Event card - ZIP JAPAN House show #01

I just received word on the card for the next event at the Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium. Since it's the first live show I'll be doing a write up for, I'll call it #01, even though King ZIP has been running these shows around Japan for over 15 years.

Anyways, here is the card, the event is scheduled for this weekend!

Main Event - ZIP JAPAN Junior Championship Rematch
Justin Starr (c) vs Tetsuo Kinoshita

Mr Suplex vs Riot Gear

Grudge match
Daisuke Shimura vs Taro Yamamoto

Jumbo Jinzei vs White Trash

Asano Kaneshiro/Takeshi Kiriyama vs Crusher Kodo/Wataru Nakajima

Kenzo Kobayashi vs Mickey Grinds

Genki Raiga vs Johnny Jobber

TheDenizen/Minoru Hoshino vs Yoji Shinichi/Satoshi Iguchi

Card subject to change

Alright! My first match in ZIP JAPAN! I can't wait. The rest of the card looks great, too. I wouldn't want to be in White Trash's shoes right now, though. Should be an exciting night. After the event is over, and I have time to travel back to Canada, I'll get the blog updated with descriptions of all the matches.

King ZIP Speaks on the Inaugural Show

This past Sunday was a very eventful show at Wonderland's DOJO. Some huge matchups and incredible moments. This post contains spoilers for that show, so if you haven't seen the matches yet, click on 'Match Videos' in the Labels above, and check out the action! Here to share his thoughts on the big event and its fallout, King ZIP!

King ZIP: Thank you, Denizen-san.

First I should apologize to both Daisuke Shimura and Taro Yamamoto. These professionals travelled to the DOJO and were prepared to wrestle, but unfortunately time constraints forced their match to be cut from the card. These men will get their chance to face each other at the next ZIP JAPAN show, that is confirmed.

Congratulations to Justin Starr on his ZIP JAPAN Junior Title win in what was a very exciting and fast paced match. Tetsuo Kinoshita is contractually guaranteed a rematch for the belt, and the victor will face the new #1 contender, Great HAGE. HAGE's victory in the Battle Royal proves he still has what it takes to be a champion.

Nakajima was very good in the six man tag match, to see Mad Bomber put away by a powerbomb is a rare thing indeed. Kakihara and Tatami are both still in the hospital recovering from their brutal Deathmatch. I booked that match against my better judgement, and though it was certainly entertaining, the price paid by both wrestlers was a high one.

The ZIP JAPAN Tag Title match also ended with a serious injury, Jimmy Nails suffered a badly separated shoulder taking a Schwein from Kenzo Kobayshi. No word on when he will return, but we haven't seen the last of this feud - Mickey Grinds tells me he wants payback. Kazuhiro Tanabe put up a superb fight in the Heavyweight Title match, but Gorobei ultimately showed why he is the true Champion. His unstoppable reign continues.

The Interpromotional Tag Team match might have ended badly for ZIP JAPAN, but some positives definitely came from that encounter. Kiriyama tapped out, but I was very happy with the fight that Kaneshiro and Kiriyama put up against unknown opponents. I was also impressed by the work of TheDenizen in that match, and signed him to a ZIP JAPAN contract immediately after the show. I expect big things from TheDenizen in the Junior division. That scruffy Wonderland character, though, I'm not so sure about...

The shock of the night was Mr. Suplex's career making performance in the 2/3 falls match against Kintaro. I've long had hopes that Mr. Suplex would blossom into World Championship material, but I'd never dreamed he would step up his game so soon. The fighting spirit he displayed, and the ending of the second fall left me in awe. Genki Raiga must also be very proud. Mr. Suplex will be prominently featured on the next show, that's a fact. Kintaro on the other hand, is not severely injured, but will miss a few weeks of action due to a strained neck.

And last, how could I forget the final match of the show. What was to be my triumphant return to the ring ended in humiliation at the hands of HOSS Freeman. HOSS was a mighty opponent who was better prepared than I was, and he has my respect. The FPC is a very strong federation, and I was impressed by the wrestlers I saw.

What I was not impressed with, however, is the dishonor that was brought to the name ZIP by my daughter Reiko, the referee. To count a pinfall on your own father in such an important match, how can you live with the shame? Reiko, I know I cannot punish you directly for your actions, my discipline is too rough for you, but I CAN punish someone you care about.

I know you've been sneaking off with that snot-nosed punk White Trash in between shows, I've heard the rumors, endured the innuendos. Well, no more, Reiko. You wanted to keep your little boyfriend a secret, but I'm going to put the two of you in front of the world together. I have a special opponent in mind for White Trash...and Reiko, you'll be there in the ring to witness up close what is just the beginning...of his dismantling.

Until next time, this is King ZIP, saying Sayonara!

Wow. Heavy stuff from the man himself. I'll post the next card as soon as I get it!

I should also mention that my ZIP JAPAN contract is very flexible, and shouldn't interfere with my appearances at FPC PPV events!

