-- After a decade, Pro-Wrestling FURY will finally come to an end on 10.25 in Osaka. In a press conference called from the site of the company's final event, the Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium, five men addressed a small gathering of reporters in front of the gymnasium: Company General Manager ZERO Kubota, current KOF Heavyweight Champion Norihiro Akashi, along with three of the company's most synonymous figures; Hiroaki Nakata, Tetsuhisa NAKAI, and Akira Takayoshi.
The five appeared in solidarity, aiming to reflect on a very tumultuous couple of years for the company. GM ZERO Kubota noted that the company has remained inactive since 5/31 of this year. He pointed out that the show appeared to have breathed life into the company, as Norihiro Akashi dethroned the seemingly insurmountable champion, Naoki Fukuda to become "King of FURY." The reality of the matter however, was the fight FURY had been in for the past few years has simply been, in the words of Kubota, "unwinnable." He stated that there were several factors and events that have brought us to this moment. He noted the Hiroshi Nishida tax scandal from years back that put incredible restrictions on the company, unknown to most. For example, Hiroaki Nakata revealed that the Japanese Police had froze the company's assets during the investigation, meaning the company was working under little to no resources for several months. During that time, the company took on severe debt. When the company's assets were finally released, there was not enough to pay back creditors.
GM ZERO said that 5/31 was a "last gasp" for the company. The hope was that a good showing would save the company long enough to stabilize itself... However, while it did pay off a lot of the debt, there was nothing left to continue on. Around the same time however, FURY had also engaged in a fierce letigation fight with an undisclosed party. The details weren't elaborated upon, but ZERO bluntly stated, "The law is not on our side."
With no funds to continue, the entire roster and staff felt devastated by the severity of the situation. However, as Akira Takayoshi himself explained it, a sense of debt was felt towards the fans, who have followed the company for its decade-long run. "It would be very disheartening to fans to know they were watching FURY's last event, unaware of that fact. And inconsiderate of us as well." While the fate of the company was determined, a decision was made to hold one final event, with 10.25.2012, the company's tenth anniversary being the only possible consideration. In that vein, there was no better place to hold the final event than the Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium, which has housed many of FURY's biggest events over the last decade.
Speaking formally as General Manager, Kubota vowed that the company would put everything they have into this event, saying it was everyone's top priority. Kubota noted that many of the wrestlers and staff had taken second jobs to help fund the event. Speaking on behalf of the wrestlers, Hiroaki Nakata said that it was a labor of love for the wrestlers, and said that it is all of their wishes to work the final event without pay, stating that none of them were doing this for monetary reasons. Unable to help himself, GM ZERO lightened the mood, saying, "...Well, speak for yourself. I'd like to get paid! ...But, we'll at least have food... So it'll be okay!"
Again, vowing to put their all into the card, GM ZERO formally outlined the event, stating that the central question everyone within the company have been asking is... Among the wrestler's who have strongly carried FURY's flag over the last ten years, who has meant the most? Which wrestler best personifies the last ten years? The question was even leaked into sports papers, where much debate was had between fans and even sports writers. In the end, a one-night tournament was decided to determine the "KING OF DECADE," as Pro-Wrestling FURY will hold the "F*TOP" tournament on its final night.
Limiting the field to eight men was extremely difficult according to GM ZERO, but said among those polled, four wrestlers stood out: current KOF Champion Norihiro Akashi, Hiroaki Nakata, Tetsuhisa NAKAI, and Akira Takayoshi. From there, Kubota said that the selection became more difficult, as different wrestlers meant different things to different people. In the end, it was mutually decided upon that eight of the would would each pick a wrestler to slot into the tournament, allowing the most important vote of all to come from those who will be competing in the tournament themselves. While not a definitive list by any means, the eight men represent the past, present, and what could have been the future of Pro-Wrestling FURY.
The Ace and current holder of the KOF Heavyweight title, Norihiro Akashi chose the man he defeated to lift the title from in May, Naoki Fukuda. Akashi said that Fukuda had become an incredible symbol of strength for Pro-Wrestling FURY as Champion, and said he was as deserving as any to be in this tournament. Showing that both heavyweights, AND juniors contributed to FURY's amazing legacy, Hiroaki Nakata selected Yoshihiro Shimoda to enter the tournament. Nakata said that since debuting, Yoshihiro Shimoda has been "the heart of Pro-Wrestling FURY," and said as a strategist and ring general, his skills were unmatched. Admitly a bias selection, Akira Takayoshi chose his friend and tag team partner Naoyuki Watanabe, stating that as one of the last renments of the "Burning Road," Watanabe's importance to Wrestling, and FURY couldn't be ignored. Finally, NAKAI named young Manabe Tsuji as his selection. Somewhat of a surprising pick, NAKAI said that while Tsuji lacked experience and results, he has amazing "GUTS," which he considers to be an important trait to have in this sport. NAKAI said that it is really wrestlers like Tsuji who are the saddest victims of circumstance, as they will never get the chance to ascend to the top of FURY. In NAKAI's mind, this is Tsuji's golden opportunity.
With the eight men selected, the event is all but official. First round pairings will be decided via lottery drawing in the coming weeks, along with additional card announcements. GM Kubota promised that every wrestler on the roster would be featured on the event, with 2-4 more special matches being added in addition to the tournament, which will span seven matches.
