After the Split - All Japan Pro-Wrestling 2013

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In 2013 All Japan Pro-Wrestling underwent another split, thirteen years after the 2000 split that formed Pro-Wrestling NOAH almost ruined the promotion. After disagreements with Nobuo Shiraishi over the position of presidency, the legendary figure Keiji Mutoh resigned from his post with the promotion, taking many of the active roster with him who remained loyal to him. This included stars such as Masakatsu Funaki, but also younger wrestlers such as KAI, Seiya Sanada and Masayuki Kono. On June 30th 2013, All Japan held "PRO-WRESTLING LOVE IN RYOGOKU" at Sumo Hall, drawing 6,500 fans to see the main event of Suwama retaining the Triple Crown over Jun Akiyama in 22 minutes with a Last Ride Powerbomb. Below are the full results:

AJPW "PRO-WRESTLING LOVE IN RYOGOKU ~AN ABIDING BELIEF~", 30.06.2013 (GAORA TV)
Tokyo Ryogoku Kokugikan
6,500 Fans

1. 3 Way Match: Hikaru Sato d. Hiroshi Yamato & Kazushi Miyamoto (8:04) when he used a German Suplex on Yamato.
2. Masanobu Fuchi & SUSHI d. Tamon Honda & MAZADA (9:31) when Fuchi used an Inside Cradle on MAZADA.
3. Akebono, Ryota Hama & Osamu Nishimura d. Masakatsu Funaki, Masayuki Kono & Koji Kanemoto (6:20) when Akebono used a Jumping Body Press on Kono.
4. Takao Omori & Taiyo Kea d. Joe Doering & Yasufumi Nakanoue (10:08) when Omori used an Axe Bomber on Nakanoue.
5. KENSO Return Match: Go Shiozaki d. KENSO (14:35) when he used a Go Flasher.
6. All Asia Tag Team Titles: Kotaro Suzuki & Atsushi Aoki (c) d. Kaz Hayashi & Shuji Kondo (16:55) when Aoki used a Modified Cross Armbreaker on Hayashi (2nd defense).
7. AJPW World Jr. Heavyweight Title: Yoshinobu Kanemaru (c) d Minoru Tanaka (20:20) when he used a Touchout (4th defense).
8. Triple Crown: Suwama (c) d. Jun Akiyama (22:29) when he used a Last Ride (1st defense).

After the show, Mutoh's group left to eventually form Wrestle-1, and All Japan were left with less than half their roster. The situation was so dire that Masanobu Fuchi (59 at this point) would come out of retirement and once again sign a contract with All Japan. Some key members remained, such as Suwama (Triple Crown champion) and Burning (Akiyama, Shiozaki, Kanemaru, Suzuki and Aoki), but All Japan were in a bad way. What will follow is my booking of All Japan immediately following the split, as we try to stabilise the once great company yet again. This is After the Split. 

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Roster (current August 2013):

All Japan Regular Army:

- Suwama - Triple Crown

- Jun Akiyama - AJPW President, AJPW World Tag Team

- Akebono

- Go Shiozaki - AJPW World Tag Team

- Takao Omori

- Joe Doering

- Taiyo Kea

- Osamu Nishimura

- KENSO

- Masao Inoue

- Manabu Soya (injured)

All Japan Jr. Heavyweight Regular Army

- Yoshinobu Kanemaru - AJPW World Jr. Heavyweight
- Kotaro Suzuki - All Asia Tag Team
- Atsushi Aoki - All Asia Tag Team

- Hikaru Sato

- Masanobu Fuchi

- SUSHI

Regular Outsiders:

- Kazushi Miyamoto

- Kento Miyahara

- Low Ki

- MAZADA

Titles and Tournaments:

Triple Crown:

46. [17.03.2013 @ Tokyo Ryogoku Kokugikan] Suwama (3) d. Masakatsu Funaki (30:15) when he used a Last Ride.

1.[30.06.2013 @ Tokyo Ryogoku Kokugikan] Suwama d. Jun Akiyama (22:29) when he used a Last Ride (1st defense).

AJPW World Tag Team:

65. [17.03.2013 @ Tokyo Ryogoku Kokugikan] Jun Akiyama & Go Shiozaki (4/1) d. Takao Omori & Manabu Soya (24:53) when Shiozaki used a Go Flasher on Soya.

1. [02.06.2013 @ Tokyo Korakuen Hall] Jun Akiyama & Go Shiozaki d. Suwama & Joe Doering (28:06) when Shiozaki used a Moonsault Press on Suwama (1st defense).
2. [23.06.2013 @ Sapporo Teisen Hall] Jun Akiyama & Go Shiozaki d. Akebono & Ryota Hama (18:57) when Shiozaki used a Strong-Arm Lariat on Hama (2nd defense).

3. [28.07.2013 @ Tokyo Korakuen Hall] Jun Akiyama & Go Shiozaki d. Suwama & Takao Omori (24:15) when Shiozaki used a Lariat on Omori (3rd defense).

All Asia Tag Team:

92. [25.04.2013 @ Nagoya International Conference Hall] Kotaro Suzuki & Atsushi Aoki (1/1) d. Koji Kanemoto & Minoru Tanaka (23:26) when Suzuki used an Endless Waltz on Tanaka.

1. [18.05.2013 @ Tokyo Korakuen Hall] Kotaro Suzuki & Atsushi Aoki d. Koji Kanemoto & Minoru Tanaka (36:00) when Suzuki used a Tiger Driver on Tanaka (1st defense).
2. [30.06.2013 @ Tokyo Ryogoku Kokugikan] Kotaro Suzuki & Atsushi Aoki d. Kaz Hayashi & Shuji Kondo (16:55) when Aoki used a Modified Cross Armbreaker on Hayashi (2nd defense).

AJPW World Jr. Heavyweight:

35. [23.02.2013 @ Tokyo Korakuen Hall] Yoshinobu Kanemaru (1) d. Shuji Kondo (15:54) when he used a Touch Out.

1. [17.03.2013 @ Tokyo Ryogoku Kokugikan] Yoshinobu Kanemaru d. Kaz Hayashi (14:10) when he used a Touch Out (1st defense).
2. [26.04.2013 @ Matsushita IMP Hall] Yoshinobu Kanemaru d. SUSHI (17:10) when he used a Touch Out (2nd defense).
3. [02.06.2013 @ Tokyo Korakuen Hall] Yoshinobu Kanemaru d. Hiroshi Yamato (14:20) when he used a Touch Out (3rd defense).
4. [30.06.2013 @ Tokyo Ryogoku Kokugikan] Yoshinobu Kanemaru d. Minoru Tanaka (20:20) when he used a Touch Out (4th defense).

