- The show kicked off with a pleasant opener pitting Jet Jaguar and Jun Kobayashi against the Okinawa Speed Stars, Kotaro Ota and Fumihiko Shirai. Both teams tried hard... But in the end, Jaguar would catch Shirai with a jarring series of kicks, softening him for the Spiral Bomb for the three... After the match, Ota spoke briefly over the microphone, nothing their sub par performance in the Sakura Tag Festival. Ota however said he was proud of their efforts, citing they were up against some incredible teams. He and Shirai promised to continue moving forward, and told Jet Jaguar that he and Shirai would soon be coming after his PWC Jr. Tag titles.
- NEW FORCE clashed with UPRISER'Z in a pitched six-man tag next. Despite showing some growth going against Tsuji, Kazuki Sendo was eventually flattened with the Guts Coaster for the pin... After the match, UPRISER'Z continued their assault over the NEW FORCE trio, promising that UPRISER'Z would continue dominating tonight, when TAKU and Fukuda win the Sakura Tag Festival...
- In the third match, many of FURY's stars were featured in an eight-man tag, as Hiroaki Nakata, Yoshihiro Shimoda, ATSUKA and YAKUTA faced Masafuji Yoshida, Go Taniguchi, Tetsujin, and Kinniku Kamen Nisei. Everybody was given a chance to shine, including Tetsujin, who showed his growing strength in pressing Nakata above his head, before catching him and drilling him into the mat with an Oklahoma Stampede! But in the end, Tetsujin's inexperience would allow him to be submitted by YAKUTA's STF, giving his team the win.
- Next, the STRONG RIDERS trio of Otsuo Kayusa, Kyoshima Yosuken and Kenichiro Hujikawa faced the team of Tetsuhisa NAKAI, Chikao Kessin and Kenichiro Hujikawa in a fierce heavyweight six-man tag. STRONG RIDERS did their best to shine on their "holy night," but unfortunately, it would not be, as Chikao Kessin finished Kenichiro Hujikawa with the Sekai Ichi no Backdrop to give his team the win... After the match, Otsuo Kayusa noted that he was sad knowing that he and Yosuken would not be fighting for the tournament title tonight... But at the same time, Kayusa said that there was a feeling of anxiety and excitement within him to watch two new teams fight for the title, and noted that perhaps the time of STRONG RIDERS was coming to an end... While the statement had hints at the faction disbanding, Kayusa reassured fans, saying that STRONG RIDERS would continue for "as long as it was needed..."
- After five months, it was now time for the return of Pro-Wrestling FURY's patriarch, "Mr. 300%" Kazuma Fujita! The Osaka fans erupted in unanimous cheers as the introductions began. Fujita surprisingly was introduced first, as the 4,000+ fans in the Katano Dome roared with chants of "FU-JI-TA" as "Never Surrender" by Lion queued up. Fujita looked to be in good spirits, despite some noticeable weight loss, and a considerable amount of tape around his injured shoulder... But suddenly, what was to be Fujita's great moment was ruined, as Daisuke Iwata and Kyoto Okazaki AMBUSHED Fujita in the isle-way, beating him immediately with steel chairs! The two heels dragged Fujita towards the ring, where they continued to work him over... Finally, Shigeru Iwasaki darted from the back, POUNCING onto Iwata with punches and kicks! The match started abruptly as Iwata and Iwasaki brawled in the ring, while Okazaki continued to take shots at the injured Fujita outside. Eventually, Okazaki came in to secure the two-on-one advantage. Iwasaki did his best, but was vastly out-matched against both Iwata and Iwasaki. The two heels worked within the parameters of the rules as they tagged in and out. During random pockets of the early going, Iwasaki would start to mount a comeback, only to be cut off from behind... Finally, after the ten minute mark, amidst calls and chants of "FU-JI-TA," Fujita finally managed to fight through the pain, and pull himself up onto the apron, earning a gigantic reaction. Even after Iwasaki started to making some head-way, he refused to tag out to Fujita due to his condition, forcing himself to continue the bout alone... But finally, Fujita had enough, as he forcibly tagged himself in. Okazaki on the apron began jumping up and down in excitement, as he called for the