(NOAH) Outsiders in the green, dissolving and awakening.

Weekly Pro 31st October 2000

(Issue No. 1001)

NAVIGATION 

October 11th = Nagoya Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium 

Masashi Aoyagi and Akihito Saito dominate the Noah ring.

They achieved a crushing victory in their first match of the rivalry!

"The match itself deserves a passing grade" (Misawa)

Finally, an outsider has joined the Noah ring. 

Masashi Aoyagi of Seishinkaikan, along with former New Japan wrestler, Akitoshi Saito, made his debut at the Nagoya event. 

Initially, Aoyagi, who was unable to participate in All Japan Pro Wrestling, expressed a desire to compete in Noah out of sheer determination. However, Misawa's response completely changed the situation. Outraged by the "test match" comment, Aoyagi's relationship with Noah instantly became tense.

Then, Aoyagi blurted out, "Even if Noah has changed, it's just that their costumes have changed," to which Noah's Marufuji responded, "You're just trying to make a name for yourself now that you've faded into obscurity."

From its inception until now, Noah has been completely free from any animosity related to promotion, let alone internal conflicts.  Therefore, it will be interesting to see how the intrusion of an outsider will affect them. This match holds great significance in predicting whether Noah will become involved with other promotions in the future. 

Facing off against Aoyagi and Akihito were Inoue* and Marufuji, who reacted to Aoyagi's statements. Just as he confronted Jedo & Gedo in FMW, Inoue seems to be a key figure in the Noah rivalry.

As it was their home ground, Aoyagi's team, despite being outsiders, were greeted with a huge cheer as they entered the ring. However, as soon as Inoue's team appeared, the atmosphere instantly shifted into a full-blown rivalry. Noah's side was surrounded by five seconds, including Kanemaru and Morishima, creating a tense atmosphere. However, as demonstrated in the 1992 feud between New Japan and Seishinkaikan, situations like this actually ignite a fire in Aoyagi and Saito's hearts. 

Despite the gap in experience, there are no factors that would put him at a mental disadvantage, and the match proceeded at being palpably competitive. What was particularly noteworthy was Saito's excellent condition. Despite this being his first time in the ring since leaving New Japan Pro-Wrestling last January, he displayed impeccable speed and sharpness. Even Marufuji, who had said, "Don't underestimate professional wrestling," commented, "I thought wrestling would be difficult, but it's surprisingly doable." Aoyagi and the others managed to overturn the label of "test match" that Misawa had placed upon them.

Misawa, who watched the match, also gave Aoyagi and Saito high marks, saying, "They get a passing grade for the match. (In the future) I'd like them to participate whenever they have the chance." It's fair to say that these outsiders who intruded into the Ark achieved results in the best possible way.

However, for Inoue and his teammates, the defeat was not something they could wholeheartedly accept. This was evident from the Noah side's confrontation with Aoyagi's team after the match. This bout further worsened tensions between the two camps. With Marufuji also declaring his desire for revenge, a second inter-promotional match is likely to be arranged in the near future.

"Is this all Noah has to offer? It's not like New Japan. Well, it was good practice today. I was just having fun, " Aoyagi boasted, claiming he was one step closer to taking down Misawa. 

Beside him, Akitoshi declared, "I'm stepping into the Noah ring to find meaning in leaving New Japan," indicating his intention to continue wreaking havoc in Noah. Just like in the ring, Akitoshi's eyes, as he made his comments, had returned to the fierce intensity they had when he declared war on New Japan. 

Akitoshi was back in the ring after about 1 year and 10 months. Before the match, he slapped his face with his hand to relieve his tension. While offense and defense shifted rapidly, Aoyagi and Akitoshi's grappling techniques were effectively landing. However, Inoue commented, "Their techniques are amazing, but we've built up our bodies to withstand some of their attacks. Even if they try to use their techniques, I'll stick to pro wrestling. I don't know what kind of matches those two have had before, but if they're going to do it here, they'll lack stamina."

The decisive move was a slashing technique. 

After the match, Marufuji was stomped on, with Aoyagi following up by making the downed Marufuji stand up and delivering a powerbomb, resulting in a brawl with the Noah seconds. However, they occupied the ring. Marufuji yelled, "This was a type of match that I had never done before, so I was caught a bit off guard. Is the Director going to appear again? If so, I'll have to get a match scheduled, and get my revenge"

NOTES

Inoue: Masao Inoue. Yes. THAT Masao Inoue. Back in 2000, he was not the buffoon he became later in Noah, whom was mercilessly harassed by Takashi Sugiura (and his camera).