-- Much was speculated about when Hiroaki Nakata and Tetsuhisa NAKAI jointly announced the opening of their brand new dojo -- interestingly named New FURY Dojo. Earlier this morning, the gossip was finally proven to be reality as a new promotion was announced at a small press conference held by Nakata and NAKAI. The promotion will feature the products of their dojo, giving the rookies a place to formally debut and further hone their craft.
On October 25, 2012, Pro-Wrestling FURY closed its doors with one final event to mark its tenth anniversary. While having humble roots as a development group for the students of Kazuma Fujita's dojo, Pro-Wrestling FURY rose to incredible heights throughout its decade-long history. For many years, FURY was considered to be the top promotion in Japan following the closures of such pinnacle groups as Burning Spirit Pro-Wrestling and Oita Pro-Wrestling. In Osaka, the group was unquestionably the biggest promotion thanks to its diehard fan base. While the group had become very popular and financially successful, several scandals -- including a very publicized incident involving then-President Hiroshi Nishida's tax, in addition to having insufficient company resources to manage its growing operation ultimately led to the company's downfall.
Since the company's name and corporate holdings (debts) were absorbed into an unknown consortium of financers following their closure, a simple relaunch of Pro-Wrestling FURY is unfortunately impossible at this point. However, thanks to Japan's loose copyright laws -- the company will be called "Shin (New) FURY Pro-Wrestling."
While open to the knee-jerk judgments of being seen as a nostalgia promotion, Hiroaki Nakata said that they would carry the spirit of Pro-Wrestling FURY in their hearts, but ultimately; this new promotion will aim towards innovation and progression of Pro-Wrestling. One of the principal concepts of FURY was to show the wide variety of colors Pro-Wrestling fan offer from American-style gimmicks to mesmerizing Lucha Libre, in addition to the traditional style of Japanese Pro-Wrestling. NFPW will aim to do carry on that mission, in addition to looking towards the future.
Continuing with that idea, both Nakata and NAKAI revealed FIVE rookies -- products of their Osaka dojo -- to become the first trueborn of New FURY Pro-Wrestling.
The five men appeared in front of the reporters. One by one, the rookies were introduced, along with a brief biography presented below:
Shuusaku Kaito
Birthdate: February 11, 1995 (20 years old)
Hometown: Neyegawa, Osaka
Height: 182 cm (6'0")
Weight: 102 kg (225 lbs)
Blood Type: B
Background: Amateur Wrestling, Kickboxing, Mixed Martial Arts
Notes: Very experienced in combat sports, including a 9-6 kickboxing record, and 3-1 MMA record. Personally touted by Nakata for his ring skills. Rivaled only by classmate Masatoshi Aoyama.
Masatoshi Aoyama
Birthdate: April 10, 1995 (20 years old)
Hometown: Yokkaichi, Mie
Height: 190cm (6'2")
Weight: 103kg (228 lbs)
Blood Type: AB
Background: Baseball, Track & Field
Notes: Star Outfielder in High School, only to lose out on a college scholarship due to an injury in his senior year. Commended by both Nakata and NAKAI for his athleticism and natural aptitude for pro-wrestling. He and Kaito have developed a competitive rivalry between classmates.
Youhei Kanazaki
Birthdate: July 28, 1996 (19 years old)
Hometown: Amagasaki, Hyogo
Height: 180cm (5'11")
Weight: 104kg (231 lbs)
Blood Type: AB
Background: Rugby, Amateur Boxing
Notes: Briefly played Rugby overseas when he was 18, only to return home earlier this year. While in Australia, Kanazaki also competed in amateur boxing bouts, collecting a 4-0 record. As his rugby career stalled, Kanazaki began training at Nakata and NAKAI's gym. Unquestionably the strongest of all five rookies, and potential to be one of the most popular due to his presence and charisma.
Shogo Takeda
Birthdate: March 28, 1993 (22 years old)
Hometown: Sakai, Osaka
Height: 177cm (5'10")
Weight: 94kg (209 lbs)
Blood Type: A
Background: Kickboxing, Gymnastics
Notes: With a background in kickboxing and gymnastics, Takeda boasts impressive athleticism and agility along with honed fighting skills.
Kazuya Itoi
Birthdate: June 16, 1994 (21 years old)
Hometown: Suita, Osaka
Height: 172cm (5'8")
Weight: 95kg (210lbs)
Blood Type: O
Background: Kendo, Amateur Wrestling
Notes: While plagued by injury problems early on during his training, Itoi stood out for his work ethic and resilience during his recover.
After lining up in a row for pictures, all five rookies properly introduced themselves to the public, in addition to a few words to mark the start of their career:
Shuusaku Kaito: "My name is Shuusaku Kaito from Suita, age 21. Pro-Wrestling is my life, and I won't rest until I can convey my love to the audience. Please support me, and let us embark on this journey together!"
Masatoshi Aoyama: "I am Masatoshi Aoyama, age 21. I have greatly anticipated this day, second only to the day I finally get to step into a pro-wrestling ring. Whether I am cheered or booed is of no consequence to me, as long as I aim for the top."