Blog News

OK. Things are finally set up the way I want. It took me a bit of time to get the hang of editing the posts, but now the fonts and sizes of everything is right. I hope everyone likes the look of the blog.

I've updated some of the bio entries to reflect the events of the last show, and put a picture of the title belt in the bio of each of the current champs. I also added a section for referees. There is only one ref in ZIP JAPAN at the moment, but I'm sure it won't stay that way for long.

Thanks for reading!

BIG News - King ZIP Speaks!!!

We are privileged today to be joined by the man formerly known as Mr. ZIP; he is the ZIP JAPAN Founder, owner, head booker and record World Heavyweight Title reign holder, ladies and gentlemen, please give it up for King ZIP!

King ZIP: Thank you, Denizen-san.

First I want to thank everyone around the world for their interest in my promotion ZIP JAPAN Pro Wrestling. I hope you will be entertained by our hard hitting grappling action. At ZIP JAPAN we are constantly striving to put on better matches with better wrestlers, and I believe our growing fanbase speaks to the quality of our shows.

As you may already know, TheDenizen is the newest member of the ZIP JAPAN Junior division, but he is also my liaison for communications with, you, the fans. I will be stopping by this blog from time to time to share my thoughts on current events in ZIP JAPAN, and provide a little insight into my booking of the cards. My posts will all be tagged 'King ZIP Speaks'.

ZIP JAPAN is currently on a brief hiatus after long travel to and from Wonderland's DOJO, but I will be back soon to post my opinions about the outcome of our Inaugural Webcast Show. Rest assured that there are serious repercussions for several people after the events of this past Sunday. Our next event is not until next month, but I'll let TheDenizen know once I've drafted the card.

TheDenizen will be responsible for posting the cards themselves before the shows, as well as the descriptions of our local events. I'll be keeping a close watch on you, Denizen-san, if you bring any dishonor to the name ZIP, I'll crush your skull like a grape.

Until next time, this is King ZIP, saying Sayonara!

*gulp* OK. Ermmm, thanks for those comments King ZIP. I will give it my best!

New Logo, Other stuff

I hope everyone likes the new ZIP JAPAN Banner at the top of the blog. Many thanks to CominAttraction from the FPC for creating it. Great job, CA, I think it looks sweet.

I should also thank BigKaboom2 for capping all the pics of the roster, and Wonderland for capping the title belts.

In other blog related news, I finally have everything set up the way I want, I think. By putting the hotlinks for the message labels at the top of the page, it should always be easy to find whatever it is you're looking for. To keep things tidy, I'll always use the same tags for the same types of posts.

In addition to the headings already up there, I'll eventually be adding a Tag for Event Cards and Match Descriptions (once I post stuff for them). That should be able to cover all the content with a minimum number of links.

ZIP JAPAN Inaugural Show

Sunday Feb 17 marked the beginning of a new era in Pro Wrestling as ZIP JAPAN was presented to a North American audience for the first time in Wonderland's DOJO at: http://ustream.tv/channel/wonderlands-dojo If you weren't there to catch the excitement live, below are embedded streams of all the match videos.

Also, a couple of the edits from this show are from the FPC Person Pack. For info on that really cool edit project, check out http://fpcpersonpack.blogspot.com/

ZIP JAPAN Junior Championship - Tetsuo Kinoshita (c) vs Justin Starr


Mad Bomber/Riot Gear/Jumbo Jinzei vs. Crusher Kodo/Wataru Nakajima/Akira Shinjo


ECKO vs. White Trash vs. Super Scorpio vs. Great HAGE vs. Minoru Hoshino vs. Captain Insano Jr.


Kintaro vs. Mr. Suplex (2/3 Falls)


ZIP JAPAN Tag Titles - Jimmy Nails/Mickey Grinds vs. Kenzo Kobayashi/Kenji Sawada (c)


Nobu Kakihara vs. Shoji Tatami (Landmine Deathmatch)


Takeshi Kiriyama/Asano Kaneshiro vs. The Denizen/Wonderland


ZIP JAPAN Heavyweight Championship - Kazuhiro Tanabe vs. Gorobei (c)


King ZIP vs. HOSS Freeman

ZIP Roster - Heavyweight Faces

Heavyweight Faces

Name: Akira Shinjo
Overall Score: 175
Bio: This tough wrestler likes hard kicks and big suplexes. After early success as a tag team wrestler, Shinjo went solo and gradually worked his way up the card, culminating in a ZIP World Championship victory over Mad Bomber a couple of years ago. Some months later, he unfortunately had his biceps torn in tag match by Takeshi Kiriyama, and was forced to vacate the title while he recovered. Upon his return, he promtly challenged new Champion Gorobei to a match, but could not regain the title belt. Since coming back to the ring, Shinjo has relied even more than before on his devastating kicks, but he still takes a special joy in throwing opponents over his head.
Finisher: Dangerous DDT (SheerDrop Brainbuster)
Specials: Dynamic Knee Lifts, Explosion Kick, Roll German Suplex, Dangerous Knee Kick

