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December, 1996
- During a Yuji Nagata & Tatsuhito Takaiwa vs. Michiyoshi Ohara & Akira Nogami match in Sasebo on the 24th, Takaiwa fell awkwardly after being suplexed off the top rope. He landed on an elbow so badly that a bone stuck out, and he was taken directly to hospital. Recovery time is estimated at two months. There were plans for Takaiwa to visit Mexico on a learning excursion, but that is uncertain now. - It was announced that on the 12/15 UVF (Universal Vale Tudo Fighting) show at the Fukuoka Dome, Keiji Muto would fight Pedro Otávio. This would be Muto's first Octagon Cage fight, but he insisted that he wouldn't have to change his style to win. However, days later, the show was cancelled. - "Fighting Spirit 2", New Japan's new Sony Playstation game, was put on the market on 12/21, just in time for Christmas. All New Japan wrestlers appear in the game, including Antonio Inoki.
January, 1997 - Big Japan president, Shinya Kojika, verbally attacked Riki Choshu for Choshu's stern words about "stylistically questionable" indy promotions like Big Japan. Kojika declared that several indy promotions would team up and raid New Japan. Big Japan wrestlers appeared at New Japan's 9/16/96 Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium show, provoking the New Japan roster. A New Japan vs. Big Japan series has been set for the 1/4 Tokyo Dome show. Kendo Nagasaki, Yoshihiro Tajiri, Shoji Nakamaki and Mitsuhiro Matsunaga were listed as the Dai Nihon representatives. However, Matsunaga refused to wrestle in New Japan and will be replaced by Kojika himself. - Shiro Koshinaka showed up at Big Japan's 1/2 Tokyo Korakuen Hall show, doing some name-calling of his own. - On the 1/4/97 Tokyo Dome show, New Japan convincingly defeated Big Japan in the series, winning 3-1. The big story was Chono's destruction and humiliation of Big Japan cult hero, Shoji Nakamaki.
1. Shinjiro Otani - Shiro Koshinaka announced that Heisei Ishingun would raid Big Japan and other indies throughout the year, and would destroy all of them. The invasion started on 1/6 when Tatsutoshi Goto & Michiyoshi Ohara fought Kendo Nagasaki & Satoru Shiga to a no contest in Big Japan. Nagasaki was outraged and said there would be a Big Japan vs. New Japan 5 vs. 5 battle to determine who wins this war. - Kojika scouted several New Japan wrestlers, trying to get them to join his cause. The three names he mentioned as possible defectors were Michiyoshi Ohara, Akira Nogami and Satoshi Kojima. - The 1/4/97 Tokyo Dome TV special drew an 11.3% TV rating, along with a 62,500 sell out arena attendance. - Masahiro Chono will miss the first half of the "FIGHTING SPIRIT 1997" tour. Chono has affiliated with the nWo (New World Order) group that is wreaking havoc in America, more specifically in WCW (World Championship Wrestling). Scott Norton will replace him in Team Wolf for the shows he misses. - Tokimitsu Ishizawa finished his half year learning excursion to Europe. He has now gone to another continent, competing in Mexico. He'll also accompany Antonio Inoki to Cuba. Ishizawa scored a fall victory in a six man tag match in Mexico, hitting a senton bomb, diving headbutt, then a German suplex hold for the 3 count. - On 1/17, Keiji Muto suddenly criticized New Japan. Muto said the company was outdated and the constant group vs. group direction was old and worn out. Muto declared that he was Antonio Inoki's true successor. - During a tag match on the 1/20 Naha Citizen Gymnasium TV taping, Shinjiro Otani pinned J Crown Champion, Jushin Thunder Liger. The two will meet on 2/9 and Otani is very confident that he'll win. - Masahiro Chono appeared on the 1/20 WCW Monday Nitro, disposing of David Taylor in just 3:01. Chono said his heart had been rotting in New Japan, but it has been washed in America. - A day later, on 1/21, Chono went into negotiations with Eric Bischoff and Hollywood Hulk Hogan about an nWo contract. However, they couldn't reach an agreement of money. There will be re-negotiations, but Chono confessed that he had also sent feelers to the WWF (World Wrestling Federation). - On 1/26, Chono finally came to an agreement with the nWo, formally signing a contract. A fee of US$400,000 per year was agreed on. This puts Chono's status with New Japan in grave doubt, as Bischoff, an avid fan of Chono, can now keep Chono in WCW if he likes. - On 1/27, Hollywood Hogan said that the nWo would display their power to the Japanese fans. Hogan is aiming at the Japanese landing of the nWo, with Chono playing an instrumental role in the international expansion. The 5/3 Osaka Dome show was cited as a possible location for a major nWo invasion. Chono will return to New Japan on 2/2, teaming with the New World Order members, Scott Norton and Buff Bagwell, against Keiji Muto, Manabu Nakanishi & Satoshi Kojima. - On 1/29, Shinya Hashimoto said that his Different Style Fight Match (mixed martial arts/shoot fighting) route would restart. Hashimoto wants to have matches of this style on the remaining four Dome shows in 1997. - On 1/31, with Chono yet to return, Hiroyoshi Tenzan teamed with the nWo's Norton and Bagwell, the three beating Shinya Hashimoto, Junji Hirata & Takashi Iizuka. Tenzan isn't sure whether he wants to commit to the nWo and expressed interest in going solo and challenging for the IWGP Heavyweight Title. There is also talk that Keiji Muto has had secret meetings with Chono and Hollywood Hogan about joining the nWo, which might stem from his recent discontent with New Japan.