tag as well! The crowd roared as Fujita and Okazaki squared off in a circle, preparing to lock up... But of course, Okazaki cut off his teacher with an eye poke, before working over Fujita's injured shoulder with a wakigatame. The double-team work from UPRISER'Z continued over Fujita, with Iwasaki powerless to stop it... Eventually, their cockiness came back to bite them after Okazaki missed Fujita with the Moonsault press. As the Osaka crowd roared, Fujita fought through the pain by pulling off the tape around his shoulder in dramatic fashion! As Iwata came in to cut him off, Iwasaki was there to meet him with a vicious kneel kick! As they brawled outside, Okazaki immediately began begging off like a blond-haired American heel... Fujita surprisingly showed mercy, as he nodded and turned away... However, he immediately jerked his head back, catching Okazaki readying an attack, prompting Fujita to grab Okazaki by the throat! Okazaki however escaped with a BLATANT kick to the groin, garnering a HUGE reaction of boos. Okazaki then aimed to finish Fujita with the Otokogoroshi... However, he lacked the strength to lift Fujita up, allowing "Mr. 300%" to counter with a mighty backdrop! From here, Fujita unleashed a strong combination of attacks, including a lariat in the corner, and a running neckbreaker drop. But as he called for the final blow, Okazaki once more cut him off by raking the eyes, bringing Fujita to a knee... Okazaki then came running off the ropes, aiming for the Perfect Dark... However, he would be abruptly cut off by the FUJITA LARIAT, taking Okazaki's head off! With Iwasaki keeping Iwata at bay, Fujita scored the fall, making his return to the ring a success!
Iwasaki was the first to congratulate his mentor in the ring, who seemed overwhelmed by the ovation of the Osaka crowd... After the chants died down, Fujita spoke on the microphone, thanking the fans for their support during his time of recovery... He noted that as he grows older, the risk of injury grows as well. However, despite what many people think, Fujita declared that he would NEVER retire from professional wrestling... Before Fujita could continue however, he would be cut off by "YOU GET TO BURNING" by angela, bringing about the arrival of the F-MAX Unified Heavyweight Champion, RYO INOUE! The fans erupted in a mixture of commotion and boos as Inoue entered, dragging the F-MAX Heavyweight title behind him with about the care one would with a bag of dirty laundry. As he climbed into the ring, Fujita locked his eyes on Inoue, who promptly threw the F-MAX Unified Heavyweight title down in front of Fujita's feet...
After an intense stare down, Inoue broke the silence, welcoming Fujita back to the pro-wrestling ring, saying that the FURY ring has been "boring" without him... Inoue rehashed his reasons for coming out of his seclusion, in order to face the man the fans have deemed as "The Strongest," Kazuma Fujita! But noted that Fujita has countlessly dodged his challenge, and even questioned the coincidental timing of Fujita's shoulder injury and Inoue's actual arrival to the company... However, Inoue said that the time of running was OVER. Fujita would HAVE to address his challenge finally, in front of his hometown fans. Fujita's expression continued to grow more stern with every word that came out of Inoue's mouth. After a period of silence, Inoue grew annoyed, scoffing, "Typical... Is this your answer, Fujita!? Is this how you want these people to remember you? As a COWARD!?" Surprisingly, it wouldn't be Fujita who would respond, but veteran referee EDD SASAKI, who YANKED the microphone away from Inoue, who seemed surprised, and amused. Sasaki reminded Inoue just who he is, noting that he was the referee Inoue struck following his loss to Tetsuhisa NAKAI on 12/31, and the referee who pleaded with Inoue to release the sleeper hold that put NAKAI out for a month in their rematch. Inoue laughed, saying he remembered the "annoying referee." Sasaki criticized Inoue for his words on Fujita, noting that Fujita was a man everyone in FURY at one time worshiped, and said that even though in recent years he has made choices they did not agree with, he is still the standard of which everyone follows in Pro-Wrestling FURY.
