(NOAH) The anger of the Four Heavenly Kings generation, who were demoted in the 21st century.

Weekly Pro 7th November 2000

(Issue No. 1002)

This fight will forge Noah's new world! 

Akiyama and his colleagues' claims have remained consistent throughout. 

There would be no excitement if the in-ring landscape remained unchanged from the All Japan era. The established hierarchy—in which the wrestlers known as the "Four Heavenly Kings" naturally took the main event spots—must be overturned. Doing so represents a true break from the All Japan era and marks the real beginning of the new promotion, Noah. 

"We're going to make Noah exciting" 

To that end, Akiyama, Takayama, and Omori sprang into action, effectively revitalizing the Noah ring. The rise of Rikio. Kikuchi’s return to the forefront. Kobashi’s transformation. While those elements were indeed things they already possessed, they only materialized thanks to the actions taken by Akiyama and his team. Akiyama and his peers naturally possessed that sense of pride, and because Misawa shared that sentiment to some extent, he likely decided—on the spur of the moment—to alter the series' key matchups following the conclusion of the second event in Yokohama. 

At the Morioka event—the final event of the series—the three wrestlers known as the "Four Heavenly Kings" (Misawa, Kobashi, and Taue) finally appeared together in the ring. Misawa stated that he did not feel he had been dragged into the match; however, the pairing only came about because of the actions taken by Akiyama and the others. 

For the "new generation" led by Akiyama—who advocated for ousting the "Four Heavenly Kings" generation—this match held immense significance. By facing off directly against the three wrestlers known as the Four Heavenly Kings and emerging victorious, they could demonstrate the validity of their stance far more clearly than any words ever could. And so, the direct showdown between the "Four Heavenly Kings" generation and the new generation got underway. It was the fired-up Akiyama team that seized the initiative first.

In any field, overcoming the barriers of time is an incredible feat, but Akiyama and his three companions, certainly conveyed the energy that arises when they break through that kind of power and strength. 

Perhaps it is because they share a common goal. Omori, who had been hesitant to form a team with Akiyama, slotted in smoothly. If anything, it gave the impression that Misawa and his group were more like individual points, while Akiyama and his group were attacking as a cohesive unit. 

However, the outcome that awaited them was completely different. 

Kobashi was chosen as the vice president to seize the opportunity in this era! 

The Goddess of Victory smiles upon 'The Four Heavenly Kings'...the hierarchy remains unchanged and unchangeable. 

The winner was the Four Heavenly Kings generation. 

The one who got the pin was Kenta Kobashi. 

These results demonstrate that it was the "Four Heavenly Kings" generation that held firm at critical moments. Indeed, they conceded no decisive blows, and even when pushed back, there were instances where one could sense their unfathomable depth of resilience. For instance, Misawa did not execute his signature finishing holds. Similarly, although Taue unleashed moves like the chokeslam and the spinning lariat, he did not use the Dynamic Bomb or the Naraku Chokeslam*. Even Kobashi, who delivered the match-deciding blow—a powerful lariat—only unleashed it at the very last moment; it did not feel like a strike born of having poured absolutely everything he had into the match. Even without citing Misawa's post-match comments, it was clear that the three wrestlers of the "Four Heavenly Kings" generation still had plenty left in the tank.

Meanwhile, although Akiyama did not lock in the front neck lock, he executed an Exploder. Takayama delivered a high-angle German suplex to Misawa, while Omori unleashed an Axe Bomber on him. 

But, the new generation couldn't win. 

They exuded enough energy to seem capable of breaking through the barriers of the era, yet they likely fell short of the actual figures required to achieve that breakthrough—even if only by a narrow margin.  

"Today was just a coincidence!" Omori shouts as he heads back to the dressing room.

Takayama walks past, leaning on a second's shoulder—unable to walk otherwise after taking the full force of Kobashi's powerful arm.

Come to think of it, Akiyama was knocked out by Kobashi in the season opener, Omori was knocked out in Nagoya, and today, Takayama suffered a defeat. It was undoubtedly Akiyama and the others who provoked Kobashi's anger, but judging solely by the outcome, they ended up waking a sleeping giant.

"It wouldn't be any fun if I just stayed quiet after this. They’ve done whatever they pleased to us, but I managed to take down three of them. I’d love to face Jun Akiyama in a singles match again—in a big venue like Ariake Coliseum." (Kobashi)

While Akiyama and his associates believed they could not simply drag the "Four Heavenly Kings" into the approaching 21st century, Misawa and his group effectively argued that day that the Four Heavenly Kings would continue to steer the course even in the new century. They had dropped anchor to ensure their ship would remain firmly moored*.

Furthermore, Misawa said; "It’s got nothing to do with the "Four Heavenly Kings" or anything like that. People talk about changing the era, but for me, it’s all about what happens inside the ring. The results will follow naturally—that’s how I’ve always done it. As for what I’d say? I guess it would be: "Don't just talk—do it."

Akiyama and his cohorts are unlikely to simply back down. Yet, this match certainly served to reaffirm the sheer stature of Misawa, Kobashi, and Taue. The real issue, however, is that Misawa and the others are not particularly conscious of a "generational struggle." This fact reveals that the situation has not yet reached the point where they feel a sense of crisis.

On December 23rd, just before the dawn of the 21st century, Noah held a major event at the Ariake Coliseum. Akiyama, who had offered no comment on the day of the event, stated two days later at the Differ Ariake show that he welcomed a singles match against Kobashi and demanded a showdown in the Coliseum's main event. 

The wall of the times could not be broken down by a single all-out battle. 

This fight will probably continue for a long time, and that clash will give rise to a new world. 

Will that showdown be on December 23d at Ariake Coliseum? 

Who will shape Noah in the 21st century? 

PICTURE BLURBS

~ Taue delivered a DDT to Akiyama on the ramp. Another blurb reported that Akiyama also attacked on the entrance ramp. As Weekly Pro noted "Attacks on the ramp have become a signature move in Noah".  (note - this will be particularly true in a few years time with what became known as "the sickest bump" in a match between Misawa and Kobashi)

~ "Misawa's missile kick is so beautiful, it should be included in a pro wrestling textbook". 

~ "Even Misawa was amazed by the power of Takayama's kick as it struck Taue's back".   

~ "Omori's immediate goal is to get revenge on Kobashi. He dropped a brutal knee strike". 

~ "NO FEAR'S chemistry was better than any other combo that this person had ever seen" 

~ Four Heavenly Kings dropping anchor and remaining firmly moored: This might have worked in the early years of Noah, but it would have a catastrophic effect in the long run. 

~ A large crowd of fans gathered around Kobashi. The wrestler, clad in angry black, made a strong impression even in the final match of the series. 

~ Misawa and Taue left the ring, and as Kobashi was about to follow suit, Omori raised his finger appealing for a rematch. He hadn't forgotten the taste of defeat in Nagoya on October 11th. Of course, Kobashi is ready to take on the challenge at any time.  

Notes

*Naraku Chokeslam: Hell Bomb