utilize Hayabusa as a tool—a means to elevate my own status. Even here in Japan, if there are people who wish to see it, and if I feel inclined, I'll bring it out. Ideally, I'd like to tell them to come all the way to America to watch me, but even I wouldn't go quite that far—that would just be cruel.

— In my view... isn't "H" using Hayabusa as a stepping stone to become a true superstar in every sense of the word?

H: Exactly. That's precisely it. I certainly acknowledge the value of Hayabusa, but there's no point in simply keeping him locked away safely in a cage. You have to take him out, tinker with him, and even break him down a little.

— After all, if he just remains locked in that cage, he'll forever be nothing more than a benchmark for comparison. In that case, it might be better to simply shatter that illusion entirely.

H: I've determined that this is the best course of action for me right now, so outsiders have no business complaining about it. While it's true that the Hayabusa persona was shaped, in part, by the collective hopes and expectations of the fans, those "extra attachments" don't constitute the *entirety* of what Hayabusa means to *me*. From this point forward, you might see my "heel" side emerge, or you might see my "babyface" side. I am a human being, after all—I have emotions. All I intend to do is honestly express whatever emotions I'm feeling at that moment, right there in the ring, and let the audience witness it. I'm done with manufacturing a persona for myself the way I used to in the past.

— Also, I'd like to ask your thoughts on Mr. Fuyuki, who is set to retire at the upcoming Komazawa show... He's faced his fair share of criticism over the years, but I believe his contributions to FMW have been immense.

H: I absolutely acknowledge his contributions. I realize that Kodo Fuyuki's actions have been met with mixed reactions—some positive, some negative—but I firmly believe that his impact is something that simply *must* be recognized. The fact that I am able to make moves and take action now is, in large part, due to the way he was operating behind the scenes last year. I genuinely find the ideas and strategies brewing inside his head to be fascinating. Honestly, I do feel it would be a terrible waste to let all that potential simply fade away and be forgotten... but ultimately, what he chooses to do with it is entirely up to him. Looking back on it now, perhaps the era of FMW following the November 23rd show at Yokohama Arena was, in fact, nothing more than a transitional period.

— Well... with Hayabusa's return, it feels like things are suddenly about to kick into high gear.

H: Wouldn't you say that served as the perfect catalyst? I imagine it's exactly what Hayabusa wanted, too.

— So, what significance does the May 5th Komazawa show hold for FMW as it stands right now?

H: Komazawa marks a new starting line. That's why—if you don't watch Komazawa—I think it's going to be hard to follow where FMW is headed between now and the end of the year. You know, FMW currently suffers from a negative public image—one that seems to precede everything else we do. That applies to the whole "Director" situation, and it applies to our internal company affairs as well. But I feel like that's just an impression the fans and the media have conjured up on their own; it doesn't necessarily reflect how we—the people actually involved—feel about things. Besides, we have no desire to put on a style of pro wrestling that leaves the audience constantly worrying about us. I want to tell them: "Shut up! Just leave us alone! We're going to deliver the goods, so just wait and see!"

Now, if I actually say that, I'm sure the fans will call me ungrateful or say I "just don't get it"... but the fact remains: FMW doesn't belong to any single one of you. Of course, it belongs to *everyone*—but it doesn't belong to any *individual*. We aren't going to fulfill every single wish you guys have for us—nor do we have any intention of doing so. In the best possible sense, we're going to keep defying your expectations. So, yeah... just watch us.

Upon entering, H abruptly began a mini talk show. "I have a strong desire not to be confined to a mold. I took off the Hayabusa mask and became H. And it's been six months since I became H. Now I'm in a huge dilemma because I feel like I'm about to be confined to the mold of H. Like Fuyuki said, there will come a day when I leave the ring. And that day might not be so far away... Anyway, I don't want to have any regrets. I decided to become a wrestler because I don't want to have any regrets in my life. So, I just don't want to have any regrets. When I leave the ring, I want to leave with the feeling that I'm really glad I became a wrestler. Of course, I've always done my best in each and every moment, and I can still say that with pride. But for some reason, I feel like there's something left in my heart. I don't know what it is. But something is there. I really want to do something about it. So from now on, I'll continue to do things my own way. Because I'm Superstar H!"

In the manga "TOY," there was a story in which the protagonist, a young rock star, enters the entertainment industry and is targeted by his fanatical fans. "I don't want to see you rot away. So I'll kill you with my own hands. That way, your value will be eternal." Cases of charismatic figures being targeted by their admirers have happened many times throughout history. Come to think of it, John Lennon also fell victim to a fan's bullet. After the match, Tanaka's words reminded me of that. It was a resolve born of deep emotion. "FMW is a complete mess internally. If that's the case, the wrestlers won't be able to keep up. If that's the case, I, who I think has the strongest attachment to FMW, will destroy it in Komazawa, along with Hayabusa. FMW will end in Komazawa!"

