Tropical Storm makes land fall

Japanese professional wrestler Chosyu Rikki is set to make his Saipan debut tonight when he joins other pro wrestlers from Japan in “The Clash of the Tropical Storm” at the Kan Pacific Baseball Field in Marpi.

Rikki has been a frequent visitor to the Commonwealth. Mariana Resort & Spa general manager Yoshihiro Kitami said the professional wrestler has been flying in and out of Saipan to rest and train for his hectic fight schedule in Japan.

Kitami said Rikki is a household name in Japan and is in the level of wrestling phenomenon “The Beast.” He also said that Rikki is like the Hulk Hogan and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson of Japan.

Incidentally, Rikki has chosen Saipan as the site to mark the 30th-year of his professional career. “He really loves Saipan and wants to celebrate his 30th year in professional wrestling here,” said Kitami.

At 6’ and 254 lbs., Riki made his professional debut in 1973 and has since wrought havoc to the wrestling world. He is a three-time IWGP champion, three-time tag-team IWGP champion, and once held the championship belt of the PWF and tag-team championship of NWA International. His trademark finishing move is called a Scorpion Deathlock.

Riki will see action in a three-man tag-team match alongside Masahi and Ishi. They will trade blows and grapple with Kintaro, Takashi, and Badboy.

Joining the six in separate one-on-one matches are Miyawaki, Asian Kuger, Kuroda, Adamonster, Todd Shane, Takashi Owano, Sekimoto, Yaguchi Ichiro, Koshinaka Shiro, and Gentara.

Riki’s real name is Mitsuo Yoshida and his hometown is Tokyo. He is involved in wrestling inside and outside the ring as his resume lists him as a World Japan Pro Wrestling promoter.

Doors to The Clash of the Tropical Storm opens at 5pm with tickets priced at $35 for ringside seats and $10 for lawn seats. Tickets are available at the venue on fight day or at the Mariana Studio and Pacific Trading Co. throughout the day. For more information, please call 322-96-38.

Main sponsors for The Clash of the Tropical Storm are Mariana Studio, Marianas Resort and Spa, and Pacific Trading Co.

Seabridge Inc., Marianas Cable Vision, R&A Soundhire, Yuchiro’s Printing Design, Country House Restaurant, Hafadai Beach Magazine, and the Marianas Visitors Authority are the minor sponsors.