NOAH Wrestle Magic 2024
The May Ryogoku show started with the GHC Jr Tag Title defence as GLG duo Tadasuke & YO-HEY would successfully defend the GHC Jr Tag Titles against Los Golpeadores in a match that went slightly better than I had expected, I was expecting a high 40s maybe a 50 but 61 was a pleasant surprise. The next match would see GLG pairing LJ Cleary & Jake Lee take on Team NOAH pairing Go Shiozaki & Atsushi Kotoge
Now, I did run a modern day NOAH save for myself a while ago and Jake Lee would always underperform for me. I know some people aren't a fan of him but for the life of me I have no idea why, so before this save while I was editing things I went and bumped Jake Lee up a little and this is much better, Usually I would struggle getting 40s out of him but a 64 is great. Not a fan of LJ Cleary anyways (and I dont remember the last time I saw him on a NOAH show) but I'm not sure who else would join them as a replacement to be honest. The next match is a good shot for MOTN I reckon as we see Masa Kitamiya take on Takashi Sugiura. The story to these two being that Takashi Sugiura feels Masa Kitamiya doesn't belong here any more, constantly failing at the biggest hurdles, Sugiura will take the trash out of NOAH
The match would see Sugiura pin Masa Kitamiya after 15 minutes 30 seconds as he proved that Kitamiya hasn't got a chance when the lights are brightest, This result shoots Sugiura up the singles rankings, maybe even high enough to be considered for a title match. However the next match would see Timothy Thatcher coming out for a singles match.... he would wait for his opponent for it to be revealed.....
Kazushi Sakuraba has returned to NOAH! The Gracie Hunter, back in a Pro Wrestling NOAH ring for the first time in just under 3 months when he went to a time limit draw with Daisuke Sekimoto in February 2024, and he would face arguably the most dangerous, most unhinged man in all of pro wrestling, Timothy Thatcher
Unfortunately, it would not be the return Sakuraba had hoped for, as Timothy Thatcher would get the win in 17:53 which boosts him up the singles rankings, hopefully serving as a platform for him to finally taste singles success in NOAH, I am a big Timothy Thatcher fan, I think he's style of wrestling is something I enjoy quite a lot and also I've always been a big Sakuraba fan, I still remember watching Sakuraba challenge for the IWGP IC belt against Shinsuke Nakamura at WK 8 (I think? Might be 7) as one of my favourite matches of all time. The next match would see the Astronauts tag team of Fuminori Abe & Takuya Nomura making their PPV debut against the tag team of Daiki Inaba & Naomichi Marufuji
So.... Astronauts are pretty good aren't they, I always get surprised at how good these 2 are in modern day mods.... I mean I'm a huge fan of both but I always figured they were fairly small names so mod makers might not know a lot about them. But hey... I have no issues with it. Daiki Inaba is someone that I'm unsure how to use however. He has the right look however he seems to struggle in ring and he also doesn't have much of a.... personality, now I don't speak japanese so I can't say much on promos, but you can normally get an air of the person even when you don't understand what he's saying, Hiroshi Tanahashi, for example, you could always tell just how good he is on the mic, you could always just see his personality, his IT factor, Daiki Inaba has nothing like this for me, Even the National title feels too far away for him. Anyways, the next match is the GHC Junior Heavyweight Championship match.
[The arena is charged with anticipation as Alejandro, the current GHC Junior Champion, and Daga, the challenger hungry for redemption, stand in the center of the ring, ready to battle it out for the prestigious title. The referee signals for the bell, and the match begins.]
[Both wrestlers circle each other cautiously, each looking for an opening. Alejandro strikes first, lunging forward with a quick series of strikes, but Daga counters with a well-timed dodge, followed by a swift kick to Alejandro's midsection.]
[The momentum shifts back and forth as both competitors showcase their athleticism and skill. Alejandro gains the upper hand with a barrage of high-flying moves, keeping Daga on the defensive. But Daga refuses to stay down, fighting back with a relentless series of strikes and submissions, wearing down Alejandro.]
[As the match reaches its climax, Alejandro attempts to go for his finishing move, but Daga counters at the last moment, surprising Alejandro with a roll-up pin. The referee slides into position, counting the pin.]
Referee: "One! Two!"
[But as the referee's hand comes down for the three-count, Daga discreetly places his feet on the ropes for added leverage, unbeknownst to the referee.]
Referee: "Three! We have a new champion!"
[The crowd erupts into cheers as Daga celebrates his victory, the GHC Junior Title now around his waist. Alejandro looks shocked and frustrated, realizing too late what had happened.]