February, 1997 - Masahiro Chono returned to New Japan on 2/2. However, for the first time in his career, he was no longer a New Japan wrestler, but instead representing Eric Bischoff's New World Order (nWo) group, a revolutionary force in professional wrestling. Chono has no contract with New Japan, so is technically wrestling there as a freelancer and could join the WWF or WCW, as has been rumoured. Chono, Norton & Bagwell defeated Muto, Nakanishi & Kojima when Norton used a powerslam on Muto, so the New Japan team leader on this day was downed. - On 2/3, Shinya Hashimoto, Jushin Thunder Liger and Kensuke Sasaki visited the grave of legend, Rikidozan. Mitsuharu Misawa and other All Japan wrestlers were also there. Hashimoto expressed keen interest in having matches with All Japan wrestlers, possibly starting an interpromotional series between the two Japanese wrestling giants. - On 2/5, Chono had negotiations with New Japan once again, the two sides trying to agree on a contract. Chono said "these conditions don't suit me" and outright refused the contract. Chono remains a freelancer and will confer with his manager, Eric Bischoff, about his future. - On 2/6, Big Japan president, Shinya Kojika, appeared at New Japan's Koiso show. He was there for one reason, to try and lure Chono to Dai Nihon. Kojika declared, "You may raise Big Japan!". On the same show, the nWo destroyed Muto's left shoulder, meaning he'll have to work the rest of the tour bandaged up. - On the 2/8 Nakajima Sports Center, Tatsumi Fujinami & Kengo Kimura defended their IWGP Tag Team Title for the first time, defeating Keiji Muto & Junji Hirata. However, they may not escape this series with the belts, as they accepted Manabu Nakanishi & Satoshi Kojima's challenge for a title match on the 2/16 tour climax. - Back at Nakajima Sports Center on 2/9, Jushin Thunder Liger defended the J Crown for the first time, defeating Shinjiro Otani in an epic battle that lasted over 27 minutes. However, like the IWGP Tag Team Champions, Liger must face another challenger on the 2/16 tour climax. Koji Kanemoto defeated Michinoku Pro's TAKA Michinoku on the same show, making him #1 contender for the belt. Additionally, Great Muta vs. Shiro Koshinaka was determined for the tour climax show. - On 2/11, Chono declared that the nWo army would seize all of New Japan's titles. - In the 2/12 Weekly Fight magazine, a first page scoop hinted that judo star, Naoya Ogawa, would enter New Japan in the near future. - On the 2/15 Yamato show, the latest dojo prospect debuted. His name is Shinya Makabe and he submitted to a crab hold, falling to Shinjiro Otani. - The 2/16 Tokyo Ryogoku Kokugikan show, which concluded "FIGHTING SPIRIT 1997", was an eventful rally. Great Muta pinned Shiro Koshinaka, but the big story came after the match, when Muta was offered an nWo t-shirt and asked to join the group. His status is unclear though. Jushin Thunder Liger successfully defended his J Crown, pinning Koji Kanemoto, so he beat both of his major rivals, Kanemoto and Otani, on the same tour. Tatsumi Fujinami & Kengo Kimura beat upstart team, Manabu Nakanishi & Satoshi Kojima, to successfully defend their IWGP Tag Team Title. And in the main event, Shinya Hashimoto's grip on the IWGP Heavyweight Title remained, as he defeated Kazuo Yamazaki with a vertical drop brainbuster. - On 2/18, Yuji Nagata left New Japan for an overseas learning excursion. Nagata is expected to go to Atlanta and thus, WCW. Nagata wants to bulk up to 110kg and return to New Japan next year. - On 2/18, Tokyo Sports magazine released major information about the 4/12 Tokyo Dome show. A huge main event was announced, with Shinya Hashimoto to face former UFC star, Ken Shamrock. Judo star, Naoya Ogawa, will also debut on the show, possibly in a tag team match involving Riki Choshu. - On 2/19, official information regarding the 4/12 Tokyo Dome show was announced. The big three matches will be Hashimoto vs. Shamrock, Muta vs. Chono and Liger vs. Michinoku Pro's Great Sasuke. Also, all three IWGP title belts (or four, counting the tag title as two) were redecorated. - On 2/20, a New Japan vs. nWo complete series was announced for the "HYPER BATTLE 1997" tour climax on 3/25. - On 2/24, it was announced that Liger would face Wrestle Yume Factory's Masayoshi Motegi on 3/20, in a match for the illustrious J Crown. - On 2/26, there was a major shake-up regarding the 4/12 Tokyo Dome show. Ken Shamrock, who was supposed to main event against Hashimoto, joined the World Wrestling Federation, leaving the Dome show without a main event. However, Naoya Ogawa suddenly declared war on Hashimoto and is likely to become his opponent. - Still on 2/26, Dory Funk Jr. sent a call to Antonio Inoki for a match on the 5/3 Osaka Dome show. Inoki has been training with the original Tiger Mask, Satoru Sayama, the two keeping in prime shape. - On 2/27, Keiji Muto announced that after New Japan won the 3/25 series against the nWo, he would dye the nWo's symbol colour (black) pink. - On 2/28, talk emerged that Shiro Koshinaka would compete on Big Japan's 4/1 in a very dangerous Death Match, featuring electricity. However, nothing official was announced.
