[Destination] War 002 Full Lineup!

The full lineup for Destination BATTLE GROUND's second event, cleverly titled “War 002” has been released. As expected, the event is main evented by a singles match between Akuma Toyota and Stephen Priest titled “CLASH OF THE EVIL WORLD”, a play off the “California Devil” nickname and Akuma Toyota's name.

The secondary main event sees a sequel to Jake Bishop & Izumo Yoritomo's “MEGATON BRAWL” from War 001. Bishop brings his TEXAS ROUGHRIDERS partner Rui Kuriyama while Yoritomo brings friend Keiji Hirano for an exciting tag team contest.

The final named battle pits the slovenly disrespectful Mikio Tsuruya against the man he disrespected at War 001, veteran technical wrestler Eiichi Aihara. Aihara is looking for revenge for Tsuruya's actions but looks are deceiving as Tsuruya is a tough opponent on any day.

The other three “Battles” sees Akira Aoki have his first ever tag team match alongside Masakazu Fujimoto against Kazuki Takagi and Katsunori Sekine. Danger Kobayash goes head to head with the former power lifter Kazuya Tanimoto. And in the opening battle, HYBRID FACTORY graduate Susumu Nakagawa faces Keita Kokubunji in a youth battle.

Destination BATTLE GROUND ~ War 002

Tokyo, Japan

Korakuen Hall (2,100)

04/07/13

BATTLE #1: Susumu Nakagawa vs. Keita Kokubunji

BATTLE #2: Danger Kobayashi vs. Kazuya Tanimoto

BATTLE #3: Masakazu Fujimoto & Akira Aoki vs. Kazuki Takagi & Katsunori Sekine

BATTLE #4 ~ COLLISON OF RESPECT: Mikio Tsuruya vs. Eiichi Aihara

BATTLE #5 ~ MEGATON BRAWL PART TWO: "Texas Outlaw" Jake Bishop & Rui Kuriyama vs. Izumo Yoritomo & Keiji Hirano

BATTLE #6 ~ CLASH OF THE EVIL WORLD: Akuma Toyota vs. Stephen Priest

[Destination] War 002 Rumors

Following the altercation after Destination BATTLE GROUND's debut event between Stephen Priest and Akuma Toyota, Akuma Toyota issued a declaration of intent backstage, announcing that he would be battling Stephen Priest at the next Destination BATTLE GROUND event. While the show has not been officially announced, the date is set to be April 7th at Korakuen Hall. Toyota was livid at how Priest attacked him and promised to send the "California Devil" back to the States permanently.

In addition to the main event, follow up battles are rumored to be scheduled including another "MEGATON" between Bishop & Yoritomo clash, along with a Tsuruya/Aihara followup after Tsuruya's disrespectful actions in their tag battle at War 001. 

Further details should be released in the coming days.

Destination BATTLE GROUND ~ War 002

Tokyo, Japan

Korakuen Hall (2,100)

04/07/13

BATTLE #1 ~ CLASH OF THE EVIL KINGS: Akuma Toyota vs. Stephen Priest

[Destination] 03/14/13 ~ War 001

After much attention from their efforts of self-promotion, the time came for Destination BATTLE GROUND to have their debut event in the hallowed halls of Korakuen Hall. The event opened without a video or even a promotion theme, as Akuma Toyota in a Destination t-shirt simply walked to the ring to give the opening address. Toyota praised the super sellout audience for their support in reviving traditional pro-wrestling. Toyota said tonight would see furious action and unlike some other groups, would have brand new hungry stars instead of "bloated hangers on". WIth that, Toyota personally introduced his first two trainees who jogged to the ring leading to the first match beginning!

Kazuya Tanimoto and Keita Kokubunji exchanged furiously from the gong in an effort to prove themselves in their debut match. The difference between the two was immediately evident as Tanimoto used his girth and physical strength to combat Kokubunji's speed and agility. Tanimoto in particular stood out, as the former power lifter displayed amazing feats of power including hurling Kokubunji high into the air sending Kokubunji crashing to the mat face first. After four minutes of action, Tanimoto sealed the deal with a powerslam followed by a vicious running double axe handle to the chest of Kokubunji; knocking him out for the three count. Backstage; Kokubunji remarked that he had already fallen behind Tanimoto but said that he was up to the challenge after fighting for so long for Toyota to train him. Tanimoto was full of confidence, saying that his power alone would allow him to march up the cards in no time at all...