[As Daga raises the title high above his head, a mix of triumph and satisfaction evident on his face, Alejandro seethes with anger outside the ring, knowing that he was outsmarted by his opponent.]
[The camera fades out as Daga basks in his hard-earned victory, his feet on the ropes serving as a controversial footnote in his journey to reclaim the GHC Junior Championship.]
Okay okay, don't hate me for this, but I felt having Alejandro fluke a title win and then having Daga be an absolute shit head to win it back was a good move (also I don't really know what to do with it but I don't like Daga so I'm not letting him have one of those year long reigns or whatever) anyways the next match sees Kenoh taking on a mystery opponent
Apologies for the oversight. Let's revise that match with the correct move:
[The atmosphere in the arena crackles with anticipation as Kenoh, representing Pro Wrestling NOAH, stands poised in the ring, awaiting his mystery opponent. Suddenly, the lights dim, and a hush falls over the crowd as the entrance ramp fills with smoke, heralding the arrival of YAMATO, the enigmatic star from Dragon Gate. The audience erupts into a symphony of cheers as YAMATO steps into the spotlight, ready to clash with Kenoh in a battle of titans.]
[With the referee's signal, the match commences, and the two competitors lock eyes, each exuding a potent blend of focus and determination. YAMATO wastes no time in launching a lightning-fast assault, employing a barrage of strikes and evasive maneuvers to keep Kenoh on the defensive. However, Kenoh, with his seasoned prowess, quickly adjusts his strategy, countering YAMATO's onslaught with a calculated blend of power and precision.]
[As the contest unfolds, the intensity mounts with each passing moment. YAMATO dazzles the audience with his aerial acrobatics and rapid-fire strikes, while Kenoh responds with bone-crushing slams and relentless submission holds. The ebb and flow of the battle captivates the crowd, who are on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating the next move.]
[In a pivotal moment, YAMATO ascends the turnbuckle, aiming to execute a daring maneuver that could turn the tide of the match in his favor. However, before he can leap into action, Kenoh seizes the opportunity, unleashing his signature move, the Professional Foot Stomp (PFS), with pinpoint precision. The resounding impact reverberates throughout the arena as YAMATO crumples to the mat, stunned by the force of the blow.]
[With the crowd roaring in disbelief, Kenoh capitalizes on his advantage, swiftly covering YAMATO for the pin. The referee slides into position, administering the count as the audience holds its collective breath.]
Referee: "One! Two! Three!"
[The arena explodes with a deafening roar as Kenoh emerges victorious, his triumph echoing through the rafters. With a mixture of exhaustion and elation, Kenoh rises to his feet, his victory secured. YAMATO, though vanquished, extends a gesture of respect to his adversary, acknowledging the skill and determination displayed throughout the match.]
[As Kenoh basks in the adulation of the crowd, he exits the ring, leaving behind a legacy of resilience and tenacity that will be remembered for years to come.]
The arena falls into a hushed silence as YAMATO, still catching his breath after the intense match, lifts the microphone to his lips. The crowd's attention is undivided, hanging on his every word.
YAMATO: "Tonight, I stepped into this ring with one goal in mind: to test my limits, to push myself beyond what I thought possible. And I can say without a doubt, facing Kenoh here in Pro Wrestling NOAH has been an experience I won't soon forget."
[The audience responds with thunderous applause, showing their appreciation for the electrifying match they just witnessed.]
YAMATO: "But as I stand here, in the heart of NOAH, I can't help but feel a sense of nostalgia, a longing to return to these hallowed halls once again. Pro Wrestling NOAH holds a special place in my heart, and I would be honored to step foot in this ring again someday."
[The crowd's cheers grow louder, expressing their enthusiasm at the prospect of YAMATO's return to NOAH.]
YAMATO: "So to all the fans here tonight, and to everyone watching around the world, I make you this promise: I will come back to Pro Wrestling NOAH. I will return to this ring, ready to give it my all once again, and to create more unforgettable moments with the incredible talent that resides here."
[With those heartfelt words, YAMATO lowers the microphone, his message resonating throughout the arena. The crowd erupts into cheers and applause, already eagerly anticipating the day when YAMATO will make his triumphant return to Pro Wrestling NOAH.]
So, Kenoh is king, we move.
Nah but seriously, I didn't expect this to almost hit 70, but I'm very happy it did, YAMATO is someone I'm a big fan of having watched a lot of late 00s and early 10s Dragon Gate and then Kenoh has probably been my favourite NOAH wrestler since KONGOH and yeah this is as close to the real life Ryogoku show as I can make it while still booking how I want to book. And I liked Kenoh vs YAMATO even if tons of people didn't
Anyways next is Anthony Greene & Jack Morris defending the GHC Tag Team Titles against TenKoji
So, TenKoji is washed and old, Morris & Greene are not able to carry, we move.