March, 1997 - On 3/2, Michinoku Pro's Kaientai DX army sent a warning to New Japan that they would invade the junior division soon. The group recently invaded American promotion, ECW (Extreme Championship Wrestling), competing as bWo (Blue World Order) members. They have targetted Liger and his friends. - Also on 3/2, tickets for the 5/3 Osaka Dome show were selling well. Over 1,000 fans lined up before the card was even announced, wanting tickets. - On 3/3, Naoya Ogawa went into special training with Antonio Inoki and Satoru Sayama, learning how to absorb body blows. Ogawa will also go to Rickson Gracie's dojo to learn techniques. - Still on 3/3, Satoshi Kojima hinted that he wanted to join the nWo. Recently, Kojima wore a costume of full black, the colours of the nWo. - On 3/4, Shinya Hashimoto vs. Naoya Ogawa for the 4/12 Tokyo Dome show was formally announced. Inoki has been teaching Ogawa about Hashimoto's weak points, in hopes that his new disciple can defeat the IWGP Heavyweight Champion. - The "HYPER BATTLE 1997" tour began at Niigata City Gymnasium on 3/5, with big things going down in the main event. Chono, Tenzan & Hiro Saito beat Muto, Nakanishi & Kojima, but only after a mistake. At least that's what Muto is calling it. Muto "accidentally" gave Kojima a face crusher, Chono capitalizing with a Yakuza kick on Kojima for the 3 count. Muto insisted it was a mistake and not deliberate, but rumours continue to spread about him possibly joining the nWo. - Ken Shamrock told the Weekly Fight magazine why he chose to join the WWF. Shamrock said that his daily steroid abuse (which he admitted) would prevent him from working the intense fighting style of New Japan. Moreover, Shamrock said that it had been his dream since he was a child to become the WWF Heavyweight Champion. - On 3/6, Antonio Inoki expressed the desire to face Tiger Mask Sayama on the 4/12 Tokyo Dome show. - Also on 3/6, Big Japan announced it's 4/1 Tokyo Korakuen Hall show, but despite speculation, Shiro Koshinaka's name was nowhere to be seen. - On 3/7, it was announced that Hashimoto vs. Ogawa would be a Different Style Fight Match, meaning it must end by KO (knock out) or submission. The two shook hands, but there was obviously tension between them. - On 3/8, Yuji Nagata debuted for WCW, appearing on their Monday Nitro show. Nagata lost to a premier American martial artist, Ernest Miller, falling in only 1:44. Nagata wasn't sad though, saying he would gain experience from every defeat and rise to the top. - On 3/9, Naoya Ogawa trained with Inoki and Sayama in New Japan's very own dojo. Ogawa said he aimed to use an armbar technique to defeat Hashimoto. - On 3/10, Ogawa asked Inoki to give him the old New Japan Martial Arts Heavyweight Title, which Inoki used to defend. Ogawa also received special training from retired New Japan stars, Kotetsu Yamamoto and Kantaro Hoshino, on how to counter Hashimoto's wrestling techniques. - Also on 3/10, Shiro Koshinaka banished Kengo Kimura from the Heisei Ishingun group. Koshinaka and his friends performed a group bullying of Kimura on the 3/8 TV taping at Tokuyama City Gymnasium. - On the 3/11 Higashi-Hiroshima Movement Park Gymnasium show, after leading the nWo to defeat Muto's team in the main event, Chono threw an nWo shirt to Muto. At least, Muto took the shirt and appears to have joined nWo. - Also on 3/11, Hashimoto exploded in anger at Inoki for training Ogawa. Hashimoto accused Inoki of betraying New Japan and turning to the enemy. - On 3/12, Muto was back to teaming with New Japan wrestlers, in this case Tadao Yasuda, so his status is once again unclear. - Still on 3/12, Inoki severely declared that Hashimoto "is not the top of New Japan" and said he was looking to the future when teaching Ogawa his wisdom. It was also determined that Inoki will face the original Tiger Mask, Satoru Sayama, on the 4/12 Tokyo Dome show. - On 3/14, Inoki lured one of New Japan's young prospects to join in his special training with Ogawa. The wrestler is Kazuyuki Fujita, who since his debut on 11/1/96, has just mainly opened shows, gaining experience. However, his extensive amateur wrestling background has clearly caught the eye of Inoki, who called Fujita a future star. - On 3/17, WCW wrestler, Steven Regal, directly petitioned to Riki Choshu to allow him in the New Japan vs. nWo Elimination Match on 3/20, as part of the New Japan team. His request was accepted and he will replace Choshu himself in the match. - Also on 3/17, indy wrestler, Takashi Ishikawa, who wrestles for Tenryu's WAR and opposes Shiro Koshinaka/Heisei Ishingun's indy domination venture, challenged Koshinaka to a match, which is expected to take place on the upcoming Tokyo Dome show. - On 3/19, Koshinaka vs. Ishikawa was made official for 4/12. Ishikawa said he would "shoot down" one of the horsemen who are trying to damage the bright indy circuit. - Also on 3/19, Ogawa had yet more secret special training, with Inoki, Sayama and Kazuyuki Fujita. - The nWo were victorious on the 3/20 Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium show, defeating New Japan in an Elimination Match. Scott Norton pinned both Regal and Hashimoto to take the last falls and give the nWo a big win, with Chono, Norton and Buff Bagwell all surviving. - On 3/22, Muto pledged himself to the New Japan army again, so won't join the nWo. - On 3/23, the nWo continued to run dominant, with another main event win, this time in an eight man tag. The big story was the finish, which saw Hiroyoshi Tenzan pin Riki Choshu for the big personal victory. - Also on 3/23, Naoya Ogawa went to America to train with former UFC fighter, Dan Severn. - 3/25 saw the "HYPER BATTLE 1997" tour climax at Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium and the big New Japan vs. nWo singles match series. Once again, the nWo were dominant, winning the series 4-2, Scott Norton pinning the IWGP Heavyweight Champion to wrap up the victory.
