(NOAH) Close Up Issue! ~ This week's issues ~ "Hashimoto? I never said it wasn't going to happen" ~ Mitsuharu Misawa said this

Weekly Pro 14th November 2000

(Issue No. 1003)

Sunday October 29th - Kichijoji "PARCO" in Tokyo

20th anniversary "Martial Arts Talk Live & Autograph Session".

Misawa appeared wearing a bright orange fleece—a departure from the crisp suit-clad look of the company president I had recently grown accustomed to. It is unclear whether this reflected the relaxed mood of the day, but during the talk show held as part of the Kichijoji Parco 20th-anniversary event, Misawa took us completely by surprise with a series of outspoken, no-holds-barred remarks.

The back-and-forth with the host, Asari, was peppered with the usual off-color jokes; however, when asked about Shinya Hashimoto (currently a focal point of attention in the pro-wrestling world) Misawa made the following remarks.

"Regarding the rumor about Hashimoto? Well, that’s the big question, isn’t it? That "well, who knows" part is the key (laughs). I’m not saying there *was* contact, but I’m not saying there *wasn’t*, either. If there was absolutely nothing to it, I’d just say so—that’s how I operate. Nothing's decided yet. If the conversation does come up, I’d want to steer things in a positive direction for both of us. My impression of Hashimoto? He’s put on weight and is a bit hairy (laughs). He really loves pro-wrestling, though; I think he takes it seriously. But I suppose the problem might be that we weren't able to provide the right kind of environment for him." 

That is certainly an intriguing way to put it!

Since Misawa has long shown a willingness to engage in discussions with the "Three Musketeers" generation, it should be possible to move the conversation in a positive direction—though, of course, it is impossible to say at this stage exactly how things will unfold. However, regarding the contact, it is fair to say that Misawa did not deny it—in fact, he acknowledged it. While there was no specific mention of whether the discussions were taking place at the corporate level or the individual level, it is certain that contact did occur.

This remark also offers a glimpse into Misawa's willingness to provide a platform for Hashimoto; he had previously expressed this same sentiment regarding the issue of Hashimoto competing in Noah.

"I don't hold any grudge against Hashimoto"

"I have no hard feelings whatsoever toward Hashimoto."

This is a classic Misawa-style way of speaking, indicating that he has no objection to Hashimoto's participation. While it remains purely speculative, the realization of a "dream match" worthy of capping off Noah's inaugural year is not out of the question. Or perhaps it will become a dream worthy of ushering in the start of the twenty-first century...

The world of professional wrestling is in a state of upheaval as the century draws to a close. Amidst this, Misawa will undoubtedly be counted among the key protagonists. Furthermore, Shinya Hashimoto is also one of the key figures of this fin de siècle era. Expectations are running high regarding what will emerge from the dialogue between the two.

"Oh, look - their expression says it’s dangerous to go any further."

After saying this to the Noah officials, Misawa smoothly shifted the conversation away from the Hashimoto issue. Yet, the roughly 100 fans who heard his words here this month surely envisioned a magnificent dream, and viewers tuning in to "Noah's Ark", airing on Fighting TV "Samurai!" at 7:00 PM on Sunday, November 12, will undoubtedly be filled with high expectations as well. 

"We want to make what the fans want to see a reality". 

Misawa's belief's remain unchanged, both then and now. They are clearly reflected in Noah. 

"December 24th at Differ Ariake will be Fan Appreciation Day. We might let the fans decide the cards". 

They are planning to hold a event there where fans decided the matches, a format that they used at the All Japan fan appreciation events, so a match like Vader vs Eigen might become a reality...

Noah will continue it's voyage as a ship carrying dreams to it's fans.

Links

See "A bigger New Japan - Hashimoto's "Independence" leads to manager Choshu issuing a "release notice"

Notes

Fin de siècle refers to the cultural, artistic, and social climate at the end of the 19th century, marked by decadence, aestheticism, and a sense of both anxiety and anticipation for a new era.