Again, Inoue scoffed, noting that Fujita was not a man to model yourself after, and compared him to nothing but a wounded dog. Sasaki finally had enough, and SLAPPED Inoue across the face, garnering a HUGE ovation from the crowd! After another moment of silence, Inoue grabbed his bottom lip, and began laughing... And in a strange response, he turned his focus back to Fujita, asking him if "this was the type of bravery you inspire?" Inoue said that while he sometimes say otherwise... The truth is, Inoue respects Fujita as a fighter, and feels that among every pro-wrestler in the world, the only one that can give him a challenge would be Fujita... In fact, Inoue noted the thing that excites him the most was the fact that he himself isn't sure if he can beat Fujita... In Inoue's first moment of sincerity, he told Fujita that they were DESTINED to face one another, and said that if what "the referee" said is true, he owes it to everyone to accept this challenge.
Finally, Fujita broke his silence. "...Inoue... I accept your challenge." These words incited a NUCLEAR reaction from the Osaka crowd. Inoue himself seemed ecstatic, with a grin from ear-to-ear. "Fujita! Maybe you're not a coward! Where do you propose this match takes place?" The fans hushed to an anticipated silence as without saying a word, Fujita slowly pointed upwards towards the northern wall, where a large banner hung, saying, "DREAM + INFINITY IV ~ 5.31 @ KYOCERA DOME." The crowd ERUPTED once more. Inoue nodded, before promising to finally "validate this trinket" in regards to the F-MAX Unified Heavyweight title by beating Fujita on 5/31!
- After that monumental announcement, we still had the finals of the 2009 Sakura Tag Festival tournament! In the two years the Sakura Tag Festival has taken place, one team has dominated. This year, a new team would emerge as kings over FURY's tag team division. Would it be the up-and-coming fan favorites, or the scourging heels that have imposed their will over the F-MAX Tag Team titles since December of 2007? Tonight, we would find out! Both teams brought their A-Game, showing even more fire than their 12/21/2008 match. Neither man could get the upper hand it seemed, forcing them to eventually tag out in a stalemate. The pace picked up between Watanabe and Fukuda, who immediately exchanged feats of strength. Watanabe seemed eager to lock horns with Fukuda, who threw him around during much of their 12/21 bout. Four months later, Watanabe looked even stronger, as he tore into Fukuda with fierce elbows and chops. However, Fukuda wouldn't be subdued that easily, as he caught Watanabe off a cross body, before GORING him between the middle and top turnbuckles in the corner, where he followed up with a VICIOUS knee to the mid section! TAKU and Fukuda continued to maintain control, and showed why they are the #1 tag team in the world by making frequent tags, and showing off unique double team attacks. Watanabe was the unfortunate victim for the next few minutes. Every time Watanabe would be on the verge of a comeback, UPRISER'Z would interfere, easily allowing TAKU and Fukuda to retake control. But finally, "TakaNabe" made their comeback after Akira dodged a lunging lariat into the corner from TAKU. With Fukuda knocked to the outside, Akira and Naoyuki worked over TAKU with a variety of double team attacks, including one that involved Watanabe blasting TAKU with a Shining Kenka Kick as Akira had TAKU locked in an octopus hold! Fukuda quickly returned after attacking Watanabe from behind. Watanabe used his speed and skill to avoid Fukuda's advances, before eventually catching him with a German Suplex hold, soon followed by the Dragon Suplex hold! However, TAKU quickly broke up Watanabe's Kodou-style Dragon Suplex attempt with an axe-handle. Both whipped Watanabe off into the ropes, but as Watanabe ducked their double lariat, they were taking by surprise by Akira Takayoshi, who showed amazing agility by SWANDIVING OFF THE ROPE WITH A DOUBLE FLYING LARIAT! The tempo slowed down for the next few minutes, as both teams tried to pace themselves. UPRISER'Z worked over Watanabe with quick tags, forcing Akira to watch from the