1. Satoshi Kojima - On 3/26, Koji Kanemoto and Shinjiro Otani announced that they would unite with Michinoku Pro punks, Kaientai DX, to combat the defense armies of both New Japan and Michinoku Pro. Kanemoto said that he wants to know his friends and suggested a Kanemoto, Otani & Takaiwa face Dick Togo, MEN's Teioh and another Kaientai member. - At New Japan's 25th anniversary part on 3/27, Masa Saito announced that he would be joining the nWo, representing them in the commentary booth and in other such roles. - On 3/28, Hashimoto said he would use a brand new modified DDT to defeat Ogawa. - On 3/30, Tatsumi Fujinami ran one of his rare Muga shows. Fujinami defeated Shinichi Nakano with a knee submission, while Osamu Nishimura defeated Shane Rigby. - Liger showed up at Michinoku Pro's 3/30 convention in Akita, wanting to inspect the company. While he was there, he got into a quarrel with Kaientai DX, who had beaten the defense army on that show. - On 3/31, Ogawa went into the latest phase of his special training, attending a camp in Hawaii with Inoki and Sayama. - Also on 3/31, Fujinami made a shocking statement, saying he expected Ogawa to defeat Hashimoto. Fujinami said that Hashimoto cannot maintain his concentration and stated that would work against him. He said that if Hashimoto loses, so does the pro wrestling community as a whole.
April, 1997 - On 4/1, Keiji Muto said he would start his own group, not the New Japan army, to oppose the nWo. - On 4/2, it was announced that after the 4/12 Tokyo Dome show, Naoya Ogawa would join Tokimitsu Ishizawa in Brazil, where he would learn Vale Tudo. - Also on 4/2, Hashimoto exhibited his new modified DDT at a training camp in Mie. Hashimoto was training with Tadao Yasuda and Satoshi Kojima in preparation for his upcoming big match. - On 4/4, Koji Kanemoto and Shinjiro Otani met with Kaientai DX at a teahouse in Tokyo. The band of punks discussed plans to crush Liger and Sasuke. - On 4/8, Hashimoto made a somewhat amusing claim. He said he would counter Ogawa's STO (Space Tornado Ogawa) with his... SEX (Shinya Ecstacy X). What this is exactly is a mystery. - Also on 4/8, Inoki proposed making the Hashimoto vs. Ogawa match a 10 million yen battle, with the winner taking home the cash. - On 4/9, Takashi Ishikawa appealed to Kengo Kimura for a joint struggle against Shiro Koshinaka's Heisei Ishingun. Ishikawa cited them having a common enemy and said that together they could crush HI. - Also on 4/9, Hashimoto expressed disappointment at Tadao Yasuda for agreeing to be Ogawa's sparring partner at a training session. - Still on 4/9, Chono said "Muta is the pet dog of New Japan", criticizing his old rival. - Weekly Gong announced that nWo founders, Kevin Nash and Scott Hall, would compete on the 5/3 Osaka Dome show, as would other members of the American nWo. There was also talk of The Giant, WCW's resident monster, teaming up with Muta on the show. - On 4/10, it was decided that Satoru Sayama's new name would be Tiger King. Sayama, the original Tiger Mask, appeared with a new mask, ready to face Inoki in a couple of days. - It was formally announced that numerous international stars would appear on the 5/3 Osaka Dome show. Representing WCW would be Sting, Lex Luger, The Giant and The Steiner Brothers. Representing the nWo would be Scott Hall, Kevin Nash, Scott Norton, Buff Bagwell and nWo Sting. - On 4/11, Kengo Kimura accepted Takashi Ishikawa's appeal for joint struggle against Heisei Ishingun, and said he would also bring a third person into the fold, rumoured to be Tatsumi Fujinami. - 60,500 fans packed into the Tokyo Dome on 4/12, for the much anticipated "BATTLE FORMATION 1997" super-show. Many big matches took place. Shiro Koshinaka pinned Takashi Ishikawa, but Ishikawa insisted that this rivalry was not over and declared anew that his joint struggle with Kengo Kimura would take place. Jushin Thunder Liger successfully defended the J Crown, pinning Great Sasuke. However, Kaientai DX showed up, so Liger and Sasuke agreed a joint struggle against them and the New Japan junior punks. Antonio Inoki had the seventh match of his retirement countdown, beating Tiger King (Sayama). Great Muta beat Masahiro Chono, but the big story came after the match, when Muta shook hands with Chono. However, this was more a sign of respect than an indication that he would join the nWo. Riki Choshu and his disciple, Kensuke Sasaki, defeated Tatsumi Fujinami & Kengo Kimura to become the 30th IWGP Tag Team Champions. And in the hugely hyped main event, judo star, Naoya Ogawa, beat Shinya Hashimoto in a Different Style Fight Match, choking him out with a sleeper hold. Hashimoto said that he would take some risks and defend his IWGP Heavyweight Title against Ogawa at the Osaka