GAORA TV:

2. [27.05.2013 @ Cocagne, New Brunswick, Canada] René Duprée (1) d. Seiya Sanada

Champion Carnival:

2013. [9.04.2013 @ Tokyo Korakuen Hall] Final: Jun Akiyama d. KAI (18:57) when he used a Wrist-Clutch Exploder.

Real World Tag League:

2012. [30.11.2012 @ Tokyo Korakuen Hall] Final: Takao Omori & Manabu Soya d. Suwama & Joe Doering (19:44) when Soya used a Wild Bomber on Doering.

Jr. Heavyweight League:

2012. [29.07.2012 @ Tokyo Korakuen Hall] Final: Hiroshi Yamato d. Shuji Kondo (14:28) when he used a Cross-Arm Suplex Hold. 

Jr. Heavyweight Tag League:

2013. [07.04.2013 @ Kuki City Gymnasium] Final: Kotaro Suzuki & Atsushi Aoki d. Hiroshi Yamato & Hikaru Sato (23:15) when Suzuki used a Tiger Driver on Yamato.

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A press conference was held today by All Japan Pro-Wrestling to discuss the upcoming tour, and the fallout of the defection of many of the roster to Keiji Mutoh's burgeoning new promotion. Nobuo Shiraishi led the press conference, and had several major announcements to make. Firstly, Shiraishi announced that all five members of Burning (Jun Akiyama, Go Shiozaki, Yoshinobu Kanemaru, Kotaro Suzuki and Atsushi Aoki) had signed full time contracts with All Japan, ending their status as freelancers after leaving Pro-Wrestling NOAH. Shiraishi then introduced Masanobu Fuchi, who announced that not only had he signed his own contract to officially return to All Japan, but he had also accepted a position to return to the Board of Directors, and promised to assist in moving All Japan forward through this difficult time. Fuchi said that All Japan had seen tougher times than this, and that it would return to full strength soon. Fuchi admitted that some freelancers would make up parts of All Japan cards moving forward, but that they were actively looking for wrestlers to sign up to full contracts, and would be recruiting.

Fuchi then introduced former New Japan wrestler Masahiro Chono, who was as always dressed stylishly all in black. Chono told reporters that he would be continuing in his relatively new position as advisor for All Japan, and said that he had some particular ideas about how the company should progress, and that he would be actively involved moving forward in several major capacities. With that, the upcoming card for the 14.07 Korakuen Hall show was revealed, main evented by Suwama tagging with Omori to face the Burning team of Akiyama and Shiozaki, as well as the dates for the rest of the Summer Action Series tour:

AJPW, 14.07.2013 (GAORA TV)


Tokyo Korakuen Hall

1. Atsushi Aoki vs. MAZADA
2. Masao Inoue & SUSHI vs. Osamu Nishimura & Masanobu Fuchi
3. KENSO & Hikaru Sato vs. Yoshinobu Kanemaru & Kotaro Suzuki
4. Akebono & Taiyo Kea vs. Joe Doering & Kazushi Miyamoto
5. Special Tag Team Match: Suwama & Takao Omori vs. Jun Akiyama & Go Shiozaki

 

AJPW, 15.07.2013
Wakabayashi Gymnasium

AJPW, 17.07.2013
Shinshu Sky Park

AJPW, 19.07.2013
Higashimachi Prefectural Sports Center

AJPW, 21.07.2013
Osaka BODYMAKER COLOSSEUM #2

AJPW, 28.07.2013 (GAORA TV)
Tokyo Korakuen Hall

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AJPW, 14.07.2013 (GAORA TV)


Tokyo Korakuen Hall

984 Fans

1. Atsushi Aoki d. MAZADA (11:30) when he used a Cross Armbreaker.
2. Osamu Nishimura & Masanobu Fuchi d. Masao Inoue & SUSHI (15:55) when Nishimura used a Northern Lights Suplex on SUSHI.
3. KENSO & Hikaru Sato d. Yoshinobu Kanemaru & Kotaro Suzuki (17:08) when Sato used a Cross Armbreaker on Suzuki.
4. Akebono & Taiyo Kea vs. Joe Doering & Kazushi Miyamoto (14:22) when Akebono used a Running Body Press on Miyamoto.
5. Special Tag Team Match: Suwama & Takao Omori d. Jun Akiyama & Go Shiozaki (25:03) when Suwama used a Last Ride on Akiyama.

The main event was a hard hitting affair between four of the strongest heavyweights still remaining in All Japan. There were specific exchanges between Suwama and Shiozaki where it was clear that there was tension and competition between both men, including one long chop exchange, which was eventually ‘won’ by Shiozaki, although both men sank to one knee, before tagging out. The match itself ended when Suwama was able to connect with a German on Akiyama, before hitting the Last Ride for the win. After the match, Suwama & Omori challenged Burning to a tag title match at the end of the tour at Korakuen Hall. Burning accepted the challenge, but said that it will be a different matter when they face with the titles on the line.

Akebono and Joe Doering appeared to have some tension after the semi-final, ending up face to face with each other after some tense exchanges, with their tag partners having to separate them from one another. Backstage Doering said that he’s not done with the former sumo.

After an impressive showing in the 3rd match, clearly developing a more and more serious approach executing some lovely kick combinations, Hikaru Sato made a clear claim that he is coming after Yoshinobu Kanemaru’s Jr. title.

After the second match, a clearly distraught SUSHI walked off alone after taking the fall to Osamu Nishimura in the tag match. As he walked backstage, SUSHI was seen to remove his mask and throw it on the floor.

