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| Fujinami leaves New Japan by Stuart - 20 Jun 2006 - [Comments (39)] After two months of back and forth, with him changing his mind more than once, Tatsumi Fujinami yesterday clarified his plan to leave New Japan after 34 years there. Fujinami is going to "pursue his ideal pro wrestling with Nishimura" from now on, and is expected to start a new promotion around August, with guys like Nishimura, Yoshie, Hiro, Goto, and Takemura, and Hidekazu Tanaka in management (Sakaguchi could also be involved, but he is still on New Japan's payroll). Fujinami demanded an overhaul to the power structure of New Japan in return for him staying, including the dismissals of both Simon Inoki and Choshu. Yuke's wouldn't give in to these demands, as they are happy to have a stabilized power structure after so many troubles. Fujinami will hold an interview in a few days and speak of his future ambitions. Whether Fujinami's departure has any effects on New Japan remains to be seen, but internal squabbles should lessen now, at least until someone else gets visions of power. http://www.puroresufan.com/ |
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| Muga returns in new form by Stuart - 23 Jun 2006 - [Comments (6)] Hidekazu Tanaka, Osamu Nishimura, Yutaka Yoshie, Hiro Saito, and Katsushi Takemura held a press conference today to announce their new independent promotion. The opening show, titled "Shin-Muga Densetsu ~ BLACK CAT MEMORIAL" will take place at Korakuen Hall on 8/2 and will be a tribute to the late Black Cat. The company name and organization name haven't been decided yet, but Tanaka wants them to start moving around Japan from September. Tatsumi Fujinami was not at this press conference, when many expected him to be there. Tanaka said this promotion would aim "to show the pro wrestling of the good times" (1970s). He wants Fujinami to cooperate whether he leaves New Japan or not, which suggests that he's open to working with New Japan (well, he does do commentary for some of their Samurai! TV shows). They also want to use many wrestlers from the 70s and 80s. They are holding a talk show on 7/1, and people who attend will be allowed to watch the debut show for next to nothing. http://www.puroresufan.com/ |