Dome on 5/3. - On 4/13, Antonio Inoki and New Japan president, Seiji Sakaguchi, had a disagreement. Sakaguchi said Ogawa should be raised as a "wrestler" and not as a "fighter". However, Inoki's vision of making Ogawa the ultimate combat machine remained and he would not succumb to the president's wishes. - Also on 4/13, it was announced that numerous outsiders would compete in the 1997 Best of the Super Jr. Tournament. Involved would be Ian "Doc" Dean (England), Robby Brookside (England), Scorpio Jr. (Mexico), Dr. Wagner Jr. (Mexico) and Michinoku Pro's Hanzo Nakajima. - The Hashimoto vs. Ogawa match drew a massive 13.6% TV rating, with a lot of interest clearly in that match. - On 4/14, some of the main matches for the 5/3 Osaka Dome show were announced. The upstart team of Manabu Nakanishi & Satoshi Kojima were given the right to challenge Choshu & Sasaki for the IWGP Tag Team Title. Shiro Koshinaka faces Kengo Kimura. Koji Kanemoto, Shinjiro Otani, Dick Togo (Michinoku Pro/Kaientai DX), MEN's Teioh (Michinoku Pro/Kaientai DX) & Hanzo Nakajima (Michinoku Pro/Kaientai DX) face El Samurai, Norio Honaga, Great Sasuke (Michinoku Pro), Super Delfin (Michinoku Pro) & Gran Hamada (Michinoku Pro) in a 2/3 Falls Match. Tokimitsu Ishizawa will return from his overseas excursion. It was said that the New Japan/WCW vs. nWo matches would be determined by the results of Chono's latest trip to America. Hashimoto vs. Ogawa for the IWGP Heavyweight Title was also made official. Hashimoto said that he would miss the "BATTLE LINE KYUSHU 1997" tour, taking the time off wrestling to train. - Also on 4/14, Satoru Sayama told Inoki to abandon his retirement and said the two should team up at the Osaka Dome. - On 4/15, Inoki responded to Sakaguchi's wish to make Ogawa a "wrestler". Inoki said, "While I understand Sakaguchi's position, the professional wrestling community is useless if it does not convert to the new way of thinking". Inoki expressed his ambition to form a "world martial arts" league/group, comprised of Satoru Sayama, Tokimitsu Ishizawa, Yuji Nagata and Kazuyuki Fujita. There are rumours that this group will go to war with New Japan later in the year. - On 4/16, Hashimoto declared that he would beat Ogawa, then banish Inoki from New Japan. Hashimoto said that the "fighting spirit" tradition would be returned to New Japan and that he would send Inoki into retirement. - The "BATTLE LINE KYUSHU 1997" tour began on 4/17, one of the features being Tadao Yasuda's trial series. He lost to Kensuke Sasaki in his first match, but lasted over 16 minutes with him. - More Osaka Dome matches were announced. Antonio Inoki teams up with Tiger King to face Yoshiaki Fujiwara & Jushin Thunder Liger in a special tag match. Also, in a New Japan/WCW vs. nWo match, Keiji Muto & The Steiner Brothers face Masahiro Chono & The Outsiders (Kevin Nash & Scott Hall). - On 4/18, Keiji Muto hinted that he would betray New Japan at the Osaka Dome. - Also on 4/18, Inoki hinted that Naoya Ogawa would go in training for the Sydney Olympic Games in 2000. - On 4/21, Yuji Nagata, still in WCW, challenged Dean Malenko for the WCW U.S. Heavyweight Title. Although he lost, it was vital learning experience. - Chono was also in America on 4/21, signing a new contract with the nWo at CNN Headquarters. A day later, Chono announced that "nWo Japan", the official Japanese branch of the New World Order (as opposed to the single branch, which he had previously represented), had been established. Chono expressed plans to invite U.S. basketball star and nWo member, Dennis Rodman, to the Osaka Dome. - On 4/24, Tadao Yasuda finished his challenge series, losing to Keiji Muto. Yasuda finished 1-4, but took heart in the experience gained and said he wanted to compete in the G1 Climax later in the year. - While training on 4/24, Naoya Ogawa suffered an injured right knee, which he originally hurt during his judo days. He worried about whether he'd be able to recover in time for 5/3. - On 4/25, Riki Choshu said to "teach what professional wrestling is" to Ogawa, he wanted Ogawa to accompany him to shows on the next tour. - Also on 4/25, it was determined that HI's Shiro Koshinaka & Akitoshi Saito would challenge for Big Japan's Tag Team Title at their 6/7 Yokohama show. They will face the winners of the decision match to crowd the first champions on 6/3. - Muto or Muta? Ishizawa or Kashin? On 4/26, there were some questions about whether alter-egos would be used at the Osaka Dome. It was said that Ishizawa would return to New Japan under a mask as Kendo Kashin, the persona he adopted overseas. - On 4/28, Chono cleared up that he would no longer be a New Japan wrestler in any way, but rather he had ascended above New Japan and was now 100% New World Order.