When Tanaka returned to this ring from America, he said the reason was "love for ECW," but in essence, FMW had not disappeared. No, on the contrary, he still prides himself on having the strongest attachment to it. That's why he's continued to denounce the current FMW, which has become something different from the image he had of it. But it seems he's finally decided to fix it himself. Even if he becomes an ECW employee, he doesn't want to see the FMW he loves change any further. As if unleashing his pent-up emotions, Tanaka dominated the match from the start, driving Gannosuke into a bloody mess, tormenting him. Even Gannosuke couldn't stop Tanaka's momentum and passion. He plunged him into a sea of ​​blood, as if to show off to Hayabusa, whom he would face at Komazawa. H immediately rushed in, but was stunned by Gannosuke's words, "What am I to you?!"—the most painful thing to hear in his current position. Then Tanaka attacked, wrapping a rope around H's neck and dragging him outside the arena. He then delivered a spectacular punishment, dragging H through the middle of Shibuya. With everyone's feelings intensely clashing, has FMW truly become something completely different, just as Tanaka envisioned? To be honest, I don't know what the answer might be. This is the first time I've felt this way since I started watching FMW.

H & Tetsuhiro Kuroda & Koji Nakagawa vs. Kodo Fuyuki & Kyoko Inoue & Chocoball Mukai 4/28/00

It was a letter from someone unexpected for H, and "a bit of a surprise." The letter, handwritten on Japanese paper, arrived the day before the opening show of the series. Jinsei Shinzaki was a friend who supported and sometimes fought alongside H when H was with Hayabusa. Even though time had passed, there was still some connection between them, so their current relationship felt very natural. That's why H was surprised by the sudden letter. The letter expressed Jinsei's discomfort with H's recent words and actions. It was rare for Jinsei to express such feelings, even through writing. Jinsei, who was questioning the series of actions H had taken since his superstar declaration, was coming to Komazawa on May 5th to find out the truth. It would be their first reunion since Jinsei revealed his true identity. Of course, H had no intention of changing his mind no matter how Jinsei perceived him. At the same time, he still considered him a friend. "In terms of life, you might only remember me from my Hayabusa days, but if you want to come, I'll make sure to prepare a special seat for you, so you can see who I am now."

On this day, H got off to a great start, defeating Fuyuki's team, who had become the new 6-man tag team champions just three days earlier, as a trio with Kuroda and Nakagawa. There was no sign of any inner conflict regarding his life. What awaits him after this reunion with his close friend? In addition to the human drama with Tanaka, there is a feeling that another drama will unfold in Komazawa.

H & Tetsuhiro Kuroda & Koji Nakagawa d. Kodo Fuyuki & Kyoko Inoue & Chocoball Mukai when H pinned Mukai (16:41)

H & Mr. Gannosuke vs. Masato Tanaka & Sabu 5/3/00

The difference in momentum between Tanaka and H was starkly evident in this match. Sabu, who joined the tour for the first time, had teamed with Tanaka several times on the ECW mat. With the ECW wrestlers canceling their visit to Japan, Tanaka had been forced to fight alone, so the arrival of reinforcements was a godsend. However, Sabu was in terrible shape that day due to side effects from medication he was taking for a stomach ailment. Judging from his movements in the early stages of the match, he was in no condition to face the powerful combination of H and Gannosuke.

However, even that was no handicap for the spirited Tanaka. Sabu mainly played a supporting role, and in the ring he fought valiantly against H and Gannosuke, even smashing H's forehead in the first half of the match and actually gaining the upper hand. In the final stages, the ring became a one-on-one battle between H and Tanaka, as if it were a preview of their direct confrontation two days later.

However, H, who had a cut not only on his forehead but also across the corner of his right eye, seemed to have lost vision in one eye, and his H Edge and Firebird moves lacked their usual sharpness, preventing him from getting the three count. In the end, Tanaka endured these moves and unleashed a series of powerful moves before landing his finishing move, Diamond Dust, to secure a clear three count against H. After the match, seemingly provoked by Tanaka, H finally declared that he would be competing as Hayabusa in Komazawa. However, it felt less like a decision he made of his own accord and more like he had been driven to the point where he had no choice but to say it. Two days before the decisive battle, the wind was clearly pushing Tanaka forward.

Masato Tanaka & Sabu d. H & Mr. Gannosuke when Tanaka pinned H (17:48)