Name: Crusher Kodo
Overall Score: 181
Bio: This grumpy old grappler began his career over 30 years ago, and he's been stomping the hell out of his opponents ever since. Kodo is a huge fan favourite in ZIP JAPAN, despite his relatively simple moveset that hasn't really changed over his whole career, and consists of the simplest lariats and slams. The only concession Kodo has made to the changing times in wrestling was when he added his now signature finisher, the "Cranium Crusher" during the mid-90's. Kodo sheepishly admitted at the time that with all "the kids" dumping people on their heads, he wanted to get in on the fun. Kodo is a former multi time ZIP JAPAN World Champion, having endured a long rivalry against the mighty King ZIP. Now well past his prime, Kodo is double tough and grumpier than ever, and can still perform at a high level in the ring. He recently captured the ZIP JAPAN Tag Team Titles with Wataru Nakjima.
Finisher: Bull Poseidon (Cranium Crusher)
Specials: Enzui Lariat, Lariat (Run), Lariat (Corner Run), Head Pickup Lariat







Name: Daisuke Shimura
Overall Score: 162
Bio: Shimura is a versatile fan favourite who can strike equally well with his feet, fists, elbows or knees. He likes to use stiff strikes to set up the Sasori-gatame, but if his regular arsenal isn't proving effective, he breaks out the crazy head drops. First arriving in ZIP JAPAN last year, Shimura's highest profile win to date has been over former ZIP World Champion Taro Yamamoto.
Finisher: Scorpion Deathlock (Sasori-gatame)
Specials: Knee Kick to Plain, KENTA Rush, Orange Crush, Steiner Screwdriver


Name: Genki Raiga
Overall Score: 165
Bio: Genki Raiga may have only ever held the ZIP World Championship once in his career, but he will forever be known as the man who ended the 3 1/2 year historic title run of Mr. ZIP. As a young wrestler, Genki was taken under Mr. ZIP's wing and was guided to success at the top of the card. But Raiga turned heel on his mentor and challenged him for the title, ultimately defeating his former master in a legendary match up. After Mr. ZIP's infamous heel turn later on, Raiga gradually became more of a fan favourite as he continued to battle his old rival. Raiga has an aggressive, lungbursting in-ring style, consisting of many suplexes and throws. While he has never recaptured the ultimate prize, Genki Raiga is a fierce competitor who is respected by everyone on the roster.
Finisher: Vert Tiger Suplex (Raiga Suplex)
Specials: Avalanche Front Sup, Reverse Drop, Original Backdrop, Just Face Lock

Name: Gorobei
Overall Score: 215
Bio: Gorobei is a tall and handsome powerhouse who the fans adore. Gorobei spent many years paying his dues and slowly climbing the ranks of the heavyweight division, gradually building his maniacal fanbase with his inspiring displays of fighting spirit. Capable of absorbing a tremendous amount of damage, Gorobei always seems to be able to dig deeper for more reserve strength. After the ZIP World Championship was vacated due to an injury to Akira Shinjo, Gorobei finally completed his quest for gold by winning a 16 man Tournament for the title. He has now held the belt for over a year, defeating all his challengers cleanly, and has stated his intent to beat the record title reign of Mr. ZIP.
Finisher: Spin Brainbuster (The Spin Cycle)
Specials: Spear, Hurricane Slam, Reverse Tombstone, Urunage









Name: Jimmy Nails
Overall Score: 158
Bio: This young Canadian grappler is all about tradition. Arriving in ZIP JAPAN two years ago, Jimmy has steadily gained fans with his old school toughness and style. A disciple of the Hart family, Jimmy Nails is a strong proponent of legwork(TM), and pays tribute to many greats of the past with his Figure 4 finishing hold. Jimmy pairs with Mickey Grinds as the obligatory gaijin tag team.
Finisher: Figure 4 Leg Lock
Specials: Reverse Figure 4, Knee Crusher, Joint Kick, Fisherman's Suplex

Name: Johnny Jobber
Overall Score: 6
Bio: Channeling the awesome force of Al Snow, Johnny has fully embraced the lifestyle philosophy of: "Pin me, pay me." This Japanese-American wrestler is a decent ring technician, but he just doesn't care about getting a victory. Ever. He's happy to look at the lights and collect his pay envelope. Rumours persist that Johnny is the illegitimate son of King ZIP and Mae Young, but these are entirely unfounded.
Finisher: None
Specials: None

Name: Kazuhiro Tanabe
Overall Score: 182
Bio: This tall and powerful grappler is known for being somewhat of a loner, avoiding press, fans and other wrestlers alike. But, Tanabe is reportedly close friends with King ZIP, so his anti-social behaviour is grudgingly accepted by the other members of the roster. Tanabe is all business in the ring, using his size to his advantage with a variety of unique power moves, and a significant portion of the crowd has recently gotten behind him. He was unsuccessful in his recent World Title match, but Tanabe will bounce back quickly.
Finisher: Samurai Bomb (Folding Powerbomb)
Specials: I am Akira, Chichibu Cement, Swan Dive Dropkick, Diving Roll Leg Drop

