Scouting Wrestle-1

Story time boys and girls. Once there was a company known for it's great great wrestling, that set attendance records that have yet to be matched and reshaped the way pro wrestling is looked at forever. That company, boys and girls, is All Japan or at least it was. Fallowing the death of it's founder Giant Baba, All Japan found itself in some turbulent times. Their once fantastic mainevent scene was now unstable and in need of a new star, their roster was filled with aging veterans who were promised jobs for life by Baba, and worst of all there was a major power struggle going on behind the scenes. The feud between Mitsuharu Misawa and Motoko Baba (Giant Baba's widow) is one that will be discussed way beyond the lives of the two people involved in it. The main conflict between the two was a difference in philosophy's. Whereas Misawa wanted to expand All Japan's reach by building a stronger junior heavyweight division, establishing foreign and domestic partnerships, as well as running shows at better venues. (besides the Budokan All Japan ran some pretty shabby looking places.) Mrs. Baba wanted to leave the company as is, after all if something isn't broke why fix it. Needless to say the two never got along and at the height of the feud Mrs. Baba made some decisions that would forever change the face of her company. The Year was 2000 and Mrs. Baba and Misawa were about to let off some serious shots at one another. Becoming more and more frustrated with Misawa's handling of the promotion Mrs. Baba set out a successful power play to remove Misawa, painting him as an irresponsible man who never took his duties seriously. In response Misawa Took over half of the roster along with him and formed a little promotion called Pro Wrestling Noah. Looking to save her late husbands promotion made a series of decisions that would of never occurred under her husband's rule. A partnership and inter promotional feud with rival New Japan, the return of former ace Genichiro Tenryu (who Baba had publicly banned from the company in 1990) and worst of all she would turn the company over to an outsider, New Japan ace Keiji Mutoh. Mutoh's handling of All Japan is very controversial both to Japanese and western puro fans alike. He did away with many of the company's traditions and focused the product more so on entertainment than on wrestling. It goes without saying this plan wasn't all that successful and the company would go into even harsher times in the following years. Facing bankruptcy Mutoh sold the company to a group called Speed Partners. When selling the company one of the agreements between the two sides was that Mutoh would regain the role of company president (a position he resigned from after a lockeroom scandal) however the president of Speed Partners (Nobuo Shiraishi) would double cross Mutoh and appoint himself the new company president. This move offended Mutoh and many wrestlers alike and in a move reminiscent of Misawa, Mutoh left all Japan and formed his own promotion WRESTLE-1. Whom's roster we'll be discussing today.

W1's roster is one that is very unique in that it's split between a group of guys that fit more in line with the entertainment style of booking that Mutoh favors and the traditional style of booking that All Japan favors. Another unique aspect of the company is that it has no official weight classes, an aspect which while common in the U.S., is still somewhat taboo in Japan. So without any further adieu lets take a look at Wrestle-1.

Masayuki Kono

History: Kono like many of  his fellow Wrestle-1 competitors, started out his career in All Japan. However after a few years and little success he left All Japan and pro wrestling in general, to start a career in MMA. Which didn't go to well either and after a few years he returned to AJPW, forming a stable with fellow MMA alum Masakatsu Funaki and former New Japan junior heavyweight star Minoru Tanaka. After leaving AJPW with Mutoh, he quickly turned on his fellow stable mates and formed the dominant heel faction DESPARADO.

Pros: Plays the role of the monster heel very well. Has a good amount of mobility for a guy his size.

Cons: Isn't the most charismatic guy around, isn't always the most motivated guy in the ring, booking certainly doesn't do him any favors.

Final Grade: B for those who aren't familiar with Kono I recommend watching his match with KAI as it is the best of his career. Other than that the man is pretty average. The Leader of Desparado and the inaugural Wrestle-1 champion KONO MASAYUKI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yusuke Kodama

History: Starting his career with Smash wrestling, Kodama has bounced from promotion to promotion following his mentor and trainer Tajiri. Looking to set off on his own he formed the NOVUS stable along with fellow Tajiri trainees, Rionne Fujiwara, Koji Doi, and Jiro "Ikemen" Kushihiro. 

Pros: Very athletic, relatively young

Cons: Small,  has a generic ring style, has little to no personality.

Final Grade: C+ I'm not going to lie but when I say that I can't stand Kodama, I mean it's nothing personal against the guy it's just that I think he gets booked way above what he's actually worth and what his talent actually warrants. Personal preferences aside Kodama certainly isn't the worst and I would probably like him a lot more if he wasn't constantly booked over people much more talented than he is.

Ryota Hama 

History: A former sumo wrestler, Hama made the jump to pro-wrestling in 2008. However unlike fellow sumos turned pro wrestlers, Hama's transition was not so graceful. He struggled for years to gain his footing, being forced to wrestle as a serious wrestler. During his stay in AJPW, Hama had many title runs (including a short run with the Triple Crown) much to the dismay of the All Japan's fan base both native and abroad. Things didn't look great for Hama, that is until he made the jump to Wrestle-1.