After the show ended, the updated card for tomorrow's show was posted on All Japan's website, along with confirmation of the AJPW World Tag Team Title match at Korakuen Hall on 28.07:

AJPW, 15.07.2013


Wakabayashi Gymnasium

1. Hikaru Sato vs. MAZADA
2. Battle Royal:
3. KENSO & SUSHI vs. Yoshinobu Kanemaru & Atsushi Aoki
4. Joe Doering & Masao Inoue vs. Akebono & Kazushi Miyamoto

5. All Japan vs. Burning Tag Team Match: Suwama, Takao Omori & Masanobu Fuchi vs. Jun Akiyama, Go Shiozaki & Kotaro Suzuki

AJPW, 28.07.2013 (GAORA TV)


Tokyo Korakuen Hall

1. AJPW World Tag Team Titles: Jun Akiyama & Go Shiozaki (c) vs. Suwama & Takao Omori

[AdamAFL was sooooo wrong]

God All Japan has been decimated so many times in its history, it's a wonder it's still going. Excited to see where you go with this

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AJPW, 15.07.2013


Wakabayashi Gymnasium

490 Fans

1. Hikaru Sato d. MAZADA (9:40) by KO (Right High Kick).
2. Battle Royal: Taiyo Kea d. Osamu Nishimura (12:04) to win the Battle Royal. List of Eliminations: Jun Akiyama, MAZADA, Yoshinobu Kanemaru, Kotaro Suzuki, Hikaru Sato, KENSO & Osamu Nishimura.
3. Yoshinobu Kanemaru & Atsushi Aoki d. KENSO & SUSHI (13:02) when Aoki used a Modified Cross Armbreaker on SUSHI.
4. Akebono & Kazushi Miyamoto d. Joe Doering & Masao Inoue (12:51) when Akebono used a Running Body Press on Inoue.
5. All Japan vs. Burning Tag Team Match: Jun Akiyama, Go Shiozaki & Kotaro Suzuki d. Suwama, Takao Omori & Masanobu Fuchi (21:25) when Akiyama used an Exploder on Fuchi.

The Burning team came away with the win in the main event, with Akiyama getting a modicum of revenge for his defeat on the previous day’s tour show. As before this was another brutal affair, with Suwama and Shiozaki once again having some gripping exchanges, Suwama fighting with elbows, and Shiozaki firing in lighting fast chops, showing off his Kobashi influence. Fuchi put on a good showing after his return to consistent action, having some nice moments against Suzuki. Omori and Suwama showed some excellent teamwork mid-way through the match, working some quicker tags and dropping Shiozaki with a double Lariat combination, with Akiyama making the save for his side. The end came with Fuchi in against Suzuki, who managed to get the upper hand and hit a Running Elbow of his own. Akiyama then tagged in as Shiozaki and Suzuki cleared the ring, and Akiyama finished off the match with an Exploder that left Fuchi down for the three. After the match, Akiyama showed respect to Fuchi, shaking the 59-year old’s hand, before both teams went their separate ways.

Once again there was tension in the semi-final, after Akebono got the win with a Running Body Press on Masao Inoue. The issue was that Joe Doering remained focused on continuing the fight, and got a stomp in on Akebono just after the bell had been rung. This led to both men being separated again, with Doering clearly trying to provoke the former Triple Crown champion. Backstage Akebono said that he wouldn’t be held back for much longer. It was later announced that both men will face off on the tour ending Korakuen Hall show.

SUSHI was again defeated in the 3rd match, and as all members of the match shook hands after the match, SUSHI ignored the handshakes and walked off despondent. KENSO seemed confused by this, but shook the Burning duo’s hands anyway.

After both were surprise entrants in the Battle Royal, Osamu Nishimura and Taiyo Kea showed clear respect for one another, despite Kea eliminating Nishimura last to win.

After this show, All Japan’s website was also filled with new updated cards for the remainder of the tour, as well as confirmation of the singles match between Akebono and Doering for Korakuen Hall.

AJPW, 17.07.2013


Shinshu Sky Park

1. Osamu Nishimura vs. SUSHI
2. Hikaru Sato & MAZADA vs. Kotaro Suzuki & Atsushi Aoki
3. Masanobu Fuchi vs. KENSO
4. Akebono & Taiyo Kea vs. Joe Doering & Kazushi Miyamoto
5. AJPW World Tag Team Skirmish: Suwama, Takao Omori & Masao Inoue vs. Jun Akiyama, Go Shiozaki & Yoshinobu Kanemaru

AJPW, 19.07.2013


Higashimachi Prefectural Sports Center

1. AJPW World Tag Team Skirmish: Suwama, Takao Omori & MAZADA vs. Jun Akiyama, Go Shiozaki & Yoshinobu Kanemaru

AJPW, 21.07.2013


Osaka BODYMAKER COLOSSEUM #2

1. Akebono & SUSHI vs. Joe Doering & Masao Inoue
2. AJPW World Tag Team Skirmish: Suwama, Takao Omori & KENSO vs. Jun Akiyama, Go Shiozaki & Kotaro Suzuki

AJPW, 28.07.2013 (GAORA TV)


Tokyo Korakuen Hall

1. Special Singles Match: Akebono vs. Joe Doering
2. AJPW World Tag Team Titles: Jun Akiyama & Go Shiozaki (c) vs. Suwama & Takao Omori

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AJPW, 17.07.2013


Shinshu Sky Park

297 Fans

1. Osamu Nishimura d. SUSHI (8:03) when he used an Octopus Hold.
2. Kotaro Suzuki & Atsushi Aoki d. Hikaru Sato & MAZADA (11:10) when Suzuki used a Backdrop Hold on MAZADA.
3. KENSO d. Masanobu Fuchi (9:02) when he used a German Suplex Hold.
4. Akebono & Taiyo Kea d. Joe Doering & Kazushi Miyamoto (13:43) when Kea used a H50 on Miyamoto.
5. AJPW World Tag Team Skirmish: Jun Akiyama, Go Shiozaki & Yoshinobu Kanemaru d. Suwama, Takao Omori & Masao Inoue (20:59) when Shiozaki used a Lariat on Inoue.

The Burning team of Akiyama, Shiozaki and Jr. Heavyweight champ Kanemaru again came away with the win in the main event, after another impressive display. Again, much of the focus of the match was on Burning against Suwama/Omori, and the teams again showed some great teamwork, but also some increasingly hard hits that are promising much for the tour finale at Korakuen Hall. At one point in the match there was an interesting Suplex fest that was almost reminiscent of the 90’s All Japan style, perhaps Akiyama’s influence. The match came down to another finisher fest towards the end, with Shiozaki repeatedly trying to go for the Go Flasher, including a moment where he was almost able to lift Suwama up for it, but the Triple Crown champ was able to fight out of it. In the end, it was Inoue who tagged himself in towards the end of the match, and after Shiozaki was able to get the upper hand, he hit a Release German on Inoue, followed up by a Lariat for the win. Post-match there was clear developing tension between Shiozaki and Suwama, but both teams went their separate ways.

