(NOAH) Tsuyoshi Kikuchi goes on head-on and faces certain defeat!

Weekly Pro 31st October 2000

(Issue No. 1001)

Back in January of this year, during his time with the All Japan team, when it was decided that he would challenge Ogawa for the World Junior Championships, which Ogawa held at the time, Kikuchi made this comment: "What's the point of letting me, who's 'lifeless,' take on the challenge? Looking in, everyone probably thinks I'm dead."

At the time, Kikuchi's regular matches were on the undercard, and he made that comment despite having been awarded a title shot. However, Kikuchi, who was "lifeless," has been resurrected in the new promotion, Noah.

"Since this is a reset, there is a chance again"

This was Kikuchi's aspiration written in the pamphlet for the inaugural event, and true to his word, Kikuchi made a complete comeback in response to a call from his contemporary, Kobashi. 

Each day, he fights wearing his tights with the Hinomaru, looking youthful and vibrant, as if he's returned to the era of the Super Generation Army, and on this day, he faced Vader in a singles match. Determined to give Vader a run for his money, Kikuchi launched a surprise attack. Kikuchi tried to compensate for the difference in physique by using his speed to disrupt Vader's defences, but once he was caught, it was over. He was utterly defeated by Vader's relentless attack. Nevertheless, I want to commend Kikuchi's spirit in taking Vader head-on. After the match, Vader also walked over to the downed Kikuchi, and congratulated him on his valiant effort. 

The match lasted only three minutes. However, those three minutes served to reaffirm the impressive return of the "Fireball Kid."

Picture notes

Vader caught Kikuchi when on the ramp, and then choke-slammed him into the ring, "demonstrating the differences in their power".