In a match pitting two returning favorites against two rising young lions, Rui Kuriyama and Kazuki Takagi took on the HYBRID FACTORY graduates of Susumu Nakagawa and Katsunori Sekine. Kazuki Takagi, who has always been a well liked favorite, received a warm reception for his return to the big stage. However, the two stars of the bout were Katsunori Sekine who continued to impress far beyond his one year's experience should allow displaying blistering kicks and heavy suplexes on the much larger Kuriyama and Takagi. And yet, despite Sekine's shine, all eyes were on Rui Kuriyama. The former Kazuma Fujita Dojo graduate and Akuma Toyota protege was a new man having spent significant time in America over the last two years. He sported long black hair, and black spats, along with even more beef on his physique then before.  Kuriyama projected an aura as he fought viciously against the two technical youngsters. In the end, Kuriyama definitively won the match with a blasting jumping face kick on Nakagawa followed by a second brutal jumping face kick to put the young fighter down. Sekine refused to accept this loss, shoving Kuriyama post match only to get a jumping high kick from Kuriyama for his troubles. Once backstage, Takagi couldn't believe his eyes at how far Kuriyama had come, nostalgically remembering when he first showed up years ago. Kuriyama thanked Takagi's kind words but said that tonight marked the beginning of a new guard evolution, and that his time as an elite pro-wrestler had finally come...

Two out of the three delinquents allowed into Destination were given their shot in the third battle, as Mikio Tsuruya and Danger Kobayashi took on Masakazu Fujimoto and Eiichi Aihara. Early on, several amusing events took place between Fujimoto and Tsuruya, who had what can only be called a "girth off". Fujimoto, 300+ pounds himself, could hardly believe the ever increasing protruding belly of Tsuruya after he took off his one size too small pink t-shirt. The two exchanged belly attacks, before Tsuruya had to cheat to turn the upper hand. The battle went as originally expected from there, as Tsuruya and his protege; the face painted Danger Kobayashi attacked Fujimoto and Aihara in various heel manners. Due to relaxed disqualification rules, Tsuruya & Kobayashi were able to use different forms of illegal attacks to gain the upperhand. Aihara, the elder journeyman technical wrestler was out of his element--or so you would think, as Aihara was able to brandish his own weapon displaying surprising skill with a kendo stick. Fate was not on the side of Aihara and Fujimoto; however, as a well placed low blow on Aihara allowed Tsuruya to hit his devastating Murder Carnival, a double underhook piledriver on Aihara for the three count. To continue his theme as one of the most perverse men in pro-wrestling, Tsuruya licked his own hand before smearing the sweat and saliva all over the fallen Aihara's face before getting off him. Fujimoto charged the ring, but Tsuruya who normally moves as slow as a glacier, suddenly rolled out of the ring. Fujimoto was incensed at the lack of respect shown by their opponents post match, but Tsuruya simply claimed to be "having fun", claiming that amusing himself was far more important then any wrestling match.

Two of the more physically dominating men in pro-wrestling today clashed in the "MEGATON BRAWL". "Texas Outlaw" Jake Bishop fought tooth and nail with former sumo wrestler, Izumo Yoritomo. Neither man attempted the slightest bit of technical wrestling, instead opting to charge into each other like runaway trucks over and over. The deafening sounds of their hammer blows echoed through the arena, making even the most sturdy fans in the audience groan. Aside from the sheer violence on display, the only thing that could be considered a "move", was when Bishop staggered Yoritomo with an elbow shot, and then hit the Texan Bomber! Instead of being KO'd Yoritomo fell back into the ropes, tangling himself and allowing Bishop to wail away with blows. When Yoritomo was finally freed, Yoritomo exploded (as much as a 6'3, 400 pound man can) out, catching Bishop with a Sea Typhoon Ozeki! Both men were KO'd from this, but when they revived, they went right back to clubbering each other as hard as possible. In the end, their mutual stubbornness overwhelmed them, causing the two to knock down Referee Toyama; not once, not twice, but three times finally forcing Toyama to call for the bell ruling the battle a no-contest. The audience jeered, but the match being over did little to stop the violence as the two bulls battered each other without pause. Finally a flood of officials and ringboys separated the two restoring order to the ring area. Bishop gave no statement, just screaming "YORITOMO! YOU ARE DEAD!" in anger. Yoritomo reverted back to his calm demeanor backstage, saying that the heat of battle simply overwhelmed him but that next time they battled, he would emerge victorious.