corner. Of course, TAKU and Fukuda took full advantage of the referee distractions provided by their fellow UPRISER'Z members, allowing to cut corners. But finally, just as the 25:00 minute mark passed, Watanabe fought his way out of TAKU's Kinniku Buster, before dumping TAKU on his head with a flash German! Finally, Akira was tagged in, as he unleashed a flurry of forearms to both TAKU and Fukuda. Watanabe quickly recovered, as they piled onto Fukuda in the corner, before setting him up for the combination Kenka Kick/Tiger Suplex hold, giving them a near fall! As the match approached its conclusion after the half-hour mark, all four men were exhausted. Both TAKU and Fukuda continued working over Akira, as Watanabe laid prone outside after taking a KINNIKU BUSTER onto the floor from TAKU! Akira tried to fight back after ducking TAKU's lariat with a go-behind, only to push him off into Fukuda, causing the two to knock heads, sending Fukuda tumbling through the ropes... Akira seized the opportunity, blasting TAKU with an Enzuigiri... Akira then climbed to the top, aiming for a missile kick... However, as he lept into the air, TAKU PULLED REFEREE AKINORI FUWA INTO THE FREY, causing Akira to inadvertently hit Fuwa! With the referee down, all hell broke loose, as UPRISER'Z members hit the ring, hitting Akira with successive attacks on the corner... However, as TAKU aimed to finish the train of attacks, Akira moved out the way, just as members of NEW FORCE hit the ring, where they unleashed a train of attacks onto TAKU! As the members of both factions brawled on the outside, Fukuda climbed back into the ring with a chair in hand! But as he swung, Akira DROPPED to the ground, causing Fukuda to BLAST the chair over TAKU'S HEAD!! The crowd erupted as Watanabe finally recovered, where he caught Fukuda off-guard with the Shining Kenka Kick! With TAKU stunned, Akira hooked his arms, before connecting with the Tiger Suplex hold... But even then, TAKU showed his burning spirit by kicking out at 2.9! Aiming to finish it, Akira pulled the staggered TAKU up, before hoisting him onto the turnbuckles before following up... Akira hooked TAKU's arm around his head. After carefully positioning himself, Akira finally acted, lifting TAKU HIGH into the air, before SPIKING TAKU WITH AN AVALANCHE BRAINBUSTER!!! Akira hooked the leg as a groggy Fuwa came to... Even still, he had the wherewithal to make the three count, crowning Akira Takayoshi and Naoyuki Watanabe as the 2009 Sakura Tag Festival Champions!!!
The fans erupted in cheers for the tournament champions after the match, as both were awarded two giant gold trophies, with cherry blossom flowers filled to the brim of both... After receiving their awards and purse check, Akira finally took the microphone, and thanked the fans, along with the other members of NEW FORCE for supporting them during their champaign. Akira noted that his rivalry with UPRISER'Z has, over time, become a war between two factions, and said that it wasn't a war he wished upon his friends... And for their aid, he could never thank them enough... Watanabe spoke next, thanking Akira for being his partner, noting that even through they are now veterans, they are continuing to grow a pro-wrestlers... Watanabe then said that as the winners of the Sakura Tag Festival, they had the right to challenge for the F-MAX Tag Team titles. The question is, Watanabe posed, where would this match take place? After shooting a look to Akira, both raised their arms up, pointing to the aforementioned banner hanging on the wall, garnering a huge ovation from the Osaka crowd.
To end the show, Akira and Naoyuki both thanked the fans, and urged them to spread the word about May 31st, promising it to be the most historic night in the history of Japanese Pro-Wrestling!
- NEW FORCE clashed with UPRISER'Z in a pitched six-man tag next. Despite showing some growth going against Tsuji, Kazuki Sendo was eventually flattened with the Guts Coaster for the pin... After the match, UPRISER'Z continued their assault over the NEW FORCE trio, promising that UPRISER'Z would continue dominating tonight, when TAKU and Fukuda win the Sakura Tag Festival...