Pros: Has great comedic timing, can work a crowd extremely well, plays a great underdog despite his size.

Cons: Can barely walk due to his weight and knee injuries related to his sumo career, is getting up there in age, is fairly limited in the ring.

Final Grade: B, To say the move to Wrestle-1 saved Hama is an understatement. Hama was lost in the shuffle in All Japan, since making the move to Wrestle-1 Hama has shown what he can do when he's in a company that understands him. While he may not be the greatest wrestler technically or physically, what he lacks he makes up for in charisma. The man who's living proof that not everyone needs to be a technical wizard, HAMA RYOTA!!!!!!!!!!!!

Seiki Yoshioka 

  

History: Starting his career with the indie promotions like Pro Wrestling KAGEKI and Wrestle Gate, Seiki dreamed of one day getting a chance to work with his idol Keiji Mutoh and his company All Japan. After years of trying Seiki got his chance and was accepted into All Japan's dojo. However his stay would not be long as he would follow his idol Mutoh to help form Wrestle-1.

Pros: Is a Young exciting highflyer, very charismatic and and almost always has a good match.

Cons: Size (only 5'7), is fairly injury prone (his knee has given out twice this year), could bulk up just a bit.

Final Grade: B, Seiki is one of the guys that I think Wrestle-1 would be wise to build around, while he may never be a true maineventer, he could be a solid mid-card attraction. one half of the current NWA International Lightweight Tag Team Champions YOSHIOKA SEIKI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Masakatsu Funkaki

History: What would do if you were an ageing mma veteran who's best days were behind you? Well if your anything like Funaki you'd return to wrestling and continue to kick peoples heads off!!! Starting his career in New Japan at the ripe age of 15 Funaki would spend the early years of his career wrestling on the undercard in junior division, looking to branch out he left New Japan to join New Born UWF and later Fujiwara Gummi, where he had much success. However as time went on he became frustrated with the kayfabe aspect of wrestling and would soon leave it all together to form the shoot promotion Pancrase along with fellow wrestler and friend Minoru Suzuki. After years of coming in out of retirement Funaki decided to make the jump back to wrestling in 2009 joining AJPW. Fuaki has had much success since returning to wrestling winning the Triple Crown as well as the Zero-1 Heavyweight Championship. Will his success continue in W-1, lets find out.

Pros: Has kicks that can create thunder, has one of the best finishers in the business today, defines the word "Legend"

Cons: Doesn't have much left in the tank at age 45, repeats sequences, not the greatest in long matches.

Final Grade: A-, Even at his age Funaki is one badass dude and I'd like to see him get one last run on top. The Modern Day Samurai FUNAKI MASAKATSU!!!!!!!!!!

Team 246

History: Shuji Kondo (pictured right) & Kaz Hayashi (pictured left) are two of the greatest junior heavyweights of all time. After spending the majority of their careers in All Japan they left in protest of the company's new President and joined up with wrestle-1.

Pros: Have a good mix of power and agility, can bring the best out of almost everyone they work with, both have a great deal of charisma and chemistry.

Cons: age (kondo is 36 & Hayashi is 41), size.

Final Grade: B+ Team 246 are one of the most underrated teams in Japan, and I'd love to see them come to the U.S. throught W-1's working agreement with TNA and get more exposure. The current Wrestle-1 Tag Team Champions TEAM 246!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tajiri

History: what can I say about Tajiri that hasn't already been said before if you haven't seen him before you must be new to wrestling. Starting his career with Big Japan, Tajiri has wrestled for almost every major wrestling company in the world (that's not an exaggeration) 

Pros: Still a good hand in the ring, always cool to see the green mist, is a very good heel

Cons: On the wrong side of 40, not in the greatest of shape, size

Final Grade: C+, Tajiri at this point is what he is, if you haven't seen him before all you need to know is that when he's on he's on and when he's not well lets just say he still has the ability to entertain the crowd. The Japanese Buzz Saw TAJIRI!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jiro "Ikemen" Kuroshio

History: One of Tajiri's many proteges Kushiro has fallowed him from promotion. With his flamboyant gimmick and his sweet suit jackets which he never takes off (ever), Kushiro has garnered quite the following since joining wrestle-1. Most recently forming the oddball tag team Ikemen Samurai with Masakatsu Funaki.

Pros: Young, has a unique gimmick, is very over with the Wrestle-1 fans, fairly good in the ring.

Cons: His gimmick prevents him from being taking seriously, needs to improve his physique (which apparently is a goal of his)

 Final Grade: B-, I like Kushiro and his gimmick, he's a guy who knows when to turn it up and when to be a total goof. KUSHIRO "IKEMEN" JIRO!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Minoru Tanaka

History: After the era of Jushin Liger, Tanaka stepped up as New Japan's next junior ace. Leaving New Japan in 2009 after disagreements with management Tanaka went to All Japan and rejuvenated his career. However he wouldn't stay that long as after only a few years he would quit All Japan in support of Keiji Mutoh.