The return to Japanese soil of one of the more enigmatic foreigners in pro-wrestling history was next, as former C-1 Heavyweight Champion and the only man ever banned from CRIMSON for his violence, the "California Devil" Stephen Priest returned to the big stage for the first time since 2008. Priest continued his new look, coming to the ring in a long trench coat-style jacket, metal cross, leather style pants, and a red wine bottle. He was flanked by Mikio Tsuruya and Danger Kobayashi, once again reaffirming their alliance. His opponent, who also has undergone a reinvention was Keiji Hirano, who since the pro-wrestling crash reinvented himself with a strict diet and strength training program. Gone was Hirano's cocky demeanor and medium length bleached hair, instead replaced with a deadly serious expression, black trunks, and short cropped non-bleached hair. Hirano was flanked by old friend Izumo Yoritomo, who came out to help keep any eye on Priest's accessories. In what on paper appeared to be a mismatch, it was nothing close to that. Keiji Hirano surprised the Korakuen audience with his amazing speed and surprising strength proving to be more then a match for the former world champion. After several minutes of Hirano's dominance, Priest took over after Hirano missed a tope and showed just why he was banished so long ago. Priest brandished a sharp object of indistinguishable form, and used the object to carve at Hirano behind the referee's back, jabbing Hirano in the forehead multiple times. Along with his evil actions, Priest showed that he is still an amazing technical wrestler tying Hirano in knots with a variety of painful submission holds. Hirano wouldn't be put down so easily, as he fought back heroically despite his right arm having been gouged open by Priest's assault. After a beautiful release German Suplex, Hirano went up for a moonsault press only to be momentarily distracted by Danger Kobayashi. This distraction delayed Hirano's moonsault for several seconds, giving Priest plenty of time to recover and roll out of the way. Priest followed up with the Surreal Prophet exploder suplex on Hirano, but Hirano survived! Priest, undaunted then hit a second Surreal Prophet before grabbing Hirano's arms, flipping him over, and putting him in a side straightjacket chokehold! Hirano attempted to escape, fighting valiantly, but eventually passed out in the hold forcing the referee stoppage! After tugging and pulling on Priest, Priest finally relinquished the hold allowing Yoritomo to tend to the unconscious Hirano. Priest stood over the body of Hirano in a creepy manner with a faraway look in his eyes, before backing off and leaving the ring with incident. Backstage, Priest simply stood and slowly "drank" his red wine, more or less just spilling it all over his chest as Tsuruya talked for him. Tsuruya dubbed the crossarm chokehold move the "Black House". Tsuruya also named their faction "BLOOD SAVIORS" and that tonight was just the beginning for a new, violent, evil revolution in Destination.

Finally, it was time for the big battle that drew the audience into Korakuen Hall, as "CRUSADE OF DISCIPLINE" brought two of the strongest men from their respective fields to bear on one another. In one corner pitted the former Olympic freestyle hopeful and successful professional fighter Akira Aoki against the unquestioned ace of the pro-wrestling world, and general manager of Destination; Akuma Toyota! Both men regarded each other with high amounts of respect leading to a friendly handshake before the battle began. From the opening bell, the two styles made for a compelling stylistic contrast as Aoki constantly attempted to close the distance to use his wrestling while Toyota wanted to turn the match into a slugfest with both men throwing bombs at the other. Aoki scored the first major blow, as he suddenly shot in, spun behind Toyota and hit Toyota with a beautiful release German Suplex! Aoki immediately followed up by attempting to secure back mount, but Toyota wisely forced the break by grabbing the ropes. After a moment to collect his thoughts, Toyota re-engaged Aoki. Aoki tried the same move, but this time Toyota was ready and blasted Aoki head on with an elbow as he shot in. This stunned Aoki allowing Toyota to land a lariat! Toyota covered but Aoki kicked out at one, and fled the ring himself. This set the pace of the battle, as any time either man gained the upper advantage, the other would find a way to negate that advantage forcing the two back to a stalemate. Later in the match, Aoki was able to slam Toyota to the ground with a modified hip throw/powerslam, before securing full mount! Aoki unleashed with his world famous ground and pound, using palm strikes instead of fists due to the rules. Toyota covered up, but could do nothing to block all the shots coming his way. Very quickly, Toyota's face swelled significantly and he began to bleed from a cut over his eye. Sensing the weakness in Toyota, Aoki shifted gears and attempted to secure a cross armbar from mount! Toyota clasped hands and rolled, putting Aoki on his back before displaying his freakish strength by deadlifting all 250 pounds of Aoki, hitting a modified powerbomb to break out of the armbar! Both men laid on the ground spent for quite awhile before both struggled to their feet at roughly the same time. They decided to clash head on like men in one final exchange in the middle, trading blows. Aoki looked to be having the advantage with palm strikes, but Toyota suddenly ducked out of the way of a wild swing before CRASHING into Aoki's nose with a headbutt! This stunned Aoki allowing Toyota to hit a short range lariat to Aoki's chest! Aoki was flung backwards, bouncing off the ropes, and was met with a Lariat that Toyota threw his entire bodyweight and strength behind! Toyota collapsed on top of Aoki, securing the three count and the all important main event debut victory in Destination BATTLE GROUND's first event!