Akebono and Doering continued their tension in the semi-final, with Doering repeatedly trying to provoke Akebono into the ring. When he did, the pair absolutely clobbered each other with strikes, and Akebono was able to knock Doering down, much to the Gaijin’s annoyance. Post-match, the official ensured that both teams went separate ways, to prevent any recurring issues between Akebono and Doering. Kea also scored the win for his team, defeating Miyamoto with the H50.

Nishimura defeated SUSHI in the opener, generally having the better of the Jr. Heavyweight through the majority of the match, defeating him with an Octopus Hold with SUSHI being forced to verbally submit. SUSHI left immediately, licking his wounds as he made his way to the back, kicking the ring post as he made his way backstage.

All Japan also revealed the full show for 19.07 at Higashimachi Prefectural Sports Center:

AJPW, 19.07.2013


Higashimachi Prefectural Sports Center

1. Joe Doering vs. Masanobu Fuchi
2. Kotaro Suzuki & Atsushi Aoki vs. Kazushi Miyamoto & Hikaru Sato
3. Akebono vs. Masao Inoue
4. Osamu Nishimura, & SUSHI vs. Taiyo Kea & KENSO
5. AJPW World Tag Team Skirmish: Suwama, Takao Omori & MAZADA vs. Jun Akiyama, Go Shiozaki & Yoshinobu Kanemaru

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AJPW, 19.07.2013


Higashimachi Prefectural Sports Center

359 Fans

1. Joe Doering d. Masanobu Fuchi (10:25) when he used a Lariat.
2. Kazushi Miyamoto & Hikaru Sato d. Kotaro Suzuki & Atsushi Aoki (13:10) when Sato used a Right High Kick on Suzuki.
3. Akebono d. Masao Inoue (10:14) when he used a Running Body Press.
4. Taiyo Kea & KENSO d. Osamu Nishimura & SUSHI (15:32) when Kea used a H50 on SUSHI.
5. AJPW World Tag Team Skirmish: Jun Akiyama, Go Shiozaki & Yoshinobu Kanemaru d. Suwama, Takao Omori & MAZADA (23:43) when Kanemaru used a Touch Out on MAZADA.

Yet again, the Burning team came away with the win in the main event, with Yoshinobu Kanemaru picking up the win, pinning MAZADA after his patented Touch Out spinning Brainbuster. As there had been all tour, there was clear tension between the competing tag teams of Burning and Suwama/Omori, particularly Suwama and Shiozaki, with the pair again having a fierce standoff that led into a hard strike exchange and the pair trading release Suplexes, reminiscent of the classic All Japan style. However, it was the Jr. Heavyweights that made the difference in this match, with Kanemaru showing his class as Jr. Heavyweight Champion, hitting a staling dropkick in the corner on MAZADA, followed by the Touch Out as Shiozaki held back Suwama and Akiyama held back Omori. A little bit of shoving went on after the match, with officials separating the teams as they went their separate ways.

Taiyo Kea was impressive in the semi-final, getting the win when he pinned SUSHI after a H50. Post-match, Osamu Nishimura shook hands with Kea, suggesting that the pair form a tag team and go for the tag titles together. Kea agreed, but suggested that the pair have a singles match together first. Nishimura agreed, and the pair left the ring together. SUSHI however, left in a less harmonious way, throwing a few chairs around the ring, before storming backstage, again annoyed at picking up the loss.

Both Akebono and Joe Doering seemed to be in a rush to complete their matches today, with Doering beating Fuchi in just over 10 minutes with a Lariat, and Akebono doing the same against Inoue with his Body Press.

The card for Korakuen Hall on 28.07 has now been updated, with an added tag match featuring the new team of Nishimura and Kea.

AJPW, 28.07.2013 (GAORA TV)


Tokyo Korakuen Hall

1. Osamu Nishimura & Taiyo Kea vs. KENSO & Kazushi Miyamoto
2. Special Singles Match: Akebono vs. Joe Doering
3. AJPW World Tag Team Titles: Jun Akiyama & Go Shiozaki (c) vs. Suwama & Takao Omori

The card has also been announced for Osaka BODYMAKER COLOSSEUM.

AJPW, 21.07.2013


Osaka BODYMAKER COLOSSEUM #2

1. Masanobu Fuchi vs. Kazushi Miyamoto
2. MAZADA & Hikaru Sato vs. Yoshinobu Kanemaru & Atsushi Aoki
3. Osamu Nishimura vs. Taiyo Kea
4. Akebono & SUSHI vs. Joe Doering & Masao Inoue
5. AJPW World Tag Team Skirmish: Suwama, Takao Omori & KENSO vs. Jun Akiyama, Go Shiozaki & Kotaro Suzuki

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AJPW, 21.07.2013
Osaka BODYMAKER COLOSSEUM #2
412 Fans

1. Kazushi Miyamoto d. Masanobu Fuchi (11:03) when he used a Backdrop.
2. Yoshinobu Kanemaru & Atsushi Aoki d. MAZADA & Hikaru Sato (12:35) when Aoki used a German Suplex Hold on MAZADA.
3. Osamu Nishimura d. Taiyo Kea (15:32) when he used a Small Package Hold.
4. Joe Doering & Masao Inoue d. Akebono & SUSHI (12:19) when Doering used a Lariat on SUSHI.
5. AJPW World Tag Team Skirmish: Suwama, Takao Omori & KENSO d. Jun Akiyama, Go Shiozaki & Kotaro Suzuki (21:30) when Omori used an Axe Bomber on Suzuki.

It was Suwama’s team who came away with the win in the main event, as the Triple Crown champion tagged with Omori and KENSO to face the Burning team of Akiyama, Shiozaki and Suzuki. The heat that has been slowly building between the teams throughout the tour was now clear to see, with Shiozaki at one point tagging in firing a hard elbow to knock KENSO down, before following it up with a hard elbow that knocked Suwama down off the apron. This then led to a brawl that forced the official to separate the teams once again, and the match was able to begin. Shiozaki and Suwama then had a tense confrontation, with the Ace clearly desperate to get in the ring with the Burning member, and finally managing to get in later in the match, leading to a hard strike exchange between the two, with Akiyama clearly being the more cool headed member of Burning at the moment. In the end, it was Omori who would pick up the win for the ‘All Japan’ side, taking advantage of some distraction between Suwama and Shiozaki once again to hit an Axe Bomber on Suzuki. Post-match, Suwama and Shiozaki were clearly read to continue their fight, but cooler heads prevailed as Akiyama and Omori separated the teams, with Suwama saying backstage that he would get the final strike on Shiozaki at Korakuen Hall.

