Japanese/Mexican wrestling report debuts: all-mask tourney!
By Mr. Mal Occhio
Wrestlers Ramblings.com pro wrestling newsÂ
Spanning the globe, to bring you the constant variety of sport . . . or . . . something dramatic like that – ahem – Ladies and gentlemen,WrestlersRamblings.com is proud to expand our burgeoning empire once again, this time with the commencement of a weekly report on the world of Puroresu and Lucha Libre, otherwise known as Japanese and Mexican pro wrestling. News from these two diverse (yet always-exciting) pro wrestling markets is sure to expand the minds of most-readers. If you have never seen pro wrestling from Japan or Mexico, you really owe it to yourself to find some DVDs and bring yourself up-to-speed. At the core, both present very different styles to that of the North American game (Japan is usually referred to as having a stiffer style, with Mexico employing a more high-flying, looser approach to their mat action). Mr. Mal promises you will not be disappointed. But enough preamble, let’s get to the good stuff. Buckle up, gang – we’re about to begin our first trip. The flight attendant will be by later with light refreshments . . .
Japan’s “Big 5″ ready for Fukumen World Tournament. From left: Tiger Mask; Ultimo Dragon; Great Sasuke; Jushin Thunder Liger and Super DelfinÂ
MASKED MAT MAYHEM – In news that naturally sets Mr. Mal’s heart all-a-flutter, Japan’s Michinoku Pro is set to unleash one of the biggest junior (or cruiserweight) events of the year with the return of the Fukumen (Mask) World League tournament. Even more exciting that that? The event will feature all-five of what is considered to be Japan’s “Big 5� masked men: Tiger Mask; Ultimo Dragon; Great Sasuke; Jushin Thunder Liger and Super Delfin. New Japan is offering its full cooperation for this three show tournament by also offering up El Samurai – he will counter Mecha Mummy in the first round - with several other masked-men scheduled to appear including Olimpico; Super Shisa; Billy Ken Kid; Shibaten; Yoshitsune; Atlantis; Kikutaro; and Rasse. The tourney will begin at Korakuen (Sept. 30) before moving to Zepp Sendai and Iwate Prefectural Gymnasium.
AAA INVADES JAPAN – One of Mexico’s greatest pro wrestling leagues will invade the land of the rising sun as AAA will be sending an estimated 20 wrestlers to the TRIPLESEM show at Tokyo’s Differ Ariake on August 3. Those scheduled to make the trip include the Hell Brothers (Cibernetico; Chessman and Charly Manson); Mexican Powers (Juventud Guerrera, Joe Lider and Crazy Boy); Histeria; Antifaz del Norte; Real Fuerza Aérea (Laredo Kid & Super Fly); Fuerza Guerrera; Fabi Apache; Pimpinela; Octagoncito; Mini Abismo Negro and Mini Histeria.
WWE NOW TARGETS MEXICO – Word from World Wrestling Entertainment sources now say Mexico has moved ahead of the United Kingdom as far as the first possible international WWE-brand extension. Apparently, the belief of WWE officials is that Mexico would offer an endless supply of untapped talent – as well as the likelihood that they would work cheap (nothing like looking out for the boys, eh Vince?) More than that, however (at least, hopefully more than that) the transportation costs would be cheaper than overseas, with this new would-be brand having the opportunity to springboard into several different markets. The move would be crushing to the forementioned AAA, as the WWE would look to lock-up exclusive deals with Mexican arenas. CMLL, it is believed, would not be affected as much, given that it owns several key arenas. Talks between the point man in the U.K. discussions (Len Davis of Real Quality Wrestling) and the WWE have cooled, with the Mexican plans moving forward with separate discussions a few weeks back. Nonetheless, Davis is still reportedly optimistic that the U.K. plan will still come to fruition.
ALL-JAPAN STARS REMAIN ON TOUR – Word from former TNA Team Canada Coach Scott D’Amore (friend of WrestlersRamblings.com ) is that discussions continue between All Japan’s Pro Wrestling Nosawa promotion and D’Amore’s Can-Am Wrestling School, based in Windsor, ON Canada. As part of both sides intention to further their working relationship, the North American tour of All Japan Pro Wrestling stars Akira Raijin and Brute Issei will continue through Nov. 21. Fresh off their appearance on TNA’s Impact Zone in Orlando, both Raijin and Issei are available for booking by emailing D’Amore at canamwrestling@hotmail.com.
GOOD-LUCK KONNAN – And finally, after months of waiting, word that Mexican superstar (and former WCW/TNA great) Konnan has finally found a suitable donor for a kidney transplant and will reportedly undergo surgery sometime today. All of us here at WrestlersRamblings.com wish Konnan (described by many as the Mexican Hulk Hogan) a speedy and full recovery.
That’s it for now. Have a look around through the various categories and such — as well as hitting the links at the bottom of this story — we’ve been doing this site for a while now and have plenty to offer! Also - please try to frequent our advertiser! This site doesn’t ask ya for much — but we do have bills to pay. Your support is appreciated! Click one of our ads to see all the great Highspots.com merchandise!
Don’t forget to sign-up for our new bulletin board - WrestlersRamblings.com PRO WRESTLING FORUM
“Big 5″ photo used with permission of Wrestleland Blogspot.com. Raijin and Issei photo used with permission of Scott D’Amore. Further use without prior permission is prohibited.
CLICK HERE to read Mr. Mal’s take on Big Show — the boxer?!?
CLICK HERE to read about connection between BASEBALL and pro wrestling
CLICK HERE for Mr. Mal’s take on the latest activities of Hulk Hogan