Both men were tended to after the match while the fans applauded their efforts. After several minutes, the two climbed to their feet and embraced before Aoki left the ring. Toyota wrapped a towel around his bleeding head and took a microphone. Toyota thanked the audience for "witnessing the rebirth" of pro-wrestling. However, Toyota's post-show speech was cut off as Stephen Priest meandered to ringside, causing a stir. Priest showed no particular hurry to get to the ring, which only served to increase Toyota's anger at Priest's interruption. Finally, Priest wandered into the ring and stood in front of Akuma Toyota with a sly smile on his face. Toyota demanded to know what he wanted, to which Priest said nothing. Toyota bellowed for Priest to say what he wanted, but still Priest would say nothing. Toyota finally had enough, his little patience snapping, as he shoved Priest hard in the chest. Priest bounced off the ropes, before coming off and field goal kicking Toyota directly in the groin! The great equalizer felled Toyota, as Priest pounced like a ravenous dog, ripping and tearing at Toyota's flesh. Priest even went as far as to attack Toyota's eye, almost attempting to rip it out all the while screaming incoherently in rage at Toyota claiming he would "kill" him. Priest was pulled off by ringboys, but Priest flung them off before leaving under his own accord but not before once again adopting a sly smile before vanishing backstage...

Destination BATTLE GROUND ~ War 001

Tokyo, Japan

Korakuen Hall 

2,192 (Super no Vacancy Full House)

03/14/13

1. BATTLE #1: Kazuya Tanimoto defeated Keita Kokubunji at 4'19 with a running double axe handle

2. BATTLE #2: Rui Kuriyama & Kazuki Takagi defeated Katsunori Sekine & Susumu Nakagawa at 8'08 when Kuriyama pinned Nakagawa with a jumping high kick

3. BATTLE #3: Mikio Tsuruya & Danger Kobayashi defeated Masakazu Fujimoto & Eiichi Aihara at 14'24 when Tsuruya pinned Aihara with the Murder Carnival

4. BATTLE #4 ~ MEGATON BRAWL: "Texas Outlaw" Jake Bishop fought Izumo Yoritomo to a no contest at 10'20

5. BATTLE #5 ~ REVIVAL OF THE CALIFORNIAN DEVIL: Stephen Priest defeated Keiji Hirano at 15'08 with the Black House

6. BATTLE #6 ~ CRUSADE OF DISCPLINE: Akuma Toyota defeated Akira Aoki at 14'01 with a lariat

[Destination] 03/09/13 ~ HEAVY WAR Reunion heats up Tokyo!

Just days removed from the debut of Destination BATTLE GROUND several of the key backbone players and former HEAVY WAR members from CRIMSON held a photo op and press meeting at the Yoyogi Koen just west of Harajuku Station. Among those who attended were retired former pro-wrestler Naoki Daishi along with his two HYBRID FACTORY rookies Susumu Nakagawa and Katsunori Sekine, Rui Kuriyama, Masakazu Fujimoto, and Akuma Toyota. The only former HEAVY WAR member not in attendance was "Texas Outlaw" Jake Bishop who had not yet arrived in Japan from Texas.

After several photos taken posing in the gardens of Shinjuku Gyoen with a HEAVY WAR banner, the six gave statements to the press leading to the Destination BATTLE GROUND debut on the 14th.

