Monday, April 5th, 2004, Tokyo, Japan:
Super Japan Pro Wrestling has been in a slump. After a strong start, a series of problems seemed to plague the company. The last house shows took place in early February, then the promotion seemed to have stopped promoting live events or webcasts as of two months ago.
Today, a press conference was called at the Chiimu Tora Dojo in Tokyo. About 300 sports reporters from around the globe attended. Goehi "Tiger" Kikuchi, owner and head of the Dojo welcomed the press to his school, then introduced Jumbo Kobayashi, the embattled CEO of Super Japan.
"Today, Super Japan once more undergoes a metamorphosis. Due to various financial problems with our backers, Super Japan was once again forced to stop operations in February of 2004, in the middle of our Giant Baba Cup tournament. I've spent the last month and a half finding new backers, but instead, I've found new owners."
Kobayashi then introduced the new CEO of Super Japan, Kenshiro Yamashita. Yamashita is the son of former Super Japan CEO Shinsaku Yamashita, and a self-made millionaire in Japan from a series of wise investments. The reporters were surprised that Yamashita's son would be the new owner and CEO.
"I am proud to be involved with Super Japan. Although my father had difficulties when he ran this organization a few years ago, I assure you that I will not. However, as the new owner and CEO, some changes will be made to the roster and title situation."
Yamashita then pointed out that some members of the roster were being let go, unless they contacted him about staying. The members on the chopping block are:
Junya Toroyama
'Dragon Fury" Minobu Tetsuhara
Super Flojo
Tasogare no Prince
Yamashita also informed the reporters that Kagemusha would be out due to injuries he sustained in his match with Jun Suzuki. Therefore, he decided that Kentaro Kawasaki would get a bye that round, meaning that he emerges the winner of Block A.
He then announced that the remaining quarter final matches would take place at the Shinjuku Island Hall, on Saturday, April, 17th. Those matches are as follows:
Takahiro KEOKI vs Kinjiro Matsuoko (Block B)
Mr. Liar vs American Enforcer (Block C)
Tetsuo Matsumoto vs Takayoshi Asakura (Block D)
Yamashita also announced that the title would no longer be called the National Grand Prix Heritage title "That name is much too long. Super Japan needs to appeal to the new, so the title's name will simply be called the Universal championship"
Yamashita also announced that he had decided on a free for all match to determine the Gunryo championship, also to be held on the April 17th card. As part of that free for all, Yamashita made a bombshell announcement:
"I am pleased to inform you all that besides the return of Tetsuo Matsumoto, Super Japan is pleased to announce the signing of one of the greatest legends of our sport today. The man has held championships in IIWF, INWI, FWA and SCW, among others. He's competed in NLWP, SCRA, EMWC, and once toured Super Japan along with J.W. Hardin. I am, of course, talking about the one and only "Lone Wolf" himself.....BRODY THUNDER!"
The reporters went crazy when this piece was revealed. Thunder signing with Super Japan was a big step up for a promotion seemingly on the brink of once more falling into obscurity. With Thunder and Matsumoto on the roster, the recent losses on the Super Japan Roster seemed insignificant. Both Matsumoto and Thunder have large followings in Japan, and they are guaranteed to fill seats.
Yamashita waited for the reporters to quite down before continuing. "Mr. Thunder will be one of the participants in the Gunryo title free for all. The other participants are as follows: Despair, Jun Suzuki, and Kenichi Kubota. I had hoped to possibly convince "Demon Boy" Ishrinku to appear, but attempts to reach him have been met with no response. The rules for this free for all are simple. Every man for himself, elimination style. All four men in the ring at once. No Disqualification, no count out, and pinfalls count anywhere in the arena. It will be our main event for that evening"
The reporters again grew excited at this news. One reporter asked Yamashita what other changes we could expect.
"I am currently organizing a tag team tournament league. The league will be for the Universal Tag titles. Wrestlers currently in Super Japan can form teams to compete in that tournament if they so desire. So far, we have two such teams in the Crush Crew and the Maulers. I am also negotiating for former All-Asian tag team champions the Bonecrushers to take place in that tournament. Beyond that, I am working on plans for our Sedei-X division, which I hope will become the backbone of the new Super Japan. Sedei-X is for the Jisedai, the new generation of wrestlers. I hope to invite wrestlers from other promotions to compete in the Sedei-X division from time to time. One such prospect is "All-Star" Joey Darren from ICW, a man who I feel would make a great impact in Japan."
Yamashita then announced that another show would take place at the Chiimu Tora Dojo, with tickets being given away for free on the internet for 300 select fans.
"Once again, we wish to show our appreciation for the fans who have stuck with Super Japan during these trying times. If not for our fans, Super Japan would not continue to exist!"
Yamashita then revealed the card for this show, to take place on April 10th:
Jiraiya vs Jet Jaguar III
Wolf Jager vs Se-hong Kwan
Super Bakemono vs Masashi "Lightning" Lanther for the NCWF cruiserweight championship.
There would also be another meet and greet with the fans before the show, with Tetsuo Matsumoto, Tsunami, Kentaro Kawasak, Despair and American Enforcer in attendance. When asked if Brody Thunder might be there as well, Yamashita replied "That depends on Mr. Thunder. As he is not scheduled to appear until the 17th, his appearance on the 10th depends on whether his schedule allows, and if he so desires to show up".
On that note, Yamashita thanked Jumbo Kobayashi for his service to Super Japan, and asked him to stay on as his advisor. Kobayashi humbly accepted. Many thought Kobayashi would be let go, but Yamashita pointed out that he was not his father, and held no grudge against Kobayashi "Kobayashi-sama has far more knowledge of Puroerasu than I do. While I could ask my father, I feel Kobayashi-sama is the better choice, as he knows everyone in the locker room, the referees, and has strong ties to Chiimu Tora, who I feel are important to Super Japan's continued success. Therefore, I can see no one better suited to being my special advisor than Kobayashi-sama."
Having said that, Yamashita called the press conference to an end, leaving the reporters to speculate on how all this information was going to affect Super Japan's future in Japanese wrestling...
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