Next is the main event, El Hijo Del Dr. Wagner Jr. takes on Kaito Kiyomiya in a GHC Heavyweight Championship match but first theres footage of the pair doing separate interviews
Interviewer: "Is El Hijo Del Dr. Wagner Jr. worthy of the GHC Heavyweight Champion"
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
El Hijo Del Dr. Wagner Jr: "Am I worthy of the GHC Heavyweight Championship? That's a question that has been on the minds of many, and rightfully so. The GHC Heavyweight Championship is one of the most prestigious titles in all of professional wrestling, and to hold such a title is to carry the weight of history and tradition on your shoulders."
El Hijo Del Dr. Wagner Jr: "But let me make one thing clear: I did not come here to simply compete. I came here to dominate. I came here to prove to the world that I am not just worthy of the GHC Heavyweight Championship—I am destined for it."
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kaito Kiyomiya: "In my opinion, Wagner has yet to prove himself truly worthy of the GHC Heavyweight Championship. Yes, he's a formidable competitor, and yes, he poses a significant challenge. But until he can demonstrate that he has what it takes to truly earn that championship, there will always be questions surrounding his worthiness."
Kaito Kiyomiya: "As for me, I'm focused on my own journey. I'm focused on proving that I am worthy of being the face of Pro Wrestling NOAH, of carrying the GHC Heavyweight Championship with honor and pride. And if Wagner wants to prove his worth, he'll have to go through me to do it."
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interviewer: "What do you believe is your biggest strength leading into this match?"
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
El Hijo Del Dr. Wagner Jr: "My biggest strengths going into this match? There are many, but if I were to pinpoint a few, I would say my experience, my versatility, and my unwavering determination. First and foremost, my experience in this industry spans decades. I have faced opponents of all shapes and sizes, in every type of match imaginable. This wealth of experience has sharpened my instincts and honed my skills to perfection. Secondly, my versatility sets me apart. Whether it's technical wrestling, high-flying maneuvers, or brawling in the trenches, I can adapt to any style and overcome any obstacle. This adaptability gives me an edge over my opponents and allows me to dictate the pace of the match. And finally, my determination is unmatched. When I step into that ring, I do so with one goal in mind: victory. I will stop at nothing to achieve that goal, to overcome any challenge that stands in my way. And make no mistake, Kaito Kiyomiya will be no exception."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kaito Kiyomiya: "My biggest strengths going into this match? That's a question that requires careful consideration, as every match presents its own unique challenges. However, if I were to highlight a few key strengths, I would say my resilience, my technical acumen, and my unwavering determination. First and foremost, my resilience is one of my greatest assets. Throughout my career, I've faced adversity head-on, and each time, I've emerged stronger than before. No matter the odds, I refuse to stay down, and I will always fight until the very end. Secondly, my technical prowess sets me apart. I've spent countless hours honing my craft, mastering a wide array of holds, maneuvers, and counters. This allows me to dictate the pace of the match and control the flow of action in the ring. And finally, my unwavering determination is what drives me forward. When I step into that ring, I do so with a singular focus: to prove that I am worthy of being the face of Pro Wrestling NOAH, to prove that I am the rightful holder of the GHC Heavyweight Championship."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interviewer: "What is your opponent's biggest strength?"
------------------------------------------------------------------------------El Hijo Del Dr. Wagner Jr: "Kaito Kiyomiya's greatest strength? That's a question that warrants careful consideration, as Kiyomiya is a formidable opponent with many notable attributes. However, if I were to pinpoint his greatest strength, I would say it's his resilience. Throughout his career, Kiyomiya has demonstrated an incredible ability to weather adversity and persevere in the face of overwhelming odds. No matter how dire the situation may seem, he never backs down, never gives up. It's this unwavering determination that sets him apart and makes him a force to be reckoned with in the ring."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------Kaito Kiyomiya: "El Hijo Del Dr. Wagner Jr's greatest strength? That's an interesting question. Wagner is undoubtedly a seasoned veteran with a wealth of experience and a diverse skill set. However, if I were to pinpoint his greatest strength, I would say it's his versatility. Wagner has proven time and time again that he can adapt to any situation in the ring. Whether it's technical wrestling, high-flying maneuvers, or brawling in the trenches, he's capable of excelling in any style of match. This versatility makes him a dangerous opponent, as he can keep you guessing and constantly changing his approach."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interviewer: "One message for your opponent?"