- In the third match, many of FURY's stars were featured in an eight-man tag, as Hiroaki Nakata, Yoshihiro Shimoda, ATSUKA and YAKUTA faced Masafuji Yoshida, Go Taniguchi, Tetsujin, and Kinniku Kamen Nisei. Everybody was given a chance to shine, including Tetsujin, who showed his growing strength in pressing Nakata above his head, before catching him and drilling him into the mat with an Oklahoma Stampede! But in the end, Tetsujin's inexperience would allow him to be submitted by YAKUTA's STF, giving his team the win.
- Next, the STRONG RIDERS trio of Otsuo Kayusa, Kyoshima Yosuken and Kenichiro Hujikawa faced the team of Tetsuhisa NAKAI, Chikao Kessin and Kenichiro Hujikawa in a fierce heavyweight six-man tag. STRONG RIDERS did their best to shine on their "holy night," but unfortunately, it would not be, as Chikao Kessin finished Kenichiro Hujikawa with the Sekai Ichi no Backdrop to give his team the win... After the match, Otsuo Kayusa noted that he was sad knowing that he and Yosuken would not be fighting for the tournament title tonight... But at the same time, Kayusa said that there was a feeling of anxiety and excitement within him to watch two new teams fight for the title, and noted that perhaps the time of STRONG RIDERS was coming to an end... While the statement had hints at the faction disbanding, Kayusa reassured fans, saying that STRONG RIDERS would continue for "as long as it was needed..."
- After five months, it was now time for the return of Pro-Wrestling FURY's patriarch, "Mr. 300%" Kazuma Fujita! The Osaka fans erupted in unanimous cheers as the introductions began. Fujita surprisingly was introduced first, as the 4,000+ fans in the Katano Dome roared with chants of "FU-JI-TA" as "Never Surrender" by Lion queued up. Fujita looked to be in good spirits, despite some noticeable weight loss, and a considerable amount of tape around his injured shoulder... But suddenly, what was to be Fujita's great moment was ruined, as Daisuke Iwata and Kyoto Okazaki AMBUSHED Fujita in the isle-way, beating him immediately with steel chairs! The two heels dragged Fujita towards the ring, where they continued to work him over... Finally, Shigeru Iwasaki darted from the back, POUNCING onto Iwata with punches and kicks! The match started abruptly as Iwata and Iwasaki brawled in the ring, while Okazaki continued to take shots at the injured Fujita outside. Eventually, Okazaki came in to secure the two-on-one advantage. Iwasaki did his best, but was vastly out-matched against both Iwata and Iwasaki. The two heels worked within the parameters of the rules as they tagged in and out. During random pockets of the early going, Iwasaki would start to mount a comeback, only to be cut off from behind... Finally, after the ten minute mark, amidst calls and chants of "FU-JI-TA," Fujita finally managed to fight through the pain, and pull himself up onto the apron, earning a gigantic reaction. Even after Iwasaki started to making some head-way, he refused to tag out to Fujita due to his condition, forcing himself to continue the bout alone... But finally, Fujita had enough, as he forcibly tagged himself in. Okazaki on the apron began jumping up and down in excitement, as he called for the tag as well! The crowd roared as Fujita and Okazaki squared off in a circle, preparing to lock up... But of course, Okazaki cut off his teacher with an eye poke, before working over Fujita's injured shoulder with a wakigatame. The double-team work from UPRISER'Z continued over Fujita, with Iwasaki powerless to stop it... Eventually, their cockiness came back to bite them after Okazaki missed Fujita with the Moonsault press. As the Osaka crowd roared, Fujita fought through the pain by pulling off the tape around his shoulder in dramatic fashion! As Iwata came in to cut him off, Iwasaki was there to meet him with a vicious kneel kick! As they brawled outside, Okazaki immediately began begging off like a blond-haired American heel... Fujita surprisingly showed mercy, as he nodded and turned away... However, he immediately jerked his head back, catching Okazaki readying an attack, prompting Fujita to grab Okazaki by the throat! Okazaki however escaped with a BLATANT kick to the groin, garnering a HUGE reaction of boos. Okazaki then aimed to finish Fujita with the Otokogoroshi... However, he lacked the strength to lift Fujita up, allowing "Mr. 300%" to counter with a mighty backdrop! From here, Fujita unleashed a strong combination of attacks, including a lariat in the corner, and a running neckbreaker drop. But as he called for the final blow, Okazaki once more cut him off by raking the eyes, bringing Fujita to a knee... Okazaki then came running off the ropes, aiming for the Perfect Dark... However, he would be abruptly cut off by the FUJITA LARIAT, taking Okazaki's head off! With Iwasaki keeping Iwata at bay, Fujita scored the fall, making his return to the ring a success!