Naoki Daishi; the only non-wrestler in the group spoke about his choice to retire in 2012. Daishi stated that his spirit was as strong as ever but he knew his chances at being competitive physically were gone. So, Daishi said, he opted to instead devote himself to preparing the next generation of stars; to instill in them the courageous fighting spirit and honor he'd shown in his career. Daishi praised Toyota's vision for pro-wrestling and even hinted that he could be coaxed out of retirement a few times to experience Destination for himself...

Susumu Nakagawa, Daishi's second and thus far less accomplished student spoke next. Nakagawa stated that he had learned much in a year, knowing full well that he was lagging behind his dojo partner Katsunori Sekine. Nakagawa stated his intentions to become a "perfect copy" of Naoki Daishi, the man he respected more then any other; and would show off his mastery of the Cross Armbar and the Northern Lights Bomb on the 14th. While impressed, Daishi cautioned his student from following the path of a "relic" too much and to strive to find his own way; but Nakagawa would have none of it.

The higher ranked of the two student, Katsunori Sekine was next. Sekine showed bravado as he stated his goal to "level up" further and further in Destination. The striker hybrid fighter added that Destination was the perfect place for his skills and gave his intentions to become a top figure within the company in the future.

Former Kazuma Fujita student and Toyota's disciple; stocky and powerful Rui "Mega Kuri" Kuriyama was next. Kuriyama mentioned the comments Toyota and Ishiyama had made against each other in the press, and vehemently stated his loyalty was with Toyota, who had become more then just a teacher to him during their time together. Kuriyama talked about his lengthy stay in the United States with Bishop, Kuriyama stated that he would display a "new" Kuriyama on the 14th. Kuriyama stated that he now believes he has the strongest lariat in the entire world, raising curiosity out of Akuma Toyota...

Akuma Toyota's best friend and entertainment media figure Masakazu Fujimoto was next. The mammoth Fujimoto first gave a short plug for his upcoming TV series titled "Ganbare! Taka-chan!", a boxing series featuring the clumsy but loveable Fujimoto as the star in his first heroic staring role. From there, Fujimoto discussed how his life had been since the wrestling industry collapsed, saying he had time to relax and take on new projects. But Fujimoto insisted that the time off hadn't dulled his skills and would show everything he had on the 14th!

The man himself Akuma Toyota had little to say that he hadn't already said in previous media appearances. He openly hoped for a "violent fight" with Akira Aoki on the 14th, saying his goal was to have a legendary bout people would never forget. Toyota reiterated that Destination was a "winners" promotion, and cautioned the others from losing their matches. All four of the others took this news with somber acceptance, but then Toyota lifted their moods with a cheer for the memories of HEAVY WAR and the future of Destination BATTLE GROUND!

[DESTINATION] 03/14/13 Full Lineup

Destination BATTLE GROUND were true to their word this time, as within hours of the press conference ending a full lineup for their upcoming debut show was released. The roster is a mix of former CRIMSON wrestlers and freelancers. 

In the opening match, Toyota's first two rookies he trained by himself (with no affiliation with CRIMSON or Ryo Suzuki) will debut. Keita Kokubunji stands 180 centimeters (5'11), and weighs 97 kilograms (215 pounds). Kokubunji had been a "follower" of Toyota for several years before finally being allowed to train with Toyota. His opponent is Kazuya Tanimoto who stands 183 cm (6') and weighs a robust 119.75 kg (264 pounds). Tanimoto is a former power lifter who injured his shoulder in training, and has since retired to try pro-wrestling.

In the second battle, Naoki Daishi's HYBRID FACTORY rookies Katsunori Sekine & Susumi Nakagawa, nearing their first full year as wrestlers face the team of Rui Kuriyama who has been training in America for almost a year, and the returning Kazuki Takagi. Takagi is a former favorite from CRIMSON who went to Pro-Wrestling DYNAMITE for a stint. A loveable brute who has never lived up to his enormous size, Takagi is attempting to restart his career.

Mikio Tsuruya and Danger Kobayashi get their wish with a tag team match against Akuma Toyota's good friend Masakazu Fujimoto and old school grappler Eiichi Aihara. This will be a battle of styles, as the evil duo bring a violent style against Fujimoto's size and strength, along with Aihara's ground based assault.

In the first of three "named battles", "Texas Outlaw" Jake Bishop goes to battle against the former sumo wrestler Izumo Yoritomo in a battle titled "MEGATON BRAWL". Yoritomo has been relatively inactive as of late but will go head to head with Bishop who many consider the top gaijin in all of Japan.

