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Tenzan's new army, Inoki Bar, Nagata supports Simon, Goto's CMLL debut by Stuart - 02 Oct 2006
 Ookami Gundan, nWo Japan, Team 2000, Black New Japan... Hiroyoshi Tenzan has been part of them all, but in each he was in the shadow of his teacher, Chono. No more! After bloodying his former senpai and completely defeating him in Osaka, Tenzan has taken the next step to truly becoming his own man. Tenzan called a press conference today with former IWGP Provisional Tag Team Champions, Koshinaka and Makabe, to announce the formation of his first ever faction. Tenzan said he had been planning a new army for some time, but felt he had to defeat Chono first before doing it. The time of the new Tenzan has started, and he promised to achieve more than Chono ever has. Tenzan compared Makabe to himself a long time ago, hungry for big scalps and fired up. Although Makabe has been feuding with Yano and company for much of this year, Tenzan wants him to aim for the top and wants to not only lend his own power to Makabe's career, but use Makabe's power for his own. Makabe said he accepted this chance in a flash, and displayed his WEW World Title as proof that he is becoming more powerful than ever before. Koshinaka didn't say much, but brought up the possibility of he and Makabe's mortal enemies, Yano and Ishii, possibly being invited into the group. Tenzan said there is something insufficient about New Japan and he plans to change that. Although his army only has three wrestlers right now, he's by no means done, and plans to speak to others yet. The criteria for joining his group is to "be strong, bad, and cool". Tenzan promised a new wave in New Japan starting today, and to boost this he will be looking to capture the IWGP Heavyweight Title from Tanahashi on 10/9.  New Japan announced today that an Inoki Saka Bar will open in the popular Ikebukuro region of Tokyo on 10/25 (the Okinawa version is also supposed to open soon). Business hours will be 5pm to 5am, with last call at 4am, and there will have over 130 different types of drinks on offer. They will also sell meat and seafood meals, and Inoki has apparently designed many of the dishes himself. Many professional wrestling words linked to Inoki, like "Manjigatame", "dropkick", "backdrop", "Axe Bomber", and "lariat", will be worked into the menu as well. Many of Inoki's official goods will be put on sale in the bar, such as towels and t-shirts, while daily events are planned. There will be many monitors in the place, showing Inoki's classic matches, and for added entertainment, there will be a darts corner and slot machines. Whether for people tired after work or for pro wrestling fans who want to meet up, New Japan (the owners of Inoki's likeness and image) and the creators of this franchise (G.communication Group) are hoping it will be a success, so if you take a trip to Tokyo in future, look out for this place (@ Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima Ward, Tokyo, 1-41-4 Ikebukuro Tokyu building 4F). Nagata has offered his support to President Simon, after the boss declared that he's going to follow the trend of remodeling his body so he can defend himself against Chono in future. Nagata, who held a t-shirt sale meeting at his new relaxation salon in Tokyo, said Simon should build a body that is better than Chono's, then take part in New Japan's joint practice at the dojo to gain the support of wrestlers and fans. New Japan is running a daily countdown to this Sunday's WRESTLE LAND show. With it being one day before Sumo Hall (I'm not sure who schedules things like this...), it could easily be overlooked, so this countdown is an attempt to avoid that and hype it. Its quite interesting to read the stories and meaning behind each match, for example the tale of how Tanahashi created the Masked Devilock masked character for one collaberation show at Korakuen in 2004, and how Makai has brought in a Makai version to try and psyche him out. That was the first installment, and today's, the second installment, talks about Taguchi vs. Milano and how both have studied lucha libre and should have a competitive match. ( Update: They've started a countdown for Sumo Hall too, check out the photo of Devitt flaunting the CTU goods to try and gain membership.) New Japan's on-excursion youngster, Hirooki Goto, will make his Arena Mexico debut next week. Goto has had many adventures in Mexico already, not all of them in the ring. Besides some independent appearances, he has been training a lot to prepare himself for the lucha libre style. Next week he finally enters the big time with CMLL, teaming with his new friend and fellow New Japan dojo graduate, Kenzo Suzuki, along with the L.A. Dojo's Alex Koslov, against three Mexican stars, all of whom have wrestled in New Japan in the last few years. (Thanks to thecubsfan for this information, and check his lucha blog for more info on Mexican pro wrestling) CMLL, 10/6/06
Arena Mexico- Rey Bucanero, Felino & El Texano Jr. vs. Kenzo Suzuki, Hirooki Goto & Alex Koslov
| by TS @ 02 Oct 2006 06:17 am |
Tenzan as Chono
Makabe as Tenzan
Koshinaka as Hiro
pretty cool but more members would be good. if Ishii and Yano and CTU(i wonder if this could split them in half?) join it will be a mega cool unit. |
| by Stuart @ 02 Oct 2006 06:36 am |
The army war I've been wanting for ages is finally starting! I can't wait to see how it pans out. Right now it looks like...
