New Japan wrestler heads to NWA Florida

NWA Florida is proud to announce the March 6th debut of Kazuchika Okada as part of the Wrestling For A Cause/NWA Pro Wrestling FUSION show in Tampa, FL. We are very excited to have Mr. Okada involved in this huge charity event and welcome him to our roster.

A very special thanks to New Japan Pro Wrestling’s Tiger Hattori who feels as though FUSION’S competitive atmosphere and great fighting spirit are both very healthy for the cultivation of this 22 year old athlete. We at NWA FL are humbled to be apart of the growth process of this young lion and we are looking forward to watching Okada wrestle the best competition that Florida has to offer before making his return to Japan.

See Kazuchika Okada Live in NWA Pro Wrestling FUSION

March 6 in Tampa, FL

April 3 in Tampa, FL

April 10 in Ft. Pierce, FL

April 16 in Sanford, FL

May 1 in MArianna, FL

May 15 in Ft. Pierce, FL

NWA Pro Wrestling FUSION
Twitter @ PWFusion

Iizuka attacks Makabe after 11/01/09 Show

Courtesy of www.puroresufan.com

The escalating war between Togi Makabe and Takashi Iizuka reached boiling point after today’s Korakuen Hall show. Makabe was about to leave Korakuen in President Sugabayashi’s car when Iizuka arrived with a baseball bat and put it through the window closest to Makabe! Iizuka then pulled Makabe out of the car (after dealing with Honma) and beat him to a bloody pulp. Only after some nearby female fans screamed was anyone alerted with AKIRA noticing what was happening, arriving to run Iizuka off. President Sugabayashi, in the driver’s seat, got some glass stuck in his eye and the terrorist attack of Iizuka forced Makabe, Honma, and the president to need medical assistance.

Bryan Danielson signs deal with WWE!!!

I was pleased and a little sadden to hear the announcement regarding Bryan Danielson and his free agency. Now that the American Dragon is an exclusive WWE wrestler he’ll join the likes of CM Punk and Matt Sydal as wrestlers who joined the WWE after working in Ring of Honor. Danielson had held the short-lived Pure Wrestling title and the ROH World title.

Danielson’s in-ring work is amazing. And with a list of trainers that include William Regal, NWA Hall of Famer Bobby Eaton, WWE Legend Shawn Michaels, Masato Tanaka, and Tracy Smothers there is no doubt that his style is a lot different from the typical WWE style.

I have followed Bryan Danielson career fairly closely. I was in attendance the night Bryan Danielson defeated APW Internet Heavyweight Champion Super Dragon. I was also in attendance the night that Bryan Danielson was so close to defeating NJPW Jr. Heavyweight Champion HEAT for his title. Dragon has always put on great matches whether he was in the main event or opening the show. With a plethora of opponents.

The American Dragon started his career with the Shawn Michaels Wrestling Academy. Danielson started at that school with other notable names as former WWE stars Brian Kendrick, Paul London, and Lance Cade, TNA wrestler Shawn Hernandez and former TNA wrestler Matt Bentley. Danielson made his first appearance in Japan teaming with Lance Cade for FMW. Danielson spent a lot of time in the WWE farm system originally in Memphis Championship Wrestling. It was after the MCW experience that Bryan Danielson began working Independent Dates across the United States and Canada. Danielson appeared for APW’s King of the Indies and work in many promotions from All Pro Wrestling to EPIC, NWA ECCW, Ring of Honor, Pro Wrestling Guerrilla, NJPW/USA, New Japan Pro Wrestling, NOAH, FIP, and far too many to mention. While wining championships across the World, Danielson established his name as one of the greatest of our era. Unfortunately Danielson was booked in 2 Matches that I always wanted to see, but they were never meant to be. Bryan Danielson, who at the time was more commonly referred to as American Dragon was team take on Ultimo Dragon and Southern California Indy sensation Super Dragon in a battle of the Dragons. The match never happened due to complications with the wrestling promoter. Dragon was also supposed to battle Brent Albright for the NWA World Title. Unfortunately that match never happened either. Danielson was injured the week before in a ROH World Title match and forfeited his spot to would be champion, Adam Pearce. So although its great to see Danielson head to the WWE, I will miss his action in the NWA, PWG, and ROH. Here’s hoping to the best for the American Dragon! Cheers.