May, 1997 - On 5/1, Kengo Kimura & Takashi Ishikawa said they would aim at becoming the first ever Big Japan Tag Team Champions, which would give them a match against Koshinaka & Saito. - On 5/3, a record crowd of 53,000 fans sold out the Osaka Dome for "STRONG STYLE EVOLUTION". Koji Kanemoto, Shinjiro Otani, Dick Togo, MEN's Teioh & Hanzo Nakajima beat El Samurai, Norio Honaga, Great Sasuke, Super Delfin & Gran Hamada in a 2/3 Falls Match, sending a dominant message by winning in two straight falls. Tokimitsu Ishizawa returned, sporting his new Kendo Kashin persona, but lost to Kazuo Yamazaki. Shiro Koshinaka pinned Kengo Kimura, so has now beaten both Kimura and Takashi Ishikawa. A three match New Japan/WCW vs. nWo series took place, nWo performing a clean sweep. Eric Bischoff sat at ringside and did commentary, Masa Saito translating his words into Japanese.
1. nWo Sting After the third match, Scott Norton announced that Hiroyoshi Tenzan and Hiro Saito were now full nWo members and gave them nWo t-shirts. Tenzan, who lost to Tatsumi Fujinami earlier in the show, said he would systematically force New Japan's veterans, including Riki Choshu, into retirement. Antonio Inoki & Tiger King beat Yoshiaki Fujiwara & Jushin Thunder Liger in a special tag match, Inoki using a sleeper hold on Fujiwara. Liger challenged Sayama to try and win the J Crown from him, a match in August at the Nagoya Dome likely. In a huge upset, the Bull Powers (Manabu Nakanishi & Satoshi Kojima) beat Riki Choshu & Kensuke Sasaki to become the 31st IWGP Tag Team Champions, Kojima humiliating Choshu by using Tatsumi Fujinami's Dragon sleeper on him to win the belts. And in the much anticipated rematch, Shinya Hashimoto successfully defended the IWGP Heavyweight Title, getting revenge on Naoya Ogawa and TKO'ing him with a hard kick. - Antonio Inoki said that despite Ogawa's loss, there were no change in plans and Ogawa would undergo re-training in the U.S. from the end of May. - On 5/5, New Japan held a fan appreciation day called "FAN, FUN, FIGHT" at the Tokyo Harumi Dome. Although there were only four matches, headlined by Tenzan & Hiro beating Sasaki & Yasuda, auctions, autograph sessions, photograph meetings, etc., were offered for the 2,100 fans in attendance. Chono cancelled his appearance on the show, leaving Tenzan and Hiro to fight for the nWo and going to America to compete in WCW. - On 5/6, it was announced that Liger, El Samurai and Otani would also compete on Big Japan's 6/7 Yokohama show, in a match that pits Liger & Samurai against Otani & Yoshihiro Tajiri, Big Japan's bright junior heavyweight prospect. - Also on 5/6, Osamu Nishimura said that he would go on another overseas learning excursion, wanting to re-train in Europe. First he will work on making his body more muscular in Calgary, Canada, then compete for Germany's CWA promotion, taking part in their year-end Bremen Tournament. - On 5/7, the nWo sent feelers to Inoki and Ogawa concerning possibly joining the international group. Talks between Inoki and Eric Bischoff were supposedly set up in Atlanta. - While meeting with Bischoff on 5/9, Inoki spoke with the nWo leader about possibly setting up a Hollywood Hulk Hogan vs. Naoya Ogawa match. - On 5/12, Hashimoto nominated WCW star, The Giant, as the next challenger for the IWGP Heavyweight Title. Hashimoto also bid farewell to "fighting spirit", saying he would not carry the tradition on his back any longer. - Also on 5/12, Naoya Ogawa talked about his trip to America. Several locations were discussed for his training, including WCW, the Gracie Dojo and the Severn Dojo. Ogawa said he would be in attendance at WCW's 5/18 show in Charlotte, North Carolina, although in a spectator role. Inoki will return to Japan on business, leaving Ogawa to do as he pleases on the American circuit. - On 5/13, Ogawa postponed his trip to America after suffering an injury to his waist. - On 5/14, it was announced that Chono will compete for WCW on 5/19, 5/26 and 6/2, all Monday Nitro shows. After returning home, he and nWo Sting will challenge Nakanishi & Kojima for the IWGP Tag Team Title on 6/5. Also, Hashimoto will defend the IWGP Heavyweight Title against Muto. Also on the show, two of New Japan's junior stars of the 1980s, Tiger King and Kuniaki Kobayashi, are set to meet. - Friends, Koji Kanemoto and Shinjiro Otani, promised to meet in the Best of the Super Jr. final. - Tokyo Sports magazine reported a huge story on 5/16, regarding Riki Choshu. They