The five appeared in solidarity, aiming to reflect on a very tumultuous couple of years for the company. GM ZERO Kubota noted that the company has remained inactive since 5/31 of this year. He pointed out that the show appeared to have breathed life into the company, as Norihiro Akashi dethroned the seemingly insurmountable champion, Naoki Fukuda to become "King of FURY." The reality of the matter however, was the fight FURY had been in for the past few years has simply been, in the words of Kubota, "unwinnable." He stated that there were several factors and events that have brought us to this moment. He noted the Hiroshi Nishida tax scandal from years back that put incredible restrictions on the company, unknown to most. For example, Hiroaki Nakata revealed that the Japanese Police had froze the company's assets during the investigation, meaning the company was working under little to no resources for several months. During that time, the company took on severe debt. When the company's assets were finally released, there was not enough to pay back creditors.
GM ZERO said that 5/31 was a "last gasp" for the company. The hope was that a good showing would save the company long enough to stabilize itself... However, while it did pay off a lot of the debt, there was nothing left to continue on. Around the same time however, FURY had also engaged in a fierce letigation fight with an undisclosed party. The details weren't elaborated upon, but ZERO bluntly stated, "The law is not on our side."
With no funds to continue, the entire roster and staff felt devastated by the severity of the situation. However, as Akira Takayoshi himself explained it, a sense of debt was felt towards the fans, who have followed the company for its decade-long run. "It would be very disheartening to fans to know they were watching FURY's last event, unaware of that fact. And inconsiderate of us as well." While the fate of the company was determined, a decision was made to hold one final event, with 10.25.2012, the company's tenth anniversary being the only possible consideration. In that vein, there was no better place to hold the final event than the Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium, which has housed many of FURY's biggest events over the last decade.
Speaking formally as General Manager, Kubota vowed that the company would put everything they have into this event, saying it was everyone's top priority. Kubota noted that many of the wrestlers and staff had taken second jobs to help fund the event. Speaking on behalf of the wrestlers, Hiroaki Nakata said that it was a labor of love for the wrestlers, and said that it is all of their wishes to work the final event without pay, stating that none of them were doing this for monetary reasons. Unable to help himself, GM ZERO lightened the mood, saying, "...Well, speak for yourself. I'd like to get paid! ...But, we'll at least have food... So it'll be okay!"
Again, vowing to put their all into the card, GM ZERO formally outlined the event, stating that the central question everyone within the company have been asking is... Among the wrestler's who have strongly carried FURY's flag over the last ten years, who has meant the most? Which wrestler best personifies the last ten years? The question was even leaked into sports papers, where much debate was had between fans and even sports writers. In the end, a one-night tournament was decided to determine the "KING OF DECADE," as Pro-Wrestling FURY will hold the "F*TOP" tournament on its final night.
Limiting the field to eight men was extremely difficult according to GM ZERO, but said among those polled, four wrestlers stood out: current KOF Champion Norihiro Akashi, Hiroaki Nakata, Tetsuhisa NAKAI, and Akira Takayoshi. From there, Kubota said that the selection became more difficult, as different wrestlers meant different things to different people. In the end, it was mutually decided upon that eight of the would would each pick a wrestler to slot into the tournament, allowing the most important vote of all to come from those who will be competing in the tournament themselves. While not a definitive list by any means, the eight men represent the past, present, and what could have been the future of Pro-Wrestling FURY.
The Ace and current holder of the KOF Heavyweight title, Norihiro Akashi chose the man he defeated to lift the title from in May, Naoki Fukuda. Akashi said that Fukuda had become an incredible symbol of strength for Pro-Wrestling FURY as Champion, and said he was as deserving as any to be in this tournament. Showing that both heavyweights, AND juniors contributed to FURY's amazing legacy, Hiroaki Nakata selected Yoshihiro Shimoda to enter the tournament. Nakata said that since debuting, Yoshihiro Shimoda has been "the heart of Pro-Wrestling FURY," and said as a strategist and ring general, his skills were unmatched. Admitly a bias selection, Akira Takayoshi chose his friend and tag team partner Naoyuki Watanabe, stating that as one of the last renments of the "Burning Road," Watanabe's importance to Wrestling, and FURY couldn't be ignored. Finally, NAKAI named young Manabe Tsuji as his selection. Somewhat of a surprising pick, NAKAI said that while Tsuji lacked experience and results, he has amazing "GUTS," which he considers to be an important trait to have in this sport. NAKAI said that it is really wrestlers like Tsuji who are the saddest victims of circumstance, as they will never get the chance to ascend to the top of FURY. In NAKAI's mind, this is Tsuji's golden opportunity.
With the eight men selected, the event is all but official. First round pairings will be decided via lottery drawing in the coming weeks, along with additional card announcements. GM Kubota promised that every wrestler on the roster would be featured on the event, with 2-4 more special matches being added in addition to the tournament, which will span seven matches.
"10.25 Memorial ~ FINAL FURY in OSAKA" (Niconico Douga iPPV)
October 25, 2012
Osaka - Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium ~BODY MAKER Colosseum~
~ F*TOP ~ KING OF DECADE ~
Participants:
- Norihiro Akashi
- Hiroaki Nakata
- Tetsuhisa NAKAI
- Akira Takayoshi
- Naoki Fukuda (Akashi Selection)
- Naoyuki Watanabe (Takayoshi Selection)
- Manabe Tsuji (NAKAI Selection)
- Yoshihiro Shimoda (Nakata Selection)
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