Iwasaki was the first to congratulate his mentor in the ring, who seemed overwhelmed by the ovation of the Osaka crowd... After the chants died down, Fujita spoke on the microphone, thanking the fans for their support during his time of recovery... He noted that as he grows older, the risk of injury grows as well. However, despite what many people think, Fujita declared that he would NEVER retire from professional wrestling... Before Fujita could continue however, he would be cut off by "YOU GET TO BURNING" by angela, bringing about the arrival of the F-MAX Unified Heavyweight Champion, RYO INOUE! The fans erupted in a mixture of commotion and boos as Inoue entered, dragging the F-MAX Heavyweight title behind him with about the care one would with a bag of dirty laundry. As he climbed into the ring, Fujita locked his eyes on Inoue, who promptly threw the F-MAX Unified Heavyweight title down in front of Fujita's feet...
After an intense stare down, Inoue broke the silence, welcoming Fujita back to the pro-wrestling ring, saying that the FURY ring has been "boring" without him... Inoue rehashed his reasons for coming out of his seclusion, in order to face the man the fans have deemed as "The Strongest," Kazuma Fujita! But noted that Fujita has countlessly dodged his challenge, and even questioned the coincidental timing of Fujita's shoulder injury and Inoue's actual arrival to the company... However, Inoue said that the time of running was OVER. Fujita would HAVE to address his challenge finally, in front of his hometown fans. Fujita's expression continued to grow more stern with every word that came out of Inoue's mouth. After a period of silence, Inoue grew annoyed, scoffing, "Typical... Is this your answer, Fujita!? Is this how you want these people to remember you? As a COWARD!?" Surprisingly, it wouldn't be Fujita who would respond, but veteran referee EDD SASAKI, who YANKED the microphone away from Inoue, who seemed surprised, and amused. Sasaki reminded Inoue just who he is, noting that he was the referee Inoue struck following his loss to Tetsuhisa NAKAI on 12/31, and the referee who pleaded with Inoue to release the sleeper hold that put NAKAI out for a month in their rematch. Inoue laughed, saying he remembered the "annoying referee." Sasaki criticized Inoue for his words on Fujita, noting that Fujita was a man everyone in FURY at one time worshiped, and said that even though in recent years he has made choices they did not agree with, he is still the standard of which everyone follows in Pro-Wrestling FURY.
Again, Inoue scoffed, noting that Fujita was not a man to model yourself after, and compared him to nothing but a wounded dog. Sasaki finally had enough, and SLAPPED Inoue across the face, garnering a HUGE ovation from the crowd! After another moment of silence, Inoue grabbed his bottom lip, and began laughing... And in a strange response, he turned his focus back to Fujita, asking him if "this was the type of bravery you inspire?" Inoue said that while he sometimes say otherwise... The truth is, Inoue respects Fujita as a fighter, and feels that among every pro-wrestler in the world, the only one that can give him a challenge would be Fujita... In fact, Inoue noted the thing that excites him the most was the fact that he himself isn't sure if he can beat Fujita... In Inoue's first moment of sincerity, he told Fujita that they were DESTINED to face one another, and said that if what "the referee" said is true, he owes it to everyone to accept this challenge.
