NJPW Ultimate Crush

ZOHASH.COM EXCLUSIVE

REPORT FROM THE TOKYO DOME: NJPW'S "FIGHT WITHOUT HOPE" PAYS OFF IN A BIG WAY

Well, folks, I'm still reeling from an incredible night of action at the Tokyo Dome, where New Japan Pro Wrestling's "Fight Without Hope" pay-per-view event left fans on the edge of their seats. And what a card it was! With a packed house of 55,000 screaming Japanese wrestling enthusiasts, the atmosphere was electric from start to finish.

Match 1: Hiroyoshi Tenzan vs Hiroshi Tanahashi - IWGP Heavyweight Title #1 Contendership Match

The main event of the evening got off to a fantastic start with this thrilling contest for the top spot in line for the coveted IWGP Heavyweight Championship. In a match that had both men giving it their all, Tenzan ultimately emerged victorious, pinning Tanahashi after a series of rapid-fire strikes and a picture-perfect lariat. The win puts Tenzan firmly in the mix for a title shot, and I've no doubt he'll be gunning for the gold at the next opportunity.

Match 2: Ken Shamrock vs Takashi Iizuka - Singles Match

Next up was a bout that saw two of the most accomplished wrestlers on the planet go head-to-head. Former UFC champion Ken Shamrock brought his trademark intensity to the ring, but it was Takashi Iizuka who showed flashes of brilliance, taking the fight to the mat and nearly submitting Shamrock with a vicious armbar. In the end, however, Shamrock's sheer power proved too much for Iizuka, as he powered out of the submission attempt and scored the win via TKO.

Match 3: Jushin Thunder Liger & Koji Kanemoto vs Heat & Tiger Mask - IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Title Match

Now we get to the fun stuff! The junior heavyweight division is always a hotbed of excitement, and this match was no exception. Jushin Thunder Liger and Koji Kanemoto made light work of their opponents, Heat and Tiger Mask, in a thrilling encounter that saw plenty of high-flying action and innovative moves. In the end, it was Liger who sealed the deal with a picture-perfect Shooting Star Press.

Match 4: Enson Inoue vs Kazunari Murakami - Singles Match

In this brief but brutal affair, Enson Inoue showed why he's one of the most feared men in the sport. Taking on Kazunari Murakami, Inoue used his considerable strength and grappling skills to overwhelm his opponent, finishing him off with a vicious armbar submission just 6:33 into the match.

Match 5: Kenta Kobashi vs Masahiro Chono - GHC Heavyweight Title Match

And then there was this one... The battle for the GHC Heavyweight Championship saw two of the most respected veterans in Japanese wrestling go toe-to-toe. In a war that had fans on the edge of their seats from start to finish, Kenta Kobashi emerged victorious, pinning Masahiro Chono after a grueling 28:27 match.

Match 6: Yoshihiro Takayama vs Yuji Nagata - NWF Heavyweight Title Match

Finally, we got to see two of the best big men in the business clash for the NWF Heavyweight Championship. Yoshihiro Takayama and Yuji Nagata brought the house down with a back-and-forth battle that had everything: powerbombs, slams, and even some nice technical grappling. In the end, it was Takayama who emerged victorious, retaining his title with a crushing powerslam.

And there you have it, folks - an unforgettable night of action from New Japan Pro Wrestling's "Fight Without Hope" pay-per-view event. If you missed this one, make sure to catch the replay... or better yet, get yourself down to the Tokyo Dome for the next show!

Card Details

Date: 02 May 2003
Promotion: New Japan Pro Wrestling
Arena: Tokyo Dome
Attendance: 55000
Type: Pay Per View
Broadcast Type: Live
Broadcast Date: 02 May 2003

Matches

Hiroyoshi Tenzan defeat Hiroshi Tanahashi in a IWGP Heavyweight Title #1 Contendership Match
Match Time: 10:24
Ken Shamrock defeat Takashi Iizuka in a Singles Match
Match Time: 11:44
Jushin Thunder Liger and Koji Kanemoto(C) defeat Heat and Tiger Mask in a IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Title Match
Match Time: 19:50
Enson Inoue defeat Kazunari Murakami in a Singles Match
Match Time: 06:33
Kenta Kobashi(C) defeat Masahiro Chono in a GHC Heavyweight Title Match
Match Time: 28:27
Yoshihiro Takayama(C) defeat Yuji Nagata in a NWF Heavyweight Title Match