said he would retire within the next year, having a countdown. He said he would give the "Riki Choshu" name to his successor, Kensuke Sasaki, and retire under his real name of Mitsuo Yoshida. - Also on 5/16, Naoya Ogawa said that if Choshu is going to retire, he wants a match with the legend first. - Still on 5/16, the Best of the Super Jr. 1997 began, Big Japan's Yoshihiro Tajiri beating Scorpio Jr. and Liger beating WCW's Chavo Guerrero Jr. - Masahiro Chono competed on the 5/19 WCW Monday Nitro, facing the same man he beat on 1/20, David Taylor. WCW's website said, "Chono, the nWo's first international recruit, returned from Japan in solid form. Exhibiting trademark viciousness, Chono wore the veteran Taylor down with powerful strikes and an awesome spinning neckbreaker. Chono applied his STF submission for the win". - Keiji Muto said he would compete on the 5/26 WCW Monday Nitro, as Great Muta, and join up with Chono in the nWo on that day, possibly leading to him (finally) joining. - On 5/20, in the Best of the Super Jr. Tournament, Tajiri scored a huge upset, beating the man he lost to on 1/4, Shinjiro Otani, and in doing so raising his value. - On 5/21, former UFC star, Don Frye, challenged Naoya Ogawa to a match on 8/10 at the Nagoya Dome. - On 5/23 in America, Ogawa met with Road Warrior Animal, the two training together at a gymnasium in Minneapolis. Despite being a WWF wrestler, Animal expressed interest in returning to the New Japan ring in the future. - As promised. Keiji Muto showed up on the 5/26 WCW Monday Nitro, appearing as Muta. He was supposed to face Chono, but spat red mist in the eyes of his manager, Sonny Onoo, and accepted an nWo t-shirt from Chono. - After losing to Shiro Koshinaka & Michiyoshi Ohara on 5/26, Manabu Nakanishi and Satoshi Kojima (the Bull Powers) had a heated argument, despite having the IWGP Tag Team Title. The two argued again the following day, after Kojima was pinned by Hiroyoshi Tenzan in a six man tag match. - On 5/28, the possibility of a Naoya Ogawa vs. Rickson Gracie match on the 1/4/98 show arose, after the three had talks in Los Angeles. - Also on 5/28, still in America and Tennessee, Chono and Muta had respective singles matches, both winning. - After more quarreling between Nakanishi and Kojima on 5/30, the possibility of Kojima entering the nWo again rose. Tenzan wants Chono to expand the nWo and has targetted Kojima as a possible acquisition.
June, 1997 - On 6/1, Koji Kanemoto beat Jushin Thunder Liger to win Block A in the Best of the Super Jr. and advance to the final. His opponent would become clear on 6/3. - On 6/2, Inoki and Ogawa said they would raid New Japan's Tokyo Nippon Budokan show on 6/5 and occupy the ring. - Also on 6/2, the nWo announced the names of three big stars they want to recruit. They are All Japan ace, Mitsuharu Misawa, former UWF-I ace, Nobuhiko Takada, and joshi puroresu legend, Akira Hokuto. - Still on 6/2, but in America, Chono & Muta faced The Steiner Brothers on WCW Monday Nitro. - On 6/3, Kengo Kimura & Takashi Ishikawa became the first Big Japan Tag Team Champions, beating Shoji Nakamaki & Takashi Okano in a tournament final. This sets up a match against Koshinaka & Akitoshi Saito on Big Japan's 6/7 Yokohama show. - Also on 6/3, El Samurai won Block B in the Best of the Super Jr., defeating Shinjiro Otani to take the group and reach the final. This put an end to Kanemoto and Otani's claim that they would meet in the final. - On 6/4, Chono and Muto returned to Japan, with their respective title matches taking place tomorrow. - On 6/5 at Tokyo Nippon Budokan, El Samurai beat Koji Kanemoto in a thrilling Best of the Super Jr. final, pinning him in 24 minutes after an avalanche-style reverse DDT. Manabu Nakanishi & Satoshi Kojima put aside their differences, the Bull Powers successfully defending their IWGP Tag Team Title against Chono & nWo Sting, Kojima lariating Sting. And in the main event, Shinya Hashimoto made his 6th defense of the IWGP Heavyweight Title, pinning Keiji Muto in 26 minutes. Four nWo members appeared on the stage as Muto was beaten, and Muto was left to consider his future. Inoki and Ogawa showed up as promised, Inoki saying that Ogawa would compete on the 7/6 Sapporo show. It was decided later in the day that he would face Kazuo Yamazaki. - On 6/6, Liger performed for Genichiro Tenryu's WAR promotion at Tokyo Korakuen Hall. He defended one of the eight titles that comprise the J Crown, the WAR International Jr. Heavyweight