Stephen Priest returns to Japan, as the California Devil battles the bulked up Keiji Hirano. Hirano has went under a radical transformation since CRIMSON collapsed, finding a new routine that has shredded his body and allowed him to put on bulk. The result is a Hirano that presents a major test for the returning Priest.

And finally in the main event, "The Crusade of Discipline", the MVP of the wrestling world, Akuma Toyota goes toe to toe with former OLYMPUS FS star Akira Aoki in what is sure to be a unique battle. Toyota brings a straight forward power attack, but Aoki is one man who can match Toyota's strength and brings his fabled ground and pound to battle. In the end, only one man and one style can emerge victorious.

Destination BATTLE GROUND ~ War 001

Tokyo, Japan

Korakuen Hall (2,100)

03/14/13

1. BATTLE #1: Keita Kokubunji vs. Kazuya Tanimoto

2. BATTLE #2: Katsunori Sekine & Susumi Nakagawa vs. Rui Kuriyama & Kazuki Takagi

3. BATTLE #3: Masakazu Fujimoto & Eiichi Aihara vs. Mikio Tsuruya & Danger Kobayashi

4. BATTLE #4 ~ MEGATON BRAWL: "Texas Outlaw" Jake Bishop vs. Izumo Yoritomo

5. BATTLE #5 ~ REVIVAL OF THE CALIFORNIAN DEVIL: Stephen Priest vs. Keiji Hirano 

6. BATTLE #6 ~ CRUSADE OF DISCPLINE: Akuma Toyota vs. Akira Aoki

[DESTINATION] 03/02/13 Press Conference

Contrary to their promises of having a press conference at the Hilton Hotel in Shinjuku within two days on the 1st of March in their letter to the Japanese media, Shoji Yoshinaka and Akuma Toyota's press conference did not take place until the second instead...No official word was given for this change, but rumors have circulated that it was an attempt to "keep reporters guessing" by Yoshinaka himself, as word was circulated regarding the press conference just hours prior to beginning.

Reporters who appeared were greeting with a very sparse and spartan atmosphere in the media room. Little to no effort had been taken to "spruce" the room up, with only the Destination BATTLE GROUND logo behind the stage and chairs situated around the room. Compared to the usual offerings by companies, this came as quite a shock to reporters who grumbled vocally at the lack of effort put in.

No one was allowed to go backstage and speak to Yoshinaka or Toyota prior to the press conference, and the press conference did not begin as advertised, forcing the reporters to wait thirty minutes before Toyota and Yoshinaka greeted the stage. Yoshinaka wore a black suit, with his trademark dark sunglasses and jet black hair somewhat smoothed backwards. Toyota's appearance received an immediate reaction in his light blue suit. Gone was Toyota's faux mullet; instead Toyota sported a brand new short hair style with his neatly trimmed goatee. 

Yoshinaka opened up the press conference with a keynote speech. Yoshinaka asked the audience of reporters the question "What is pro-wrestling?", to which Yoshinaka replied "A fight to determine who is stronger". Yoshinaka claimed this was what was missing in today's world and why the industry had collapsed. A generation had clung onto fame desperately, keeping the next from experiencing "true fight". They could never evolve as fighters and were left without any ambition or desires towards being great. They were content instead of driving towards success and desire. Yoshinaka directly called out individuals like Kazuma Fujita and Ryo Inoue, two "old stars" who "took the limelight and glory for themselves, leaving none for others". Pro-Wrestling, Yoshinaka said, was not about strength anymore but instead entertainment and trying to please not only the audience but also to please their "superiors". 

Destination BATTLE GROUND, Yoshinaka said, would be the "last home of true pro-wrestling". No politics, no worrying about pleasing your "superiors", no needing to dress yourself up like a sideshow character to gain attention. Destination is about combat, to see who is the best, to return Pro-Wrestling back to the old ways where men could be men and not "pretend boy fighters". 

With this, Yoshinaka gave the stage to "General Manager" Akuma Toyota. Toyota stated that he was only interested in having strong fighters in Destination. Regardless of ethnicity or style, the only thing that matters is their ability to carry themselves as a warrior. Since the letter campaign, Toyota claimed, he had been bombarded by wrestlers and fighters from all over the world wanting to bring their battle prowess to Destination. Toyota said many had been discarded with little regard, not meeting his criteria of "true fighters". Despite this, Toyota said that just in the three days since the letter, Destination now had a full roster but that he wouldn't expose the roster yet, but that he would reveal who he would face on the very first show on March 14th. With that, Toyota introduced professional MMA fighter and former OLYMPUS FS star, Akira Aoki! 