Pros: Has the best armbar in the business, still can go with the best of them, still youthful looking.

Cons: Certainly isn't getting any younger, it's probably too late to try and do something big with him.

Final Grade: B-, Tanaka at this point in his career is a journeyman, that's not to say he still doesn't have much to offer anymore it's just to say his role probably isn't going to be as prominent as it once was. The current EWP Intercontinental Champion TANAKA MINORU!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yasufumi Nakanoue

History: Nakanoue has spent the majority of his young career as a jobber. His year so far has been a year of two opposite halves. In the first half he was showcased in a series of matches his fiery spirit as well as his ability to work as a viable underdog. The second half he was stuck in what seemed like a never ending feud with Yusuke Kodama.

Pros: Fairly Charismatic, decent in the ring, has some of the best elbows in the business, relatively young.

Cons: Still somewhat green, needs to bulk up his physique a little bit, missing an edge to his character, needs to really think about the type of wrestler he wants to be.

Final Grade: B-, Yasufumi is still somewhat of a work in progress, that being said I can see the potential there. Will he ever live up to that potential we may never know, but as of right now the sky is the limit for young Yasu. NAKANOUE YASUFUMI !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

KAI

History: A graduate of the All Japan Dojo class 2007, KAI spent the majority of his career as junior heavyweight, before transitioning into a full fledged heavyweight in 2012. Since it's inception KAI has made it very clear that he wants to be Wrestle-1's ace. Will he succeed in his goal or will he be yet another case of too fast too soon.

Pros: Has a great amount of charisma, always puts forth a great deal of effort in the ring, tough as nails.

Cons: Booking makes him look like a complete ass

Final Grade: A-, bad booking aside KAI is one badass dude, I mean how can't you respect a guy who legitimately has scars on his chest from taking chops. He reminds me of Toshiaki Kawada both in attitude and in booking. He may never be the top guy for Wrestle-1, but he will certainly be one of it's main players. KAI!!!!!!!!!!!

Keiji Mutoh/The Great Muta

History: the words legend and Keiji Mutoh are synonymous with one another. He helped to bring New Japan a decade of prosperity during the nineties as well revolutionized modern wrestling psychology.  But time,injuries, and circumstance have not been kind to Mutoh causing his star to slowly fade. Determined to push his new company into prominence, Mutoh has put much of the load on his already tired back.

Pros: Still can pull out a decent performance when he absolutely needs too, is one of the most beloved wrestlers of his nation, the Muta gimmick is still an awesome sight to see.

Cons: Is 52 years old, his knees are beyond destroyed at this point in his career.

Final Grade A, In a more perfect world Mutoh would be enjoying the spoils of retirement, it's very sad to see the man keep pushing himself like this, especially when many of his friends have already given up the chase. But if there's one thing that remains true in Japanese culture it's that you can never tame the burning spirit of a Samurai.The Current Wrestle-1 Champion MUTOH KEIJI!!!!!!!

Seiya Sanada

History: In many wrestling circles I've seen Sanada described as the Japanese AJ Styles and to be honest I think that fits him perfectly. Similar too AJ Sanada is a wrestling prodigy, he graduated the All Japan Dojo at age 19,  challenged for the triple crown at 23, and put up some head turning performances in the process. Yes life was good for Sanada and looked like he was poised to taker over the position of ace very soon. But during a learning excursion in Canada, Sanada had gotten word of the events going on in Japan. Faced with a difficult decision would quit All Japan in support of his mentor Mutoh. He fly to Mexico on his own accord to continue his training, before making a surprise return on the debut Wrestle-1 show. Since then he's been one of the companies featured players as well as having a successful run in the U.S. with TNA.

Pros: Phenomenal in the ring, has a great physique, is young and has the potential to be a top guy for many years.

Cons: Can be really goofy, can be inconsistent, his schedule with TNA holds him back sometimes, his isn't always booked the greatest, has the pressure of succeeding as the promotion's ace.

Final Grade: A, Seeing Sanada in his natural element is really something to see, especially when he doesn't have to worry about emulating his mentor like he does in TNA. That being said the sooner they do something with him the better, time is of the essence as he's one of few stars they have outside of Mutoh. The best thing they can do is throw all caution to the wind and put all bets on Sanada and see how he does under the pressure.

[A quick disclaimer before I give the final roster grade: I have left off a few people in this column, mainly jobbers and rookies, however two notable names I've chosen to leave off are Manabu Soya and Akira as they have just formed a new tag team and I didn't think it would be fair to look at a Tag Team that has only been together for a few months.]

Final Roster grade B-, The real value of Wrestle-1's roster may not be fully realized yet, but I can definitely see the potential there. Some areas where they could improve in is the companies over all booking in handling of it's stars, as well as establishing partnerships with some better promotions, mainly New Japan & Noah. That being said, while they may never reach the heights that other companies have, Wrestle-1 has the potential to be something different in a world where it's becoming harder and harder to distinguish one wrestling company for another.

Join me next time when I take a break from Japanese wrestling and take a look at TNA.