Title. However, the 8-Crown became a 7-Crown when Liger lost to WAR's Yuji Yasuraoka, falling to a double-arm DDT in nearly 23 minutes. - Also on 6/6, Muto talked about possibly entering the nWo without face paint. He also talked about how nicely the American fans responded to nWo Japan. - On 6/7, several New Japan wrestlers competed on Big Japan's Yokohama Bunka Gymnasium show. Kengo Kimura & Takashi Ishikawa successfly defended the Big Japan Tag Team Title, beating Shiro Koshinaka & Akitoshi Saito. Also, Liger & El Samurai beat Otani & Yoshihiro Tajiri, Big Japan's own Tajiri losing the match. - On 6/8, Muto declared that he would wrestle the entire "SUMMER STRUGGLE 1997" tour as Great Muta, but didn't say who's side he would be on. - On 6/9, it was determined than Ogawa vs. Yamazaki on 7/6 would be a Different Style Fight Match. Yamazaki cancelled several of his tour appearances, going into special training to prepare for the match. - Also on 6/9, Chono said he was outraged at the one-sided schedule for the upcoming tour, saying New Japan had disregarded his schedule. He warned that he might forcefully change the lineups. Chono demanded a handicap situation in Sapporo, where he and Muta would face Riki Choshu. - Still on 6/9, the full lineups were announced for the "SUMMER STRUGGLE 1997" tour and showed that finally, after much feigning and teasing, Keiji Muto, performing as Muta, is now a full member of the New World Order. - On 6/10, Kengo Kimura & Takashi Ishikawa vacated Big Japan's Tag Team Title, just days after winning the belts, due to an argument among themselves. - Also on 6/10, Chono struck back at New Japan as he said he might, cancelling all appearances from 6/28 to 7/2, saying he'll compete in WCW during that time. - On 6/13, Inoki and Ogawa said they would appear at the 6/20 Kingdom (the company featuring many former UWF-I stars) show. Inoki also said he would set up a mixed martial arts camp on 7/20, which would feature Kazuyuki Fujita and Tokimitsu Ishizawa (Kashin). - On 6/19, it became official that Riki Choshu would retire. Choshu said he would have eight more matches. 7/1 at Hachinohe City Gymnasium, 7/6 at Sapporo Ice Arena, 8/1 at Tokyo Ryogoku Kokugikan, 8/10 at the Nagoya Dome, 8/31 at Yokohama Arena, 9/18 at Tokuyama Sports Center, 11/2 at the Fukuoka Dome and finally, 1/4/98 at the Tokyo Dome. Choshu nominated Naoya Ogawa as his 8/31 opponent, saying he wants to teach "pro wrestling" to Ogawa. - As they said they would, Inoki and Ogawa showed up at Kingdom's 6/20 show. The two had talks with Nobuhiko Takada and others backstage. They formed a union and said that a Takada vs. Rickson Gracie match would take place this autumn. - Also on 6/20, G1 Climax information was announced, with this year's version being a 14-man tournament, not the more utilized round-robin setup. - On 6/21, Choshu guided Naoya Ogawa in the New Japan dojo for the first time. Choshu gave him some special training, offering some of his wisdom. - On the 6/22 "SUMMER STRUGGLE 1997" tour opener, Shiro Koshinaka damaged his left achilles tendon badly. The diagnosis said that the time of complete recovery would be six months, so he will miss the G1 Climax. Also on the show, Great Muta debuted as an nWo Japan member, teaming with Chono and nWo Sting to destroy IWGP Heavyweight Champion, Hashimoto, and IWGP Tag Team Champions, Nakanishi & Kojima, Muta pinning Kojima in under 6 minutes. After the match, Muta showered Hashimoto with black "nWo mist". - In the 6/24 show main event, Muta used a black baseball bat to attack Takashi Iizuka, which led to the finish. - On 6/25, the nWo were at it again, brutally attacking a cameraman because he wasn't wearing an nWo t-shirt. Kensuke Sasaki declared he would crush the nWo. - On 6/26, it was announced that Chono would be going on another excursion to WCW in the coming days. - On 6/27, the 8/31 Yokohama Arena show was titled "FINAL POWER HALL", with Naoya Ogawa still Choshu's expected opponent. - Also on 6/27, Chono united with Yuji Nagata in WCW, the two facing The Steiner Brothers. - On 6/30, it was announced that Muta would face Naoya Ogawa on 8/10 at the Nagoya Dome, in a Different Style Fight Match. Also, in a match between two legends, Riki Choshu would have one of his retirement matches against long-time rival, Tatsumi Fujinami.
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beat Yoshihiro Tajiri 
(8:30) with a swan dive kneel kick.
(8:24) by pinfall.
(7:17) with a Blockbuster.