Raijin Returns to Japan!!

[Super Machine]

The partial lineup for All Japan's "CROSS OVER '08" tour opener in Korakuen was released today by Director Masanobu Fuchi. The big news is that after over a year of working in places like the USA, Canada, Puerto Rico, and Mexico, Akira Raijin will make his return to All Japan (without Brute Issei, who retired over the past year)! Many things have changed since Raijin left in May of 2007, including Satoshi Kojima joining the Voodoo Murders, and Suwama entering All Japan's home unit as well as winning the Champion Carnival and Triple Crown. Fuchi said it would be interesting to see just how much Raijin grew while being away.

AJPW, 6/22/08 (Samurai! TV)
Tokyo Korakuen Hall

1. Kensuke Sasaki, Masanobu Fuchi & Katsuhiko Nakajima vs. TARU, Shuji Kondo & "brother" YASSHI

2. Akira Raijin Triumphant Return: Keiji Muto, Joe Doering & Akira Raijin vs. Taiyo Kea, Minoru Suzuki & MAZADA

3. Suwama & Ryuji Hijikata vs. Osamu Nishimura & El Samurai

[The Real Deal]

great news for Akira. I know i have enjoyed each match in person of his calibor. and let me tell you i was impressed the first time i have seen him a year or so a go in NSW when he tagged with Brute. Now Akira has trimmed down to a more sufficient weight category im sure he says the same thing. For all the promoters out there that goes on these boards the moment Akira becomes available again id love to see him AGAIN AND AGAIN until i finally get enough money to travel to Japan and cheer for him there. some of the great matches i have enjoyed alot were with him and Elgin....YES ALL OF THEM. And also with Crazzy Steve that also was off the charts for those who were there know what im talking about. I didnt cre if he was gonna win the title or not all i did that whole match was yell "TAP STEVE TAP" while Akira had nonstop submissions on Steve. Akira will allways be face when i see him live in my eyes because he has earned my respect.