Pro Wres Expo — NWA International Stars Shine

The massive “Pro Wres EXPO 2008” was held over two days and encompassing three shows from October 24th to the 25th. The show was broken into three chapters: Part 1 – Green Chapter, Part 2 – White Chapter and Part 3 – Blue Chapter. The shows were held in Tokyo’s Ryogoku Kokugikan, and saw a mixture of wrestlers from all around the world come together for the event. The main fixture of the 3 days was the “Continent Confrontation Tournament” a tag team tournament. Not only did many wrestlers from all over the world appear, several Japanese and US companies were represented including New Japan, ZERO1, Big Japan and TNA and NWA Ireland and NWA Australia. Almost the entire ZERO1 roster took part in the three shows:

The first show of the Pro Wres Expo which took place in Tokyo featured many international talent. Former NWA British Common Wealth Heavyweight Champion Paul Tracey competed in match. And current NWA Australian National Champion Hartley Jackson lost to Zero One’s Ikuto Hidaka (who has made a few appearances on the NWA Showcase). The following night Jackson competed in another match. This time Tracey tag teamed with Heddi Karaoui in a lossing effort to Kohei Sato and Ryouji Sai, when Sai pinned Karaoui. And on the final day Jackson teaming with the Himalayan Tiger and Kikutaro defeating the team of Tengu Kaiser and Tengu Baron when Jackson used a piledriver on Tengu Baron.

I for one thing its great to see memebers of the Alliance wrestling Internationally. I was kind of disapointed to notice that none of the North American NWA wrestlers were competing.

NWA Star Jumps Ship…

Former NWA Jr. Heavyweight Champion has jumped ship. Rocky Romero who until recently was competing in Mexico has Grey Shadow has left CMLL to join AAA. Romero who had been a keystone in the Junior Weight Division in the NWA has competed in some of the largest wrestling promotions in the world. Romreo captured the CMLL World Super Lightweight Championship and under the guise of Black Tiger Mask IV, Romero had won the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship and the NWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship. Making him champion in 3 different promotions, in 3 different countries. Romero who recently rejoined New Japan’s ranks makes the jump to AAA as the curent reigning CMLL World Super Lightweight Champion. It is also being reported that Romero will join fellow NWA regular Sean Waltman in the new AAA stable called Degeneration MEX.

Straight from Japan; Interview with Karl Anderson

Its no surprise that the NWA is stacked with talent. Karl “The Machine Gun” Anderson is definitely one of those workers who has been able to compete at a higher level globally. In the last year Anderson has competed in multiple countries for the NWA. All over the United States, Ireland, Spain, Australia, Mexico, and now he’s officially made his way to Japan. I recently had a chance to share words with the Machine Gun and in this interview, we touch base on Anderson’s new career in the land of the rising son.

Jay Cal: Karl, first let me thank you for taking the time to do this interview with me. Your introduction to the New Japan fan base was on March 9th when you faced Koji Kanemoto in the New Japan Cup. Anyone who knows Kanemoto knows of his skill and technique. You battled Koji at the Aichi Perfectural Gymnasium in front of 7,500 fans. What was it like to do battle with one of New Japan’s Finest in front of that large crowd?

Machine Gun: Kanemoto is not just one of New Japan’s finest but one of the finest, WORLDWIDE, hands down. There is really no way to explain the honor that it was to debut for NJPW, let alone have my debut match be vs. Koji Kanemoto. To finally be in Japan, after all the hard work and all of the BULLSHIT that I had to go through to finally have this opportunity feels surreal. To perform in front of that kind of crowd vs. Kanemoto was a dream come true. I am living a dream right now, and I plan on the living this dream for a LONG TIME

Jay Cal: With one of the greatest World Wide in front of one of your largest crowds, was the experience over whelming?

