‘Japanese Buzzsaw’ faces challenge from SETUP’s premier talent
It’s one of the classic confrontations in fight sports – youth vs experience, old master vs young lion, ex-champ vs next champ. And it all plays out in the main event of the most important night in Thai wrestling history, as ‘Japanese Buzzsaw’ Tajiri takes on the rising local star, Shivam.
The eyes of the grappling world will fall upon Bangkok’s Circus Studio on Saturday night as SETUP Thailand Pro Wrestling Episode 14 hosts the legendary Tajiri, known for his storied tenures in WWE, ECW, TNA, IWA, New Japan, CZW and more on both sides of the Pacific.
But while such star power will always generate attention in its own right, fans are assured of a compelling contest against Shivam, who, though dwarfed in experience terms by his world-famous rival, is already the most decorated athlete in Thai wrestling history.
Shivam must be at his best to stand chance against a legend
The regional wrestling scene was left abuzz in April when SETUP announced they had secured Tajiri’s services. The question remained, though, as to who would be worthy of sharing the ring with such an illustrious competitor.
It was decided that Shivam – the only two-belt titleholder in the Thai record books, as well as the Kingdom’s longest-reigning champion – would fight Monomoth – widely regarded as the best of the next generation – for an honour coveted by the entire SETUP roster.
Having already engaged in a five-star classic last year, the stakes were upped for the rematch between Shivam and Monomoth at Ep.13, with a shot at Tajiri awaiting the winner. Again, these fierce but respectful rivals delivered in another contest pulsating with skill and intensity, and it was Shivam who emerged with Asian wrestling’s version of the golden ticket.
It could be argued that Monomoth has given Shivam the two toughest battles of his career to date. That Shivam triumphed is to his credit, but in being run so close by a less experienced man, he will be mindful that he will have to elevate his game to levels previously unseen if he is to hold his own against Tajiri – much less beat him.
But that’s not so say he can’t do it – and therein lies the intrigue. Have we already seen the best of Shivam, or does he have yet more in the locker?
Tajiri’s excellence is already established, and we are excited to see it on display, whatever happens. But we are just as excited to see if Shivam can rise to the biggest occasion of his life.
Monomoth sees second reign as key to Japanese dream
Monomoth, meanwhile, has not been disheartened by his two defeats to Shivam. Rather, he has taken the positives from being involved in recognised classics and has refocused his ambitions. He may have missed out on a chance to wrestle a Japanese Buzzsaw, so instead is looking towards Japan itself.
The young SETUP star has set himself the goal of performing under the bright lights of wrestling’s biggest Asian market – and the first step to this would be to regain the SETUP Openweight Championship from Masa Takanashi.
Monomoth dropped the title to Takanashi at Ep.12 in March, and the belt has remained in the Japanese veteran’s possession ever since. Now the reigning champion returns to Bangkok to defend in a three-way affair that also features US star Mikey Wild.
While most eyes will be on the renewed rivalry between Takanashi and Monomoth – and, in turn, Japan and Thailand – both men would be advised not to take their eye off the ball as Wild, a Chicago veteran of a hundred fights that have taken him as far as the grand stage of AEW, looks to pull off the upset and take the title in another direction entirely.
Expect nothing less than Monomoth’s best effort, as always, as he bids to regain his belt and push his career towards new heights. Expect pride and guile from Takanashi as he defends not just his title but also his reputation as one of the region’s most respected talents. And expect a potentially star-making performance from “The American Lowlife” on his Asian debut. All bets are off.
Three men vie to be the One & Only
Takanashi taking the title to Tokyo led SETUP to resurrect the One & Only Championship, which was previously the flagship belt of Gatoh Move Thailand – the kingdom’s first pro wrestling promotion.
In a nod to that history, age-old rivals Azura and Kappa Rockstar contested the reactivated strap at Ep.13, with Rockstar – the Kappa-brainwashed alter ego of Terry Diesel – winning the title and bringing a championship – and with it, all-important power – to the villainous UMA Corporation.
UMA has been behind the rise of the evil Kappa World Order in recent months, with its Japanese monsters laying waste to numerous SETUP superstars and claiming precious belts. Kidnapping and then rebranding Diesel was a terrifying statement of intent and the kind of coup that threatens to tip the balance of power in Asian wrestling.
Recognising the threat to the wider region, Singapore’s Grapplemax champion Big Dave has thrown his hat into Rockstar’s ring, which had already been occupied by the ‘Skull Monster’ Kagura.
Now this becomes a triple threat match, but as the kWo is met with rising opposition, the Corporation is only gaining in strength.
UMA boss Haru Miyako has every confidence that her champion will triumph and further push her hostile agenda.
Also in action….
Jeney v Matcha v Gunn (triple threat match) SETP 24/7 Championship
Anant Alonzo & P’Suchart v St John Innocent College (tag team match)
Paksa v Wonderboy
Hyde v Warakorn
This spectacular event is completely sold out, and has been for weeks! But those unluckly enough to miss out on tickets can still watch all the action live on SETUP’s YouTube channel.
Sponsors Hong Kong Pro Wrestling Federation / Siamdol
MATCH CARD
Kappa Rockstar (w/ Haru Miyako) v Big Dave v Kagura Gatoh Move One & Only Championship
Miles Karu v Bital Hasdin v Sunny Z v Rocky Huynh (fatal four-way match) MYPW National Wrestlecon Championship
Jeney v Matcha v Gunn (triple threat match) SETP 24/7 Championship
Anant Alonzo & P’Suchart v St John Innocent College (tag team match)
Paksa v Wonderboy
Hyde v Warakorn
NEWS AND FEATURES
Event page
SETUP Thailand Pro Wrestling company page
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