Joe Doering was impressive in the semi-final, becoming even wilder in his approach, showing some old school gaijin influence (particularly Stan Hansen), throwing hard strikes, brawling frantically, and finishing off SUSHI (who again picked up the loss) with a hard Lariat. Post-match, Doering and Akebono almost came to blows, but SUSHI distracted everyone, throwing another temper tantrum at ringside.

New tag team partners Osamu Nishimura and Taiyo Kea had their singles match in the third match, exhibiting a large amount of respect and technical skill. Kea almost had the match won on a few occasions, but it would be Nishimura that would come away with the win, managing to counter a Lariat attempt by Kea into a Small Package that picked up the win. Kea looked frustrated at the lost, but then shook hands with Nishimura, and told him that he looked forward to hunting for the tag belts with him, and asked the crowd for their support in doing so.

After the second match, Hikaru Sato told Kanemaru that he was still after his World Jr. Heavyweight Title, and challenged Kanemaru to bring all the Jr. members of Burning at Korakuen Hall.

This ends the tour leading to Korakuen Hall, and the card for the show has been announced, headlined by the world tag team match between Burning and Suwama/Omori. There have also been rumours regarding the position of AJPW President, but it is believed this will be announced after Korakuen:

AJPW, 28.07.2013 (GAORA TV)
Tokyo Korakuen Hall

1. SUSHI vs. MAZADA
2. Masao Inoue, Hikaru Sato & Masanobu Fuchi vs. Yoshinobu Kanemaru, Kotaro Suzuki & Atsushi Aoki
3. Osamu Nishimura & Taiyo Kea vs. KENSO & Kazushi Miyamoto
4. Special Singles Match: Akebono vs. Joe Doering
5. AJPW World Tag Team Titles: Jun Akiyama & Go Shiozaki (c) vs. Suwama & Takao Omori

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AJPW, 28.07.2013 (GAORA TV)
Tokyo Korakuen Hall
1,012 Fans

1. MAZADA d. SUSHI (4:04) when he used a Shoda Drop.
2. Masao Inoue, Hikaru Sato & Masanobu Fuchi d. Yoshinobu Kanemaru, Kotaro Suzuki & Atsushi Aoki (17:08) when Sato used a Cross Armbreaker on Kanemaru.
3. Osamu Nishimura & Taiyo Kea d. KENSO & Kazushi Miyamoto (15:11) when Nishimura used a German Suplex Hold on Miyamoto.
4. Special Singles Match: Akebono d. Joe Doering (12:05) when he used a Running Body Press.
5. AJPW World Tag Team Titles: Jun Akiyama & Go Shiozaki (c) d. Suwama & Takao Omori (24:15) when Shiozaki used a Lariat on Omori (3rd defense).

In the main event at Korakuen Hall, Burning made their 3rd defense of the AJPW World Tag Team Titles, defeating the team of Suwama and Takao Omori. The match featured plenty of heat between Suwama and Shiozaki like the rest of the tour had, but Akiyama and Omori more than played their part. Suwama had also come to the ring with dark hair, without the blonde streak, still sporting his black ring gear and an old-school ring jacket with Suwama on the back, looking like a mix of his classic self and Jumbo Tsuruta. Akiyama found himself isolated from Shiozaki for a large portion of the match, with Suwama and Omori making quicker tags, and focusing on the neck of the former Triple Crown champion, presumably setting him up for the Last Ride Powerbomb, or the Axe Bomber from Omori. However, Akiyama was eventually able to work out of the isolation, and hit an Exploder despite his injured neck before making the tag to Shiozaki. In the end, it would be Shiozaki’s moment, as he then took control of the match, with Akiyama doing everything he could on his part to keep Suwama occupied. Shiozaki executed a Backdrop, before hitting a Go Flasher that Omori kicked out of. Akiyama then held Suwama back on the outside, as Shiozaki fired back up and hit a Lariat that kept Omori down for the three. Post-match, Shiozaki suggested to Suwama that he was in line for a Triple Crown opportunity, however as Suwama fired up to retort, Akebono came out and staked his own claim for a title opportunity.

Akebono had been successful in the semi-final, defeating gaijin Joe Doering in just over 12 minutes. Doering had begun the match as a wild brawl, fighting around ringside, again reminiscent of old school All Japan gaijin’s. Doering at several points looked like he was about to defeat Akebono with the match being a back and forth war, but was never able to keep the big man down, and crucially wasn’t able to hit his Lariat. In the end, Akebono would hit a Running Splash in the corner that crushed the heavyweight Doering, before hitting a Running Body Press that kept Doering down for the three. After the match, Akebono offered his hand to Doering, but Doering spat on the mat and walked off.

Osamu Nishimura and Taiyo Kea were impressive in their first proper tag match together, showing some flashes of becoming a good tag team. In the end it would be Nishimura who got the win for their team, tagging in after a Backdrop from Kea and executing a picture perfect German Suplex Hold that got them the win. Post-match, Miyamoto looked none too pleased at picking up the fall. Backstage, Nishimura and Kea said they had much work to do as a team, but would work towards the tag team titles held by Burning.

With Sato now tagging against the entirety of the Burning Jr. ranks, the man trained by Minoru Suzuki managed to get the win, fighting off the other members of the former NOAH wrestlers to catch Kanemaru in a Cross Armbreaker. Fuchi managed to hold back Atsushi Aoki, and in the end, Kanemaru was forced to tap out. Post-match Sato officially announced that he had signed full-time with All Japan and challenged Kanemaru for the AJPW World Jr. Heavyweight title, with Kanemaru accepting, much to his own annoyance.

SUSHI again was defeated in the opener in very little time, throwing a huge tantrum after the match, picking up chairs at ringside and throwing them around before screaming, taking his mask off and throwing it away as he made his way backstage.

