(NOAH) Results and presence are more important than a good fight...but is Kentaro Shiga there or not!
(Issue No. 998)
EXCEEDING OUR DREAMS 2000 (24th September Kyoto KBS Hall)
"I have unfinished business with him" Akiyama said.
"I was trying not to intervene as much as possible" Akiyama said. He shouted at Shiga from the corner, "Stand up!"
One month after Shiga decided to use Akiyama as a stepping stone, he formed a tag with him for the first time at the Kyoto event. There's no doubt that Shiga's performance was the focus of attention, however, the biggest question is whether or not the solid presence of Kentaro Shiga as a wrestler can be seen there. I think this is because Akiyama has previously made the following statement: "Shiga says he will use me as a stepping stone, but I'm not yet convinced that he will actually do so."
Shiga had been given several chances up until now, but he hadn't been able to seize them. When he joined Kobashi's Burning, and when Akiyama left Burning, Shiga became a person of interest. If he had seized the opportunity there, he would certainly have reached a much higher stage as a wrestler.
With all due respect, it's understandable that fans have given up on Shiga after wasting so many opportunities. However, the reason why expectations for Shiga remain high is because fans still believe he has something special, and feel he can do something.
Akiyama sees Shiga as "unfinished business" and says he'll help him step up. While this is a bold statement, it's not a bit far-fetched to see Akiyama's high expectations for Shiga, but his series of events may be his last chance. I have no intention of pressuring him, but if he doesn't step up, the situation is so dire that I have no choice but to question him. After all, he and Akiyama are only a year apart in terms of career*.
Shiga showed an aggressive attitude from the start of the match. He immediately leapt in with a missile kick, and then followed up Akiyama's Exploder with a swinging DDT, armbar, and triangle choke. His determination to finish the match at once, was definitely different from the Shiga we've seen up until now. In the end he was stopped by Taue, so that didn't happen, but he continued to boldly go after Taue and engage in a slap fight, showing plenty of spirit.
"I think he did well today. He's getting better, even if it's just a little bit."
That's how Akiyama assessed Shiga on the day. Since Akiyama, who has repeatedly made such harsh comments, said this, it's clear that Shiga is making progress. However, he still wasn't able to secure a victory in this match. The idea that results are not everything is sometimes true and sometimes not, but for Shiga right now, it is the results which need to be given the most importance.
As Noah is a new promotion and is not yet able to tour every corner of the country, the results distributed through magazines and newspapers are extremely important, and if Kentaro Shiga is going to be there, then I want him to show results with his own hands.
Today, Kentaro Shiga was in the ring, but now he is seeking something bigger. Expectations are high. Even if Shiga becomes so greedy that people start to dislike him, no one will complain.
Picture notes
Taue is the star of the Noah ring
Shiga was frustrated, and had a hard time getting up, but Akiyama urged him to stand and asked for his hand.
Notes
Akiyama and Shiga being a year apart: Error by Weekly Pro. Akiyama debuted on September 17, 1992, while Shiga debuted on February 21st 1994.
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