(NOAH): Shiga, who was trashed by Akiyama and dumped by Kobashi, found a ship in Noah to escape the depths of despair

Weekly Pro 

5th September 2000 (Issue No.993)

 As soon as the bell rang, Shiga attacked Takayama as if he had cut something loose. It wasn't a particularly sharp armbar, but Shiga's feelings were certainly conveyed. He had a strong and positive desire to change something. He understood the situation he was in, and felt the need to do something about it.

 After his last match in All Japan, Shiga left the BURNING locker room of his own volition. Shiga had left Kobashi, but before he could continue, there was the break with All Japan. Even in the two consecutive matches since the launch of Noah, Shiga did not make his stance clear. Opinions are divided on whether he did not have a stage to make it clear, or whether he lacked the courage to do so. In any case, as a professional wrestler, Shiga must make his own statement as soon as possible.

 The singles match with Takayama is a big opportunity for Shiga. Takayama has the toughness and boldness that Shiga is currently lacking, and while Shiga hung on desperately against Takayama, he was knocked down many times by heavy low blows and knees, but he still aimed for submission techniques whenever he got the chance, and even threw some punches. Takayama was slow to fall, but Shiga continued to land punches on him. In the end, Takayama didn't fall, and it was Shiga who ended up falling with a return punch. However, this single-minded attitude and tenacity certainly made an impression on Takayama. After the match, Takayama made a comment acknowledging Shiga, "After he was trashed by Akiyama and discarded by Kobashi, I realized that he was finally a wrestler. He is a professional wrestler." It must be humiliating to be told "you're a professional wrestler now" after more than six years of experience, but if he can use that humiliation to his advantage, it will be worth it. Shiga joined Akiyama after the semi-final match, intending to establish a new identity in this way. "Until now it was all Kobashi-san, Kobashi-san, but now I'm at rock bottom Kobashi-san has teamed up with Riki-chan (Rikio*), so I have to change and I can't be Kobashi-san's partner anymore."

 Akiyama had been harshly critical of him during his time with Burning, but Shiga now cannot afford to be picky about pitching in if he wants to rise to the top. "I think it would be better to think of Akiyama as a stepping stone. We shouldn't team up like before. Kobashi, the president*, Taue and others are old people now, so I hope we can fight together to destroy the old system." 

 The depth of his resolve in calling Kobashi an "old man" must be shown in his upcoming matches. 

 Can Shiga turn Noah's Ark into his own personal ship "to escape the depths of despair?" 

Notes

*The president: Mitsuharu Misawa. 

Rikio: Takeshi Rikio