Machine Gun: I wouldn’t say OVERWHELMING, but like I said, the experience was a bit surreal. To go from training my ASS off at the LA dojo for a year, and then leaving the LA dojo a year ago with my dreams crushed thinking I would never have the opportunity to go work for New Japan Pro Wrestling. And it all happened so fast. NJPW asked me if I was available, I said yes, and next thing I know, I have a contract in the mail and the travel agent is calling me about my flight! The experience was NOT at all overwhelming, it was FUCKING AMAZING!!!!

Jay Cal: Two days later you faced your long-time rival Prince Devitt and his RISE partners; Hirooki Goto and the former WWE star Giant Bernard. It was nearly 2 years to the day you defeated Devitt for his NWA British Commonwealth Championship, how was it stepping into the ring with Devitt?

Machine Gun: I am not gonna beat around the bush here, Devitt is one of my best friends in the World. And to be able to step in the ring with one of my best buddies on one of the BIGGEST STAGES of ALL, now that is fucking awesome…. 2 years to the day huh? Wow, 2 years to the day I BEAT that peice of crap Prince Devitt in a CLASSIC match in front of 8 fucking people at the dojo, and did it for FREE!! ha, how things have changed, no more FREEBIES, like JAY Z says, “You betta cut the check” ha!

Jay Cal: Going a different direction, your experiences as NWA World Tag Team Champion afforded you lots of opportunities to perfect the style of tag team wrestling. But it wasn’t Joey Ryan or Adam Pearce on either side of you, but Nakanishi and Naito. Was it easy for you to adapt in the ring with them and was their a language barrier?

Machine Gun: There is definitely a language barrier. But the awesome part is that Nakanishi has been around for so long that he speaks great English. Honestly, I haven’t had any problems with communication

Jay Cal: How did it feel to stand toe to toe with the Giant, Bernard?

Machine Gun: Standing Toe to toe with Bernard was amazing. I watched Bernard on WWE TV when I was just a Freshman in college. Who knew I would be facing off with him 9 years later. The guy is amazing, and standing next to him made me realize how small I really am, he is HUGE

Jay Cal: The next night you faced Goto and Bernard again with Nakanishi. Were you able to parlay your tag team expertise with your experience from the night before in teaming with Nakanishi?

Machine Gun: Nakanishi has been great for me here in Japan. He has helped me a lot. It is a tradition to warm up and workout before the shows in New Japan with all of the boys. So, before the shows Nakanishi is always showing me and teaching me new things. His intensity and his emotion he shows in the ring is amazing

Jay Cal: Do you have any further plans to team with Nakanishi in the future?

Machine Gun: I have HUGE plans in New Japan, stay tuned, I promise to NOT disappoint!

Jay Cal: I look forward to hearing hat news. At the Yonago Convention Center, you faced your partner from the night before in Hirasawa with a crab hold. This is was your one on one win in Japan. How did the fans react to your victory?

Machine Gun: The fans have taken to me well in Japan, I think they are gonna really get into my character soon, I will be a JAPANESE IDOL!!!!

Machine Gun: What did it mean for you to walk away with your first victory in Japan?

Machine Gun: It was great, it is always good to get wins, cause that means there is plans for me here…. And that is the most important thing

Machine Gun: All the chemistry you built with Nakanishi, you faced him the next night. How was that to face a man you’ve been working with so closely?

Machine Gun: I was THIS close to beating Nakanishi! It was great to get in the ring with someone as famous as him, the people were behind him, and it allowed me to be the BAD GUY that I love being

Jay Cal: Anyone who’s seen you on the NWA Showcase would call you the MVP of the NWA. You recently debuted for New Japan on Samurai TV facing TNA Superstar Rhino. How was it to face the former NWA World Champion?

Machine Gun: I would call myself the MVP as well! Machine Gun MOST VALUABLE PLAYER BABY!!!! It was great to wrestle Rhino, he is an intense individual…. For anybody that see that match, know these facts; I worked that match after having SEVERE INTENSE DIARRHEA for 4 straight days! I hadn’t eaten ANYTHING for 3 days except ONE banana. ha, so my debut match on Samuri TV Machine Gun is about 10 pounds lighter than I normally am. I was sick as a dog

All in all man, Japan is amazing, and good things have happened. And I have great news, and when I am able to release it, you will be one of the first to know!

