(NJPW) Masakatsu Funaki Talks About Shinya Hashimoto's Incident with Riki Choshu

A new project has started in which "The Hybrid Wrestler" Masakatsu Funaki (51) confesses the truth behind the various incidents he has encountered so far. This time is the "New Japan Pro-Wrestling Tour Casebook". Among the many incidents, the one that left a strong impression on me was the three incidents caused by the late Shinya Hashimoto. In the end, it is said that it has developed into the "The Riki Choshu Stab Plan". Enjoy the true legend of the King of Destruction told by Funaki.

Funaki: "There was a rule that young boys in New Japan Pro-Wrestling would be shaved bald as punishment for not fulfilling their duties or doing something obscene. Hashimoto had been shaven three times in about four years when he was in New Japan.

The first time he was shaved, was when I left Sakaguchi (Seiji)'s bag at an inn in Tohoku. I had all the sales from the box office, so I went to get on the train by myself without any excuses. However, when I came back, Mr. Sakaguchi's disciple (Hashimoto) was missing. It was on behalf of Akira Nogami.

The second time Hashimoto was shaved bald was caused by an incident at a hotel in Nagoya. The King of Destruction was drinking alcohol in the middle of the night. He was talking loudly in the hallway. Black Cat (A Mexican Pro-Wrestler) came out and said, "You are far too noisy." Hashimoto replied, "Shut up! you pig" Then the Black Cat took out an ice pick from the medicine box, saying, "You, if you say that again, I'll kill you." When Hashimoto saw it, he held the room service fork next to him, saying, "What do you think you're going to do!". The guests on the same floor were scared and ran away. I was looking out from the room with Mr. Chono (Masahiro). I was in a hurry about what to do, but Mr. Chono said, "It's okay, let them go at it" (laughs). In the end, The Cobra (George Takano) stopped the two of them but Hashimoto was punished once again due to this commotion.

The third time is a match against Hiro Saito. I think it was in Kyushu (June 3, 1987, Kitakyushu City / West Japan General Exhibition Center), but he brutalized Hiro, who had returned as a member of JPW. He kicked him and crushed the back of his hand on Saito san, in a rage. The UWF came back the previous year, and the JPW is also back this time. I've heard that people who once left New Japan couldn't afford to be noticed. In addition, (Don) Arakawa (deceased) was told that he was getting a lot of money every time he transferred. I think it was there. After the match, I heard a banging sound and angry voice from the waiting room in Japan. Oh, I thought Hashimoto was sanctioned. It was hard to fit in, and the audience and the wrestlers on the ring were distracted by it. I heard later that Riki Choshu and Masa Saito were beating him with a chair (as revenge for what Hashimoto had done to Hiro Saito), bloodying Hashimoto's nose, and as a result, he collapsed on his back."

The next day, Hashimoto left the tour and returned to Tokyo. According to Minoru Suzuki, who was at the dojo in the remaining turn, Hashimoto said: "I can't forgive those two people. Especially Choshu. I'll deal with him when I get the chance." He actually held a knife in his right hand and repeatedly practiced stabbing the Choshu with his left hand.

Funaki-"Hashimoto had various problems, such as being dried up during his training as an overseas wrestler. But He was pure. I think he really loved New Japan Pro-Wrestling the most. I think it's amazing. I didn't know how to fall into my life. By the way, I was an introductory person with Hashimoto, and I had a conversation just before he died. It feels like you've seen the life of the King of Destruction."

Translated From: Tokyo Sports