Aoki, his muscles bulging out of his black suit came out to the stage and vigorously shook Toyota's hand. The two posed for photos before Toyota sat down to let Aoki speak. Aoki had little to say, simply stating that he had retired from MMA competition in 2010 but had been looking for a new competitive environment. When he heard Toyota's open letter, even at his age, he felt the need to give it a try. Given Aoki's skillset, the thirty seven year old stated that he would give Toyota all he could handle in his professional wrestling debut!

The three men then opened up the floor to questions for the scant reporters in attendance, but Yoshinaka announced they would only take three questions so "make them good" he stated.

Question #1 was directed at Yoshinaka and Aoki. The question was simple: "Why start in the pro wrestling business now?". Yoshinaka seemed annoyed at the question before simply stating that he "wanted to". Aoki was more gregarious, stating that he had always admired Akuma Toyota's prowess and knew he wanted to take a shot as pro-wrestling at some point in his career. Aoki said he might as well do it as he won't be getting any younger.

Question #2 was directed at Yoshinaka again. "With the recent downturn of business with RubySTAR have you faced any internal pressure in regards to Destination BATTLE GROUND?"; if Yoshinaka was annoyed before, he became absolutely livid at this point. With a stern face and obvious concealed rage, Yoshinaka stated that Destination was only about Destination and RubySTAR's ongoing business had nothing to do with the activities of Destination BATTLE GROUND. He then pointed around the room before stating "that is the last time I will ever answer a RubySTAR related question at one of these."

After a long period of awkward silence, question #3 came, this time directed to Akuma Toyota. "Destination BATTLE GROUND is not the only new Pro-Wrestling company. Do you have any plans to cooperate with Kingdom of Japan Pro-Wrestling?" Toyota immediately answered with a definitive "No." However, this reporter wasn't satisfied, and asked "Why not?". Toyota replied "I have no use for entertainers or ego driven "legends"."

Once again an awkward silence fell over the room before Yoshinaka called the end to the press conference. However, right before everyone could get up to leave, a sudden commotion in the western corner caught everyone's attention. From a side hallway, in walked two men Akuma Toyota knows very well: The ever growing rotundness of Mikio Tsuruya, a long time enemy of Toyota and a man that Toyota helped train Akio "Danger" Kobayashi. Tsuruya, with his long permed hair and pink shirt came into the room, while Kobayashi had his blue face paint and no shirt on. The two paused and looked behind as a third man walked into the room. A spike haired blonde hair fit man, wearing a long trench coat, no shirt, and large cross across his chest; former top gaijin of Project:B ETA last decade, Stephen Priest! Priest's appearance, his first since 2008 in Japan, caused quite a stir as he took a swallow from a wine bottle he was carrying, stumbling into the room as the red wine coated his chest.

Toyota leaped to his feet and demanded to know what they wanted. Tsuruya sarcastically stated that he hadn't been invited and assumed it was a mistake, so showed up on his own. Toyota pointed at Tsuruya, saying he understood a "delinquent" like Tsuruya crashing the conference, and he understood Kobayashi being Tsuruya's "underling". But Toyota pointed at Priest, and stated that he didn't know why HE was here. Tsuruya explained that when they showed up, Priest wasn't being let into the building, so Tsuruya "convinced" the guards to let Priest in. Tsuruya shrugged, saying Priest had followed them from there. 

Toyota looked at Priest, who seemed to almost sway back and forth in a stupor, before asking him in broken English "What do you want?". Priest smiled and approached the table. Once there, Priest pointed at Toyota before saying in a clearly rehearsed Japanese statement, "I came to be strongest". Toyota stared at Priest, who simply smiled in return, before asking "You come to fight?" to which Priest responded "I come to fight". Toyota then slapped the table and screamed "Good! You fight!"

Priest seemed pleased while Tsuruya appeared bored out of his mind, and Kobayashi simply scowled. Toyota's angry eyes burned a hole through Priest.  Priest nodded his head, took a mouthful of his wine and then SPIT IT INTO TOYOTA'S FACE! Toyota seemed almost paralyzed with rage for a second, before attempting to charge Priest. Yoshinaka and Aoki both held Toyota back as Priest backed away, laughing hysterically as the wine poured down his body. Within seconds, the three troublemakers were gone.