[PL23]

Today, the wrestling press was gathered at All Japan HQ to announce the dates for All Japan’s next tour titled ‘Summer Impact’. Foremost at the press conference was the announcement however that Nobuo Shiraishi will be stepping down as AJPW President, and the position will be taken by Jun Akiyama. Akiyama was introduced by Masanobu Fuchi, member of the Board of Directors and Akiyama then spoke to the press. Akiyama said that after the past several months, his focus was to bring stability to All Japan and to build for the future, and the decisions that had been taken at the end of the previous tour were designed to do that. Akiyama said that he and Fuchi intended to bring the spirit of Baba’s All Japan back, and even announced that Motoko Baba had agreed to work with All Japan as an Advisor moving forward, with Masahiro Chono still continuing as an advisor. Akiyama also added that All Japan’s tours were likely to be shorter, with this tour being a five date tour.

Akiyama then said that as AJPW President, he believed that it would be wrong for him to have his own group within All Japan, and therefore announced that Burning would officially disband and become part of the All Japan regular army. Akiyama said that of course the member of Burning could (and likely would) continue to tag together but they would no longer be an official group, though of course he and Shiozaki remained AJPW World Tag Team Champions, and Suzuki and Aoki were All-Asia Tag Champions. Akiyama reiterated that he and Fuchi would focus on stabilising All Japan, rebuilding the roster, and developing their vision of All Japan Pro-Wrestling. Akiyama then revealed the cards for the upcoming tour, which feature the debut of Low Ki at Korakuen Hall, AAA involvement from Argenis and Drago, as well as a singles match between Akebono and Shiozaki in the main event. The winner will likely face Suwama on 25.08 with the champion scheduled to defend. Yoshinobu Kanemaru will also be defending his World Jr. Heavyweight Title on 25.08 against Hikaru Sato. Akiyama also announced that Kento Miyahara, who has recently left Kensuke Sasaki's Diamond Ring promotion, would make his debut on the tour and will wrestle on the tour ending show at Ota Ward Gymnasium. Also of note is the absense of SUSHI on the Korakuen show.

AJPW, 11.08.2013 (GAORA TV)
Tokyo Korakuen Hall

1. Takao Omori vs. Masanobu Fuchi
2. KENSO & MAZADA vs. Argenis  & Drago
3. Low Ki Debut Match: Kotaro Suzuki vs. Low Ki
4. Suwama & Kazushi Miyamoto vs. Joe Doering & Masao Inoue
5. AJPW World Jr. Heavyweight Title Skirmish: Jun Akiyama, Yoshinobu Kanemaru & Atsushi Aoki vs. Osamu Nishimura, Taiyo Kea & Hikaru Sato
6. Special Singles Match: Go Shiozaki vs. Akebono

AJPW, 14.08.2013
Onomichi City Town Hall

1. AJPW World Jr. Heavyweight Title Skirmish: Jun Akiyama, Yoshinobu Kanemaru & Kotaro Suzuki vs. Kazushi Miyamoto, Hikaru Sato & MAZADA

AJPW, 17.08.2013
Hakata Star Lane

AJPW, 21.08.2013
Strait Messe Shimonoseki

AJPW, 25.08.2013 (GAORA TV)
Ota Ward Gymnasium

1. AJPW World Jr. Heavyweight Title: Yoshinobu Kanemaru (c) vs. Hikaru Sato
2. Triple Crown: Suwama (c) vs. X

[PL23]

AJPW, 11.08.2013 (GAORA TV)
Tokyo Korakuen Hall
1,186 Fans

1. Takao Omori d. Masanobu Fuchi (12:20) when he used a Lariat.
2. Argenis & Drago d. KENSO & MAZADA (11:40) when Argenis used a Triple-Step Moonsault Press on MAZADA.
3. Low Ki Debut Match: Low Ki d. Kotaro Suzuki (16:52) when he used a Ghetto Stomp.
4. Suwama & Kazushi Miyamoto d. Joe Doering & Masao Inoue (17:22) when Suwama used a German Suplex Hold on Inoue.
5. AJPW World Jr. Heavyweight Title Skirmish: Jun Akiyama, Yoshinobu Kanemaru & Atsushi Aoki d. Osamu Nishimura, Taiyo Kea & Hikaru Sato (19:35) when Kanemaru used a Brainbuster on Sato.
6. Special Singles Match: Akebono d. Go Shiozaki (17:45) when he used a Yokozuna Impact.

In the main event at Korakuen Hall, Akebono eventually managed to defeat Go Shiozaki in a little under 18 minutes. The match was a heavy hitting affair, with Shiozaki repeatedly trying to knock the former Sumo off his feet, and Akebono being an unmoveable monster ready to clobber Shiozaki at any given opportunity. Shiozaki came out full of fire firing hard Kobashi-esque chops at Akebono, but succumbing to chops from Akebono as well. Shiozaki also tried to stomp at the legs of the big man, but in the end it was a Misawa-esque Running Elbow after a Lariat that knocked Akebono down. However, Go was repeatedly unable to lift Akebono up, and was never even able to attempt the Go Flasher, which certainly would have ended the match against the super heavyweight. In the end, it was Akebono’s sheer size and power that got him the win, as he countered an attempted Running Elbow by Shiozaki with a hard Lariat of his own, before hitting the Running Body Press. However Shiozaki kicked out at 2.9 to the surprise of the Korakuen crowd. However, Akebono then hit another Running Body Press followed up by the Yokozuna Impact (jumping piledriver), and Shiozaki was finally kept down for three after taking Akebono to one of his longest singles matches. After the match as a disappointed Shiozaki made his way backstage, Suwama (still sporting his dark hair and Jumbo-esque look) made his way out to confront Akebono, with the Triple Crown match later for Ota Ward Gymnasium.

The now former Burning team teamed together in the semi-final, with new All-Japan President Akiyama tagging with Kanemaru and Aoki to face Nishimura, Kea and Sato. Much of the match focused on Sato wanting to get in the ring with Kanemaru, but the champ was cautious, clearly playing a game with Sato and being the wily veteran that he has become over the years. Akiyama had some fantastic segments with Nishimura and Kea, with the new veteran team clearly looking to prove themselves to Akiyama. However it would be Kanemaru that would come away with the win for his team, tagging in when his team were on top, and catching Sato with a running corner dropkick, before hitting a shock Brainbuster that got him the win over Sato! Post-match Kanemaru threw out a little taunt to Sato, saying he hadn’t even hit the Touch Out and had defeated Sato. Backstage, Sato said that come the end of the tour, he would be ready and would prove himself.