Finally, Fujita broke his silence. "...Inoue... I accept your challenge." These words incited a NUCLEAR reaction from the Osaka crowd. Inoue himself seemed ecstatic, with a grin from ear-to-ear. "Fujita! Maybe you're not a coward! Where do you propose this match takes place?" The fans hushed to an anticipated silence as without saying a word, Fujita slowly pointed upwards towards the northern wall, where a large banner hung, saying, "DREAM + INFINITY IV ~ 5.31 @ KYOCERA DOME." The crowd ERUPTED once more. Inoue nodded, before promising to finally "validate this trinket" in regards to the F-MAX Unified Heavyweight title by beating Fujita on 5/31!
- After that monumental announcement, we still had the finals of the 2009 Sakura Tag Festival tournament! In the two years the Sakura Tag Festival has taken place, one team has dominated. This year, a new team would emerge as kings over FURY's tag team division. Would it be the up-and-coming fan favorites, or the scourging heels that have imposed their will over the F-MAX Tag Team titles since December of 2007? Tonight, we would find out! Both teams brought their A-Game, showing even more fire than their 12/21/2008 match. Neither man could get the upper hand it seemed, forcing them to eventually tag out in a stalemate. The pace picked up between Watanabe and Fukuda, who immediately exchanged feats of strength. Watanabe seemed eager to lock horns with Fukuda, who threw him around during much of their 12/21 bout. Four months later, Watanabe looked even stronger, as he tore into Fukuda with fierce elbows and chops. However, Fukuda wouldn't be subdued that easily, as he caught Watanabe off a cross body, before GORING him between the middle and top turnbuckles in the corner, where he followed up with a VICIOUS knee to the mid section! TAKU and Fukuda continued to maintain control, and showed why they are the #1 tag team in the world by making frequent tags, and showing off unique double team attacks. Watanabe was the unfortunate victim for the next few minutes. Every time Watanabe would be on the verge of a comeback, UPRISER'Z would interfere, easily allowing TAKU and Fukuda to retake control. But finally, "TakaNabe" made their comeback after Akira dodged a lunging lariat into the corner from TAKU. With Fukuda knocked to the outside, Akira and Naoyuki worked over TAKU with a variety of double team attacks, including one that involved Watanabe blasting TAKU with a Shining Kenka Kick as Akira had TAKU locked in an octopus hold! Fukuda quickly returned after attacking Watanabe from behind. Watanabe used his speed and skill to avoid Fukuda's advances, before eventually catching him with a German Suplex hold, soon followed by the Dragon Suplex hold! However, TAKU quickly broke up Watanabe's Kodou-style Dragon Suplex attempt with an axe-handle. Both whipped Watanabe off into the ropes, but as Watanabe ducked their double lariat, they were taking by surprise by Akira Takayoshi, who showed amazing agility by SWANDIVING OFF THE ROPE WITH A DOUBLE FLYING LARIAT! The tempo slowed down for the next few minutes, as both teams tried to pace themselves. UPRISER'Z worked over Watanabe with quick tags, forcing Akira to watch from the corner. Of course, TAKU and Fukuda took full advantage of the referee distractions provided by their fellow UPRISER'Z members, allowing to cut corners. But finally, just as the 25:00 minute mark passed, Watanabe fought his way out of TAKU's Kinniku Buster, before dumping TAKU on his head with a flash German! Finally, Akira was tagged in, as he unleashed a flurry of forearms to both TAKU and Fukuda. Watanabe quickly recovered, as they piled onto Fukuda in the corner, before setting him up for the combination Kenka Kick/Tiger Suplex hold, giving them a near fall! As the match approached its conclusion after the half-hour mark, all four men were exhausted. Both TAKU and Fukuda continued working over Akira, as Watanabe laid prone outside after taking a KINNIKU BUSTER onto the floor from TAKU! Akira tried to fight back after ducking TAKU's lariat with a