Tanahashi, Nagata, Nakanishi (<--- could Tenzan lure one of these away or will they use the #2 spot to elevate Makabe?), Choshu, Iizuka, Yamamoto, Yujiro, Uwano, Hirasawa
vs.
Chono, Nakamura, Bernard, Tomko, Machine, Milano
vs.
Tenzan, Koshinaka, Makabe
Now how do Yano, Ishii, and CTU factor in? There have been rumours of a CTU split, which makes me wonder if New Japan would take an openweight route by having CTU divide between Chono and Tenzan's groups (with the regular army juniors with the regular army heavyweights), and fight in both the heavyweight and junior divisions. |
| by Russ @ 02 Oct 2006 07:22 am |
Stu are you convinced Bernard is going to stay with Chono?
Tenzan's always been the #2 guy in a group... always doing the dirty work. Now he's the boss
Its good to be the king! |
| by Stuart @ 02 Oct 2006 07:24 am |
| Well, I guess he could turn, but I don't know. If Yano/Ishii join Tenzan's crew, then I doubt Bernard/Tomko would, as Tenzan's crew would already have two tag teams. You know, this would be the perfect time for Scott Norton's return as part of Tenzan's crew... |
| by Ganon Dun @ 02 Oct 2006 08:17 am |
| I enjoy how logical the way this group has turned out so far, the young guy Makabe, the veteran Koshinaka and the guy apparently in his prime, Tenzan. I don't really enjoy Makabe or Tenzan in-ring though. |
| by mick @ 02 Oct 2006 08:40 am |
| alright then, tenzan/makabe/koshinaka vs. chono/nakamura/bernard, lets have it! |
| by Walter @ 02 Oct 2006 08:56 am |
Tenzan should have waited to announce this until after he came away with the IWGP Championship. But, I assume he is attempting to play mind games.
Ok shoot now, it looks to be really interesting. |
| by Skully @ 02 Oct 2006 09:27 am |
Oooooooooooooo!
NJ version of WWF NY!!!! |
| by Tradition Rules @ 02 Oct 2006 10:16 am |
"You know, this would be the perfect time for Scott Norton's return as part of Tenzan's crew..."
I'm sure Scott would love for that to come about... 
But how would that effect his group he is looking to start up here in Phoenix? a working agreement w/ New Japan & U.S. excursions here to PHX, AZ for Young Lions & up & comers would rock (for those of us here in Phoenix!  ).
T.R! |
| by PuroFreak @ 02 Oct 2006 10:39 am |
| I think Lyger could join because he teams with Tenzan in the G1 Tag League. If CTU split up I think Minoru and Goto would go to Chono, with Lyger, Jado, Gedo going to Tenzan. I don't know about Black Tiger IV, does he still wrestle in NJPW? |
| by High Flying Star @ 02 Oct 2006 10:39 am |
Tenzan's Army - I love it!
I would like to see Jado/Gedo with Tenzan, while Liger & Minoru keep the CTU name and add new guys to it. I would also like to see Liger with the NJ army, but they already are strong with Kanemoto and Tiger Mask.
I really hope they elevate Makabe into the "new Tenzan", and have him as the rival of Nakamura and Tanahashi.
I don't like Ishii and Yano joining Tenzan, because it lacks logic since their mortal enemies are there, but I guess it would be a good way to end their feud (with an "I respect you" storyline).
