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!
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