go-behind, only to push him off into Fukuda, causing the two to knock heads, sending Fukuda tumbling through the ropes... Akira seized the opportunity, blasting TAKU with an Enzuigiri... Akira then climbed to the top, aiming for a missile kick... However, as he lept into the air, TAKU PULLED REFEREE AKINORI FUWA INTO THE FREY, causing Akira to inadvertently hit Fuwa! With the referee down, all hell broke loose, as UPRISER'Z members hit the ring, hitting Akira with successive attacks on the corner... However, as TAKU aimed to finish the train of attacks, Akira moved out the way, just as members of NEW FORCE hit the ring, where they unleashed a train of attacks onto TAKU! As the members of both factions brawled on the outside, Fukuda climbed back into the ring with a chair in hand! But as he swung, Akira DROPPED to the ground, causing Fukuda to BLAST the chair over TAKU'S HEAD!! The crowd erupted as Watanabe finally recovered, where he caught Fukuda off-guard with the Shining Kenka Kick! With TAKU stunned, Akira hooked his arms, before connecting with the Tiger Suplex hold... But even then, TAKU showed his burning spirit by kicking out at 2.9! Aiming to finish it, Akira pulled the staggered TAKU up, before hoisting him onto the turnbuckles before following up... Akira hooked TAKU's arm around his head. After carefully positioning himself, Akira finally acted, lifting TAKU HIGH into the air, before SPIKING TAKU WITH AN AVALANCHE BRAINBUSTER!!! Akira hooked the leg as a groggy Fuwa came to... Even still, he had the wherewithal to make the three count, crowning Akira Takayoshi and Naoyuki Watanabe as the 2009 Sakura Tag Festival Champions!!!
The fans erupted in cheers for the tournament champions after the match, as both were awarded two giant gold trophies, with cherry blossom flowers filled to the brim of both... After receiving their awards and purse check, Akira finally took the microphone, and thanked the fans, along with the other members of NEW FORCE for supporting them during their champaign. Akira noted that his rivalry with UPRISER'Z has, over time, become a war between two factions, and said that it wasn't a war he wished upon his friends... And for their aid, he could never thank them enough... Watanabe spoke next, thanking Akira for being his partner, noting that even through they are now veterans, they are continuing to grow a pro-wrestlers... Watanabe then said that as the winners of the Sakura Tag Festival, they had the right to challenge for the F-MAX Tag Team titles. The question is, Watanabe posed, where would this match take place? After shooting a look to Akira, both raised their arms up, pointing to the aforementioned banner hanging on the wall, garnering a huge ovation from the Osaka crowd.
To end the show, Akira and Naoyuki both thanked the fans, and urged them to spread the word about May 31st, promising it to be the most historic night in the history of Japanese Pro-Wrestling!
"OSAKA HANAMI 2009"
April 25, 2009 (Samurai! TV / Sky PerfecTV! PPV)
Osaka - Katano Dome
4,250 Fans (Super No Vacancy Full House)
1. Jet Jaguar & Jun Kobayashi [FREE] beat Kotaro Ota & Fumihiko Shirai (10:13) when Jaguar used the Spiral Bomb on Shirai.
2. Shin Kaiju, RYUJI & Manabe Tsuji beat Etsuya Kawachi, Hidaka Kamon & Kazuki Sendo (9:49) when Tsuji used the Guts Coaster on Sendo.
3. Hiroaki Nakata, Yoshihiro Shimoda, ATSUKA & YAKUTA beat Masafuji Yoshida, Go Taniguchi, Tetsujin & Kinniku Kamen Nisei (14:39) when YAKUTA used an STF on Tetsujin.
4. Tetsuhisa NAKAI, Chikao Kessin & Ryuugo Nagashima [FREE] beat Otsuo Kayusa, Kyoshima Yosuken & Kenichiro Hujikawa (15:17) when Kessin used the Sekai Ichi no Backdrop on Hujikawa.
5. 300% REVIVAL! ~ Kazuma Fujita Return Match: "Mr. 300%" Kazuma Fujita & Shigeru Iwasaki beat Daisuke Iwata & Kyoto Okazaki (18:41) when Fujita used the Fujita Lariat on Okazaki.
6. Sakura Tag Festival - Finals: Akira Takayoshi & Naoyuki Watanabe beat TAKU & Mastodon Fukuda (34:03) when Takayoshi used an avalanche style Brainbuster on Fukuda.
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