Name: Mickey Grinds
Overall Score: 163
Bio: Mickey is a former pro skater from Venice Beach, California. After one too many bad bails left Mickey with a pair of bum knees, he had to hang up the skateboard for good. Bored with just sitting around the house playing videogames, he turned his attention to his other passion in life, pro wrestling. It may not be any easier on his knees, but Mickey's talent as a grappler is much greater than his ability as a skater ever was. A man who sends his opponents off to sleepy dreamland with a smile on his face, Mickey Grinds teams with Jimmy Nails.
Finisher: Buffalo Sleeper (Darkslide Choke)
Specials: Emerald Flowsion M, Angle German Suplex, Sheer Drop Rev DDT, Reverse STF

Name: Mr. Suplex
Overall Score: 166
Bio: The true identity of Mr. Suplex has yet to be revealed, but it's known that he was trained for the ring by Genki Raiga, and this training shows. Hidden beneath his white mask, he is a tireless human suplex machine, effortlessly tossing opponents from one side of the ring to the other. Mr. Suplex has yet to capture any gold in his career, but with the fans constantly rallying behind his spectacular offense, World Championships are sure to follow.
Finisher: Throwing Ger Suplex (Release German)
Specials: Evil Windmill Hold, Alek's Lift, Tiger Suplex '85, Top Rope German Suplex

Name: Taiji Kuroda
Overall Score: 164
Bio: One of the "FCW Four", Kuroda was recently acquired in a talent raid from the rival promotion. This imposing grappler has a strong amateur pedigree, having won a National Championship at the College level. After transitioning to pro wrestling, Kuroda became well known (and feared) for his focused attacks on his opponents knee joints, which he uses to set up his signature Escargot hold. His great strength lends a variety to his arsenal, and he enjoys slamming opponents to the mat and diving on them from the top rope. Taiji Kuroda has been tag partners with Toshio Matsumura for a few years.
Finisher: Large Rolling DDT (Hurricane DDT)
Specials: Escargot, Knee Stamp (Knee), Super Dive Headbutt, R Edge

Name: Toshio Matsumura
Overall Score: 174
Bio: Another wrestler who came over from FCW, Matsumura is a stocky sparkplug of energy with a big gap-tooth grin. He's known as a good natured prankster and joker outside the ring, but during a match he loves to brawl. Toshio is notorious for throwing lots of stiff punches in any given match, but he can also wrestle, and he knows how to use his small frame for maximum leverage to toss his opponents around the ring. Matsumura forms a team with Taiji Kuroda, and they are former FCW Tag Team Champs.
Finisher: Hawaiian Smasher (Hurricane Cutter)
Specials: Side Roll Body Press, Fujiyama Driver, Sheer-Drop Backdrop, Flying Black Panther

Name: Wataru Nakajima
Overall Score: 173
Bio: Nakajima competed as a sumo in his youth, but made the transition to pro wrestling in his late 20's. He has kicked around from promotion to promotion his whole career, having the occasional great match, but never really getting much of a push. Despite his skill at grappling and throwing his opponents, he always managed to remain just on the fringes of huge success, without ever achieving it. Now in his late 40's, Nakajima is a very capable in ring veteran, and still believes he can become World Champion. In winning the Tag Titles with Crusher Kodo, he is taking steps in the right direction.
Finisher: Leg Lock Backdrop Hold (Leg Clutch Backdrop)
Specials: Tsuppari, D-Geist, Head Pickup Lariat, Avalanche Waterwheel

ZIP Roster - Heavyweight Heels

Heavyweight Heels

Name: Asano Kaneshiro
Overall Score: 159
Bio: This huge barrel chested man is a tough talking bully who loves pushing around and intimidating his smaller opponents. Kaneshiro has remarkably high stamina for big man and can keep up a quick pace in the ring. Fond of verbally abusing rivals with his booming voice before a match, Kaneshiro relies on high impact slams and powerbombs to get the job done between the ropes. He forms a tag team with Takeski Kiriyama.
Finisher: Original Powerbomb (Ganso Bomb)
Specials: Turnbuckle Bomb, Oklahoma Stampede, Chickenwing Suplex, Turn Belly to Belly


Name: Donnie Doogan
Overall Score: 173
Bio: This jacked up freak from Muscle Beach, USA is ridiculously vain and pompous, always concerned with the state of his hair and the amount of oil on his tanned pecs. He's so dumb, he thinks the crowd adores him, oblivious to the boos raining down on him as he plays to the fans, who view him as a Narcissistic boob. But Doogan is a monster in the ring, aggressive and powerful, capable of putting away his opponents with any number of crushing blows. He's also fairly well rounded, with some experience in Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-jitsu.
Finisher: Jackhammer (Doogan Hammer II)
Specials: Doogan Hammer, Striking Liftup Slam, Russian Hook Rush, Big-Swing Choke Slam (corner)

