(NOAH): "Keep your eyes on me": Morishima loses to Asako, but his declaration doesn't end there.

Weekly Pro 

5th September 2000 (Issue No.993)

(DEPARTURE - Freedom & Belief - August 19th Tokyo, Differ Ariake) 

Morishima, aiming to surpass his senior, took on Asako. Given his recent momentum and the difference in physique, it seemed likely that this match would happen, and in fact Morishima dominated overwhelmingly. He cornered Asako with a wave of powerful attacks, including lariats and torture cobras. But in the end, he was caught off guard for a moment, rolled up, and suffered a defeat. Morishima, who was not satisfied with the result, rambled on, "Who should have won the match? I don't think I lost. Don't take your eyes off me." Although he ultimately missed out on victory, his momentum never stopped. After the semi-final Morishima attacked Kobashi.
"Everyone's making too much of Rikio. He has no achievements, and this isn't a sumo ring. I definitely won't lose to him. I have to make Kobashi angry as a way to move up. I have to make the first move. Teaming up with Akiyama is also a step to move up. I wouldn't team up with him if I thought I could do it alone," Morishima said.
With his image filled with rivalry with Rikio, and his ambition to be the best, keep your eyes on Morishima. 

 

Notes

Weekly Pro noted in the picture blurbs that although Morishima attacked with gusto, using "spectacular lariats and guillotines", he was unable to land a finishing hold. "His lack of finishing in this area is an issue". 

You can see a young Naomichi Marufuji and Kenta Kobayashi (KENTA) in the main picture at the top of the page.