Jay Cal: Well I think I can speak for the NWA Family is saying that everyone here is proud of you and we can’t wait to see what is in store for the Machine Gun! Thanks for your time.

If you haven’t checked out Anderson’s 1st Interview, read it here.

Update on Karl Anderson to New Japan

As reported by Strong Style Spirit, Karl Anderson is going to be competing in the New Japan Cup. Anderson will be replacing the injured Nagata and facing Koji Kanemoto in the first round. Kanemoto who once competed at Tiger Mask III, is a very accomplished wrestler and had made a name for himself in New Japan’s Jr. Division, and is currently the AWF Tag Team Champion with Choi Tesan, which I believe to be a Korean Wrestling promotion. Anderson recently lost the NWA World Tag Team Titles but held the titles for 7 months.

Anderson will have a tough match a head of him and in replacing Yuji Nagata has some huge shoes to fill. However, as more or less the Dark Horse of the Tournament, Anderson could surprise many people. Good luck Machine Gun!

Machine Gun to Japan

The United States are sending arms to Japan and Oliver North has nothing to do with it. Karl ‘The Machine Gun’ Anderson is heading to Japan to make his debut for New Japan Pro Wrestling. New Japan recently re-joined the NWA after a brief departure of the Alliance last year.

From Machine Gun’s Blog:

So yea, I changed my little status update on my page saying that I was goin to the FAR EAST soon…. And I have gotten a lot of emails asking the meaning of that…. So here it is: I have an announcement about my career but I want the people to figure it out on their own…. If you are a wrestling fan, it wont take you long. Read the internet and search around and you will find me…. My family members and close friends know where I am heading…. SO, that is that. Man, I can’t wait to see my friends Shinsuke Nakamura and Prince Devitt soon…. Much love to everybody…. March 6, the journey begins…. Until then my Myspace friends…. Holla

Karl Anderson spent his early tenure with the NWA Pro training at the former Inoki L.A. Dojo with the likes of Fergal ‘Prince’ Devitt and current Undisputed IWGP Heavyweight Champion, Shinsuke Nakamura. Anderson had a banner year in 2007 winning the NWA Midwest Heartland States Championship and later winning the NWA Pro/EWF American Heavyweight Championship. Holding both titles simutaneously, before winning the NWA World Tag Team Championships with Joey ‘Magnum’ Ryan. Our loss is definitely New Japan’s gain. I wish Karl all the luck in the world.

You can read the interview I did with Karl Anderson.

Undisputed IWGP Heavyweight Champion!

According Strong Style Spirit, Kurt Angle was forced to tap out to Shinsuke Nakamura’s cross arm-breaker. By defeating Angle, Nakamura was able to put an end to the dispute of who was the true IWGP title. New Japan Pro Wrestling stripped the International Wrestling Grand Prix Championship from Brock Lesnar over a contract dispute. NJPW held a tournament and crowned Hiroshi Tanahashi after he defeated Bernard. Lesnar traveled to Inoki’s Genome Federation and was recognized as that promotions IWGP Champion. Lesnar had never officially been defeated for the title in New Japan so it made some sense. Kurt Angle defeated Lesnar in Japan and Nakamura regained the title from Tanahashi. So when the two met, one man was to walk out as the Unified Champion. Kurt is still the reigning Heavyweight Champion in Total Non-stop Action and the the craziest athlete to ever perform on Pros versus Joes.

WWE disses New Japan

In a show of either ignorance or disrespect, the World Wrestling Entertainment labeled New Japan Pro Wrestling stars as fans? Is this a non-story? Pretty much. Ric Flair was greeted by “fans” known to New Japan followers as Yuji Nagata, Hiroshi Tanahashi, Ref Tiger Hattori, and Prince Devitt. Some have speculated that since TNA has developed this relationship with the newly NWA Sanctioned, New Japan Pro Wrestling, WWE decided to take a shot at both parties. Obviously any NJPW wrestlers would have respect for Ric Flair. But its sad that WWE doesn’t acknowledge these fine athletes.