Name: Jumbo Jinzei
Overall Score: 114
Bio: Jumbo Jinzei is a giant, ugly beast of a man. The only thing he loves more than eating is flattening his opponents with his belly. Jinzei is a huge slob, but can be surprisingly agile for a big man, and has even been known to fly from the top rope on rare occasions. He tends to gas out pretty quickly, but he can be devastating in short bursts. If Jinzei builds up a head of steam, get out of the way!
Finisher: Running Muscle Bomb Press (Jumbo Splash)
Specials: Mud Splash, 53 Years Old, Hip Drop, Corner Reverse Splash

Name: Kenji Sawada
Overall Score: 158
Bio: This crafty heel and veteran tag team specialist has been making a living by outsmarting people and then spiking them on their heads for a long time. He has spent most of his career in the tag ranks, having had several long title runs with different partners through the years. His current partner is his young protege, Kenzo Kobayashi, and they recently lost the ZIP JAPAN Tag Team Titles.
Finisher: Karl Pile Driver (Evil Clutch Driver)
Specials: John Spike, Diving Body Attack, Towerhacker Bomb, Diamond Dust

Name: Kenzo Kobayashi
Overall Score: 150
Bio: Kobayashi is a tough and arrogant young heel who has deceptive power packed onto his compact frame. He is more than capable of defeating his opponents with his skill alone, but he cannot resist the temptation to break the rules. Not shy about handling another man's genitals (with his fist at high speed), Kobayashi has what it takes to win, in a one on one match up, or with his tag partner, Kenji Sawada.
Finisher: Schwein
Specials: Jean-Qu, Cobra Clutch Suplex, Avalanche Db-Arm Sup, Grand Salsa Auto


Name: King ZIP
Overall Score: 265
Bio: Founder and owner of ZIP JAPAN, he wrestled as Mr. ZIP for years as a beloved babyface champion, before eventually transforming into the painted monster heel, King ZIP! King ZIP and Crusher Kodo engaged in some classic, bloody wars over the ZIP World Championship, before King ZIP finally retired a few years ago due to nagging injuries. A legend of the ring, he still occasionally comes back for a match, and even though he only works as his heel persona King ZIP, the fans all love him.
Finisher: Sumo Driver (ZIP Driver)
Specials: Top Rope Backdrop, Blade Kick, Iron Claw, Torture Rack

Name: Kintaro
Overall Score: 214
Bio: The top heel in ZIP JAPAN, Kintaro is a vicious competitor who can defeat his opponents with either brute strength or his sublime grappling skill. A former ZIP World Champion, Kintaro is never hesitant to assert his dominance over a match. Having been trained by King ZIP during his monster heel heyday, he is also familiar with many shortcuts in the ring. Face Kintaro at your peril.
Finisher: Muscle Buster (Kinnikuman Buster) yes, the really crazy high jumping one :)
Specials: Jump Front High Kick, Angle Choke Slam, Strangle Hold Alpha, Strangle Hold Beta


Name: Mad Bomber
Overall Score: 151
Bio: This heavily muscled monster has made the ZIP JAPAN Heavyweight division his personal hunting ground for the last 4 years. Mad Bomber is a completely insane fiend who delights in smashing his opponents into a stupor before finishing them with one of his many powerbomb variations. Never seen without his head shrouded in his trademark black hood, Mad Bomber is a former ZIP World Champion and a deadly challenge for any wrestler.
Finisher: Running Powerbomb (Mad Rush Powerbomb)
Specials: Triple Powerbomb Whip, Wild Bomb Whip, Fire PowerBomb Whip, Avalanche Jump Bomb

Name: Nobu Kakihara
Overall Score: 150
Bio: Kakihara is one of the last two remnants of XZW, a Hardcore Deathmatch federation that tried to take on ZIP JAPAN head to head two years ago. ZIP wrestlers routed the Deathmatch fed in several high profile interpromotional matches, and XZW crumbled in the aftermath of the defeat. King ZIP handpicked the best two bloody brawlers from XZW and brought them into the fold of ZIP JAPAN. Kakihara has since terrorized the heavyweight division, not by winning titles, but by leaving bloody, burned men in his wake. Occasionally tags with Shoji Tatami.
Finisher: Big Fire (Inferno Blast)
Specials: Choke Sleeper, Bite, DDT, Mammoth Buster

Name: Riot Gear
Overall Score: 143
Bio: The man known only as Riot Gear burst onto the wrestling scene recently, making his presence felt with his fists of stone. Coming to the ring in full helmet, flak vest and jack boots, Riot Gear is a difficult opponent to deal with. He clearly feels he has something to prove, based on his recent run of destroying his opponents with barrages of punches and brutal chokeholds.
Finisher: Triple Powerbomb II (Death Bomb)
Specials: Golden Left, Dynamite Punch Rush, Choke Attack, Corner Headbutt Rush


Name: Shoji Tatami
Overall Score: 162
Bio: The second survivor from ZIP JAPAN's battle with XZW, Tatami is the former King of the Deathmatch, the top champion from the now defunct hardcore promotion. He is now trying to make it as a more conventional wrestler in ZIP JAPAN, but he inevitably falls back on his hardcore tricks when the chips are down. Sometimes teams with Nobu Kakihara.
Finisher: Head Butt Rush
Specials: Force Straight Punch, Weapon Attack, Scythe Attack, Praying Powerbomb