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
El Hijo Del Dr. Wagner Jr: "Kaito Kiyomiya, I have a message for you. In just a matter of time, we will step into the ring together, and the world will be watching. I want you to understand something very clearly: I have the utmost respect for you as a competitor. You've proven yourself to be a worthy adversary, and I know that our match will be nothing short of epic. But make no mistake, Kiyomiya. When that bell rings, there will be no room for sentimentality or hesitation. I will bring everything I have to that ring, and I expect nothing less from you. This is not just another match—it's a battle for supremacy, a clash of titans. So prepare yourself, Kiyomiya. Train harder than you ever have before, because I will push you to your limits. And when all is said and done, there will be no doubt who the superior competitor is. See you in the ring."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kaito Kiyomiya: "To El Hijo Del Dr. Wagner Jr, I have a message. Wagner, our paths are set to intersect in the ring, and I want you to know that I have the utmost respect for you as a competitor. Your legacy speaks for itself, and I understand the magnitude of the challenge that lies ahead."------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The atmosphere inside the arena is charged with electricity as El Hijo Del Dr. Wagner Jr and Kaito Kiyomiya stand face to face in the center of the ring, the anticipation reaching a fever pitch. The crowd roars in anticipation, fully aware that they are about to witness a clash of titans for the GHC Heavyweight Championship.
The referee signals for the bell, and the match is underway. Both competitors circle each other cautiously, their eyes locked in a fierce stare-down. The tension in the air is palpable as they size each other up, each waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
The first blow is struck by Wagner, who lunges forward with lightning-fast strikes, aiming to catch Kiyomiya off guard. But Kiyomiya, ever the tactician, expertly dodges each attack, countering with precision strikes of his own. The back-and-forth exchange ignites the crowd, who are on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating the next move.
As the match progresses, both competitors pull out all the stops, unleashing a barrage of high-impact maneuvers and signature moves. Wagner showcases his incredible agility with a series of aerial assaults, while Kiyomiya relies on his technical prowess to wear down his opponent.
The momentum shifts back and forth, with neither competitor willing to give an inch. The near falls come fast and furious, each pin attempt met with a defiant kick out. The intensity of the match reaches a fever pitch as both Wagner and Kiyomiya refuse to back down, their determination driving them forward.
In a pivotal moment, Kiyomiya ascends the turnbuckle, his eyes locked on Wagner who lies prone on the mat below. With a roar from the crowd, Kiyomiya leaps into the air, executing a breathtaking Tiger Suplex off the top rope, sending Wagner crashing to the canvas below.
The arena erupts into cheers as Kiyomiya hooks Wagner's leg for the pin. The referee slides into position, administering the count as the crowd counts along eagerly.
Referee: "One! Two! Three!"
The bell rings, signaling Kiyomiya's victory and crowning him the new GHC Heavyweight Champion. The crowd explodes into a deafening roar as Kiyomiya rises to his feet, his emotions overflowing as he raises the championship high above his head.
In defeat, Wagner extends a hand to Kiyomiya, acknowledging his opponent's hard-fought victory. The two competitors share a moment of mutual respect in the center of the ring, the culmination of an epic battle that will be remembered for years to come.
As the arena buzzes with excitement, Keiji Mutoh steps away from commentary, drawing all eyes to him. Kaito Kiyomiya, the new GHC Heavyweight Champion, watches in awe as Mutoh approaches, a mix of surprise and reverence on his face.
With a respectful nod, Mutoh hands Kiyomiya the microphone. The young champion, composed but clearly moved, addresses the legend before him.
Kaito Kiyomiya: "Mr. Mutoh, it's an honor to have you here. Thank you for your kind words."
Mutoh nods in acknowledgement, then unfastens the title from Kiyomiya's waist. In a symbolic gesture, he drapes it over Kiyomiya's shoulder, signifying the passing of the torch.
Keiji Mutoh: "Kaito, you've earned this. Wear it with pride and continue to elevate Pro Wrestling NOAH."
With a handshake, Mutoh departs, leaving Kiyomiya standing tall, the cheers of the crowd echoing around him. With the title gleaming in the spotlight, Kiyomiya embraces his role as champion, ready to carry the legacy forward with honor and determination.
Yeah I'm not gonna hide it. This was the most one match show a show can be. The rest of the card was decent.... but come on... Kaito vs Wagner carried hard. Not entirely sure what next for him but I'll figure it out, and if anyone has any ideas for some junior division signings I'd really appreciate it, the junior division is just extremely weak
vs 
vs 