After Suwama and Miyamoto defeated Doering and Inoue in the fourth match after Suwama hit Inoue with a German Suplex Hold, it appeared as if there were some tension between Miyamoto and the gaijin Doering, before both teams went their separate ways.

Low Ki was impressive in his debut in a very competitive match against Kotaro Suzuki, firing typically hard strikes against Suzuki reminiscent of his ROH/New Japan days. Ki got the win when he executed a Ki Krusher on Suzuki, before heading to the top rope and executing the Ghetto Stomp for the win. Post-match, Low KI extended his hand to Suzuki, and both men shook hands before making their way backstage. Backstage, Ki said he was honoured to be a part of All Japan.

After their victory in the second match, Argenis and Drago from AAA threw out a challenge to Suzuki and Aoki for the All-Asia Tag Titles. It has since been announced that Aoki and Suzuki have accepted the challenge, and the match will occur on the tour ending show.

Here is the updated card for Ota Ward Gymnasium with Suwama vs. Akebono confirmed for the Triple Crown, and Suzuki/Aoki vs Argenis/Drago for the All-Asia tag belts. All Japan will now release full cards for the remainder of the tour.

AJPW, 25.08.2013 (GAORA TV)
Ota Ward Gymnasium

1. All-Asia Tag Team Titles: Kotaro Suzuki & Atsushi Aoki (c) vs. Argenis & Drago
2. AJPW World Jr. Heavyweight Title: Yoshinobu Kanemaru (c) vs. Hikaru Sato
3. Triple Crown: Suwama (c) vs. Akebono

[PL23]

The cards have been released for the remainder of the Summer Impact tour, as All Japan makes its way towards the tour ending show at Ota Ward Gymnasium, headlined by the Triple Crown match between Suwama and Akebono. The tour now features several ‘skirmish’ matches to set up for the AJPW World Jr. Heavyweight title match between Kanemaru and Sato, as well as revealing further involvement from Argenis and Drago from AAA. Also of note is the involvement of Kento Miyahara on several cards, and he will make his debut at Onomichi City Town Hall, tagging with Go Shiozaki to face Joe Doering and Kazushi Miyamoto. Austrian wrestler Bambikiller is also involved in the rest of the tour. It’s also noticeable that the former Burning group have been split up in many of these cards, meaning there are some different pairings throughout the rest of the tour.

Further news has also come out of All Japan regarding Akiyama’s appointment as President. It would appear that due to the unsettled leadership from Nobuo Shiraishi and Speed Partners since the company took over All Japan, the roster had aligned behind Akiyama and had effectively forced a sale to Akiyama. This would also appear to be why the tours moving forward may be shorter, with Akiyama now effectively the owner of All Japan and unable to run long tours. Reaction across the wrestling press in Japan has been largely positive though, with Akiyama believed to be far more stable for the compamny, and more attractive to potential signees.

AJPW, 14.08.2013
Onomichi City Town Hall

1. Masao Inoue vs. Bambikiller
2. Osamu Nishimura & MAZADA vs. Argenis  & Drago
3. AJPW World Jr. Heavyweight Title Skirmish: Jun Akiyama, Yoshinobu Kanemaru & Kotaro Suzuki vs. Taiyo Kea, Hikaru Sato & Masanobu Fuchi
4. Go Shiozaki & Kento Miyahara vs. Joe Doering & Kazushi Miyamoto
5. Triple Crown Skirmish: Suwama, Takao Omori & Atsushi Aoki vs. Akebono, KENSO & Low Ki

AJPW, 17.08.2013
Hakata Star Lane

1. Atsushi Aoki & Masanobu Fuchi vs. Argenis & Drago
2. KENSO & MAZADA vs. Joe Doering & Kazushi Miyamoto
3. AJPW World Jr. Heavyweight Title Skirmish: Yoshinobu Kanemaru & Kotaro Suzuki vs. Hikaru Sato & Low Ki
4. Jun Akiyama, Go Shiozaki & Kento Miyahara vs. Osamu Nishimura, Taiyo Kea & Masao Inoue
5. Triple Crown Skirmish: Suwama & Takao Omori vs. Akebono & Bambikiller

AJPW, 21.08.2013
Strait Messe Shimonoseki

1. MAZADA vs. Low Ki
2. Jun Akiyama, Osamu Nishimura & Taiyo Kea vs. Joe Doering, KENSO & Kazushi Miyamoto
3. AJPW World Jr. Heavyweight Title Skirmish: Yoshinobu Kanemaru, Kotaro Suzuki & Atsushi Aoki vs. Hikaru Sato, Argenis & Drago
4. Go Shiozaki vs. Kento Miyahara
5. Triple Crown Skirmish: Suwama, Takao Omori & Masanobu Fuchi vs. Akebono, Bambikiller & Masao Inoue

AJPW, 25.08.2013 (GAORA TV)
Ota Ward Gymnasium

1. All-Asia Tag Team Titles: Kotaro Suzuki & Atsushi Aoki (c) vs. Argenis & Drago
2. AJPW World Jr. Heavyweight Title: Yoshinobu Kanemaru (c) vs. Hikaru Sato
3. Triple Crown: Suwama (c) vs. Akebono

[PL23]

AJPW, 14.08.2013
Onomichi City Town Hall
628 Fans

1. Bambikiller d. Masao Inoue (9:20) when he used a Bambi Death Shot.
2. Argenis & Drago d. Osamu Nishimura & MAZADA (12:48) when Drago used a Dragon Twist on MAZADA.
3. AJPW World Jr. Heavyweight Title Skirmish: Jun Akiyama, Yoshinobu Kanemaru & Kotaro Suzuki d. Taiyo Kea, Hikaru Sato & Masanobu Fuchi (14:53) when Suzuki used a Tiger Suplex Hold on Fuchi.
4. Go Shiozaki & Kento Miyahara d. Joe Doering & Kazushi Miyamoto (18:13) when Shiozaki used a Lariat on Miyamoto.
5. Triple Crown Skirmish: Suwama, Takao Omori & Atsushi Aoki d. Akebono, KENSO & Low Ki (23:42) when Omori used an Axe Bomber on KENSO.