Name: Takeshi Kiriyama
Overall Score: 166
Bio: Intense but silently brooding, Kiriyama makes a strong contrast to his boisterous tag team partner Asano Kaneshiro. Kiriyama is a master of a variety of arm locks, and is known for his intense, angry glare; the only time he has ever been seen with a smile was after he ripped Akira Shinjo's biceps muscle off the bone with his Standing X Arm Hold. Rumoured connections to the Japanese mafia have led wrestling magazine writers to christen his Northern Lights Bomb finisher as the "Yakuza Bomb", but Kiriyama has never acknowledged it. He prefers to let his partner do his talking, kick ass from bell to bell, and leave.
Finisher: Northern Lights Bomb (Yakuza Bomb)
Specials: Shining Triangle, Standing X Arm Hold, Triangle Scissors, Corner Kinnikubuster

Name: Taro Yamamoto
Overall Score: 192
Bio: Yamamoto is a brilliantly skilled technical wrestler, but frankly, his attitude sucks. He'll mostly wrestle straight up with his aggressive style, but if things don't go his way...He cheats, he complains, he whines to King ZIP. Yamamoto is notorious for crying in the ring after a loss. Fans still roll their eyes when they recall Yamamoto's famous 20 minute diatribe about "losing his smirk" and how he got screwed when he lost the ZIP World Championship to Crusher Kodo a few years ago. Despite his generally disagreeable demeanor, Yamamoto is a true ring general and not a man to be taken lightly.
Finisher: Sternness Dust (Stern Perfect)
Specials: Big Body Bomb, Murder Backdrop, STF, Top Rope Urunage

ZIP Roster - Junior Faces

Junior Heavyweight Faces

Name: Captain Insano Jr.
Overall Score: 145
Bio: There was never a Captain Insano, but that's no reason not to have a Captain Insano Jr. He's the insane luchador from Mexico, a fearless flyer who has been living and plying his trade in Japan for the last three years. During his run in ZIP JAPAN, he has held the Junior Championship on 2 occasions, defeating Yoji Shinichi for his first title, and The Great HAGE for his second. The exposure to Japanese wrestling has rubbed off on Insano Jr, as his lucha libre style has gradually incorporated more suplexes and martial arts kicks.
Finisher: Darkness Buster (Insano Buster)
Specials: La Quebrada, Great Special #1, Phoenix Splash, Chin Crusher

Name: TheDenizen
Overall Score: 160
Bio: After enduring abject failure and humbling defeat in his quest for the FPC Person Pack title, TheDenizen spent some time in the gym, honing his skills, doing some training, and some soul searching. The result is a different beast, slimmed down and better prepared for a focused attack on his opponents. TheDenizen has found a new home in the junior division of ZIP JAPAN, and it's only a matter of time before he holds the ZIP Junior Championship.
Finisher: Tiger Driver '91 (TheDenizen Driver)
Specials: Side Roll Body Press, Fisherman DDT, Rev Gory Sp Bomb, Dragon Suplex


Name: Fujita Yakimoto
Overall Score: 136
Bio: Yakimoto is a former graduate of PRIDE Bushido, who made a small name for himself as a legit Mixed Martial Arts star. After being pursued and introduced to Pro Wrestling by King ZIP, he is now a hot rookie prospect quickly climbing the junior ranks. Yakimoto has adapted well to pro wrestling in his short ZIP JAPAN career, achieving an entertaining mix of puro and shootfighting styles, which he seeks to improve with experience.
Finisher: Ankle Lock
Specials: Enziguri (standing strike), Rapid Auto Kicks, Flying X Heel Hold, Ankle Hold (face up)


Name: Great HAGE
Overall Score: 151
Bio: The Great HAGE is a top junior babyface who has been with ZIP JAPAN practically since the promotion began. Barely 17 when he debuted as a jobber, his in-ring antics and wild costumes (including colourful hairpieces - he was an early victim of male pattern baldness) quickly made him a fan favourite. HAGE engaged in a long running feud with arch-rival Yoji Shinichi that spanned several years and produced many 5 Star matches involving the Junior Championship. Now a multi time ZIP Junior Champion and true ring veteran, Great HAGE is as popular as ever, and can still work a crowd into a frenzy. He is the current #1 contender to the Junior Championship.
Finisher: Spiral Bomb (Spinning HAGE Bomb)
Specials: FFF, Sharpshooter, Cross Arm Suplex, Top Rope Brainbuster

Name: Justin Starr
Overall Score: 139
Bio: Justin Starr is a 22 year old sensation from Fort Worth, Texas, who spent the last two years lighting up the US indy scene with his tight technical grappling and dazzling high flying manouevers. After courting offers from WWE and TNA, Starr decided that he preferred the physicality of the sport in Japan over the theatrics of the big US promotions, and signed up with ZIP JAPAN. He's living his dream and wrestling professionally overseas and he just recently captured the ZIP JAPAN Junior Championship from Testuo Kinoshita.
Finisher: 8th Kurama Style (Sky Twister)
Specials: Shining Wizard (Corner to Center), Spinning Olympic, Egoist Driver, Tiger Suplex Whip








