(NOAH) Noah Navigation - 17th October 2000 (Kanazawa)

Weekly Pro 7th November 2000

(Issue No. 1002)

Paint Out Black 

"If we don't do something, nothing’s actually going to happen—it’s like everyone’s just lulled into a false sense of peace. The only reason there’s any buzz is because *I’m* the one making moves; if they’re supposed to be the ones in the superior position, then they ought to be the ones sowing the seeds for something interesting. I’m the one stuck playing the bad guy here. Sure, they might get a kick out of the fans chanting "Kobashi! Kobashi!" and all that...

When asked for his thoughts on Kenta Kobashi’s recent comments, Jun Akiyama spoke in a quiet tone, reeling off his words in a steady stream—much like someone spray-painting a scathing message in white across a massive, dark wall. He occasionally flashes a smile - is it self deprecation, or defiant audacity? 

Looking back to before the show began—honestly, I never imagined the proceedings would turn out to be so fierce and gruelling. The response to Kobashi addressed the very themes and issues inherent within Noah itself. They are surely confident that their argument is sound. Their motives are by no means self-serving. The "No Fear" duo has lent their support to a noble cause — one driven by principles far removed from any self-serving motives. That is why the three of them—appearing together in the ring for the first time—wore expressions that were both fierce and utterly captivating. What emanated from the contest was a sense of urgency and the exercise of free will. Concerns regarding their coordinated attacks—specifically the dynamic between Akiyama and Takao Omori—proved to be trivial matters of no consequence.

The three of them seemed to be determined to paint over the black wall with their three distinctive arguments. As if to say "Don't underestimate us," they declared victory and puffed out their chests towards Kobashi. 

Kobashi glared at the three with a terrifying look. 

Two keywords uttered by Misawa: Vader and the 23rd December Ariake Coliseum 

After the match, Misawa uttered two important things. 

One of them was "destroy Vader"

One of them was "Ariake Coliseum".

Without even needing to combine the two, Misawa hinted at the possibility of a Misawa vs Vader match on December 23rd at the Ariake Coliseum event. 

Let me explain the situation. 

Misawa teamed up with Ogawa to face Vader and Slinger. This was his third encounter with Vader in this series, and just as in the previous two matches, Vader targeted Misawa right from the start.

But Misawa had anticipated this.

He countered Vader with ruthless elbow strikes and an arm-targeting attack designed to trigger past trauma.

The issue was that although Ogawa defeated Slinger to win the match, an incensed Vader went on a wild rampage—flinging a chair and punching his own partner. 

Misawa was furious at such actions. 

"You can't have a match like that, can you?"

Although not explicitly stated, Misawa's remark followed this statement that, "If it comes to that. I'll do it." 

Misawa's mind was made up. 

Misawa vs Vader has produced countless dramatic moments in the past, and it is the perfect match to conclude Noah's inaugural year. However, their relationship isn't clean enough for them to simply move on to Ariake. 

Vader's tactics against Misawa will only intensify from now on. He'll only be able to settle the score after getting double the revenge. 

Picture blurbs

~ Akiyama and NO FEAR are together as a trio. Defeating Kobashi, they proudly declare their victory. They calmly endure the terrifying gaze Kobashi directed at them. 

~ Akiyama and Takayama stopped Omori, who was getting carried away, with a "Well that's enough" kind of attitude. A charming trio. 

~ Kikuchi was cornered and attacked. They were clearly trying to provoke Kobashi. 

~ Omori, who was perhaps harbouring resentment for being made to bleed in Nagoya, attacked Kobashi with rough tactics. 

~ There were concerns about the co-ordination between Akiyama and Omori. However, the two, who share the same cause, accomplished it without any problems. 

~ Kikuchi's performance "shines" according to Weekly Pro. Kobashi said that "Kikuchi-san is capable of so much more than this", and vowed to end this feud in Morioka. 

~ Even after the match ended, Misawa ("who lost his temper") continued to attack Vader. 

~ "Vader's repeated outrageous attacks have left everyone furious"

~ "Perhaps overwhelmed by rage, Vader slaps his partner, Slinger". 

~ "Ultimately, Ogawa defeated Slinger with a backdrop hold, but Vader was still furious, and threw a chair into the ring". However, Misawa "calmly" sat on it.