There are two things I hold dear to my heart. The man known as Zeus and wholesome Japanese indie Osaka Pro-Wrestling. You can imagine my excitement when the Z-Man announced he would be resurrecting Super Delfin’s former playground. Zeus and his new crew struck a deal with GAORA and this 30-minute digest eventually landed on the Internet. Covering the pre-launch show from March 6th, this first episode is frustratingly clipped into nothingness, but still offers a fun glimpse at this new version of Osaka Pro. Let’s dig in.
Tsubasa vs. Ryuya Matsufusa
OG Osaka legend Tsubasa is now sporting a greying goatee under his lucha mask. Aging like a fine wine, baby. Meanwhile, young Matsufasa hails from Dotonbori Pro and looked promising from the 5 seconds of wrestling that were shown here.
The Bodyguard vs. Kuishinbo Kamen vs. Ebessan – 3-Way Match
Good news: the new Osaka Pro ref seems just as willing as Yukinori Matsui (former Kuishinbo/Ebessan dance partner now turned DDT main referee). Dude was already getting involved in all the shenanigans and taking hiptoss bumps. Respect.
Ultimate Spider Jr. & Takoyakida vs. TORU & Yuto Kikuchi
Swell-looking match that got clipped to shreds by the merciless GAORA editing crew. Spider and Takoyakida busted out a Dragon Gate worthy dance entrance. Dig the (natural) vibes. Newcomers TORU and Kikuchi looked like they could step in the Harada/Kotoge-type role of non-masked young Osaka babyfaces.
Tigers Mask vs. Joichiro Osaka
Before terrorizing All Japan undercards, comedic scumbag Izanagi (Atsushi Maruyama) was one of Osaka’s most beloved masked heroes. Seeing him back under the Tigers Mask hood brought the nostalgia, even in ultra-clipped mode. The Joichiro Osaka character was making his debut here and already feels like a potential highlight of the Zeus-led Osaka Pro. A masked boxer weirdo that wouldn’t look out of place fighting Survival Tobita. 10/10 indie sleaze gimmick.
Zeus, Billy Ken Kid & Ares vs. Kazuaki Mihara, Quiet Storm & Black Buffalo
The Osaka Pro Openweight title somehow survived these tumultuous last few years and now finds itself around the waist of Dotonbori Pro beefster Kazuaki Mihara. What was shown of the match felt like a vintage, hard-fought Osaka Pro 6-man that built towards a Zeus/Mihara title showdown. Honestly, I hope President Zeus selfishly books himself like the unstoppable ace monster All Japan never capitalized on. I need this man to run through the whole territory. The other highlight here was Ares, another debuting masked character who fit in seamlessly with his polished high flying. Praying to our lord and savior Super Delfin that we’ll be able to watch this stuff unedited in the not-too-distant future.