Name: Minoru Hoshino
Overall Score: 137
Bio: This explosive junior loves to take risks. Employing a versatile arsenal of graceful highflying and powerful suplexes, Hoshino has been firmly established in the junior division in the past few years. Fans could not get enough of his long rivalry with Super Scorpio, which recently ended with a decisive victory for Hoshino and his Burn Out move in a bloody Steel Cage match.
Finisher: Jumping Neck Breaker (Burn Out)
Specials: Vert Falcon Arrow, Space Flying Tiger, Super Special No 3, Firebird Splash


Name: Raul Veracruz
Overall Score: 149
Bio: Entering ZIP JAPAN as a snarling Rudo called El Diablo Azul, this luchador promptly lost his mask in a high impact feud with Captain Insano Jr. After a brief hiatus, he returned to wrestle under his real name, and won the fans over by defeating ECKO in a stellar best-of-7 series. Veracruz and Captain Insano Jr. are now good friends, often watching out for each others back in the ring.
Finisher: Shooting Star Press
Specials: Tope Con Hilo, Sol Naciente, Mexican Stretch, Jushin Bomb

Name: Tora Katsu
Overall Score: 146
Bio: This talented and agile junior superstar is one of the four wrestlers recently acquired from FCW. Katsu has worked around the independents in Japan for several years, always leaving fans gasping at his athletic manouevers. He's never stayed in one federation for too long, having burned a few bridges along the way with different promoters, but wherever he goes, the fans always seem to love him. His favored submission hold is the Half Boston Crab, so Katsu spends lots of time wearing down his opponents legs, but he's also not shy about flying from the top rope.
Finisher: Death Valley Bomb (Death Valley Driver)
Specials: Flying Tiger Suplex, Dragon Rana, Styles's Crush, Half Boston Crab

ZIP Roster - Junior Heels

Junior Heavyweight Heels


Name: Darkness HAGE
Overall Score: 151
Bio: This dark alter ego of Great HAGE recently surfaced as a result of events involving Justin Starr and the ZIP JAPAN Junior Championship. Leaving his fans in shock, HAGE has become violent and vicious in the ring, and his new Finishing move is devastating. The ZIP JAPAN Junior Division is on alert.
Finisher: X-Arm Fire Powerbomb (Cross Arm HAGE Bomb)
Specials: FFF, Sharpshooter, Cross Arm Suplex, Avalanche Fisherman

Name: ECKO
Overall Score: 140
Bio: This quick and dangerous masked junior is largely a mystery. He appeared in ZIP JAPAN last year out of nowhere, stunning fans by interfering in a ZIP Junior Championship match between The Great HAGE and Satoshi Iguchi, putting Iguchi on the shelf for months with his unique STF hold. ECKO took Iguchi's spot in the feud, and won the title from HAGE by dumping him on his head from the top rope. He has since lost the belt, but ECKO is still a dangerous man who has what it takes in the ring.
Finisher: Top Rope Tombstone
Specials: Jumping Tombstone, Dragonrana, Peace Crusher, Cross Style STF

Name: Jiro Kaneko
Overall Score: 138
Bio: Though his ring attire and mannerisms can seem somewhat feminine, Kaneko actually considers himself something of a ladies man. As laughable as that may seem, he is undoubtedly a very tough competitor in the ring. In fact, he only just meets the weight requirement for the Junior Division, and wrestles more of a heavyweight style than a junior style. Fond of using slams and power attacks, Kaneko can throw off the rythym of even the most experienced junior stars. His Pinky Hammer finisher is punishing, and usually ends a match instantly. Kaneko was also part of the "FCW Four" that arrived recently in ZIP JAPAN.
Finisher: Burning Hammer (Pinky Hammer)
Specials: Burning Hammer (corner), Minoru Cutter, JO Cyclone Suplex, King Kong Knee Drop

Name: Satoshi Iguchi
Overall Score: 141
Bio: Iguchi is sadistic and violent punk who gets off on snapping necks. His wide assortment of cutters and crushers have taken many victims over the course of his career. Iguchi is so hated by the fans, that they cheered his brutal injury at the hands of ECKO last year, pelting him with garbage as he was removed from the ring on a stretcher. Now back in fighting form among the ranks of ZIP JAPAN, Iguchi is out for revenge...on everyone.
Finisher: Avalanche Cutter (Flying Ace Crusher)
Specials: Mex Peace Crusher, Diamond Cutter, Side Roll Stunner, Rolling Neckbreaker