Yohei Kanazaki: "I am Yohei Kanazaki from Amagasaki, age 19... It's true that I am the youngest, but nobody will call me a baby! Don't misunderstand me, please. I am not here to make enemies... But I am not here to make friends. My style will be called 'SAVAGE STYLE!' Thank you!"
Shogo Takeda: "My name is Shogo Takeda, age 22... To be honest, I dreamed of being a pro-wrestler as a child, so this is surreal to think about... However, I know this is reality! I will look to entertain the fans, but I will do my best to win!"
Kazuya Itoi: "Yo! I am Kazuya Itoi, age 21! I too have dreamed of being a pro-wrestler, and now I am very close to accomplishing that! I am a bit of an 'otaku' when it comes to pro-wrestling, so I will keep my opponents on their toes with new tactics! Please lend me your support!"
The company will debut on 12/21 from its brand new training facilities in Osaka. The gymnasium will be appropriately named, "New FURY Arena," and will seat approximately 200 people. Given their modest resources, the company will aim to run one show a month from the building at a discounted cost. Ideally, NFPW will begin touring Kansai and hopefully the rest of Japan when the company and the climate of the industry is stronger.
As of now, the company's official contracted roster consists of Nakata, NAKAI, and the five products of their dojo. However, the plan is to offer contracts as the company grows and funds become available. As a result, all other wrestlers will be paid on a per appearance deal.
In all, five matches will be presented on 12/21. In the main event, Hiroaki Nakata will team with the man to hold the position as KJPW's Ace before their closure, Mamoru Sekishima to face Norihiro Akashi and his friend Daisuke Iwakuma... Nakata himself stated that he wanted to be in the ring with both Mamoru Sekishima and Norihiro Akashi for this first event. However, Akashi would only appear if he could wrestle alongside his good friend, Daisuke Iwakuma. Acknowledging Iwakuma's skills, Nakata said that he would pose an interesting challenge, and signed off on it after consulting with Tetsuhisa NAKAI.
The rest of the card will feature the debuts of the five dojo graduates. In the most notable match, arguably the most dominant tag team in the history of Pro-Wrestling FURY, Naoki Fukuda and TAKU -- the CHOJIN POWERS will reunite to baptize Shuusaku Kaito and Masatoshi Aoyama in the waters of Pro-Wrestling! While not appearing to be too happy about teaming with one another, Kaito and Aoyama acknowledged the significance of this match -- to be given such a large hurdle to overcome in their very first match... It's almost overwhelming to think about. While most will give them absolutely no chance of winning, anything is possible in Pro-Wrestling! At least according to Kaito. And while it might be impossible, both Kaito and Aoyama vowed to go beyond the efforts of normal rookies, and promised to leave a resounding impression in the ring: win, lose, or draw.
Yohei Kanazaki's "SAVAGE STYLE" will be tested against the man he emulates much of his persona after, Tetsuhisa NAKAI. Holding NAKAI in great reverence as his teacher, Kanazaki promised to follow Kaito and Aoyama's lead and give NAKAI a good fight. While realistic in his chances, Kanazaki said if he found a chance to put his sensei down, he would take it. While NAKAI did not verbally respond, it was clear he was amused by his student's words.
22 year old Shogo Takeda will make his debut against the "Flower of Evil," ATSUKA! While not present to comment, a statement was briefly read from ATSUKA, who wished Nakata and NAKAI success in their new venture, but said he would not half his booking fee... Regarding his opponent, ATSUKA gave no comment -- much to Takeda's disappointment...
Opening the show will be Kazuya Itoi's debut match, who will face the ever-popular Jet Jaguar! A video message from Jaguar was shown on the projector wall. He too wished New FURY success in their creation, and said it would be his pleasure to test the results of their diligent instruction. Itoi was very familiar with not just this Jet Jaguar, but all three incarnations of the masked hero! While being his debut match, Itoi vowed to surprise Jaguar!
To conclude the press conference, Nakata stated that tickets would be half-off for the debut event. The event will air live on the FURYnet streaming service for 800 yen, with future events expected to be somewhere in the 1200 yen range. A formal fanclub service will be set up in the coming weeks allowing fans to pay a monthly premium for unlimited access to content.
New FURY Pro-Wrestling,
"BACK TO BASIC" (FURYnet.com)
December 21, 2015
New FURY Arena (200)
1. Kazuya Itoi Debut Match: Jet Jaguar vs. Kazuya Itoi
2. Shogo Takeda Debut Match: ATSUKA vs. Shogo Takeda
3. Yohei Kanazaki Debut Match: Tetsuhisa NAKAI vs. Yohei Kanazaki
4. Shuusaku Kaito/Masatoshi Aoyama Debut Match: Naoki Fukuda & TAKU vs. Shuusaku Kaito & Masatoshi Aoyama
5. Mamoru Sekishima & Hiroaki Nakata vs. Norihiro Akashi & Daisuke Iwakuma
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