After a few moments of instability, an end to the conference was declared, with futher details to be released soon.

[DESTINATION] The Beginning of a New Dawn

In the early breaking morning hours of February 27th, 2013 a letter was delivered to every major sports media outlet and sports station in Japan. This coordinated letter campaign would have been ignored if not signed by a particular brand; famous video game development and publisher corporation "RubySTAR Media", and personally signed by CEO Shoji "Big Boss" Yoshinaka. At the very same time all across the nation, the following news was quickly spread in this manner.

Shoji "Big Boss" Yoshinaka, in his late 40's, is known to be a cut throat individual in the world of Japanese business; largely a culture aimed at group cohesion and problem solving. Yoshinaka is known to have undercut all his rivals in RubySTAR and ultimately terminated many of his main competitors when he assumed power. Rumors have followed Yoshinaka through his career first as a game designer to his newly achieved status of CEO, of being aligned with "shady" aspects of Japanese culture; but this has never been proven. Regardless, Yoshinaka cuts a deep figure through the media world and is one name that no one would easily discard. He is known for his relatively tall stature, and his refusal to ever remove his dark sunglasses.

The letter, personally written by Yoshinaka himself; opens with Yoshinaka explaining his life-long devotion to combat sports beginning at the age of seven when he was enrolled in Judo at his father's desires. Yoshinaka admitted to never having been very good at Judo or any other sport, saying that he quickly learned intelligence was his main weapon of choice. But this early foray built a strong passion and love for fighting which translated to growing up watching the legends of Puroresu battle it out. From an early age; Yoshinaka said, he grew up watching Puroresu living vicariously through their achievements, using the power of legendary figures like Genji Yamato, Kazuma Fujita & Ryo Inoue to fuel his own ambition towards success.

And yet, Yoshinaka continues; the pro-wrestling landscape since 2010 has been a barren wasteland. Gone are all the heroes he admired and those that remain simply clasp onto the remnants of their fame to their own desire. But now, Yoshinaka; one of the most powerful men in Japanese media today, can fight back against the lack of desire, ambition, and strength in the puroresu world. And a man of Yoshinaka's strength and cut throat instincts knew who would be best suited to accomplishing this task. To fulfill his ambition to secure a new age for Puroresu; to revive the old spirit of strength lost in the modern era, Yoshinaka turned to the strongest man in this generation. Yoshinaka turned to Akuma Toyota to fuel his new war machine, to burn the wrestling world to it's foundation and remake it from the ashes to a new future.

The letter from here shifts from Yoshinaka to a page from who many consider the ace of the Pro-Wresting world, Akuma Toyota. The page reads like a manifesto, as if Toyota is preaching to the world with his thoughts. For six months after the failed relaunch of Pro-Wrestling CRIMSON by "insidious fear and lack of desire" as he put it; Toyota traveled the world reaching every continent on Earth, his holy pilgrimage to see with his own eyes if what he feared was true. He traveled the world to find strength; to seek out if any strength, passion, or desire still existed in the world of pro-wrestling. With disgust pouring from the words, Toyota described the international wrestling landscape as "disgusting", full of "pretend fighters" wanting to "be famous instead of being strong". Toyota claimed to have returned to Japan in disgust; no longer knowing what to do with himself or with this generation. That was when Shoji Yoshinaka contacted him with his appeal, and Toyota's heart sung with happiness at the possibilities.

Toyota described this new venture as the "holy ground of strength", the "Last bastion of true battle" and "the testing ground for immortality". Toyota issued an open invitation to any and all so called pro-wrestlers who looked upon the pro-wrestling landscape with disgust; who wanted to revive the old mentality without theatrics, without politics, without old hangers on keeping the limelight, without the need to glamour themselves up for the spotlight. Where real men could battle like men to decide who was the stronger man. The goal, Toyota said? To raise the level of pro-wrestling internationally, to weed out pretenders, and to decide once and for all who is "Strongest of the World".

The letter ended with contact information to Toyota and his chosen followers. Anyone wishing to compete can contact Toyota but in two days time, the finalized details would be released at the Hilton in Shinjuku's media room.

Destination BATTLE GROUND - Holy Ground of War were the final words on the letter.