Name: Super Scorpio
Overall Score: 140
Bio: This rough and mysterious masked wrestler has never given an interview, preferring to let his feet do his talking for him. The combination of deadly speed and accuracy makes Super Scorpio's striking deceptively powerful. A former ZIP Junior Champion, he won an 8 man tournament on his debut to win the #1 contendership, and ultimately defeated Captain Insano Jr. to win the belt. Despite recently coming off a high profile loss to Minoru Hoshino, Super Scorpio has shown no signs of slowing down, and continues to tear ruthlessly into his opponents.
Finisher: Scorpio Rising
Specials: Rapid Face Crusher, Twist Diamond Cutter, Shining High Kick, Moonsault Foot Stamp


Name: Tetsuo Kinoshita

Overall Score: 142
Bio: Kinoshita is a whirling maelstrom of feet and fury in the ring, always veiled behind his black demon mask. He usually likes to use a variety of spinning kicks to leave his opponents stunned and prone, before finishing them off with his spectacular Fire Star Splash. This former ZIP JAPAN Junior Champion can be vicious.
Finisher: Fire Star Splash
Specials: Boomerang Kneel Kick, Solebutt Roll Rush, Low Ki Crusher, Flying Tornado DDT

Name: White Trash
Overall Score: 112
Bio: No one is quite sure how this Yardtard from an American trailer park managed to get a contract with ZIP JAPAN, but it's rumoured he has compromising photos involving King ZIP, a wood chipper and a baby panda. He can perform lots of acrobatic moves, and he's pretty proud of himself, but White Trash is not a very good mat wrestler. Hey, someone's gotta jerk the curtain.
Finisher: Cancun Tornado (Flight Risk)
Specials: Swan Dive Plancha, Moonsault Attack, Canadian Destroyer, Shiranui

Name: Yoji Shinichi
Overall Score: 144
Bio: Shinichi is the oldest member of the junior division, a former 3 time ZIP Junior Champion, and past holder of several other titles in different promotions. A stiff and agressive technician his whole career, Shinichi might be slowing down a step now, but his lengthy feud with Great HAGE is the stuff of legend. He may not see gold again in his career, but he is still a dangerous opponent who will kick your teeth down your throat if given the opportunity.
Finisher: Michinoku Driver II
Specials: Michinoku Driver, Moonsault Press, Superkick, Corner Superkick

ZIP Roster - Referees

Referees

ZIP JAPAN does not feature a Women's Division, but that's not to say that women do not play a very important role! All of ZIP JAPAN's Referees are King ZIP's daughters, each one more lovely than the last. They all have their own way of exercising their authority, but they can each keep control of things in the squared circle.

Although the ZIP sisters generally prefer to stay out of the way of the action, they were all brought up in close contact with the wrestling world, and each one is fully capable as a worker in the ring. The current ZIP JAPAN save includes both Referee and Wrestler edits for all three ladies.

Name: Reiko ZIP
Overall Score: 88
Bio: Reiko is King ZIP's eldest daughter, and until recently she acted as the referee in all ZIP JAPAN matches. She is beautiful, but also very tough, and is not afraid to stand up to anyone who transgresses the rules in her ring. Strict but fair, Reiko is also known to be involved romantically with White Trash, though her father disapproves. As a wrestler, Reiko likes to use her quick hands and elbows to strike, as well as fly from the turnbuckles with grace.

Finisher: Final Cut (Tornado Elbow)
Specials: Flying Rolling Pin, Final Rolling Elbow, Kinniku Buster, Top Rope Huracanrana


Name: Suki ZIP
Overall Score: 89
Bio: Suki is the youngest of King ZIP's daughters, and the most impetuous. Barely 18, she was brought into ZIP JAPAN as a referee recently to fill a gap left by Reiko during an event. Now a full time ref, Suki is pretty casual, letting rule breakers get away with things for as long as possible. She thinks it's all good fun. As a wrestler, Suki is the most like her father of the three girls, relying on suplexes and rapid kicks, but she can take to the air almost as well as Reiko. Also like King ZIP, Suki is not above breaking the rules to win a match.
Finisher: IR (Suki-Plex)
Specials: Jump Knee Kick Rush, Pendulum Backbreaker, Crook Head Scissors, Rope Trailing


Name: Tomi ZIP
Overall Score: 101
Bio: Tomi is the middle daughter, and has a bubbly and outgoing personality. Until recently, she worked as a hostess at the infamous BunnyKat Gentlemen's Club in Tokyo, where she got her *ahem* distinctive ring attire. King ZIP realized the importance of not overworking his referees, so decided to get all three of his daughters working for him in ZIP JAPAN and brought in Tomi shortly after Suki's debut. Tomi is a more fair referee than Suki, but she sometimes gets distracted flirting with the wrestlers. When she has to fight, Tomi is much more comfortable as a stand-up striker, preferring to keep her attack grounded unlike her highflying sisters. She is pretty well rounded, and knows a variety of basic wrestling holds, but she also likes to have fun in the ring. Tomi loves being the center of attention, and prefers to wrestle men.
Finisher: Koji Rush (Tomi Flurry)
Specials: British Fall, Lip Lock, PK, Bronco Buster

Note: Tomi's gender is set to "Male?", but only so that her Lip Lock move will result in her kissing boys, instead of other girls. She's all woman.