So fun.... |
| by ET @ 02 Oct 2006 11:21 am |
I was wondering if there was any group that could actualy fit with Tenzan as the leader and this one seems perfect. Yano and Ishii would be good fits for it. It would also be interestign if the had some of the APche Army guys who align with them join.
Would prefer CTU to stay together though a split between Tenzan abd Chono would be interesting. |
| by Crpls @ 02 Oct 2006 03:16 pm |
| If CTU split, who will defend freedom from terrorists like Tiger Mask and Wataru?! |
| by The Hater @ 02 Oct 2006 04:31 pm |
the Funky Weapon...  |
| by ANIMETAL GOD @ 02 Oct 2006 08:01 pm |
| Tenzan Makabe and Koshinaka?...things are gonna get bloody. I'm TOTALLY looking forward to it!!! |
| by The Extreme @ 02 Oct 2006 08:26 pm |
| They have a good excuse to give Tenzan a decent title run now. |
| by thunderbird @ 02 Oct 2006 09:44 pm |
| It is also possible, Extreme that this factionalizing could distract Tenzan...if he does not beat Tanahashi, he could be bogged down in a war with Chono, something I think he should avoid. But at least he's got a solid team watching his back. |
| by Stuart @ 02 Oct 2006 11:12 pm |
| Daily Sports lists the group as "Utsukushii Shin Nihon" or "Beautiful New Japan", as in they want to bring back the "beautiful" New Japan that Tenzan and Koshinaka were a key part of in the 90s. But I don't think thats their official name yet. It says Tenzan is negotiating with Liger, Jado, and Gedo, but didn't actually mention Minoru. |
| by k.D.b @ 03 Oct 2006 02:11 am |
The Criteria is to be "Strong ad and cool"....
I' strong
I'm bad and
I'm Cool
Can I join Tenzan?
LOL |
| by k.D.b @ 03 Oct 2006 02:13 am |
| Sorry meant "Strong Bad and Cool" |
| by Scorpion @ 03 Oct 2006 02:53 am |
I think it's fairly obvious that Jado & Gedo are breaking away from CTU to join Tenzan. It would make sense with Jado and Gedo helping Tenzan improve his physique, which (in kayfabe) helped him win the G1.
Also I don't see Liger going over to Tenzan. Liger is the leader of CTU and its doubtful that he would give up his leadership role to Tenzan.
Everyone seems to think Tenzan is taking down Tanahashi, but I personally disagree. I see Tenzan losing and using the loss as an excuse to rampage with his new group. Honestly the guy I see beating Tanahashi is Nakamura once he works his way up. I just don't think we'll see the title change hands so soon after the tumultuous Brock Lesnar times. |
| by Purofied @ 03 Oct 2006 01:47 pm |
I'm feeling the same way, Tenzan will be busy setting up and vocalizing his faction to grab a hold of the title right now. Even if he'll lose the fans will have his new group biz to look forward to, so he shouldn't fade.
And if CTU should split maybe it shouldnt be amicable, so it would force Liger to scout for new members and keep him busy for another year. He wouldnt have to look far, K-Dojo has so many suitable characters to keep CTU alive and fresh. |
| by The Hater @ 03 Oct 2006 04:26 pm |
"Sorry meant "Strong Bad and Cool""
but... Tenzan's got a lead like Strong Mad. And Makabe would clearly be the Cheat. |
| by Zemeckis @ 03 Oct 2006 06:48 pm |
| That shirt Kosh is wearing isn't displaying coolness... |
| by Stuart @ 03 Oct 2006 11:04 pm |
| Today's Tokyo Sports: Tenzan invites Nagata and Nakanishi to join his army. Will either accept? I think it would be interesting if one did (although wouldn't it be interesting if Tanahashi did?) and would probably pick Nakanishi, as Tenzan/Nakanishi is a fresh alliance, Nakanishi isn't doing much, and Nagata doesn't like being a heel (sadly). |
| by The Diamondhead @ 06 Oct 2006 08:32 pm |
| No shirt on earth could undo the coolness you rightfully earn by wearing white jogging pants and shoving your ass in people's faces for 20 years running. |
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