It was the Triple Crown champion Suwama’s team who came away with the win in the main event, as Suwama tagged with Takao Omori once again alongside Atsushi Aoki to face Akebono, KENSO and Low Ki. Suwama and Akebono seemed keen to go one on one with each other throughout the majority of the match, but in the end it was the other four members of the match who took the majority of the heavy hitting, with Low Ki in particular seeming to want to prove himself against Atsushi Aoki, with the duo having some fairly interesting almost shoot style influenced sequences, ending up on the ground when Aoki was in control, with Aoki largely looking for a Cross Armbreaker, but Low Ki repeatedly looking to hit strikes whenever he could and trying to grapple Aoki into the Ki Krusher. Takao Omori was impressive as well, going head to head with KENSO, with KENSO clearly showing a more serious side since the Wrestle-1 split. Whilst KENSO is clearly taking things more seriously, it didn’t stop him from taking the fall for his team, being knocked down by a running elbow by Suwama, before Omori was tagged in, and hit a Lariat Axe Bomber that kept KENSO down and got his team the win. Post-match there was a little tension between Suwama and Akebono, with the pair ending up in a staredown, with Suwama then making his way backstage.

Kento Miyahara was impressive in his All Japan debut in the semi-final, tagging with Go Shiozaki to face Joe Doering and Kazushi Miyamoto, who have had their issues as of late. Kento debuted with the same look as in his latter Diamond Ring days, with red wrestling tights and white boots. Shiozaki and Kento showed some decent tag work, with Kento showing off a nice dropkick, and an excellent running yakuza kick that knocked Miyamoto down at the end of the match. In the end, that led to Shiozaki being tagged in, and Go hit a hard Lariat on Miyamoto that picked up the win for his team. Post-match there appeared to still be some tension between Doering and Miyamoto with Doering looking frustrated, whilst Shiozaki told Miyahara backstage that he looked forward to their singles match later in the tour. Miyahara said that he was glad to be in All Japan, and would make his mark throughout the tour.

Hikaru Sato seemed very keen to prove himself against Kanemaru in the third match, going strike for strike with the World Jr. Heavyweight champion. Another factor in this match was Taiyo Kea, who challenged Jun Akiyama at one point, with he and Nishimura still striving to prove to be worthy of a AJPW World Tag Team opportunity. However it would be Kotaro Suzuki who came away with the win, pinning legend Masanobu Fuchi after a Tiger Suplex.

Austrian wrestler Bambikiller was dominant in the opener, clobbering Masao Inoue with strikes and strength based offence, before finishing Inoue off with his Bambi Death Shot finisher.

[PL23]

AJPW, 17.08.2013

Hakata Star Lane

958 Fans

1. Argenis & Drago d. Atsushi Aoki & Masanobu Fuchi (9:30) when Drago used a Dragon Twist on Fuchi.
2. Joe Doering & Kazushi Miyamoto d. KENSO & MAZADA (11:04) when Miyamoto used a Powerbomb on MAZADA.
3. AJPW World Jr. Heavyweight Title Skirmish: Hikaru Sato & Low Ki d. Yoshinobu Kanemaru & Kotaro Suzuki (16:15) when Sato used a Cross Armbreaker on Kanemaru.
4. Jun Akiyama, Go Shiozaki & Kento Miyahara d. Osamu Nishimura, Taiyo Kea & Masao Inoue (16:10) when Shiozaki used a Lariat on Inoue.

5. Triple Crown Skirmish: Suwama & Takao Omori d. Akebono & Bambikiller (17:03) when Omori used an Axe Bomber on Bambikiller.

In the main event at Hakata Star Lane on the second date of the Summer Impact tour, it was Suwama's team that came away with the victory over the challenger Akebono's team, as the challenger for the Triple Crown on 25.08 tagged with the recently debuted Austrian wrestler Bambikiller. Suwama and Akebono seemed intent on going one on one with each other again, but in particularly short spells this time due to Akebono's conditioning. The match itself went a full 17 minutes, with Bambikiller doing the majority of the work for his team, showing off some nice power moves like a Powerslam, a Spinebuster as well as a nasty looking Jacknife Powerbomb that likely would have got the win for his team had Suwama not come in to break up his pinfall on Omori. Crucially, he was also never able to hit the Bambi Death Shot. However, in the end it seemed to be that Bambikiller effectively wore himself out doing the legwork for his team, and in the end he would go to the well once too often, with the Jacknife attempt being powered out of by Suwama, who would then hit a Lariat on the Austrian gaijin, tag in his partner Omori, who himself hit his own Lariat, the Axe Bomber, which got a three count. There was clear tension after the match between Suwama and Akebono, with Suwama raising the three belts signifying the legendary Triple Crown over his head, and staring a hole through Akebono. Meanwhile, Bambikiller made his way backstage alone.

In the semi-final, it was the semi-Burning team that came away with the win, as Akiyama, Shiozaki and Miyahara defeated Nishimura, Kea and Inoue. There were again some nice flashes of teamwork between Shiozaki and Miyahara, but the really excellent tag work came from the tag champions Akiyama and Shiozaki. However, it should be of note that Nishimura and Kea look to be improving as a team, and are developing some good teamwork, with Nishimura largely working limbwork, submissions and grounded holds, with Kea doing slightly more fast paced offense (that he can do at his current age). However, the weak link in their team was Masao Inoue, who looked a step slower than everyone else in the ring, and eventually succumbed, with Miyahara hitting a German Suplex, followed up by a Running Knee from Akiyama, and then a Lariat from Shiozaki finishing him off. Post-match, Nishimura and Kea signalled towards the tag belts, with Akiyama seemingly motioning for the duo to make a move.

In a surprising result, Hikaru Sato scored another victory over Yoshinobu Kanemaru en route to their title match on 25.08, managing to counter out of the Touch Out, and lock in a Cross Armbreaker. Kanemaru tapped quickly, clearly saving himself for the title match, but seemed to have had his ego bruised as he went to the back with the AJPW World Jr. Heavyweight Title. Low Ki had also been impressive for his team, and seems to be motivated now he's back in Japan.

There still seemed to be some tension between Joe Doering and Kazushi Miyamoto in the second match, but this time it seemed to have worked effectively, as they both seemed desparate to outdo each other. In the end, it would be Miyamoto who would claim the fall, hitting MAZADA with a Powerbomb. It should also be noted that Doering seems to look more and more like a Stan Hansen-esque cowboy each show. Also of note was that Masahiro Chono had come out to do commentary for the AJPW website during this match.