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ZOHASH.COM EXCLUSIVE

New Japan Pro Wrestling's "Tokyo Dome Showdown" Delivers Thrills and Spills in Front of SRO Crowd

October 14, 2002 - Tokyo Dome, Tokyo, Japan

In a night that will be remembered for ages to come, New Japan Pro Wrestling presented an electrifying show at the Tokyo Dome, drawing a staggering 50,000-strong crowd. The event, dubbed "Tokyo Dome Showdown," featured a stacked card that had something for everyone.

Tag Team Tussle The evening kicked off with a high-flying six-man tag team match pitting Jushin Thunder Liger, Masahito Kakihara, and Tiger Mask against American Dragon, Ricky Reyes, and Rocky Romero. The crowd was treated to a dazzling display of aerial assaults, as all six competitors showcased their impressive movesets. In the end, the trio of Liger, Kakihara, and Tiger Mask emerged victorious, with Liger securing the pin in 12:26.

Fujita-Makabe Take Down King Of The Hills Next up were Minoru Fujita and Shinya Makabe, who took on the formidable duo of Hiroshi Tanahashi and Kenzo Suzuki. The latter team, collectively known as King Of The Hills, looked to make a statement in their first outing together. However, Fujita and Makabe had other plans, using their quickness and cunning to outmaneuver their opponents en route to a 7:29 victory.

Kanemoto Retains Junior Heavyweight Title In the first title match of the evening, Koji Kanemoto put his IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship on the line against Heat. The challenger pushed the champion to the limit, but ultimately fell short in their 18:43 encounter.

NWF Heavyweight Tournament Semi-Finals The NWF Heavyweight Title Tournament continued with Tsuyoshi Kohsaka facing off against Tadao Yasuda. Kohsaka's superior striking proved too much for Yasuda, as he dispatched his opponent in just 2:15 to advance to the tournament final.

European Catch Rules Match Steals the Show In a thrilling European Catch Rules match, Bas Rutten and Osamu Nishimura engaged in an intense battle that tested their skills. Despite being forced to submit via armbar at the 10-minute mark, Nishimura earned the respect of his opponent and the crowd.

Singles Action Abounds The remainder of the card featured a series of singles matches, each with its own unique storylines and surprises. Highlights included GREAT MUTA's dominant win over Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Kazunari Murakami's upset victory over Masayuki Naruse, and Bob Sapp's crushing defeat of Manabu Nakanishi.

Yuji Nagata Wins IWGP Heavyweight Title The main event saw Yuji Nagata face off against Kazuyuki Fujita for the vacant IWGP Heavyweight Championship. In a hard-hitting contest, Nagata emerged victorious, pinning Fujita in 12:55 to claim the title and send the crowd into raptures.

ZOHASH.COM VERDICT New Japan Pro Wrestling's "Tokyo Dome Showdown" was an unforgettable night of action-packed wrestling that left fans chanting for more. With a stacked card featuring a mix of veterans and up-and-comers, there was something for everyone to enjoy. Zohash.com gives this event a solid 4.5 out of 5 stars.

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Card Details

  • Date: 14 Oct 2002
  • Promotion: New Japan Pro Wrestling
  • Arena: Tokyo Dome
  • Attendance: 50000
  • Type: Pay Per View
  • Broadcast Type: Taped

Matches

  1. Jushin Thunder Liger, Masahito Kakihara and Tiger Mask defeat American Dragon, Ricky Reyes and Rocky Romero in a Six Man Tag Team Match
    Match Time: 12:26

  2. Minoru Fujita and Shinya Makabe defeat King Of The Hills (Hiroshi Tanahashi and Kenzo Suzuki) in a Tag Team Match
    Match Time: 07:29

  3. Koji Kanemoto(C) defeat Heat in a IWGP Junior Heavyweight Title Match
    Match Time: 18:43

  4. Tsuyoshi Kohsaka(C) defeat Tadao Yasuda in a NWF Heavyweight Title Tournament Semi Final Match
    Match Time: 02:15

  5. Yutaka Yoshie defeat Ryushi Yanagisawa in a Singles Match
    Match Time: 05:33

  6. Bas Rutten Time Limit Draw (30:00) [Runde 10] Osamu Nishimura in a European Catch Rules Match

  7. Kazunari Murakami defeat Masayuki Naruse in a Singles Match
    Match Time: 04:22

  8. GREAT MUTA defeat Hiroyoshi Tenzan in a Singles Match
    Match Time: 06:43

  9. Masahiro Chono defeat Joanie Laurer in a Singles Match
    Match Time: 11:35

  10. Bob Sapp defeat Manabu Nakanishi in a Singles Match
    Match Time: 06:26

  11. Yuji Nagata(C) defeat Kazuyuki Fujita in a IWGP Heavyweight Title Match
    Match Time: 12:55

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